Janesville officials hope concessions heat up at ice arena

Jul 23, 2010 — The Janesville Gazette

Jason Smathers

Jul. 23, 2010 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- JANESVILLE -- The city is hoping to take a cut of the ice arena's concession sales, but the success of the Janesville Jets likely will determine whether the city's investment pays off.

City Council will vote Monday on whether to approve a new five-year contract with Janesville Youth Hockey, which runs concessions at the arena. The new deal replaces the annual $5,000 flat fee paid to the city with 12.5 percent of profits from the youth hockey's sales. Based off last year's profits, that would bring in about $1,400 less for the city.

Janesville Director of Administrative Services Jay Winzenz said the decision to take a portion of profits was made to capitalize on increased sales they expect from Janesville Jets games. The Jets, a first-year minor league hockey team, started playing at the Janesville Ice Skating Center in fall 2009.

Janesville Youth Hockey Club President Mark Lessner said the Jets helped offset a disappointing take from Janesville Bluebirds games and brought in about $12,000 in additional revenue. However, Lessner said that doesn't guarantee future sales increases.

"That's a fickle thing to figure out," Lessner said. "Attendance is based on how well the team does. Now, we might offer some different products, brats or something like that, but I wouldn't expect a drastic swing up in revenue from Jets games."

Lessner also mentioned the possibility of the Jets bringing in their own vendors in the future. Winzenz said the team has a no-compete clause in their contract that would prohibit them or contracted vendors from selling the same products as the youth hockey club.

The council Monday night also will take up minor changes to the city's smoking regulations. While the measure would update the ordinance to comply with the state smoking ban, it also would clarify the definition of an "enclosed space" to prevent businesses from exploiting vague language in the state rules.

Wisconsin statutes currently define an "enclosed space" as a roof with two or more "substantial walls," which are walls with less than 25 percent open to outside air. That definition could serve as a loophole for bars and restaurants that have substantial window coverage on two walls.

The proposed changes would impose a stricter definition that does not take wall openings into consideration.

Winzenz said he was not aware of any objection to the proposal. Assistant City Attorney Tim Wellnitz did not return calls for comment.

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