Roseau council reviews $2.5M plan to replace Memorial Arena ice plant; decision timeline tight

City staff on June 1 outlined options to replace the Memorial Arena's aging R-22 ice plant, and recommended the City use a Sourcewell cooperative contract to procure a CIMCO Heritage 150TR ammonia ice plant with an outdoor enclosure at an estimated net city cost of roughly $2.5 million. Community Development Coordinator Todd Peterson summarized two primary options: retrofit the existing compressor room (equipment plus extensive room renovations) or install a prefabricated outdoor enclosure for the skid unit.

The retrofit option would require $2,275,000 for equipment plus substantial renovation work to relocate electrical panels, modify piping, add ventilation and safety systems and create fire‑rated openings; the prefabricated outdoor building option was estimated at $2,750,000. Peterson said the Sourcewell route would reduce design and bidding risk and protect the city from expected cost overruns found with traditional renovation projects.

Peterson told the council that the city has obtained several grants and insurance proceeds to offset costs, including a $250,000 Mighty Ducks Grant from the Minnesota Amateur Sports Commission and $52,500 from insurance proceeds; the total project cost estimates, bonding needs and exact financing plan remain subject to council action. Peterson said there is a one‑year lead time on equipment and set an ordering deadline of Oct. 17, 2026 if the city proceeds.

Mayor Dan Fabian and City Attorney Michelle Moren participated in the discussion; Superintendent Gary Przekwas said he favored the outdoor enclosure because it reduces noise and potential exposure concerns in the arena. Councilmember Pat Novacek voiced concern about procurement through Sourcewell and whether state bid laws would be satisfied; City Attorney Moren said she saw no legal obstacle to using the cooperative contract.

The presentation described potential funding pathways including bonds to spread costs over the system's service life; staff noted the project could be eligible for additional state or federal funding but a final procurement and financing plan was not recorded as approved at the June 1 meeting. The council received the report and discussion emphasized the need to finalize a procurement and financing approach in short order to meet equipment lead times and preserve grant opportunities.

The administration will return with a finalized procurement and financing recommendation; no formal procurement contract award was recorded during the June 1 meeting.