ImOn Arena Activation PlanCopyrighted
February 5, 2024
City of Dubuque Consent Items # 026.
City Council Meeting
ITEM TITLE: I mOn Arena Activation Plan
SUMMARY: City Manager sharing the activation plan for I mOn Arena developed by
Schmitt Island Development and the Dubuque Racing Association
(DRA) staff.
SUGGESTED Suggested Disposition: Receive and File
DISPOSITION:
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
MVM Memo City Manager Memo
Staff Memo Staff Memo
Activation Plan Supporting Documentation
THE C
DUjIBQTE
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: ImOn Arena Activation Plan
DATE: January 30, 2024
Dubuque
WAWca 914
ii
2007-2012.2013
2017*2019
Leisure Services Director Marie Ware is sharing the activation plan for ImOn Arena
developed by Schmitt Island Development and the Dubuque Racing Association (DRA)
staff.
v
Mic ael C. Van Milligen
MCVM:sv
Attachment
cc: Crenna Brumwell, City Attorney
Cori Burbach, Assistant City Manager
Marie Ware, Leisure Services Director
Kathy Buhr, Schmitt Island Development Chair
Alex Dixon, Dubuque Racing Association President and CEO
Diana Schulz, Q Casino Director of Hospitality
THE CITY OF
DUB E
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
FROM: Marie L. Ware, Leisure Services Manager
SUBJECT: ImOn Arena Activation Plan
DATE: January 29, 2023
INTRODUCTION
Dubuque
MI -America City
2007*2012-2013
2017*2019
The purpose of this memo is to share the activation plan for ImOn Arena developed by
Schmitt Island Development and the Dubuque Racing Association (DRA) staff.
DISCUSSION
The city has budgeted $10,000 a year for rentals of the ice arena as a part of the
Recreation budget. Schmitt Island Development and the DRA staff were given a
challenge to come up with an activation plan that would both introduce youth to skating,
ice sports, and activities as well as target those youth that are under-resourced. The
plan outlines the promotion of healthy and active lifestyles by partnering with the school
district as well as providing the necessary equipment for additional youth participation
during the events and activities proposed.
We are very excited by their plan and the potential to introduce so many young people
to skating and enjoying activities at ImOn Arena. The plan has been approved and we
look forward a report in the future summarizing the first year's activities and outcomes.
ACTION REQUESTED
This memo and plan are provided for information only.
cc: Kathy Buhr, Schmitt Island Development Chair
Alex Dixon, Dubuque Racing Association President and CEO
Diana Schulz, Q Casino Director of Hospitality
January 23, 2024
Marie Ware
Leisure Services Director
1157 Central Ave.
Dubuque, IA 52001
Dear Marie,
Subject: Ice Arena Activation & Allocation of Funds
trust this letter finds you well. As part of our ongoing commitment to community engagement and the
promotion of healthy and active lifestyles, ImOnArena, along with Schmitt Island Development, is
pleased to propose an outline of the allocation of funds from the City of Dubuque.
For the 2024 fiscal year, the City of Dubuque has allocated $10,000 to support various initiatives aimed
at enhancing community involvement in ice -related activities. We believe that fostering access to the ice
arena contributes significantly to the well-being of our community members, especially the younger
demographic.
After careful consideration, we have outlined the allocation of the funds as follows:
1. Voucher Program: We will distribute 700 vouchers with a monetary value of $8 each, totaling
$5,600. Brian Kuhle, Chief Human Resources Officer for the Dubuque Community School
District, will personally deliver the vouchers to designated administrators at local schools: Brian
is dedicated to ensuring a fair and transparent distribution process, entrusting the administrators
with the responsibility of identifying individuals in need within their respective school
communities. This collaborative approach aims to maximize the impact of the voucher program,
reaching those who will benefit most from the opportunities provided at the ice arena. The
vouchers can be redeemed and tracked at the ice arena for various activities, allowing
individuals in the community to experience the joy of ice -related sports.
2. School Engagement Program: In an effort to involve local schools in the tri-state area, we plan
to allocate $2,250 to waive the $150 private rental fee for 15 schools per year. This waiver will
cover a 2-hour private ice time session, providing students with a unique opportunity to engage
in physical activities while fostering a sense of teamwork and camaraderie.
Additionally, Brian Kuhle, will identify schools that demonstrate a need to waive the private ice
rental fee and provide vouchers to the school for a completely free event.
3. Skate Aids and Additional Skates Program:
a. Purchase of Skate Aids: We propose allocating $1,075 to purchase skate aids that will be
available for use at the ice arena. These aids will facilitate the learning process for
beginners, promoting inclusivity and encouraging more community members to participate
in ice -related activities.
b. Additional Skates Acquisition: We suggest allocating $1,075 to acquire additional pairs of
skates, particularly in smaller sizes, to cater to the needs of children and individuals with
different foot sizes. This will ensure that everyone in the community, regardless of age or
size, can enjoy the ice arena experience comfortably.
These initiatives will not only encourage physical activity, but also build a sense of community and unity
among our residents. We anticipate that that voucher program and school engagement program will
positively impact the overall well-being of individuals in our community.
Our organization is committed to making a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve. We look
forward to the successful implementation of these programs and the positive outcomes they will
undoubtedly generate. To ensure proper tracking and accountability, we have implemented a systematic
process for managing the vouchers and flyers. All collected vouchers will be recorded by our finance
team to keep an accurate count of those turned in by participants. At the end of the year, we commit to
providing a report detailing the exact number of vouchers and flyers that were redeemed and turned in
respectively.
In the event that the entire $10,000 allocated for the 2024 fiscal year is not fully utilized, we propose the
ability to carry over any unspent funds into the 2025 fiscal year. This roll-over provision ensures that any
remaining budget can continue to support community engagement initiatives at ImOnArena in the
following year. This strategic approach allows for flexibility in addressing evolving community needs and
ensures a sustained impact on promoting healthy and active lifestyles. By responsibly carrying over
unutilized funds, we aim to maximize the long-term benefits and positive outcomes for the community.
Should you have any questions or require further information, please feel free to call or email me. Thank
you for your continued support of our community engagement initiatives.
Sincerely,
Diana Schulz
Director of Hospitality Sales
dianas@cicasinodbci.com
563-585-3000
SEE IWI
ONE ROMISSION
1800 Admiral Sheehy Dr I Dubuque, IA
Valid one time use only. Can be redeemed during public open alcatsMa.egeaen.seMe tid through Decem
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For a limited time, ImOn Arena will waive the $150 private rental fee.
Schools can skate for only $5 per person.
Contact Mark Plantery for availability.
Mark Plantery I General Manager
markp@qcasinodbq.com
563-583-4949
Dates and times are limited to availability.
1800 ADMIRAL SHEEHY DRIVE I DUBUQUE, IOWA S2001