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Minnetonka council approves $2.34 million plan to replace Ice Rink B refrigeration system, awards contract to Total Mechanical Services
Summary
Council voted to authorize use of the Community Investment Fund and to award a $2,137,400 construction contract (total project budget $2,335,000) to replace the refrigeration system in Ice Rink B; staff said the existing R‑22 system was installed in 2003 and must be replaced because the refrigerant is no longer manufactured.
The Minnetonka City Council on June 9 adopted a resolution authorizing use of the Community Investment Fund to finance improvements to Ice Rink B and awarded the refrigeration replacement contract to Total Mechanical Services Inc.
The work replaces a 2003 refrigeration system that uses R‑22 refrigerant, which the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency no longer allows to be manufactured or imported. Staff said the new system will be an ammonia‑based refrigeration system that includes new refrigeration, electrical, mechanical and safety equipment.
The approved construction contract was the low responsive bid. Staff recommended awarding the base bid plus add alternate 2 (fence screening) and voluntary deducts; the construction cost is $2,137,400 and the total project budget including contingency and indirect costs is $2,335,000. City staff said that the re‑bid this spring produced bids about $550,000 lower than a rejected fall 2024 bid, after plan revisions and value‑engineering suggestions.
Council action and vote: Councilmember Calvert moved the motion to adopt the resolution authorizing use of the Community Investment Fund and award the contract to Total Mechanical Services Inc. in the amount of $2,137,400; Councilmember Romaley seconded. Miss Larson recorded a roll call with all members voting yes; the motion carried.
Timing and funding: Staff said the project is included in the 2025–2029 capital improvement program (CIP) with $2,000,000 proposed from the Community Investment Fund. The council authorized amendments to several CIP years to provide the remaining $335,000 through reprogramming and a delay of a separate vestibule improvement project. Construction was estimated to take three to four months during 2026 once the contract is executed and mobilization is scheduled.
Why it matters: Staff described the project as an asset‑management priority that will extend the arena’s operational life, improve energy efficiency and reduce long‑term operating risks tied to an obsolete refrigerant. Recreation staff said the facility receives substantial use from public skating and organized programs.
What to expect: The council authorized the public works director to expend allocated funds for the project without further council approval provided total costs do not exceed the approved $2,335,000 budget.
