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Mayor Johnson understood those running the charitable gambling were expected to pay lease fees. <br /> <br />Councilmember Strub understood a representative was present from Lake Region Hockey. He asked that she <br />be allowed to speak to the Council on this topic. Lotter stated historically the Council has not allowed public <br />commentary at a worksession meeting. This has not been the code of conduct. <br /> <br />Mayor Johnson clarified the Council’s objective regarding this topic. She questioned if out of town gambling <br />organizations could be refused a license. <br /> <br />Councilmember Jacobsen stated he had the same question. City Attorney Sonsalla reviewed the case law <br />regarding charitable gambling permits. She noted valid leases would have to be approved by the City. She <br />reported the most the City could ask would be to require charitable gambling organizations to expend 10% of <br />their funds in the contiguous trade area. <br /> <br />Councilmember Burg thanked staff for the clarification. <br /> <br />Mayor Johnson believed the City’s only option would be to pursue a permitting process requiring 10% of all <br />charitable gambling profits to be spent in the contiguous trade area. <br /> <br />Councilmember Strub questioned if a non-contiguous organization could be grand-fathered in. City Attorney <br />Sonsalla reported this organization would have to donate 10% of their earnings to the contiguous trade area <br />after completing the permitting process. <br /> <br />Councilmember Strub understood there was a preference to allow local organizations within the City only. <br /> <br />Mayo r Johnson stated all but one of the local charitable organizations were already giving more than 10% to <br />the community. City Attorney Sonsalla clarified that the City could require charitable gambling organizations <br />to expend all or a part of their earnings to the trade area, and not just 10%. <br /> <br />Councilmember Burg believed there were long-term implications to this topic and wanted this to be taken into <br />consideration and that the Council not just make legislation to accommodate for one organization. <br /> <br />Mayor J ohnson suggested a public hearing be held at an upcoming meeting. <br /> <br />Councilmember Burg recommended that a draft Ordinance be brought forward at the same time. <br /> <br />Mayor Johnson supported Options 1 and 5 being included in the Ordinance. She proposed the percentage <br />spent in the trade area be 25%. <br /> <br />Councilmember Jacobsen agreed Option 5 should be included. <br /> <br />Lotter explained it would be up to the Council on how to gather public comment and proceed with a draft <br />Ordinance. He noted documentation could be sent to local charitable gambling operators. He discussed a <br />potential timeline with the Council. <br /> <br />Vern McPherson Planning Commission Reappointment <br />Mayor Johnson stated Vern McPherson has filed for a City Council seat. She believed that if he was to run <br />against Councilmembers he should be removed from the Planning Commission. She indicated if he were to <br />lose Vern McPherson could be reappointed to the Planning Commission and if he were to win, he could serve <br />as the Council Liaison to the Planning Commission.