HomeMy WebLinkAboutTribal-County Relations Committee - Minutes - 11/15/2004Tribal Studies Minutes, November 15, 2004 meeting, Bayfield County Courtroom
Present: Phil Gordon, Leo LaFernier, Dick Compton, Dave Good
Public: Beth Armstrong, Charlie Bressette and Mark Abeles-Allison
1. Gordon made a motion to approve the minutes, seconded by Good. Motion carried.
2. The Committee discussed a variety of law enforcement issues including: A COPS
Grant, Bayfield Tower, The Tribal Law Enforcement Agreement, CODY software, Jail
Literacy and Tribal Police legislative efforts.
Bressette said that CODY was working better now and that the information provided was
very helpful. He also reported that calls overall were down this year. This was especially
the case for juvenile calls.
There was also discussion on the Clerk of Courts record of cases and dispositions. The
County is considering a database add on that would allow for automatic record updates as
opposed to multiple entry. This could benefit the Tribe as well.
Bressette stated that the Tribe had discussed the independent recognition of tribal law
enforcement officers, without Sheriff Deputization. The law allows for this at present but
requires insurance assurances and certain waivers of sovereign immunity. The issue also
expands to retirement for tribal officers. At present the tribe does not participate in the
Wisconsin Retirement System.
LaFernier mentioned that the State-Tribal Advisory board was being reactivated and that
the above issue could be a topic discussed.
3. Tribal Land Issues: The Tribe and County will designate three members to serve on
the committee established to research land issues.
4. Development Plans in Red Cliff: LaFernier stated that they were getting closer on
financing and that a May 1, 2005 date was being discussed for recommencing work on
the casino project.
• Armstrong discussed the garden project at Aiken farm.
• Bressette discussed the Head Start program upgrade and the new kitchen.
• Compton inquired about the mobile home park. LaFernier discussed the
successes of the Walking Shield Project as it related to construction of new homes
and utilities to serve them.
• Compton provided an update of BART activities. Due to funding restrictions the
proposed expansion will not be going through.
• LaFernier discussed proposals to expand the highway around the casino to
provide turn lanes.
• Regarding the Veterans Wall, Mark Montano will be the contact for the tribe.
Compton made the motion to adjourn, seconded by Gordon. Motion carried.