AUBURN — The city’s dual ice rink at Norway Savings Bank Arena has lost its second manager since it opened, interim City Manager Howard Kroll confirmed Friday.
In an email, Kroll said the city began “actively recruiting” for a new general manager May 8.
Tim Holden, the most recent manager, began the job May 27, 2014.
He replaced Josh Macdonald, who lasted nine months before resigning in March 2014. Macdonald helped open the arena in the fall of 2013. It has been fully operational since February 2014.
In an email, Kroll said resumes and applications for the job are due by May 29. Recreation Department Supervisor Ravi Sharma and Public Services Director Denis D’Auteuil are working with the arena’s remaining staff to continue operations.
Kroll said work to create summer ice-skating programs and skating clinics at the arena are going ahead as planned.
The arena is off Turner Street near the Auburn Mall and overlooks Shaw’s Supermarket on Center Street. The facility includes a 380-space parking lot.
It was built to the city’s specifications by developer George Schott, who is renting it to the city. It’s part of a city enterprise fund and is meant to be self-supporting, paying for its operations with its own advertising and ice rental revenues.
Holden had a contentious relationship with the city, criticizing city councilors and previous rink and city management for their handling of the arena. In February, Holden said the rink was poorly managed when he arrived and he accused city councilors of micromanaging the operation.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
