TROY – A City Council committee rejected a plan to fix the Knickerbacker Ice Rink for the short term and instead plans to install a modern ice-skating rink with a new scoreboard and sound system.

The city administration envisions borrowing up to $1.25 million for the long-term solution that calls for replacing the building's ice-making equipment. The rink, built in 1990, has been closed since January when the compressor and piping system for the coolant to create the ice failed.

On Monday night, the General Services Committee voted 3-0 not to proceed with the repairs, which would have been paid for with the city’s reserve funds. General Services Commissioner Chuck Wojton said the costs could range from $100,000 to $150,000.

“We’re gambling on $150,000 that might last one or two years,” Wojton said.

Deputy City Comptroller Andrew Piotrowski said the plan is to bond the $1.25 million to fund the construction of the new rink. It’s estimated the facility would be closed until September or October. Piortrowski said the installation work would occur during the period when the rink sees the least use and would reopen in September or October in time for the start of the hockey season.

The rink lost $43,900 in 2016 and $8,400 in 2017, according to city officials.

Republican Councilmen Jim Gulli and Mark McGrath pushed for the city to consider leasing out the rink operations as is done with the Frear Park ice rink. They questioned the city operating a facility that didn’t pay for itself.

“The numbers don’t lie. These numbers aren’t going to pay for $1.25 million,” Gulli said.

“Troy, historically, we’re bad landlords,” McGrath said about the city’s failure to maintain its recreational facilities.

“There are things government does for the quality of life for the community not to make a profit,” Mayor Patrick Madden said.

Democratic Councilman David Bissember, who chairs the General Services Committee, questioned whether there would be a loss of public use at Knickerbacker Park if the arena was leased to a private operator.

The rink attracts some 600 recreational skaters monthly. It also is home to eight men’s leagues, three youth hockey programs, a figure skating operation, a prep school team and a summer school league.

Democratic Councilman Anasha Cummings said the committee needs more information on savings on utilities costs and other expenses related to the rink operations.

The GSA Committee comprises Bissember, Cummings and Gulli. Mantello and McGrath also attended the committee meeting.

The Madden administration is to report back with more fiscal details by the April 19 Finance Committee meeting. The council needs at least a vote of 5-2 to approve bonding for the rink.