Council approves first reading of ordinance to authorize charitable bingo; fees and enforcement to be set April 17

The Clear Lake City Council held the first reading and approved by motion an ordinance to authorize bingo games for charitable purposes and to repeal an earlier 2011 provision authorizing remote‑caller bingo games.

Staff described the ordinance as establishing a licensing and oversight regime administered by the police department. Eligible organizations would include tax‑exempt groups, mobile‑home park associations, school districts and senior‑citizen organizations; licensees would be required to keep bingo proceeds in a separate fund used exclusively for charitable purposes (with limited exceptions). The ordinance would make violations misdemeanors and allow suspension or revocation of a bingo license for noncompliance.

Staff told the council the ordinance’s annual license fee schedule would be set at a later public hearing, with example figures discussed during the meeting: $25 for organizations holding roughly one event per month, $35 for two events per month, $50 for more frequent activity, and lower fees for fewer than 12 events per year. Staff said the specific fees will be considered at the April 17 public hearing when staff will return with a proposed fee resolution.

City staff also said recreation and events staff would report at the April 17 meeting on youth and community events and activities tied to city programming.

Council voted unanimously on the first reading. The motion to approve the first reading was made by Vice Mayor Sloughton and seconded by Council Member Downey; the second reading and consideration of adoption is scheduled for the April 17 meeting.