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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTribal-County Relations Committee - Minutes - 3/28/2008Tribal Studies 032808 Page 1 of 2 Minutes of the Bayfield County Tribal Study Committee Meeting 10:00am, Friday, March 28, 2008 Emergency Operations Center (EOC), Washburn, WI Attending: Rose Gurnoe-Soulier, Leo LaFernier, Thomas Gordon, Dee Kittleson Others Present: Mark Abeles-Allison, Elizabeth Skulan, Diane Heapy, Dave Ujke, Martin Gordon, Pat Kenote-DePerry, Jan Karlen, Jim Trojanowski, and Kris Kavajecz Meeting called to order by Kittleson at 10:00am. Motion Regarding Minutes of the October 25, 2007 Tribal Studies Committee Meeting; Motion T. Gordon, Kittleson to approve the minutes of the October 25, 2007 meeting. Motion Carried. It was noted that Philip Gordon was excused due to personal commitments. Introductions were made around the table. Discussion Regarding Red Cliff Library: Gurnoe read a report from Joe Bresette regarding the status of the library. See copy of the report attached to these minutes. The committee discussed the library funding formula and how it may negatively impact the Red Cliff library since this library relies primarily on reservation residents and has very little non-local patrons. Jim Trojanowski of the Northern Waters Library Service made a couple of suggestions for consideration: Red Cliff becoming a branch of the LCO library or Bayfield Library, or becoming a joint library with the Town of Russell. The Library Committee will meet on April 14 to discuss this matter. An update will be provided at the next Tribal Studies Committee meeting. Trojanowski offered assistance during this process. Discussion Regarding Department of Human Services Collection Policy: A lengthy discussion was held regarding the newly implemented Collections Policy in the Department of Human Services with regard to services received through the department for AODA related programs. The discussion began regarding the contract between the Tribe and DHS, but it was determined that the contract was not at issue, the collections policy was the issue. The contract and collections policy being separate. Skulan explained that the collections policy is applied to all person receiving services and is based upon ability to repay. Full repayment is expected, however, the monthly rate of repayment is based upon ability to pay and waivers are available for those who do not have ability to pay. Tribal representatives explained that under the statutes, as a tribal entity receiving federal funds, they cannot charge for services at their tribal facility. M. Gordon and Kenote-DePerry provided lengthy comments on the contract amount, program overview, and the collections policy. The concern is that if tribal members are required to pay for the services they receive they will not seek the services. Tribal Studies 032808 Page 2 of 2 Ujke proposed that any Native American receiving services at a federally funded facility be exempt from the collections policy. Skulan proposed that a flat contract amount be considered for the program rather than using an individual rate reimbursement basis. The committee will discuss this topic at a future meeting once the Human Services Board has an opportunity to consider these options and potential modifications to the contract. Abeles-Allison added that by having participants of the programs be responsible for at least partial payment encourages buy-in/ownership of the services. Other Items: Abeles-Allison reported that a grant is being considered for AODA related services. The tribe will be asked for a support letter once the application is developed. Gurnoe reported that Charlie Bresette had shoulder surgery and could not attend, but stated that there will be a conference in the near future regarding the Native American Gang Initiative. Gurnoe also reported that tribal license plates are being considered at the state level. Lafernier reported that public meetings will be held in the near future regarding the NRDA issues. A report will be presented at the next meeting. All remaining items will be placed on the next meeting agenda. Next meeting to be held at 10:00am on May 28, 2008 at the Red Cliff Fire Hall. Motion T Gordon, Kittleson to adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 11:25am.