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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTribal-County Relations Committee - Agenda - 12/18/2023 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 COUNTY-TRIBAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE Nicole Boyd, Tribal Council Chair Rick Peterson, Tribal Council Vice-Chair Jeffrey Silbert, Bayfield County Supervisor Steve Sandstrom, Bayfield County. Supervisor Dear Committee Members: This letter is written to inform you of the Bayfield County Tribal-County Relations Committee Meeting scheduled for MONDAY, December 18, 2023 at 8:30 a.m. This meeting will be held in-person at the Legendary Waters Resort & Casino Building located at 37600 Onigamiing Dr., Bayfield, WI 54814. The agenda for this meeting is as follows: AGENDA 1. Call to Order and Introductions 2. Motion to Approve Minutes of September 20, 2023 3. Public Comment 4. Discussion Regarding Tribal County Law Enforcement Agreement, 2025 DOJ Grant Timeline and County / Tribal Law Enforcement Topics 5. Discussion Regarding County-Tribal Tourism 6. Discussion Regarding Roads/Transportation Update 7. Discussion and Possible Action Regarding RAISE Grant Letter of Support, County Highway A and N, Iron River and Barnes 8. Discussion Regarding Updated Bayfield County Comprehensive Plan 9. Discussion Regarding Mental Health / Substance Abuse / Opioid Settlement Fund Plans 10. Discussion Regarding Full Tribal Council / County Board Meeting, originally scheduled for February 27, 6pm. Bayfield County Board Room 11. Discussion Regarding Pigeon Lake Property 12. Reports: a. Consolidated Dispatch Comprehensive Plan Collaborations b. Lands on Reservation and Tax Delinquencies c. Artesian Well Study 13. Proposed Next Meeting Time and Date: 14. Adjournment Should you have any questions in the meantime, please contact mark.abeles-allison@bayfieldcounty.wi.gov. Sincerely, Mark Abeles-Allison Mark Abeles-Allison Bayfield County Administrator MAA/pt cc: Lynn M. Divine, Bayfield County Clerk Bayfield County Board of Supervisors Bayfield County Department Heads Any person planning to attend a Bayfield County meeting that has a disability requiring special accommodations should contact 373-6100, 24-hours before the scheduled meeting, so appropriate arrangements can be made. 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, Wednesday, September 20, 2023 Meeting was held at the Emergency Operations Center in the Annex Building in Washburn, WI Members Present: Tribal Chairwoman Nicole Boyd, Supervisor Jeff Silbert, Supervisor Steve Sandstrom, Tribal Vice-Chair Rick Peterson (arrived late) Members Excused: Others Present: UW Extension Community Development Educator Kellie Pederson, Bayfield County Public Health Nurse Holly Weber, Bayfield County Humans Services Director Elizabeth Skulan, Bayfield County Clerk Lynn Divine, Bayfield County Administrator Mark Abeles-Allison, Bayfield County Sheriff Tony Williams, Bayfield County Chief Deputy Andy Runice, Assistant Tribal Attorney Wade Williams, and Bayfield County Clerk III Paige Terry. Called to order at 10:02 a.m. by Tribal Chairwoman Nicole Boyd. Introductions: Jeff Silbert – Bayfield County Supervisor, District 6 Kellie Pederson – UW Extension Community Development Educator Andy Runice – Bayfield County Chief Deputy Tony Williams – Bayfield County Sheriff Paige Terry – Bayfield County Clerk and Administrator’s Offices Clerk III Steve Sandstrom – Bayfield County Supervisor, District 1 Nicole Boyd – Red Cliff Tribal Chairwoman Holly Weber – Bayfield County Public Health Nurse Mark Abeles-Allison – Bayfield County Administrator Wade Williams – Assistant Tribal Attorney Elizabeth Skulan – Bayfield County Human Services Director Minutes of April 27, 2023, County-Tribal Relations Committee Meeting: Motion by Silbert, seconded by Sandstrom to approve the minutes of the February 2, 2023, County-Tribal Relations Committee Meeting. Motion carried, 3-0, 1 absent. Public Comment: None. Housing Collaboration Opportunities, CLT, Coalition, etc.: UW Extension Community Development Educator, Kellie Pederson, reviewed Bayfield County’s housing collaboration efforts with the committee. Bayfield County has entered into the Chequamegon Bay United Impact Land Trust (CheqBUILT) and has recently received $50,000 to help develop the infrastructure of the Community Land Trust (CLT). Pederson explained the role and purpose of a CLT to the committee. The local charter was able to hold its first meeting and Pederson reported that two representatives from Red Cliff were able to join the meeting as well. Pederson explained that the Chequamegon Bay Regional Housing Coalition Charter formalizes the collaboration group that has been working together on the housing crisis for years. Abeles-Allison reported on a few housing initiatives being taken on by Bayfield County which include providing funding to the Housing Authority to help solve the staffing problem being faced and modifying the tax foreclosure process that will include a covenant on sold properties that would require individuals to be living on the property within 24 months. This covenant would also state that a property cannot be used for short-term rentals for 10 years. The Bayfield County Board of Supervisors has been supportive of paying additional attention to short-term rentals. Pederson informed the committee that the Cinnaire Solutions development in the City of Washburn is still working on moving forward. The project was not granted funding during the second round but a second application for funding will be submitted. Cinnaire has settled on 40 units for the development and has submitted two building style options. Abeles-Allison stated that the County Board has authorized funding for a housing grant outreach intern in partnership with Northland College which would be paid for using CDBG funds. The board has also authorized $50,000 to leverage dollars for a comprehensive zoning code update. 10:15 a.m. – Rick Peterson joined the meeting. Sandstrom told the committee that he recently attended the WCA Annual Conference and one of the breakout sessions included a discussion on zoning. It was discussed that a change to the zoning code was fundamental to solving permitting issues surrounding the zoning department. Boyd informed the committee that Red Cliff has several potential housing projects underway which includes funding to develop 100 new sites, build 50 new mixed units, and funding allocated to elderly housing. Boyd reported that the tribe just received word that they were not selected for their elderly housing development project, but the tribe will continue to work towards that goal. Boyd reviewed a number of other funding sources that have been dedicated to housing on the reservation as well as the site for a new rental housing development. Discussion took place regarding the maintenance of the housing authority properties on the reservation as the housing authority is currently responsible for 300 units with a very limited staff. Lastly, Boyd stated that the tribe will be holding their Tribal Census in the fall and the housing assessment is scheduled to be a part of the census. 10:30 a.m. – Rick Peterson left the meeting. Law Enforcement Collaboration Opportunities and Initiatives for the 2024 Tribal County Law Enforcement Agreement: Bayfield County Sheriff, Tony Williams, informed the committee that he is waiting for Red Cliff to review the agreement. The committee reviewed the timeline for signing the agreement. Abeles- Allison stated that Bayfield County and Red Cliff traditionally divided any funds received. Boyd stated that she had not yet heard what the award amount would be. Bayfield County Chief Deputy, Andy Runice, stated that he has not yet seen a copy of the draft and would like to review it before it is approved. Assistant Tribal Attorney, Wade Williams, explained that Red Cliff Police Chief Hall is currently reviewing the draft and would be sending it to Bayfield County for review shortly. Boyd asked what the deadline was to have the agreement signed. Abeles-Allison replied November 1, 2023. Boyd reported that the Red Cliff Police Department was fully staffed on officers with an interview for a department manager scheduled for the following day. Red Cliff has applied for WI DOJ funding for a new police station that will be built next to the new EMS facility. Discussion took place regarding EMS staffing in Red Cliff. 10:45 a.m. – Rick Peterson rejoined the meeting. 10:48 a.m. – Mark Abeles-Allison asked the committee to move ahead to the Mental Health / Substance Abuse / Opioid Settlement Funds topic to accommodate the time of staff available to speak on the topic. The committee agreed to move ahead on the agenda. Mental Health / Substance Abuse / Opioid Settlement Funds: Bayfield County Public Health Nurse, Holly Weber, reported that the county will be receiving approximately $15,000 in opioid settlement funds every year for the next 15 years. The Bayfield County Health Department sent out a community survey to determine how to best utilize these funds. After compiling the survey results, the department decided to dedicate the funds towards prevention activities in school aged children. Weber reviewed the proposed programs that would be implemented throughout the schools. Boyd explained that the Bayfield School currently has an AODA Program, Brighter Futures implemented in the school program and encouraged the county staff to have a discussion with Red Cliff to make sure any new programs complement existing programs and does not duplicate them. Discussion took place regarding the current programs available and being implemented at the Bayfield School and the Red Cliff Tribe. Bayfield County Human Services Director, Elizabeth Skulan, reiterated that Bayfield County does not want to duplicate or sub-plant any programs, but is looking to collaborate with the schools and other governments. Boyd reported that Red Cliff will receive approximately $600,000 in opioid settlement funds that will be utilized to implement a new local Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) Program. The tribe will also be working towards updating the AODA Tribal Action Plan which requires the tribe to hold a Gathering of Native Americans (GONA). This meeting is scheduled for October. Weber continued with her report informing the committee that the county recently received a $50,000 grant to purchase two public health vending machines. One machine is being bought for Red Cliff and will be placed at the current ambulance hall to be moved to the new EMS facility once it is built. The county has not yet decided on a location for the second machine. Weber $50k grant for public health vending machines. Weber reviewed the variety of supplies that will be available in the machines. Weber informed the committee that the Bayfield County prevention coalition, renamed to the Alliance for a Safe and Healthy Bayfield County, has begun to meet again since the COVID-19 pandemic and Weber was also invited to join the Red Cliff prevention group. The coalition is focusing on prevention activities which include. Weber finished her report reviewing the county’s upcoming health initiatives, a report on the new mobile clinic service, and a report on several outbreaks in the area that include bed bugs, syphilis, and chlamydia. Skulan reported an increase in the Human Services emergency detentions as well as Comprehensive Community Services. The department has seen a decrease in the number of children that are being placed in Red Cliff as there is an increase in permanent placements. Boyd also reported similar patterns for the tribe’s wrap-around care program. There has been an increase in COVID-19 on the reservation. Boyd was happy to report that the childcare center on the reservation is set to open one of its rooms in October which would allow the facility to take care of 8-10 children. Extensive discussion took place regarding health services available throughout Bayfield County and Red Cliff. Comprehensive Planning Collaboration Opportunities: Abeles-Allison reported that the Bayfield County Comprehensive Plan Committee has approved a draft plan and held their first open house/listening session on September 13, 2023. The listening session had a low attendance with not a lot of comments or suggestions. There are two more listening sessions scheduled, and the committee will compile all comments received and present them at the October committee meeting with the intention of approving a final plan at the meeting as well. The County Board will be adopting the final plan at the November meeting on November 14, 2023. Sandstrom reported that he has received a lot of good input from the committee’s work groups and asked that, if Red Cliff representatives notice any changes that need to be made, please inform him. Transportation Program Collaboration Opportunities, Red Cliff and Bayfield County: Abeles-Allison reported that Bayfield County has been denied funding for the County Highway A and N project for a third time. The county will now be applying for funding for bike and pedestrian route planning for the whole county. Boyd informed the committee that Red Cliff recently received funding through the Safe Routes to School Grant to develop a bike/pedestrian trail that would lead from the reservation to the Bayfield School. The tribe’s Natural Resources Division will be handling the project and the project is still in the planning phase. Committee members discussed a possible route from the reservation to the school. Abeles-Allison informed the committee that Bayfield County may be looking into doing their own chip sealing in the future. Boyd reported on several transportation projects scheduled for the reservation, which included replacing the Chicago Creek culvert, resurfacing Blueberry Road from the highway to Old Dump Road, making improvements to Bradum Road while also making water and sewer improvements, and improving the remaining residential roads. Boyd explained that the tribe’s Roads Department is small and collaboration with the county may be key to completing projects. Abeles-Allison explained that the county has adequate staff numbers as the department can take on special projects even in the summer months. Abeles-Allison reviewed the variety of county transportation services available with the committee, including the BART bus, Blue Goose, and the Door-to- Door program. Bayfield County Human Services Director, Elizabeth Skulan, reviewed the Door-to-Door program with the committee. Boyd stated that public transportation numbers have surpassed the pre-COVID numbers, and the tribe has ordered two electric buses that will be stored at the new transportation building. Red Cliff is fully staffed in the transit program except for a few gaps in the Head start transportation program. The tribe is trying to create a new app service for scheduling rides through public transportation. Bayfield County has recently installed EV charging equipment at the highway garage in Washburn and Red Cliff has applied for funding for EV charging equipment. Abeles-Allison asked if there was any formal collaboration dialogue or efforts between Red Cliff and Bayfield County. Boyd and Tribal Vice-Chair, Richard Peterson, agreed there was not formal collaboration. The committee agreed that collaboration between the two entities should be encouraged. 11:54 a.m. – The committee took a short recess. 12:12 p.m. – The committee reconvened. Lands Updates and Updates and Revisions to the Tribal County Lands MOU: Silbert gave a history of the Tribal County Lands MOU and the repatriation of lands back to the tribe. Silbert asked if a new MOU should be drafted or if one is even needed now that all the lands have been repatriated. The committee agreed that having an MOU in place is important as it helps lay out goals for staff and serves as a guide to ensure staff continue to work to achieve the goals. Boyd suggested tabling the item for the next agenda. Items for Next Agenda: The committee discussed adding the following topics to the next agenda: • Lands MOU Update • Progress Report on Tax Fallout in the Town of Russell 12:25 p.m. – Steve Sandstrom left the meeting. Reports: a) Joint Full Tribal Council / County Board Meeting Date, February 27, 6:00 p.m., Bayfield County Board Room b) Consolidated Dispatch Comprehensive Plan Collaborations: Abeles-Allison reported that progress on the consolidated dispatch comprehensive plan is moving forward, and the next meeting will be taking place later in the day. The program is anticipated to commence in 2024 and the board is looking to have two dispatchers at each dispatch station to allow better coverage and enable opportunity for EMS dispatch protocols. c) Artesian Well Study: Abeles-Allison reported that the Artesian Well Study group was originally looking towards developing an ordinance regarding artesian wells but has begun leaning towards using the study as an educational opportunity. Proposed Next Meeting Time and Date: A date was not set at this time. Adjournment: There being no further business to discuss, Tribal Chairwoman Nicole Boyd adjourned the meeting at 12:35 p.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