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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTribal-County Relations Committee - Minutes - 2/2/2023 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 10:00am, Thursday, February 3, 2023 Meeting was held in the Bayfield County Board Room, Washburn, WI Members Present: Supervisor Jeff Silbert, Supervisor Steve Sandstrom, Tribal Chairman Chris Boyd Members Excused: Tribal Vice-Chair Rick Peterson Others Present: Bayfield County Administrator Mark Abeles-Allison, Assistant Tribal Attorney Wade Williams, Red Cliff Planning Administrator Nicole Boyd, Bayfield County Highway Commissioner Bob Anderson, UW Extension Community Development Educator Kellie Pederson, Bayfield County Board Chair Dennis Pocernich, Bayfield County Board Vice-Chair Fred Strand, Bayfield County Sheriff Tony Williams, Bayfield County Chief Deputy Andy Runice, Bayfield County Human Services Behavior Health and Community Programs Manager Tom Croteau, and Bayfield County Clerk III Paige Terry. Called to order at 9:00 a.m. by Tribal Chair Chris Boyd Introductions: Dennis Pocernich – Bayfield County Board Chairman Bob Anderson – Bayfield County Highway Commissioner Chris Boyd – Red Cliff Tribal Chairperson Jeff Silbert – Bayfield County Board Supervisor, District 6 Fred Strand – Bayfield County Board Vice-Chair Kellie Pederson – UW Extension Community Development Educator Wade Williams – Red Cliff Assistant Tribal Attorney Paige Terry – Bayfield County Clerk and Administrator Offices Clerk III Mark Abeles-Allison – Bayfield County Administrator Nicole Boyd – Red Cliff Planning Administrator Public Comment: Chairman Boyd thanked Bayfield County for the condolence card that he received in response to the loss of his younger brother. Minutes of October 26, 2022, County-Tribal Relations Committee Meeting: Motion by Silbert, seconded by Boyd to approve the minutes of the October 26, 2022, County-Tribal Relations Committee Meeting. Motion carried, 3-0, 1 absent. New County Elected Official Introductions: Bayfield County Sheriff, Tony Williams, introduced himself to the committee. Bayfield County USDOT RAISE Project, County Highway A and N: Bayfield County Highway Commissioner, Bob Anderson, reviewed the US DOT RAISE Grant project for County Highway A and N with the committee and explained that the project entails approximately 22 miles worth of road that would be changed to all-season road. Countywide EMS: Abeles-Allison reviewed the purpose of the AD Hoc EMS Advisory Committee and explained that the committee had recommended a countywide EMS agency. Abeles-Allison informed the committee that Bayfield County is now a non-responsive EMS agency. Bayfield County can exceed the levy cap whereas the towns are unable to which allows the county to receive additional funds that can be distributed to the nine other EMS agencies. An Ambulance Service Provider Agreement between Bayfield County and the nine other EMS Agencies has been distributed to the other agencies, once all other agencies have signed and returned the document, Bayfield County will begin the process of allocating $20,000 in additional funds to the agencies. Chairman Boyd reported that, approximately four years ago, the Red Cliff EMS was on the verge of dissolving but is now fully staff with a new EMS facility scheduled to be built during 2023. Silbert asked Chairman Boyd how Red Cliff was able to successfully recruit enough staff. Chairman Boyd answered that having the tribe assume all costs for schooling played a key role. The committee discussed additional funding opportunities available to Bayfield County after taking on the role of an EMS agency. Housing Program and Development Updates: UW Extension Community Development Educator, Kellie Pederson, informed the committee that Cinnaire Solutions was selected as the developer for the development project in the City of Washburn located adjacent to the Northern Lights Nursing Home. Cinnaire has submitted an application for LIHTC tax credits with the future of the development waiting on the results of the application. The development was proposed as a 56-unit development with 100 parking spaces and a mix of two- or three-bedroom spaces. Pederson announced that the City of Washburn/Bayfield County Housing Authority as the new executive director after the former director resigned. In response to the increased need for affordable housing throughout the county, and the presence of developers looking to develop in the county, UW Extension is in the process of hiring an individual for a pilot Housing Development Educator position. Abeles- Allison explained that the position would be a two-year pilot position and that interviews for the position will be held the following day. Chairman Boyd reported that Red Cliff has submitted a proposal for an Indian Community Development Block Grant to secure funding to build two 12-unit elderly housing complexes for a total of 24 units. Red Cliff has allocated $12 million of ARPA funds to building 50 family living units, but the tribe remains in need of an estimated 250-275 additional homes for residents. Chairman Boyd informed the committee that Red Cliff is working on a program to get tribal members interested in homeownership by assisting them in improving their credit and by allowing renters to purchase their home after a specified period of time. As of December 31, 2022, Red Cliff has received and distributed $1.7 million in rental and utility assistance to tribal members, including members that do not live on the reservation. Silbert asked if the 24 units for senior citizens is enough to begin to address the need for housing for the tribe’s senior population. N. Boyd stated that the 24 units will provide housing to approximately 60% of the current senior need in the community. Abeles-Allison suggested grouping items 9 and 10 together. The committee agreed. Opioid Settlement; County, Tribal, and State Funds and Discussion Regarding Mental Health and Substance Abuse: Bayfield County Human Services Behavior Health and Community Programs Manager, Tom Croteau, informed the community that Human Services continues to work towards a solution on how to best maximize the funds that will be received. Croteau explained that there will be a small portion of funds being received over the next 18 years. Human Services has proposed developing a 5–10-minute survey that would be made available to the public to better prioritize where the funds should be spent. Croteau reported that both Bayfield County and Red Cliff have some high-needs clients and stated that he appreciates the cooperation that he has received from Red Cliff while handling the cases. The committee discussed the problem of mental health and substance abuse in the community and the problems with limited funds and other resources. Chairman Boyd spoke on behalf of the Tribe’s efforts for AODA rehabilitation, explaining that Red Cliff pursues a 90-day treatment standard for clients as opposed to the traditional 42-day treatment programs. Red Cliff has primarily been focusing on the prevention side of the AODA/mental health crisis and the tribe has been able to hire enough staff that daily meetings are being held for residents that are entering or are currently in recovery. Chairman Boyd read a summary of updates provided by the Red Cliff Planning Administrator, Nicole Boyd. Red Cliff is in the process of updating the AODA Tribal Action Plan, the Mishomis Wellness Center remains open, and the tribe is working to move forward with building their Cultural Center that will also serve as a funeral facility. The tribal courthouse is nearly finished with renovations and a ribbon cutting ceremony is planned to take place during the Fall of 2023. Chairman Boyd stated that the tribe is interesting in building a new Police Department and will be breaking ground in the summer to start building a $5 million transportation facility. In efforts to pursue renewable energy, the tribe is working to complete a Comprehensive Energy Plan for all tribal structures. Abeles-Allison read a summary provided by the Bayfield County Health Department which highlights the department’s ongoing efforts to work with schools throughout the county, the continuation of the Narcan Direct Program, and the continuing work to address mental health issues in youth throughout the county. Land Use Issues and Tribal County Zoning and Bayfield County Comprehensive Plan Update: Abeles- Allison explained that this was previously a standing item for general discussion. Bayfield County has now deeded all lands back to Red Cliff and has no more lands within the tribal boundaries. Chairman Boyd stated that the tribe is considering looking at lands that are outside of the tribe’s borders in the future and explained that the tribe is interested in moving towards farm operations, which will not be sustained by the current lands. Red Cliff Assistant Tribal Attorney, Wade Williams, informed the committee that he has been in contact with Bayfield County Corporation Counsel, John Carlson as well as the Planning & Zoning Director, Ruth Hulstrom, and has discussed the importance of making the land use and zoning districts compatible between Red Cliff and the county while the county undergoes the Comprehensive Plan update process. Abeles-Allison reported that the Comprehensive Planning Committee is in the process of getting land use maps out to towns for local input and that one of the goals of the Comprehensive Plan is to develop future land use goals. Chairman Boyd reported that the tribe’s $8 million Fiber-to-Home project is moving forward, and the tribe is looking into the process of installing a second tower to improve cell service on the reservation. The tribe has outgrown the current Buffalo Bay convenience store gas station and will be remodeling/expanding the station to be more accommodating. Recreational Trail Between Bayfield and Red Cliff: Sandstrom reported that the Red Cliff Tribal Council had agreed at a previous meeting to move forward with a feasibility study regarding a recreational trial between Bayfield and Red Cliff. Sandstrom explained that a TAP Grant is available as an opportunity to secure funding for the study and a meeting will be held later in the day at 3:00 PM regarding the grant. Items for Next Agenda: Sandstrom dispensed with the item due to time constraints of the meeting. Proposed Next Meeting Time and Date: April 26, 2023, at 10:00 AM, Legendary Waters in Red Cliff Adjournment: There being no further business to discuss, motion by Boyd, seconded by Sandstrom to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried, 3-0, 1 absent. Meeting adjourned at 11:41 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