WILMINGTON, MA — The plot thickens.
No WHS Boys & Girls Hockey At Ristuccia Arena?
At Tuesday’s Board of Selectmen Meeting, Town Manager Jeff Hull announced that Bob Rotondo, the manager of Ristuccia Arena, informed Wilmington High School Athletic Director Ed Harrison that WHS Boys and Girls Hockey teams will not be provided with any ice time for the 2015-2016 school year. Harrison stated no reason was given for the change. (Read that article HERE.)
James Reidy, Rotondo’s attorney, has since provided a very simple answer to Wilmington Apple — Harrison never contacted the rink to request any ice time for the high school program.
According to Reidy, Mr. Rotundo offered four-year contracts to numerous organizations using his rink last year. While Wilmington Youth Hockey and Wilmington Figure Skating took advantage of the deal, Wilmington High School did not, opting to operate on a year-to-year basis.
“It’s now the end of May. Why didn’t Wilmington High School book their ice?,” asked Reidy. “Ed Harrison never reached out to us relative to ice time for this coming year. Frankly, I’m surprised.”
Reidy noted his client has heard the “rhetoric,” heard complaints about ice time, heard “ad hominem attacks'” from several Selectmen, but never heard from Wilmington High School requesting ice time for their next season.
Rotondo ultimately provided the organizations that signed 4-year contracts with the “first shot” to expand their ice time if desired, rewarding them for being “good customers” while showing a willingness to “cater” to their needs.
“Right of first refusal” vs. “Option to purchase”
James Reidy, Rotondo’s lawyer, believes his client’s current lease with Bernie Ristuccia, owner of Ristuccia Arena, gives him an outright option to purchase the rink.
“If [Ristuccia] establishes an intent to sell, he must notify Mr. Rotundo of his intention and the price he is seeking. He must then give Mr. Rotundo an opportunity, not to exceed 30 days, to match the full price,” explained Rotondo.
Reidy confirmed that he has had contact with Bernie Ristuccia regarding his client’s option to purchase the rink, but could not discuss further details.
The Town, however, interprets the clause in the lease as a “right of first refusal.” This is why the Town has not made an official offer on the rink yet. Under their interpretation, had they made an offer before June 1, Rotondo would have been able to make an offer, which Ristuccia would have had to consider first.
The “right of first refusal” deadline is this Sunday, May 31 and the Selectmen are wasting no time, meeting in Executive Session on Monday, June 1 to discuss making an official offer on the arena. (See agenda HERE.)
Rotondo’s Attorney Wants To Talk With The Town
“I would love to have a conversation with the Board of Selectmen, Mr. Rustuccia, and his representatives,” said James Reidy, Rotondo’s lawyer. He indicated he’d especially “love” to talk with Selectman Mike Newhouse, identifying him as someone he’s worked out issues with in the past.
“I like to think I’m a reasonable person,” said Reidy. “I had hoped we wouldn’t get to this point where people are throwing things out in the paper. I don’t think the attacks are constructive or a good way to solve the problem. I want to see the problem solved, as does my client. He’s rather surprised by the statements being made.”
“Nobody has called us,” stressed Reidy. “I hope we can sit down and come to a reasonable solution that makes sense for all parties. Hopefully this can happen, but I haven’t seen any evidence of that yet.”
Wilmington Apple 