HomeMy WebLinkAboutTribal-County Relations Committee - Minutes - 6/28/2010Tribal Studies Minutes 06281010
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Minutes of the Bayfield County Tribal Study Committee Meeting
9:00am, Monday, June 28, 2010
Emergency Operations Center, Bayfield County Annex Building
Washburn, WI
Members Present: Leo LaFernier, Beth Meyers, William Bussey, Rose Gurnoe-Soulier
Members Excused: Marvin DeFoe
Others Present: Mark Abeles-Allison, Elizabeth Skulan, Paul Susienka, Scott Galetka, Tom
Toepfer, Mark Montano, Jeff Benton, Tracy Ledder, Crystal Newago, Kris Kavajecz (9:10am)
Meeting called to order by Abeles-Allison at 9:00am. The protocol for running the meetings in
the past is that the meetings alternate between a county and tribal location and that the
chairperson for the committee rotates with the location of the meeting. Mr. Bussey was asked to
chair this committee meeting.
Motion Regarding Minutes of the March 29, 2010 Tribal Studies Committee Meeting;
Motion Toepfer, Bussey to approve the minutes of the March 29, 2010 meeting. Motion Carried
Act 314: Scott Galetka, Land Records Administrator for Bayfield County explained the
implications of Act 314 and how it will affect county departments. Along with fee changes in the
Register of Deeds office, a new committee will be formed at the county level, which deals with
Land Records Related topics. Tribal representation is being requested for the committee. A
handout of the Act 314 legislation was provided.
Law Enforcement Update: Chief Deputy Paul Susienka made a brief presentation on the status
of intergovernmental cooperation between the tribe and county with regard to law enforcement.
Bayfield Police and the County Sheriff’s Department are providing mutual aid for the Tribal
Police Department. The County is assisting the Tribal Police Department with management
functions while the tribe is searching for a Police Chief or alternate arrangements are made for
the oversight of the department.
Several attendees joined the meeting at this time. Introductions were made around the room.
Long Term Care/Family Care Presentation: TeGlenn Silverberg, Long Term Care Policy
Analyst, Office of Family Care Expansion, WI Department of Health Services. Mr Silverberg
provided two summary documents and reviewed critical points with regard to recent legislative
changes. A timeline of the changes and the impact of the changes were reviewed. He
recommended contacting James Botsford or Sunshine Lemieux at the Tribal Law Office of WI
Judicare with regard to how the new legislation impacts Indian Health Services and coverage for
native elders. Crystal Newago spoke briefly about how IHS is not an insurance, but is a payor of
last resort.
Update on Barrell Project: Lafernier reported on the status of the Native American Lands
Environmental Mitigation Program, Lake Superior Barrels Investigation. A handout and
Tribal Studies Minutes 06281010
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brochure were distributed explaining the history and goals of the program. Ledder explained that
the program has identified and hopes to retrieve up to 70 barrels this summer, but is awaiting
federal approval and the necessary equipment.
Highway Improvements: Toepfer explained that partial funding is available to complete the
County Highway C improvements, but more is needed. A brief discussion took place regarding
the designation of Tribal roadways, roads which are frequently used by tribal members to access
hunting or fishing grounds. Roads with a tribal roadway designation may be eligible for a special
improvement fund through the state/federal government.
Other Items: The next agenda will include a discussion on the title of the Committee and the
purpose of the committee. A copy of the Sawyer County mission statement for their county-
tribal committee will be reviewed. Tribal appointment to the Land Records Committee will be
discussed. Draft agendas will be forwarded to the Tribal Chairperson’s Secretary for a review of
agenda items.
Next meeting is scheduled for September 20, 2010, 9:00am at the Tribal Courthouse.
Meeting adjourned at 10:35am