Casino news source: The Desert Sun - http://www.thedesertsun.com
Rancho Mirage to annex 40 acres of Agua Caliente land in historic agreement
Debra Gruszecki
The Desert Sun
March 22, 2007
The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians and the city of Rancho Mirage signed an historic memorandum of understanding over construction of the $205 million Agua Caliente Casino Hotel expansion this afternoon.
"By signing today's agreement in Rancho Mirage City Council Chambers, in accordance with public meeting laws, the tribe affirms that a strong government-to-government relationship is vital to our sovereignty, our community, and to our future generations," tribal chairman Richard Milanovich said just hours before the scheduled gathering. "This was not without disagreement along the way -- but we're proud that disagreements can be turned into solutions through as good faith effort on all sides."
The document was inked after more than a year of negotiations. The impasse was bridged when the tribe suggested an annexation of county land so the city of Rancho Mirage would have binding arbitration powers with the casino and hotel development project.
The developments include construction of a $205 million hotel addition to the casino at Interstate 10, near the gateway to the city of Rancho Mirage.
The meeting is considered to be historic in that the councils inked bilateral agreements between the government and the sovereign nation.
"By signing today's agreement in Rancho Mirage City Council Chambers, in accordance with public meeting laws, the tribe affirms that a strong government-to-government relationship is vital to our sovereignty, our community, and to our future generations," tribal chairman Richard Milanovich said just hours before the scheduled gathering. "This was not without disagreement along the way -- but we're proud that disagreements can be turned into solutions through as good faith effort on all sides."
Milanovich said the tribe believes it is possible to respect and honor sovereignty while working in unity with its sister governments.
"We've built this kind of relationship with the city of Palm Springs, Riverside county and Cathedral City,'' he said. "And this agreement proves that we are building the same good relationship with the city of Rancho Mirage."
Negotiations to reach the memorandum of understanding have been taking place more than a year.
The city originally sought fair-share contributions to mitigate the impact of the high-rise hotel addition of $7.5 million in road improvements, annual public safety contributions of $4.1 million and a 40-acre land donation for affordable housing. The tribe did not agree to all those terms.
Weeks ago, officials characterized the talks as amicable and on the verge of bridging apparent gaps in monetary provisions that would be made to the city for costs affiliated with the tribe's operation of the hotel.
Mayor Pro Tem Dana Hobart said today's agreements signal a new era in the relationship between Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians and the city of Rancho Mirage.
"We are anticipating a productive partnership based upon mutual respect and continuing confidence in each other,'' he said.
The meeting took place in Rancho Mirage City Hall's Council Chamber, 69-825 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage. |
|
