HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-05-12
Newcastle Memorial Arena Management Board
Minutes – May 12, 2026 - 7:00 p.m.
Newcastle Memorial Arena
Present: Todd Taylor - Chair /Treasurer Jim Vinson - Vice Chair
Josh Turner – Manager Shea-Lea Latchford - Secretary
Mark Stahler Joshua Macdonald
Regrets: Councillor Margaret Zwart Sue White
1. Declarations of Pecuniary Interest – There were no declarations of pecuniary interest.
2. Land Acknowledgment Statement – Todd Taylor
3. Adoption of Agenda - Motion #26-019 - Moved by Shea-Lea Latchford seconded by Joshua
Macdonald THAT: The agenda be accepted as presented.
CARRIED
4. Board Member Delegation – Newcastle Stars – Board Members Paul McLean, Caleb
Coughlin and Alex Drummond met with the Board. They expressed their concern about ice
allocation. Josh explained the current NMA allocation process and that he confirmed the
allocation with the Municipality for equitable distribution of hours for our user groups. The
allocation suggested a few extra hours were needed and allotted in their favour. Josh noted for
the upcoming season that any additional ice that comes available he would contact the
Newcastle Stars for rights to first refusal. They also asked permission to display their
championship banners in the arena. Josh will make arrangements with the Municipality.to have
them erected. Other discussion topics included efficiencies with ½ board installations, a
potential Christmas tournament and using the upstairs for added space during the tournament.
Josh asked for their leadership, support, and communication to the organization with an issue
that arises from time to time where coaches cross the ice without helmets which is not allowed.
It is important that the coaches walk around the boards when leaving the bench and not wearing
head gear.
5. Adoption of Minutes – Motion #26-020 – Moved by Joshua Macdonald, seconded by Shea-
Lea Latchford THAT: The minutes of April 14, 2026, be accepted as presented.
6. Manager’s Report Josh reported there was a power outage on April 16, 2026, however
Sage/Armstrong did not inform him about it. He would later learn that the call went to the
MOC and Josh was asked to remain at the arena for a Fire Watch (10 p.m. – 2 a.m.). Josh is
working with Tim Welsh to update the contact information (complete) and add the fire watch
2.
to our procedures. Police and Fire did attend as the LWSS alerted. Josh is also reviewing this
as well as part of his ongoing follow-up. Josh reported that the Cimco Ice Plant shutdown and
ice removal went smoothly. He has drafted a procedure to capture the process going forward.
The floor pad was cleaned and updated lines were painted to suit the first Lacrosse games of
the season and preparations were made to host the Newcastle Home Show. Josh has scheduled
a meeting to discuss the dance request for facility use on Sunday’s.
7. Financial Report – Todd provided a copy of the budget vs. actuals for March and year to date
for 2026. The new Farmer’s Market Permit in place. A five (5) year agreement has been
reached with the Farmer’s Market. (2026 - $80/wk., 2027 - $90/wk., 2028 - $100/wk., 2029-
2030 $125/wk.). Motion #26-021 - Moved by Jim Vinson seconded by Mark Stahler THAT:
The Farmer’s Market agreement be accepted as presented.
CARRIED
8. Risk Management - Risk walkdowns were performed on May 8th. Rubber on the visitor bench
is down to the concrete and needs to be replaced before the upcoming season. The light outside
over the northeast staircase exit needs to be repaired or replaced. A work request will be sent
to the MOC. During the inspection Josh had found shelving and bins in front of a heater in the
NVMH storage room. The area was cleared and communications with the user group was
completed. Josh also checked other storage rooms to ensure nothing was blocked. Josh will
address some sharp edges on the metal installed over the hole on the drain cover on the east
side of the building provided by MOC.
9. Business Arising from Previous Minutes
a) External Signage – Board discussion on the South signage reached consensus on black
lettering over a white panel. The Board discussed the expense of updating the wall siding
on the South side of the building and the consensus was that it would not be cost effective
given the other initiatives planned for 2026. Josh will request a rendering and quote for the
sign at the previously Board approved location.
b) Connectivity Improvements – LiveBarn performed a site visit to determine where their
equipment would be placed and the associated cable runs. Neither Josh nor Mark have
received a construction update from Viacom on the fibre run. Mark will work on alignment
with MOC on the internal equipment list needed in the arena to support these efforts.
c) Policy/Procedure Updates & Approvals – Todd reported that Josh has drafted the “Ice
Removal” procedure. The document has been put into the Newcastle Memorial Arena
procedure template and will be ready for Board approval next month.
3.
d) Board Member Vacancy – There are currently no applicants to the vacancy.
10. New Business
The Chair reminded Board Members that we typically do not meet in July unless significant
issues need resolution during this period. Board work, communication and initiatives, and
normal arena operations will take place during the month of July with the next scheduled Board
meeting after July taking place on August 11, 2026. There was no other new business to be
discussed at this time.
11. The Chair adjourned the meeting at 8:45 P.M.
Next Board Meeting, Tuesday, June 9, 2026
7:00 p.m. – Newcastle Memorial Arena