West Tawakoni City Council Discusses Game Rooms

Staff Writer

During the regular session of the West Tawakoni City Council held on September 9, discussion of businesses that operate game and amusement devices took up considerable time.

The council is considering changes to Ordinance No. 110 that specifically pertains to the issue. In particular, discussion encircled safety concerns that arise from the operation of these businesses as well as the bad reputation that some game rooms in the area of West Tawakoni have accrued.

Mayor Pete Yoho explains that this reputation consists of rumors and reported incidences which include robbery and the buying and selling of illegal drugs and stolen goods.

Yoho notes, "this is not the reputation our city would like to have."

Under consideration by the council is the lack of visibility into most game rooms due to the widespread absence of windows in many of these businesses.

Council members and city administrator Cloy Richards noted the difficulty this causes for law enforcement officials in ensuring the safety of clerks and citizens inside.

Many of the game rooms are also darkly lit on the interior, causing further visibility issues, and several lack a sign indicating the name or purpose of the business.

Other issues raised include the ability to bring alcohol into the rooms, and possible limitations on the time in which alcohol can be consumed. As well, the extensive hours of operation for many of these businesses result in an increased amount of crime and accidents.

Police chief Jack Schultz cited two incidences that took place on the day of the city council meeting: one of aggravated assault and one attempted robbery, both of which occurred in a game room.

Richards explained that the only permit requests to the city have come from people wishing to start game rooms, indicating that this will be a major issue for West Tawakoni in the foreseeable future.

The council also discussed the proposed property tax rate for the 2008-2009 fiscal year which is .447505/$100 of property valuation.

Improvements to the city park will include a grill that is currently being constructed by Tommy Gs Welding which will be firmly placed by the new pavilion. A concrete walking path will run from the new pavilion to the memorial, and a butterfly garden will be planted in October.