By: Hollie Hojek
hhojek@kcautv.com
City of Sioux City Manager Paul Eckert told Channel 9 Wednesday, that this was the time when the city was hoping to have an agreement in place with Penn National Gaming over the Argosy Casino's Dock Lease. But that has obviously not happened yet.
And while Eckert was not willing to discuss the details of the conversations between Penn National Gaming, the owner of the dock lease, an the city, he did say there has been improved communication between both groups, and they are talking multiple times a week. If you remember recently, emails were released to the public regarding the lack of cooperation between the two groups.
"We value the fact that we are here now and not having the types of comments either on our part or other parts, talking about frustrations or anything like that."
Now there is some good news for the 300 employees at the Argosy Casino. Technically their jobs are safe for at least the next two months due to a law that requires 60 days notice to an employee before losing their job.
"Employees would always have a notice if things were not going well. That is not in the process now."
The Argosy Casino's dock lease is set to expire at the end of January. That gives the city and Penn National Gaming until December 29th, less than one month, to come up with an agreement, so that it can be viewed by the public.
Eckert says he is hoping to finalize the agreement well before December 29th, in order to have some breathing room if necessary.
