BAY MILLS — The Bay Mills Indian Community Executive Council met May 24 to discuss tribal business.
Bay Mills Health & Human Services Director Laurel Keenan and Bay Mills Clinic Coordinator Walt Parish submitted a request by Bay Mills Dentist Kamran Qureshy, who recently received approval for a grant that focuses on diabetic patients with gum disease. Parish said that the tribe's number of diabetic dental patients with gum disease is not enough to meet the criteria for the grant, so Qureshy is requesting authorization to serve patients from the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians.
Parish also noted the Qureshy was concerned about possible down time with the start of the tribe's new dentist and wants to open the dental clinic to the entire Sault Tribe membership. The council suggested the dental program generate patients in Bay Mills first, but gave their approval to seek Sault Tribe patients for the grant and to service Sault Tribe Elders.
Substance Abuse Counselor Audrey Breakie was on hand to discuss an Access to Recovery Grant that would provide $15 million for use by tribal members who receive services at providers other than Bay Mills. The grant would be managed by Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan, which would disburse the funds based on a voucher system. Breakie was given authorization to submit paperwork for the grant.
Breakie also presented the council with information about the three-year, $135,000 Substance Abuse Youth Prevention Grant to be overseen by ITC. Breakie was given approval to submit the grant, which would provide a new position in the substance abuse program.
Bay Mills Historian Paula Parker submitted the Ojibwe History Department budget. After some discussion, the council tabled the matter until they receive the Cultural Department budget, which could have some bearing on the History Department's budget.
The council approved the 2003 VITA Tax Site budget presented by the tribe's tax accountant, Sara Harvitt.
There was no formal action as yet on a proposed Bay Mills Summer Youth Program. Vice Chairman Allyn Cameron said he hopes the tribe can find good work sites for the youths instead of just a way to plug them in.
In the past, departments have been leery of accepting summer youth workers due to lack of work and behavioral problems. Treasurer Diane Teeple suggested Human Resources contact all departments and create a list of those willing to work with the summer youth. She said that the kids aren't learning good work ethics if they're placed somewhere and don't have anything to do.
Tribal Chairman Jeff Parker suggested that those who are not placed in jobs receive a stipend to take enrichment classes at Bay Mills Community College. Instead of cycling the kids through each department, the departments would go to the college and teach the kids about their area of expertise and let them get a flavor for each area.
The council agreed to look into the idea.
The council requested updated figures for the Newspaper Department budget.
The council voted unanimously to approve an increase of the graduation incentive by 50 percent across the board.
In separate motions, the council approved a tribal member's request to payroll deduct building materials for a new deck, a disabled member's request for medical supplies, and the donation committee's recommendation to donate funds for a benefit softball tournament.
A banishment request was tabled pending further investigation.
Mike Carrick of Bay Mills PublicWorks requested the tribe buy a new front end loader. Parts are no longer available for the tribe's 30-year-old front end loader, which is badly in need of repair.
Carrick received quotes from three companies with various prices and payment options. The council directed him to look at each front end loader and choose the one in best mechanical condition.
The council approved the following phone votes en masse: a residential ground lease, a benefit raffle license, a rural housing and economic development program and a job waiver.
