Kasabuski possibly out to bid; Saugus looking to get out of the skating rink business

SAUGUS-If everything goes according to plan Saugus will be getting out of the skating rink business soon.Town Manager Andrew Bisignani said he plans ask Town Meeting to approve a request for special legislation that would allow him to lease the Kasabuski Arena.The move would take all responsibility of the rink out of the town’s hands along with a $660,000 deficit.”We’ll be putting out request for proposals,” he said, “Because the DOR is very adamant that this issue needs to be addressed. We can’t wait any longer.”Kasabuski became a hot issue last year when a growing deficit came to light. Bisignani and rink manager John Hatch put together a plan to rectify the deficit but it was a plan that would take about three years to complete.Bisignani said the DOR is not prepared to wait that long and the deficit is too large for the town to swallow.The fly in the ointment Bisignani said is that investors won’t want to lease the rink for less than 20 years and the town only has 10 left on its lease with the state. Because the rink still belongs to the Department of Conservation and Recreation Bisignani said he needs to file special legislation to extend the life of the lease thus making the rink more attractive.Hatch said he has mixed feelings on the plan but said he is a realist and understands the town situation. He was, however, steadfast in his resolve to protect what the rink provides.Hatch said there are four schools along with figure skaters that use the rink for practice time and he doesn’t want to see that lost. He also doesn’t want any changes to impact the neighborhood or come at a cost to the town.”It’s what our focus is and has been,” he said. “I’ve been here for 12 years, this place is a part of me. I won’t do anything to compromise it or the great people that come through here everyday.”Bisignani said seeking the special legislation doesn’t mean he isn’t open to other ideas.”It’s not a final solution,” he said, “but we have to take steps to be in the position to make a decision. This gives us the tools to exercise one of several options.”He did not however mention what the other options might be but admitted this is a move the town should have made about five years ago. Lynn and Revere both sublet their rinks and Bisignani said it’s time to put the fiscal integrity of the town ahead of the arena.Town Moderator Robert Long, who has a secondary interest in the rink because he skates there three days per week, said he is not against the idea but believes it does raise some questions. Why would the town want to extend a lease it’s hoping to unload? Would parking be an issue for a private owner? Would revenue limitations be an issue?”I am absolutely not against the idea I just want all eyes open,” he said.