Consider Support of Running Aces Harness Park Gaming Expansion

During the regular City Council meeting of February 22, 2011, staff presented a report and a draft resolution with regard to support of Running Aces Harness Park (RAHP) gaming expansion.  The report presented was as follows:  Staff received a request from North Metro Mayors Association (NMMA) for support of Running Aces harness Park (RAHP) gaming expansion.  At NMMA's board meeting of February 9, Mr. Derus, RAHP Board member, requested that the NMMA consider supporting RAHP's legislative effort to expand gaming options at its facility and Canterbury's facility.  RAHP and Canterbury Park have joined together seeking legislation this session for that expansion.  The NMMA sent the draft resolution to the 17 cities comprising the NMMA asking them to present the language to each of the City's Councils to receive input on whether they support the RAHP's legislative effort to expand the gaming options.  

 

Following review of the resolution on February 22, staff recommended Council postpone action on this item due to the fact that the City of Columbus had not yet taken action.  City Council agreed and asked that the item be placed back on a regular agenda once the City of Columbus reviewed and commented on the expansion.  The City of Columbus adopted a resolution in support of the expansion for RAHP at their regular City Council meeting on February 23, 2011.  The draft resolution presented by the NMMA and the resolution of support adopted by the City of Columbus are attached to this case. 

 

Staff has drafted a resolution for Council consideration, specific to Ramsey. mirroring the draft resolution from NMMA and the resolution adopted by the City of Columbus.

Staff is recommending Council adopt the resolution in support of the expansion of Running Aces Harness Park.

N/A

Motion to adopt Resolution #11-03-XXX Supporting Running Aces Harness Park and Its Request to Permit Electronic Gaming Machines at its State Licensed and Regulated Gaming Facility.