1997 04 07 CC Minutes. LA QUINTA CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
APRIL 7, 1997
SPECIAL MEETING
Special meeting of the La*Quinta City Council was called to order at the hour of
10:00 AM by Mayor Holt followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
PRESENT: Council Members Henderson, Perkins, Sniff, Mayor Holt
ABSENT: Council Member Adolph
MOTION It was moved by Council Members SniffiHenderson to excuse Council
Member Adolph. Motion carried unanimously.
PUBLIC COMMENT None
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA Confirmed
BUSINESS SESSION
1. CONSIDERATION OF CABAZON BAND OF MISSION INDIANS' REQUESTS FOR
RESOLUTION AND ATTENDANCE AT WASHINGTON D.C. MEDIA EVENT IN
SUPPORT OF INDIAN TRIBAL RIGHTS TO ESTABLISH TRIBAL GAMING
OPERATIONS IN CALIFORNIA.
Mr. Weiss, Assistant City Manager, advised the Federal Government has issued
an order requiring California Indian Tribes to shut down their electronic gaming
devices by May 1, 1997 if they haven't reached agreement with State officials
for the devices' continued operation. The Cabazon Band of Mission Indians
have requested the City's participation in a media event April 1 0th in
Washington, D.C. supporting California tribal gaming. Some of the other cities
in the Valley have agreed to send a representative to Washington and CVAG has
authorized a letter to President Clinton asking for an extension of time for the
institution of that executive order. Further, the Cabazon Band of Mission
Indians have submitted a sample resolution for Council's consideration. He
concluded that the Council's options are to adopt a resolution, write a letter
and/or send a representative to the media event or do nothing.
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Council Member Perkins felt that the Indian gaming does affect the local
economy and suggested that the City send a letter consistent with the one
written by CVAG, with special emphasis on thP last paragraph in that letter as
he felt that this is an issue between the Indians and the State.
Mayor Holt concurred, adding that this isn't an issue regarding whether or not
we personally support gaming, but rather recognition that the Federal
Government should not be interceding in what the State is trying to do.
Council Member Henderson supported a letter and referred to the one written
by CVAG stating that she would not like to see the sentence which states that
Indian gaming has had a positive economic affect on our community. Her
position is that the State has asked the Federal Government for many years to
please come in and enforce their laws and they have taken a back-seat and
have not assisted the State in reaching the kind of compromise we may now
be on the road to reaching. She felt that their timing is terrible and it is
inappropriate for them to now try to exercise the strong-arm. She commented
on a meeting she recently attended with Congressman Bono who stated that
he wished to take back to Washington) the message that this is a Supreme
Court issue and is ultimately going to end up there, so it needs to get there as
soon as possible. She wished to see a letter include that kind of language.
Council Member Sniff did not support sending a representative to Washington,
D.C. and didn't feel that it's the Council's position to endorse or not endorse
gambling. He felt that a letter similar to the one CVAG sent would be more
than sufficient.
MOTION It was moved by Council Members Sniff/Henderson for the Mayor
to be authorized to send a Ieuer to President Clinton generally consistent with
the one sent by CVAG, in particular the fourth paragraph. Motion carried
unanimously. MINUTE ORDER NO.97-50.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned upon motion by Council
Members Sniff/Henderson. Motion carried unanimously.
Res submitted,
City Clerk
City of La Quinta, California
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