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City Council Minutes Page 6 <br />October 7, 2019 <br />10.1 Gambling Ordinance <br />Ms. Allard presented the staff report. <br />Desiree Hillman, Elk River Youth Hockey Gambling Manager stated she would <br />Eke to see the amount of permits one organization can have increase because they <br />have had establishments approach them but are not able to accommodate them <br />because they are at their permit limit. She stated there are four charitable gambling <br />organizations located in Elk River and questioned why the city would allow other <br />trade area organizations to operate. She noted youth hockey has a location in the <br />City of Otsego but are being kicked out because the kids don't go to school in Elk <br />River. She further stated youth hockey tried to locate in Zimmerman Bowl but were <br />not allowed. She stated they want to keep the money raised in Elk River and don't <br />want to see limited permits. <br />Jessie Hartung, Tipsy Chicken, stated he approached some local organizations but <br />there was no interest so he was looking at organization in/out of the city trade area. <br />Ryan Eason, Elk River Youth Hockey President expressed concerns regarding a <br />comment made at a previous meeting about creating a monopoly. <br />Councilmember Westgaard reviewed the history of ordinance amendments brought <br />forth by youth hockey and discussed the concerns of other organizations and with <br />being able to spend funds toward other community needs besides hockey. <br />Mr. Eason suggested removing the limit and approving permits on a case-by-case <br />basis. <br />Dave Williams, Youth Sports Commission and Elk River Football stated he would <br />be interested in a gambling license to operate pull tabs but has concerns with <br />investing in permits and training if he can't be guaranteed a location to operate. He <br />further stated youth baseball and basketball are interested in getting a gambling <br />license. <br />Former youth baseball president, Greg Loidolt, stated they are in the process of <br />getting a gambling license and expressed the same concerns noted by Mr. Williams. <br />Amy Berthiaume, Lions Club Gambling Manager, stated she would love profits to <br />stay in Elk River. She stated they operated at Tipsy Chicken but discontinued due to <br />profit losses. She further stated they have another location in Orono Township. <br />Councilmember Westgaard asked if there is a downfall to: <br />■ allowing one organization to have more permits. <br />• allowing more than one organization at one establishment. <br />Mayor Dietz stated he feels three permits are enough for one organization because <br />other organizations should be allowed an opportunity to obtain pull -tab permits. He <br />[�0'�EREI 1Y <br />NATURE] <br />