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Commission Meeting March 25, 1998 Page Three Mr. Dolansky explained that the City received a grant in the later part of 1997 from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources for about $80,000 of which the City is budgeting another $80,000 for a total of $160,000 to replace the roof in the Ice Rink. He further mentioned that in November of 1997 a Request for Proposals for engineering services was formalized with the aid of Larry Szuhay, W.S.F.S.C. Representative, and Joni Szucs, N.O.H.C. Representative, and sent to eleven different firms. In January of 1998 the responses to the RFP were reviewed by the evaluation team and a recommended firm, Polytech, Inc., was forwarded to City Administration and the Engineering Department. Mr. Dolansky also presented a thorough review of a typical project bidding process and the extensive amount of work and time that goes into initiating a publicly bid project. Mr. Jenkins stated that the other problem we are faced with is financial. In the past we have utilized very limited funding to maintain the installed operating equipment at the Recreation Center. We currently need to replace two, twenty year old HVAC units servicing the Ice Rink which cost approximately $30,000 per unit without modifications to the remaining system necessitated by new mechanical equipment. The City spent approximately $325,000 in utility costs in 1997. The City is currently investigating options related to performance contracting with energy management companies to ascertain if they can provide a viable method of conserving energy costs. Basically the concept involves reinvesting what we save on reduced energy costs for the next ten years which in turn helps pay for the initial capital outlay for various improvements. Mr. Jenkins noted that in February of 1997 the residents of North Olmsted passed a permanent 0.7 mill levy which will continue to provide financial support to the Parks and Recreation Department after the existing debt service of $226,010 in 1998 and $225,965 in 1999 is retired. In the year 2000 we should realize about $225,000 for improvements we need to do but the problem is we need the money now to keep the building running properly. Some of the projects that are proposed cannot be addressed this year. We need to make specific choices on what needs to be done and borrow money to do them. Mr. Smith suggested that the roof replacement and HVAC system replacement be done concurrently instead of separately so as to maximize any cost savings potential. Mr. Tetzlaff, N.O.H.C. Representative, stated that they are concerned about the proposed repairs being completed by the middle of August. If these renovations cannot be completed by this time the N.O.H.C. will need to go elsewhere to rent ice time. The W.S.F.S.C. is also asking for an estimated renovation completion date so, if necessary, they too can make other arrangements for renting ice time. The Mayor stated that they have a meeting with Carrie Copfer, Finance Director, and will bring up the issue of financing. Mr. Jenkins stated that the City Administration would have some more information available for the N.O.H.C. and W.S.F.S.C. at the next meeting in regards to project timelines. Mr. Jenkins also added that there are a number of other organizations in the community who are interested in seeing the City develop more recreational facilities. Items such as basketball courts, baseball fields, soccer fields, etc. are good examples of some of the things that compete for dollars. Mrs. Hayes noted that the key to prioritizing these type of projects is