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About Siletz news letter. (Siletz, Oregon) 1989-1997 | View Entire Issue (June 1, 1995)
construction of the gaming facility which includes the parking areas. Because of the time factor, it was necessary for them to actively help in the designing and construction of the temporary facility. However, their role regarding the permanent facility will be more strictly oversight. Dietmar and Dennis will continue to assist the Tribe on environmental issues and in negotiations with the Oregon Department of Transportation on traffic issues. Planning for Use of Gaming Revenue» There were many expenses involved in the construction and furnishing of the temporary facility including the heating and air conditioning systems, electronic surveillance system, electrical and plumbing equipment, furnishings, gaming machines, construction of parking areas, etc. The revenues generated by this Center will be used to first pay for these expenses. The earlier we pay them, the less our costs will be for the permanent facility. Beyond those developmental costs, however, I see the ribbon cutting event not only as opening the door to the gaming center but to a better social and economic future for our Tribe. The Ad Hoc Gaming Committee has put together a tentative plan for the use of gaming revenues which includes the following: 1. Tribal operations including expenses of our Tribal govern ment and administration and the strengthening of tribal programs; 2. general welfare for improved health care, education, housing, and social services; 3. economic development to strengthen existing and establish new business enterprises; 4. financial investments for the future; 5. local governmental expenses and charities, and miscellaneous needs. Gaming Center Staffing As of May 20th, 1995, 205 employees were hired for various positions. Of the 102 Tribal members who applied, 56 were hired. The Human Resources Department has on file the names of all those who were not selected, and others who are still applying. Applications are being accepted on an on-going basis. It is important to keep in mind that the permanent Chinook Winds will open in a year and there will be a need for an additional 300 to 350 employees to fill a wide variety of positions including upper and mid-management positions. Under the Chairmanship of Joe Lane, the Gaming Commission has been busily engaged in background investigations and the issuing of licenses without which vendors could not do business with the center and persons would not be permitted to be employed by Chinook Winds. Th««1**» to the Ad Hoc G»m<«v Committee Tribal Monitor now on Board Tim Viles, a member of the Siletz Tribe, has been appointed to serve as Tribal Monitor. Tim has a strong background in accounting and management and will be responsible for overseeing the operations of the gaming center - to ensure that all federal, state and tribal ga m in g laws and regulations are complied with. He will coordinate his work closely with the gaming center management as well as with the Gaming Commission. Th» 8 il»t» Tribal Commi—Ion jf| B [ John Douglas, Jessie Davis, Janie Lane, Nelsen Witt, & Burgess Harmer examining the tables the night before. During the opening ceremony on May 25th, the members of the Ad Hoc Gaming Committee (formerly Ad Hoc Commission) were recognized. They are the unpaid volunteers who contributed their time and effort to the development of the project. Once again, I would like to recognize these committee members for their hard work: Amos Arden, Lisa Arden, Geneva Johnson, Mike Fisher, Jane John and Lisa Norton. It took the combined effort of many persons to make the opening of our temporary facility a reality. My thanks to them all.