HomeMy WebLinkAbout(0042) M&C 19-0365City of Fort Worth, Texas
Mayor and Council Communication
DATE: 12/10/19 M&C FILE NUMBER: M&C 19-0365
LOG NAME: 12GAMEROOM INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT-TARRANT COUNTY
SUBJECT
Authorize Interlocal Agreement to Allow the City to Administer and Enforce the Tarrant County Game -Room Regulations (ALL COUNCIL
DISTRICTS)
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council authorize an interlocal agreement with Tarrant County to allow the City to administer and enforce the Tarrant
County Game -Room Regulations.
DISCUSSION:
In 2017 and 2019, the Texas Legislature amended Texas Local Government Code § 234 so that Tarrant County may regulate game rooms. On
November 12, 2019, Tarrant County approved the Tarrant County Game -Room regulations. The regulations provide for the administration of game
rooms and allows the Game -Room Permit Administrator the authority to: supervise, control, and operate the game -room permit office; grant
permits; administratively suspend permits; and hear appeals of denials, suspensions, or revocations of game -room permits.
Under the County regulations, game rooms are subject to inspection by peace officers, fire -safety officials, and code -compliance officers. The
issuance of a permit is considered implied consent for entry. Further, game rooms are required to have signage, be compliant with Fire and Safety
Codes, have transparent and uncovered windows, and maintain records on employees and taxes. The game -room regulations restrict the hours of
operation for game rooms to 8:00 A.M.-10:00 P.M.
The Tarrant County Game -Room Regulations prohibit game rooms from locating within 2,000 from another game room or 1,500 feet from any
school, place of worship, or residential neighborhood. The regulations contain a grandfathering provision for established game rooms that are
currently operating under certain conditions.
The Local Government Code and the Tarrant County Game -Room Regulations provide that counties may enter into interlocal agreements for the
administration and enforcement of game -room regulations. The proposed interlocal agreement with Tarrant County would grant the City authority to
administer game -room permitting and to allow Fort Worth Police and City Council to enforce the regulations. The regulations are critical to combat
crime in and around game rooms.
A Form 1295 is not required because: This contract will be with a governmental entity, state agency or public institution of higher education: Tarrant
County
FISCAL INFORMATION / CERTIFICATION:
The Director of Finance certifies that approval of these recommendations will have no material effect on City funds.
Submitted for City Manager's Office by. Jesus Chapa
Originating Business Unit Head:
Dana Burghdoff
Sarah Fullenwider
Gerald Pruitt
5804
8018
7623
7623
Additional Information Contact: Sarah Fullenwider 7623
Christopher B. Mosley 7603