HomeMy WebLinkAboutTribal-County Relations Committee - Minutes - 3/29/2010Tribal Studies 03281010
Page 1 of 3
Minutes of the Bayfield County Tribal Study Committee Meeting
9:00am, Monday, March 29, 2010
Red Cliff Fire Hall, Red Cliff
Attending: Leo LaFernier, Dee Kittleson, Marvin Defoe, David Good
Others Present: Matt Symbal, Jason Bodine, Mark Pope, Mark Abeles-Allison
Meeting called to order by Call to order by DeFoe at 9:05. DeFoe asked that an item regarding
an Asian Carp resolution be discussed, this was added as item 9a.
Motion Regarding Minutes of the March 28, 2010 Tribal Studies Committee Meeting;
Motion Kittleson, LaFernier, to approve the minutes of the March 28, 2010 meeting. Motion
Carried (4-0).
Motion Good, Kittleson to table the March 19, 2009 minutes. Motion carried (4-0).
County Forestry on Tribal Boundaries Discussion: Jason Bodine handed out materials, intent
is to develop a dialogue on management of county forest within the tribal boundaries. Possible
issues of discussion; 77% of land on the reservation is scheduled for management over the next 5
years. Attachment documents acreage and age of existing species.
DeFoe noted that since last meeting; Tribe has designated Matt Symbal as the administrator of
natural resources. With climate change, impact on trees is noticeable. Symbal noted the
development of an integrated management plan for the tribe, developing an acceptable harvest
plan with the BIA. Effort is to approach this from a traditional harvest perspective. Can we
manage harvest to bring back traditional species? DeFoe noted Tribe’s interest in a more active
management role in the forested lands. How can we leave the land in the forest for those that are
not born yet. Example of Menominee reservation forestry practices; selective management
practices.
LaFernier inquired about animal regeneration. Bodine said yes, wildlife preservation and future
use is a factor in decision making. A question about oak came up. Bodine noted that most
hardwood is thinned once or twice. Estimated timeline is open to dialogue. No immediate plans.
Most likely timeline is Fall of this year or Spring of 2011.
Good noted his desire for a joint management plan that meets both of our needs. Brought up
new cemetery parcel and the need for sensitive timber management in this area.
Good noted that snowmobile and ATV access is not allowed without access management plans.
Intent with access management is to ensure compatibility in land / trail usage.
Bodine noted an interest in discussing a parcel by the sand pit. DeFoe said to follow up with this
with Symbal also.
LaFernier asked about notifying the tribe prior to birch harvests so that bark could be harvested.
Tribal Studies 03281010
Page 2 of 3
Symbal to contact Bodine and plan meeting within next month together with BIA forester, Jed.
Agenda item 4, Access Management for trails will be included in this discussion. Report back to
Tribal Studies with an update.
Animal Control: Symbal updated the committee on animal control. Symbal said a six month
contract with Callae Hyde was in place. Under the contract tribal wardens bring animals to
Callae Hyde’s facility. DeFoe said the purpose was to ensure public safety. This is a short term
agreement to see how it works. Sue DePerry has a program for spaying and vaccinating animals.
Cost for the owner is less. Program includes animal pickup and drop off. Intent is to educate
members. Things are going well.
Mark Pope will talk with Larry Deragon regarding the weekends while Wardens are not on duty.
Tribal Highway Designation: Little mountain road comes off Highway C and connects with
the Settlement. Question on whether Highway C is on the tribal road designation. Check with
Jeff Benton. Update at next meeting. Examine other natural resources that might qualify.
DeFoe stated a willingness to examine a collaborative effort between the county and tribe.
Tribal Studies Committee: DeFoe suggested a modification to the title of the committee.
Discussed possibility of meeting with the full county board. Discussed mission/purpose of
committee. Good suggested the Tribal and County Intergovernmental Committee as a title
instead. Mission to move forward collectively / collaboratively. Determine common interests
between both the County and Tribe. Add to next Tribal Study committee agenda with updated
language. Good inquired about having the county board chair / vice chair on the committee.
DeFoe brought up tribal tax issue on private lands in the town of Russell. Discussion and
collaboration is key. A forum for those discussions may be needed. Abeles-Allison to prepare a
draft modification and send it to DeFoe. Develop a mission.
Item 6. (Return to this topic);
Report of Interim Police Chier, Mark Pope: Since Feb 1: did not have policies and procedures
in place as required; since then they have had 27 policies adopted and approved. Each officer
has them. Ongoing internal investigations: working with FBI and DCI. Started sharing schedule
with Sheriff’s Department. Does not have Sheriff’s work schedule, should be reciprocated. Has
been faxing over their schedules. Patrol presence has been increased. Working on gang issues.
Involving DCI in this effort. Working with county for a call audit to reduce multiple entries.
Encouraging deputies to make contact, but to let Red Cliff know who they are talking to. Pope is
instructing officers to be pro-active with gang issues. Serious gang issues are happening around
us. DeFoe stated this issue needs to be taken seriously.
• No cross deputization at present with Bayfield County.
• Training for firearms will continue at the Town of Russell. Pope is a certified instructor.
• Working hands-on with casino.
• Working on training through Cops grant for intoximeter trainings
• Working with Border patrol.
Tribal Studies 03281010
Page 3 of 3
• DeFoe discussed; Technical Assistance Assessment for the Red Cliff Department. Safety
and Protection of residents is key
9. Other Items: One item presented by DeFoe; regarding Asian Carp in the Great Lakes.
Defoe presented tribal council resolution adopted on March 23, 2010. The resolution
demands that the Corps of Engineers take immediate action to close the shipping
canal and other areas to ensure a “permanent impenetrable barrier” to present Asian
carp and other non-native species from entering the Great Lakes.
Good Recommended sending this to the County AIS Committee for review and referral to
the full county board.
DeFoe noted the common interests of the county and tribe this being an excellent example.
NEXT Meeting June 28 9:00am, EOC
Agenda for next meeting:
Get health department staff to attend to discuss senior benefits for federal health care act.
Questions on mandatory insurance. What impact will the new legislation have on seniors /
tribal members / those covered by Indian health services.
Barrel report in Lake superior.
Meeting adjourn 11:45am