Okaloosa County BOCC — May 19, 2015 — April 21, 2015 Bingo Workshop

April 21, 2015 Bingo Ordinance Workshop A workshop to discuss bingo operations within the county and possible adoption of a Bingo Ordinance was called to order at 5:30 p.m. at the Water & Sewer Administration Building in Fort Walton Beach. Members present were Nathan D. Boyles, Chairman; Charles K. Windes, Jr., Vice Chairman; Wayne BHarris; Carolyn Ketchel; and Trey Goodwin. Also present were J. D. Peacock, IT, Clerk of Circuit Court; John Hofstad, County Administrator; Greg Stewart, County Attorney; and Gary Stanford, Finance Director, Clerk's Office. Mr. Boyles announced this workshop to discuss the bingo ordinance will last 30 minutes and no Board action will be taken during the workshop. He stated there will be an additional opportunity for the public to comment during the Regular Meeting immediately following the workshop. Continuing, Mr. Boyles explained this workshop is for the commissioners to gather information and a number of individuals have been asked to speak on this topic tonight. He requested their remarks be limited to four minutes or less. The last ten minutes of the workshop will be reserved for discussion among the Board members. Mr. L. A. Woodall, Horizons committee member, stated the proposed bingo ordinance is not only to support charities but players and employees as well. He said it provides a business model for Dbetter Dbusiness and believes it will provide transparency. Mr. Woodall stated they (ordinance supporters) want to ensure the charities are legitimate and meet the statutory requirements of a 501(c) (3) charity. He felt not only the bingo hall operators but the charities should be able to produce the paperwork to verify these requirements have been met. It was Mr. Woodall’'s opinion the statutes on bingo operations are complicated and not easily understood. He believes an ordinance would provide clearer understanding for all concerned and would provide oversight. Mr. Woodall referred to situations in Manatee and Sarasota Counties involving the arrest of bingo hall operators in association with other gaming operations. He stated in that situation the operators had become quite brazen with their operations because there was no c¢ity or county ordinances, no enforcement of the statutes, and operators felt their gaming equipment was an exception to the rule. April 21, 2015 -1- Minute Book 72, Page 251 Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners Mr. Woodall stated they (charities) are not pointing their fingers but if the bingo hall operators are doing nothing wrong, why are they so opposed to the proposed ordinance. He asked for a fair playing field. Mr. Bill Zuppa, representing Veterans Tribute Memorial Tower and the Sons of TItaly, stated he volunteers for several charitable organizations which are grateful recipients of revenue from Mary Esther Bingo. He reported the proceeds have allowed the Sons of Italy to provide college scholarships for high school seniors. With regard to oversight, Mr. Zuppa said he feels that is the responsibility of the Sheriff’s Office and state officials. He was opposed to creating another layer of bureaucracy. Mr. Jay Ghosh, Mary Esther Bingo, thanked the commissioners, Sheriff's Office, and staff members. He said no one has addressed the engine driving bingo and asked all the bingo players in the audience to stand. Mr. Ghosh presented the Clerk with 180 petitions signed by bingo players which requested the commissioners do nothing to hurt the bingo business or any other business in the county. He also acknowledged the volunteers and stated bingo in Ocean City and Mary Esther has created 60 to 65 jobs. Mr. Rick Peterman, attorney representing Ocean City and Mary Esther Bingo, referenced Mr. Woodall’s concerns and stated there are six pages of State Statutes to address those concerns. He said there are state employees who inspect bingo halls and said there is no need for this specific ordinance. Mr. Peterman stated he thinks it 1s a clear interference