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Public commenters and council debate gaming machines as two convenience‑store conditional use permits advance
Summary
Public commenters raised concerns about gaming machines (BTMs) in convenience stores; an attorney for a 609 West Ridge applicant confirmed machines are part of the business plan. The council approved two CUP ordinances (Bill 7718 and Bill 7720) after second readings, with Bill 7718 passing 8–1 and Bill 7720 passing unanimously.
Citizens and applicants debated the presence of gaming machines in proposed convenience stores, and the council voted to approve conditional use permits for two stores after second readings.
During citizens' comments, Arnie Deanoff, who identified himself as a candidate for city council, urged the body to add conditions to convenience‑store approvals to prohibit BTMs (banked ticket machines) and other gambling devices, arguing such machines harm families and neighborhoods. "We don't want to turn into a Las Vegas," Deanoff said, asking the council to consider traffic and product‑sale restrictions as part of conditional approvals.
Rob Lafie, an attorney representing the applicant for 609 West Ridge (the subject of Bill 7718), responded during public comment that gaming machines were openly disclosed to planning and zoning and were part of his client's business plan. "My client openly said yes, that is absolutely part of the plan," Lafie told the council, adding that the applicant could otherwise open a variety of permitted businesses without the same level of scrutiny.
Later in the meeting the council considered Bill 7718 (an ordinance granting a CUP to allow a convenience store without fuel sales at or near 615 West Ridge Drive). After second reading and roll‑call voting, the ordinance passed (transcript recorded "yes, one no"); the council then considered Bill 7720 (a CUP for a Quick Trip/Quick Trick location to allow convenience sales with fuel at South Main Street). Bill 7720 passed on second reading with a unanimous recorded vote.
Why it matters: the public comments and applicant statements explicitly disclosed that gaming machines are intended as part of some convenience‑store operations. The council approved the CUPs under the city code; transcript discussion indicates some residents want more restrictive local conditions on device placement or product sales.
Next steps: the approved ordinances will be codified as ordinance numbers reported in the meeting record and the applicants may move forward with site preparations under the conditions set by the city; any further local regulation of gaming devices would require separate council action or code amendments.
Ending: The council approved both CUPs and moved on to additional agenda items; no immediate code changes regarding gaming machines were enacted at this meeting.
