Residents and skating club press Everett council to probe ice-rink management

Several residents and leaders of the Everett Figure Skating Club used the public-comment period at the July 1 Everett City Council meeting to demand clearer oversight of the city’s public ice rink and an explanation of authority given to private operators.

Dustin Grace, who identified himself as speaking on behalf of the Everett Figure Skating Club, told the council the club has repeatedly asked the Everett Public Facilities District (EPFD) and Oak View Group (OVG) to show where the operator’s authority to change rink programming and coach access is documented. "If a private operator is acting beyond the authority delegated by a public facilities board, that is not just an operational issue," Grace said. He asked the council to examine whether the PFD is providing appropriate oversight.

Multiple other parents, coaches and club leaders described management and safety problems they say have worsened since Oak View Group took day-to-day operations. Roya Fergani, a minority woman–owned business owner and parent, cited unstaffed front desks, unsanitary conditions and selective enforcement of payment rules that culminated in her daughter’s suspension ahead of an important competition. "We are asking for clear policies, consistent enforcement, clean facilities, safe conditions and accountability," Fergani said.

Donnie Medallia, who identified himself as president of the Everett Figure Skating Club, alleged retaliation and discriminatory enforcement by rink staff and told council the club has been unable to secure a fair ice-allocation policy. "Management moved to remove Ever Figure Skating Club and replace it with a rink-run program. That decision was made without a clear plan, community input, and an understanding of how figure-skating development works," Medallia said.

Speakers said they have filed L&I claims and contacted the Washington State Attorney General’s office about their concerns. They asked the council not to manage day-to-day scheduling but to investigate whether the EPFD board is fulfilling its oversight role and whether contractual authority given to Oak View Group has been properly documented and approved.

Mayor Franklin said the city’s direct authority over the Angel of the Winds facility is limited because it is managed by a public facilities district, but she pledged to forward a formal request to the PFD board and Oak View Group for an on‑the‑record response to the concerns raised. "I will submit a formal request to the board on our behalf requesting an official response," she said, asking the PFD to provide information the council can review.

What’s next: The mayor said she will request a written response from the EPFD board and Oak View Group and share any reply with council; council members suggested inviting EPFD and OVG to a council session or asking for a written annual report to clarify oversight. The issue may return to council when a formal response from the PFD board is received.

Votes at a glance: No formal council action on rink management was taken at this meeting; speakers sought direction and documentation.

(Reporting note: Quotes and assertions attributed to public commenters come from the July 1 meeting public-comment record.)