Moses Lake staff seeks two‑week chiller extension for Larson rink; insurance expected to cover rental and repair

Doug, a city staff member overseeing parks/recreation facilities, told the council the rented temporary chiller at the Larson ice rink can be extended two weeks at an updated vendor rate of $6,900 per week (about $13,800 total). He said the unit would be picked up in the morning of March 6 and the last day of use would be March 3 under the extension scenario.

Doug also said the city's insurer (WCIA) has indicated the rental should be reimbursable under the claim related to the chiller repair and that there would be a single deductible covering both the rental and repair work.

Public commenters representing Moses Lake Youth Hockey thanked the council and parks staff for support. Travis Shearer, team captain, said without the response and rental the seniors on the team would not have had a season and invited the council to attend upcoming tournaments at Larson Recreation Center.

Councilmember Lombardi raised a question about an apparent $49,000 invoice line for "refrigerant removal." Staff later clarified that the refrigerant removal item was $5,900.59 and that a separate $43,000 line represented the delivery, supply and first month's rent for the rental chiller; staff said both are expected to be submitted to insurance for reimbursement.

Votes at a glance: the meeting approved the consent agenda and other routine motions; no formal council vote was recorded on the chiller extension at this meeting.

Next steps: staff will confirm invoice details with the vendor and continue processing insurance submissions; arena groups will proceed with scheduled tournaments.