Agenda Packets - 2002/02/25 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View City Council January 28, 2002 Regular Meeting Page 18 Mr. Wharton indicated the Lions were not opposed to the 75% as they already meet that requirement but would prefer that the 10% and 3% be eliminated. He also commented that he agreed with Council Member Thomas’ comment when she asked why the City would want to get into administrating this. He then asked Acting Chief Brennan if there have been any instances where law enforcement has been necessary to administrate the gambling or investigate the operations. Acting Chief Brennan indicated that the Police Department conducts background investigations as part of the licensing requirements but stated he was not aware of any investigations necessary. Mayor Sonterre explained the 3% tax can only be collected if it is necessary to cover the costs to regulate costs. He then asked what the process would be to return the overage if it is not used for regulating the organizations. Assistant City Administrator Reed suggested exploring whether or not Council could designate the overage to be used for a specific purpose within the City, such as the Community Center. Gretchen Wallbridge of 8072 Long Lake Road addressed Council and indicated she would become the gambling manager on February 1, 2002 and explained that the 3% needs to be used for law enforcement. Assistant City Administrator Reed indicated that changing the ordinance may open the market up to other organizations and there may be a higher demand for investigating applications. Council Member Thomas indicated Council is not allowing anyone to come in and she is not interested in bringing in other organizations. Ms. Wallbridge commented that the 75% requirement should prevent other organizations from coming to the City. Council Member Thomas indicated she does not think the City needs to take Staff time to do the distributions and she does not think the City should collect the 3%. Dr. Greg Belting from the Chamber of Commerce indicated that the Chamber supports the adoption of the amended ordinance. He then indicated that the Chamber puts its money into the New Brighton and Mounds View area and is not concerned with the 75% requirement. Council Member Marty noted the ordinance requires monthly reporting and asked if quarterly reporting would be easier for the organizations. Mr. Wharton indicated that he has to report to the state monthly and would just make an extra copy for the City. He then asked Council to keep in mind that the 75% contribution would be cumulative and may not occur every month.