A four-fifths vote will be needed to approve a franchise agreement with the Privateers hockey team for use of the Fairgrounds Arena as their home for the 2012-13 season.
The outline of a deal negotiated by City Manager John Krol and team owner Nicole Kirnan was circulated to Council members over the weekend for their review. If acceptable, it will be drawn up in contract form for a formal vote.
In essence, the team will pay prevailing rates for ice team and have the franchise for beer and banners. The City retains all rights to sell food, which should allow for continued improvements to the city owned concession stand that has been doing well with the calendar of events now being held.
Sharing use of the limited locker rooms was an issue that has been worked out with little capital cost.
While the team has its critics dating to its time in Alexandria Bay, there is also a desire to have pro hockey as a spectator event locally. While there are risks and challenges, I think trying it for a season to see how it goes is within our means and in the public interest.
Watertown Daily Times | City Council to discuss contract for Privateers’ move
8 comments:
This should be an easy win. Those that are critics don't like hockey or MMA for that matter.
Don't really care whether we have this team or not,but I found it disconcerting that the team tried to high pressure the city into making a decision recently.I am referring to them telling the city it was find a solution with a week to ten days or the deal is off..I do hope things work out but I think caution should be exercised in dealings with the franchise..
8:44, Do you know what "critics" means?
Having been spoiled by living in a city that was home to an American League hockey team, I really can't consider the Privateers as a professional team, but I am sure some people will enjoy their games. I hope all the groups who have utilized the arena up to this point won't be turned away due to the Privateers use of City arena.
Good for you and Smith. You put aside last year and worked on an issue where you found common ground.
Let's see a smooth manager search. Easy budget talks. Good interim manager.
Let this pat on back suffice for what you won't get from usual critics.
I would build a second sheet for Nicole, and name it after her.
I hope that the City Council can remember during these negotiations that the Privateers may leave as quickly as they came. Please don't alienate & deprive the groups that have been regularly using the arena for something that may only be temporary.
This whole thing is a joke. Interesting the projects we prioritize. The arena does need improvements. That is certainly true it appears. "pro" hockey for a year will be fun.
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