City approves new lease with Huron Hockey

by Benjamin Chase
of the Plainsman

HURON – Parks and Recreation Director Chad Schroder presented the Huron City Commission a revised agreement for use of Bergman Arena between the city and Huron Hockey Association. The previous contract, according to Schroder, “had a lot of gray area” in responsibility for the facility, and the new agreement clears up many of those areas.
Schroder highlighted that the agreement was previously renewed every ten years, but this will be updated every three years with a percentage-based system for upkeep responsibility based on the number of players involved in youth hockey. The agreement was approved.
The meeting began with Commissioner Bryan Smith reminding residents that street milling and overlay will begin on April 20 across Huron.
Mayor Mark Robish presented a proclamation to Gina Small of the city’s 911 telecommunicator department in honor of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week.
The commission approved four quitclaim deeds with the Greater Huron Development Corporation, allowing GHDC to take temporary ownership of the property for a private sale.
City Finance Director Paullyn Carey presented Ordinance 2280-5-138 to charge a $50 per machine fee to video lottery establishments. This fee is within state statute and requires an inventory of machines, but Carey explained that with alcohol license renewals coming up, this is a good time for businesses to do that sort of inventory. This was approved.
Carey also received approval to submit the unaudited 2025 financial statements. The audit of the city’s 2025 financials will begin on May 9.
Commissioners also:

• Approved the updated engineering technician job description, and approved posting and advertising to fill the position.
• Recognized that the 2026 engineering department budget has available funds to support an engineering intern position.
• Approved 2026 seasonal employees at Broadland Creek Pro Shop, Huron Public Library, Parks & Recreation, and Splash Central water park.
  

The commission then adjourned the public meeting to close with an executive session for contractual matters.