More Kasabuski theatre in Saugus

SAUGUS – Once again Kasabuski Arena Manager John Hatch found himself in the position of defending his actions when Forest Street resident Karla de Steuben raised questions over rink management.De Steuben, who lives only a few doors down from the rink, told the Board of Selectmen last week that she doesn’t want to see the rink closed, simply run better.She also handed out a sheet detailing the $650,000 deficit that has accumulated over the last five years calling into question the town’s plan to reverse the negative trend.Last August the Department of Revenue called the town on the carpet over the growing deficit. Hatch and the Board of Governors then devised a plan that included raising rates across the board to pay the deficit off over the next two years.Earlier this fall Gerald Perry of the DOR said he didn’t believe the plan would work, but Town Manager Andrew Bisignani asked for one year to give the plan a chance.De Steuben, however, said she believed the deficit showed a lack of fiscal management.She questioned whether Hatch was actually providing the Board of Governors with monthly financial reports as is required according to the rinks bylaws. She said based on what she has seen, no report exists.She also suggested the board consider a change in the management structure at the arena. She indicated that since several people who serve on the Board of Governors, which oversees operation of the rink, are also affiliated with groups that use the rink, there is an inherent conflict of interest when the board makes some decisions such as rental fees for ice time.Lastly, de Steuben wondered why the rink was being run as an enterprise, or independent entity. She suggested maybe it was time to bring the rink under the municipal umbrella and that might resolve the growing deficit.Hatch, who was watching the meeting on cable at home when de Steuben began speaking, showed up at the meeting to refute her remarks in person.Hatch has taken a beating since the deficit came to light and has by and large remained mum on the problems at the arena. Tuesday, however, he took offense at the idea of fiscal mismanagement.Hatch said Wednesday that he not only provides monthly reports for the Board of Governors, but because it has been meeting so frequently while wrangling the deficit he’s begun issuing bi-weekly reports.Selectman Peter Rossetti said if de Steuben wants a copy of Hatch’s reports, all she has to do is request them.”They’re public documents,” he said. “Whether the reports are made available to the public, I don’t know but I’m sure if she asked she could get them.”Hatch also took offense at the idea the Board of Governors was not dedicated to the best interest of the rink.”We are working hard to make sure our plan stays the course,” he said. “We want to not only stop the bleeding but turn a bit of a profit.”Hatch said he was done listening to negative rhetoric and being slammed in online blogs regarding his command at the rink.”I have job to do and the rink will go on,” he said.Much to de Steuben’s chagrin, Bisignani and the board backed Hatch in his rebuttal.