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Councilmember Wise introduced the following resolution and moved for its adoption: RESOLUTION #11 -03 -071 RESOLUTION SUPPORTING RUNNING ACES HARNESS PARK'S REQUEST TO PERMIT ELECTRONIC GAMING MACHINES AT ITS STATE LICENSED AND REGULATED GAMING FACILITY WHEREAS, Running Aces Harness Park is a multi -use entertainment destination that provides visitors with live horse racing; card room gaming, including poker and blackjack; live music and comedy entertainment; and meeting and dining options; and WHEREAS, Running Aces Harness park has been a good corporate citizen of the City of Columbus, the County of Anoka and the entire north metropolitan area, the State of Minnesota and has provided as the result of its operation more than $3.4 million annually in property, sales and other taxes to the State general fund and local units of government; and Whereas, Running Aces Harness Park has been an asset to the state and regional economies by employing some 550 employees, both full and part-time, with an annual payroll of $17 million dollars; and WHEREAS, Running Aces Harness Park and Canterbury are the only two state - licensed and regulated gaming facilities in the State of Minnesota; and WHEREAS, permitting Running Aces Harness Park and Canterbury Park to operate video and slot machine gaming options to their customers would simply mirror that allowed currently at the state's 18 tribal casinos and would, however, the State and local units of government would benefit directly from the tax revenues generated as the result of permitting expanded types of gaming at these facilities; and WHEREAS, permitting slot machines at Running Aces Harness Park and Canterbury Park would generate some $400 million annually in economic activity for the State and create some 500 new jobs, while generating more than 100 million annually in new revenues that could help balance the state's current budget shortfall, while providing resources to meet state funding priorities; and WHEREAS, the Minnesota Gambling Control Board is a `best practice' regulator and oversight body for `gaming' governance and both Running Aces Harness Park and Canterbury Park have established a track record of consistent compliance with all regulatory requirements in their respective operations; and WHEREAS, NMMA encourages Running Aces Harness Park to consult with and seek the City of Columbus' input and position on this subject. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RAMSEY, ANOKA COUNTY, STATE OF MINNESOTA, as follows: