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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTribal-County Relations Committee - Minutes - 12/4/2012Tribal Relations Minutes 2012-12-0410 Page 1 of 4 Minutes of the Bayfield County Tribal Relations Committee Meeting 10:00am, Tuesday, December 4, 2012 Legendary Waters Resort, Bayfield, WI Members Present: Nathan Gordon, Beth Meyers Members Absent: William Bussey, Marvin DeFoe Others Present: Mark Abeles-Allison (Bayfield County Administrator), Bill Mertig (Red Cliff Police Chief), Sheriff Paul Susienka, County Forest Administrator Jason Bodine, Red Cliff Natural Resource Director Chad Abel, Red Cliff Planning Dept Brian Goodwin, Red Cliff Chairperson Rose Soulier, Meeting called to order by Gordon at 10:00am. Minutes of October 27, 2011: Motion Bichanich, Gordon to approve the minutes of the October 27, 2011 meeting. Motion Carried. Law Enforcement: Sheriff Susienka and Police Chief Mertig discussed the recently executed Tribal County Law Enforcement Agreement. The County and Tribe executed the agreement. Total amount for the program dropped approximately $1000. Soulier inquired about the relationship between the departments. Chief Mertig stated that prior barriers have dropped. Chief Mertig stated that incidences over the past summer helped to meld department staff. Chief Mertig stated that things are going well and agreement language was reached quickly. Sheriff Susienka noted regular communications with Chief Mertig. Chief Mertig noted less of a reliance on the Sheriff’s Department. There are now 3 full time tribal officers and 5 part time. Six days a week part timers are out 10 hours per night, to supplement the regular officer schedule. Several of the officers have just completed academy. Mertig noted that there were 1850 calls for service as of this date last year. This year total calls are 1650, down 200 from last year. In August there were reports of native gang issues. Mertig noted that multiple homicides in the region were connected with Fond du Lac gang members in the area. Meyers thought that improved statistics would be good evidence for grants. Mertig reported good cooperation between the agencies. Mertig reported on the upcoming active shooter training at the Bayfield School. He will also bring in crime prevention activities, including a basketball team and Bayfield County educators. Brian Goodwin joined the meeting. Tribal Relations Minutes 2012-12-0410 Page 2 of 4 Soulier noted that the Tribe just began issuing their own license plates. Soulier inquired about prescription drug abuses in the community and pharmacy shopping issues. Mertig reported statewide efforts that prevent multiple subscription fillings. The topic of a TIP line or TIP email was raised by Gordon. Mertig reported a lack of drug specific investigators. Formal training in drug interdiction training may be an option. The Sheriff noted the prevalence of prescription drug abuse and synthetics. Soulier inquired about jointly funding a drug investigator. Sheriff Susienka noted the department’s direction in adding another investigator from existing deputies. The Sheriff noted three approaches: 1. Reporting 2. Building cases 3. Follow through for drug specific New grants for the tribe have been received for offender re-entry. Goodwin related a story of a recent meeting at the First American Prevention Center with the DOC. He was concerned about lack of direction for intervention and treatment. The Sheriff discussed current criminal justice efforts. Treatment Alternatives and Diversion(TAD) program activities, TAD checks. Mertig inquired about efforts to hire offenders and funding to do so. Goodwin noted the importance of changing the treatment model and the importance of inmates taking responsibility for their development. Service prevention framework. Soulier stressed the need for the Tribal and County efforts to communicate about the Jan 1 grant start date. Goodwin stressed evaluating these practices to show their effectiveness. Suggestion for the February meeting is to have Lynn Basina, Brenda Spurlock and the Tribal Court. Forestry: moved up on the agenda. County Forest Administrator Jason Bodine stated that the county forestry committee wanted input from the tribe on sales within the reservation. Jason asked for comments and dialogue on future sales. Tribal Relations Minutes 2012-12-0410 Page 3 of 4 Chad Abel shared that there have been revisions to the PAC process, not all sales must go to the Tribal Council now. Soulier and Gordon will forward an updated copy to Bodine. The PAC process involved the county paying the permit fee of $500. The intent of PAC is to complete an environment review of projects occurring within the reservation. The committee discussed an annual update. Bodine anticipated sales of one parcel within the tribal boundaries every two years or approximately four over the next decade. Abel mentioned a tribal goal of returning these lands to tribal status in the future. Communications: The group stressed having regular meetings. The next meeting is set for February 12, 2012. Economic Development: Goodwin noted that the new clinic will be completed in Spring 2014, with construction to begin in the Spring of 2013. A new intersection will be constructed. Construction will be located just before the Tribal Farm. Clinic to include family practice, dentistry, optical, PT, pharmacy. Continue availability to general public as a community clinic. Will be adding another dentist as well. Business board that Nathan Gordon sits on. Tribe is making decisions for the tribe purchasing businesses. Goodwin noted cooperative efforts are ongoing. BCEDC, Red Cliff Business Board, APEX, are all working together to address the poverty barrier. Ensuring the community is able to support new business infrastructure was also raised. A key objective is to do this collectively. Highlight natural resources that draws people here. Working with a marketing firm out of the Twin Cities to assist with a Marketing Study for region. Looking actively at other business options for the tribe including stores, fuel, homes, etc. Working to look at the entire picture to create a sustainable destination guide. Goodwin noted the NATOW (Native American Tourism of Wisconsin) Annual Conference will be here on June 10, 2013. The tribe is also planning the first Red Cliff Days this year. Continuing efforts for funding of Scenic Byways activities was also raised. Continuing efforts to address chronic hopelessness. Other: Meyers proposed an effort to recognize Leo LeFernier. Soulier shared a memo from the State Tribal Relations meeting. Tribal Relations Minutes 2012-12-0410 Page 4 of 4 Future Agenda Items: Leo LaFernier recognition, Forestry Land to Tribe, Criminal Justice, Child Support Meeting adjourned at 11:58am.