Keno Committee Notes - 1997-2001KENO COMMITTEE
MINUTES
July 3, 2001
Members present were Tim Young, Joe Peterson and Roger Howland. Members absent
were Rick Isham. Craig Aman was present via the telephone. Also present were City
Administrator Storm, City Attorney Samson and Assistant Administrator Hiller.
Vice Chairman Howland called the meeting to order at 12:02 p.m.
Motion by Young, second by Peterson to approve the minutes of the April 16, 2001
meeting. All members present voting Aye. Vice Chairman Howland declared the motion
carried.
City Administrator Storm reviewed fund reports and introduced YMCA project.
Request — Blair Family YMCA — Construction Costs for Senior Center
Storm indicated there are funds available to support this project. City Attorney
Samson reviewed the request for compliance with Keno request regulations. He
indicated this type of request would be a community betterment project. He had
reviewed case law that indicated Keno projects do not have to be strictly public agency
projects. They can also qualify with a community betterment project. The YMCA does
require memberships, however the proposed Senior Center would not require a
membership fee. The Blair Family YMCA will construct a new $250,000 senior center
on the second floor of the new YMCA facility in Blair. There is no comparable senior
center building in Blair or surrounding areas. The new center would be 1800 square
feet and would include a multi-purpose room, kitchen, elevator for handicap
accessibility and have an impressive view into the swimming area. This senior center
was not in the original building plans at the new YMCA. However, the need for this
center has been strongly identified and the YMCA feels that it must step up and
collaborate with other agencies to meet this community need. The new center would
offer something for all active and non-active older adults. The center will offer several
programs including craft classes, fitness, education classes, bingo, dances, lunches,
holiday parties, music, socialization opportunities and field trips. The YMCA will be
collaborating with the Nebraska Office of Aging and Memorial Community Hospital to
utilize all community resources to help make this venture a success. The major
component of this senior center will be the ability to serve hot meals 2-3 days a week.
The center would be open to all individuals 60 years and older and membership would
not be required to join the center. The total cost of the project would be $250,000 with
$50,000 coming from Keno Funds, $100,000 from a private donor, $20,000 from the
State of Nebraska Grant, $50,000 from the YMCA and $30,000 from Individual donors.
The YMCA noted that Keno funds were a vital contribution necessary to complete the
campaign goal of $250,000. They anticipated that the expenditure of funds would be
needed from December 2001 to May 2002. The application included floor and site
plans.
Discussion was held regarding the current senior program being offered at the
Eagles club, timing of funding and other uses of the center. Motion by Howland, second by
Young to approve the Blair Family YMCA Keno request for construction of a senior center
located in the new YMCA facility. All members present voted Aye. Vice Chairman Howland
declared the motion carried. The Committee requested Staff contact Rusty Bahr to
determine what other uses the senior center would have or if the center would be used only
for the senior's activities. Motion by Young, second by Peterson to amend the motion to
include the stipulation that the senior center is used predominately for this use and that any
and all senior functions would take precedence. All members present voted Aye. Vice
Chairman Howland declared the motion carried as amended.
Motion by Aman, second by Young to adjourn the meeting at 12:42 p.m.
KENO COMMITTEE
MINUTES
April 16, 2001
Members present were Tim Young, Joe Peterson, Craig Aman, and Roger Howland.
Members absent were Rick Isham. Also present were City Administrator Storm, City
Attorney Samson and Assistant Administrator Hiller.
Vice Chairman Howland called the meeting to order at 12:05 p.m.
Motion by Young, second by Peterson to approve the minutes of the January 19,
2001 meeting. All members present voting Aye. Vice Chairman Howland declared the
motion carried.
Jim Goldie and Katrina Coffey were present from Big Red Keno to review funds
received from the Keno program, upcoming promotions, marketing incentive program
used by Big Red and Keno revenue generated for the City of Blair. They outlined all Blair
Keno locations, their dates of operation and revenues received since the inception of
Keno since October 1994. Approximately $408,409.00 in revenue has been generated
since the inception of Keno with $266.929.00 being distributed for community projects. It
was noted that as of March, 2001 five (5) locations currently operate Keno. The
marketing program to increase Blair's Keno Handle was also discussed.
Request — PFI — Playground Equipment
The Parents for Education, Blair Community Schools is requesting funds to help
with the purchase of new playground equipment at two of the K-2 schools in Blair. Their
application included a brief history of their organization, project plans including designs,
drawings, specifications and other data and project time frame and funding. They would
like to include new playground equipment at West and South Schools. Their objective is
to complete fundraising by spring 2002 and to order equipment in early April 2002. The
school will provide the labor for installation. The total cost of the project is $38,500.
Currently, $7,530 has been raised from fundraising projects. They are requesting $9,625
in Keno Funds, which is 25% of the cost of the project. Other anticipated funding sources
include grants, Blair Community Foundation, Blair Community Schools Foundation and
continued fundraisers throughout the community. Actual draw of these funds would not
be requested until March 2002 and the funds would be accessed through the Blair
Community Schools Foundation account. City Attorney Samson reviewed the eligibility of
the project and suggested a year deadline be given to complete the project. The
Committee discussed conditioning approval of the request on the commitment of
matching funds from the School Board but decided to let the City Council make that
determination. Committee member Young questioned how this type of project was
handled in the past and suggested the donated labor be removed before calculating 25%
of the total cost. Motion by Young, second by Peterson to approve the Keno request in
the amount of $9,025.00, which would be 25% of the total cost of the project less the
donated labor amount of $2400. All members present voted Aye. Vice Chairman
Howland declared the motion carried.
Request — City of Blair — New Animal Control Facility
Assistant Administrator Hiller reviewed the proposed application from the City of
Blair for funds for the construction of a new animal control facility. She reviewed the
history of the animal control program, activity and staffing of the program and gave a
project narrative of the proposed facility. The total cost of the project is $280,000. The
City has budgeted $180,000 for this project which includes the anticipated $30,000 in
Keno funds. Approximately $100,000 must be raised through other sources. The City is
aggressively pursuing various foundation grants, and soliciting additional funds from local
businesses and citizens throughout the community. The City hopes to have funding in
place by mid summer. At that time, bids will be sought for design and construction of the
facility with the start of construction by autumn of 2001 and opening in the spring of 2002.
The new facility would provide a low -maintenance care facility, freeing up officer's time to
carry out education and adoption services, provide a safe, secure and sanitary boarding
conditions for animals that are impounded, provide additional space for long-term care of
impounded and hard to place animals and providing a welcoming environment for
potential owners, community groups and others who would be visiting the shelter. Ms.
Hiller also presented preliminary drawings provided by HGM Associates indicating that a
2,277sq. ft. building would be adequate for the City's needs. The new building would be
built on the site of the old building on land owned by the City. Motion by Aman, second
by Young to approve the Keno request in the amount of $30,000, which is less than 25%
of the total project. All members present voted Aye. Vice Chairman Howard declared the
motion carried.
Motion by Aman, second by Young to adjourn the meeting at 1:05 p.m.
KENO COMMITTEE
MINUTES
January 19, 2001
Members present: Tim Young, Joe Peterson, Rick Isham,
Members absent: Craig Aman and Roger Howland
Also present were City Administrator Storm, City Attorney Samson and Assistant
Administrator Hiller.
Chairman Isham called the meeting to order.
Motion by Young, second by Peterson to approve the minutes of the April 4, 2000
meeting. All members present voting Aye. Chairman Isham declared the motion carried.
City Administrator reviewed the Keno Fund report and explained the current status.
He noted there were no outstanding requests at this time. The Little League request had
ended up being less than project so the excess funds were left in the Keno Fund. City
Attorney Samson explained what was required as a "Community Benefit or Betterment
Project". They noted Keno requests should be for capital projects not for operating
expenses. However, this is only a guideline for Keno funds and not a rule. City
Administrator Storm stated the Blair Bowling Center was approved as a new Keno satellite
location. Motion by Peterson, second by Young to approve the Keno Fund report. All
members present voting Aye. Chairman Isham declared the motion carried.
City Administrator Storm explained the application process and Keno Committee
meeting schedule. Discussion was held regarding how the City monitors that the applicants
complete the projects as outlined in their requests. Storm noted the Council typically does
not pay more than 25%.
Request —Vets Field
The American Legion Post 154 presented a request for capital improvements at
Vet's Field. The project is the second phase of improvements. The first phase of
improvements included the completion of a new building for restrooms, concession stand
and storage, outfield fence, decorative lighting in the parking lot and partial completion of
warning track, dugouts and infield renovation. This phase II project would complete the
dugouts, infield and warning lights at the approximate cost of $8500. The project would
also include improvements to field lights and minor capital improvements at the
approximate cost of $1900. The Legion has $8400 in private funds and is requesting
$2000 in Keno Funds. The improvements are planned to be completed in 2001. The
Committee noted this project is eligible for Keno Funds. Motion by Young, second by
Peterson to approve the request submitted by the American Legion Post 154 for
improvements at Vet's Field in the amount of $2000. All members present voted Aye.
Chairman Isham declared the motion carried.
Request — Youth Sports Complex — Blair Soccer Association
The Blair Soccer Association presented a request for renovation o Field #3 and the
addition of a new field at the Youth Sports Complex. Field #3 was originally done by
volunteers many years ago and needs to be updated. They would also like to add a new
field next to existing Field #1 by the cemetery. The new field size would be 120 yards by 70
yards and would be used by all age groups. The approximate cost for the repairs to Field
#3 would be $12,050.00 and the construction of a new field would cost approximately
$18,500.00. Other sources of funding along with Keno include income from Sign
Advertising, Fund Raising and Capital Expenditure. The Association would like to request
$10,000.00 in Keno Funds, which is 33% of the project. The project would be started in the
spring of 2001 and completed during the summer of 2001. Estimates were included from
the Bluejay Lawn and Landscape. The Committee noted a letter of approval from the Youth
Complex Board would be required prior to approval of funds. The Committee addressed
the requested amount of 33% and discussed the eligibility of the request for improvements
on Field #3, as these items appear to be maintenance as opposed to capital improvements.
Motion by Young, second by Peterson to approve the request for Keno Funds by the
Soccer Association at not more than 25% on both projects and contingent on Complex
Board approval.
Motion by Peterson, second by Young to adjourn the meeting at 12:46 p.m.
KENO COMMITTEE
MINUTES
April 4, 2000
Members present: Roger Howland, Frank Wolff, Craig Aman
Members absent: Rick Isham and Tim Young
Also present were Rodney Storm and John Samson.
In absence of Chairman Isham, the meeting was called to order by Vice Chairman
Howland.
Motion by Wolff, second by Aman to approve the minutes of the October 25, 1999
meeting. All members present voting Aye.
City Administrator reviewed the Keno Fund report and explained the current status.
Motion by Wolff, second by Aman to approve the Keno Fund report. All members present
voting Aye. Vice Chairman Howland declared the motion carried.
Request —Blair Tennis Courts
Michael Hinrichs presented a request for the purpose of Stemmermann Park Tennis
court renovation and tennis equipment. He presented an application that indicated funds
were also being donated from the private sector through the Blair Area Community
Foundation. The request outlined the following fund sources: Blair Park Board -
$1,350.00; Washington County Tennis Association - $2,500.00; Cargill - $5,000.00; Keno
Funds - $3,800.00; and Future Donations of $2,840.00. The request included the
resurfacing of the tennis court which would repair cracks and paint, new netting for four
courts, install windscreens, replace backboards and purchase a portable ball machine for
tennis clinics and practice for a total cost of $15,490.00. The Blair Park Board agreed to
purchase the nets and windscreens and supported the efforts of Mr. Hinrichs to raise the
funds for the improvements to the tennis courts. He also noted a plaque would be installed
at the entrance to the tennis courts in recognition of the financial supporters. Motion by
Howland, second by Aman to approve the request for Keno Funds as presented. All
members present voted Aye. Vice Chairman Howland declared the motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 1:05 p.m.
KENO COMMITTEE
Minutes
October 25, 1999
Members present: Roger Howland, Frank Wolff, Paul Nockels, Blake Dillon. Also
present were Rodney Storm and John Samson. Members absent: Rick Isham. Meeting
was called to order by Vice Chairman Howland at 12:15 p.m.
Motion by Nockels, seconded by Wolff to approve the minutes of April 6, 1999 meeting.
All members present voting Aye. Vice Chairman Howland declared the motion carried.
City Administrator Storm reviewed the Keno Fund Report which showed a current
balance (September 30, 1999) of $197,419.08, obligations of $30,629.46 and
projections for income in the next fiscal year of $55,000. Motion by Wolff, second by
Dillon to approve the Keno Fund Report. All members present voting Aye. Vice
Chairman Howland declared the motion carried.
City Administrator Storm then reviewed four projects for funding (see attached).
1. Pool Bath House - $100,000
2. Park Restroom - $ 15,000
3. Cemetery Office/ Maintenance Building - $10,000
4. Street Downtown - $200,000 ( $50,000 now with $10,000 a year for the next 15
years)
Motion by Wolff, second by Nockels to recommend approval of the Keno application
submitted by the City of Blair as presented. All members present voting Aye. Vice
Chairman Howland declared the motion carried.
City Administrator Storm then discussed with the Committee the possibility of setting
time limits on all future requests. This would encourage and/or insure the completion of
projects in a timely manner.
Being no further business, meeting adjourned at 12:55 p.m.
Applicant:
City of Blair
218 South 16'h Street
Blair, NE 68008
Departments: Pool, Cemetery, Park and Street
Project # 9: Pool Estimated Cost $ 495,000
City - $395,000
Keno - $100,000
This project is a complete remodel of the bathhouse, including some additional work for
aesthetics.
Project # 2: Park Estimated Cost $ 60,000
City - $30,000
NRD - $15,000
Keno - $15,000
This project will construct new restrooms on Steyer Park. The restrooms will be built in
the area of the main shelter. NRD Funds are already committed to this project.
Project # 3: Cemetery Estimated Cost $ 54,000
City - $44,000
Keno - $10,000
The Cemetery Office/Maintenance Building is in dire. need of repair. The current facility
is also too small to store equipment.
Project #4: Street Estimated Cost $1,050,995
City Street - $108,955
City Decorative - $305,060
City Water - $ 92,892
OPPD - $ 36,000
Landowner - $508,088
4
City Council has tentatively agreed to obligate approximately $16,000 annually from
MRF payment for ten (10) years and $10,000 KENO for fifteen (15) years to pay for
City decorative cost. In addition we are proposing a one (1) time contribution of $50,000
to buy down the City's cost. Total Request = $50,000 plus first $10,000 per year of
KENO receipts for fifteen (15) years = Total $200,000.
KENO COMMITTEE
MINUTES
April 6, 1999
Members present: Roger Howland, Frank Wolff, Paul Nockels, Blake Dillon, Rick Isham
Also present were Rodney Storm and John Samson.
Meeting was called to order by Chairman Isham.
Motion by Wolff, second by Dillon to approve the minutes of the June 23, 1998
meeting. All members present voting Aye.
City Administrator Storm reviewed the Keno Fund report which showed a current
balance (February 28, 1999) of $184,428.72 and outstanding obligations of $19,974.54.
Request No. 1 — Blair Band Boosters
The band booster's request was for $10,000 to help with the purchase of a Timpani
set and six (6) Tubas. Motion by Howland, second by Dillon to approve the request as
presented. All members present voting Aye. Chairman Isham declared motion carried.
Reauest No. 2 — American Legion Post 154
Paul Nockels declared a conflict and refrained from participating in the discussion.
Bernie Kros, from Legion Post 154, was present to discuss the application. He indicted this
request was for the restrooms, concession stand and infield conditions only. A request will
be made at a later date for the balance of the improvements. The Committee reviewed the
projected costs, which included actual versus donated labor. Motion by Isham, second by
Dillon to participate in 25% of the actual costs, not to exceed $15,000. All members
present voting Aye. Chairman Isham declared the motion carried.
Request No. 3 — Blair Community Hospital
City Attorney Samson reviewed this request, including the definition of
"Community Betterment" and the latest Attorney General opinions relative to use of the
Keno funds for private 503C Nonprofit Corporations. Motion by Nochols second by
Wolff to table this request until the City Attorney can get a written opinion from the
Department of Revenue Gaming Division on whether or not the request would meet the
definition of "Community Betterment". All members present voting Aye. Chairman
Isham declared the motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 12:54p.m.
KENO COMMITTEE
MINUTES
June 23, 1998
Members present: Roger Howland, Frank Wolff, Paul Nockels, Blake Dillon
Members absent: Rick Isham
Also present were Rodney Storm and John Samson.
In absence of Chairman Isham, the meeting was called to order by Howland.
Motion by Wolff, second by Nockels to approve the minutes of the October 10,
1997 meeting. All members present voting Aye.
City Administrator reviewed the Keno Fund report and explained the current
status. Howland stated he liked the new report format. Motion by Nockels, second by
Wolff to approve the Keno Fund report. All members present voting Aye. Vice Chairman
Howland declared the motion carried.
Request No. 1 — Blair Youth Sports Complex
Committee member Frank Wolff declared a conflict of interest and stated he would
not participate in discussion and voting. Little League is requesting funding in the amount
of $20,000 to build new batting cage and storage facility at the Youth Complex. The
complex would most likely be used by girl's softball also. Committee discussed the value
of the youth programs to the Community. Motion by Nockels, second by Dillon to
recommend Keno funds in the amount of $20,000 to the Little League for the batting cage
project. Member voting Aye: Dillon, Nockels and Howland. Voting Nay: None. Abstain:
Wolff.
Request No. 2 — Blair Area Chamber of Commerce
Committee then discussed the application by Blair Area Chamber of Commerce to
request an additional $4,000 for the Mini Park/Entrance Sign Project. Committee felt the
two current projects were a real asset and felt the funding should be increased. Motion
by Howland, second by Wolff to recommend an additional $4000 to the project. All
members present voting Aye. Vice Chairman Howland declared the motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 1:20 p.m.
KENO COMMITTEE
MINUTES
October 10, 1997
Members present: Roger Howland, Frank Wolff, Paul Nockels
Members absent: Rick Isham, Blake Dillon
In absence of Chairman Isham, the meeting was called to order by Howland.
Motion by Howland, second by Nockels to approve the minutes of the April 18, 1997
meeting. All members present voting Aye.
City Administrator reviewed the status of Keno Funds. Currently there is
$106,936.49 available for funding projects. Keno continues to bring in approximately
4,000+ a month to the City.
Reauest No. 1 — Blair Youth Softball Association
The Committee reviewed the request for $10,000 to fund a total project that included
lights and batting cages. Although there was some concern this was an after the fact
request, the Committee supported the project because of the number of youth served.
Motion by Wolff, seconded by Nockels to approve the request for $10,000 for lights and
batting cages. All members present voting Aye, Temporary Chairman Howland declared
the motion carried.
Request No. 2 — Blair Library and Friends of the Library
The Committee discussed the project and felt that it would be very beneficial to the
community. Motion by Nockels, second by Wolff to approve the request by the Blair Library
and Friends of the Library in the amount of $7,700 to automate the Library. All members
present voting Aye. Temporary Chairman Howland declared the motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 1:15 p.m.
KENO COMMITTEE
MINUTES
APRIL 18, 1997
Members present: Rick Isham, Frank Wolff, Paul Nockels
Chairperson Isham called the meeting to order at 11:45 a.m.
Bud Oliver of YMCA was present to answer questions and explain how
equipment would be used.
Motion by Nockels, seconded by Wolff to recommend to the City
Council that the City fund the project at 500 or approximately
$2070. All members present voting Aye.
Meeting adjourned at 12:05 p.m.
KENO COMMITTEE
MINUTES
APRIL 1, 1997
Members Present: Roger Howland Rick Isham, Frank wolff, Blake Dillon ' , Paul Nockels,
Others Present:
Wyman Nelson and Rodney Storm
Motion by Wolff,
second by Howland to elect Rich Is
members Present voting Aye. ham chairperson. All
Committee reviewed Keno rec
answered questions On current siteseiptsto to date. City Admininterstrator
, revenues and how Storm
Of "
City Attorney Nelson then reviewed definitions ipret report.
to help define eligible project and the aCommunity Betterment"
pplication Process.
Applications will be reviewed quarterly. Applicat,
and 1998 are as follows: 'on deadline for 1997
Application due June 1, 1997 Committee review by
Council by 1st Mee' July I ' 1997
Application due Sept. 1, 1997 ting in July, 1997
Committee review by October 1,
Council by 1st meeting in Octob 1997
Application due by Dec. 1, 1997 er, 1997
- Committee review by January 1, 1998
Council by 1st meeting in January, 1998
Application due by March 1, 1998
- Committee review by April 1, 1998
Council by 1st meeting in April, 1998
Application due by June 1, 1998
- Committee review by July 1, 1998
Council by 1st meeting in July, 1998
Application due by Sept. 1, 1998
- Committee review by October 1, 1998
Council by 1st meeting in October, 1998
Application due by Dec. 1, 1998
Committee review by January 1 1999
Council by 1st meeting in January, 1999