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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTribal-County Relations Committee - Minutes - 11/3/2016Tribal Relations Minutes 2016-11-0310 Page 1 of 4 Minutes of the Bayfield County Tribal Relations Committee Meeting 9:00am, Thursday, November 3, 2016 Red Cliff Health Center, Bayfield, WI Members Present: Jeff Silbert, Bryan Bainbridge, Nathan Gordon, Brian Goodwin Others Present: Mark Abeles-Allison, Dave Ujke, Ellen Kwitkowski, Chad Abeles, Wade Williams, Judge Anderson, Paul Susienka, Kay Cederberg, Judge Boulley, Wade Williams, Judge Topping, Jan Victorson, Mercy Gordon. Called to order at 9:00am by Bryan Bainbridge. Roll Call: All present Public Comment: None Received Minutes of June 16, 2016: Motion Silbert, Gordon to approve minutes of the June 16, 2016 meeting. Motion Carried. Item 4: Video Conferencing and Tribal / County Court: Judge Boulley noted that Bayfield County will not be holding court in Red Cliff. The Judge noted the possibility of Video Conferencing between Washburn and Red Cliff. Judge Anderson noted that Bayfield County has held court in the Red Cliff court facilities for a decade. This opened communication between the two courts but also addressed the transportation issue between Red Cliff and Washburn. Holding court in Red Cliff addressed many of these conflicts by reducing non-appearances and warrants. Recently however non- appearances in Red Cliff have increased. Bayfield County is unable to hold court in Red Cliff as a result of the paperless, e-filing initiative being adopted by the State in 2017. CCAP connectivity is a requirement and this is not available in Red Cliff. Bainbridge inquired about the cost to make the Red Cliff system compatible. The Tribal Attorney, Dave Ujke noted the magnitude of the system. Bainbridge urged continuation of the existing system. Judge Anderson suggested that Red Cliff share a letter of interest with him he will share that with CCAP. He also noted that the video conferencing will allow more frequent appearances from Red Cliff. Clerk of Court Cederberg noted that Judge Anderson has access via other counties. She also noted that with the beginning of e-filing figuring out how Red Cliff filings will be addressed. Tribal Relations Minutes 2016-11-0310 Page 2 of 4 Silbert inquired about the timeline. Judge Anderson noted that it is operationally at present. He anticipated a last visit date in February. Judge Topping noted that video conferencing around the state would benefit the Tribe in youth cases. This could be helpful for visitation also due to distances. Bainbridge expressed appreciation for the years of cooperation between the two agencies. Goodwin expressed support for the Tribal Attorney to draft a letter for CCAP. Chief Mertig inquired about the Tribal Case Management system underway and whether they will be compatibility between the systems. Judge Anderson suggested that the Tribe consider having a meeting with CCAP and the County regarding these issues in the Summer of 2017. Item 5: Tribal County Law Enforcement Agreement The Committee reviewed the agreement in the packet. The current agreement provides for funding to go to Red Cliff. Mertig noted that the Red Cliff department has increased activity over the past six years, impacting the need for the Sheriff Office involvement. Mertig noted that over the past six years they have lost 16 officers to other entities. Goodwin clarified that the Tribe can maintain 3 officers in 2017. Goodwin made the motion to approve the 2017 Agreement, seconded by Silbert (noting amendment of current officer level from five to four). Silbert asked how many full time staff are required for 24/7 coverage. Mertig responded 9 officers. Williams and Ujke inquired about the 50% funding loss and noted this is counter to the intent of maintaining a Red Cliff Police Department. Goodwin and Silbert stressed the importance of cooperation between the parties. Bainbridge proposed modified language of “50 percent of remaining funding allocated”, motion to amend made by Goodwin, Silbert expressed concern about this language and urged more cooperation, Silbert agreed to the amendment seconded. All in favor, 4-0, motion carried. (10:31am) Item 6: MOU For Tribal Lands: Ujke made the recommendation to support the MOU. Silbert moved to approve the MOU, second by Gordon. Motion carried (4-0). Item 7: Land Option Scenarios: Ellen Kwiatkowski summarized actions taken. Due diligence on Bayfield County lands on the Red Cliff reservation. Red Cliff received a grant to do that due diligence from ILTF. Red Cliff will research chain of ownership on county lands. Tribal Relations Minutes 2016-11-0310 Page 3 of 4 The Tribe has identified a grant program through USDA, Community Forest Program. County Forestry and Red Cliff are exploring a 50% land acquisition grant program. The group is also working to identify alternate county properties the county could acquire. There are properties located in the Cornucopia Lost Creek areas, these are in the county forest blocking. Approximately 300 acres are in this area owned by two companies. Total county acreage is 1400. Silbert praised the work identifying properties and grant funding and supported a transfer of 400- 600 acres. Kwiatkowski noted the importance of generating support for the land transfer. Chad Abel noted work with another funding source for a land purchase for an 80-acre parcel recently managed by the county off Blueberry road. Abel inquired about a land purchase as opposed to a swap. The Committee expressed support for this. Abel will continue to explore GLRI grant funding. This is the headwaters of Frog Creek adjacent to the national park. Goodwin and Silbert noted action by the County Forestry Committee supporting continued exploration of a trade or purchase. Public access and value of the swap at a minimal value also were raised. Goodwin asked for a list of those potential properties that could be swapped or purchased. Abel asked for permission to proceed with the grant, the committee supported this general direction. Kwiatkowski noted alternate Trust of Historic Lands review process. Item 8: Wade Williams discussed the discussions with Planning and Zoning. Fee simple parcels and enforcement issues were key topics of discussion with Linda Coleman, Wade and Rob Schierman. The group agreed to examine each other’s code. Research continues. Williams noted efforts to create options. Item 9: Jan Victorson reported that updates to the Hazard Mitigation Plan are underway. Jan will speak with Will Tillmans on this as directed by Tribal Chair and Vice Chair. Item 10: Child Support cased have been transferred. Chad raised the issue of Item 11: Future agenda items. IT Issue for Courts Zoning MOU / Overlay District Land Transactions Lands Initiative Tribal Relations Minutes 2016-11-0310 Page 4 of 4 TAD and Red Cliff February meeting: Red Cliff / Join. Adj: 11:30. Next Meeting: JANUARY, date to be set. Next Full Board / Council Meeting: The next County Board-Tribal Council meeting date is tentatively being planned for either November 8 or 15th, 2016. Motion Silbert, Gordon to adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 12:00pm