Owners of the Fort Erie Jr. B Meteors hockey team may have dropped off a cheque at town hall Monday to cover $36,000 worth of outstanding ice rental fees, but that doesn't mean they will glide into next season without a hitch.

The town has yet to renew a lease agreement with the Meteors for ice time at the Leisureplex.

On Monday, Meteors president Joe Fazio appeared before council to present what he thought was a business plan, but to his surprise was told a more detailed map is needed.

"This isn't a business plan -- these are some ideas in respect to marketing, but this isn't a business plan," said Coun. Sandy Annunziata.

Fazio responded by saying the team has new ideas to raise money in place of the cash lost from declining bingo revenues.

"We have a new plan to raise funds and wean ourselves off the bingo," said Fazio.

Coun. Bob Steckley, whose nephew Kyle Steckley played for the Meteors this past season, called some of the fundraising initiatives in the plan vague, but said it's nice to see other ways to raise funds.

"We're a little disappointed. We were prepared as best as we thought was possible," Fazio said after the meeting.

Fazio said the plan, which was not available to the media or public, included projected figures and plans to hold golf tournaments, spaghetti dinners, raffles and generate sponsorship to raise money lost to declining bingo revenue.

Meteors general manager Tony Passero said bingo funds typically paid for essentials such as ice time, equipment and travel expenses.

"Our budget went from $100,000 to $49,000. It was cut in half in the past five years," he said. "We've tried to pay a little bit here and a little bit there."

To cover the outstanding ice fees, Passer o said, a supportive sponsor stepped up to foot the bill.

Passero acceded selling the team to Power Play Sports Group and Entertainment was a possibility two months ago but the board of management is looking to continue managing the team.

Power Play Sports Group was recently formed by partners Kevin Zimic and David Cole.

Zimic is president and CEO of a St. Catharines manufacturing company and has experience in marketing. His partner, David Cole, is the former head coach and general manager of the St. Catharines Falcons.

"We were made aware of an opportunity to occur so we assembled a group to investigate whether the potential is there to continue the tradition in Fort Erie. This is by no means a hostile takeover. Whether we will operate the Fort Erie Meteors is yet to be seen," said Zimic.

Council opted for a proposal by Coun. Martha Lockwood to direct staff to prepare a report for council's consideration, considering the Meteors' financial situation and a Power Play Sports' proposal to run an amateur team.

Mayor Doug Martin, who played goal with the team in 1967-68, said council's decision would have a "ripple effect" which will be significant in the community, given the Meteors' 50-year history in town.

Infrastructure services director Ron Tripp said staff will prepare an objective report to ensure the town will have a viable minor hockey team at a provincially competitive level, as has been the case for the past 50 years. The report will be before council at its May 20 council-in-committee meeting.