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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTribal-County Relations Committee - Minutes - 10/27/2011Tribal Studies Minutes 10271110 Page 1 of 3 Minutes of the Bayfield County Tribal Relations Committee Meeting 1:00pm, Thursday, October 27, 2011 Red Cliff Administration Building, Bayfield, WI Members Present: William Bussey, Marvin DeFoe, Beth Meyers Members Excused: George Newago Others Present: Mark Abeles-Allison (Bayfield County Administrator), Bill Mertig (Red Cliff Police Chief), Sheriff Paul Susienka Meeting called to order by Marvin DeFoe at 1:00pm Minutes of July 19, 2011: Motion Bussey, Meyers to approve minutes of the July 19, 2011 County-Tribal Relations Committee. Motion Carried. Law Enforcement Report: Sheriff Susienka reported: • Staffing is down county wide, Iron River down 1, Bayfield Down 1, Red Cliff currently at 4 FTE • Good communications Police Chief Mertig reported: • Red Cliff Law Statistics: Quarter: 534 calls; year to date 1477 calls; 407 complaints/calls requiring investigations vs. 175 last year. • Cross training with feds • Funds cut from RC Police Department, 50-110 k. • County member of NAGI group, native American Gang group; • John Vodray, US District Attorney; presentation in Red Cliff last week • Law changes allowing drug, domestic violence, homicide, etc, allows for federal filing where victim / offender are Native American. This opens up jurisdictional opportunities, ask that the US district attorney handle the case. Requires 6 hour alternatively using Fed Magistrate in Duluth. • Funding for training through NAGI would allow the county to get • Marvin raised the issue of prescription drugs and usage in the community. This is an area that needs cooperative work. Wood cutting Request: Marvin DeFoe explained he was approached by a tribal member regarding Section 29, Town of Russell off US Highway 13. The inquiry was regarding availability of accessing dead oak in this area off the access road. Check out standing stock. Suggest that the County Forestry Department come take a look with the natural resource people. Also some concern about berms that were constructed with a special permit for 90 days. Motion Bussey, Meyers to look into removal of berms in this area and to make dead trees accessible under the county policy. Motion carried. Tribal Studies Minutes 10271110 Page 2 of 3 Law Enforcement Agreement: • Law enforcement agreement was approved by the County Board; Red Cliff set to consider on November 7, 2011. • Chief Mertig reported that things are going very smoothly. Chief Mertig commended Sheriff Susienka on relations with Red Cliff. • DeFoe noted that this group has a purpose, he is very pleased with RC Police Department and Sheriff and collaboration underway. He is pleased with dialogue and actions taking place. DeFoe very proud of communications effort. Human Services 161 Agreement: Currently back from DCF for Tribal Review. Hope to have an agreement signed very soon and all set for 2012. Communications Update: Exchange of agendas going well. Discussed cell tower work in Red Cliff. Red Cliff has discussed with ATT and Verizon. Narrow band signal is worse. Economic Development: introduced Scottie Sandstrom; Tribal Economic Development Board; met with Eloise Anderson, Sec of State; talked about an Economic Development summit this coming spring. Meyers inquired about contacts with WHEDA, noted the push with Economic Development. Other Items of Interest: Legendary Waters Resort: Went from 90 employees to 200 with the new facility, most new employees from the immediate area. Some residents have moved back to the community. Looking forward to snowmobile and ice fishing groups. Facility was crowded for Applefest. Business board is looking at how to develop the old Isle Vista facility / land. Currently considering removal of the existing facility. A new clinic is in the works, $13.5 million, 38,000 square feet. This will be located on Highway 13 across from Aikins, across from Kosaria, just past the farm. Water and sewer is in place. Library and Community Center proposed for Shodine property by Head Start. BART going to Dick Gurnoe Village? Residents requesting to be pick it up there. TANF program: DeFoe reported more people are applying for services. They focused on working with families to get jobs at the Casino. 15 did. That allocation of TANF has not increased. County is serving 5 families. Housing: are there any shortages, Meyers noted the new housing project adjacent to Highway 13 and below World Class Manufacturing; Mark will send I7 Topics for the Next Meeting: • Communications towers • Clinic • Game Warden • Recognize Leo LaFernier for service on this committee. Tribal Studies Minutes 10271110 Page 3 of 3 • Utilization of work release for Red Cliff community service from the jail. Work release program. Transportation issue Meeting Adjourned at 2:20pm.