Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutTribal-County Relations Committee - Minutes - 10/25/2007Tribal Studies 102507 Page 1 of 2 Minutes of the Bayfield County Tribal Study Committee Meeting 10:00am, Thursday, October 25, 2007 Red Cliff Fire Station, Bayfield, WI Attending: Mark Montano, Leo LaFernier, Thomas Gordon, Dee Kittleson Others Present: Mark Abeles-Allison, Brenda Spurlock, Elizabeth Skulan, Joe Bresette, Charles Bresette, Diane Heapy and Dave Ujak Meeting called to order by Montano at 10:00am. Motion Regarding Minutes of the September 26, 2006 Tribal Studies Committee Meeting; Motion Gordon, Kittleson to approve the minutes of the August 23, 2007 meeting. Motion Carried. County Tribal Law Enforcement Agreement: Bresette reviewed the Tribal County Law Enforcement Agreement. Motion Gordon, Kittleson to approve the 2008 County-Tribal Law Enforcement Agreement. Motion carried, (4-0). Native American Drug & Gang Initiative: Montano reviewed the establishment of a police commission with six individuals appointed to the commission including, Gustafason, Jeffords, Butterfield and Basina. These individuals were selected and appointed by Montano and Ujak. Charlie Bresette spoke about the Native American Drug and Gang Initiative (NADGI). Bresette said this was a inter-tribal effort across reservations that allows for law enforcement from one Tribe to work undercover on another to help uncover illicit drug operations. Bressette noted that communications with Bayfield County detectives on operations continue. Tribal License Plates: Montano discussed the possibility of tribal licenses plates for the Tribe. He noted that some tribes issue plates and that Red Cliff was considering this. Issuance of titles would remain a State responsibility. One topic of discussion was whether license plates could be searched using the TIME system. Some concerns were raised about long stop times when an officer pulled over a vehicle with tribal plates due to computer search problems. Red Cliff plans to research and work out these issues prior to proceeding. Taxation of B Land within Tribal Boundaries: Taxation of Tribal lands were discussed in detail. Reservation lands owned in fee status by tribal members have been taxable in the past. A recent Supreme Court ruling in Michigan was followed up by a State Department of Revenue ruling stating that these lands were no longer taxable. The issue raises a number of issues for taxing entities. Issues touched on included: Tribal Studies 102507 Page 2 of 2 • What lands are owned by tribal members and how land becomes non-taxable. It was mentioned that a form was being made available by the Town and Tribe for those wishing to claim the exemption. • What type of reimbursement would be available to tribal members who have paid past taxes under protect. This is an issue area still being researched. • What is the Town’s and Counties responsibility? • How many parcels are impacted? These and similar issues will be researched and brought to both the County and Tribes attention at future meetings. Motion Gordon, Montano to have the Tribal Studies Committee go on record supporting enforcement of State and Federal law as it related to fee land for Tribal members. Motion carried, (4-0). Drug & Alcohol Funding in DHS as it Impacts Native Americans: Elizabeth Skulan and Dianne Heapy from the Bayfield County Human Services Department discussed drug and alcohol funding for the county and tribe. Effective the last quarter of the year the county suspended funding new clients receiving counseling services until the new year budget came into effect in January. Individual case by case determinations will continue to be made as necessary. Discussion continued on the topic of contracts and budget allocations for services. It was noted that for budgetary purposes a certain amount of funding was set aside for service providers but this was an estimated figure that allowed the Department to have an open contract for services on an as needed basis. These estimates were overrun in cases and in other cases they were underrun. Other Items of Interest: Brenda Spurlock, Bayfield County Criminal Justice Coordinator discussed grant opportunities and efforts underway with programming for offenders in and out of the jail. A variety of culturally sensitive programs, in addition to traditional in jail programs are now being offered. It was noted that the County is working with LCO on some of these projects in the Bayfield County Jail. Bresette noted that the Tribe would be happy to work with the county on future grant opportunities. Meeting was adjourned at 11:40am, next meeting in December to be determined.