MINUTES OF THE JULY 18, 2011

SPECIAL MEETING OF THE ALLIANCE CITY COUNCIL

The meeting was called to order by President Pro Tem Okey in the absence of President of Benincasa at 6:00 P.M.. 

Clerk Yost read the notice of the special meeting.

ROLL CALL: Alan Andreani, Roy Clunk, Larry Dordea, Steve Okey, Phyllis Phillips, Roger Rhome, and Larry Thompson.

Councilman Andreani discussed the highlights of the proposed ordinance and stated that a number of facility owners / operators were present and he wanted to hear from them as well as the Law Director and the Police Chief

Law Director Zumbar explained how the ordinance was composed examining other municipality ordinances on the subject.  Explained nothing is set in stone and the ordinance is subject to tailoring to our City.  Explained the licensing cannot be used to impose a hidden tax. Fees must be rationally related to the enforcement and services.  Law Director explained that sweepstakes cafés are legal within the State of Ohio and explained how the operation generally works.

President Benincasa arrived at 6:15 PM and President Pro Tem Okey relinquished the President’s seat.

Police Chief Griffith discussed the history of operation of internet cafés in the city in the past.  Believes it is a great idea to license them and know who the operator is.  Discussed the Police Department’s investigation of current establishments.

Kimberly Brown of 988 Commonwealth in Alliance discussed the operation of her establishment at 2369 West State Street.  Ms. Brown discussed how some of the restraints in the ordinance would hinder operation and might cease operation and in particular the space between machine restriction.  She invited council members come in and see the operation and how it works.  Questioned if there was a proposed limit on the number licenses to be issued. 

Councilman Dordea questioned Ms. Brown of the true value of the phone card purchased and asked for a true perspective of the business. 

Councilman Andreani asked what concerns Ms. Brown had other than the square footage requirement and the amount of license fee.  Also questioned the hours of operation and Ms. Brown responded with the posted hours at the establishment.

Councilman Okey asked Ms. Brown what the mixture of in town versus out of town residents frequent the establishment and was told it is about 70% City residents.  Questioned what concerns are reasonable that may exist in other establishment.  Ms. Brown explained how the layout may accommodate space concerns.  Questioned security for business and patrons and Ms. Brown explained walking customers to cars and the installation of a burglar alarm but not a panic alarm.

Law Director explained the square footage requirement and questioned the peak hours of operation.

Aaron Cooper of Akron discussed his operation at 157 East State Street.  Explained how his operation operates by buying computer support time.  Does not offer phone cards like other businesses but allows customers to play for purchase of computer support time.

Councilman Dordea further questioned how the system works and Mr. Cooper further explained his credit for computer time and it’s lapse after 30 days.

Law Director questioned if the outcome is predetermined and explained if the outcome is not predetermined, it doesn’t qualify as a sweepstakes.

Sammy Securro described his operation at 2370 W. State Street and state his business is similar to the one described by Ms. Brown and Law Director Zumbar.  Stated his hours of operation and the number machines. 

ADJOURNMENT: Noting no further business presented of discussed with Council, President Benincasa adjourned the special workshop meeting at 7:00 P.M.

            _______________________________                     _______________________________

JOHN BENINCASA, PRESIDENT                          GERARD T. YOST, COUNCIL CLERK