Minutes 03-07-2024 - Business Meeting

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3 without peer-reviewed field research. He said now is the time to align this research with the 2050 CLUP and have science included. Tracy Shinn thanked the coaches that have taught her children during their time playing for the Hogs. She said they volunteer their time for hockey and then they spend their time giving back to the community in other ways. She said they have been to the schools on science nights, and they showed the science of hockey. She said that the RFP fees will be too much for many children. She said there should be an avenue for organizations and individuals to complain and speak with the county about these issues. She encouraged the director of recreation to meet with the swim teams. She said that public schools also have difficulty getting time in the pool from RFP. Andrew Lerner said his son Ezra is playing in his second season with the Hogs. He said he understands the terms of the contract, but they can be renegotiated. He said he wants the Board to intervene and save the Hogs. He said there has to be a better way to find a solution to ensure that everyone's interests are protected, including the history of the Hogs. Ezra Lerner said he has been playing for the Hogs for two years and has made lots of friends. He said he has learned so much from his coaches. He said he thinks the Hogs will be beneficial for many future children who are interested in hockey. Hudson Fuller said her family first got involved when her oldest son was 7 years old, and she has been a resident for over 30 years. She said it was clear from the beginning that everyone was welcome regardless of skill and family income. She said that everyone supports the Hogs. She said that some kids will go on to play competitively but many players just want to enjoy the game without the time commitment that travel hockey requires. She said she works in non-profit management and their operation is enviable based on their 990 returns. She said there is no paid staff and no overhead. She said she does not know what is being proposed but does not believe it can possibly be as affordable and focused on players, but even if it could be, why change what has been working for the past 40 years. Dave Schatten said he is a coach with the Hogs. He said he played house league hockey in New York growing up. He said the Hogs experience for his kids has been better than what he experienced. He said the Hogs being here for 40 years is the type of organization the community would support. He said a solution could be arrived at and hopes that will happen here. John Jenkins said his son has been a member of the Hogs for 2 years and they see the Hogs as part of their own family. He said he was not sure his son would be able to continue because of the cost of travel leagues. He said he found out the Hogs have financial aid and payment plans and made it possible for his family to participate. He said otherwise his son would not be able to play. He asked the Board to intervene. Cornelia Nisbet said playing hockey with the Hogs has changed her life and every team with the Hogs has been inclusive and unlike the experiences she hears from friends who play in other leagues. She said they taught her how to play and that included how to stand on her skates. She said she is worried that the RFP league will not be as inclusive and will not give players the opportunity to learn. Corey Holquist said the RFP programs are tailored to travel teams. He said if the Hogs are forced out of the Sportsplex, many families in the area will be priced-out of hockey. He said Sportsplex is offering $700 spring hockey, while the Hogs are offering $130 spring hockey. He said the Hogs run the organization in such a way that hockey is accessible to anyone. Chris Ambrozic said the Hogs family is important to his and thanked them for the confidence they have instilled in his daughter. He asked the Board to help in any way they can. Dean Petit said he has been a coach with the Hogs for years. He said he has put a lot of hours into coaching and at the rink. He said they do it for their kids but also their community. He said running a hockey program is not easy, but they love it. He said John Stock suggests he can provide a better product, but that discounts their community.