Report Prepared by: Julie Nelson, Associate Planner, Development Services Department
Title
SUBJECT: Public Hearing and Potential Introduction of Ordinance Amending Section 9.08.020 Regarding Cardrooms and Amending CUP #1216, Merced Poker Room, and CUP #1219, Poker Flats Casino (AKA Golden Valley Casino) to Reflect the Number of Card Tables Allowed Pursuant to State Regulations
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers the introduction of an Ordinance amending the number of card tables allowed within the City of Merced from sixteen (16) to twelve (12) in compliance with state regulations.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion introducing Ordinance 2503, an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, amending Section 9.08.020 "Cardrooms," of the Merced Municipal Code.
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ALTERNATIVES
1. Introduce Ordinance as recommended by staff; or,
2. Modify ordinance for introduction; or,
3. Deny; or,
4. Refer back to staff for reconsideration of specific items (specific items to be addressed in City Council motion); or
5. Continue to a future City Council meeting (date and time to be specified in the City Council motion).
AUTHORITY
City of Merced Charter, Section 200.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
Not Applicable.
DISCUSSION
On April 18, 2016, the City Council introduced an ordinance amending Section 9.08.020 dealing with cardrooms (Ordinance No. 2457 - Attachment 1). This amendment increased the number of tables allowed within the City from 8 tables to 16 tables (no single cardroom was allowed more than 8 tables). On April 26, 2016, the revised ordinance was submitted to the Department of Justice (DOJ) for review as required by state regulations. The ordinance became effective June 2, 2016.
The City received a letter from the DOJ dated April 26, 2017 (Attachment 2), which outlined the changes that were made to the City's regulations by Ordinance No. 2457 and identified issues that conflicted with the California Business and Professions Code.
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