HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 6/18/2012 - Finance and Personnel Committee � FINANCE AND PERSONNEL COMMITTEE MEETING
Monday,June 18,2012
Alderman Conference Room, 6:30 p.m.
In Attendance: Committee Members: Chairman Alderman Wimmer, Alderman Blake
and Alderman Schaefer. Absent: None.
Also in Attendance: Mayor Low, City Administrator Morefield, Deputy City Administrator
Martin and City Clerk Jones.
A1dernlan Santi arrived at 6:35 p.m.
Aldernlan Condon arrived at 6:40 p.m.
Also iii Attendance: Doug Strain 1232 N. Green Street, McHenry, IL 60050
Bob Zriny 3321 Venice Lane, McHenry, IL 60050
Gary Johnson 1266 N. Green Street, McHenry, IL 60050
Dan Smith 1401 Riverside Drive, McHenry, IL 60050
Chris McSwain 6502 Highline Road, McHenry, IL 60050
Pat Rowe 3904 Main Street, McHenry, IL 60050
Amy Barry 3901 Main Street, McHenry, IL 60050
Kevin Plastina 1334 N. Riverside Drive, McHenry, IL 60050 *
� Phil Webb 7501 Meyer, Spring Grove, IL 60081
Fred Thornton 148 E. Greenwood, Woodstock, IL 60098 (P.L.A.V.)
* Copy of Minutes Re uested
Chairman Alderman Wimmer called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
Public Input
No one signed in for Public Input Session.
Discussion Re�ardin�Video Gaming
Deputy City Administrator Martin informed the Committee that in 2009, the Illinois General
Assembly approved the Video Gaming Act (the "AcY'); whereby municipalities may, but are
not required, allow video gaming within their corporate limits. Video gaming is
automatically prohibited if current ordinances prohibit gaming without any exception for
video gaming devices, which is the case in the City of McHenry. Additionally, a referendum
question, upon legal authorization by 25% of eligible voters (approximately 5,000), can be
placed on an election ballot as follows: Shall video gaming be prohibited in the City of
McHenry? If a majority of eligible voters vote "YES," video gaming would be prohibited in
the City of McHenry.
Alderman Santi arrived at 6:35 p.m.
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� Finance and Personnel Committee Meeting
June 18, 2012
Page 2
The Act permits Video Gaming Terminals ("VGT") to be placed in Licensed Establishments,
Licensed Fraternal Establishments, Licensed Tleterans Establishments and Licensed Truck
Stop Establishments. Staff estimates there are 40 establishments in the City of McHenry,
which fall into one of the four categories of Licensed Establishments. There are currently 1-
pending license applications.
Deput�� City Administrator Martin explained the definition of a Video Gaming Terminal.
The VGT must utilize a video display and microprocessors in which the player may receive
free games or credits that can be redeemed for cash. He stated that at VGT does not include
a Terminal that directly dispenses coins, cash or tokens or is for amusement purposes only.
Aldernian Condon arrived at 6:40 p.m.
Deputy City Administrator Martin informed the Committee that the Illinois Gaming Board
("IGB") is responsible to implementing and regulating video gaming and adopted
administrative rules governing operation and regulation of the same. There is an extensive
licensure approval process, background investigation and financial disclosure requirements
� of each person/entity having or the will have direct ownership interest in the video gaming
operation, as well as disclosure of each person or entity having an indirect monetary interest
exceeding 1% of the operation. Moreover, the IGB, and its agents, have unrestricted access
to enter the premises or motor vehicles of any licensee or applicant where evidence of
compliance or noncompliance exists with provisions included in the Act.
All VGT are required to be tested and approved in accordance with rules set forth by the
IGB. Additionally, owners of licensed establishments must enter into written use agreements
with video gaming terminal operators prior to placement of terminals in the business. A
maximum of five (S) gaming terminals is permitted. The following location restrictions
apply to businesses seeking an establishment to be licensed by the IGB:
* Proposed establishments must be located a minimum of 1,0000
feet from facilities governed by the Illinois Horse Racing Act of
1975; and
�= Proposed establishments cannot be closer than 100 feet to a school
or place of worship, measured from the closest physical part of
either building to the closest physical part of the other building.
These restrictions are not applicable to schools, places of worship or inter-track wagering
businesses moving into an area where a licensed establishment(s) already exists.
� Deputy City Administrator Martin briefly explained the license application fees, the duties of
licensed video gaming locations and revenue distribution.
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June 18, 2012
Page 3
Deputy City Administrator Martin informed the Committee that he has spoken with
repres�ntatives from the Village of Huntley, City of Woodstock and City of Marengo. The
Villag� of Huntley considered the issue on June 7, 2012. The City of Woodstock indicated
that tY�ey have no imminent plans to discuss video gaming unless a business or vendor
appro�.ches them expressing interest. The City of Marengo approved video gaming
following interest expressed by restaurant and local tavern owners. Lake in the Hills has also
amended their ordinance including provisions to allow video gaming.
Chairnlan Alderman Wimmer recognized the audience in attendance, asking if anyone
desire<I to speak to the Committee.
Mr. Ciiris McSwain came forward and addressed the Committee. He stated that Huntley,
Cary and McCullom Lake have all passed ordinances to allow video gaming. Lakewood and
Cary opted out.
Mr. Phil Webb of ASAP Entertainment informed the Committee that he received his license
� on April 17, 2012.
Alderman Blake inquired if anyone in the audience in attendance was not in support of video
gaming? Everyone in attendance indicated they supported video gaming.
Alderman Condon stated that as a licensed counselor she recognizes gambling as an
addiction. However, she opined that this is not the type of gambling that would attract
someone of that caliber and that the onus must be on the individual. Mayor Low concurred
with Alderman Condon, stating that it is not for government to police individuals.
Motion by Blake, seconded by Schaeffer, directing Staff to prepare proposed amendments to
the Zoning Ordinance and Municipal Code, to clarify and redefine what is and what is not
permitted, and pursue allowing video gaming in the City of McHenry and to present the
proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance and Municipal Code to the full City Council
for consideration at a future meeting.
Aye: Blake, Schaefer, Wimmer.
Nay: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
New Business
No new business was discussed.
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� Finance and Personnel Committee Meeting
June 18, 2012
Page 4
Adiournment
Motion by Blake, seconded by Schaefer, to adjourn the meeting at 6:53 p.m.
Aye: Blake, Schaefer, Wimmer.
Nay: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
Respectfu�ly submitted,
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Richarcl W. Wimmer, hairman
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