Anchorage Assembly to vote on $42K Ben Boeke refrigeration repair

A refrigeration valve at Ben Boeke Ice Arena has failed and been reset multiple times in recent weeks. The Anchorage Assembly is scheduled to vote June 23 on funding its replacement.

Mayor Suzanne LaFrance submitted the request. The administration warns that further failure of the expansion valve "could impair the Arena's ability to maintain ice conditions, disrupt scheduled programming and user activities, and lead to additional damage to refrigeration equipment." Youth hockey leagues, figure skating programs, and public skating sessions all depend on the rink staying cold.

The resolution, AR No. 2026-174, appropriates $42,100 from the Ben Boeke and Dempsey Anderson Ice Arena Capital Reserve revenues. Of that total, $7,100 covers the CO2 valve replacement and $35,000 covers a second project: replacing the Zamboni room rolling door, which the administration says has deteriorated and is no longer functional.

Any funds remaining after both projects are complete will go toward additional arena improvements, upgrades, repairs, and replacements as needed, per the resolution.

Taylor S. Tracy prepared the memorandum as principal administrative officer. William D. Falsey submitted it as chief administrative officer. Municipal Manager Rebecca A. Windt Pearson concurred.

The resolution is submitted by the Assembly chair at the request of the mayor. It cites Anchorage Municipal Code section 6.10.045, which allows the Assembly to alter the general government capital budget by majority vote. The 2026 Capital Improvement Budget was previously approved by AO 2025-107 on November 18, 2025.

The measure takes effect immediately upon passage.