School district/city agreement for planned ice arena on council agenda

Consideration of a Worthington Independent School District 518 proposal for ownership and leasing of the proposed ice arena that would be constructed in the school district's Crailsheim Road campus is part of Monday's Worthington City Council agenda.  

Under this proposal, District 518 would own the facility and property, provide use of the existing parking areas and be responsible for future capital maintenance. In addition, the school district would ensure the building and provide facility snow removal and lawn maintenance.

The city would enter into a 25-year operational lease agreement to manage the daily operations, be responsible for operational expenses, schedule facility use, hire and supervise operational staff, perform daily maintenance and coordinate programming for high school hockey, youth hockey and public use.

The city is slated to commit a total of $10 million toward the design and construction of the new facility. Additional funding will be $5 million from District 518 and $1 million from Worthington Youth Hockey Association for a total not-to exceed-budget of $16 million.

Also on Monday's agenda is consideration of a conditional use permit application from Gleeson Constructors & Engineers on behalf of Swift & Company (JBS) to allow for an approximately 19,000 square foot barn and CO2 Stun addition to the east side of the JBS plant located at 1700 Highway 60 NE. The addition will provide additional hog pens and allow for the reconfiguration of the existing pens and stun area inside the building.

The city's Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of the request with conditions during its Aug. 4 meeting.