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.