01-22-2003 Special MeetingLH
MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DES PLAINES, ILLINOIS
HELD IN THE ELEANOR ROHRBACH MEMORIAL
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, DES PLAINES CIVIC CENTER,
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2003
CALL TO ORDER: The Special meeting of the City Council of the City. of
Des Plaines, Illinois, was called to order by Mayor
Anthony W. Arredia at 7:30 p.m. in the Eleanor Rohrbach
Memorial Council Chambers, Des Plaines Civic Center on
Wednesday, January 22, 2003.
ROLL CALL: Roll call indicated the following aldermen present:
Beauvais, Christiansen, Murphy, Sayad, Becker, Smith,
Argus. Alderman Brookman was absent.
Also present was City Attorney Wiltse.
GAMING TAX
REVENUES
AGREEMENTS:
MAYOR ARREDIA DECLARED THAT THE CITY COUNCIL WAS NOW
RESOLVED INTO A COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION -Alderman Sayad, Chair
Alderman Sayad introduced Mr. Neil Bluhm and Mr. Greg
Carling, Midwest Gaming & Entertainment LLC, d/b/a Lamb
Partners, 900 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 1900, Chicago,
IL 60611.
Mr. Bluhm stated that the Illinois Gaming Board has made
it clear that it would be helpful and important if Des
Plaines would indicate that should they receive a gaming
license they will share a portion of the gaming tax
revenues with economically depressed communities;
Rosemont will share 75% of its revenue with other cities;
Waukegan has a revenue sharing agreement with communities
near them; other cities in the running for the gaming
license are doing the same thing.
Mr. Bluhm stated that he feels it is important in their
bid that Des Plaines be willing to share some of its tax
revenue; your casino would be the most successful since
your revenue would be the highest; if Des Plaines shared
25% of its revenue, you would still receive $20 million
a year; Waukegan will be limiting their revenue to cities
near them; he recommends the City limit their cities to
Cook County; the Gaming Board has consistently said that
it will look at those cities that will be helping the
economically depressed; this is a competitive bid
situation.
Alderman Sayad asked how long these communities would
benefit from these revenues; would the cities changes?
Mr. Bluhm said that one of their ideas is to look at the
census figures every ten (10) years and then re-evaluate.
Alderman Smith asked how was the number of cities chosen
and who chose them. Mr. Bluhm said they did; we thought
it would be a good idea to have a meaningful number of
needy communities.
Alderman Smith asked who would choose which ten (10)
cities. Mr. Carling said the City could use the census
data; it is up to the City Council which cities would be
chosen.
Alderman Smith asked why this meeting was called so
quickly. Mr. Bluhm said tomorrow is the deadline for
them to submit their bid to the Illinois Gaming Board;
we had been waiting for some more information; it would
put us at a disadvantage if we did not file tomorrow with
this revenue sharing commitment; we strongly urge you to
do this.
GAMING REV.
(Cont'd.)
RESOLUTION
R-12-03
GAMING TAX
REVENUE
SHARING
AGREEMENTS:
PAGE TWO
138
1/22/03
Alderman Becker asked if the cities would be paid from
Des Plaines or the State. Mr. Carling said he would
assume by Des Plaines since you will be receiving the
money; you could pay it out yearly or quarterly.
Mr. Bluhm stated that he will be investing $500 million
in this project; they will set up a foundation that they
will contribute $1 million to every year for local
charities.
Mr. Gary Danfield, 655 River Road, addressed the
Committee of the Whole asking how will the surrounding
communities look at us and how will it affect us; what
about the communities we don't fund; how will they look
at us then?
Ms. Mary Peglow, 2103 Sherwin, addressed the Committee
of the Whole stating that she has lived here 58-1/2
years; we should be willing to share what we have; we can
well afford to share 25%; we can move forward or step
back; she wants the City to move forward; do the right
thing.
Mr. Mike Sweeney, 532 E. Leahy Circle, addressed the
Committee of the Whole stating that he thinks this is a
wonderful opportunity for Des Plaines; he wishes Mr.
Bluhm the best of luck.
Mr. Jim Blue, 1771 Sherwood Road, addressed the Committee
of the Whole stating that the Gaming Board has said that
they very much want the license to be open and above
board; we are involved in a very competitive environment;
you will have to consider how eager you are to bring this
to Des Plaines; you may have to increase the percentage.
Mr. Vince Powers, 862 Webster Lane, addressed the
Committee of the Whole stating that at one time the City
said it would get 100% and now you say we would get 75 %;
who is to say this is going to be the end; we are not
controlling the environment, the Gaming Board is; think
about this; this is the first step; be very cautious.
Mrs. Beth Anderson, 1338 S. Fifth Avenue, addressed the
Committee of the Whole stating that the question is not
whether we should share, but will we have accountability;
this affects everyone; we are not just sharing money; are
we doing it wisely?
Ms. Cindy Ciero, 2591 Parkwood Lane, addressed the
Committee of the Whole stating we are giving up on our
own community; at least we should know who we are giving
the money to and how much; the developer is in it for the
money; know where the money is going; at least have a
plan for once.
MAYOR ARREDIA ASSUMED THE CHAIR AND DECLARED THE CITY
COUNCIL BACK IN SESSION
Moved by Becker, seconded by Argus, to adopt Resolution
R-12-03, A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING STAFF TO NEGOTIATE
AGREEMENTS WITH OTHER MUNICIPALITIES TO ALLOW SAID
MUNICIPALITIES TO BENEFIT FROM RECEIVING GAMING TAX
REVENUES AT A SUM NOT TO EXCEED 25% OF GAMING TAX
REVENUES. Upon roll call, the vote was:
AYES: 6-Beauvais, Christiansen, Murphy,
Sayad, Becker, Argus
NAYS: 1-Smith
ABSENT: 1-Brookman
Motion declared carried.
PAGE THREE
139
1 /22/03
AJOURNMENT: Moved by Sayad, seconded by Becker, that the Special
meeting of the City Council adjourn. Motion declared
carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:41 p.m.
APPROVED BY ME THIS _\~~-""-~~
DAY OF (4~ , 2003 c;;:? \