Members present:  Susan Ross, Matt, Kelly and Mike Raddish

Others present:  B. Van Dike, W. Bauer, S. Marks, Mayor Rick, and J. McCulley, Clerk-Treasurer

The meeting was called to order at 4:32 p.m. with Chair Susan Ross presiding.

Mrs. Ross addressed the sample legislation that had been distributed for their review.  She explained that there are internet cafes currently operating throughout Summit County and the laws are not clear as to what is permitted and what is not under the games of skill versus games of chance.  The Committee is hoping that Council will support a decision to place a moratorium on granting any new businesses the right to operate in the Village until they have had time to look at the laws and determine what they believe are fair constitutional regulations to put on this type of business.  At that point in time legislation will be brought to regulate those businesses. 

Motion by Mrs. Ross that the Committee recommend to Council that the legislation before them be approved.  A second was made by Mr. Kelly. 

Mr. Marks asked if this would affect any of the businesses currently in operation.  Mrs. Ross said they are already regulated under the Village's current law.  She understands that there was some discussion about potentially starting this type of business in the Village.  It was thought that it would be regulated under the current law but there are a lot of questions to be answered about the operation of such a business.  It is one of those businesses that sells time on the internet where sites are available to win prizes.  Mrs. Ross said that once these businesses start operation then it is more difficult to regulate them.   Mr. Marks asked if the existing businesses be able to implement this type of game room as they sit now.  Mrs. Ross and Mayor Rick both thought no   Mayor Rick added that this would not affect the legislation approved last February regulating the games of skill.  This 120 day moratorium would give the Law Director a chance to get back to Council with what they would like to see in terms of regulations.

Mr. Kelly asked if this meant that no one could do anything for 120 days.  Mayor Rick said there are two separate types of business, the internet cafes or businesses devoting floor space to internet based  sweepstakes games.  Mrs. Ross said there are businesses that are allegedly renting time on the internet and not offering these types of games.  We are not necessarily saying that they want to prevent an organization from renting time on the internet on three terminals.  The problem is they are trying to get around the state gambling laws by selling the time and spending money to earn points to enter into sweepstakes.  It is a legal issue that the Law Director needs to research and offer some advice to Council. 

There being no further discussion. a vote on the motion to make a recommendation to Council to approve the moratorium was taken.  Unanimous ayes were received.

Mrs. Ross asked that the Clerk-Treasurer place the legislation on the agenda of the next meeting.

Mayor Rick explained that the question of the possible amendment to the skill game legislation has been resolved.  In Feb. 2010, Council voted to amend the restrictions on the locations permitted for skill game businesses when the legislation was brought to the floor adding "public parks" to the restricted list.  This had been noted in the minutes of that meeting.  American Legal will be notified of the omission.

There being no further business, Mrs. Ross adjourned the meeting at 4:40 p.m.