HomeMy WebLinkAboutTribal-County Relations Committee - Minutes - 5/14/2004Minutes of the Bayfield County Tribal Study Committee Meeting
10:00am, Friday, May 14, 2004
Red Cliff Fire Hall
The meeting of the Bayfield County Tribal Studies Committee was called to order at 10:100am,
Friday, May 16, 2004, at the Red Cliff Fire Hall by acting chairman Leo LaFernier.
Members Present: Richard Compton, Phil Gordon, Leo LaFernier
Members Absent: Ray DePerry, David Good, Mark Abeles-Allison
Others Present: Chris Johnson, Jan Victorson, Charles Bresette, Kris Kavajecz, and citizens:
Lori Melberg, Jim Melberg, Pat Melberg, Steve Melberg, Howard Paap, and Michael Smith.
Motion Regarding Minutes of the March 24, 2004 Tribal Studies Committee
Meeting; Motion by Compton, second by Gordon to approve the minutes of the
March 24, 2004 meeting as presented. Motion Carried.
Enhanced 9-1-1 Update (Jan Victorson): Jan Victorson reported that the
dispatchers are now dispatching from the new center and the enhanced 9-1-1
system is working well. Jan asked for input from the committee members
regarding opportunities for outreach in Red Cliff. Suggestion was made to
distribute information at the Health Center and Fire Hall and also possibly at
polling locations. Jan explained that she also has 2 videos available for education,
which she would be happy to share with the Red Cliff television station. Jan
reported that about one half of all emergency calls are now coming in on the
dedicated 9-1-1 lines.
Discussion & Possible Action Regarding Joint Veteran’s Celebration (Chris
Johnson): Chris reported that Pat Thornton with the Count Tourism office is
working on a grant to help promote the “Moving Wall” project. Chris suggested that
the project coincide with the opening of the new casino or with a Pow-Wow or
other notable tribal event. Chris emphasized that if the tribe has not yet
reserved the wall, they should do so very soon to ensure it will be available. Chief
Bresette agreed to place the topic on the next Tribal Council agenda and to check
with the Tribal Chairman on the status of the project.
Discussion Regarding Property Owner Issues: Introductions were made of all
citizens wishing to address the committee as well as committee members. Chief
Bresette spoke regarding the trespass concerns of the Melbergs. Jim Melberg
explained that his concern is the misconception that their property is tribal land
and that any tribal members may have access to it. Mr. Melberg clarified that the
land is indeed private and that the road is also private. The Melbergs expressed
concern for their safety as they have received several threats. Chief Bresette
explained several obstacles that law enforcement encounters when attempting to
investigate and prosecute crimes that take place when there are no witnesses, such
as when the property owner is away. Melbergs also expressed concern with
congestion on Frog Bay Road and the fact that they, at times, cannot access their
property by vehicle.
LaFernier stated to Melberg’s that he has contacted Mark Montano to check their
property when he saw two trucks enter the property that he did not recognize.
Melbergs requested that in the future, the police department be contacted rather
than a private citizen that they do not know.
Melberg’s requested that this issue continue to be discussed. LaFernier suggested
that the citizens meet with the Tribal Council. Chief Bresette committed to
checking the property as often as possible.
County/Tribal Law Enforcement, Record Management and Mobile Data
Discussion.: Chief Bresette reported that the Bayfield County Information
Services and Red Cliff Information Services staff have been unable to coordinate
a time to meet and discuss the CODY technology. Compton reported that at the
County Priority sessions, CODY technology and communication with the Court
System was identified as a priority for the county. Victorson questioned the
adequacy of tower capability for the Mobile Data terminals. Bresette reported
that he is working on a grant to assist with erecting a tower and repeater to help
with the communication issues.
Bresette reported that the County and Tribal Law Enforcement are working well
together and are holding at least quarterly meetings.
Review and update on Tribal Land Issues.: The Tribal Council and County Board
have both approved the Memorandum of Understanding, signed by the County
Board Chairman and Tribal Chairman.
Discussion (continued) of Development Plans in Red Cliff: Construction will begin
in June, 2004 and is estimated to be completed in May, 2005. Compton asked
about a Public Informational session about the project. The informational session is
tentatively planned for early June, 2004.
The next meeting was set for July 15, 2004, 10:00 am at the Red Cliff Fire Hall.
Motion by Compton, Second by Gordon to adjourn. Motion Carried. Meeting
adjourned at 11:15am.