Is the city council going to support the special interests or what?

Hey - what's going on with the ice arena?

Zoom-The reason for Hank's account deletion is probably for the misinforming and the personal grudge against the city manager that he/she seems to have.

SSNancy/Hank, why was your account deleted?

Hank has apparently been banished.

Hank you're not an electrician! You make such a good living selling propane and propane accessories

If I could have been there I would have but I have work to do since I am not a rich hockey parent. I also am a taxpayer in the city I support the rink 100%. I hope it comes sooner but it takes alot of effort to get the funds together. And as for your other post just because you work in the field does not mean you know the exact problems with this rink. It would be like an electrician saying he knew what my electrical problems were before checking the wiring in my house. I think that just because you are in the feild does not make you a genius in every situation. From most of your misinformation you post it tends to show through that your not a genius.

There goes Hank off about the Y again. Are you sure you do not have something invested in the Y Hank you are fine if the Y owns it but anyone else using taxpayer money and you go off on a rant how they are overcharging taxpayers and it should not be allowed to happen. I am surprised either you are for the rink or against but it seems like with most of your posts that you back the Y as a good choice according to you. Now who really has their own interests involved here Hank.

Hank: I'm not sure what you are asking me in your last comment. I do know that I am against public funding of a new arena at this time.

Thank you, RichE! I have been pushing for the same thing ... give the hockey association the old rink and let them do whatever they want with it. Build the new fire station on the southwest corner of Main and Racine streets.

emac: thank you. Like many, I am in favor of a new ice arena. Having JYHC take it over may not be the best idea. However, I do believe that if the rink was privatized it would turn a profit and be run more efficiently.

Give the hockey group the current ice arena and let them do what they want with it. The city would then save money and the hockey club could apply all their fundraising to upgrading the facility. Their cost would be less than the total cost to build a new facility. If they are a financial success someday they could build a new building without taxpayer subsidies.

Hank I hope to high heavens you meant "messages" not massages...kinda gross

Hank .....this is what I do for the Janesville School District...I PAY TAXES...You are off your rocker (if you were ever on one) YOU DON'T FRIGHTEN ME WITH YOUR INTERNET SAVVY...not when you can't even spell correctly.

We all need to stop feeding beast and get on with legit postings....

Hank still going on Farmington and their problems we need your numbers for Janesville not some city not even in Wisconsin. I am starting to wonder if you can ever post any real information pertaining to our rink.

Hank...your voice is a tiny one...our voices collectively count...if GM was still here this arena would not even be an issue...get over it..we are a proud City..and we can and will do what is best for our children and residents....get back to your # scratching..you can not even respond coherently to a post with merit, facts and heart

Hank - That's not how it works. It hasn't in the past for things, so it's not going to know just because you don't approve of it, almighty one.

Hank..I was driving by the ice arena yesterday..the parking lot was nearly full...I went on a Fact finding mission..I went inside and counted up to 150 people in the stands before I stopped counting...and some of the cutest little pint-sized hockey players ever on the ice...I could hardly believe what I was seeing...all these people in the stands watching these little ones....priceless..I also checked the ladies' restroom...what a shame...it really is in need of major reno...I would be very pleased and proud to pay extra taxes..whatever to upgrade the facility for these little ones (as well as everyone else who uses the ice) it brought me GREAT joy to actually see the interaction between kids & parents & players..it was infectious...you should check it out before you condemn the new arena concept....oh and while I was there I dropped some of my own cash in the donation jar and wished I had more on me to drop in there.

USA-Thank you. Averaging 687 spectators per game is a pretty respectable number in a community of this size. I think the vast number of people do not oppose the rink, but rather oppose handing it over to the hockey club to manage. If the usage and draw are that big why wouldn't the city want to manage the rink? If run correctly it could pay-off the debts and actually make the city money.It might even create a job or two. Or, maybe open it for bids from other management firms before just handing to a club.

I din't? I better call my bank then because they cut a check for $4100 to somebody out of my escrow account.

Hank - I took a count and it's actually 204 million people. The actual cost of the rink is only 4 million including all development expenses. $500000 is split among the city council and 1 million goes to the city manager just to piss you off. Total expense is 5.5 million If you need proof of these numbers just give me your email address and I'll send it your way.

Hank why are you so stuck on 204 now. There are more than 204 that use the rink. You have been told that more than once. You need to read the hole post. Not just the parts you want.

Hank - Why did the chicken cross the road? This is about as relevant as your question. I want proof of your answer too:)

I picture Hank/Pete sitting at his/her computer in a dirty bathrobe, hitting the "F5" key every minute, waiting for someone else to post a comment.

Here's a number for you: 15,733. The number of tickets sold for Janesville Jets games so far this year, and the season is far from over.

http://www.pointstreak.com/prostats/atte...

Yes, except for your $11 million dollar and 204 people lies. When did the city say they were giving away $11 million? Only $2.5 million has been approved by the city. Who cares how much the hockey club has to spend. Wow.

justintimberlakerules: too funny! I didn't even read all of the posts because I got bored with all of the back and forth! Doesn't it feel good to say something nice for once? It is far too easy to get caught up in negativity.

If the rink is built, the money provided by the city will probably be financed. There won't be some huge tax increase.

imeanreally - I think the vast majority of people in this city feel the same way you do. You are always going to have a vocal minority that has to complain about everything (ie. Hank/Pete). His posts are rather amusing and help to break up the day a little bit. I for one could really care less if the rink is built. If it's built great, if not, I'd probably never us it anyways. If it is built I can't wait to see Hank's head explode. That'll be worthe the extra tax dollars right there.

I think this sounds like a nice idea for youth clubs, figure skaters, families, etc. It is another nice way for families to spend time together at an improved rink. Just like it's nice to have the pool, ball diamonds, parks... I like it when Janesville attempts to do things to better the community even if the opinion is that Ms. Burke is trying to find herself a new career. Good for her! It's nice to have another profession to fall back on. Most people just like to be crabby and pick apart every article and critique everyone else. Perhaps they should take a long hard look in the mirror and do some self reflection! That's just my opinion though! Have a nice day everyone!!

Give them the NEW rink. Seriously? Let them have the old rink and be done with it! Spend that money on something more deserving like the school district, etc.

Zoom: Thanks for the memo link. I have always wondered the reason for hockey association to have ownership for the first five years. Also, what does it mean financially that the City will operate the rink during those five years? Also, the memo indicates that the city subsidy of $85,000 will not decrease to zero dollars until after a second sheet of ice is operational? Is there a chance that they may be wanting to keep the old rink operational until and if a second sheet is installed? Does anyone have the answers to my questions? Thanks.

Hank all your posts contain some kind of twisted information. For starters $11 million dollar ice rink you are just adjusting numbers up by $6 million to benefit your agenda. All I have seen you post is garbage get the facts then post something real for us to go on. Otherwise as you see people think you are unable to be realistic and post worthy information. Keep misinforming us.....

Here is the memo from Eric Levitt that requests approval of a consultant, and an extension of the fund raising deadline.
http://www.ci.janesville.wi.us/weblink7/...

Another interesting part in the memo is the page 3 notation that if the city is not involved in actually owning and operating the new rink, the project management and construction won't have to be competitively bid.

Also, with the fund raising deadline about a week away, the hockey group has raised only $690K of their $2 million goal.

See how that's done Hank? Actual fact, no B.S.

Hank, a one time payment for the hockey rink is not an entitlement. It's a gift. You can't even get your own arguments straight. There would probably be a lot more posted opposition to the rink if you weren't making up complete falsehoods to support your agenda.

I just got done looking at the new website for the new Janesville COMMUNITY ice rink. I would love to see my child play there. He deserves to play in a facility like that. Very nice design. Great job by the planners !!
But I still don't think now is the time to ask Janesville residents to dig deeper in their pockets.IMO The City of Janesville needs to stay focused on jobs for it's residents.
Again great design, would love to see my child play in a beautiful facility, but I don't think now is the right time. IMO

gonefishin: In addition to what you posted, the rink supporters also want a time extension because their fund drive is coming up short.

Would they consider taking over operations of the City?

How is this whole issue about entitlement for hockey moms? Heaven forbid elected officials (that we voted for, mind you) want to move forward in privatizing an ice rink that will benefit community members for years to come. So many people think they have all the answers, but nobody wants to run for public leadership positions.

Hank are you losing sleep over this you post and post and post all hours of the day and night. I have to go now the snow is falling and we have an early game today....

Briarmoon is a Ralph Nader? lol, hardly.

doseman95: Thanks for the explanation regarding goalies.

The only way to turn around our economy is to first start voting out the politicians that like to spend, spend, spend!

"City Manager Eric Levitt recommended the council adopt the change because it is a way to recover some costs of providing emergency services from users instead of increasing property taxes."

He's so concerned about the taxpayers when it comes to this, but not when he wants the ice hockey rink!

Why are we even suggesting gving $2 million for the ice hockey rink when the fire dept doesn't have enough funds. And then Eric Levitt suggests that the fire department start charging $400 to $500 for emergencies that are already supposed to be paid with our tax money. There's not enough for the fire dept. but there sure is enough for an ice hockey rink. HOW RIDICULOUS IS THAT! And just so you know, I voted no on poll on WCLO for the $500 charges for the fire dept because our taxes should already be paying for that! I know who I will be voting out when elections are here again.

The only thing I am pointing my finger at the city council is for not caring about what is happening with the economy now and how it is affecting the majority of citizens. They do not need to find ways to put a bigger tax burden on the taxpayers.

I don't think it's fair to point the finger of blame at Janesville unemployment at the city council.

from the WALL STREET JOURNAL
"The economic slump, however, is forcing debt-laden cities, towns and smaller taxing districts throughout the U.S. to consider using Chapter 9."
Let's keep spending money for WANTS so we can be in the same boat soon! What do you think will happen when unemployment runs out, more job loses, more home foreclosures, etc. Janesville WILL become a ghost town if we don't focus on getting GOOD paying jobs here soon. And I am not talking about the few jobs that will be created for an ice hockey rink. Our city coucil better get their heads out of the sand and look around to what's happening here in Janesville and not put more burden on the taxpayers.

Hank...yea, what ilovehockey said......I didn't realize hockey or any other ice sport had a "left field"....but that's where u r ...

Hank what a joke, you are asking me to not respond with a stupid answer! Do you read any of your posts!

What do you mean by other teams? All of the camps are open to all kids. In fact, alot of Beloit kids use the rink in the summer as theirs is not operational. As far as youth hockey, WAHA determines where a child plays based on where they live. It would also be great if UW Whitewater started their team again and utilize the faciltiy.

emac, as far as the city owning and running it or the hockey club, no matter which way it goes, people arent happy. When it was first discussed that the city would continue to run it, there were many posters here that said the city had no business running a rink, that they shouldn't own it. So, damned if you do, damned if you don't.

It would be cool if other school districts could have access to this arena and start hockey teams/clubs. Hockey seems to be a dying sport and it would fantastic to see it ressurected.

Sarah - goalies are counted seperaetley in this league because they are not assigned to a team. They sometimes rotate and play for different teams/cover absenses etc. It takes a "special" kinda person to spend $1500.00 on gear and then willing stand in the way of an 8 oz. solid rubber disk traveling at 100 mph!!

hockeymomsrule- Even with the numbers you have given us, and I thank you for taking the time to tell us what you know. They still represent a very small percentage of the total population of Janesville, let alone Rock county. Don't get me wrong I do not oppose making sure our (mine, yours and everyone else in town) children have the opportunity to pursue an athletic endeavor. If the city is going to fund the project (in anyway) they should be responsible for operating and maintaining the project. That way they are accountable for success or failure of the project.

Curious here; why do hockey teams count the goalies separately?

Hank why don't you set up outside the ice arena for about a week and take count????? Then maybe you would actually see for yourself how many people use the facility and it would give other people with documented numbers and clear opinions room to post? You delve into everything from AKB to who knows what....most of can see through your ramblings and erroneous "facts and figures".

Tues night mens hockey has 5 teams at 12 guys a team plus goalies. There is your extra 65 users. Thats not counting open hockey on fri night which usually bring another 10-20 skaters. There are some more numbers for you hank.

I can't wait to see Hank's head explode at the rinks groundbreaking.

Hank, ONCE AGAIN I will remind you that the hockey club kids are NOT the only users of the rink.You are non-stop on here and don't "listen" to what anyone else says.Doesn't make for a very effective "conversation" when it is so one-sided.

I agree with those that say that investing money in this project is an incredibly stupid move at this point in time. Even if you had 2000 Janesville residents use it on a regular basis, you're still only talking about 3% of the population. Spend millions of dollars of a seriously shrinking tax base during one of the worst recessions of our country's history? Duh......maybe not a good idea?:) If you want to push this, have the taxpayers that are going to fund it vote on it--let them know how much their taxes will rise to cover the cost of construction and maintenance.

Hank I have my reasons for not voting for Briarmoon, I can't stand the women, can't trust her. And for your information I pay for my kids sports. You don't know me so don't tell me what I pay for and what I don't. I believe people should pay their own way in life. If you know all you say you do you would know I pay for my own kids hobbies. Know Hank you are getting into personal attacks on people and what YOU THINK you know about them. Well you don't!

Hank, I will help you since you are unable to read and decode text on your own....my point -with the numbers for JYHC is that you are miserably off on the number of users for the ice arena. You wanted numbers, I gave you numbers. I am still waiting for proof that all hockey club members are from Milton. However, we will never see it, because it is not true, just like everything else you write. You are one scary twisted dude.

Wake up Hank!! Don't be so quick to pat yourself on the back on your count. The youth hockey players are not the only people who use the rink. There are figure skaters, those who skate for exercise, city-run learn to skate programs, both boys' and girls' high school hockey teams, men's league hockey players,the Jets, and un-told numbers of people young and old and everything in between who frequent the open skates on the weekends. This does not take into account the spectators who come to watch all of the above-mentioned groups.It doesn't matter where they live or pay taxes as EVERY ONE of those people who skate on that rink PAY the CITY OF JANESVILLE for that skating opportunity.The city isn't giving away ice. EVERYONE pays.

Within the Janeville, not Milton, Youth Hockey club there are the following teams: 2 mite teams, 3 Squirt Teams, 2 Pee Wee Teams, 2 Bantam Teams, and 3 Girls Teams (co-op with Beloit). There are between 12 and 16 players per team. Using the lower number of 12 that would make approximately 144 skaters on JYHC travel teams. 7 of them are going to Represent our Region at State in a few weeks--Go J-Hawks and Jr. Fury!! There are approximately 60-70 skaters in the learn to skate program. That puts the number of just skaters in youth hockey at approximately just over 200 kids. That doesn't count the tons or "rink rat" siblings running around or friends and family or members that are at the rink. So, Hank my question to you is does no one other that JYHC use the rink? Isn't JYHC well over the 267 users that your have spoken so passionate about. Further proof you have no idea about the facts surrounding the ice arena usage, just unsubstantiated rantings! So for those of you asking,those are the JYHC numbers--those ARE the accurate numbers for JYHC.

Hank- Not to push the issue. I wouldn't vote for her because she proved to me I could not trust her with personal information.It has nothing to do with likes or dislikes. But, I do agree she would be a whistle blower. And she will stand up for the causes she believes in.

I understand this is not the place for discussions about Ms. Briarmoon but, I had one professional dealing with her and she overstepped her boundries the first chance she got. Be careful when dealing with her.

I would NEVER EVER vote for Briarmoon!!!!

So now we know. Hank is really Andreah Briarmoon trying to create controversy so she can finally get elected!

You really want to know why it's not put on a referendum vote? Because the city knows it won't pass.

wtp:"Hank you and the other 20 or 30 same people would still not want to improve the city with a skate park even if the times where good. You folks are just complainers about everything that pertains to money. Where were you folks when they built Monteray stadium or Dawson field and all the parks in the city that cost money to develop."
Why don't we put it to a referendum to get a more accurate number of people who are against this!

The cost of the rink (your number being twice that of the estimated cost), the number of users (your number being 267 which is RIDICULOUSLY LOW!), residences of board members and club members (indicating that vast majority are not Janesville tax payers, which isn't true at all), etc. etc. etc.

Ilovehockey-If the club doesn't like this venue then put the numbers out via an interview with the Gazette staff. I for one have no intention of attending a council meeting or watching it on public access (just my choice). But, I do read the paper. You should be able to get unbiased reporting that will reach many more people then at a council meeting. I'm sure they will have time to do the interview. This is the second story this week on the subject. And please don't measure the posters by one individual. No offence to Hank, he has just as much right to post here as anyone else. That's why it's called blogging and not reporting.

Hank - you are pathetically inaccurate with your information,vindictive,and irresponsible.You put inaccuracy after inaccuracy out there.You also have no concept of confidentiality.It is becoming increasingly obvious that you are a disgruntled member of the hockey club or you wouldn't have some of the information that you have. You seem to know personal information about some of the membership and are putting it out here on the web.If you are in a position of power with the club, it is a breach of confidentiality and if you are not in such a position, it is just a low-life thing to do.You should really find something else to do other than antogonzie people on these blogs.Back up your strong opinion on the subject with an appearance at the city council meeting.

They probably do. And yes, they have the exact amount of kids/families that use the hockey program. And I'm sure they share that information with those that are asking from the city and investors. But with the hostility of posters, why would they jump in the discussion here? I understand that as taxpayers you want to understand what is going on, I do too, but I don't know that this is the correct forum for that. No matter what they say, they are going to get bashed. Who wants that? And unlike the rest of us with anonymous names, theirs aren't. You don't see Hank posting his email and phone number on this site. And frankly, that's not fair. They'll get the information to the city, and it is up to the city to share that information with the tax payers. Whether that happens, time will tell.

Ilovehockey: Perhaps, those trying to raise funds for the rink have an estimate of users that they provide to possible donors. For example, any idea how many families have kids skating in the hockey programs, figure skating, etc.?

Ilovehockey- Thank you and I understand the numbers are probably in a few different places. What I am getting at is, if the hockey club is going to run the new facility they should have hard numbers to support their case. And the city should not be paying for an outside consultant to come in and get those numbers together. We are not talking about running a lemonade stand here. This is a multi million dollar facility. And if it fails or they have future financial issues due to poor planning or God forbid the economy worsens, who gets stuck with the bill and the building? We already have at least one 500lb. gorilla living in Janesville.

They may have, and I'm not aware of it. I was just trying to give some insight as to why one person wasn't jumping in with a "here ya go" number. Besides, Hank will just tell you all that the person was lying and only 267 people use it!

Personally, I would hope that the numbers were huge justifying a new facility. It would be a great for the city if needed.

It would seem that if a group wanted a new ice arena or $2,000,000 from the city, they would have been keeping track of the numbers more closely over the past year. Especially the number of public skaters using the facility. Thus they would have numbers to back up the benefits to the community.

Emac, the problem with coming up with specific numbers, is that you would have to look at all the different users to get your total numbers. The only group that keeps specifics right now is the Jets, and you can get that information on their website. Attendence for every game is included in all of their game summaries. But the average would be between 700-800 for each game. You could then get numbers for the High School Varsity team from the school district, as they charge admission and would know how many tickets they sold. But those numbers would not include the JV games, as unless the games are back to back, admission is not charged. The city would have the numbers for things like open skate, men's league and special school activities. Youth hockey would have how many kids particpate, but they don't actively keep track of how many spectators attend each youth game. Figure skaters should have their numbers as well. So, its not a matter of people not wanting to give out the numbers, the numbers just aren't kept in one spot. But I can sure tell you it's more than 267 :)!

Hank are going to be the first to put up your assets for this. You must be one of those rich hockey people you keep calling them all. You seem to know alabout the club and its members.

One thing the City Council will discuss at it's meeting Monday (Feb. 22) is a request to extend the hockey group's fund-raising deadline. Does anyone know the amount raised thus far? Anybody have an opinion on whether City should extend the deadline?

I actually posted this comment yesterday but didn't get a response from the massive group supporting the new hockey arena. Can some one please let us know how many people would use the rink every year? Mr Schulz, Ms. Burke, hockeymomsrule, anybody affiliated with the teams, I find it hard to believe no one knows what the current usage is. Doesn't someone buy hotdogs, toilet paper or something? What numbers do they use to calculate need?

hockeymomsrule- If previous numbers are not available, then start counting. Even if they only keep track for the next month it will show how many unique users the facility has in a 30 day period. To help their case they could also track the number of visitors or spectators. I think real numbers are what people are seeking. If the usage is a high as some believe, that would just be re-enforcing their point.

Swisschick - All Federal Reserve notes are created from debt, every dollar printed is borrowed and backed by the full faith and CREDIT of the United States. Money is an asset, but by definition there is not any money in this country. Common misconception that what we call "cash" is "money".

Building fire stations and the equipment for them, and the manpower to staff them, is a perfectly acceptable use of public funds, and not even a related subject to building an ice rink.

I wonder what $11 million would do for the school district and programs that fund our special needs communities.

i say why have an ice rink? there is not much to do with it. i say we should turn the ice rink into a janesville music venue. wisconsins music scene has literally depleted due to the fact that they city will not let us teenagers have any type of fun anymore. we need a place where we can have controlled mini-concerts and actually make money for the city AND the place allowing us to play music. since the pipe would not let us play i say we just turn it into a venue. anyone with me?

Thats good Hank. You know nothing about me. You got it. I want the Rich life and I guess you wil be helping pay for that. A big THANKS to you Hank. Your tax money will be put to good use in the new rink

Hank now personal attacks just to promote your agenda. Almost all your information is incorrect. I have yet to see any information posted by you that may be useful to taxpayers or anyone else. Where is the proof of $11 million here in Janesville. You post things pertaining to other cities and not to our city and the ice arena here. It is because everything here for the arena says $5 million so this does not support your opinion so twist it how you need to. Please post info pertaining to this project instead of twisting information that is from somewhere else. And still trying to attack Eric and how he does things by posting stories of his past in Sedona that you twist this info too. I have yet to see something that supports your opinion on anything. I see you mention the YMCA here and there but that would maybe support your pockets is why you are pushing them to have ownership in it.

Hank you and the other 20 or 30 same people would still not want to improve the city with a skate park even if the times where good. You folks are just complainers about everything that pertains to money. Where were you folks when they built Monteray stadium or Dawson field and all the parks in the city that cost money to develop.

Bla bla bla. If now is not the time ,when is it. If you say 5 yrs you will still whine because it will cost more then than it does now.

Lets take that money and put it into a skate and dirt bike park. All the skaters can put on inline skates and have just as much fun on $200,000.00 and not millions. Hank would this amount of money spent please you? This city needs a park such as this that is free and not cost families large amount of money each year just to use the skating rink.

BTW, I went to school for accounting and money (cash on hand) is considered an asset.

If this new ice arena is going to be SO popular and make SO much money WHY are they handing it over?
WHY would you hand over 2 mil of our money to not even own the place?
The club can pay for the whole place!

I would like $200k please for my home and I will maintain it okay- cool- thanks!

Lets hope that the jets make a profit in a short period of time , so that their bottom line wont force the team to move in a few years in search of larger revenues to compete with larger markets . Adding to a city with too many vacant propertites already .

Sorry Sarah...should have refreshed the screen before posting....You are the first to mention the fire station.

Not a single person has ever mentioned the fact that the city wants to use the existing ice rink land for a new fire station. If the ice rink is not built elsewhere, the city will be looking to purchase land and then build the station. How many are against that since you probably won't use the fire station just like won't use the ice rink?

Give the present arena to the hockey association and leave it at that. Build the new fire station at the southwest corner of Main and Racine streets.

If the city is going to pay for it, it should stay the city's. The city (or any government for that matter) should never give away any asset (money included, even though money is a debt and not an asset) to a private entity. I still think the smart thing is to fix the old arena, which we have already done part of. In tough times you make what you have due with what you have. I think it is the city's responsibility to provide a rink for school sports, and residents. But not for the primary benefit of for profit sports clubs. We can certianly rent ice time to anyone, (provided it does not interfere with the schools ice time), but to build with the intent to give it away, should be against the law. (Maybe it is, I don't know). To depend on an organization with their desires/needs put first the casual user will be left out. No details were givin on how the ice time would be doled out is because they would have to say we use it when we want and "if" there is any time left over, during the hours we want to operate, you can use it for a fee. The whole idea, as it stands now, is not in the interest of the city, but of a private enterprise, In my opinion that is wrong.

At the very least they should put this up as a referendum, let the voters decide. It's our money after all. To just give them the money and then give them total control is ridiculous.

Hank how does levitts kid have anything to do with a new rink. when i thought about transfering with GM that was one of the first thing we thought of. What do they have for hockey in the area. I realy doubt he said what a dump lets build new right away

Wow..... that is all.

Janesville needs to get its economy back before it can think about this kind of stuff. Hello.........

Anyone can line up and hold their hand out, including you wahoo_35...but did they get it yet?

Does anyone know where the line is for the free money? How does this happen, a group shows up asks for money and the city just gives it them?

Good response to someone who was willing to let you explain yourself and listen with an open mind.

You've just shown you're as phony as they come and deserve no serious consideration.

Can you help me out here Hank?

Not that I doubt you Hank....but documentation please.

I'm just trying to give him the opportunity to explain in a logical, understandable manner.

Guess he's just not up to it.

Try to keep things in perspective. This all started with Councilman Bill Truman making an off the cuff comment about just giving the 2 million to the club and be done with it. Sounds like JYH was asked to consider it and this is their response.
JD - Hank is frantically trying to figure out how to twist the fact that the city of Janesville purchased the current land for Rockport park with Federal and State grant money, then issued municipal bonds to pay for the construction of the pool complex.

Hank...you out there?

I'm trying to give you the benefit of the doubt here Hank....so if that is your response you can forget my support.

I asked a simple question. Please indulge me just this once and supply a simple answer.

I have an idea why doesn't the Gazette donate a dollar for every post that Hank puts on here?? The new rink will be paid for in no time!!!

Hank wrote..."Developers built the pool 31 years ago not tax payers."

Please share the facts to back up that statement.

hockeymomsrule- If previous numbers are not available, then start counting. Even if they only keep track for the next month it will show how many unique users the facility has in a 30 day period. To help their case they could also track the number of visitors or spectators. I think real numbers are what people are seeking. If the usage is a high as some believe, that would just be re-enforcing their point.

If anyone wants to call the City Council to support the new ice arena here are the numbers:
William Truman 758-9700
Kathleen Voskull 754-7116
George Brunner 754-5336
Thomas McDonald 756 -2000
Frank Perrotto 741 -1922
Yuri Rashkin 754 -2424
Russ Steeber 758-1631

Hank--there are two sides to every coin. The ice arena has the lowest cost per user of any facility subsidized by the city. You will never be able to get unique user numbers, just like you can't get them for the pool or the senior center. You have heard it over and over. Why don't you come on down during the WAHA Squirt 2B state tournament and count all the people coming into the rink, renting room in our hotels, going out to eat in our restaurants, and shopping at our stores. It is the first weekend of March. You can then report back to all of us. You sound ridiculous when you have heard the answers from numerous people yet you still complain. Still waiting for you to post the 200 some names you have of users. You are completely ridiculous.

Hank you're not worth even trying to explain things to.

emac..Glad to help!

topsgt132- Well thank you for clearing that up for everyone : )

emac...To answer your question about rink usage. Scott Angus posted this link in a different article about the ice arena: http://www.gazettextra.com/news/2009/mar...

The following is an exerpt from the article referenced:

"Davis said it's difficult to put exact numbers to the facility's use, so she provided estimates. Like the senior center, she said, a core group of people uses the ice arena. She estimated that number to be about 3,000 at each facility.

But others use the ice arena once or several times a year to bring the total number of participants to about 50,000. For instance, the teen who attends three Friday nights of open skate would be counted three times. That number, again, is similar to the senior center, she said."

Hank says it's only 267 and he can give you their names and addresses. So to answer your question, somewhere between 267 and 50,000 skate there yearly.

Maybe the majority of Janesvillites prefer to live with minimal government influence.

Nothing wrong with that.

If most of you people had your way there would be nothing in Janesville, no ball diamonds, no soccer field, football fields nothing. I feel sorry for you. This project will bring more to Janesville. What company wants to go to a town that has nothing to offer its employees. It isn't just gonna benefit the hockey club or figure skating club but it will also benefit Janesville but all you naysairs can't see that.

Mr Schultz,

Did you read any of the posts following your last article? Can Ms. Burke tell us how many people use the existing arena each year?

The consultant would advise the city on operations, design of a new facility and the current rink’s problems in case the private fundraising effort falls apart or other problems arise, Levitt said.

The skating center needs up to $1.5 million in repairs, according to information developed locally, but a consultant could advise whether that figure is accurate, Levitt said.

The consultant could also look at revenue and expense potential for both the existing and new rinks, Levitt said, and that information would be valuable to Janesville Youth Hockey, too.

There is not a consultant on this planet that will do all those things at a relatively low cost. This project will be a consulting firms dream job. Let the group that wants to run the facility pay for the consultant, not the tax payers.

topsgt132...you are correct.

If the city wants to get out of the ice arena business...then shutt'r down and get out...that simple.

...just continues to blow-my-mind how this all went.
Foolish, just plain wasteful and foolish.

Village council members, Quit using taxpayer dollars for fun little projects that most taxpayers will never partake of. If the hockey club wants a new rink, BUILD IT YOURSELVES WITH YOUR OWN MONEY, NOT MINE!

I think the Gazette should find a more flattering picture of the Board President, Mary Burke!

$$$$$ and all the other B.S. that's gone on about the Ice Arena aside, I think it is wrong to give one group total control over an asset that is supposed to belong to the People of Janesville. Would the other groups that need to use it get equal consideration for ice time or would they get crappy hours when "the hockey teams aren't using it anyway"? If it's being built by the City, let the City own and manage it or have it managed by a board where all the primary users have an equal say in operations.

Maybe the title to this article should be "Hank, willing to take over ice arena"? What do you all think? JMO

Gazette - maybe since this article is about the Janesville Youth Hockey Club possibly owning and operating the rink, perhaps the picture attached to it should be a picture of club hockey rather than Bluebird hockey.