08-05-1991 WS - Laserfiche WebLink

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OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS PAGE3 JUNE 17, 1 991 involved in charitable gambling stating his opinion that they are an extension of city government. Mayor Wells commented that since passage of the bond referendum for the fire department and subsequent joint powers agreement, the assets of the fire department belong to the three cities and the firemen are basically contracted employees of the three cities. Mayor Wells stated that he can see no difference between the service being provided by the fire department, particularly in view of the new alignment of the fire department, and the service being provided by the police department or the parks and recreation department which would not be allowed to be involved in charitable gambling. Mayor Wells stated that the residents who have contacted him about this issue share his concerns and do not understand why the fire department wants to be involved in charitable gambling even though they have asked f.r, and been given, the money required for their needs. Mr. Myslicki pointed out that there are fire departments all over the state involved in charitable gambling and expressed his belief that charitable gambling will help the fire department support themselves in the future without the need to ask taxpayers for more money. Brief discussion of the new contract providing for conveyance by the fire department to the three communities, of all real property and equipment. Councilmember Mathiowetz commented that if the fire department should go out of business, they have virtually no assets as the land, buildings and all equipment now belong to the three cities. Attorney Carson agreed. Councilmember Mathiowetz stated that the Council is fully aware of the fact that other fire departments are involved in charitable gambling but pointed out that the Spring Lake Park Fire Department is different because they are the only fire department that has had a bond referendum issued by three cities. Councilmember Mathiowetz added that what he has heard from constituents is that they have allowed the fire department to tax them for fire fighting needs and therefore, do not believe it is in the best interest of the cities to have the fire department involved in charitable gambling. Councilmember Mason asked if the fire department has attempted to obtain a premise permit-in Lhe -c-itie5_of-Blaine or Mounds View and Mr. Myslicki replied negatively stating that Spring Lake Park had the first space that became available. Councilmember Mason asked for an explanation of how charitable gambling will help support the fire department. Mr. Myslicki stated that gambling proceeds will help pay for equipment maintenance and purchases which were previously paid for from money received from the three cities. Mayor Wells pointed out that the bond referendum approved by the residents of the three cities was for building construction, new equipment, equipment maintenance and to build a fund for future replacement of equipment. Mayor Wells commented that if the bond