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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTribal-County Relations Committee - Minutes - 3/2/2017Tribal Relations Minutes 2017-03-0210 Page 1 of 2 Minutes of the Bayfield County Tribal Relations Committee Meeting 10:00am, Thursday, March 2, 2017 Emergency Operations Center, Bayfield County Annex, Washburn, WI Members Present: Jeff Silbert, Bryan Bainbridge, Nathan Gordon, Members Absent: Brian Goodwin Others Present: Mark Abeles-Allison, Dave Ujke, Chad Abeles, Judge Boulley, Jan Victorson, Gwendolyn Topping, Called to order at 10:06am by Bainbridge. Roll Call: All present Public Comment: None Received Announcements: RC Fire Dept Pancake Breakfast Sunday morning, Students Ham Dinner on Sunday afternoon. Minutes of November 3, 2016: Motion Silbert, Gordon to approve minutes of the November 3, 2016 meeting. Spelling of “Mercie” to be corrected. Motion Carried. Land Working Initiative: Abeles-Allison reported that the MOU was recently approved. This committee is tasked with discussing this topic at every meeting. A list of tax delinquent lands that fall within reservation boundaries was provided to Attorney Ujke. It was noted that the process is simplified if the tribe can obtain the lands before they are taken for tax delinquency. Chad Abel outlined an 80-acre property near Frog Bay that is being considered for this initiative. The committee discussed whether public access to property that is transferred is required, and if there is a written policy requiring this. Abel indicated that there is no intent to restrict access to this parcel if obtained, however, there is also no requirement to maintain public access. Ujke stated that it is troublesome if strings are attached requiring public access in all cases. Silbert pointed out that the MOU does not state that public access is assumed. Abel stated that timber harvest would not be allowed on the parcel once obtained. Tribe has received notification that they have been approved for GLRI funding for this purchase. Ujke suggested that an appraisal be conducted as soon as possible if required due to concerns with changes in funding at the federal level. Abeles-Allison reported that the Town of Russell has expressed some concern that they would lose some annual stumpage revenue if county forest is reduced in the town. Abeles- Allison suggested that Bethany with Conservancy should be contacted regarding potential matching funds to acquire the entire quarter section, rather than just the 80 acres. The GLRI funds can be used as a non-federal match. Action is expected on this item in March and April. Bainbridge reiterated that if there are parcels within the boundaries of the reservation that may be considered for this initiative which have access/easement concerns, that these parcels be identified on a map. Tribal Relations Minutes 2017-03-0210 Page 2 of 2 Reading and review of Indigenous Peoples Day resolution: Approved by the County Board in January, 2017 and read by Jeff Silbert. Bainbridge stated that he felt this represents a big step forward between the tribe and county board. Joint Meeting and Agenda Topics: April 25. Topics to include Indigenous Peoples Day resolution, Frog Bay Parcel action. Bainbridge suggested the zoning discussion could be a topic. Silbert suggested that a clean water resolution be considered that could be supported by both the County Board and the Tribal Council. Bayfield County Department Reports: Jan Victorson reported that Bayfield County has applied for a grant to update the mitigation plan. Tribal information is included as an Annex to the current mitigation plan. Tribe could participate in a countywide plan, or could go after grand funding to do their own plan. Emergency Management needs something in writing from the Tribe identifying Will Tillman as the contact person for the tribe. BC is planning to change 911 network in June. This will result in an increase of 37 cents per month for each landline. Moving to CenturyLink for 911 service. Tower at the top of Washington Hill (Hillside Tower) is constructed and will be operational in the next few months. National Weather Service is reporting that significant weather events will become more prevalent in the future. Tribal Department Reports: Many staff are in training today. Criminal Justice program is working on a 3-county grant, in conjunction with NorthLakes Clinic. Dual Diagnosis program, dealing with AODA, Mental Health. Application due in April. Town of Russell will be notified of the potential transfer of lands to the Tribe. Bainbridge suggested that the letter also include that it is the intention of the County to work toward repatriation of 1407 acres. Reservation is working on a census. Red Cliff Tourism contact will be Nathan Gordon. This will be relayed to Mary Motiff. Future Agenda Items and Date and Time of Next Meeting(s) Next meeting in Red Cliff, June 1. Zoning topic, Land Initiative, The group was invited to enjoy some lunch. Motion Gordon, Silber to adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 11:55am.