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On the home ice, Belleville’s mayor jumped the gun prematurely hinting at an announcement of ongoing negotiations in advance of AHL executives who control the reins.

“It won’t be up to Belleville to make that announcement,” a solid source said.

When reached for clarity on the outcome of the this week’s AHL board meeting, Jason Chaimovitch, the league’s vice-president of communications, remained tight-lipped saying, “I do not currently anticipate there being anything to report regarding franchise movements.”

So, here is what we know.

A Belleville negotiation committee led by Mayor Taso Christopher has to satisfy the league and franchise owners with major Yardmen Arena upgrades, which could require more than the $7 million they are estimated to spend on repairing the boards, floor and refrigeration system. In 2014 it was estimated the floor would cost at least $2 million to renovate.

Capacity is a major sticking point as Yardmen only seats about 3,200. In fact, it will cost the city in the region of $20 million, over time, to address all the deficiencies including required seating needs.

The upgrades demanded for the 2017-18 season has to be approved by the AHL board, but according to an informed source, there is “still a couple of things that need to be met.”

A number of people, including the ownership group and league, have to buy into the arrangement being ironed out now for months.

Belleville is looking for a long-term lease that would keep the team here for a period near the 10-year mark and definitely more than five years.