ABOVE: David S. Palmer Arena general manager Teri Gaffney, Vice-Chairman Kim Hoffman, and Board Members Dwayne Taylor and Dean Shore address the Danville City Council during Tuesday evening’s meeting.
During an informational presentation at Tuesday (Nov 7th) evening’s Danville City Council meeting, David S. Palmer Arena general manager Teri Gaffney and a team of board members addressed the Council about a variety of issues, such as the effort to bring back professional hockey and the challenge of bringing in entertainers who desire a certain size arena or up front payment. But their major issue was definitely the need for a new HVAC system.
Gaffney and her team stated that of the eight HVAC units at the arena, six are no longer working. And all of them have gone past their normal time of use after being installed back in 1999. They stated that a new one is needed as soon as possible, especially going into winter. Gaffney said the Julius W. Hegeler Foundation has pledged to cover 50% of the cost, which would be $750,000. However, a match of the other $750,000 would be needed from the city and county combined.
(1st Picture) Danville City Council at Nov 7th meeting. (2nd Picture) David S Palmer Arena preparing for Festival of Trees. (3rd Picture) Alderman Jon Cooper questions arena board about the lack of events at Palmer Arena.
The overall mood of the City Council and Mayor Rickey Williams, Jr was please check with the County Board first. Mayor Williams explains.
AUDIO: The city will certainly do a portion. But given that we provide approximately 75 to 80% of the funding for their operating expenses, and the county doesn’t provide for their operational expenses, it’s my hope that they will step up and provide a greater amount to address this problem, since the Civic Center is something that the entire county uses.
The arena plans to approach the County Board at their Tuesday, November 14th meeting. Teri Gaffney says they are hoping the county sees urgency of the situation. She says, meanwhile, the arena staff is doing the best they can.
AUDIO: No, it does make you nervous. But we have to muddle through; and we’re going to figure it out somehow.
Meanwhile, the arena board is hoping to soon make a decision on bringing back professional hockey for the 2024-25 season.
Danville Mayor Rickey Williams, Jr reads proclamation prior to presenting Former Mayor Bob Jones with an official Key to the City.
Getting back to Tuesday’s reception and presentation in honor of Former Mayor Bob Jones, Mayor Williams said it was great to see so many generations stopping by to say “hello.”
AUDIO: What I loved was that it wasn’t just former politicians that came or former city workers, but young people that worked for him that he gave jobs at Daily Queen and other places. It was just great to see the outpouring of love and support for Mayor Jones.
A proclamation read by the mayor named November 20th, Jones’ birthday, as Bob Jones Day in Danville.
