HomeMy WebLinkAboutTribal-County Relations Committee - Minutes - 1/26/2022
Bayfield County Administrator
117 E 5th Street, PO Box 878, Washburn, WI 54891
Ph: 715-373-6181 Fax: 715-373-6153
Mark Abeles-Allison, County Administrator
Kristine Kavajecz, Human Resource Director
Paige Terry, Clerk III
MINUTES OF THE:
Bayfield County Tribal Relations Committee Meeting
9:00am, Wednesday, January 26, 2022
Virtual Meeting Via Web Ex, hosted by Red Cliff
Members Present: Supervisor Jeff Silbert, Supervisor Steve Sandstrom, Tribal Chairman Chris Boyd, Tribal
Vice-Chair Nathan Gordon
Others Present: Bayfield County Administrator Mark Abeles-Allison, Assistant Tribal Attorney Wade Williams,
Red Cliff Police Department Administrator Mark Pope, Bayfield County Chief Deputy Andy Runice, Tribal
Administration Liaison Bryon Daley, Red Cliff Community Health Center Operations Coordinator Michael
Lang, Bayfield County Public Health Nurse Holly Weber, Red Cliff DNR Division Deputy Administrator
Gabrielle Van Bergen, Red Cliff Planning Administrator Nicole Boyd, and Bayfield County Clerk III Paige
Terry.
Called to order at 9:06 a.m. by Tribal Chair Chris Boyd.
Red Cliff Tribal Administration Liaison, Bryon Daley, informed the committee that Chase Meierotto
would be unable to attend the meeting due to prior commitments and Gabrielle Van Bergen was invited
to stand in for him.
2. Introductions and Tribute: Introductions of members were made.
Bayfield County Administrator, Mark Abeles-Allison, asked that the committee take a moment of
silence in honor of former Tribal employee Jeanne Gordon who recently passed away. A moment of
silence was held. Tribal Chair, Chris Boyd informed the committee that the Tribe received a
proclamation signed by Governor Evers honoring Jeanne for her efforts.
3. Public Comment: None.
4. Motion to Approve Minutes of November 10, 2021, County-Tribal Relations Committee Meeting:
Motion by Gordon, seconded by Silbert to approve the minutes of the November 10, 2021, County-Tribal
Relations Committee Meeting. Motion carried, 4-0.
5. Public Health Update: Red Cliff Community Health Center Operations Coordinator, Michael Lang,
reported that the center has conducted a total 4,410 COVID-19 tests with 365 total tests being positive.
Currently, the tribe is actively monitoring 95 individuals with 65 having positive test results. Red Cliff
continues to conduct 100% contact tracing. Individuals that have received either the Moderna or Pfizer
vaccine need to receive a booster after five months to be considered “up-to-date” whereas those that
have received the Johnson and Johnson vaccine need a booster after 2 months. Lang explained that
residents that have received the full vaccine series along with a booster are still getting sick but exhibit
milder symptoms. The Health Center expects COVID-19 cases to gradually decline. Red Cliff is
working with the Bayfield School District on implementing a Test to Stay Program, but nothing has
been finalized yet. County Board Supervisor, Jeff Silbert, asked if the CDC has released
recommendations regarding receiving a second booster shot. Lang replied that such guidelines have not
been released yet.
Bayfield County Public Health Nurse, Holly Weber, reported that every school and the long-term care
facility in the City of Washburn in the county are currently experiencing an outbreak. The county is
exploring Test to Stay options for the schools, but the department does not recommend the program due
to the shortage of tests. Local hospitals are experiencing difficulties receiving COVID-19 tests as well as
doses of antibody vaccinations. Both South Shore and Washburn School Districts are attempting to
implement Test to Stay Programs, but nothing is finalized yet. With the large number of current cases,
the department has shifted into crisis mode for contact tracing and is asking those that test positive to
notify their own close contacts. A recent decrease in staff members is straining the department’s
capabilities. The committee discussed the possibility of the National Guard assisting with vaccinations
and COVID-19 testing. Weber informed the committee that citizens are now able to order tests that can
be conducted at home.
Discussion took place regarding the trend in COVID-19 cases and public response to testing, mask
wearing, and vaccinations.
Abeles-Allison informed the committee that the public safety report item was accidentally left off the
agenda and asked if the committee would not mind doing the report now. The committee agreed to
address the report.
Bayfield County Chief Deputy, Andy Runice, reported that the Sheriff’s Department has experience a
shortage of staff due to illness. The department is short three deputies and expects more staff members
to retire this year. Calls received by the department have remained stable with a slight peak in
disturbance calls. Red Cliff Police Department Administrator, Mark Pope, reported that the department’s
new officer is entering his third week in the recruit academy. The department has experienced
difficulties filling empty staff positions and has hired retired Sheriff’s Office deputy John Gary to help
with administrative duties. The Red Cliff Police Department and Bayfield County Sheriff’s Office
worked together the previous Saturday to conduct a patrol around the reservation with the Bayfield
County K-9 unit. The committee discussed news pertaining to Ashland County potentially cutting law
enforcement funds that would impact hours of coverage on Madeline Island.
6. Tribal County Lands Update: Red Cliff DNR Division Deputy Administrator, Gabrielle Van Bergen,
informed the committee that the department will not be submitting land acquisition proposal to GLRI as
there are multiple projects that are underway. Abeles-Allison reported that the Bayfield County Board of
Supervisors adopted a resolution authorizing the process to withdraw 705 acres of forest from County
Forest Law and to begin the sale of the land back to Red Cliff at the meeting held the previous night.
Abeles-Allison explained that, once the process has begun, the county will begin the process of
transferring 148 acres of in-rem properties to Red Cliff.
7. Broadband Expansion Update: Abeles-Allison reported that Bayfield County has received multiple
state broadband grants with four projects receiving funding in the past year. Abeles-Allison explained
that one project focuses on the areas around the City and Town of Washburn and south by the
roundabout. Projects that have been undertaken focus on infrastructure; however, a large issue is
connectivity. Abeles-Allison stated the county has begun promoting the FCC Connectivity Program that
will assist eligible households receive broadband access. Discussion took place regarding broadband
expansion to the municipalities and government buildings. Red Cliff Planning Administrator, Nicole
Boyd reported the tribe is trying to get homes and dwellings connected to broadband access as well with
a broadband grant pending that would bring fiber cable into every home on the reservation. The tribe is
also working to expand their cellular network.
10:10 – Tribal Chair Boyd called for a 10-minute recess.
10:20 – Meeting reconvened.
8. Joint Tribal Council / County Board Meeting Planning: Boyd explained that the original date was
postponed until a later date for safety reasons.
a. Location: Legendary Waters Resort & Casino Event Center
b. Time: 5:00 p.m.
c. Date: April 28, 2022 (Tentative)
d. Topics:
i. Introductions
ii. Opening Prayer
iii. Youth Presentation: The committee discussed inviting local youth groups to attend the
meeting and possibly deliver a small speech or presentation to the group. Groups
suggested by the committee were the Youth Tribal Council, students from the local
schools, and members of the local 4-H group.
iv. State of County / State of Tribe: Silbert suggested each governmental body give a 10–
15-minute presentation to educate each other on the recent achievements and projects that
each group has undertaken.
v. Ongoing Collaborations: Boyd suggested public safety, forestry lands updates, and
health department collaborations be added as topics to the agenda.
vi. Land Repatriation Efforts: Boyd recommended that the group give a presentation of
the historic timeline and present-day updates for the land repatriation efforts that have
been made. Tribal Vice-Chair, Nathan Gordon, suggested Tribal Attorney Dave Ujke
revising and delivering a presentation he made in the past on the topic.
vii. Memorandum of Understanding: Abeles-Allison explained that the MOU may need to
be revised after the land is fully repatriated. It was suggested that the committee meet one
more time before the joint meeting to finalize planning.
viii. Future Cooperation Opportunities:
1. Water Bill of Rights?
2. Resolution to protect ground and surface water and watershed: Silbert
suggested the tribe and county collaborate to protect the area’s water by drafting a
resolution to ensure the safety of the water.
ix. Tourism Opportunities: The committee discussed adding trail access to the agenda. It
was decided to leave the topic to the Committee rather than adding it to the agenda.
x. Tribal County Law Enforcement: Discussion took place regarding utilizing the Tribal
County Law Enforcement Agreement as an educational opportunity to inform attendees
on how the two departments have worked together in the past and will continue to do so.
xi. Building Relationships: Abeles-Allison clarified that the topic would be used to clarify
where the governmental bodies see their relationship going in the future.
xii. Group Picture
9. Future Meeting Date and Time: Wednesday, April 13, 2021 at 9:00 AM
Abeles-Allison informed the committee that the County Board adopted a resolution in support of
funding requests from municipalities and governments. Gordon stated that the Tribe would be willing to
draft a letter of support for projects if necessary. Abeles-Allison replied that the County would do the
same for the tribe.
10. Adjournment: There being no further business to discuss, Tribal Chairman Boyd adjourned the
meeting at 11:20 a.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Paige a. terry,
Clerk III, Bayfield County Administrator’s & Clerk’s Offices
On behalf of the Bayfield County-Tribal Relations Committee
PAT