04-11-16 Personnel and Finance - Laserfiche WebLink

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Chairperson White called the Personnel and Finance Committee meeting back to order at 4:37 p.m. in the large Council Chambers. She went on to explain the rules of public hearing which would end at approximately 5:40 p.m. She welcomed the petitioner Corporation Counsel Cristal Brisco to the podium. Corporate Counsel Cristal Brisco, Offices on the 12th Floor County -City building. Ms. Brisco thanked the Council and went on to introduce the Pokagon Band's proposal for a tribal village and Class 2 gaming facility in the City's Sixth District. The proposed resolution 16 -20 is a local intergovernmental agreement offering payments in lieu of taxes. The purpose of the payments are intended to broadly address issues of unemployment and poverty within the City. The payments to the City will not be less than one (1) million dollars annually depending upon the number of games played. The payments will commence one (1) year after the casino has been in operation for an entire calendar year. Chairperson White turned questions to Council regarding the Pokagon resolution. Councilmember Dr. Dave Varner asked if the whole document was available for Council review. Corporation Counsel Cristal Brisco explained that the document was filed in the Clerk's Office March 16th and is available for review in full. Councilmember Jo Broden asked for clarification regarding the distinction between Class 2 and Class 3 gaming, and the different level of City commitments at each level. Corporation Counsel Brisco explained that we will support the Band in their efforts to petition for Class 3 gaming to the State, and that the City will not support any other facilities gambling that could potentially come down the road. Councilmember Williams- Preston asked for clarification regarding the extent of City support of the Pokagon of the Pokagon Band versus other outside entities. Corporation Counsel Brisco reiterated that the City would continue to support the Band and would not support other outside entities interested in gambling inland or otherwise. Chairperson White thanked Corporation Counsel Brisco for meeting with Council to answer questions and concerns regarding the Pokagon resolution and asked her to briefly discuss its significance. Corporation Counsel Brisco explained what a big win the resolution represents for the City in the way of mutual respect, collaboration and cooperation. Councilmember Broden asked a question concerning the status of the Band's federal application with the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). Corporation Counsel Brisco explained that the paperwork was pending and under review per the federal government's timeline.