BAY MILLS — The Bay Mills General Tribal Council (GTC) met Nov. 11 at the Horizons Conference Center, two days after the new executive council took office. After a quorum was established, the meeting was called to order at 7:15 p.m. by Tribal Chairman Jeff Parker. Vice Chairman Allyn Cameron, Treasurer Diane Teeple, Secretary Greg Parker and Councilperson Alex Easton were also on hand for the meeting.
Parker first asked if the GTC would join him in thanking the past executive council for the sacrifice and hard work they did over the past two years. The GTC gave a round of applause to the past executive council.
He reported that the executive council has been meeting and getting up to speed. He would like to schedule another GTC meeting before the end of the year to bring up issues of importance to the community. He invited the executive council members to make opening remarks.
Vice Chairman Allyn Cameron thanked everyone for their support. He promised to work hard, to try to advocate for the membership and to do the best job he can. He added that Dave Menominee ran a great campaign.
Councilperson Alex Easton thanked everyone for their tremendous, outstanding support. He promised to do his best for the community, to make a good future for the children.
Secretary Greg Parker said it had been 22 years since he last served on the executive council. Hopefully, he has matured and will make more mature decisions.
Treasurer Diane Teeple thanked everyone for their support welcomed them to talk to her about their concerns.
Parker introduced Bryan Newland, a Bay Mills member who recently graduated from college and was hired by Marketing Resource Group. Newland had letters for tribal members and
A motion by Dave Menonimee, seconded by Tony Leapley, to approve the April 7, 2003, meeting minutes passed by a show of hands.
ADOPTIONS
In Adoptions, Enrollment Director Phyllis Malloy presented the recommendation of the Enrollment Screening Committee to adopt 22 applications for adoptions out of 26 submitted. Most of the applications were for minor children of enrolled tribal members. A motion by William “Bun” LeBlanc, seconded by Webster Kinney, to adopt those on the list passed by a show of hands.
TRIBAL MEMBER CONCERNS
After School Program
Sonja Killips, a Bay Mills member who works at the After School Program, brought up the $2 per hour fee for parents bring their children to the After School Program. Even with the fee, parents must provide a sack lunch. At the same time, Early Head Start and Head Start also charge $2 per hour, but receive meals. Killips said the After School Program is a grant program and a little tweaking needs to be done in order to make the program more successful.
Parker said the executive council had only been in office two days, and that they would take a look at it. He would like to bring in parents and program coordinators in, too.
Tribal Administrator and Spending
Tribal member Dave Menominee wanted to know what the executive council's position was on the tribal administrator position, as it has been in limbo for two years. He also brought up the personal use of tribal vehicles, and urged the executive council to watch for wasteful spending.
Parker said no full decision had been made on the tribal administrator position. The GTC directed the executive council to take action on the position, which is now vacant. He brought up the need for another attorney, for upcoming inland hunting and fishing rights litigation and other issues. He said that the tribal administrator position will be on the next executive council agenda.
Cameron said he wants to get together with each department to tighten up the budgets.
Diane Teeple said, as the accountant for grants and contracts, she wished she could have had some guidance from the tribal administrator when decisions had to be made.
Several tribal members commented that the tribe needs an administrator, while another said she did not want to make the decision. All members come from different areas, and hold their own departments accountable.
Robert “Brt” Bowen asked about a rumor that some employees receive bonuses in addition to paychecks.
Jeff said he was told 'no' and asked Human Resources Director Ken Perron who said 'no.'
Saloma LeBlanc made a motion, seconded by Irma Parrish, that before the tribal administrator position is posted and filled, it will be put before the GTC.
Greg Parker said he feels the tribe needs a tribal administrator. Certain areas fell through the cracks, he said, such as the indirect cost proposal.
He added that the tribal administrator salary is paid out of indirect monies, charged to grants and contracts while the attorney is paid out of the general fund. He also suggested meeting with department heads, following P&Ls, to hold them accountable.
(Parker explained that the indirect cost proposal was approved too late in the year; the tribe had recovered too much money with not enough expenses, so the indirect rate for the next couple of years will go down.)
With a show of hands, the motion passed.
After a further questions about bonuses, Human resources Director Ken Perron came to the front to explain that there never have been director's bonuses. When they agreed on a wage for the present general manager, they negotiated to pay him 75 percent of that wage up front, and hold back 25 percent, which he earns by meeting quarterly goals.
A tribal member asked if, since elders receive bonuses, could there be anything for the younger people. Jeff Parker said that elders receive checks from the land claims settlement, as decided by the GTC, and it will still be there for others when they come of age. Other benefits, such as having utilities paid, the GTC also decided.
Parker said he has reservations about utilities being paid for those 55 and older. Some of these people have a high income while there's not a lot out there for young single moms.
Dave Menominee said that the tribe does need another attorney, if only to be junior to Tierney, an expert on Indian law.
Les Kinney, a tribal member visiting from out of state, said he considers the tribal administrator an oversight position and suggested supervisors and team leaders follow management controls set for each department. Each department head would be absolutely accountable.
The chairman said that is something they'd like to do, and that he'd like to call Kinney for help.
Tribal member Roland Menominee asked about French Safe and Tony Andary.
Jeff said that was Peninsula Legal Services, who came to the tribe with the Charlotte Beach idea. If successful, they would have gotten a percentage of revenue as a fee for five years.
Tony Leapley asked about the odds of making maintenance a government department. Al Cameron said they are looking at that right now. Jeff Parker told Leapley to stop by and see him.
Walt Lyons, a tribal member who heads up Sacy's Restaurant, said there are issues with Michigan health codes. Also, Sacy's is losing money over sending meals to the school; it comes out of Sacy's bottom line.
Cameron said they need to sit down with all the parties, while Parker added they need to know about any health and safety issues.
Walt Parish asked for more microphones at the next meeting.
Paula Parker asked if 18-54-year-olds could have free golf when the golf course opens up in the spring.
Mark Teeple wondered why managers were signing off on meals in Sacy's with their friends when there is a free employees buffet. Ken Perron said when managers were required to eat in buffet, employees quit eating there. Menominee added that it sets a bad example.
Mark Karzon motioned to adjourn, seconded by Webster.
