Council approves temporary chiller rental after ice-rink heat‑exchanger failure; long‑term replacement estimated at $350k–$400k

Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director Doug Gutz told the council the city discovered multiple leaks in the rink heat exchanger/evaporator on an aging system; the component is part of a system retrofitted from older equipment and is no longer easily serviceable.

Gutz said the short‑term option—renting a portable chiller—would allow the city to maintain ice operations while staff pursue repair or replacement. Rental pricing was cited at about $33,000 per month; a three‑month rental including tax was estimated at about $107,000. Repairing the existing unit (removing, repairing and reinstalling) was estimated at approximately $180,000 with a 6–8 week lead time; full replacement was estimated at roughly $350,000–$400,000 and a 10–14 week delivery/installation timeframe.

Council members pressed on insurance reimbursement (staff has opened a claim but outcome is not guaranteed), whether association or LTAC funds might be available for a permanent solution, and whether fundraising by the hockey association could help. Staff said the rink does generate fees that flow to the general fund but does not by itself fully cover operating costs and has historically been subsidized.

Council voted to authorize a three‑month rental of the portable chiller to sustain the current season and gave direction to staff to explore funding sources (including LTAC capital funds, potential grant or sponsorship opportunities, and fundraising) for a durable replacement rather than repeatedly funding short repairs. Staff will return with refined cost estimates and potential funding requests.