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Pizza Pub to end charitable-gambling partnership; council schedules follow-up after CLHA presentation
Summary
Pizza Pub of Center City LLC notified the city it will end its charitable-gambling partnership with the Center City Fire Department; Chisago Lakes Hockey Association representatives said they are state-licensed and council agreed to a follow-up meeting to review ordinance requirements and next steps.
The Center City Council on Dec. 2 heard that Pizza Pub of Center City LLC will discontinue its charitable-gambling partnership with the Center City Fire Department effective Dec. 31, 2025, and discussed possible replacements and compliance with city ordinance.
Representatives Dustin Howard and Erica Christopherson of the Chisago Lakes Hockey Association told the council the association has obtained a state license to conduct charitable gambling as of September 2025 and outlined the group's goals and growth. Councilmember Mark Wolcott described the decades-long relationship between the city and the fire department in operating charitable gambling and its benefits.
Joe Anderson, president of the Center City Relief Association, said the Pizza Pub's letter thanked the association for past work and that a state notification had indicated the lessor tried to dictate conduct at the site, which is not permitted under state statute; he said that issue appeared to be resolved. Charitable-gambling manager Dan Twohy said the letter received by the city lacks a written signature and he wants to verify the owner's intent; he noted that termination of a gambling lease requires two weeks' notice by either party and must be reported to the State of Minnesota within 10 days.
Councilmember Sally Swanson asked whether CLHA had reviewed City ordinance —10.01 (F) Distribution of proceeds (transcript shows §110.01 (F)); the association had not reviewed it and a copy was provided. Councilmembers agreed to hold a meeting involving two councilmembers, the Pizza Pub owner and the Center City Fire Relief Association; City Clerk Dana Miron will attempt to schedule the meeting and the council will continue discussion at its Jan. 6, 2026 meeting. No formal action or vote was taken at the Dec. 2 meeting.
The transcript does not record financial figures for charitable-gambling proceeds or whether a new vendor has been secured. The matter is procedural and will return to council for further review.
