Morgan Hill Redevelopment Agency board members approved a $50,000 loan to the Morgan Hill Downtown Association so it can bring the much anticipated ice rink downtown this winter.
The rink will be located on Monterey Road between Third and Fourth streets and operate from Dec. 19 through Jan. 18.
Association Director Jorge Briones requested the loan Wednesday night. The interest-free loan was approved unanimously by the agency board, made up of the five members of the Morgan Hill City Council.
Briones said several potential sponsors he had approached haven't come through.
"It was sincerely my hope to not have to make this request," Briones said. "My background is in sponsorship, I know what's involved in getting things done. We have tried everything we can to make it something we can make happen."
Briones said he will continue to pursue one. The rink will cost $70,000 to operate and Briones expects the rink to bring in between $80,000 and $90,000 this first year.
Ultimately, Briones would like the rink to be the association's biggest fundraiser as part of a larger plan for the nonprofit to become self-sustaining through its events. In July, the Redevelopment Agency approved giving the association $110,000 for its operations and events. At that same time, events coordinator Danielle Boulger went from part-time to full-time. The association has held several events since July, and each have made money, Briones said.
If the ice rink doesn't make enough to pay off the loan, Briones pledged to repay the loan by the end of the fiscal year, or June 30.
The RDA has the option of refusing association funding requests in the future,
Natalie Everett Natalie Everett is the education and city reporter for The Times. Reach her at (408) 779-4106, ext. 201, or neverett@morganhilltimes.com.
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