City council to consider new lease with local hockey association

The Worthington City Council is scheduled to consider approval during its meeting Monday of a proposed lease agreement between the city and the Worthington Hockey Association.

According to a memorandum included in Monday’s agenda packet, the council approved a formal agreement between the Worthington Hockey Association and the city to lease the existing ice arena in September 2022. That agreement would automatically renew unless advanced notice to cancel the agreement was given by either party.

Earlier this year, the memo continues, the city notified the hockey association that it wished to renegotiate the terms of the lease agreement. Due to increased cost of staff and supplies, the city proposed an increase from $85 per/hour to $115 per/hour -- a 35% increase. This rate increase would be the first rate increase in the three years that the city of Worthington has been managing the facility.

Staff has been informed that the hockey association has agreed to this new proposed one-year lease, which will renew annually unless one of the parties gives advanced written notice. The city’s responsibilities include inside and outside maintenance of the facilities, scheduling of events, managing and staffing any arena programs including open skate times, and maintaining all facility equipment.

The Worthington Hockey Association shall pay the city a lump sum fee of $87,975 for 765 hours ($115/Hour) of specified ice time.

In a separate item, the council is expected to consider a lease agreement with Geldner Underground that involves property containing the city’s east water tower. Geldner would use the property as a lay down and staging yard for materials and equipment associated with an upcoming rural fiber optic installation construction project.

Geldner would pay Worthington Public Utilities the sum of $500 per month for its lease payments. The Water & Light Commission has unanimously approved the lease agreement and recommends the city council do so.