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Council reconsiders and approves premise permit for Community Charities to manage gaming for Heroes Helping Heroes
Summary
After debate about whether charitable gambling funds should stay locally based, the council reconsidered a denied premise permit and approved a permit involving Community Charities of Minnesota and Heroes Helping Heroes.
The Blaine City Council voted Monday to reconsider and approve a premise permit for charitable gambling at X Golf, allowing Community Charities of Minnesota to operate gaming that will benefit Heroes Helping Heroes.
City Clerk Sorensen explained the matter had been heard May 19 and denied by a 5‑1 vote because several council members prefer permitting organizations that are locally based. The council on Monday reconsidered the application after representatives from Heroes Helping Heroes and Community Charities appeared to answer questions.
Chris Stewart, president and founder of Heroes Helping Heroes, described the organization as a Minnesota‑based 501(c)(3) that provides peer support and events for first responders. Miranda Quandt, gambling manager for Community Charities, said her organization provides reporting and documentation showing where charitable gambling proceeds are spent and that Community Charities handles license, storage and compliance tasks for groups that do not have a gaming manager on staff.
Council members debated whether charitable gambling waivers should be limited to locally based organizations. Council Member Masolia said he preferred locally based managers so charitable dollars stay in the city; others said the group’s work for first responders and local events justified the permit. Captain Borboom of the Blaine Police Department told the council he was familiar with the organization and said it has been helpful to local officers.
Council members also discussed how much of gaming proceeds remain local. Representatives said Community Charities provides reports and that Heroes Helping Heroes holds events and support activities that benefit local first responders; specific revenue shares were discussed in general terms during the public comments.
After discussion, Council Member Ford moved to reconsider and approve the permit; the motion passed. The council instructed staff that Community Charities may be asked for reporting and documentation of where proceeds are distributed, consistent with city oversight of charitable gambling activities.
