Can skate boarders, horses and riders co-exist near arena?

Can skate boarders, horses and riders co-exist in the same area? That was the question brought to the attention of the Kasson City Council last week.

The city has taken over operations of the Dodge County Ice Arena and they are looking at a future site for a skate park just to the east of the arena. The area would be 65' x 135' on six inch poured concrete. The skate park would be between the hockey arena and horse arena. The skate park would double as an outdoor ice arena during the winter months. With a cement slab that will make it easier to retain outdoor ice.

During the summer months the arena is used three to four evenings a week. There was discussion of limiting skate board hours  when the horse arena is in use.

City engineer Neil Britton also discussed blacktopping of the parking lot. The project is being funded with $200,000 from the entities through the Ice Arena Termination Agreement.  Additional funds from capital improvement and park and recreation will be included for funding.

City planner Mike Martin said blacktopping the lot definitely requires the expertise of an engineer because of the drainage issues. It's not merely a matter of coming in an putting down a layer of blacktop.
The parking lot will require a layer of rock followed up with a foot of sand, additional rock and 5" of blacktop. Dealing with the drainage is also incorporated with the project.

The city does not expect to move forward on the project until after the Big Iron Classic the weekend after Labor Day. The city planner said it would probably not be a good idea to have a large number of semi trucks driving on the blacktop right after the project is completed.

There was a brief discussion on the possibility of having to move a "major" utility pole in the area of the arena to accommodate the skate park. A large area of the city utilities would probably have to be shut down while the project is  done. They determined the project could probably be done without major disruption of the pole. Superintendent of Utilities Burt Fjerstad said they would take a look at the area, but did say they could make changes without a major disruption to utility customers in the area.

In another matter city administrator Randy Lenth said they continue to look for ways to provide energy to residents more efficiently. They will now partner with Minnesota Energy Resources to provide energy audits to residents.

Cost of the standard gas company audit is $220, of which the city will pay $80, Minnesota Energy Resources $100 and the homeowner the other $40.

The next regular meeting of the city council is 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 28 in the council chambers at city hall. All meetings are open to the public.