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About Siletz news / (Siletz, OR) 199?-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 1, 1998)
Page 14 Tribal Council S ile tz News Tribal Council Response to November, 1997 General Council Concerns CONCERN: A motion was passed to publish the unapproved General Council minutes in the Tribal Newsletter at least thirty (30) days prior to the next General Council meeting (as an insert to Tribal Members only), RESPONSE: The Tribal Council has directed staff to publish the minutes.as recommended by the General Council. CONCERN: The content and quality of the Tribal Newsletter was questioned. RESPONSE: The Tribal Council has directed that the content of the Tribal Newsletter be reviewed to adhere to the established guidelines (no profane language, no slanderous or racist statements). In addition, typographical errors Will be corrected. The letters to the editor will, in no way, be censored, and a disclaimer has been added to assure the reader that the opinions expressed are those of the authors and not those of the Tribe. CONCERN: A motion was passed I to acknowledge the work of Teresa Miller and all who contributed to the display of our ancestors at Chinook Winds, and to have her add photos if it is within the budget. RESPONSE: The Tribal Ctiuncil has directed staff to assist with adding photos and to work with Chinook Winds to assure that our cultural identity is prominently displayed. 3 CONCERN: A motion passed to rescind the motion to RIF the Assistant CEO position. RESPONSE: The Tribal Council approved an administrative reorganization chart oh January 7, 1998. The organization chart has eliminated the position of the Assistant CEO and has added new positions. Of most importance to the Tribal Council is the addition of the Financial Manager (CPA) in order to assure fiscal accountability. CONCERN: A motionpassed to hold executive session only for business matters of the Tribe, and if there are personnel matters, the individual will be notified and be able to appear with representation. RESPONSE: The Tribal Council has given individuals the opportunity to discuss matters in open or executive session. However, the established procedures in the personnel manual will be followed. CONCERN: The status of the temporary gaming structure in Lincoln City was questioned. RESPONSE; After review of possible uses, the Acting General Manager, Denis O'Brien, has recommended to the Tribal Council that the structure be dismantled and returned to the lessor. CONCERN: The following motion passed: "If the tribal attorney failed to file a tax exempt status, we file a lawsuit to recover the value of taxes we have to pay, any cost associated with the lawsuit, and any punitive damages our legal counsel feels is permissible." RESPONSE: The tax exempt status has been filed. CONCERN: A motion was passed to approve the "Run to the Rogue" as a Tribal Cultural Event. RESPONSE: This past year, the Tribal Council had postponed the regular Tribal Council meeting for one week topromote participation in the scheduled event which conflicted with the meeting date. The Tribal Council is now considering a revision in the personnel manual to allow a' "Culture Day" fo r each employee to use for tribal cultural events. CONCERN: A General Council member requested that our Mollala fishing rights in Oregon City be researched; another requested that our treaties be reviewed. RESPONSE: The Tribal Council representative to the Hunting and Fishing Committee states that this is not included inthe Consent Decree. However, the staff attorney will, review our treaties. CONCERN: An Elder asked to have adequate audio equipment at General Council meetings so that participants, /could hear all the discussion, RESPONSE: The Tribal Council has directed staff to assure that participants can hear'the discussion in future meetings. CONCERN: The ' General Council was concerned about the motion to increase the Tribal Council salaries. RESPONSE:, The Tribal Council rescinded the motion. Another motion for a salary increase was passed (5-3-0) at the December Tribal Council meeting, but, according to the Constitution, there must be six (6) votes in favor before an issue can be presented to the General Council for vote, The Tribal- Council. will have more dialogue with the General ; Council regarding this issue. CONCERN: A General Council member asked why nothing has been done to exert our rights to the gold found on Gold Beach. RESPONSE: In the mid-1800's, gold was taken from our aboriginal lands and transported on ships. One ship had stink with the gold, but sunken ships fall under maritime laws, which allows anyone who recovers treasures to claim ownership. The staff attorney and- the culture department will research otir rights on this issue; CONCERN: A General Council member stated that Lillie Butler misused her position as the Tribal Chairman by interfering with personnel issues w h e n , she (Chairman Btitler) had instructed the General Manager to relocate Judy Muschamp's office to the administration building for disciplinary reasons, thereby exceeding the guidelines of thé personnel manual, the Tribal Council ethics code and the Tribal Council rules and procedures. An Elder requested that the Tribal Attorney review this issue and asked the Chairman to step down. RESPONSE: The Tribal Council is participating in workshops on the Tribal Council Code of Ethics. CONCERN: The Tribal Council resolution regarding the blanket thirty (30) hours per week including fringe benefits was questioned as possibly unconstitutional. . RESPONSE: The tribal attorney, Craig Dorsay, has presented a legal analysis of this resolution to the Tribal Council and will provide details to the General Council membership at the February, 1998 General Council meeting. CONCERN: The Tribal Council has control of too many o f the Tribe's, entities; the Tribal Council serves as the STEDCO Board, Gaming Board, Health Boards Qualifications o f the Tribal C o u n cil m em bers, w'çre a h issu e. RESPONSE: T h e Tribal Council ¿is moving toward separating frotn the STEDCO Board and the G am ing’ Board. Parameters being considered are appropriate experience, knowledge pertaining to the specific boards, and funding levéis for thé board members. Currently, thereare not adequate, funds within the tribal government budget for separate members of these boards. CONCERN: The confidential report to tribal members on the status »¿of the Tribe did not include thefinancial status of ChinookWinds. RESPONSE; T h e Chinook Winds Bulletin, including a full financial report, will be mailed to the General Council members within the next thirty (30) days. USDA DISTRIBUTION Siletz Area February 17,18,19,1998 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Salem Area March 2 ,3 ,4 ,1 9 9 8 Mondays: 3:00-7:30 PM Tuesdays: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM Wednesdays: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
