05-27-87 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES City Council May 27, 1987 Bingo Fahey commented that Mr. Short has indicated that he will act in (Cont.) good faith and negotiate leases with charities. If Short does not act in good faith, the City can step in to set rents. Fahey stated that he will not, however, be party to the manipulations that have gone on in the operation. h1arcia Nelson, Chairman of the DAC, asked the Council to consider the fact that the DAC relies on the income generated at the bingo hall. Nelson also pointed out that there are 70 people employed at the hall, who will be out of work on P9onday if the licenses are not approved. Nelson reminded the Council of lobbying efforts made by the employees of the hall and clients of the DAC. Nelson stated that the Gambling Control Board has asked many questions and felt that a satisfactory opinion was forthcoming from the ftoard. Nelson requested that the licenses not be vetoed. Nelson stated that the Gambling Control Board is looking at the issue in much more depth than the Council and requested that the Council allow the Board to do its job. Nelson stated that if the operation is not in compliance, the State will not issue the licenses. Blesener felt that the Council had to take action on the issue and felt denial was appropriate. Scalze stated that with regard to the lobbying efforts, no one that called her had any understanding of the issues that were being considered. Collova pointed out that two of the charities are only in need of a lease and felt the City should not be turning business away. Collova pointed out that people's jobs are on the line and felt that the Council should approve the licenses for Servants of Mary and St. Joseph's Society subject to a lease. LaValle pointed out that the State will not act on the appplications until June 29. Benson pointed out that his clients could request a special meeting of the Gambling Control Board. Benson requested that his two client's not be denied as the only issue remaininq to be resolved is that of the lease. Fahey stated that if the charities want to reapply with individual leases, he would be willing to call a special meeting of the Council. Fahey felt the issues were clearer if the applications for all the charities were denied at this point, however. Benson asked the Council to consider the plight of the charities and employees and pointed out that his charities have contributed a great deal of money to the City. page -27-