04-14-97 Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING RESOLUTION NO. 2A52 -97 APRIL 14,1997 A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA ESTABLISHING A GREATER ST. JOSEPH COUNTY AREA BI- PARTISAN STUDY COMMITTEE ON GAMING. Whereas, the Common Council notes that currently there is a legislative consideration reviewing the expansion of gaming and gambling in the State of Indiana; and Whereas, currently Indiana State law specifically regulates a state lottery system, pari - mutuel wagering on horse racing, games of chance and river boat gambling; and Whereas, the South Bend Common Council believes that before further expansion of any form of gambling or gaming in the State of Indiana should occur, opportunities for public discourse should take place, thus permitting cost - benefit analysis studies addressing the effects of gaming in the State of Indiana upon economic development existing businesses, tourism, neighborhoods, and related quality of life issues; and Whereas, the South Bend Common Council believes that a Greater St. Joseph County Area Bi- partisan Study Committee on Gaming is needed to procure the factual and legal background information which details the potential benefits and risks of any expansion of gambling or gaming as it may affect the Michiana area, and its specific fiscal effect on city and county services, its effect on local business including colleges and universities, and its effect on the myriad quality of life issues; and Whereas, in light of the limited information provided to the City at the present time and until proper state and local studies have been completed and open forums for public discourse have taken place, the Common Council believes that any expansion of legalized gaming or gambling should be reviewed until all of the delicate issues are properly weighed and their potential effect assessed. Now, therefore, be it ordained by the Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana, as follows: Section I. The Council believes that our neighborhoods and local businesses are the backbone of our community and recognizes the need to thoroughly assess the effect gaming or gambling would have upon the quality of life of our citizens and families. Section II. The Council believes that the formation of a Greater St. Joseph County Area Bi- partisan Study Committee on Gaming, which is hereby established in cooperation with the Office of the Mayor of the City of South Bend, would provide the needed opportunities to study the potential effect of gaming or gambling in St. Joseph County, and would provide a forum for citizen input and a written report of its findings and recommendation in a timely manner. Section III. The Common Council directs the City Clerk to send a certified copy of this Resolution, upon its adoption, to all State Senators and State Representatives representing the Michiana area, the Chairpersons of the Committee on Public Policy and the House Public Policy, Ethics and Veterans Affairs Committee, Governor O'Bannon, Lieutenant Governor Kernan, the St. Joseph County Commissioners, the St. Joseph County Council, U.S. Representative Tim Roemer, Secretary of the Interior Bruce Babbit, U.S. Senator Dan Coats, and U.S. Senator Richard Lugar. Section IV. This Resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after its adoption by the Common Council and approval by the Mayor.