Wichita City Council members have voted to approve a contract with the Virginia firm of Rink Management Services Corporation to take over management of operations at the Wichita Ice Center.

RMSC will take over for Wichita’s Genesis Health Clubs, which has managed the center since 2011.   City council members have heard complaints in recent months about management and maintenance problems at the center.

RMSC previously managed the Ice Center when it opened in 2006.   The city’s park and recreation director, Troy Houtman, said the company is familiar with the Ice Center and should be able to take over the operations with little down time.   Houtman said the firm will talk with current Ice Center employees about staying with the operation, and they will go to a computerized system for maintenance and management.

The contract calls for a management fee of $6,500 a month and the city will be responsible for all repairs over $5,000.   Repair work under that amount will be handled by RMSC with an operating fund.   The contract will be five years with an option to renew for another five years.

Vice-Mayor Becky Tuttle asked city staff for a regular evaluation of maintenance at the facility, along with yearly updates provided to the Council.   Houtman said there are expectations for maintenance and operations that are built into the contract, and city staff will provide oversight.   He said it’s also expected that RMSC officials will meet with users and stakeholders on a regular basis.

The Council voted 6-1, with Jeff Blubaugh voting no, to approve the contract.