Council discusses ice arena funding; decision expected on Monday

Following nearly 90 minutes of discussion and input from attendees that filled the Worthington City Council chambers to capacity on Wednesday, council members will vote on a potential new hockey arena or renovated facility when they meet next on Monday.

Options under consideration include a new one-sheet facility that would be constructed on city-owned property, renovation and addition to the existing facility, renovation to the existing facility with no addition, or to not fund any ice arena upgrades. Projected costs range from just below $21 million for a new arena to $10.7 million for a renovation and addition and $6.7 million for renovations alone. 

Josh Miller, a Worthington Hockey Association member, told the council Wednesday that "the decision is about more than ice, it's about Worthington's future." He listed five reasons why the council should support a new hockey arena, with the first being that hockey already generates $400,000 annually through local events and a new facility would grow that amount. A renovation alone wouldn't offer the needed upgrades to sustain that economic benefit, he said.

Miller added that "Worthington deserves amenities that match its momentum" and said the new arena would be a safe, year-round community hub. He noted that the city's current comprehensive plan highlights the need for indoor year-round recreation and said "optimism is a strategy" for both a new arena and continued growth in Worthington. “Let’s stop thinking in terms of what we can patch, and start thinking about what we can build,” Miller said.

Many city council members expressed hesitation about funding a new facility. Council member Mike Kuhle said he agreed with Miller as to the benefits of a new building, but added that these costs would result in a significant addition to property taxes. Worthington City Administrator Steve Robinson remarked later in the meeting that a $5 million contribution for a new or renovated arena would result in a 7.3% increase to the city's current levy.

Council member Dennis Weber suggested funding 25 percent of the cost of whichever option was ultimately chosen. Kuhle agreed, but the proposal was never brought forward as a motion.

Council member Chris Kielblock spoke in favor of a renovation effort, comparing the potential project to the transformation that resulted in the JBS Fieldhouse. Council member Amy Ernst, meanwhile, indicated that she supports funding a new facility to the tune of $8 million. She said she has not seen the high level of support she's received from constituents for the hockey arena in any other city project in the nine years she has been on council.

District 518 has invested $5 million in a new ice facility, Superintendent John Landgaard confirmed Wednesday. If a renovation option is chosen by the city — or if it chooses no funding -- the district would take the $5 million and invest in other priorities, he said.  

"I want to encourage you to have a bigger vision that just getting by," Landgaard stated. 

Council member Larry Janssen made no comments during the meeting, but multiple business leaders did share their public support for a brand-new facility. Proponents of the new arena say they'll likely need $7 to $8 million from the city -- along with the $5 million from District 518 — to feasibly do the project, which would also include a fundraising campaign.