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Springfield City Council President Michael Fenton, shown at Wednesday's meeting, proposed a casino ethics ordinance that received second-step approval.

(Peter Goonan / The Republican)

SPRINGFIELD - The City Council took another step Wednesday toward approving an ordinance that, if finalized, will prohibit councilors and the mayor from taking any Springfield casino job for three years after they leave elective office.

The council gave second-step approval, of three steps needed, to pass the ordinance. In addition, the council approved a key revision to the ordinance - supporting the three-year ban on casino jobs, rather than the original proposal for a five-year ban.

MGM Springfield plans to begin construction of an $800 million casino in the spring in the South End-downtown area.

Council President Michael Fenton, who sponsored the so-called casino ethics ordinance, has stated the purpose is to hold elected officials "to the highest ethical standard in connection with the planned casino."

Fenton voted against the change of the ban to three years on Wednesday, still favoring the longer ban. However, he supported second-step passage with that change made.

The council's General Government Committee recommended the three-year ban, with supporters saying that five years seemed too long.

The ordinance also states that "major policymakers," including city department heads and city employees who directly report to them (and make over $60,000 a year) cannot take Springfield casino jobs for two years after they leave city jobs.

Some councilors have said that while there is no specific penalty in the ordinance for any violation, they are confident that MGM will not hire in contradiction to the city's will, and would be under continued oversight of the city and state.