The Richmond City Council has approved a 20-year, $335-million services agreement with a Pomo Indian tribe that would take effect if a casino is approved in North Richmond.

The agreement with the Scotts Valley Band of the Pomo Indians makes Richmond responsible for providing numerous infrastructure and public safety services, even though the proposed casino is in an unincorporated area beyond Richmond's boundaries.

Contra Costa County Supervisor John Gioia said the 45-page agreement is full of holes and heavily weighted in the tribe's favor by allowing it to renegotiate payments.

"This agreement is essentially nonbinding and meaningless," Gioia said. "The city was hoodwinked into helping the tribe get approval for a large gambling facility without getting protection for its residents."

The council approved the agreement Tuesday by a 6-3 vote after hearing opposing public comments. Mayor-elect Gayle McLaughlin, Tom Butt and Tony Thurmond voted no.

Council members who supported the agreement said it could help generate muchneeded revenue for the city and provide jobs for residents in impoverished, high-crime areas of Richmond and North Richmond.

Opponents argued the millions that would be paid to Richmond under the agreement sounded great, but there is no evaluation of the costs to provide municipal services to a large casino. And the agreement lets the tribe off the hook for any gambling-related social problems, such as increased crime,

addiction or traffic.

The agreement would take effect if the Bureau of Indian Affairs awards the 191-member tribe reservation status for a 30-acre site in North Richmond.

The agreement is also meant to set aside 40 percent of non-licensed casino jobs to American Indians, Richmond and North Richmond residents. Non-licensed jobs in casinos typically are lower paying and include food service and maintenance.

"We will bring jobs and good wages," tribe Chairman Donald Arnold told the council. "And you will see that we will provide organized training programs prior to the hiring process."

The Contra Costa Board of Supervisors has unanimously approved a statement opposing the expansion of gambling anywhere in the county. The Board has also sent numerous letters to the Bureau of Indian Affairs pointing out inadequacies in the casino's draft environmental report.

If the Bureau of Indian Affairs grants the Tribe reservation status, the North Richmond property will be sovereign and beyond the jurisdiction of the county.

Casino supporters asked the council to approve the agreement for the employment opportunities.

"We are here tonight to support the Scotts Valley Band of the Pomo Indians who have guaranteed jobs to North Richmond residents," said Barbara Becnel, executive director of the North Richmond Neighborhood House, a nonprofit social services organization. "Don't pass up this opportunity."

But local residents will be hired last if at all, Gioia said.

"The agreement specifically says hiring priority will be given first to tribe members, then American Indians who live within an undefined area, then Richmond residents and finally North Richmond residents," he said. "The lowest priority goes to North Richmond residents, who will be most impacted by the casino."

Richmond also signed away its right to force the tribe to hire local residents through legal action, Gioia said.

Administrative Chief Janet Schneider admitted the city cannot seek a judgment that would force the tribe to hire Richmond and North Richmond residents.

But the city would have some legal recourse, she said. The agreement allows for binding arbitration and lawsuits for monetary damages.

Vice Mayor Maria Viramontes said she opposes gambling but voted in favor of the agreement because she thought it would protect Richmond in case the casino is approved.

"I hope this answers all your dreams," she said to North Richmond casino supporters. "Although, I would rather it was