Members of the Georgetown Township Board,

My name is Gene Altena and I have spoken to the Supervisor and addressed the board on the subject of selling the Ice Center. I'm sending this message today to emphasis the impact the board's decision to solicit bids has had on me. Up to this point my comments have been focused on the impact selling the rink would have on the township. I've had individuals encourage me not to take it personally, but it's very difficult not to. The reason for this is because for the past 2 years, I have dedicated my free time as an ambassador for the rink and the non-profit youth organization. From early August until end of April our youth activities are in full gear and I spend countless hours volunteering my time to help develop growth at our rink and our organization. In contrast, for the past 2 weeks I have had to expend my energy focusing on damage control. I have had to address a litany of questions pertaining to the uncertainty of the rink and it's future. This is the time of year that I should be entertaining questions about how to get people registered, how other individuals can volunteer and what programs the rink has to offer. I am offended that no one bothered to ask what the impact of exploring this option would have on those of us that dedicate our time and energy for the betterment of the rink, organization and community.

I'm sure you've been told by now, but this time of year is the absolute worst time for any uncertainty about the rink's future to be introduced. For those of you unfamiliar with rink operations, this is the time of year that the majority of individuals and teams make their decision about where they are going to contract their ice for the following season and what organization that they will register their children with. There are already individuals and teams that have determined that because of the uncertainty of the rink, they will be taking their business elsewhere. In my opinion this is an absolute shame due to the fact that if anyone had done their homework this could have been avoided.

As I've stated before, I hope and pray that no bids are submitted. If any are, I encourage you as a representative of the community to put an end to this and choose not to sell the rink. Next Monday, when the exploration of this option has come to an end, I feel that the board should take responsibility for the damage that this fiasco has caused and make a profound statement that selling the rink will not be explored again for X number of years (i.e. 5 yrs). There needs to be some certainty injected into the community so that this does not remain a lingering possibility. Otherwise, this cloud will remain Those that have been hired to operate our rink and programs can not be held accountable for its effect. Some of you probably won't have any problem with making this commitment, but those of you that do, please put your ego aside and do what is best for the viability of our future.

Sincerely,

Gene Altena

1291 Caprice Ct.

Jenision, MI 49428