HomeMy Public PortalAbout07-08-2013 COW MinutesMinutes of the Committee of the Whole Workshop of the President and the Board of Trustees Held on July 8, 2013 In the Boardroom Mayor Collins called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Present were: Mayor Collins, Trustee Fay, Trustee Lamb, Trustee Peck, Trustee Racich, Trustee Rippy, and Trustee Bonuchi. Others present: Brian Murphy, Administrator; Michelle Gibas, Village Clerk; Allen Persons, Public Works Director; Michael Garrigan, Planning Supervisor; Dean Marquez, Building Supervisor; Traci Pleckham, Management Services Director; and Kevin Greco, Police Commander. There were approximately 25 persons in the audience. Trustee Fay moved to approve the Minutes of the Special Meeting and Committee of the Whole Workshop held on May 13, 2013. Seconded by Trustee Peck . Voice Vote. All in favor, 0 Opposed. PRESIDENTIAL COMMENTS None TRUSTEES COMMENTS Trustee Bonuchi stated that PEMA is looking for volunteers. If you’re interested, go to www.plainfield -il.org to download an application. PUBLIC COMMENTS Mr. Ed Arter, resident, stated that Plainfield Fest will be held July 19 -21, 2013 and volunteers are needed. Mr. Arter pointed out that Sunday is a Chicago Blackhawks themed day. WORKSHOP #1 VIDEO GAMING Mr. Vincent Athy, Fox’s Pizza, stated that he is the spokesperson for a group of liquor license holders and asked the Board to recons ider their position on video gaming. Mr. Athy handed the Board some information regarding video gaming and pointed out that the numbers associated with the municipal share of revenue are premature at this point. It takes 18 months before the numbers will be mature. Trustee Rippy expressed concern regarding some businesses being able to have video gaming and others are not. He felt that some of the businesses would be at a disadvantage. Trustee Rippy also expressed concern regarding gaming and stated th at he would not support video gaming just for the sake of bringing in revenue. Trustee Lamb stated the he felt that video gaming is an unfair/irrational form of taxatio n. Trustee Lamb stated that video gaming does not make people’s lives better. Trustee Racich stated that during his research, he could only find information regarding the negatives of video gaming, like gambling addiction. He could not find any positives to gambling. Trustee Racich pointed out that the Lottery was supposed to fund educat ion and now there is a cap on how much revenue goes to ward education. Trustee Bonuchi stated that it is the Board’s responsibility to keep the stature of the community. She stated that video gaming is like putting a band -aid on a bullet wound.
Trustee Peck pointed out that the State enacted video gaming to fund the Capital Bill. When the State first introduced Video Gaming, he did some research and found that gambling increased because of social expenses. He does not feel that video gaming is in the best interest of the community. Trustee Fay stated that he would be willing to explore the idea and permit video gaming for establishments that want it. He stated that the Village allows other things that are potentially addicting like lottery, liquor, and cigarettes. Mayor Collins stated that he is neither for n or against video gaming, but did express some conc ern regarding the numbers cited. Mayor Collins pointed out that after hearing the comments from the Board, he did not hear enough suppor t for changing the Ordinance. Mayor Collins suggested that the licensees bring the item back in 18 months when the numbers will be more mature. Mayor Collins read the reminders. Trustee Fay moved to adjourn. Seconded by Trustee Lamb. Voice Vote. All in favor, 0 Opposed. The meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m. Michelle Gibas, Village Clerk