City Council Meeting Date: September 8, 2026
To: Mayor and City Council
City Administrator
From: David Bennett, Public Works Director/City Engineer
Title
Consideration Resolution Accepting Donation of Existing Ice Arena Rink Boards from the Northfield Hockey Association for use outside adjacent to New Ice Arena.
Body
Action Requested:
The Northfield City Council is asked to approve a resolution accepting a donation from Northfield Hockey Association for Ice Arena Rink Boards from the old ice arena for use outside adjacent to New Ice Arena.
Note: requires 2/3 majority approval per State Statute 465.03.
Summary Report:
The City of Northfield sold the existing ice arena to The Rink LLC last year as the City is finalizing the construction of a new ice arena. The Northfield Hockey Association (NHA) is proposing to purchase and donate the existing ice arena rink boards and glass from The Rink, LLC, to be used as an outdoor ice rink adjacent to the new rink. This would be similar to how the old ice arena had outdoor rink boards adjacent to the Arena.
The NHA is requesting the City accept the donation with an approximate value of $24,000 for the ice arena boards and glass. The City would assemble the boards at the new rink location if the donation is accepted.
The City would flood and broom the outdoor rink similar to how we operate other outdoor ice in the winter.
2024 Minnesota Statutes
465.03 GIFTS TO MUNICIPALITIES.
Any city, county, school district or town may accept a grant or devise of real or personal property and maintain such property for the benefit of its citizens in accordance with the terms prescribed by the donor. Nothing herein shall authorize such acceptance or use for religious or sectarian purposes. Every such acceptance shall be by resolution of the governing body adopted by a two-thirds majority of its members, expressing such terms in full.
Alternative Options:
N/A
Financial Impacts:
Staff time to move and assemble the boards.
Tentative Timelines:
Assembly will take place next spring 2027 for 2027/2028 outdoor skating use.