Council debates Menard Center upgrades; proposal to fund new event floor fails to gain majority

Councilors debated capital funding for a new event ice-covering system and related flooring at the Curtis Dean Menard Sports Center during budget amendment arguments.

Recreation Services Director Scott Bell told the council the existing ice-cover system is damaged and that a modern single-floor system would improve safety, storage and flexibility for year-round events. Bell said the full replacement estimate had risen since an earlier figure; he described a $425,000 working total for the ice-cover system and said the turf surface and other items had been discussed during project scoping.

Bell explained the existing covers can remain in service for another year but that a replacement would reduce operational risk and handling difficulty. "The flooring's there. It's usable. Yes. And right now, we anticipate our first usage of any flooring system to be mid November right now," Bell said.

Council member Graham proposed adding $100,000 to the CIP to reflect current costs for a full replacement. The amendment was brought to a roll-call vote and failed after council members split; the meeting record shows supporters included Graham and two other councilors, and opponents included multiple councilors, resulting in the proposal not carrying. The Menard Center ice-covering replacement request remains in the budget at a lower funding level pending future discussion.

Councilors also debated a separate operating budget reduction that would have reduced small tools and equipment for the Menard Center; Recreation staff said routine replacement of tables, chairs and event furniture is necessary to support rentals and programs and warned a cut could reduce service capacity.

Staff will continue to refine cost estimates and will bring project-level scopes and procurement plans to the council for future appropriation or bid authorization.