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REGULAR MEETING APRIL 11, 2015 City's annual budget process. To have this funding directed toward work force development, job creation, anti- poverty measures and educational initiatives is a huge plus. This Council should rally behind and commit our City via the Redevelopment Commission to roll up our sleeves and support, leverage in whatever manner possible early education initiatives. That is the focus where you get the most bang for your buck, where the return on investment is highest in terms of truly changing lives and reversing the course of poverty. Let's get ahead of the curve, leadership at the local level, working in partnership with the business community and our strong educational institutions, is so sorely needed, especially when state leadership turns down federal funding and woefully underfunds the efforts it does support. Pilot programs for early education aren't enough. In terms of employment impact— short-and mid -term, the construction and trades industry will be winners. Even more so because of the Pokagon Band commitment to worker - friendly provisions— much like another large institution with whom our history intertwines, the University of Notre Dame. As we move forward, regardless of the project, it'll be important to adhere to quality standards, worker safety and living wages. Additionally, 2,000 employees, their paychecks, combined with the stipulations to buy local and support minority and women businesses —these are all big wins. And not to be understated will be the benefit from increased activity of consumers circulating in and among the southwest area of our city. All this is indeed good news especially in light of tax caps & the full brunt of those on city services to come in 2019 and our need to grow our population and tax base. Undoubtedly, just as there are winners and gains, there will be adverse effects and losers. Businesses will pop up in response to the new opportunities and others that feel the heat, who can't make the pivot, will close doors. Workers, if this follows the pattern in other venues, will not have the benefit of a clean air -smoke free work environment nor will gainers. I respectively ask the dialogue and discernment around this issue to continue beyond what is here in writing. Let's be attuned as an Administration and Council to supporting the small businesses to the extent we are able. Undeniably, there will be folks amongst us who do not or cannot make responsible decisions with regard to gaming. Our community needs to echo the known fact that the `house always wins' and that addictions crush families and bring a different ripple effect. Councilmember Broden appreciated what she has heard and read regarding the Pokagon's attentiveness to this issue —to promote responsible play and to assist with intervention as needed. However, we need to be sure there is collaboration on this issue and that it is open, generous, and truly meets whatever needs arise here. Access to and the affordability of quality addiction and mental health services already is and will continue to be an on -going challenge for our community to strive to meet. So too, there is benefit in here too for local not for profits. They and the folks served will be winners The significant revenues earmarked here for parks and recreation equal the bond issue passed in 2015. While Howard Park is an identified project, it'll be important that the shape of that park reflect both the desires of those most proximate to it in the 4th, 3rd district and downtown area, but the city as a whole. It has always been a flagship park in our City's history and its future by necessity needs to be a collaborative process. So having discerned the many upsides for the Pokagon Band, for our residents, our local economy AND with eyes wide open on the changes to come, Councilmember Jo M. Broden will vote in favor of this agreement crafted by this Administration and already signed by the sovereign Pokagon people. Let's be better and good neighbors henceforth. Councilmember Randy Kelly stated he appreciates the excellent work of the Administration legal team led by Cristal Brisco and appreciated her answering their questions, as well as the efforts of 18