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Rink Vote Expected

Scott MacKeen
Staff Writer
9/2/10
Selectmen expect an agreement this week that may have Curry College taking on the management of the Ulin Rink.

Town Administrator Kevin Mearn said he anticipates having a proposal ready to present during the board’s Sept. 2 meeting.

The meeting is at 6:30 p.m. at Town Hall, 525 Canton Ave.

“We’ve been negotiating with Curry College since last Thursday [Aug. 26]. We had what I’d describe as a mini-marathon session. There were follow-up discussions Friday [Aug. 27],” Mearn said in a phone interview Aug. 30, adding that he was awaiting a draft response from Curry.

During their Aug. 19 meeting, Selectmen voted 2-1 to enter into contract talks with the college to operate the $5 million rink on Unquity Road.

The rink, which is used by the Milton High School, Curry College and Milton Youth Hockey teams, as well as groups from other communities, is scheduled to open for the season Sept. 15.

The contract would be a three-year permit for Curry to manage the facility.

At press time, Mearn said it was “premature” to reveal the status of the contract negotiations with Curry.

The choice was between Curry College and the Ulin Rink Management Corp., a nonprofit group of residents interested in managing the facility. Both groups submitted plans in response to the town’s Request for Proposals for operation of Ulin Rink.

Selectmen John Shields and Marion McEttrick voted for Curry and member Bob Sweeney voted for the nonprofit management group to take on management duties of the rink.

Shields and McEttrick said Curry offered more financial resources and management experience while Sweeney said he trusted the dedication of the Ulin Rink Management Corp. members.

Tim Kernan, president of the Ulin Rink Management Corp., said the group’s board of directors will wait until Selectmen execute a contract before deciding on its next move. He said having a user group manage the rink is not the best business model for town or taxpayers.

“We’re not going to go away. We’re not going to dissolve and fold up,” Kernan said. “The Selectmen are going to be seeking a long-term lease through the Legislature, and we may be able to get involved in that process. They may have some thoughts in mind as to how we can help.”

The Ulin Rink Management Corp. includes members Kernan, Vice President Keith McDermott, Treasurer Clare Keating, Clerk Kevin Keating, and members Kevin Sorgi, Phil Zona, Chris Keating, Roxanne Musto and Tim Hoey.