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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION JUNE 18, 2003 <br />APPROVED <br />Councilmember O'Donnell asked how the School District is handing the verbal <br />declaration on the signs. Sergeant Mortenson advised staff would find out about the <br />verbal declaration and the School District's time frame for the signs. <br />Council directed staff to add this item to the regular Council agenda Monday, June 23, <br />2003, 6:30 p.m. <br />RACINO PROJECT, MARY ALICE DIVINE <br />Economic Development Assistant Divine advised Southwest Casino has spoken to staff <br />regarding a harness race track and card room within the City of Lino Lakes on 35E. <br />Southwest Casino is present this evening to discuss the project with the City Council. <br />Mr. Jim Druck, President of Southwest Casino, gave the background of Southwest Casino <br />and Hotel Corp. noting they would like to develop a project in Minnesota. The first <br />phase would include a horse track. The second phase would include a racino. He stated <br />he believes a racino will eventually be approved by the legislature. Southwest Casino is <br />looking for a home in Anoka County. He stated he does have a site in Columbus <br />Township and he believes they are welcome there. However, the site does have building <br />challenges due to wetlands. The Rehbine parcel in Lino Lakes would be a preferred site. <br />He stated he would like to know if the City is interested in Southwest Casino pursuing <br />this project in Lino Lakes. <br />Mr. Druck continued with a power point presentation noting the facility would provide <br />harness racing 50 days during the months of May through September. He reviewed the <br />specifics of the facility noting the grand stand would have a capacity of 1,400. There <br />would also be a restaurant and card room. <br />Mr. Druck distributed a site plan of phase 1 along with a handout of the power point <br />presentation. The question is whether or not Southwest Casino should pursue the project <br />in Lino Lakes. He stated he is not looking to shortcut the City process but would like a <br />sense of how the City feels about this type of project. <br />Mayor Bergeson stated traffic would be a huge issue. The Comprehensive Plan has that <br />site divided into commercial/industrial with a buffer to the neighborhoods. There is a <br />proposal for a church close to that site that caused a lot of controversy. <br />Councilmember Reinert stated he would like to learn more about the effect on the <br />community with this type of project. <br />Mr. Druck stated the major negative effects include traffic issues, lights at night, and the <br />public perception. <br />Mayor Bergeson inquired about the economic viability of this type of project. Mr. Druck <br />stated the facility would be modestly sized and would make a profit. He stated he would <br />share the numbers with the City Council. He stated Anoka County has been left out of <br />entertainment development. The County has welcomed Southwest Casino. The site <br />3 <br />