12-15-92 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL DECEMBER 15, 1992 understand that the lease with TCF is conditioned upon the City designating the Market Place as the sole bingo hall in the City. Fahey noted that the City's charitable gambling ordinance clearly states that the City will have only one bingo hall. The ordinance is also clearly designed to give preference to local charities that have existed in the City for at least three years. Fahey stated that it is highly unlikely that should the bingo hall license not be transferred that the charities will continue operating at the current hall. Fahey did not believe it was in the best interests of the charities to continue to pay rent that is too high and jeopardize their future profitability. Fahey asked for concept approval this evening of the transfer of the bingo hall license to the Market Place Shopping Center subject to compliance with City and State requirements. Fahey felt that a decision must be made on whether or not the City wants to see charitable gambling continue on a profitable basis. Fahey stated that he is not requesting formal approval this evening, but only concept approval. It is hoped that formal approval will be requested at the January 13th City Council meeting. The City Attorney pointed out that the City's ordinance provides for only one bingo hall license. The current license held by Movers Warehouse is an annual license in effect until July 31, 1993. The Attorney stated that he has not examined the legalities of moving that license to the Market Place Shopping Center. If the City is interested in granting a bingo hall license to the Market Place, it could amend the ordinance to allow another bingo hall license. Fahey reported that the charities' concern is that the transaction with TCF is conditioned upon there being only one bingo hall license. Fahey was concerned about the operation of two bingo halls in the City, and pointed out that this was never the intent of the City. Fahey indicated that the four charities want to relocate to the Market Place Shopping Center, and Fahey believes that the City should support that move. Fahey pointed out that the City's ordinance allows for the revocation of a bingo hall license for any reason and indicates that such a license does not create a property right. Fahey felt the decision made by the Council will impact whether or not the charities stay in business. LaValle felt that the Council should have had some Page 23