HomeMy WebLinkAboutTribal-County Relations Committee - Minutes - 4/3/2014Tribal Relations Minutes 2014-04-0310
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Minutes of the Bayfield County Tribal Relations Committee Meeting
11:00am, Thursday, April 3, 2014.
Emergency Operations Center (EOC), Washburn, WI
Members Present: Nathan Gordon, Beth Meyers, William Bussey
Members Excused: Marvin DeFoe Jr.
Others Present: Mark Abeles-Allison (Bayfield County Administrator), Bill Mertig (Red Cliff
Police Chief), Sheriff Paul Susienka, Dave Ujke (Tribal Attorney), Jason Bodine-County Forest
Administrator, Rose Gurnoe-Soulier-Tribal Chairperson, Kristine Kavajecz-Assistant. Todd
Norwood, Bonnie Chivers-Child Support Administrator, Mary Motiff-Tourism Director, Star
Ames, Fred Bourg-District Attorney, Brenda Spurlock-Criminal Justice Coordinator, Karen
Johnson-Risk Reduction Treatment Court Coordinator.
Meeting called to order by Bussey at 11:00am.
Motion Gordon, Meyers to approve minutes of the February 6, 2014 County-Tribal Relations
meeting. Motion Carried.
Department Status/Program Updates:
(a) Forestry: Abeles-Allison provided a handout outlining a draft proposal to be presented to
the County Forestry Committee regarding County Forest Lands that lie within the Tribal
boundaries. Gurnoe-Soulier expressed concern with the County Forestry meeting that
was held and comments that were made at that meeting. Gurnoe-Soulier suggested that
the comments could be considered discriminatory and expressed extreme frustration with
the discussion. The tribe is interested in opening discussions on this topic.
Bodine expressed his apology for comments that were made and expressed that the intent
of the agenda topic was to open dialogue. Bodine explained that the committee makes
recommendations on forestry property sales, however, the full county board is the final
authority on removing lands from County Forest and ultimate sale. Bodine expressed that
the topic is by no means ended. It can be brought back many times.
Ujke suggested identifying one parcel to begin discussion on. Action on that single parcel
would pave the way for future discussions on other parcels. He suggested that parcels that
have recently been logged and may have a lower current value, along with easements to
other county parcels, may be an avenue to facilitate a purchase by the tribe. These parcels
need to be identified in order to begin discussions.
Question was asked about what the purpose of the Development & Land Sales
Committee is.
Bodine expressed interest in meeting with the Tribe regarding specific parcels and
concepts. Ujke suggested Bodine meet with Tribal Forestry staff to begin identifying
concepts.
Tribal Relations Minutes 2014-04-0310
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Bodine reported the county is in the Policy and Compliance Review process with the
tribe. He expressed some frustration with the process.
(b) Child Support: Chivers reported that she will be attending the spring conference next
week and will be asked questions about the transfer of cases. Gordon reported MOU is in
final stages. Red Cliff requesting a meeting with County Child Support and
Administration to work through a couple of issues that have been identified. Jean Gordon
will be the tribal contact person.
(c) Tourism: Motiff provided a handout of the county tourism guide and highlighted the
tribal advertisements. She also reported on the television commercial that recently aired
highlighting Legendary Waters. Scenic Byway brochure grant was awarded. Brochure to
be developed and distributed this summer. Governor’s Conference on Tourism, free
registration for NATOW. Motiff will attend.
Abeles-Allison showed a demonstration on the County Web Site and asked for input on
where the tribe might like representation on the County Web Site. Suggestion to add a
separate menu for Tribal Government on the Government Megamenu.
(d) Law Enforcement: Mertig reported that they had one staff change. Susienka reported that
there were a couple of recent law enforcement related cases that are being dealt with.
(e) Criminal Justice: Star Ames reported on changes to the upcoming criminal justice
programming training. UW Extension will be providing a parenting class at Red Cliff.
Spurlock introduced Karen Johnson, who is spearheading the Risk Reduction Treatment
Court. Spurlock announced an upcoming Public Service Announcement targeting alcohol
consumption in youth.
Bourg discussed the topic of citations –vs- criminal cases. Bourg indicated that he is
willing to discuss working with the tribal court whereas if the tribe issues a citation, he
will not pursue criminal charges if the components of the citation are met. Ames reported
that an AA round-up will be held tomorrow at Legendary Waters.
Next meeting set for 11:00am June 5, 2014 at Red Cliff.
Abeles-Allison asked about the status of the gaming MOU. Ujke reported that the draft was sent
to Bayfield County.
Meeting adjourned at 12:10pm. Lunch was provided at this time.
Respectfully Submitted by Kristine Kavajecz