OURAY – For the first time in two years, the Ouray City Council will allow for ice skate rentals at the Ouray Hot Springs to use at the Rotary Park ice rink, a short distance away.

The approval came after youth hockey volunteer Will Clapsadl outlined plans for expanding the warming hut and other improvements at the park. Clapsadl said an eventual goal is to rent the skates at Rotary Park, but first a new warming hut that’s big enough to hold the skates must be built.

Council agreed to pay for a design study for the improvements.

Many years ago, the Ouray Youth Hockey League bought 100 new pairs of ice skates, which were rented at the pool. The practice stopped in 2006, but could be brought back at no expense to the city, Clapsadl said.

City administrator Patrick Rondinelli said money from skate rentals could go to maintaining the skates and the hockey rink.

Others have donated to keeping the hockey rink viable, Clapsadl said, including an anonymous donor and the gift of a wood-burning stove. The Ouray Fire Department has helped and local businesses have donated materials to get the rink ready for hockey and broomball season this year.

But volunteers are the mainstay of the ice rink, and the council singled out Clapsadl for all he’s accomplished in just one year. He started with just some “hoses, a nozzle and the city’s tractor to be used for snow removal,” according to a council statement. “Will was so successful that we had an open season that exceeded many years past. Likewise, because of his dedication, Will enticed many other volunteers to assist.”

Clapsadl not only inspired others, but also wrangled two snow-making machines from the Telluride Ski Resort to create a good base for the ice, the statement said.

In other action, the council on second reading approved a 10 percent hike in water rates to help make up a $33,101 water fund deficit for yearly operational costs. Rates will increase from $13.44 per month to $14.78 per month, on average.

Council also approved an intergovernmental agreement with Montrose County and surrounding communities to conduct a transportation study from Delta to Norwood.

Ken Garard was appointed to the city planning commission to replace Pat Davarn, who resigned, and a professional services agreement was approved with Gov-Plus for work on a second city water tank, line replacement at Box Canyon and diversion replacement at Skyrocket Creek.