01-27-93 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MINUTES CITY COUNCIL FEBRUARY 10, 1993 legislation in place regulating pull tab and bingo operations in the State. Nash reported that the taxpayers of Little Canada have benefited greatly from gambling proceeds, some examples are park development and youth recreation programs. The taxpayers also saved over $300,000 on the new fire truck with the Fire Department purchased with their gambling proceeds. Nash pointed out that all the revenue made by the Fire Department's gambling operation has been used to purchase equipment for the Department at a direct savings to the taxpayers of the City. Nash did not believe a committee was neoessary to check up on the operations of charitable gambling in the City. Nash pointed out that the various charities are audited by independent auditing firms and are policed by the Department of Public Safety and Gambling Control Board. If the Council feels a committee is necessary, Nash urged the Council to appoint people to that committee who have accounting ability and are familiar with charitable gambling laws. Nash stated that the citizens of the City have elected the Council Members to do a job, and Nash asked that the Council please do that job. Nash pointed out that the buck stops with the Council. Nash indicated that if a committee is appointed, he would assume that the committee members would receive no pay for serving. Nash also felt that if the nitpicking did not stop, the resulting loss will be to the citizens of Little Canada. Hanson read for the record a letter dated February 9, 1993 from Gar Johnson in defense of the Fire Department's position on gambling issues, as well as a petition signed by employees at the Little Canada Bingo Hall in response to Clasen's previous comments. Bob Matson, representing North Suburban Youth Association, stated that it was his understanding that the last workshop was called in order to look £or productive and positive ways to improve gambling operations, and he also understood that the workshop did not turn out that way. Matson asked what are the rumors that are floating around about charitable gambling. Matson felt that if there are rumors, then the charities would have answers for them. Matson asked that the Council inform the charities of the rumors so that they oan be addressed. Matson felt that the viewing audience must be confused and unenlightened as to what is going on, pointing out that rumors have only been referred to and no substance reported. Page 8