Laserfiche WebLink
<br />MINUTES Page II <br />City of San Leandro City Council and San Leandro Redevelopment Agency Joint Meeting-January 3,2005 <br /> <br />Heidi Finberg, CEO of the San Leandro Chamber of Commerce, addressed the City <br />Council regarding the informational meeting on the proposed casino hosted by the San <br />Leandro and Alameda Chambers of Commerce. She indicated that representatives from <br />the Koi Nation plan to attend the meeting. <br /> <br />...................................................................... <br /> <br />Vice Mayor Badger quoted an excerpt from the Los Angeles Times, which stated that <br />casinos derive 50% of their income from senior citizens. <br /> <br />Councilmember Grant inquired about the tidelands trust issue, asking if the land must <br />still be used for "public benefit." She requested that the question be raised. <br />Councilmember Grant stated that she is the vice chair of the Martin Luther King <br />Freedom Center, which is located on the shores of the Martin Luther King Regional <br />Park and is dedicated to finding ways to prevent violence in the youth community. She <br />commented that a gambling casino would not be a good neighbor for the Freedom <br />Center. Councilmember Grant expressed her personal opposition to the casino proposal <br />and stated that, based on the phone calls she has received, many of her constituents are <br />also opposed. Councilmember Grant expressed concern that if discussions about the <br />casino proposal are being held, the City of San Leandro should be invited to the table. <br /> <br />Mayor Young commented that the Koi Nation representatives have requested a meeting <br />with her, but she will not meet with them until the Council has had an opportunity to <br />discuss the matter and formalize its position. She has already raised the issues of the <br />Joint Oakland-San Leandro Working Together concept and its cooperative programs. <br /> <br />Councilmember Grant stated that there is a web site, casinowatch.org, which has <br />information about the effects of casinos on communities and problem gamblers. She <br />asked if the casino would be a 24-hour operation. Ms. Ornelas confirmed that it would <br />be open 24 hours. Mayor Young noted that they would also serve alcohol. <br /> <br />Councilmember Grant commented on a recent housing report which shows that, due to <br />low interest rates and a sluggish economy, many homeowners are borrowing on the <br />equity in their homes. She expressed concern that when interest rates balloon, the area <br />could experience a rash of mortgage defaults. Councilmember Grant felt the presence <br />of a casino could exacerbate this situation. <br /> <br />Councilmember Nardine asked the City Attorney for clarification regarding the 35-mile <br />rule, whether the rule would apply to this casino proposal if the Governor negotiates an <br />agreement for an expanded Casino San Pablo and if the rule applies to landless tribes. <br />Councilmember Nardine asked if the local police departments would have the authority <br />to monitor the casino property for truancy during school hours. She stated her <br />understanding that the age limit for gambling at Indian gaming casinos is 18 rather than <br />21, and asked for confirmation on this. <br /> <br />Ms. Williams indicated that the City Attorney's Office is in the process of researching <br />these issues. She stated her understanding that the 35-mile rule may not apply in this <br />