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I I- I I I I I I I I' I I I I I I I I' I ,ARDEN IllLLS CITY COUNCIL - JUNE 26. 1995 19 Mr. Bolin, representative of Earthstar, Inc., indicated they have presented their commitment to the City and noted they need this income to support their programs. Councilmember Malone inquired in regards to the ordinance, it only allows 18 occasions, but the State law allows 21 sessions. Mr. Post indicated according to our ordinance a session is defined as a four hour session, but this is not the same as the State requirement Councilmember Malone inquired if they would be able to get two sessions into one occasion. Mr. Post indicated that would be correct. Councilmember Hicks indicated the applicant stated the revenue is needed to support their programs. What do the other orgflni7.l1tiOns feel in regards to reducing their sessions? Mrs. Seidow indicated the organizations previously had only five sessions when the Lions organization was there. But the other orgllni".lItions would like to continue the additional sessions, until another organization comes in. Ms. Cynthia Stange, Chairperson of the 621 Foundation, indicated originally they were nervous about taking additional sessions, but they have a great manager, and currently everything is working great. She noted they would like to continue to work seven sessions. Ms. Stange indicated they had applied to the State for continuation of their license for the additional sessions. They are requesting this license to be acknowledged and supported by the City. Councilmember Keirn inquired if this application would be replacing the Lions. Mayor Probst indicated that was correct. Mayor Probst indicated ifhe was present when the origina1 decision for charitable gambling was allowed in Arden Hills, he would have been opposed. His personal opinion was that it was difficult to find a compelling reason for either approving or denying the permit. Councilmember Keirn indicated she did not feel it was the responsibility of the Council to establish if the market can support another organization. She felt if the applicant met the requirements of the application, the City does not have the right to deny the permit Councilmember Hicks indicated he basically agreed, but he felt an obligation to those already contributing to the City wide trade area. He noted he agreed it is not the responsibility of the Council, but if the opportunity for a fourth organization is not there, he would not want the action of the City Council to jeopardize those already in business, who are contributing to the community. Councilmember Keirn indicated it would be similar to the City refusing to let a SuperAmerica into the City because there was a Amoco station nearby. She did not feel it fair to refuse someone to become part of the community.