Bonita Springs council moves forward on slot machine referendum

onita Springs officials continue to hammer out an agreement with the owners of the dog track that could bring millions of dollars to the city while guaranteeing the track development rights if a referendum passes Nov. 6 and legislators allow slot machines at pari-mutuels.The City Council voted 7-0 Wednesday to move the proposed agreement to a second hearing and vote at its 5:30 p.m. Oct. 3 meeting at City Hall.

The city would receive 1.5 percent of monthly revenues from Naples-Fort Myers Greyhound Racing & Poker, and 2.5 percent of revenues if they exceed $250 million. If 795 machines generate $100 million a year, the city of Bonita would receive $1.5 million a year. Lee County has an agreement with the track in which it would also receive 1.5 percent of annual revenues.

"I think we've got to up the negotiations," resident Ron Pure said at Wednesday's first public hearing. "We're going to have to suffer the negative consequences along with the positive stuff they bring to the city."Izzy Havenick, whose family has owned the track on Bonita Beach Road since 1972, said they agreed to a most favored nation clause in negotiations with City Manager Carl Schwing and City Attorney Audrey Vance. That entitles the city to renegotiate the terms if another party offers a better deal.