City administrator George Lambert reported that the county would not have any issues with a meeting between the city and the tribe, as long as the county was represented. Lambert advised that the council stay coordinated with the county in handling the casino. He said, “We will not allow the tribe to mitigate heavily for county issues and bend on city issues and vice versa; this also applies to the school district.” Council member Jeff Barnhardt stated, “This whole situation has left a bad taste in my mouth. This council does not want a casino, but if it is going to be shoved down our throat, we must be absolutely certain to mitigate properly.” Although the city did not decide to meet with the tribe at this time, negotiations between the tribe, the county, and the city of Ione will begin once the tribe has submitted their final TEIR.

Negotiations will then be open for 55 days.