Nov. 9, 2023 11:15p
(WGTD)---The Kenosha City Council gave preliminary approval Thursday night to an agreement with the Menominee Indian Tribe that could help pave the way for the development of a $350 million casino/hotel complex.
The vote was 12 to 3.
Alderman Dave Mau voted no because he was uncomfortable with the city sanctioning a specific business venture. Alderman Kelly Mackay’s ‘no’ vote was based on his opposition to gambling. Alderwoman Holly Kangas said she supported the casino, but said the process was moving too quickly since the release just this week of the proposed deal. "I have received calls from people that say they think this is not open and transparent government. And that's the last thing we would want to appears as," she said.
Alderman Dan Prozanski used some of his time to question Mayor Antaramian about the revenue-sharing portion of the agreement, and its benefits to the city in light of levy caps. "These funds would be able to be used for a number of different types of things that the council has asked for in the past," Antaramain said.
Under the deal with the Menominees, the city and county would received a combined $12 to $15 million a year.
Tribal Chair Gena Kakkak said it’s a good deal for all. "To be good for Menominee, the project must be good for Kenosha," she said. "The Menominee believe that by working together, the City of Kenosha and the Menominee can both be successful."
The Menominee tribe—one of the poorest in the state—needs the revenue to expand a health clinic, launch education initiatives and modernize a sawmill.
Final city council approval is expected to come Nov. 20th.
The county board will consider its deal with the Menominees next week.
Kakkak says the tribe hopes to submit paperwork to the Bureau of Indian Affairs before the end of the year. The tribe hopes to get a decision in six months.
Gov. Evers would also have to approve.
Disapproval by then Gov. Walker is what killed a Kenosha casino nearly a decade ago.
While the Menominees would own the proposed development, Hard Rock International would run it.
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