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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-01-10 Special meeting slot machine referendum minutes MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING DANIA BEACH CITY COMMISSION SLOT MACHINE REFERENDUM MONDAY, JANUARY 10, 2005 - 6:00 P.M. 1. Call to Order Mayor McElyea called the Special Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. 2. Roll Call Present: Mayor: C.K. McElyea Vice-Mayor: Bob Mikes Commissioners: Robert Anton Robert Chunn Patricia Flury City Manager: Ivan Pato City Attorney: Tom Ansbro City Clerk: Louise Stilson City Manager Pato advised he has met daily with the County, representatives of Pompano Beach and Hallandale, and representatives of the four pari-mutuel sites in Broward County in an attempt to come to an understanding of the impacts on the Cities. The County took the lead because they control whether or not the Slot Referendum question will be placed on the March ballot. He noted the meetings were cooperative and the pari-mutuel sites desired to address the needs of the community. He advised that the Pompano City Commission met and agreed unanimously to support the County placing the question on the ballot. Hallandale met last week and made the same decision. He noted the County is asking for certain things from the pari- mutuel sites that does not involve the Cities; all three Cities have agreed in principle to a certain approach to deal with the impacts. He advised that Mr. Snyder, of Dania Jai Alai, was in the audience to answer questions. Steve Snyder, President of Dania Jai Alai, commented that Jai Alai was once a thriving business in Dania Beach, but shortly after the 1988 Indian Gaming Act passed, they saw a decline in business. He remarked slot machines are currently here, but untaxed and unregulated. The estimated tax is projected at half a billion dollars per year to education, and 10,000 new jobs are projected in Broward County with the arrival of slot machines. They want the residents to benefit from the industry and hope it will help in the redevelopment of the CRA district. They see this as an opportunity to work with the City and it would be a boost to education. They have talked with the City Manager about returning the Marina to the City, and a stream of revenues based upon a formula which they seem to be on general agreement on. However, everything is contingent upon what the County decides. Commissioner Flury asked why the County was involved. City Manager Pato responded the County says "These revenues will be offset by the cost of the Special Election, Impact Fee credits, potential loss of Port Revenues, added transit services, Human Service costs, and potential costs of added regional Law Enforcement." He explained the County envisions the need to look at transit because these sites will generate more traffic, and they may need to redesign or add more bus lines for mass transit. They argued the Sheriff's Office may need to increase their Organized Crime Unit. He noted the County initially asked the pari-mutuel industry to contribute 2% of the gross revenues, which is unacceptable to the industry. The new draft resolution brings the figure to 1.5%; the pari-mutuel industry thinks the figure should be 1%, because they want to be in a position to assist the Cities more closely. Commissioner Flury sensed it would go forward if it were placed on the ballot. She asked if we had thought about how we would protect our residential area. City Manager Pato responded yes, we would need added Police, Fire and traffic control. He remarked we still need to go to Tallahassee, and he would like to commission an impact study in order to deal with the traffic issues. He advised there would be revenues to address the issue if the agreement is reached. • Vice-Mayor Mikes remarked we need to look at the impact on the whole CRA area, and someone needs to talk to DOT. He commented we also have to consider what might happen at the airport because, in his opinion, we have a dangerous Interlocal Agreement. He indicated we need to control the use of businesses around the facility, and we need to hire professional planners. He commented the next Commission needs to look at the whole plan and talk to DOT. We have the opportunity to get the Marina back for the citizens of Dania Beach, as opposed to someone's personal use. Commissioner Anton commented the traffic impact would change the CRA district. He thinks traffic on Federal Highway will be our biggest problem, but he does not foresee FDOT making any changes to it. He remarked that Organized Crime has been around as long as prostitution in South Florida, and he does not see it as being a big issue. He noted we have to minimize the impact to the City; but, it will generate revenue for the City and enhance the other businesses in the area. Commissioner Flury agrees with Vice-Mayor Mikes, but clarified that we need a comprehensive study of the entire area, not just a traffic study. She thinks the people in the neighborhoods need to be included in the study. She remarked we need to protect ourselves and our neighborhoods. Commissioner Chunn remarked the City Manager has worked hard on this and we need to insure that we get what is best for the City. • Minutes of Special Meeting 2 Dania Beach City Commission Slot Machine Referendum Monday, January 10,2005—6:00 p.m. . Mayor McElyea remembered that Jai Alai helped put Dania Beach on the map in 1953. He thinks the referendum will pass, but he does not think the slots will do enough for us. He is happy we are getting the Marina back, and he will hold out for every percent we can get. Commissioner Anton questioned if there was funding for a Comprehensive Study. City Manager Palo responded he included a figure for the community impacts, such as a comprehensive study. He commented that he recently sent a proposal to the Commission with a recommendation to hire a CRA Consultant because our CRA plan needs to be looked at again. He hopes this will have a positive impact on the City and what the neighborhood can become. This could be the beginning of the transformation of a new Dania Beach. He remarked that he and Mr. Snyder have agreed that Mr. Snyder would not be exempt from any of the City processes needed to proceed with development. Mr. Snyder remarked that he wants to work with the City and the residents. City Manager Pato advised we had prepared a draft resolution urging the County to delay placing this on the ballot because we did not have an understanding. But it is not necessary and he recommended the Commission discard it. He advised he needs to appear at the County meeting in the morning and would like to inform them that the City supports placing this question on the ballot because the Cities have reached an understanding. Consensus of the City Commission was for the City Manager to go to the County and advise • them of our support of the referendum. Vice-Mayor Mikes complimented the City Manager for his negotiation skills, and remarked that he would do something extra for the City Manager before his term expires on the City Commission if the City Manager closed the deal to return the Marina to the City. Mayor McElyea opened the meeting to the public. Vincent Jimmy Rubino remarked that Jai Alai used to have a lot of traffic. Beulah Lair asked Mr. Snyder for his opinion on the airport and if he would fight to have it expanded in order for his business, or would he help fight it to save their homes. Mr. Snyder responded he does not propose to take a position that is different from the City Commission. He commented he supports the concept of a second north runway. George Jason remarked he is concerned that we keep control of what happens in the City; Tallahassee can keep legal control. He thinks this is a great thing for the City and is in favor, but the City has to stay in control. Joe Van Eron remarked that traffic is already a problem in the City. He noted we need to put money aside for a comprehensive study and to remember that we need to fund some type of • tourist redevelopment. He thinks this is a wonderful thing for the City. Minutes of Special Meeting 3 Dania Beach City Commission Slot Machine Referendum Monday,January 10,2005—6:00 p.m. 3. Resolution #2005-007 This item was withdrawn A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DANIA BEACH, FLORIDA URGING THE BROWARD COUNTY COMMISSION TO DELAY PLACEMENT OF THE "SLOT MACHINES" REFERENDUM BALLOT QUESTION BEFORE THE COUNTY ELECTORATE UNTIL WRITTEN AGREEMENTS BETWEEN EACH PARI-MUTUEL FACILITY AND EACH HOST CITY (DANIA BEACH, HALLANDALE BEACH AND POMPANO BEACH) HAVE BEEN EXECUTED; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS;FURTHER, PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. City Manager Pato remarked the County is considering placing a bond referendum on the March ballot. He stated we are concerned this could have some negative effects on the City's bond referendum items, so he asked the City Attorney to draft a Resolution for the Commission to consider tonight. City Attorney Ansbro read the title of the Resolution. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DANIA BEACH, FLORIDA, URGING THE BROWARD COUNTY COMMISSION TO DEFER PLACEMENT OF ANY COUNTY GENERAL OBLIGATION BOND QUESTIONS UPON THE MARCH 8, 2005 ELECTION BALLOT, DUE TO THE PRESENCE OF CITY GENERAL OBLIGATION BOND QUESTIONS UPON SUCH ELECTION BALLOT; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS;FURTHER, PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. City Attorney Ansbro advised we are not sure if the County will move forward with the Bond issue, but we are concerned if they do it will impact the City's Bond Referendum. Vice-Mayor Mikes remarked the County has every right to place an item on the ballot,just as we have. If they think the services are needed by the public they should have the right to place it on the ballot. He noted that he thinks it is inappropriate for us to tell them not to put something on the ballot. Mayor McElyea agreed with Vice-Mayor Mikes. Commissioner Flury did not agree. She remarked the County has had three bond referendums in the past seven years, and we should have an opportunity for the same. She favors the Resolution. Commissioner Flury motioned to approve the Resolution urging the County Commission to defer placement of any County General Obligation Bond questions on the March 8, 2005 ballot; seconded by Commissioner Anton. The motion carried on the following 3-2 Roll Call vote: Commissioner Anton Yes Vice-Mayor Mikes No Commissioner Chunn Yes Mayor McElyea No Commissioner Flury Yes Minutes of Special Meeting 4 Dania Beach City Commission Slot Machine Referendum Monday,January 10,2005—6:00 p.m. • 4. Adjournment Mayor McElyea adjourned the meeting at 7:05 p.m. CITY OF DANIA BEACH AT�EST: .. �C:K. MCEL2�1 MAYOR-CSSIONER LOUISE STILSON_ CITYRCLERK Nforoved: February 9, 2005 Minutes of Special Meeting 5 Dania Beach City Commission Slot Machine Referendum Monday,January 10,2005—6:00 p.m.