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because local government and the state came together to construct the building and the ice time was then leased to local youth hockey organizations. He explained most municipalities own their communities ice rinks. Councilmember Jenson questioned who owned the Super Rink. Mr. Kuhl reported the Super Rink was owned by the National Sports Center (NSC) and the NSC would be financing the long-term renovations. Councilmember Jenson asked if the dues for St. Anthony players would go down in the City were to contribute $90,000 to the Super Rink renovations. Mr. Kuhl indicated this would not impact player dues. However, he has negotiated a less than 5% increase with the Super Rink for ice costs. Councilmember Stephens inquired if any local banks have been approached for a sponsorship. Mr. Kuhl stated he was uncertain if this had been done but explained he could look into this further. Mayor Webster questioned how much one hour of ice time cost. Mr. Kuhl reported the average cost was $250 per hour. Mayor Webster stated youth hockey was one of the more expensive sports for families and she appreciated how well the hockey association worked to share ice time. Mayor Webster asked when the first maintenance payment would be due to the NSC. Mr. Kuhl stated he was uncertain when this would start, but he anticipated it would be in the next year. He commented on how the MVI youth hockey association was growing, especially for girls. He indicated this was putting on more pressure on the association for ice time, which meant he was constantly seeking ice. Councilmember Doolan inquired what students were being served by MVI youth hockey. Mr. Kuhl reported MVI youth hockey served boys and girls pre-K through 9th grade. Councilmember Doolan asked if there was precedence for the City to spend taxpayer dollars on youth sports. Mayor Webster reported City funds were spent on the stadium field. Councilmember Jenson questioned if youth hockey participation was growing or shrinking in St. Anthony. Mr. Kuhl stated over the past three years the number of participants from St. Anthony has gone from 50 kids to over 70 kids. He indicated this number may be even higher for the players who have Minneapolis addresses, but actually live in St. Anthony. He commented further on how the organization was seeing tremendous growth, especially on the girls side of the program. Councilmember Jenson stated his granddaughter was in fifth grade and she participated in this program. He commented further on how important extracurricular programs were for children. He was excited to learn that youth hockey participation was on the rise in the community. Councilmember Randle asked again, why the youth sports boosters were not contributing to the maintenance fees. He explained when the City made a contribution to the stadium, the field was in the community. He suggested funding be collected from the MVI parents in order to contribute to the maintenance fees. Mr. Kuhl provided further information on how fees are collected from parents.