Clarification wanted on Galardi’s fine

Sito Negron

Friday, Feb. 13, 2004 | 11:07 a.m.

District Judge Jennifer Togliatti this morning sought more information to help her decide whether the company that owns Cheetahs topless club should have to pay a $1 million fine.

She received information this morning to clarify the city ordinances under which the Las Vegas City Council fined the company known as La Fuente more than $1 million because of guilty pleas on federal political corruption charges made by Michael Galardi, who retired later his shares in the company.

She asked attorneys Dominic Gentile, representing current Cheetahs owner Jack Galardi, and William Henry, of the city attorney's office, for more information about how the city interprets its ordinance and set a hearing on the matter on March 29. Jack Galardi is Michael's father and former partner.

Meanwhile, the City Council will consider next week whether to discipline the liquor license a second time, and if it decides to move forward, likely will set a date for a disciplinary hearing.

The previous $1 million fine was based on Michael Galardi's guilty plea in relation to bribery charges in San Diego.

The city's second complaint is based on his guilty plea to similar charges in Las Vegas.

Gentile said earlier this week the city was being either greedy or vindictive in its plan to file a second complaint over the Cheetahs liquor license.

City officials said they were simply following up on their options, although Mayor Oscar Goodman and some council members indicated their disappointment that Galardi had not paid the fine.

The fine amount was based on city statutes that allow up to $1,000 a day for each day of violation -- between August 2000 and May 2003. However, Gentile is arguing that the city has no jurisdiction to discipline the license because Michael Galardi was not convicted.

Gentile argues that two portions of the city code conflict over whether a conviction is required for disciplinary action.

Togliatti last week issued a stay on payment of the fine until she received more information from the city about what the council's intent was when it passed the rules years ago.