04-08-87 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES City Council April 8, 1987 Bingo raised by the attorney for Little Sisters of the Poor are resolved. (Cont.) Mr. Richard Wylie, attorney representing LCCB Hall Association, appeared before the Council. Wylie reported that the Hall Association was formed a year ago to provide services to the charities that want to conduct bingo and pull tabs. The association operates as leasor of the premises on Rice Street and landlord to the six charities involved. Wylie outlined the services provided by the Hall Association such as security, advertising, hiring of employees, handlers of payroll, account services to and for the individual charities for expenses. The actual bingo operation and determination of prizes and selling of bingo packets are the responsibility of the individual charities and have remained so. The employees of the Nall are approved by the individual charities, which is a requirement of State Law. The charities are the employers of the people operating the game. Accounting is centrally done and has been more effective than in earlier months of the operation. Wylie stated that he understands the questions raised, and stated that he hoped to look at the regulation that indicates the person responsible for approving leases cannot participate in the operation of the bingo game. Wylie reported that in January the LCCB Board of Directors determined that a person could wear only one hat. If someone was a member of the Board of Directors, they could not be gambling manager or employee on the floor. Efforts have been made to stabilize the organization. Wylie noted that Roger Frank has asked similar questions about the charging of admissions for pull-tabs, and this question will be looked at by Wylie's office, and if there is a problem, the procedure can be altered. Also, clearer definitions of the functions of the people involved in the Hall can be made and clearer lines drawn and authority separated. Wylie reported that there have been two levels of the organization. These being the Board of Directors, and another group that is involved in the daily running of the bingo game and details that a landlord are generally involved in. The dual running of the entire operation can be emphasized and clarified. Wylie reported that he is not aware of the State raising a problem. Fahey asked if the State was aware of the existence of the Hall Association. Wylie replied that it was his understanding that the State was aware of this. Wylie also stated that it was his understanding that the State is aware of similar operations attempting to start up elsewhere. Page -10-