Revitalization Commission Agenda and Packet 2024 04 17

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Revitalization Commission Minutes March 20, 2024 Page 5 of 9 There was a discussion around the intangible benefits the ice rink and carriage rides provide the community. The Economic Vitality Manager noted that it's possible to look at traffic but difficult to know what is driving visitors downtown. Commissioner Lipton commented that this is an example of how difficult it is to measure success from the LRC's investments. Mayor Leh noted that it's important to determine what the bigger vision is for the City and how each project supports the vision. The Economic Vitality Manager commented on the uses of impact reports including that it's not always possible to draw a straight line from investments to outcomes. The Director of Community Development asked the Commission if it wants a quantitative analysis on the impacts of the Ice Rink, with the understanding that it will be subject to some assumptions. It was noted that the decision of whether or not to support the ice rink is due to the City on April 1. Staff agreed that KPIs can be developed and monitored for the 2024-2025 season. There was a discussion around the 2023-2024 ice rink revenues. Chair Adler asked if the city has potential funding to support the ice rink in future years. It was noted that city staff spent a lot of time managing and coordinating with the ice rink this past season and will likely need to continue to do so. Commissioner Harald agreed with the EV Manager on cost/benefit analysis and with Mayor Leh that the qualitative story is important. He also commented that the ice rink is a business, and it doesn't seem to be running very well. He asked whether the investment is worth it. He expressed concern that the LRC is again being asked to make a rushed decision. There was a discussion around the operational issues encountered in the 2023-2024 season. It was noted that expectations for the operator need to be made more clear and a suggestion was made to amend the agreement for the 2024-2025 operational season. Commissioner Williams supports funding the Ice Rink as community engagement. She expressed concern with using the same operator but doesn't feel there is a choice. The EV Specialist reminded the Commission that today the request before the Commission is whether or not to support the ice rink. It was noted that further discussion on what contractor to use could be addressed at a future meeting. With today's decision, the LRC can agree whether to support the ice rink as well as indicate how much funding the LRC would like to provide in support. There was a discussion around the history of the ice rink and how it has been funded over the years. Mayor Leh agreed with Commissioner Harald on feeling rushed to make this decision. He believes it does bring people downtown and provides some benefit during a relatively slow time of year. He agreed it could be made more vibrant. Mayor Leh supports funding the Ice rink and expressed a willingness to bring it to the Council for more input. The City Manager commented that the conversations at the March 19 council meeting included many statements around how important downtown is to the city and that he is optimistic that the