HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 2006-090 N.C.S. 05/15/2006 Resolution No. 2006-090 N.C.S. _
of the City of Petaluma, California
RESOLUTION OPPOSING THE DRY CREEK RANCHERIA BAND OF POMO
INDIANS PROPOSED CASINO PROJECT SOUTH OF PETALUMA
WHEREAS, the Dry Creek Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians has applied to federal
authorities to build a second casino south of Petaluma; and,
WHEREAS, the area of approximately 220 acres is located between Highway 101 and
the Petaluma River, east of the Kastania Road exit, just south of Petaluma city limits; and,
WHEREAS, this site is the same approximate area that the Cloverdale Band of Pomo
Indians of California, aka the Makahmo Pomo Indian Nation, proposed to acquire for a
reservation site in March of 1994; and,
WHEREAS, building a casino and associated uses on this site would violate city and
county general plans and good land use policy; and,
WHEREAS, this land provides habitat for wildlife as well as being used for agricultural
uses and livestock grazing; and,
WHEREAS, such lands represent an important scenic gateway and urban separator to
Sonoma County; and,
WHEREAS, the Tribe's plans were announced in the media without any government-to-
government consultation with affected local communities; and,
WHEREAS, the proposed project could overwhelm the local infrastructure in the area in
which the casino project is proposed, including uncertainties over water supply and
transportation impacts; and,
WHEREAS, the environmental impacts of the proposed project have the potential of
being far-reaching and of such magnitude that they would negatively affect a significant portion
of the North Bay, including aggravating of existing traffic problems along Highways 37 and 101,
Resolution No. 2006-090 N.C.S Page 1
as well as county and city roads in the project vicinity; posing severe water quality risks and
availability; profound negative visual impacts in this scenic area; impacting the existing lack of
affordable housing; and impacting the service area of emergency services; and,
WHEREAS, when California voters approved Proposition lA (Indian Gaming) in March
of 2000 as a means of supporting the laudable goal of Indian economic development and self-
sufficiency, they were not aware that such approval would allow Nevada developers to seize
prized off-reservation environmental resources for intense development without regard to locally
approved general plans or any meaningful environmental review or protection.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Petaluma City Council, based on
the information currently available, strongly opposes the creation of a gambling casino, resort or
hotel on the site proposed by the Dry Creek Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians.
Under the power and authority conferred upon this Council by the Charter of said City.
REFERENCE: I hereby certify the foregoing Resolution was introduced and adopted by the p oved t
Council of the City of Petaluma at a Regular meeting on the 15`h day of form:
May, 2006, by the following vote: ;
City Attorney
AYES: Mayor Glass, Harris, Canevaro, Healy, Nau, O'Brien, Torliatt
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None ~
Gti'
ATTEST:
City Clerk Mayor
Resolution No. 2006-090 N.C.S Page 2