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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTribal-County Relations Committee - Minutes - 5/20/2015 (2)Tribal Relations Minutes 2015-05-20a10 Page 1 of 4 Minutes of the Bayfield County Tribal Relations Committee Meeting 10:00am, Wednesday, May 20, 2015. Emergency Operations Center (EOC), Bayfield County Annex Building, Washburn, WI Members Present: William Bussey, Bryan Bainbridge, Dee Kittleson (Interim), Chris Boyd, Members Excused: Others Present: Mark Abeles-Allison, Brenda Spurlock, Chief Mertig, Mary Motiff, Chad Abel, Lorna Gamble, Alana Babineau, Bonnie Chivers, Kathy Wendling, Kristine Kavajecz, Called to order at 10:00am by Bussey. Public Comment: None Minutes of the October 23, 2014 County-Tribal Relations Committee Meeting: Motion Bainbridge, Kittleson to approve minutes of the October 23, 2014 meeting. Motion Carried. Tribal County Communication Protocol: Abeles-Allison brought this topic to the group. The intent is to clarify any specific procedures or preferences that the county should be aware of. Examples were provided where protocol was questioned. Clarification was provided that day to day communications should be between department heads. Significant changes would be addressed to the Tribal Chairperson. Tribe asked that they are not forgotten in the process. Tourism Updates: Mary Motiff provided documentation on the economic impact of tourism in Bayfield County. Scenic Byway Council continues to meet. Jeff Benton is the representative from Red Cliff. Next step is to install Kiosks along the Byway. The Tribe asked if they can customize the Red Cliff Kiosk without jeapordizing grant funding. Motiff explained that the request should be made to the Scenic Byway Council, but she did not anticipate there would be a problem with customizing as long as the primary map displayed is consistent with other kiosks. Motiff explained how the Bayfield County website is structured with regard to Tourism. It contains information about the county Tourism department and has information specific to Tribal Relations Minutes 2015-05-20a10 Page 2 of 4 events in Bayfield County, which feed to the Wisconsin Department of Tourism. Motiff requested information on Tribal events that could be added to the web site. She reported that brochures/maps are available for businesses to have/distribute. The Tourism Office is also a contact for highway promotional/directional signs. Inquiry was made as to constructing a sign near Washburn promoting the new Red Cliff Health Center. TravelBayfieldCounty.org specifically directs citizens/visitor to the visitor information on the web site. Motiff reported that her office is currently working with the County Forestry office on planning for future needs for recreational activities in the county. As the process continues, they will be looking for input and feedback on needs as they relate to recreation in the county. Tribal Gaming Memorandum of Understanding: Abeles-Allison distributed the latest draft of the agreement. This agreement outlines how funds could be used if the Tribe met an income threshold in any given year. This topic is to be reviewed by Tribal Legal Counsel and to be discussed at a future meeting. Forestry Land Memorandum: Recommendation was made to discuss this topic as a part of the Joint County Board, Tribal Council meeting because it is a larger issue than just the Forestry property suggested in the proposed memorandum. The committee took a short break. Child Support: Alana Babineau provided an update on the status of the agency, which opened in July 2014, with the first cases being received in January 2015. Currently managing just over 50 cases. Case Manager was hired last week. There is a total staff of 5 in the Red Cliff Department. Bonnie Chivers clarified that cases that are transferred are handled the same as if they were County cases. An additional 35 cases will be transferred in June and July. Bad River is also investigating opening their own Child Support Office. Comprehensive Community Services Program: This is a new program that is fully funded by the State. It focuses on persons eligible for Medical Assistance and that meet the criteria of the Tribal Relations Minutes 2015-05-20a10 Page 3 of 4 program. New Horizons is the contractor for this program. There are currently 16 persons in the program, with 10 being Red Cliff members. Currently seeking a Red Cliff representative for the CCS Committee, next meeting on July 13. The CCS program in Red Cliff and the County CCS program work collaboratively. Brenda Spurlock reported that the Criminal Justice Program has been referring several people to the CCS program. She is very supportive of this program and stated that it is a great program that fills a needed gap. Bill Mertig reported that the Red Cliff Police Department is at a staff of 5. Red Cliff is working on implementing a K-9 unit that will be available to surrounding communities. Fundraising is currently taking place to raise funds for the K-9 program. Methamphetamine and Heroine usage is increasing in the county. Mertig suggested that the county consider sending a County Deputy or Investigator to Drug Investigator school. Mertig suggested that he could provide training funding through the Drug and Gang Taskforce. Red Cliff Police Department complaints have decreased 31% since 2010. Juvenile complaints are down 50% since 2010. Joint County Board-Tribal Council Meeting: The County Board took action to recommend a joint County Board, Tribal Council meeting. Bussey clarified that the initial meeting would be a discussion meeting, not a meeting to take action on items. A later meeting would be scheduled to take action on items if necessary. Tribal Council meetings are held the first Monday and the Third Thursday of each month. September 8 was suggested as a joint meeting date. Topics to include on the agenda for the joint meeting include: Understanding each other’s role (County and Tribe to each make a presentation). District 1 County Board Vacancy: Bayfield County has advertised twice for a replacement for the District 1 seat. At the last County Board meeting an appointment was made, but not confirmed by the board. An appointment will again be made at the next County Board meeting. The appointment will be in place until April 2016. The Tribe requested to ensure that the Tribal and Town of Russell recommendation/letters of support be given consideration. Tribal Council members are planning to attend the County Board meeting. Future Agenda Items: Law Enforcement Tribal Relations Minutes 2015-05-20a10 Page 4 of 4 Brenda Spurlock explained that the Criminal Justice Program is exploring options for engaging youth. Meeting adjourned at 11:50am. Respectfully Submitted by Kristine Kavajecz, Assistant to the County Administrator