Council grants Kiwanis Club bingo permit for charitable fundraiser at River Lodge

Fortuna — The Fortuna City Council on June 3 approved a three‑year charitable bingo permit for the Kiwanis Club of Rio Dell‑Scotia to operate a bingo fundraiser at the Fortuna River Lodge.

City staff told the council that the city’s municipal code (chapter 5.16) — which references state law — permits charitable bingo provided the applicant obtains the proper permit. Staff said the application submitted by Dana Webb on behalf of the Kiwanis Club met the municipal‑code requirements, including event location (1800 Riverwalk Drive), start and end times (6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.) and a prize cap of $250 in value per prize. Staff said all proceeds will be donated to benefit local children supporting school‑related needs.

The police chief (staff) noted the municipal code authorizes the chief to inspect the event site and related records as needed to ensure compliance. Staff recommended no fee for this initial permit application; the city has received only one prior formal bingo application and the fee schedule does not list a set charge for bingo events.

Council asked clarifying questions about whether prizes in cash versus goods mattered; staff said the municipal code applies to the value of prizes and that the city’s ordinance is the controlling local standard. The council opened the public hearing; no members of the public spoke on the item. A council member moved to approve the permit; the motion was seconded and carried on a voice vote with no opposition.

Staff noted a minor erratum in the written staff report that mistakenly referenced a different prior applicant and said the correct applicant is the Kiwanis Club of Rio Dell‑Scotia. The council also noted the permit could include additional conditions or restrictions if compliance issues arise during the permit term.