Kasabuski bill signed by Patrick

SAUGUS – Kasabuski Arena Manager John Hatch said Monday he was anxious to have the rink’s fate wrapped up. Today he is one step closer to closure.Town Manager Andrew Bisignani said Gov. Deval Patrick signed special legislation that extends the town’s lease on the rink 20 years.With the legislation signed Bisignani said he can now get to work ironing out the final details of the contract for Kasabuski Partnership of Lynnfield, the group that will sublet the rink.”It should be easy because the RFP was very specific,” Bisignani said.By sub-leasing the skating rink, the town is not only relieved of the financial burden of maintaining the aged rink, it’s also relieved of a $650,000 deficit hanging over it.The town had a 5-year lease on the rink from the Department of Conservation and Recreation but that was not sufficient for a private organization to make the necessary investments to improve it, and still be profitable. This legislation will allow for the lease to the town for a term no less than 20 years.While state Sen. Thomas McGee (D-Lynn) took the lead on getting the legislation through speedily he credited the entire delegation for its passage.Sen. Anthony D. Galluccio said he understood the passage of the bill would lift a heavy burden off the town while allowing town officials to control the destiny of the rink.”The legislation will enable the town to find an operator that will run the rink that respects youth sports leagues and community interests,” he said.Hatch said when it came to subletting the rink it was important to him that the rink retain its hometown flavor. That included remaining available to the kids who have skated there in youth hockey, with the high schools and figure skating programs. He said he is confident that the new partnership will maintain all that and he is anxious for them to take the reins.Representative Mark Falzone said he was glad the governor recognized the significance of the bill and called it a great example of successful teamwork.”The Kasabuski Rink has played such an important role to the youth of Saugus throughout the years,” said Rep. Kathi Ann Reinstein. “This legislation guarantees the survival of the rink and I am extremely honored to have worked with my colleagues in the legislature to ensure its passage.”