Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree, Board of Selectmen Announce Kasabuski Lease and Sublease Agreement Termination, State to Regain Operation of Rink and Invest $3+ Million in Capital Improvements - July 13, 2020

Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree, Board of Selectmen Announce Kasabuski Lease and Sublease Agreement Termination,

State to Regain Operation of Rink and Invest $3+ Million in

Capital Improvements

(Saugus, MA) July 13, 2020 – Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree and the Board of Selectmen are pleased to announce that the Town has reached and entered into an agreement to terminate its Kasabuski Memorial Rink lease agreement with the State and sublease agreement with its sublessee, allowing the State to regain operation of the rink and invest $3 to $4 million in capital improvements for local rink users to benefit from and enjoy. This agreement also releases any financial and legal burden from the Town.

The Board of Selectmen voted to accept and approve the mutual agreement to terminate the lease and sublease presented by the Town Manager during their July 7, 2020 meeting. The upgrades and capital improvements to the rink will likely be made during the next off-season and into the next year, according to the State.

“The termination of the Kasabuski Memorial Skating Rink lease and sublease is a positive move for the Town and its taxpayers because it removes the liability and obligation of $3 – 4 million in capital improvements required pursuant to the lease, and allows youth programs and high schools to benefit from the state’s investment and a reputable operator,” said Town Manager Crabtree. “I would like to thank the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM) and the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) for agreeing to negotiate with the Town and for reaching this agreement, and I would like to thank the Board of Selectmen for their support of this necessary decision.”

The Town first entered into a 20-year lease in September of 2008 with the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM) in consultation with the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), allowing the Town to use and operate the rink until September of 2028. Eventually, when it became difficult for the Town to keep up with the financial investment in the rink, the Town’s past administration opted to sublease the rink to ease the financial burden on the community.

A steady stream of issues has continued to arise since subleasing the rink, including: the required capital improvements, the condition of rink, operations, and financial problems, as well as issues with the Board of Health and the State. Violations and a breach of the sublease in 2010 brought the Town to court in an effort to evict the sublessee.  As much-needed capital improvements to the rink piled up, the Town continued to receive demand letters and notices from the State. The Town relayed these demands to the sublessee, but the required improvements and compliance with the lease were never made.

In working to create a solution that would benefit the community, the Town negotiated a mutual agreement with the State and sublessee to terminate both the State’s lease with the Town, and the Town’s sublease with the sublessee, allowing the State to regain control of the rink and make the necessary capital improvements. The State has already begun the process of soliciting new rink operators and has narrowed down the candidates to some reputable potential operators who will be tasked with operating the rink to the satisfaction of its many users.  

The Town Manager was also able negotiate with the State through a licensing agreement for the continued use of the baseball/softball know as Parcher Field behind Kasabuski rink as part of the overall agreement.

“This has been a long road to correct this rink issue.  We are proud that after much negotiation, we have reached a mutual agreement with a solution that will benefit the Town and relieve the Saugus taxpayer financially, as well as allowing our residents and visitors to be able to finally use and enjoy a safe and well-maintained skating rink and baseball/softball field,” said Town Manager Crabtree.

 

For more information, contact the Town Manager’s office at 781-231-4111.