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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTribal-County Relations Committee - Minutes - 6/5/2013Tribal Relations Minutes 2013-06-0510 Page 1 of 5 Minutes of the Bayfield County Tribal Relations Committee Meeting 10:00am, Wednesday, June 5, 2013. Legendary Waters Resort, Bayfield, WI Members Present: Nathan Gordon, Beth Meyers, William Bussey, Marvin DeFoe Others Present: Mark Abeles-Allison (Bayfield County Administrator), Bill Mertig (Red Cliff Police Chief), Sheriff Paul Susienka, Red Cliff Natural Resource Director Chad Abel, Lynn Basina, Betty Kerr, Darla Montano- Re-entry Program Director, David Armstrong- Indian Judicare for Child Support, Judge Gurnoe, Jeff Benton- Zoning Administrator, Todd Norwood- Forester for Red Cliff Meeting called to order by Gordon at 10:00am. Minutes of December 4, 2012: Motion Bussey, Meyers to approve the minutes of the December 4, 2012 meeting. Motion Carried. Abeles-Allison read the attached Forest Summary provide by Bayfield County Forest Administrator, Jason Bodine. Basina shared concern about forest appearances suggesting a more gentle approach and a preference to move away from clear cut Aspen regeneration. Abel suggested working towards a longer lasting species. General discussion focused on the need for continued dialogue between the County and Tribe. Abel complimented the recent county sales for leaving some sizable tracks of Hemlock and Black Locust trees in addition to preservation of a Goshawk nesting area. Benton noted that at recent meetings there had been discussion regarding process and application timelines. Benton and Abel suggested a long term plan for cutting county forest within the tribal boundaries. This topic will be an agenda item on the next agenda, anticipated for September. Gordon inquired about cutting dead wood on county parcels. Free wood cutting permits are available on the county web site http://www.bayfieldcounty.org/forestry-firewood-permits.asp Gordon noted they would investigate the berm destruction on the Blueberry Road parcel. Jeff Benton inquired about logging trails and access for walkers. Abeles-Allison reported that all county forests are open to non-motorized travel. Abel commented on the county Access Management plan and input provided by the Tribe. Abeles-Allison shared that input had been received and that additional comments were being accepted with an anticipated July agenda and possible approval by the County Board. CRIMINAL JUSTICE Bayfield County received two criminal justice grants, one for Crisis Intervention Training, the other for domestic violence. Tribal Relations Minutes 2013-06-0510 Page 2 of 5 Basina reported on the Tribal Re-entry grant and introduced Darla Montano as the project director. Red Cliff will focus on tribal members released from jail or prison and will coordinate with Brenda Spurlock with Bayfield County. Kerr summarized the program noting that Montano was working to identify best practices and work on establishing MOUs with the county and other entities to most effectively service tribal members. Work will include a needs assessment. A key will be to avoid duplication with existing efforts with a concentration on both cultural, wellness and healing issues. • Kerr noted the three year term of the grant and that the first nine months would focus on getting assessments completed and grant setup work in place. • Kerr noted importance of continuity even after a grant ends. It is important to continue effective programs. • Armstrong noted Oneida Counties program working with three tribes. • Meyers noted that Bayfield County has a Criminal Justice Council that meets every other month. • Kerr remarked about the Tribal CCR committee. Re-identifying how to respond to domestic violence. Sheriff Susienka shared information on Bayfield Counties TAD program; (Treatment Alternatives and Diversion). The program is utilizing assessments and performing proxy screening for individuals brought in for crime, to determine issues that are present, this info is used for a bail hearing. Diversions provide opportunities for rehabilitation efforts. Montano stressed the need to share successes, TAD enrollees had reported success while at Mishomis House. Kerr noted that some resources filling in for county shortfalls could be provided as they go through assessment process. Montano noted that the Tribal education department has started paying the GED fees ($80). Kerr noted native population in the jail was 46% at the time she was writing grant. Normal population is around 30%. Gordon inquired about inclusion of native cultural programs. Kerr responded the funds for the sober house, transitional housing and cultural wellness and healing funds could be available. Specific cultural events including sweats, grandmother moon ceremonies, shaking tents, were mentioned. The re-entry program has money to fill in gaps where there wasn't money to do these things prior. Basina stressed the inclusion of family as part of the healing process. The Sheriff noted that the lose people when they walk out. Tribal Relations Minutes 2013-06-0510 Page 3 of 5 Red Cliff Tribe is working on 40 new supportive housing units, with intent of maintaining quality of life, they are currently working with the state of Wisconsin on a comprehensive community service programs. Gordon inquired about a housing site with a tax lien on it that is to be used as a supportive housing site. Mark to ask Jason about this as it may be an MFL issue. Meyers, recommended that supportive housing consider hospice issues. CHILD SUPPORT BAYFIELD COUNTY SUMMARY by Abeles-Allison, see insert. Kerr noted Red Cliff will start their own Child Support program funded under Title IV. They have done focus groups and are looking for more input, working on more family centered, child support enforcement, important to support children, but sometimes counter intuitive, put children first, both children are important, direction of the fed government, know this is a new direction, looking at affordable orders, alternatives to cash payments, bound by law regarding collections if families are receiving TANF. Waiver of birthing costs recently obtained by Red Cliff, if a tribal member. Will assert jurisdiction within the boundaries and for members. David discussed MOUs with the state, will be using KIDS system. Bayfield County’s Bonnie Chivers to get in touch with Kerr. Anticipate April 2014 operational agency. Work on MOUs, in February notices will go out. Draft MOU used by Brown, Outagamie and Sawyer Counties, will take cases when either member is a tribal member in Bayfield County. Will also apply statewide to tribal members. Discussion about payment in kind, Bayfield County allows this now, if two parties are in agreement, allowing this to be part of the process. Red Cliff has better information on cash intake for its members than does Bayfield County. The other change for the county is garnishment orders. Right now they are served on the tribe, but legally incorrect. In the future garnishment orders for tribal members / employees / will have to go through tribal court, send to court. Note to court, court notices individual, if you contest there is a filing fee. There is a cap for tribal employees, 25%, which is less than a lot of support orders. Over the amount allowed for garnishment. Violation of sovereignty. If a county order is over 25% will be disallowed. Non- member employee subject to this. Garnishment is subjecting employer to court process. Will be structuring like St. Croix County is doing it with negative notice. Red Cliff will ask that Bayfield County Child Support Director participate in future discussions. Tribal Relations Minutes 2013-06-0510 Page 4 of 5 Red Cliff invites Judge Anderson and Bonnie Chivers to the National Indian Child Support Conference, to be held end of June (June 24-28). Bayfield County child support case load is approximately 700, estimate is between 120 and 160 members are Tribal. Beginning in April of 2014, approximately 10 cases per month will transfer to Red Cliff. LAW ENFORCEMENT: Chief Bill Mertig: Law Enforcement fiscal year funding is solid, next year is a concern. Brief projection will have to cut 2 people. There are currently 4 FTE officers, plus 1 admin assistant. State county monies are less than what is projected. Mertig has applied for a CTAS grant. Sequestration is reducing funds. Other reports: • 16-20% reduction in crime rate. Due to programming and law enforcement. • Prescription synthetic drug presentation, June 24. • 2 officers last month were credentialed with the FBI Sheriff Paul Susienka: Discussed cooperation between Tribe and County, going well. Noted issues from last year are being addressed. FOREST LAND DISCUSSION: Gordon raised the possibility of transferring forest lands back to the tribe. Priority is to obtain tribal lands for future generations. Kerr noted how land was obtained for back taxes and questioned whether they were obtained appropriately. County holding approximate 1200 acres. Bussey noted pre-1934 act provisions, some lands were bought back, others were not. Today County Forest revenue stream is critical to provide basic services. Forest land is an attraction, preserves a large part of our lands for public enjoyment and recreation. County forests are designated under state statutes. Basina noted that Tribe owns approximately 50% of land within boundaries. Basina does not like lands all torn up, when land put into tax status, lands should not have gone back to the county. Old Pagent Ground, and other lands now privately owned, was tribal property, when agent moved, area became county land. Asked to revisit the topic of returning land to tribe. Red Cliff is fastest and youngest growing community in the county. Overall good relationship between County and Tribe, has improved incrementally, pilot projects, model programs originate here, relationship is critical, reintegrate land into community, stand out as a light to this nation. Tribal Relations Minutes 2013-06-0510 Page 5 of 5 Abel noted tribal forested lands accounted for less than 1% of revenue from forestry less than 1% of land mass. COMMUNICATIONS UPDATE Call for more frequent meetings, recommendation for quarterly meeting. SUSTAINABLE JOBS: Eco Friendly jobs, Marvin stressed the role tourism plays. Mining issue discussion. Bussey: Noted cooperation on Scenic Byway. Goodwin recently appointed to BCEDC. Common vision of sustainable Economic Development, consistent with love of environment, ie: Frog Bay National Park. June 10-13 free boat trips; NATAO conference. Thank you for everyone working together, guided tour, art show in casino, hoop dance, thunderhand joe performing, natao.org. OTHER MEETINGS Sheriff: Badger State Sheriff Conference at Red Cliff coming up. 72 counties, 40 reps and families. Middle of August. Meeting adjourned at 12:08 pm. Gordon will work with Abeles-Allison to set next meeting date in September.