12/09/1974 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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I gambling on a social level and easier to control. However, he felt the pro- posed license'fees were too high, 'especially since the house would not be allowed a profit. - Public hearing was closed, there being no further testimony, Mr. Williams moved seconded by Mrs. Campbell that the Council reaffirm its previous committee action requesting staff to prepare ordinances which would permit social gambling iri both public and private clubs within the community, and that license fees be established that'would adequately cover the cost of policing these kinds of establishments. . In making the motion, Mr. Williams stated that he was asking a vote to indicate , support of permitting' social gambling and that the cost of policing the activity should not'be assessed against the general public, rather it should be paid by those participating in the activity. (1363) Councilman McDonald said that although he did not object to social gambling he was afraid the city would be in the position of sponsoring something that would take money from people least able to afford it. .., . In response to Councilman Murray's request for clarification of the motion, Mr. Williams explained its intent was to authorize social gambling on a fee basis that would pay the cost of policing without actually setting fees, limits, etc" at this time. e Vote was taken on the motion as stated. Motion carried, all CounCil members present voting aye, except Councilman McDonald voting no, Councilmen Williams and Keller inquired whether limits on be~ were included in the ordinances presented. Councilwoman Campbell felt the fees listed seemed some- what high, especially for owners of smaller taverns, She wondered if the fees (1403) should be studied in committee. Manager explained that the council bills prepared for Council consideration included license and table fees: A wager limit of $2.00 had been suggested by Mr. Langan. Manqger,.:?ai<:i the rates included in the ordinances were the result of staff discussions with some of the people interested in having social gambling permitted. He suggested adoption of the ordinances without the emergency clause (making them not effective for 30 days) and adoption of fees by resolution thereby making them easily reviewed for increase or decrease, which- ever seemed appropriate after experience was gained. (1450) Councilman Murray was prepared to act on the ordinances themselves but he also felt the fees were a little high for the smaller operator. He didn't want to adopt the fees unless they were lowered. _- Councilman Williams suggested adoption of the bills deleting reference to fees, then working out fees the Council would like to see adopted by resolution, or revision of the ordinances presented, Manager thought the bills could be adopted as' presented with those sections pertaining to fees deleted, He thought there. should be a decision on wager limit unless the Council desired that included in a resolution with the fees. Council Bill No, 687 - Amending City Code Sections 3.005 and 3.010 and adding Sections 3.231, 3,232, 3.233, 3.234, 3.235, and 3.236 re; Gambling was read by council bill number and title only, there being no council member present requesting that it be read in full. Mr. Williams moved seconded by Mrs. Campbell to delete those sections relating to licensing fees and/or limits on betting and that the fees and limits be set out by resolution based on fees proposed by city staff in memo distributed to Council members, and that any any time staff be- lieved those fees in excess or short of the amount necessary to cover costs of policing they were to be returned to the Council for revision; that a betting limit of $2.00 to open or raise be established in the resolution, staff to come back to the Council for increase or decrease at any time it felt that limit inappropriate; that the bill so amended be read the second time 'by council bill number only, ~ith unanimous consent of the Council, . and enactment considered at this time. (1491) Councilwoman Campbell wondered 'if the high fees would be necessary, whether con- trol wouldn't be exercised through revocation of license because of violations. Manager noted provision for revocation of licenses in the ordinance and licensing authority exercised by the finance director. Councilman McDonald wondered whether the ordinance would be held for second read- ~ ... ing if he abstained, The Mayor ruled that the bill would be held for second read- ing only if there was a "no" vote. / - 410 12/9/75 - 3