Only supporters of the businesses showed up to speak at a public hearing Feb. 13 about skill game rooms and Internet sweepstakes cafés.

The hearing was held by Marysville City Council’s public affairs committee.

Committee chair Deborah Groat and members J.R. Rausch and Henk Berbee visited the businesses on Feb. 13.

Groat said that in her opinion, the Games People Play, Arcade Paradise and the Internet Sweepstakes Café were all engaged in gambling.

“It is beyond my knowledge to define gambling beyond what it is used in the vernacular,” she said. “When the state of Ohio defines gambling and enforces state legislation, our job here will become a moot point. Until then, this committee will consider, conclude and suggest what legislation it can.”

She noted that patrons at all three businesses were mature and all three businesses had some sort of age limit, either 18 or 21 years of age. She described all three as “safe and pleasant establishments.”

Groat said none of the machines used by any of the establishments have been examinied by a governmental agency that might be responsible for checking their working order.

“The opportunity for illegal activity is no greater than any other business in the city,” she said.

She suggested that these establishments should not be located near schools, churches or libraries, that the city should consider some type of licensing and a reasonable fee structure, and the machines used should be checked and certified.

“At this time, I entirely support the moratorium on the future of such businesses,” Groat said.

Berbee suggested a 500-foot buffer around historic Marysville. He also suggested that no gaming establishments be permitted to set up in that zone. He said the biggest issue for downtown placement is parking.

Rausch agreed that parking could be an issue but expressed concern about certifying the machines.

“Who do we have that can certify a machine and what does that mean?” he asked.

Some of the owners said they use an independent business to check and certify the machines.

City Administrator Terry Emery reiterated that the administration feels strongly about licensing the businesses.

An attorney representing Arcade Paradise pointed out that while the idea of keeping the businesses away from libraries, schools and churches sounds fine, the church rule may be hard to follow. He said some churches can pop up quickly, which would run a gaming business out of its location. He suggested some sort of grandfather clause.

Operator Phyllis Fraley said the gaming machines are set up to keep customers happy and coming back. She agreed an annual fee is reasonable and suggested $100 a machine would be fair. Fraley said she leases her machines, pays an annual license fee to her local government, and operates with no government oversight.

Arcade Paradise co-owner William Hall said $100 is excessive and suggested $25 to $50 per machine.

City council vice president Tracy Richardson said city leaders need to protect and provide for the community. She also questioned who could certify the machines. Richardson suggested limiting the number of gaming businesses allowed, according to the city’s population.

No one from the public spoke in opposition to the businesses.

The next public hearing is scheduled for 6 p.m. March 26 in city council chambers at 125 E. Sixth St., Marysville.