1979 Business Committee Meeting Minutes
Date1979
ClassificationsArchive
Object numberBC.BCM.1979
Description1979 Business Committee Meeting MinutesFebruary 2 - Special Telephone Conference
February 12 - Business Committee Meeting
March 21 - Business Committee Meeting
April 10 - Scholarship Foundation Meeting
April 21 - Quarterly Open Business Committee Meeting
May 10 - Scholarship Foundation Meeting
May 17 - Business Committee Meeting
May 31 - Business Committee Meeting
June 6 - Business Committee Meeting
June 20 - Business Committee Meeting
June 26 - Business Committee Meeting
June 30 - General Council Meeting
July 11 - Business Committee Meeting
August 15 - Business Committee Meeting
August 19 - Scholarship Foundation Meeting
August 24 - Business Committee Meeting
August 28 - Business Committee Meeting
September 10 - Business Committee Meeting
September 19 - Business Committee Meeting
October 3 - Business Committee Meeting
October 17 - Business Committee Meeting
November 20 - Business Committee Meeting
December 5 - Business Committee Meeting
December 13 - Business Committee Meeting
December 19 - Business Committee Meeting
Collections
Finding AidCITIZEN BAND POTAWATOMI INDIANS OF OKLAHOMA
SPECIAL TELEPHONE CONFERENCE
OF TRIBAL BUSINESS COMMITTEE
February 2, 1979
A special Business Committee conference was called by the Committee
Chairman, Paul E. Schmidlkofer. Each member was contacted by the
Tribal Administrator, John Schoemann.
It was the concensus of the Business Committee to retain Jeff Diamond
as tribal attorney in the action of attempted cancellation by CTSA of
the tribal CETA Sub-Contract.
The Business Committee reviewed the cancellation and then determined
the tribe was in compliance with terms of the Sub-Grant and that the
cancellation was unwarranted. The vote was 5-0 in favor that legal
recourse to resolve the situation will be litigation through the Federal
Court System, to be filed February 9, 1979.
CITIZEN BAND POTAWATOMI INDIANS OF OKLAHOMA
BUSINESS COMMITTEE MEETING
Shawnee, Oklahoma
February 12, 1979
MINUTES
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Schmidlkofer at 7:40 p.m.,
12 February, 1979, (Monday). All Committee members were present, those
being:
Paul Schmidlkofer, Chairman
Sheila Hall, Secretary-Treasurer
Bill Burch, Councilman
Jim Tacker, Vice-Chairman
Priscilla Sherard, Councilwoman
Others present at the meeting were:
John Schoemann, Tribal Administrator
Louise Neugent, Tribal Employee
Dwayne Hughes, Tribal Employee
Shirley Clarkson, Southwestern
Bell Telephone Representative.
The minutes of the December 13, 1978, meeting were reviewed. The word,
"agreed" was omitted in the sixth paragraph, second line. Members added the
word in pen. Priscilla Sherard made a motion that the minutes be approved
as corrected. Bill Burch seconded the motion. Motion passed, 5-0.
Mr. Schoemann submitted a written synopsis of a Business Committee telephone
survey on February 2, 1979, in which the Committee voted 5-0 to retain Jeff
Diamond, tribal attorney, in the action of attempted cancellation by CTSA of
the tribal CETA Sub-Contract. (See attached telephone conference report.)
Ms. Shirley Clarkson, representative of Southwestern Bell Telephone Company,
presented costs on the Horizon and Dimension telephone systems. Jim Tacker
asked about the 756, and the Committee received some information on that
system also. It was agreed to have more complete financial information
available before making a decision. Ms. Clarkson left the meeting at 8:40 p.m.
Jim Tacker made a motion, with Sheila Hall seconding, that a resolution be
adopted whereby the tribe would express its desire to obtain a planning grant
through the Administration of Native Americans (ANA) in the amount of $100,000
to assist the tribe in developing the directional aspects of the industrial
project (carpet facility) located in Wilburton, Oklahoma. Motion passed, 5-0.
RESOLUTION 79-27.
Bill Burch made a motion to adopt a resolution authorizing the chairman and
secretary to negotiate on behalf of NAMA (Native American Manufacturing
Association). Jim Tacker seconded the motion. Motion passed, 5-0.
RESOLUTION 79-24.
The Committee then discussed the membership of the Board of Directors of
NAMA. It was suggested that directors be appointed from the following
Citizen Band Potawatomi Indians of Oklahoma
Business Committee Meeting Minutes
February 12, 1979
Page 2
field(s): federal politics, financial, business, industrial and manufacturing,
carpet industry, and the legal profession. Sheila Hall made a motion, with
Priscilla Sherard seconding, to place Paul Schmidlkofer, Jim Tacker, Sheila
Hall, Priscilla Sherard, and Bill Burch on the NAMA Board of Directors for
the present time. Motion passed, 5-0.
Jim Tacker made a motion that a resolution adopting a tribal management system
which includes a personnel system, financial records, and property records
be approved. Priscilla Sherard seconded the motion. Motion passed, 5-0.
RESOLUTION 79-25.
John Schoemann presented an organizational chart. After some discussion,
Sheila Hall made a motion to adopt the chart as presented. (See chart,
attached.) Bill Burch seconded the motion. Motion passed, 5-0.
It was agreed to study pay scales at a later date. The committee also
reviewed the roster of tribal employees and their current salaries.
Sheila Hall made a motion that the tribe adopt a resolution agreeing with
the requirements of the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973, PL 93-234,
as they apply to the non-utilization of Community Development Block Grant
(CDBG) monies in designated flood plains. Jim Tacker seconded the motion.
Motion passed, 5-0.
RESOLUTION 79-26.
Priscilla Sherard advised the committee that a member, Tom Melot, in Guthrie
had requested housing information. She advised Mr. Melot to write to the
Chairman for information on available housing programs.
The committee discussed the upcoming per capita payment and what had been
said in the November 18 Council Meeting. The members did not agree on the
total content and intent of the discussion. The Secretary agreed to listen
to the tape of the meeting and advise the members on the content so that an
accurate decision could be made.
Discussion of the museum and the curator's position followed. Sheila Hall
made a motion, with Priscilla Sherard seconding, that Mr. Jerry Lewis, Dr.
Haug, the Historical Society, and the Business Committee be invited to meet
in the near future on a Saturday; that the tribe pay Jerry Lewis $1.00 per
year for his services to the tribe; and that the tribe pay transportation
and shipping costs, including air fare for Mr. Lewis, on the delivery of
materials he as accumulated so far. Motion passed, 5-0.
Mr. Schoemann announced that Aetna, Equity Life, and World Bank had all
expressed interest in funding the carpet project. Mr. Schoemann will be
meeting with the World Bank representative on 13 February. He also
announced that Congoleum has asked for $500,000 in an escrow account.
A hay lease was discussed. The lease cannot conflict with plans made for
the NYACC program; however, part of the hay meadow may be leased out. Mr.
Citizen Band Potawatomi Indians of Oklahoma
Business Committee Meeting Minutes
February 12, 1979
Page 3
Schoemann was asked to discuss the lease with the BIA office regarding their
lease restrictions and policies.
The Committee discussed the closing down of the BIA computer system in
Albuquerque, the rejuvenation of the old council house, and reaffirmed the
non-passage of a resolution approving the equipment transfer agreement
between the Iowa, Sac & Fox, and Absentee Shawnee Health Merger and the
Office of Environmental Health (OEH).
Jim Tacker made a motion to adjourn. Bill Burch seconded the motion. Motion
passed, 5-0.
MEETING ADJOURNED, 12:50 a.m.
Sheila M. Hall
Secretary-Treasurer
CITIZEN BAND POTAWATOMI INDIANS OF OKLAHOMA
BUSINESS COMMITTEE MEETING
Shawnee, Oklahoma
March 21, 1979
MINUTES
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Schmidlkofer at 7:53 p.m. A
quorum of the Business Committee was declared with the following members
being present:
Paul Schmidlkofer, Chairman
Sheila Hall, Secretary-Treasurer
Jim Tacker, Vice Chairman
Bill Burch, Councilman
Others present were:
John Schoemann, Tribal Administrator
Dwayne Hughes, Tribal Employee
Mrs. Hall reported the minutes of the February 12 meeting were available
in draft form only due to a tape recorder malfunction; the Secretary
would be happy to read the draft if the Committee so desired. The con-
census was to defer reading of the minutes until the next meeting.
John Schoemann reported there was no further information available on the
status of Leon Bruno in his position as a member of the Absentee Shawnee
Housing Authority.
As regards the CETA subcontract, Charles Freede, attorney, filed a suit in
federal court today against the Department of Labor, Mr. Kilpatrick, Mr.
Wheeler, Sandy McNabb, and the other eight (8) CTSA Board members.
Priscilla Sherard entered the meeting at 8:00 p.m.
A written proposal from Southwestern Bell Telephone, which outlined the
capability and costs of the 756A PBX, Dimension, and Horizon Systems was
reviewed and discussed. Mr. Tacker and Mrs. Hall indicated they were
initially in favor of the 756A is PBX. Mr. Schoemann reported there was
approximately $10,000 available in the indirect cost budget to assist in
the purchase and installation of a system. Some of the Business Committee
members wanted to look at installations before making a decision. Mr.
Schoemann was requested to make appointments for looking at some installations.
Paula Stinnett, tribal employee, entered the meeting with some tapes to
record the session at 8:05 p.m.
The Tribal Personnel Policies and Procedures were reviewed by the entire
Committee with Mr. Hughes and Mr. Schoemann making comments on the changes
that had been made. Jim Tacker made a motion that they be accepted as
corrected by the Committee. Priscilla Sherard seconded the motion. Motion
passed, 5-0.
Citizen Band of Potawatomi Indians of Oklahoma
Business Committee Meeting Minutes
March 21, 1979, Page 2
Sheila Hall stated that Mr. Herdon, Shawnee BIA Agency, had informally
requested that copies of the tribes minutes be forwarded to the Agency.
This request was briefly considered.
The Headstart and Day Care Personnel Policies and Procedures were reviewed
with comments being made about the differences between the work situation and
between the policies and the tribal polices just approved. After discussion,
Bill Burch made a motion to approve the Headstart and Daycare Personnel
Policies and Procedures as presented. Priscilla Sherard requested that Mr.
Burch add to his motion that the document would be subject to later revision.
Mr. Burch amended his motion to include this request. Priscilla Sherard
seconded the motion. Motion passed, 5-0.
Priscilla Sherard requested the opportunity to correct a statement that Paul
Schmidlkofer had made at a previous meeting when he stated that Beverly
Hughes had previously been denied the opportunity to attend any tribal rolls
computer updating courses. Ms. Sherard stated that Mrs. Hughes had attended
a three-day seminar on computer updating of the rolls at the University of
Oklahoma less than two (2) years ago; Mrs. Sherard had attended a seminar
there at the same time.
Priscilla stated that she felt the rolls still were not being updated
correctly as she, herself, had supplied a report and later an obituary
column on James O'Meara. The column had plainly stated that Mr. O'Meara was
deceased, but the man was still mailed a per capita check and his name is
included in the list of unclaimed members checks. Also, Priscilla's aunt
Ruby had made a change of address request on a relative who was residing in
a nursing home. The Grandaughter of the relative, who is the legal
guardian, also made a special trip to Shawnee to change the address. The
address for the member was still incorrect and the per capita check was
returned to the government.
A salary schedule was presented to the Committee for review. No changes
were made to the schedule.
A new format for the presentation of Program Status Reports was presented by
Mr. Hughes, and favorably received by the Committee members.
Sheila reviewed briefly the interview with Beverly Hughes in December, 1978;
Mrs. Hughes had stated that she needed help on the rolls--that there was
enough work for two people on the rolls, and the Business Committee had
agreed to monitor Mrs. Hughes' work. Mrs. Hall stated that she felt that if
there was enough work for two people, then Mrs. Hughes did not need to spend
her working hours on activities such as art displays for museums, Bethel
Water Resources Board, the tribal newspaper, etc., and interfering in the
work of other employees. Mrs. Hall felt that Mrs. Hughes was not devoting
herself to the job, and stated she would like to see Mrs. Hughes perform
her job outstandingly. Mrs. Hall stated that not only the Secretary but the
entire Committee as a whole was being severely critized for Mrs. Hughes
performance. She requested that Mrs. Hughes be made to understand that it
was necessary for her to channel her activities into working on the rolls
if that was what she was to be paid for.
Citizen Band of Potawatomi Indians of Oklahoma
Business Committee Meeting Minutes
March 21, 1979, Page 3
Jim Tacker requested that John Schoemann have Mrs. Hughes review the rolls
for deceased individuals.
Mr. Schoemann advised Mrs. Hall that Mrs. Hughes would not be allowed to work
on the tribal newspaper in the future, and that her other activities would
cease so that she could devote her attention to the rolls.
Priscilla Sherard again commented on deceased members receiving per capita
checks and that the money could have been distributed to living members. The
daughter of a Mr. Schoemann in Moore, Oklahoma, had advised Mrs. Sherard that
she had reported Mr. Schoemann was deceased three (3) times and Mr. Schoemann
still had not been removed from the rolls. The daughter felt the need for
multiple requests placed an unnecessary emotional hardship on the family.
Priscilla Sherard requested that Chauncy Lewis be notified of the availability
of Woody Crumbo's paintings. John Schoemann stated there would be an article
in the upcoming tribal newspaper on Mr. Crumbo's paintings.
The Committee members were given copies of audits by Ephraim, Sureck, and
Miller to review.
A tentative floor plan to be used with the CDBG proposal was submitted to the
Committee for comments. An application is being submitted to Parks and Recreation,
EDA, FmHA, and CDBG.
Mr. Hughes advised the Committee on his activities regarding Sunshine Legislation
(Senate Bill 2) which is being considered by Congress. This legislation
could adversely affect the monies available for Indian Tribes. He has
prepared a letter to President Carter, and sent thirty-three (33) letters to
other tribes advising them of this legislation and its impact on the tribes.
Enrollment data submitted by Mrs. Hughes was considered by the Committee
members. As the summary data was not complete, and no resolution was prepared,
the concensus was to have Mrs. Hughes prepare the data in final resolution
form and mail it to the members; a vote would then be taken by telephone poll.
Jim Tacker commented that a parent and child should not be enrolled on the
same resolution, and requested that all parents have an ID number on the
enrollment resolution in an effort to assure compliance with the tribal
constitution. The other members agreed that this action would be appropriate.
Priscilla Sherard made a motion, with Paul Schmidlkofer seconding, that a
resolution be adopted to require dual signatures on the NAMA account and to
authorize Jim Tacker, Sheila Hall, Bill Burch, and John Schoemann to sign
the checks. Motion passed, 5-0.
RESOLUTION 79-
Mr. Schoemann discussed a Blue Cross/Blue Shield health plan as compared to
the tribal health plan currently with Equitable. It was decided that John
should poll the employees to determine which plan the employees wanted.
Citizen Band of Potawatomi Indians of Oklahoma
Business Committee Meeting Minutes
March 21, 1979, Page 4
Paul Schmidlkofer suggested the possibility of Bingo games in the Day Care
facility as a method of raising funds for the Annual Council Meeting
festivities. No action was taken. Priscilla Sherard requested that John
Shoemann check with the BIA on the possibility of obtaining a buffalo for the
Pow Wow this year.
Mrs. Sherard suggested designating Jerry Lewis the "Historian of the North".
Since the Committee did not know Mr. Lewis' feelings on the matter, no action
was taken.
Jim Tacker requested status on the museum. Sheila Hall gave a brief report.
Mr. Tacker requested a report on revision of the Constitution. John Schoemann
gave a status report. Sheila Hall commented on what she felt was a need to
assist allottment heirs in doing something with the inherited property. Among
one of the alternatives Mrs. Hall suggested was the possibility of escheating
the property back to the tribe in a trust status when the inheritance was one
(1) acre or less.
The concensus of the Committee was that the tribal newspaper would be sent
only to subscribers. Mrs. Hall stated that she felt it was practically mandatory
that all tribal members be mailed a notice of the Annual Council
Meeting; that even if the Committee did agree to only mail the quarterly
newspaper to subscribers, a mailing should be made to the entire membership
once a year and the newspaper was the most logical mailing.
Tim Coulter, a tribal member who works as an attorney for Legal Aid in
Washington, D.C., has advised that he is doing research of the treaty wherein
the land at Sacred Heart was given to the Benedictine Fathers. Sheila Hall
reported the jist of a telephone conversation with the claims attorney regarding
the same matter.
Mrs. Hall stated she had given the claims attorney and his family a special
invitation to the Annual Council Meeting, and had also invited them to visit
at her home during the meeting.
Sheila Hall made a motion, seconded by Bill Burch, that John Schoemann be
authorized to pursue research on water rights and the land ownership at
Sacred Heart. Motion passed, 5-0.
John Schoemann gave a report on the carpet manufacturing project. He reported
on a meeting with Mr. Seneca of the Washington BIA regarding a $500,000 contract,
qualification approval for EDA Title IX monies, and that the city of Wilburton
was actively promoting the project. He also stated that Aetna was requesting
a 13% interest rate, and the BIA was reacting unfavorably to the request.
Priscilla Sherard requested that the Business Committee make provisions to
copy records in Kansas before they are lost.
Sheila Hall discussed the need for microfilming Annuity Rolls, Tribal Rolls,
and the enrollment Card File. John Schoemann was requested to investigate
the cost of microfilming these documents and the subsequent safe storage of
the documents and/or film.
Citizen Band of Potawatomi Indians of Oklahoma
Business Committee Meeting Minutes
March 21, 1979, Page 5
Sheila Hall reported on her activities regarding a request from Loyd Delonais
that the tribe assume the responsibility of fencing and maintaing the
graveyard adjoining his property, across the road from Sacred Heart Mission.
Beverly Hughes told Mr. DeLonais that the Business Committee had agreed to
fence and maintain the graveyard, but Mrs. Hall reported she did not recall
such an agreement and had been unable to find it in the minutes. Mr. Tacker
stated he did not recall the agreement either. After Mrs. Hall concluded her
report, Priscilla Sherard asked if anyone knew where the records of burials
were. The Committee did not come to a conclusion as to the action to be
taken. Mrs. Hall stated she would try to find some more data for the Committee.
SheiIa HalI requested the Committee meet in Executive Session. At this point,
Mr. Schoemann, Mr. Hughes, and Ms. Stinnett excused themselves and the
Committee went into a closed session.
BUSINESS COMMITTEE IN EXECUTIVE SESSION.
Jim Tacker made a motion, with Bill Burch seconding, that the meeting be
adjourned. Motion passed, 5-0.
MEETING ADJOURNED at 12:15 a.m.
SHEILA M. HALL,
Secretary-Treasurer
Citizen Band Potawatomi Indians
of Oklahoma
ROUTE 5 - Box 151 - 405-275-3121
SHAWNEE, OKLAHOMA 74801
SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION MEETING
April 10, 1979
Present: Sheila Hall, Chairperson
Rebecca Cryer
Gary Hathcock
Gary Bourbonnais
Paula Stinnett
The SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION meeting was called to order by the Chair-
person, Sheila Hall at 10:15 a.m. with a quorum present. Reading of
the minutes was accepted as read.
Discussion began regarding enrollment in a Fall or Spring semester
when training would last more the one (1) semester. The feeling
was that funding should be made for the second semester contingent
upon the applicant advising the Committee of continued enrollment.
A special application must be submitted for summer semester. A
Motion was made by Rebecca Cryer to fund students enrolled in a
multi-semester program up to $800 in a twelve (12) month period.
Applicants will not be required to resubmit an application to continue
in the second semester. Additional funds will be paid upon
receipt of notification from the Registar at the enrollees College
or Instutite. Gary Hathcock seconded the motion. It passed, 4-0
in favor of the motion.
It was discussed what to do about applications that were submitted
past the deadline. Sheila Hall stated that provisions for late
applicants would entail revising the system to allow all late app's
so as to be fair.
The subject of Mr. George Hamilton, a presently inactive Scholarship
Foundation committee member, was discussed. It was directed that
Mr. Hamilton be contacted by way of a registered letter stating that
he will be replaced with an interested person to serve in his position.
Deadlines for applications was discussed with the appointed date
beingDecember 20, 1979 for applicants who want to continue in the
spring semester. Monies must be set aside to meet the deadline
and a letter must be received by the Foundation committee from the
students college/institute, Office of the Registar, before the funds
will be issued.
Scholarship Foundation Meeting
April 10, 1979
Page 2
Gary Hathcock suggested that priority points be assigned to applications
pending as a way to discriminate the priority status.
It was discussed and decided that the next meeting of the Scholarship
Foundation will be Thursday, May 10, 1979 at 10:30 a.m. in
the Long Room. All committee members agreed.
Committee members reviewed and approved applications. (see attachment)
Gary Bourbonnais motioned to adjourn. It was seconded by Rebecca
Cryer. Motion passed, all in favor. The meeting adjourned at
1:30 p.m.
Citizen Band Potawatomi Indians
of Oklahoma
ROUTE 5 — Box 151 — 405-275-3121
SHAWNEE, OKLAHOMA 74801
SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION MEETING
May 10, 1979
Present: Sheila Hall, Chairperson
Rebecca Cryer
Gary Hathcock
Gary Bourbonnais
Paula Stinnett
The SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION meeting was called to order by the
Chairperson, Sheila Hall at 11:05 a.m. with a quorum present.
It was called to the attention of the committee that Mr. George
Hamilton was again not in attendence.
Reading of the minutes were corrected to read as follows: "A
motion was made by Rebecca Cryer to fund students enrolled in
a multi-semester program up to $800 in a twelve (12) month
period beginning August 1, 1979." The rest of the motion was
correct as read.
The minutes were then accepted as read with Gary Bourbonnais
motioning to accept the corrected minutes and it was seconded
by Gary Hathcock. All were in favor.
Old business discussion began with Mr. George Hamilton's position
as a committee member being the topic. Gary Hathcock
motioned to remove Mr. Hamilton from the Scholarship Foundation
committee if there is not response from Mr. Hamilton before
June 1, 1979. It was seconded by Gary Bourbonnais. All were
in favor and the motion carried.
Discussion of the "Guidelines for Distribution of Monies for the
Educational Foundation", 2.1.2 Need Must Exist, was to include
that the cut-off income per capita is to be $10,000/year, but
that extenuating circumstances effecting the need would be considered
in determining if the applicant met the income criteria.
This income criteria applies to the school year Fall 79.
It was motioned to extend the application deadline from April 1,
1979 to July 15, 1979 for the enrollment in the Fall semester of
1979. The motion for the extension date was made by Rebecca
Cryer and seconded by Gary Hathcock, with all in favor. The
motion carried.
SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION MEETING
May 10, 1979
Page 2
Work began at this time on the revision of the application form
with the committee reviewing application forms from several
colleges to incorporate some of the ideas used in these applications for use in our own.
The motion was made to adjourn by Rebecca Cryer and seconded
by Gary Hathcock. It passed all in favor to adjourn. The
committee disbanded at 1:40 p.m.
CITIZEN BAND POTAWATOMI INDIANS OF OKLAHOMA
BUSINESS COMMITTEE MEETING
Shawnee, Oklahoma
May 17-22, 1979
MINUTES
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Schmidlkofer at 8:45 p.m.,
May 17, 1979. Roll Call was taken by Secretary Hall. Those Business
Committee members present were:
Paul Schmidlkofer, Chairman
Jim Tacker, Vice-Chairman
Sheila Hall, Secretary-Treasurer
Bill Burch, Councilman
Business Committee member absent was Priscilla Sherard, Councilwoman.
Others present were: John Schoemann, Tribal Administrator; Dwayne
Hughes, Tribal Employee; Grievance Committee members Audie Pecore
(Chairman), Joe Neghanquet (Member), and Mary Lynn Hillemeyer (Secre-
tary); and Joe Walker, Shawnee Agency (BIA) Employee. Entering the
meeting at a later time were Mr. Arnold Wade, Mormon Church representative;
Mr. John Harrison, CARPAX representative; Ms. Paula Stinnett, Tribal
Employee; and Father Vincent (Mau-Tau-Kon-Ya), Pow Wow Club Chairman.
Minutes of the April 21, 1979, meeting were read by Secretary Hall.
Bill Burch made a motion the minutes be approved as presented. Jim
Tacker seconded the motion. Motion passed, 4-0.
The Business Committee had invited the Grievance Committee to the Business
Committee meeting to discuss an alleged grievance against the Business
Committee.
Mr. Pecore, Grievance Committee Chairman, stated the Business Committee
had violated the tribal constitution, (Bylaws, Article I, Section 3) by
not filing tribal minutes with the BIA. Chairman Schmidlkofer requested
that for the record Mr. Pecore should clarify who was filing the grievance.
Mr. Pecore indicated that the grievance was from the Grievance Committee,
itself. Secretary Hall asked if the Grievance Committee was filing a
grievance against the Business Committee. Mr. Pecore explained that he
had been investigating a grievance against John Schoemann (Tribal
Administrator) and discovered the minutes were not filed with the BIA,
and there were no minutes in the tribal complex. However, the Grievance
Committee was not filing a grievance, yet.
Mr. Pecore stated that he had brought the grievance to the attention of
the Business Committee, regarding the non-filing of the minutes with the
BIA, about two (2) weeks earlier. Secretary Hall stated that she had not
been asked to attend a Business Committee/Grievance Committee meeting,
that Mr. Pecore had not called the grievance to her attention, and she
requested a copy of the grievance. Mr. Pecore stated that it was not his
responsibility to invite Mrs. Hall to a meeting with the Grievance Committee,
that Mrs. Hall was not advised of the grievance because she did not attend
Citizen Band Potawatomi Indians of Oklahoma
Business Committee Meeting, Minutes
Shawnee, Oklahoma, May 17-22, 1979
Page 2
the meeting when he presented the grievance, that the tribe had invited
Mr. Pecore to the meeting, but that he did not remember who did the
inviting. The Business Committee members indicated that no member had
invited Mr. Pecore to the referenced meeting. Mrs. Hall asked for the
record of a meeting between the two committees. There was no record of
such a meeting. Mr. Schmidlkofer interjected that the Grievance Committee
had visited with some members of the Business Committee about the matter.
Mrs. Hall asked Mr. Pecore for the whereabouts of all the records of the
Grievance Committee investigations that Mr. Pecore had conducted over the
years. Secretary Hall indicated that there were absolutely no records of
Grievance Committee meetings for the last twenty (20) years. Mr. Pecore
said he had turned all records over to the tribe, but he did not know if
he had given them to former Secretary-Treasurer, Beverly Hughes, or not.
In addition to the complaint about non-filing of the minutes with the BIA,
Mr. Pecore further stated: (1) that he did not feel that the Secretary-
Treasurer should have custody of the minutes; (2) that both the Chairman
and the Secretary should sign minutes as they had when Mr. Pecore was
Chairman; (3) that if the Chairman was not signing the minutes, that was
another grievance to be filed; and (4) that Beverly Hughes (Rolls Clerk)
and Donna Harmon (Bookkeeper) should have copies of the minutes to show
to anyone. He also charged that Mrs. Hall was changing past minutes.
Mrs. Hall explained that she was not changing, correcting, adding, or
taking away from any set or file of minutes. She was, however, trying to
obtain missing original documents from the former Secretary, Beverly
Hughes, so that the files would be as complete as possible. The file was
very incomplete when Mrs. Hall received it, and she had noted on a separate
sheet of paper which minutes were completely missing, which pages of documents
were copies in lieu of originals, and which resolutions and other
attachments were missing from the file.
It was pointed out to Mr. Pecore that a set of minutes was in the tribal
complex, and that the responsibility of the Grievance Committee as outlined
in the constitution was to investigate complaints of misconduct in office
by members of the Business Committee (Constitution, Article IX), not inves-
tigate the daily conduct of business by an employee of the tribe as he had
investigated Mr. Schoemann.
A discussion of the various interpretations of Article I, Section 3, of
the Bylaws and definitions of "certified" ensued. Mrs. Hall pointed out
that differences in the present times and the past times necessitated
changes in procedures. Mr. Tacker discussed the detrimental effects of
filing minutes with the BIA immediately upon approval. Mr. Neghanquet
suggested the Grievance Committee be disbanded. Mr. Pecore felt the
Grievance Committee was not accomplishing anything. Mr. Burch said he
thought the Grievance Committee should continue in existence, and that the
Business Committee was trying to work with the Grievance Committee. Mr.
Citizen Band Potawatomi Indians of Oklahoma
Business Committee Meeting, Minutes
Shawnee, Oklahoma, May 17-22, 1979
Page 3
Burch did not feel, however, that the Business Committee was in violation
of the Constitution. He added that the meeting of two (2) weeks ago that
Mr. Pecore had referred to was an off-the-cuff meeting, and that this was
the first time the Business Committee had met since then. Mr. Pecore said
he was afraid the minutes might be deliberately or accidently destroyed.
Mr. Walker (BIA) stated that the Citizen Band Potawatomi constitution was
the only one of the five local tribes that required that the minutes be
filed with the BIA, and he discussed some reasons for the inclusion of that
provision in the constitution at the time it was written. Mr. Walker felt
that perhaps the Business Committee could be chastised for not filing them,
but suggested that the Business Committee be selective about which minutes
they filed as he cited the Freedom of Information Act and the fact that the
BIA would have to make the minutes public information when they were filed.
He felt that both the Business Committee and Mr. Pecore had valid reasons
for their thoughts and interpretations of Section 3, Article I of the Bylaws.
Mr. Pecore seemed to agree with selective late filing of the minutes. Mr.
Schmidlkofer advised the Grievance Committee that the Business Committee
would consider their request that the minutes be filed with the BIA immediately
upon approval.
Mr. Walker, Mr. Pecore, and Mr. Neghanquet left the meeting.
Mr. Wade entered the meeting at 9:10 p.m. He discussed a project of the
Mormon Church which might support and sustain the tribe if there were no
federal grants available. The Business Committee was invited to tour the
project near Salt Lake City, and they agreed to consider the invitation
favorably. Mr. Wade then left the meeting.
Mr. John Harrison of CARPAX entered the meeting. He discussed the status
of the Wilburton Carpet Mill and stated that the Local Industrial Development
Authority in Wilburton had come out publicly and solidly behind the project.
He also talked about the negative involvment of Fred Stovall, Chairman of
the Wilburton Industrial Development Authority, in his bid for personal
gain from tax-supported projects. Mr. Harrison requested the Business
Committee's assistance in finding financial resources for the mill. Mr.
Harrison left the meeting.
The vacancy on the Prosthetics Foundation created by the resignation of
CHR Director, Tina Larney, was discussed, and Mrs. Hall suggested Thelma
Bateman be considered for the position. Jim Tacker made a motion that
Thelma Bateman be appointed to fill the vacancy of the Prosthetics Foundation
Board. Sheila Hall seconded the motion. Motion passed, 4-0.
Jim Tacker made a motion, with Sheila Hall seconding, that the meeting
recess until Tuesday, May 22, at 7:30 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.
MEETING RECESSED.
Citizen Band of Potawatomi Indians of Oklahoma
Attachment for May 17-22, 1979, Minutes
Constitution, Article IX - Removal of Officers
The Grievance Committee shall investigate complaints of misconduct
in office of the members of the Business Committee and upon a proper showing
shall call a special meeting of the Council to act upon such complaints.
The Council shall have power, by a majority vote, after giving the accused
a hearing, to remove him from office and proceed to elect a successor.
By-Laws, Article I-- Duties of Officers, Sec. 3.
Secretary-Treasurer--The Secretary-Treasurer shall correctly record
the proceedings of all meetings. He shall make out the order of the
business for the Chairman, shall notify all committees of their appointments,
shall have custody of the records and all papers of the Council: Provided,
That all certified records shall remain on file in the office of the Super-
intendent of the Shawnee Indian Agency; And provided further, That all
records and papers shall be open to inspection, in the presence of the
Secretary-Treasurer, by any member of the Council. He shall keep a correct
list of all members of the Council, shall authenticate all accounts or
orders of the Council and, in the absence of the Chairman and Vice-Chairman,
shall call the meeting to order until a chairman pro tem is selected. He
shall render a written report at the annual meeting and at the expiration
of his term of office the records and all papers in his possession shall
be turned over to his successor. He shall issue notices of all meetings
and conduct general correspondence, as directed by the Council or the Business
Committee. He shall receive all moneys of the Council and keep an accurate
account of receipts and disbursements. The Secretary-Treasurer shall keep
all Tribal moneys entrusted to his care in a special account and all dis-
bursements therefrom should be made by check. At any time that such account
shall amount to more than $50.00, he shall file a bond satisfactory to the
Business Committee and the Commissioner of Indian Affairs. The cost of such
bond shall be paid out of Tribal moneys.
Citizen Band Potawatomi Indians of Oklahoma
Business Committee Meeting, Minutes
Shawnee, Oklahoma, May 17-22, 1979
Page 4
MEETING RESUMED, May 22, 1979, 8:30 p.m
Entering the meeting were Father Vincent, Potawatomi Intertribal Pow Wow
Club Chairman, and Ms. Paula Stinnett, Tribal Employee.
The annual General Council and Pow Wow events were discussed. Father Vincent
suggested that the tribe offer monetary prizes to attract dancers. Mrs. Hall
supported his suggestion but said that when she had suggested this in the
past, she had been told that the Pow Wow Club did not want to offer monetary
prizes for dancers because that would bring in professional dancers. Father
Vincent also suggested that the tribe elect a Potawatomi Princess which
would be separate from the Pow Wow Club's Princess. The Business Committee
agreed to elect a princess and discussed the contest procedures and qualifications.
Other subjects of discussion were: museum dedication, art displays,
program booths, certificates of recognition and nominees, compulsory Council
attendance by the tribal claims attorney, sale of shirts, drama, and the
possible use of the old council building at the Pow Wow. Mrs. Hall reiterated
her desire that the young people of the tribe be taught how to dance and
requested that a search for funding of such a program be made.
Dwayne Hughes presented the Program Reports. Indian Action Team (IAT),
PL 93-638, Community Development Basic Grant (CDBG), and Housing Improvement
Program (HIP) were also discussed.
Jim Tacker made a motion, seconded by Bill Burch, to adopt a resolution
to request funding under PL 93-638 from the BIA for FY-80, (Indian Self-
Determination and Education Assistance) Motion passed unanimously.
RESOLUTION 79-38
The HIP program was discussed and it was proposed that the tribe hire two
(2) carpenters. It was noted that Section A houses had a maximum expendi-
ture allowance of $3,500 (cannot be brought up to Standard), and that Sec-
tion B houses had a maximum of $13,000 (can be brought to Standard). Also,
the Business Committee is to approve or disapprove all applications. The
Business Committee is responsible for procedures to designate the priority
in the which the houses are to be repaired, and for the selection and ranking
of those houses to be repaired. The priority the Committee agreed on was
for those families' homes showing the greatest need in relation to income
and family size and non-eligibility for other programs. Sheila Hall made
a motion, with Bill Burch seconding, that a resolution be adopted to contract
Housing Improvement Program funds for FY80 from the BIA. Motion passed,
unanimously.
RESOLUTION 79-39.
Jim Tacker made a motion, with Sheila Hall seconding, that a resolution be
adopted to contract Indian Action Team funds for FY80, and the amount of
funding should be for 54% of the Agency funding, or about $409,000. Motion
passed unanimously.
RESOLUTION 79-37.
New Tribal Identification Cards were reviewed and approved.
Citizen Band Potawatomi Indians of Oklahoma
Business Committee Meeting, Minutes
Shawnee, Oklahoma, May 17-22, 1979
Page 5
A flexi-schedule for tribal employees was discussed. The concensus was
that since the government was cutting back on the program, that the tribe
should not institute the schedule at the present time.
Mr. Schoemann presented information on FY79 ANA funds. The tribe was losing
$6,657 out of the allocated $10,000 due to a CTSA deficit. There would,
therefore, be approximately $3,300 to use. There was a requirement for
$1,200 for the drama budget. The remainder, it was agreed, was to be used
for equipment, restoration of the community house, and repairs to the
barn.
Of the tribal roads bids: The best of four (4) bids received was 349 tons
of crushed rock for $2,080.
Mr. Schoemann presented letters of support for the Golf Course project.
Mr. Schoemann was asked to get prices for a sign for the Day Care Center.
The need to be able to close off the south entrance after hours was discussed.
It was announced that the Center has an average attendance of 48 to 49, with
68 enrolled. Mrs. Hall recommended that at the minimum, an annual program
in which the children must participate should be held.
Friendship Baptist Church (approximately 25 to 30 members) requested they
be allowed to rent the long room or another facility on Sunday and Wednesday.
The request was not approved.
Also, a Tecumseh Chamber of Commerce request for use of the Long Room facility
was denied.
Employee pay scales were briefly discussed.
A support resolution for the OCAIHS Advisory Board was discussed. It was
decided to wait until Priscilla Sherard is in attendance until such a
resolution is approved; there is still six (6) months to submit the resolution.
A letter to Elizabeth Keel (grievance filing) was discussed.
Mrs. Hall requested permission to write the Solicitor about interpretations
of the Bylaws concerning the minutes. The Business Committee agreed unanimously.
Permission to write Mr. Pecore about the minutes was also requested by Mrs.
Hall. The Business Committee did not agree with her request.
Dwayne Hughes presented a letter the staff had prepared to the State delegation
on PL280.
The Business Committee unanimously approved Raymond M. Baylis for the priority
list for CDBG.
Citizen Band Potawatomi Indians of Oklahoma
Business Committee Meeting, Minutes
Shawnee, Oklahoma, May 17-22, 1979
Page 6
A proposal written by Mr. Blackstock, Day Care Center Director, was reviewed.
The proposal related to a Headstart program for the handicapped. The Committee
felt Mr. Blackstock should explore other avenues.
The ad for a CETA Outreach Worker had secured 27 applicants. Mr. Schoemann
had interviewed a number of applicants. He pointed out that Phillip Pruner
and Murray Frapp were tribal members. After the Business Committee reviewed
Mr. Pruner and Mr. Frapp's applications, they instructed Mr. Schoemann to
hire the applicant which seemed best qualified for the job, whether it was
Mr. Pruner or Mr. Frapp or not.
Jim Tacker made a motion that the meeting be adjourned. Bill Burch seconded
the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
MEETING ADJOURNED, 12:50 a.m.
SHEILA M. HALL, Secretary-Treasurer
Attachments
Referenced Constitution & Bylaws Articles
Letter from Elizabeth Keel
CITIZEN BAND POTAWATOMI INDIANS OF OKLAHOMA
BUSINESS COMMITTEE MEETING
Shawnee, Oklahoma
May 31, 1979
MINUTES
The meeting was called to order by the Chairman, Paul Schmidlkofer,
at 9:20 p.m., May 31, 1979, a Thursday. Those Business Committee
members present were:
Paul Schmidlkofer, Chairman
C. James Tacker, Vice-Chairman
Sheila Hall, Secretary-Treasurer
Priscilla Sherard, Councilwoman
Others present were: John Schoemann, Tribal Administrator and Paula
Stinnett, tribal employee.
Bill Burch, Councilman, was not present.
An informal meeting had originally been called to discuss the revision
of the constitution but because of other issues that needed to be discussed,
the meeting was called into session.
Jim Tacker made a motion to adopt a resolution to contract for FY80
PL 93-638 monies for Youth-Work-Learn and Adult Education programs
from the BIA. Sheila Hall seconded the motion. Motion passed, 4-0.
RESOLUTION 79-40
Johnson O'Malley formula voting was discussed. The information was to
be mailed out to the Committee for their review and a resolution is
due by June 27, 1979.
Mrs. Hall reported to the Committee on a meeting she had attended between
Shawnee Indian Health Service Advisory Board and John Davis,
Area Director for Indian Health Service for Oklahoma and Kansas,
in Oklahoma City. In the meeting, IHS officials had stated that OkIahoma
county residents can be included in Indian Health Services proposals.
It was suggested that we might consider including these
people in our CHR or Health Planning proposals.
Mrs. Hall requested that Chairman Schmidlkofer make a request from
Arleigh Rhoades, Shawnee Indian Health Service Unit Director,
requesting information on his total clinic budget. This budget is to
include any monies withheld at higher levels, such as the money that is
withheld to pay the rent for the facilities, and the collections of
billings through third-party payments. If he has no collections from
third-party payments then he should indicate that he has no collections
and where those third-party billings are directed and their final disposition.
Priscilla Sherard requested information on the status of the Shawnee
Indian Health Service Advisory Board audit. There was no information
available.
Citizen Band Potawatomi Indians of Oklahoma
Business Committee Meeting
Shawnee, Oklahoma, May 31, 1979
MINUTES, Page 2
Jim Tacker made a motion that a resolution be adopted for the con-
tracting of Indian Action Team monies in the amount of $241,620.84.
Priscilla Sherard seconded the motion. Motion passed, 4-0.
RESOLUTION 79-37.
Mr. Schoemann reported that state officials had unofficially indicated
that we may get $300,000 from the state for the Golf Course.
Paula Stinnett reported on some activities she had regarding the
annual Pow-Wow and Council Meeting. The Tribe is scheduled to tape
for television on June 13, at 6:30 p.m. with the airing to be June
24, at 10:30 a.m. on "Tribes: Voices from the Land". Sammy White
Tonekei had requested no more than three (3) people from the Tribe
participate in the program. The Committee decided John Schoemann
and Sheila Hall should be the ones to participate on the program.
The Committee commented on a presentation for fabrication of air-
conditioning units for aircrafts, which took place prior to the
meeting being called to order. The presentation was made by Ed
Janesic of DECA (Dept. of Economic and Community Affairs), Walter
Cartwright (a tribal member and consultant engineer) and a representative
of a Wichita, Kansas firm. The Committee gave Mr. Schoemann
the authority to initiate a study of their project. It was noted by
Mr. Schoemann that an application to pursue this any further than an
investigative study at the present time might interfere with Golf
Course funding through EDA and other agencies. As of the this date
he was not aware of more than one grant per year being given to a
tribe.
Mr. Schoemann advised that Ms. Jori Red Corn, a consultant to the
Head-Start program from OICS (Office of Indian Children's Services)
of the Oklahoma Indian Education Association, had agreed to the authority
of the Tribe as grantee to remove Mr. Blackstock from his position
as Head-Start Director. It was noted that the Head-Start programs
Rules and Regulations does have a sentence regarding the requirement
of approval of the Parent Committee to hire or fire the Director. Mr.
Audie Pecore had advised the tribal staff that he is the President of
the Parent Committee of the Head-Start program. Therefore,
Mr. Blackstock, rather than appealing to the Business Committee regarding the
decision Mr. Schoemann had made, appealed to Mr. Pecore. The Business
Committee is only supposing that the letter to Mr. Pecore is because of
his position as President of the Parent Committee rather than as his
position as Chairman of the Grievance Committee. As we have not been
advised on this matter, we do not know in which position of authority
Mr. Pecore has received this letter. A question was raised regarding
how Pecore could be on the Parent Committee, and whether this position
conflicts with his Grievance Committee position and tribal personneI policies.
Citizen Band Potawatomi Indians of Oklahoma
Business Committee Meeting
Shawnee, Oklahoma, May 31, 1979
MINUTES, Page 3
Jim Tacker made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Priscilla Sherard
seconded the motion. Motion passed, 4-0.
MEETING ADJOURNED, 10:30 p.m.
SHEILA M. HALL, Secretary-Treasurer
CITIZEN BAND POTAWATOMI INDIANS OF OKLAHOMA
BUSINESS COMMITTEE MEETING
Shawnee, Oklahoma
June 6, 1979
MINUTES
The meeting was called to order by the Chairman, Paul Schmidlkofer,
at 9:25 p.m. June 6, 1979, a Wednesday. Those Business Commitee
members present were:
Paul Schmidlkofer, Chairman
Sheila Hall, Secretary-Treasurer
C. James Tacker, Vice-Chairman
Priscilla Sherard, Councilwoman
Bill Burch, Councilman
Others present: John Schoemann, Tribal Administrator; Dwayne Hughes,
tribal employee; Mary Lynn Hillemeyer, Grievance Committee Secretary.
The late hour of the meeting was due to a one and half hour wait for
Mr. Audie Pecore, Grievance Committee Chairman, to show up.
The purpose was to meet with Mr. Pecore and other members of the
Grievance Committee to discuss the rumors and allegations about the
harassment of the Tribal Administrator and others who are employed
by the Tribe.
Mr. Pecore had agreed to meet with the Committee at 8 p.m. when he
was called by Mr. Schoemann earlier in the day. After the Business
Committee waited an hour and a half, Priscilla Sherard called Mr.
Pecore (Mr. Pecore's telephone line had been busy on the Business
Committee's prior attempts to call him). Mr. Pecore advised Ms.
Sherard neither he nor Joe Negahnquet, the other Grievance Committee
member, would meet with the Business Committee. Mr. Pecore told
Ms. Sherard the weather was bad and that he felt bad. It is noted
that the meeting was held about one mile from Mr. Pecore's house,
but it was over forty (40) miles from Mrs. Hillemeyer's home,
approximately sixty (60) miles from Mrs. Hall's home, forty-five (45)
miles from Ms. Sherard's home, and they were all able to make it to
the meeting. Mrs. Hillemeyer told the Business Committee that although
Mr. Pecore had advised her he has taken some action to investigate
the administrator and that he has written Rep. Tom Steed,
he will not tell her what the grievances are. Also, the Grievance
Committee has not met and authorized him to investigate these reports,
whatever they may be. The Business Committee agreed to put a note
addressing the rumors in the newspaper, "HOW NE KAN" which will go
out to all members (see attached copy).
Mrs. Hall suggested John Hunt with the Oklahoma Indian Affairs
Commission be contacted to work on the constitution. Mrs. Hall was to
call Mr. Hunt and advise Mr. Schmidlkofer when Mr. Hunt could meet
with the Business Committee regarding the constitution.
Citizen Band Potawatomi Indians of Oklahoma
Business Committee Meeting
Shawnee, Oklahoma, June 6, 1979
MINUTES, Page 2
John Schoemann told the Business Committee that his office and the
office of Administrative Assistant had been broken into and a file
containing information on allegations made by former Chairman Gerald
Peltier was missing, as well as some Council Meeting minutes which
contained a list of members who voted in an election.
Jim Tacker made a motion the meeting be adjourned. Sheila Hall
seconded the motion. Motion passed, 5-0.
MEETING ADJOURNED, 11 p.m.
SHEILA M. HALL, Secretary-Treasurer
CITIZEN BAND POTAWATOMI INDIANS OF OKLAHOMA
BUSINESS COMMITTEE MEETING
Shawnee, Oklahoma
June 20, 1979
MINUTES
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Schmidlkofer. Those Business
Committee members present were:
Paul Schmidlkofer, Chairman
Bill Burch, Councilman
Priscilla Sherard, Councilwoman (arriving late).
Jim Tacker, Vice-Chairman
Sheila Hall, Secretary-Treasurer
Also present were: the Grievance Committee (Audie Pecore, Joe Neghanquet,
Mary Lynn Hillemeyer); John Taylor, Shawnee Indian Agency Superintendent;
Inez Pecore; Paula Stinnett, Diana Wilson, John Schoemann (Tribal Employees).
A discussion of Mr. Blackstock's (former Day Care Center and Headstart
Director) appeal to the Headstart Parent Committee prompted Mr. Audie Pecore
to state that he was not chairman of the Headstart Parent Committee, as had
been previously thought.
Jim Tacker made a motion, with Priscilla Sherard seconding, that the minutes
of the May 31, 1979, meeting be approved. Motion passed with three (3) votes
in favor and one (1) abstaining.
At 8:00 p.m., Councilwoman Priscilla Sherard entered the meeting.
Jim Tacker made a motion, with Priscilla Sherard seconding, that the minutes of the
June 6, 1979, meeting be approved as presented but with corrected
spelling. Motion passed, 5-0.
Concerning a previous request from the Secretary, Mrs. Hall, Mr. Pecore
(Grievance Committee Chairman) said there were no minutes of Grievance
Committee meetings made prior to the investigation of approximately two
years ago.
The Business Committee attempted to discuss the reason for Mr. Pecore
placing an ad in the paper calling for a Special Council Meeting at the same
time and place as the regularly called Annual General Council Meeting.
However, Mr. Pecore refused to disclose to the Business Committee any of
the charges against any or all members that would be discussed at any Special
Council Meeting. Mr. Taylor, Shawnee Indian Agency Superintendent, discussed
the situation and stated that the Annual General Council Meeting would have
to be at the regularly scheduled time, and any Special Council Meeting called
by the Grievance Committee would have to be called for a different time. Mr.
Taylor also voiced an opinion that ay Hearing of any elected official which
did not give that official adequate advance notice of the charges so that
he or she might prepare a defense could probably be successfully challenged
in court. Mr. Taylor cited some legal precedents for his opinion.
Citizen Band Potawatomi Indians of Oklahoma
Business Committee Meeting, Minutes
Shawnee, Oklahoma, June 20, 1979
Page 2
Mr. Pecore and Mr. Neghanquet gave verbal resignations from the Grievance
Committee. The Business Committee declined to accept their resignations.
Mr. Burch asked Mr. Pecore and Mr. Neghanquet to reconsider.
Mr. Pecore, Mr. Neghanquet, and Mrs. Pecore left the meeting at 9:45 p.m.
Priscilla Sherard discussed the requirements of blood degree changes with
Mr. Taylor.
Candidacy filing deadlines were again verified. The question of the validity
of a letter of candidacy from Jean Miller was discussed. The Business Committee
agreed to accept Ms. Miller's letter for one of the Councilman's positions
on the recommendation of Mrs. Hall, who had verbally discussed the letter
with Ms. Miller.
A letter from Danny Corn requesting his name be removed from tribal rolls
was presented by Mrs. Hall. Jim Tacker made a motion, seconded by Bill
Burch, that a resolution be adopted removing Mr. Corn from the tribal rolls.
RESOLUTION 79-41.
Mr. Taylor left the meeting.
A presentation of the Indian Action Team program was made by George Barnett
and Roger Ward, who entered the meeting at this time. Priorities established
were: Weddle, Lawson, Beagles, Hutton, and Compton. Mr. Barnett and Mr. Ward
left the meeting.
The formula option selection for the JOM program (PL 95-561) was discussed.
Bill Burch made a motion to adopt a resolution to chose Formula 2. Priscilla
Sherard seconded the motion, Motion passed unanimously.
RESOLUTION 79-42.
The Business Committee agreed to allow Lela Dailey to alphabetize two rolls
for the Rolls Clerk, Beverly Hughes, after June 30, 1979.
Jim Tacker made a motion to adopt a resolution to continue to contract the
Tribal Community Health Representative (CHR) program under the Buy Indian
Act for FY80. Bill Burch seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
RESOLUTION 79-43.
At 12:00 p.m., Jim Tacker left the meeting.
Bill Burch made a motion that the meeting be adjourned. Priscilla Sherard
seconded the motion. Motion passed, 4-0.
MEETING ADJOURNED, 12:01 p.m.
SHEILA M. HALL, Secretary-Treasurer
CITIZEN BAND POTAWATOMI INDIANS OF OKLAHOMA
BUSINESS COMMITTEE MEETING
Shawnee, Oklahoma
June 26, 1979
MINUTES
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Schmidlkofer. Present were:
Paul Schmidlkofer, Chairman
Bill Burch, Councilman
Priscilla Sherard, Councilwoman (entering at a later time)
Jim Tacker, Vice-Chairman
Sheila Hall, Secretary-Treasurer
Sheila Hall made a motion, seconded by Bill Burch, to award Priscilla
Sherard the Outstanding Service Award at General Council, and with the
award to present a plaque and a scroll or certificate (a paper document).
Motion passed unanimously.
Priscilla Sherard entered the meeting.
Sheila Hall made a motion, seconded by Priscilla Sherard, that a resolution
be adopted for the tribe to continue as members of the OCAIHS Advisory
Board for FY80. Motion passed unanimously.
RESOLUTION 79-44.
Bill Burch left the meeting.
Agenda items for the General Council meeting were discussed. The following
agenda was tentatively agreed upon:
(1) Call to Order
(2) Invocation
(3) Introduction of Officers and Guests
(4) Reading of the Minutes
(5) Announcement of the Annual Written Financial Report
(6) Announcement of the Princess Contestants and the Voting Procedures
(7) Presentation by the Claims Attorney, with introduction by a BIA
Official
(8) Elections, with Vice-Chairman Jim Tacker presiding as Chairman
Pro Tem.
(9) Awards.
It was agreed to allow each candidate five (5) minutes to speak.
The Chairman's election would have one set of printed ballots as there were
only two candidates. The candidate with the majority of the votes would
be elected. It was agreed that Mrs. Clifford would be allowed to be the
first speaker and Mr. Schmidlkofer would speak last.
As five (5) members had filed for the two (2) Councilman positions (those
being, Bill Burch, Wanita Clifford, Mary Lynn Hillemeyer, Jean Miller, and
Charles Tade), the Councilman voting procedures would be handled in the
following manner: (1) On the first round of balloting, there would be one
Citizen Band Potawatomi Indians of Oklahoma
Business Committee Meeting, Minutes
Shawnee, Oklahoma, June 26, 1979
Page 2
printed ballot with all candidates names, and each voter would vote for
two candidates. If one candidate received more than 50% of the votes,
he/she would be declared a winner and the second position would be voted
on. If no one received a majority of votes, there would be a runoff between
the two candidates with the most votes, utilizing a blank ballot. (2)
A printed ballot with all candidates names (including the one who was already
elected) would be used. The voters would be instructed to vote for one
candidate. The one who received a majority would win. If none received a
majority, there would be a runoff of the top two candidates, with the one
receiving a majority of votes winning.
Voter registration and distribution of ballots would be handled by Beverly
Hughes, Jann McAlester, and one helper.
It was agreed that Mr. Schoemann should appoint five (5) non-tribal members
as counters, with one (1) being in charge. Candidates could have an observer
at the counting table.
The Grievance Committee candidates, Ginger Beets, Anna Rutherford, and Melvin
Clark, being unopposed, could be elected by acclamation, although it is not
necessary in accordance with the Constitution.
When the last ballot is cast for the Councilman position, the money (votes)
for the Princess Candidates would be taken to be counted.
During the voting and counting process, announcements could be made and a
question and answer session held. The following subjects were suggested:
Rolls, Sheila Hall; Historical Society, Sonny Sewell or Elva Wall; Announce-
ments by Jerry Lewis; Museum and Newspaper, Judith Michner; Extension of
the Scholarship Deadline to July 15; Transfers and T-Shirts for sale;
Inauguration and Awards Banquet; Pow Wow Club, Father Vincent; Program
Booths.
Jim Tacker made a motion, with Sheila Hall seconding, to buy a gavel out
of the General Account.
The following awards would be presented at General Council: John E. Taylor,
Certificate and Trophy; Priscilla M. Sherard, Certificate and Plaque; Woody
Crumbo, 2 Certificates (Curator Emeritus, Dedication and Support for 1979
Pow Wow) and a plaque; Brenda Kennedy Grummer, Certificate; Potawatomi
Indian Nation Archives and Museum Historical Society, Certificate; Potawa-
tomi Inter-tribal Pow Wow Club, Certificate; and Jerry Lewis, Certificate.
There being four (4) candidates for Miss Potawatomi Indian Princess (Stacy
Bruno, Karen Jackson, Debra Ringer, and Kim Suchy), it was agreed to have
banners for three alternates and the Princess. The banners would be affixed
by Ms. Paula Stinnett. George Barnett would present a shawl; Buck Tascier,
a medallion; Frank Wano, a trophy; and Father Vincent, a beaded crown and
a feather fan.
It was agreed that John Schoemann, Tribal Administrator, would sit at the
head table with the Business Committee.
Citizen Band Potawatomi Indians of Oklahoma
Business Committee Meeting, Minutes
Shawnee, Oklahoma, June 26, 1979
Page 3
Tribal Enrollments were discussed. Priscilla Sherard seconded the
motion. Motion passed, 4-0.
RESOLUTION 79-44a.
Jim Tacker made a motion to adjourn, with Sheila Hall seconding.
MEETING ADJOURNED, 11:55 p.m.
SHEILA M. HALL Secretary-Treasurer
CITIZEN BAND POTAWATOMI INDIANS OF OKLAHOMA
GENERAL COUNCIL MEETING
SHAWNEE, OKLAHOMA
JUNE 30, 1979
MINUTES
Paul Schmidlkofer, Chairman
Jim Tacker, Vice-Chairman
Sheila Hall, Sec.-Treasurer
Bill Burch, Councilman
Priscilla Sherard, Councilwoman
GUESTS
Father Vincent Traynor, St. Gregory's
Abbott Adrian, St. Gregory's
John Taylor, Shawnee Agency Superintendent
Bureau of Indian Affairs
Jack Joseph, Claims Attorney
John Schoemann, Tribal Administrator
Tribal Members
The Chairman, Paul Schmidlkofer, called the meeting to order at 1:30 p.m., a
Saturday afternoon, June 30, 1979. A quorum of members were present. See attached
list of the 176 qualified voters in attendance. The meeting was held in the Long
Room of the Ship She Wano Learning Center.
Father Vincent Traynor, St. Gregory's made opening comments concerning the Pow Wow
and urged everyone to attend the Pow Wow. He also introduced Abbott Adrian, St.
Gregory's, who led the invocation.
Business Committee, guests, and staff present at the meeting were recongnized
by the Chairman and introduced to the Council.
The Secretary, Sheila Hall, read the minutes of the November 18, 1978, General
Council Meeting. There being no corrections or additions, Bill Burch made a motion
the minutes be approved as read. Motion seconded by Thelma Bateman. Motion carried
with all in favor and none opposed.
The Chairman introduced the candidates fro "Miss Potawatomi
Indian Princess": Debra Ringer, Stacey Bruno, Kim Suchy, and Karen Jackson. This being the first time a
Princess has been selected, he explained the voting procedure: Each candidate will
have a blanket beside her chair to receive money donations on during the meeting.
The candidate with the most money will be selected the 1979 Princess. The money
collected will be counted at the same time as the last election ballots. At that
time the winner will be announced. All money collected will go into one account
to pay expenses for attire and traveling expenses incurred by the Princess.
Sheila Hall, Secretary-Treasurer, announced there was a General Account financial
statement posted at the entrance and there were copies at back table available for
those who wanted a copy. Also, any questions concerning the General Account Statement
would be answered later in the meeting.
John Taylor, Shawnee Agency Superintendent, introduced the claims attorney, Jack
Joseph (Joseph and Friedman). Mr. Joseph gave a report on the claims judicated. He
reported all claims have been completed and is now in judgement, except one (for
$58,678.00) which is on appeal. Several questions were asked from the floor,
GENERAL COUNCIL MEETING
Shawnee, Okla., June 30, 1979
MINUTES, Page 2
including those from Priscilla Sherard and Jerry Lewis. Mr. Lewis asked when the
Tribe would receive the research files the claims attorney had accumulated during
the years. Mr. Joseph replied since Mr. Lewis lived in the Chicago area, he (Mr.
Joseph) would send all files to Mr. Lewis and Mr. Lewis in turn could send them to
the Tribe. At this time special recognition was given to several people for their
service, support and dedication to the Tribe. They were: John Taylor, Shawnee
Agency Superintendent, was presented a trophy and certificate; Priscilla Sherard
was presented a plaque and certificate; Woody Crumbo was presented a plaque and two
certificates; Potawatomi Indian Nation Archives and Museum Historical Society was
presented a certificate; Brenda K. Grummer was presented a certificate; Inter-Tribal
Pow Wow Club was presented a certificate; and Jerry Lewis was presented a certificate.
Sheila Hall made a motion to adopt a resolution to hire Jerry Lewis at a salary of
$1 a year, to continue his work to acquire historical data for the Tribe. Motion
was seconded by Linda Wolf. Motion carried unanimously.
RESOLUTION NO. 79-45a
The next item on the agenda was the election of officers. At this time the Chairman,
Paul Schmidlkofer, turned the chair over to the Vice-Chairman Jim Tacker to act as
Chairman pro-tem during elections.
Non-Tribal members selected to count the votes were: Doris Halbert, Janice Van
Schuyver, Frieda Clark, Pam Bohannon and Phil Coventon. Non-Tribal members selected
to count the Princess candidates' monies were: Kay Rouse, Doug Bohannon, Dwayne
Hughes and Paula Stinnet.
The candidates for the office of Chairman were: Wanita Clifford and Paul Schmidlkofer.
Each candidate was asked to speak to the Council. After the candidate spoke to the
Council, the vote was taken and the count was Wanita Clifford eighty-eight (88) votes
and Paul Schmidlkofer eighty-one (81) votes and one (1) invalid vote. Wanita Clifford
announced the winning candidate.
The Candidates for councilman/woman were: Bill Burch, Mary Lynn Hillemeyer, Jean
Miller and Charles Tade. Each candidate was asked to speak to the Council. The vote
was taken after each candidate spoke. Eligible voters present were instructed to vote
for two (2) candidates on the first ballot, with the candidate having the majority
votes being elected councilman. First count of vote was: Bill Burch ninety-four (94)
votes; Mary Lynn Hillemeyer seventy (70) votes; Jean Miller seventy-two (72) votes;
and Charles Tade seventy-six (76) votes. Bill Burch was announced as the winning
candidate. Second ballot, the eligible voters were instructed to vote for one of the
remaining candidates with majority winning. Second count of votes was: Mary Lynn
Hillemeyer seventy-one (71) votes; Jean Miller thirty-nine (39) votes; and Charles
Tade forty-one (41) votes. Mary Lynn Hillemeyer was announced as the winning can-
didate.
Chairman pro-tem Jim Tacker entertained a motion to elect Ginger Beets,
Anna Rutherford and Melvin Clark to the Grievance Committee by acclamation. George Hamilton
made a motion these people be elected by acclamation. Don Yott seconded the motion.
Motion carried with seventy-two (72) in favor and forty-two (42) opposed.
GENERAL COUNCIL MEETING
Shawnee, Okla., June 30, 1979
MINUTES, Page 3
Announcements were made by Jim Tacker, Sheila Hall, and Judith Michener. Ms. Michener
announced the Potawatomi Indian Nation Archives and Museum Historical Society was
offering memberships at $5 per year. The Society would meet every second Friday in
each month at 7:00 p.m. in the Museum. Announcement was made that subscription to the
How Ni Kan are available @ $1 per year.
Jerry Lewis announced that the books in Library are same as attorneys use in their
research. Judith Michener has Wingers Books available @ $6.00 each.
Sheila Hall announced there would be a "Inauguration and Awards Banquet" Saturday,
July 14, 1979, at 7:00 p.m. in the Long Room of the Ship She Wano Learning Center.
The meal would be catered and the cost of $3.75 per person. All reservations needed
to be in by July 10, 1979.
Paul Schmidlkofer addressed unity of the tribe and requested tribal members give
their full support and cooperation to Business Committee and their endeavors.
Sheila Hall also announced a typo correction in the newspaper, "How Ni Kan", stating
the deadline for the Scholarship Foundation application was July 15, not July 5.
Jerry Lewis announced Woody Crumbo will donate 25% of his painting sales during the
art exhibit to the museum, and his per capita payment. There is to be a separate
account set-up for this money.
"Miss Potawatomi Indian Princess" winners were announced. Third runner-up was Debra
Ringer; second runner-up was Karen Jackson; first runner-up was Kim Suchy; winner and
1979 "Miss Potawatomi Indian Princess" is Stacey Bruno. The following were presented
to the Princess: a shawl by George Barnett, a medalion by Buck Tasier, beaded
headband crown by Paul Schmidlkofer, and the trophy was presented by Frank Wano. Paula
Stinnet pinned each girl's banner to their dress.
Leon Bruno made a motion the meeting be adjourned. Pete Veitenheimer seconded the
motion. Motion carried unanimously.
MEETING ADJOURNED 4:35 p.m.
SHEILA M. HALL, SECRETARY-TREASURER
CITIZEN BAND POTAWATOMI INDIANS OF OKLAHOMA
BUSINESS COMMITTEE MEETING
Shawnee, Oklahoma
July 11, 1979
MINUTES
The meeting was called to order at 8:36 p.m. by Chairman Schmidlkofer.
Roll call was taken. Those present were:
Paul Schmidlkofer, Chairman
Sheila Hall, Secretary-Treasurer
Bill Burch, Councilman
Mary Lynn Hillemeyer, Councilman Elect
Dwayne Hughes, Tribal Employee
John Schoemann, Tribal Administrator
Jim Tacker, Vice Chairman,
arriving late
Wanita Clifford, Chairman Elect
Gayla Heckman, Tribal Employee
Paula Stinnett, Tribal Employee
At 8:40 p.m., Jim Tacker entered the meeting.
A presentation was made by Gayla Heckman on a plan for a half-way
house or temporary shelter for pre-adjudicated Native American youths.
Length of stay in the shelter by a youth would be from seventy-two (72)
hours to six (6) weeks. The Business Committee indicated that they
were interested in the project. Funding sources are to be sought; the
Indian Child Welfare Act offers cash funding for such facilities and
several organizations have also offered their assistance. Ms. Heckman
left the meeting after her presentation.
The proposal that CTSA Enterprizes has approved to turn all Enterprizes
assets (including the building that is owned by the five member tribes)
over to CTSA, Inc., was discussed. As CTSA, Inc., has demanded the
Citizen Band Potawatomi withdraw from the organization, this action by
Enterprizes appears to be an attempt to seize Potawatomi interest in
the assets for the other four (4) tribes. John Schoemann presented a
letter he had written to Bob White, Chairman of Enterprizes, on July 9,
1979, requesting an accounting of assets. Sheila Hall made a motion,
with Jim Tacker seconding, that Mr. Schoemann contact tribal attorney
Jeff Diamond, and ask Mr. Diamond to take the proper legal steps to prevent
Enterprizes from disposing of property and assets, if necessary, until
the Potawatomi tribe knows what effect it will have on their financial
interest in the assets. Motion passed, 4-0.
A resolution to withdraw from CTSA, Inc., which had been prepared by CTSA,
Inc., attorney, Browning Pipestem, was reviewed. As CTSA, Inc., had not
fulfilled the agreement they made before the federal judge and the tribe's
attorney and members of the Business Committee, the Business Committee
declined to withdraw from the organization. Sheila Hall made a change to
the proposed resolution and the change was agreed to by the other members/
She requested the resolution be reviewed by the tribal attorney.
Sheila Hall made a motion to adopt a resolution to appoint Jim Tacker and
John Barrett to the CTSA, Inc., Board of Directors. Bill Burch seconded
the motion. Motion passed, 4-0.
RESOLUTION 79-47.
Citizen Band of Potawatomi Indians of Oklahoma
Business Committee Meeting Minutes
July 11, 1979, Page 2
The upcoming per capita payment was discussed. Mr. Schoemann stated that
Mr. Ed Herndon, Shawnee Agency BIA, as ready to start working on the plan,
and that the BlA now says they need a resolution on the 48.7% division of
the money with the other Potawatomi groups. Sheila Hall questioned whether
the Business Committee or the General Council was to pass the resolution;
it was thought General Council had passed the resolution on other per capita
payments. Paul Schmidlkofer questioned whether the division was to be 48.7%
or 51%. Mr. Schoemann is to find the answers to the questions and advise
the Committee at a later date.
The request from the Mormons, presented at a prior meeting by Mr. Wade,
for the Business Committee to visit Salt Lake City and surrounding area to
view the Mormon farming and harvesting operation as discussed. Mr.
Schoemann said the Mormons had indicated they could help with other than
farming and harvesting programs. Estimates of costs for the trip were
requested. All present seemed in favor of looking at the program.
It was announced that approximately $800 had been collected in the contest
for the Potawatomi Princess. The Committee agreed to allow $300 for attire
the Princess, $40 travel for each event she attended, and two (2) events
per month. Ms. Stinnett said the Princess, Stacy Bruno, was to be commended
for the work she is doing as the Princess and for trying to keep costs down.
It was noted that the corwn, which was donated by the lntertribal Pow Wow
Club, was to be perpetuated. It was the request of the club that the crown
be passed to the new Princess each year.
A Thanksgiving Dance was discussed, and all members were in favor. The
date selected was November 24, the Saturday after Thanksgiving. It was
agreed that the dance should be a benefit for the Potawatomi Princess.
The dance could also be a benefit for the Pow Wow Club, if they so desire.
The Pow Wow Club will be asked about the type of involvement they would
like to have in the dance.
The installation of the new officers was discussed and the following was
agreed upon: (1) John Taylor, Shawnee Agency BIA Superintendent,
to administer the Oath of Office and be Guest Speaker; (2) charges for the
dinners of Mr. and Mrs. John Taylor, Father Vincent, and Mrs. Joe
Neghanquet, and Mr. and Mrs. Audie Pecore are to be paid for by the tribe;
(3) the agenda; (4) an authorized photographer to be present at the dinner;
and (5) Father Vincent to give the invocation.
The golf course proposal and funding procedures were reviewed and outlined
for the incoming officers, Wanita Clifford and Mary Lynn Hillemeyer. It
was noted that EDA had called because they had heard rumors that the tribe
was not in favor of the golf course proposal in spite of the fact that the
tribe had two public hearings on the project. Mrs. Hall stated that she,
Mr. Tacker, and Mr. Burch had already indicated their intent to follow thru
on the project and the only ones who had not indicated their intentions were
Mrs. Clifford and Mrs. Hillemeyer. She asked each to state their feelings
on the golf course project. Both Mrs. Clifford and Mrs. Hillemeyer gave
their approval to the project. The concensus was to draw up a resolution
stating that the golf course was the number one project and have the new
Business Committee sign it after installation in office.
Citizen Band of Potawatomi Indians of Oklahoma
Business Committee Meeting Minutes
July 11, 1979, Page 3
The status of the Carpet Mill project as outlined.
The status of the Brick Plant project is in question because the Pawnee
tribe has already passed a resolution that they want the plant.
The minutes of the August 24, 1978, minutes were read. It was noted that
approval of these minutes had been overlooked. Bill Burch made a motion
with Jim Tacker seconding, to approve the minutes as written. Motion
passed, 4-0.
Jim Tacker made a motion that the meeting be adjourned. Bill Burch
seconded the motion.
MEETING ADJOURNED, 12:15 a.m.
SHEILA M. HALL, Secretary-Treasurer
CITIZEN BAND POTAWATOMI INDIANS OF OKLAHOMA
BUSINESS COMMITTEE MEETING
Shawnee, Oklahoma
August 15, 1979
MINUTES
The meeting was called to order by the Chairperson, Wanita Clifford, at
7:45 p.m., August 15, 1979, a Wednesday night. Those Business Committee
members present were:
Wanita Clifford, Chairperson
Sheila Hall, Secretary-Treasurer
Mary Lynn Hillemeyer, Councilwoman (entering late)
Jim Tacker, Vice-Chairman
Bill Burch, Councilman
Others present: Frank Wano, tribal member, a total of 46 tribal members,
and 26 others.
Secretary Hall read the July 11, 1979 minutes, making one correction (change
a comma to a period). Jim Tacker made a motion to approve the minutes with
the correction. Bill Burch seconded the motion. Motion carried, 4-0.
Secretary read a resolution requesting that Jeanine Irene Bourbonnais be
added to the Tribal Rolls in accordance with the Constitution and By-Laws,
and requesting the BIA relinquish her per capita share of the 1978 per
capita payment plus interest. Mrs. Hall made a motion to adopt the
resolution. Bill Burch seconded the motion. Motion. carried, 4-0.
RESOLUTION 80-8
At 7:56 p.m., Mrs. Hillemeyer entered the meeting.
Frank Wano came forward to present a list of grievances to the Business
Committee. Secretary Hall wanted it to be shown in the record that each
Business Committee member, including two past members, was asked if they
were involved in Mr. Wano's presentation of the grievances. Mr. Schmidlkofer,
Ms. Sherard, Mr. Burch, Mr. Tacker, Mrs. Hillemeyer, Mrs. Clifford, and Mrs.
Hall answered that they were not involved in any way. Mrs. Clifford,
Chairperson, amended her statement to say that she had only told Mr. Wano
the proper procedure to follow in presenting his grievances to the Commmittee.
Mr. Wano made the following "constructive criticisms" (not necessarily in
this order, and over the period of the meeting). The Business Committee
gave the following statements regarding the criticisms.
Number 1. There are no Potawatomies employed in any key
positions on the tribal grounds. They were being trained
to be trash collectors. Mr. Wano suggested a six-month
training program to train these tribal members to be
program directors.
Answer 1. The following tribal members are hired for the
following positions (which covers most of the tribal programs):
John Schoemann, Tribal Administrator (highest position available);
Ginger Beets, CETA Out-Reach Worker; Alice Overstreet, CETA
Citizen Band of Potawatomi
Minutes, 15 August 1979, page 2
Intake Registrar; Anna Rutherford, CETA Counselor; Barbara
Tate, CHR Director; Tom Whitecotton, (CETA Participant),
JOM Director; S.K. Sparks, CETA Youth Supervisor; Shiree
Randell, Assistant Day Care Director; Beverly Hughes,
Tribal Rolls; Thelma Bateman, Assistant CHR Director;
Marie Tredway, JOM Assistant; Pete Vietenheimer, CETA Youth
Supervisor; Markeeta Rumsey, Assistant Head Start Director.
Number 2. The Tribal Administrator had illegally misused
tribal program funds. The case point was that Doug Bohanon
was paid from Indian Action Team (IAT) monies when he was
employed as the Women and Infant Children (WIC) nutritional
program Director.
Answer 2. Doug Bohannon was indeed paid from IAT monies,
left-over monies at the end of the year, and while he was
in that position, he did some work for the IAT program
as well as WIC. IAT monies were used to pay his salary
only until WIC monies were received. This is a very
common application of a practice which the BIA is aware
of and allows. The money must be paid back to the account
from which it is borrowed before the end of the program
year, and this has been accomplished.
Number 3. Grievances were filed and they were ignored by
both the Tribal Administrator and the Grievance Committee.
Answer 3. The Grievance Committee members (Ginger Beets,
Anna Rutherford, and Mr. Clark) were asked if they had received
any grievances. Each member stated they had not. Mr. Wano
was asked which Grievance Committee officially ignored
grievances. Mr. Wano felt it might have been the previous
Grievance Committee. Mrs. Hillemeyer, Councilwoman, had
served on the previous Grievance Committee as the Secretary.
She stated that several grievance letters had been withheld
from the Business Committee because Mr. Audie Pecore and Mr.
Joe Neghanquet, former Grievance Committee members, voted
to withhold the letters while Mrs. Hillemeyer alone had
voted to turn them over to the Business Committee.
Number 4. Grievance Committee members were employed in
violation of the Personnel Policy and Procedures Manual.
Answer 5. Under any circumstances, the Constitution and
Bylaws would prevail over the Personnel Policy and Procedures
Manual. The Grievance Committee was constitutionally elected.
The paragraph in the manual which Mr. Wano cited as violated
was read: "No person shall hold a job while either he orshe,
or a member of their immediate family, serves on a board,
council, committee, or other major policy-making body of
the Potawatomi Indians of Oklahoma which either by rule or
by practice regularly nominates, recommends, screens, or
selects candidates, for the Potawatomi Tribe, or influence
funding of any grant or contract of the Potawatomi Indians
Citizen Band of Potawatomi
Minutes, 15 Aug 1979, page 3
of Oklahoma." The previous Grievance Committee Chairman's
son, David Pecore, had been employed by the tribe while
the Chairman held office. The previous Grievance Committee
member, Joe Neghanquet, had himself been employed while
holding office. Historically, the Grievance Committee had
not been made to comply with the referenced paragraph because
they were not a major policy-making body, such as the
Business Committee. Since the Grievance Committee still
is not a policy-making body, the two employed Grievance
Committee members were not in violation of the Personnel
Policies and Procedures Manual. Chairman Clifford stated
that the former Grievance Committee members Audie Pecore
and Joe Neghanquet were under the grandfather clause and
they did not run for office in the last election because
they were asked not to. Secretary Hall stated that the
previous Grievance Committee members were never approached
about the grandfather clause and they were never asked not
to run for office. Mrs. Rebecca Cryer, attorney, tribal
member, and former Tribal Administrator, stated that the
Grievance Committee had only one duty, and that was to act
on grievances against the Business Committee; that duty
did not include grievances against tribal employees.
Number 5. The Tribal Administrator, John Schoemann, had
unlimited power to hire and fire; he did not have to come
to the Business Committee for their approval, signature,
or authority to do anything. The Tribal Administrator
wrote the Personnel Policy and Procedures Manual to suit
himself and give himself power. Also, Mr. Schoemann's
behavior (profanity and immorality) was a disgrace to the
position. Mr. Wano requested that Mr. Schoemann be
relieved of his duties and terminated from the position
of Tribal Administrator.
Answer 5. The Tribal Administrator is empowered to accomplish
the hiring and firing of staff with the final authority
being with the Business Committee. The Business Committee
hires and fires the Tribal Administrator. The Personnel
Policies and Procedures Manual was written prior to Mr.
Schoemann's tenure, and only minor revisions had been made
since Mr. Schoemann had been hired. The Manual was
patterned after the CTSA, Inc. guidelines. Mr. Schoemann
was guided by the Business Committee in his actions, although
he was allowed to act independently on a day-to-day basis.
Mr. Wano was asked for specific instances instead of generalities.
There must be very adequate grounds for removal (firing)
and personal feelings is not an adequate reason.
Number 6. The majority of the tribal members were unaware
of the lawsuit filed against Central Tribes of the Shawnee
Area, (CTSA) Inc. Mr. Schoemann had acted without the
authority of the Business Committee in filing the lawsuit
and admitted this under oath. Mr. Wano had talked with
people in Washington, D.C., and the Dallas Regional Office
Citizen Band Potawatomi
Minutes, 15 Aug 1979, page 4
and he was against the suit. Mr. Wano has friends in the
other tribes and he did not want them mad at him and the
tribe. Mr. Wano felt the Business Committee should drop
the lawsuit.
Answer 6. CTSA, Inc., is a five-tribe organization. Each
tribe receives money based upon tribal Indian population
in the area (population established by the BIA). CTSA was
splitting the money evenly between the tribes with each
getting less than 20% per tribe. Since the Potawatomi
constituted 54% of the local Indian population, the tribe
requested a CETA sub-contract to administer their own
money to their own participants. This sub-contract would
mean that more than twice as many Potawatomies would be
served. After the tribe hired the administrative staff
and built a large list of eligibles (the tribe was outperforming
CTSA), CTSA decided to cancel the sub-contract.
The tribe asked the court to issue an injunction against
CTSA to make them live up to the agreement. Mr. Schoemann
was advised to file the lawsuit during a conference call
which included Mr. Schoemann, Wanita Clifford, Jim Tacker,
Mary Lynn HilIemeyer, and Sheila Hall (Bill Burch was on
vacation). Each Business Committee member had voted to
file the lawsuit asking for an injunction. Chairman Clifford
said that when the conference call took place, she had been
the last one to cast her vote, and since she was outvoted
anyway, she agreed to the suit; however, she was against
the suit. She felt she should have been asked to vote
first. She did not vote in favor of the lawsuit. It
was pointed out that Mr. Wano had written to Judge Henry,
the assigned judge, without knowing the specifics of the
case, and asked the judge to rule against the tribe. Mr.
Schoemann admitted under oath only that he did not have
any documentation with him that gave him the authority to
file the suit. The Business Committee, with the exception
of the Chairman, did not feel it would be in the best
interest of the tribe to drop the lawsuit.
Number 7. The Secretary-Treasurer, SheiIa Hall, had illegally
written a letter to tribal members, inviting them to attend
the meeting, and she had it illegally distributed during
working hours and on tribal grounds. Mr. Wano said the meeting
was to have been a closed meeting and Mrs. Hall was trying
to conteract Mr. Wano's action.
Answer 7. Chairman Clifford concurred with Mr. Wano that
the meeting was to be a closed meeting. A tribal member,
Thelma Bateman, reminded the Chairman that Mrs. Clifford
had herself invited Mrs. Bateman to the meeting. It was
concluded that the meeting perhaps should have been closed,
but it had not been called as such. Mrs. Hall read the letter
she had written, pointing out that it was written to CETA
participants, not tribal members. Mrs. Hall felt that since
Mr. Wano was advocating more than a 50% decrease in the CETA
program, that those people most affected (the participants)
Citizen Band Potawatomi
Minutes, 15 Aug. 1979, page 5
should be allowed to voice their opinions. Since Mrs. Hall thought
this was an open meeting, she invited the CETA participants and
requested the staff distribute the letters because there was not enough
time to mail them. Since this was not a political issue as regards
elections, this was not illegal or a violation of any law.
Number 8. Sheila Hall was in violation of the Constitution in not
filing the minutes with the BIA. Mr. Wano said any member is welcome
and had the right to go to the BIA and inspect the tribal
minutes. He recommended the Business Committee relieve Mrs. Hall
from her duties.
Answer 8. The Business Committee was not given an opportunity to
answer during the open session.
Mr. Wano also stated he had letters of complaint and a petition in his
possession. Ginger Beets, Grievance Committee Member, asked to see the
petition, but Mr. Wano refused to allow her to read it.
Chairman Clifford listed several complaints she had since taking office.
Among them were: (1) She had not been given enough consideration; (2) the
Tribal Administrator consulted on tribal matters with Secretary Hall before
consulting with the Chairman; (3) There was no room for the Chairman for an
office; (4) She (Mrs. Clifford) should have some authority and not be a
figure head; and (5) that the tribal employees had been told not to talk to
her and they (the employees) were very cold to her (A tribal employee said
she had never been told to not talk to the Chairman).
Mr. Schoemann asked who his accusers were and Mr. Wano refused to answer.
An attorney for Mr. Schoemann asked Mr. Wano if he had written the petition.
Mr. Wano said he had written it himself.
Sheila Hall made a motion to recess for five minutes and then go into
a closed executive session with Mr. Wano. Mrs. Hillemeyer seconded the
motion. Motion passes, 5-0.
Open meeting adjourned at 9:37 p.m.
Executive Session convened at 9:50 p.m.
All Business Committee members and Mr. Wano present.
Secretary Hall asked if minutes should be kept during the closed session.
Chairman Clifford instructed Mrs. Hall to take minutes.
All of the previous criticisms were discussed again. Some of the additional
discussions included the use and possible loss of indirect funds, Mr. Wano's
contention that 85% of the Tribe was uneducated and couldn't understand what
the Business Committee tells them, the transfer of Mr. Wano's daughter (a
CETA participant) from the tribal WIC program to the city of Shawnee and her
subsequent of benefits (such as insurance). Mr. Wano did not feel that the
WIC program director, Doug Bohanon, should be allowed to evaluate WIC employees.
Mr. Wano suggested a different employee evaluation system. Mrs. Hall read the
letter that had been sent to the solicitor regarding the filing of the minutes
with the BIA, WHICH listed some conflicts within the constitution. (copy
attached) With the exception of Chairman Clifford, the Business Committee
Citizen Band Potawatomi
Minutes, 15 Aug. 1979, page 6
was in agreement with the action the Secretary had taken regarding the
minutes. Mr. Wano told the Business Committee he was against the purchase
of a carpet mill at Wilburton. He also said that he had talked to a man that
had fired John Schoemann from a job at Wilburton. Mr. Wano allowed the
Business Committee to see some letters of complaint and a petition that he
had in his possession, but refused to give copies to the Business Committee.
Jim Tacker made a motion to adjourn. Sheila Hall seconded the motion.
Motion carried, 5-0.
MEETING ADJOURNED.
Sheila M. Hall, Secretary-Treasurer
CITIZEN BAND POTAWATOMI INDIANS OF OKLAHOMA
BUSINESS COMMITTEE MEETING
Shawnee, Oklahoma
August 15, 1979
MINUTES
The meeting was called. to order by the Chairperson, Wanita Clifford, at
7:45 August 15, 1979, a Wednesday night. Those Business Committee
members present were:
Wanita Clifford, Chairperson
Sheila Hall, Secretary-Treasurer
Mary Lynn Hillemeyer, Councilwoman (entering late)
Jim Tacker, Vice-Chairman
Bill Burch, Councilman
Others present: Frank Wano, tribal member, a total of 46 tribal members,
and 26 others.
Secretary Hall read the July 11, 1979 minutes, making one correction (change
a comma to a period). Jim Tacker made a motion to approve the minutes with
the correction. Bill Burch seconded the motion. Motion carried, 4-0.
Secretary read a resolution requesting that Jeanine Irene Bourbonnais be
added to the Tribal Rolls in accordance with the Constitution and By Laws,
and requesting the BIA relinquish her per capita share of the 1978 per
capita payment plus interest. Mrs. Hall made a motion to adopt the
resolution. Bill Burch seconded the motion. Motion carried, 4-0.
RESOLUTION 80-8
At 7:56 p.m., Mrs. Hillemeyer entered the meeting.
Frank Wano came forward to present a list of grievances to the Business
Committee. Secretary Hall wanted it to be shown in the record that each
Business Committee member, including two past members, was asked if they
were involved in Mr. Wano's presentation of the grievances, Mr. Schmidlkofer,
Ms. Sherard, Mr. Burch, Mr. Tacker, Mrs. Hillemeyer, Mrs. Clifford, and Mrs.
Hall answered that they were not involved in any way. Mrs. Clifford,
Chairperson, amended her statement to say that she had only told Mr. Wano
the proper procedure to follow in presenting his grievances to the Committee.
Mr. Wano made the following "constructive criticisms" (not necessarily in
this order, and over the period of the meeting). The Business Committee
gave the following statements regarding the criticisms.
Number 1. There are no Potawatomies employed in any key
positions on the tribal grounds. They were being trained
to be trash collectors. Mr. Wano suggested a six-month
training program to train these tribal members to be
program directors.
Answer 1. The following tribal members are hired for the
following positions (which covers most of the tribal programs):
John Schoemann, Tribal Administrator (highest position available);
Ginger Beets. CETA Out-Reach Worker; Alice Overstreet. CETA
Citizen Band of Potawatomi
Minutes, 15 August 1979, page 2
Intake Registrar; Anna Rutherford, CETA Counselor; Barbara
Tate, CHR Director; Tom Whitecotton, (CETA Participant),
JOM Director; S,K. Sparks, CETA Youth Supervisor; Shiree
Randell, Assistant Day Care Director; Beverly Hughes,
Tribal Rolls; Thelma Batman, Assistant CHR Director;
Marie Tredway, JOM Assistant; Pete Vietenheimer, CETA Youth
Supervisor; Markeeta Rumsey, Assistant Head Start Director.
Number 2. The Tribal Administrator had illegally misused
tribal program funds. The case point was that Doug Bohanon
was paid from Indian Action Team (IAT) monies when he was
employed as the Women and Infant Children (WIC) nutritional
program Director.
Answer 2. Doug Bohannon was indeed paid from IAT monies,
left-over monies at the end of the year, and while he was
in that position, he did some work for the IAT program
as well as WIC. IAT monies were used to pay his salary
only until WIC monies were received. This is a very
common application of a practice which will BIA is aware
of and allows. The money must be paid back to the account
from which it is borrowed before the end of the program
year, and this has been accomplished.
Number 3. Grievances were filed and they were ignored by
both The Tribal Administrator and the Grievance Committee.
Answer 3. The Grievance Committee members (Ginger Beets,
Anna Rutherford, and Mr. Clark) were asked if they had received
any grievances. Each member stated they had not. Mr. Wano
was asked which Grievance Committee officially ignored
grievances. Mr. Wano felt it might have been the previous
Grievance Committee Mrs. Hillemeyer, Councilwoman, had
served on the previous Grievance Committee as the Secretary.
She stated that several grievance letters had been withheld
from the Business Committee because Mr. Audie Pecore and Mr.
Joe Neghanquet, former Grievance Committee members, voted
to withhold the letters while Mrs. Hillemeyer alone had
voted to turn them over to the Business Committee.
Number 4. Grievance Committee members were employed in
violation of the Personnel Policy and Procedures Manual.
Answer 5. Under any circumstances, the Constitution and
Bylaws would prevail over the Personnel Policy and Procedures
Manual. The Grievance Committee was constitutionally elected.
The paragraph in the manual which Mr. Wano cited as violated
was read: "No person shall hold a job while either he or she,
or a member of their immediate family, serves on a board,
council, committee, or other major policy-making body of
the Potawatomi Indians of Oklahoma which either by rule or
by practice regularly nominates, recommends, screens, or
selects candidates, for the Potawatomi Tribe, or influence
funding of any grant or contract of the Potawatomi Indians
Citizen Band of Potawatomi
Minutes, 15 Aug 1979, page 3
of Oklahoma." The previous Grievance Committee Chairman's
son, David Pecore, had been employed by the tribe while
the Chairman held office. The previous Grievance Committee
member Joe Neghanquet, had himself been employed while
holding office. Historically, the Grievance Committee had
not been made to comply with the referenced paragraph because
they were not a major policy-making body, such as the
Business Committee. Since the Grievance Committee still
is not a policy-making body, the two employed Grievance
Committee members were not in violation of the Personnel
Policies and Procedures Manual. Chairman Clifford stated
that the former Grievance Committee members Audie Pecore
and Joe Neghanquet were under the grandfather clause and
they did not run for office in the last election because
they were asked not to. Secretary Hall stated that the
previous Grievance Committee members were never approached
about the grandfather clause and they were never asked not
to run for office. Mrs. Rebecca Cryer, attorney, tribal
member, and former Tribal Administrator, stated that the
Grievance Committee had only one duty, and that was to act
on grievances against the Business Committee; that duty
did not include grievances against tribal employees.
Number 5. The Tribal Administrator, John Schoemann, had
unlimited power to hire and fire; he did not have to come
to the Business Committee for their approval, signature,
or authority to do anything. The Tribal Administrator
wrote the Personnel Policy and Procedures Manual to suit
himself and give himself power. Also, Mr. Schoemann's
behavior (profanity and immorality) was a disgrace to the
position. Mr. Wano requested that Mr. Schoemann be
relieved of his duties and terminated from the position
of Tribal Administrator.
Answer 5. The Tribal Administrator is empowered to accomplish
the hiring and firing of staff with the final authority
being with the Business Committee. The Business Committee
hires and fires the Tribal Administrator. The Personnel
Policies and Procedures Manual was written prior to Mr.
Schoemanns tenure, and only minor revisions had been made
since Mr. Schoemann had been hired. The Manual was
patterned after the CTSA, Inc., guidelines. Mr. Schoemann
was guided by the Business Committee in his actions, although
he was allowed to act independently on a day-to-day basis.
Mr. Wano was asked for specific instances instead of generalities.
There must be very adequate grounds for removal (firing)
and personal feelings is not an adequate reason.
Number 6. The majority of the tribal members were unaware
of the lawsuit filed against Central Tribes of the Shawnee
Area, (CTSA) Inc. Mr. Schoemann had acted without the
authority of the Business Committee in filing the lawsuit
and admitted this under oath. Mr. Wano had talked with
people in Washington, D.C., and the Dallas Regional Office
Citizen Band Potawatomi
Minutes, 15 Aug 1979, page 4
and he was against the suit. Mr. Wano has friends in the
other tribes and he did not want them mad at him and the
tribe. Mr. Wano felt the Business Committee should drop
the lawsuit.
Answer 6. CTSA, Inc. is a five-tribe organization. Each
receives money based upon tribal Indian population
in the area (populatIon established by the BIA). CTSA was
splitting the money evenly between the tribes with each
getting less than 20% per tribe. Since the Potawatomi
constituted 54% of the local Indian population, the tribe
requested a CETA sub-contract to administer their own
money to their own participants. This sub-contract would
mean that more than twice as many Potawatomies would be
served. After the tribe hired the administrative staff
and built a large list of eligibles (the tribe was out-performing
CTSA). CTSA decided to cancel the sub-contract.
The tribe asked the court to issue an injunction against
CTSA to make them live up to the agreement. Mr. Schoemann
was advised to file the lawsuit during a conference call
which included Mr. Schoemann, Wanita Clifford, Jim Tacker,
Mary Lynn HilIemeyer, and Sheila Hall (Bill Burch was on
vacation). Each Business Committee member had voted to
file the lawsuit asking for ar injunction. Chairman Clifford
said that when the conference call took place, she had been
the last one to cast her vote, and since she was outvoted
anyway, she agreed to the suit; however, she was against
the suit. She felt she should have been asked to vote
first. She did not vote in favor of the lawsuit. It
was pointed out that Mr. Wano had written to Judge Henry,
the assigned judge, without knowing the specifics of the
case, and asked the judge to rule against the tribe. Mr.
Schoemann admitted under oath only that he did not have
any documentation with him that gave him the authority to
file the suit. The Business Committee, with the exception
of the Chairman, did not feel it would be in the best
interest of the tribe to drop the lawsuit.
Number 7. The Secretary-Treasurer SheiIa Hall, had illegally
written a letter to tribal members, inviting them to attend
the meeting, and she had it illegally distributed during
working hours and on tribal grounds. Mr. Wano said the meeting
was to have been a closed meeting and Mrs. Hall was trying
to conteract Mr. Wano's action.
Answer 7. Chairman Clifford concurred with Mr. Wano that
the meeting was to be a closed meeting. A tribal member,
Thelma Bateman, reminded the Chairman that Mrs. Clifford
had herself invited Mrs. Bateman to the meeting. It was
concluded that the meeting perhaps should have been closed,
but it had not been called as such. Mrs. Hall read the letter
she had written, pointing out that it was written to CETA
participants, not tribal members. Mrs. Hall felt that since
Mr. Wano was advocating more than a 50% decrease in the CETA
program, that those people most affected (the participants)
Citizen Band Potawatomi
Minutes, 15 Aug. 1979, page 5
should be allowed to voice their opinions. Since Mrs. Hall thought
this was an open meeting, she invited the CETA participants and requested
the staff distribute the letters because there was not enough
time to mail them. Since this was not a political issue as regards
elections, this was not illegal or a violation of any law.
Number 8. Sheila Hall was in violation of the Constitution in not
filing the minutes with the BIA. Mr. Wano said any member is welcome
and had the right to go to the BIA and inspect the tribal
minutes. He recommended the Business Committee relieve Mrs. Hail
from her duties.
Answer 8. The Business Committee was not given an opportunity to
answer during the open session.
Mr. Wano also stated he had letters of complaint and a petition in his
possession. Ginger Beets, Grievance Committee Member, asked to see the
petition, but Mr. Wano refused to allow her to read it.
Chairman Clifford listed several complaints she had since taking office.
Among them were: (1) She had not been given enough consideration; (2) the
Tribal Administrator consulted on tribal matters with Secretary Hall before
consulting with the Chairman; (3) There was no room for the Chairman for an
office; (4) She (Mrs. Clifford) should have some authority and not be a
figure head; and (5) that the tribal employees had been told not to talk to
her and they (the employees) were very cold to her (A tribal employee said
she had never been told to not talk to the Chairman).
Mr. Schoemann asked who his accusers were and Mr. Wano refused to answer.
An attorney for Mr. Schoemann asked Mr. Wano if he had written the petition.
Mr. Wano said he had written it himself.
Sheila Hall made a motion to recess for five minutes and then go into
a closed executive session with Mr. Wano. Mrs. Hillemeyer seconded the
motion. Motion passes, 5-0.
Open meeting adjourned at 9:37 p.m.
Executive Session convened at 9:50 p.m.
All Business Committee members and Mr. Wano present.
Secretary Hall asked if minutes should be kept during the closed session.
Chairman Clifford instructed Mrs. Hall to take minutes.
All of the previous criticisms were discussed again. Some of the additional
discussions included the use and possible loss of indirect funds. Mr. Wano's
contention that 85% of the Tribe was uneducated and couldn't understand what
the Business Committee tells them, the transfer of Mr. Wano's daughter (a
CETA participant) from the tribal WIC program to the city of Shawnee and her
subsequent of benefits (such as insurance). Mr. Wano did not feel that the
WIC program director, Doug Bohanon, should be allowed to evaluate WIC employees.
Mr. Wano suggested a different employee evaluation system. Mrs. Hall read the
letter that had been sent to the solicitor regarding the filing of the minutes
with the BIA, WHICH listed some conflicts within the constitution. (copy
attached) With the exception of Chairman Clifford, the Business Committee
Citizen Band Potawatomi
Minutes, 15 Aug. 1979, page 6
was in agreement with the action the Secretary had taken regarding the
minutes. Mr. Wano told the Business Committee he was against the purchase
of a carpet mill at Wilburton. He also said that he had talked to a man that
had fired John Schoemann from a job at Wilburton. Mr. Wano allowed the
Business Committee to see some letters of complaint and a petition that he
had in his possession, but refused to give copies to the Business Committee.
Jim Tacker made a motion to adjourn. Sheila Hall seconded the motion.
Motion carried, 5-0.
MEETING ADJOURNED.
Sheila M. Hall, Secretary-Treasurer
Citizen Band Potawatomi Indians
of Oklahoma
ROUTE 5 - Box 151- 405-275-3121
SHAWNEE, OKLAHOMA 74801
SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION MEETING
August 19, 1979
Present:
Chairperson: Sheila Hall
Members: Gary Bourbonnais
John Schoemann
Program Director: Paula Stinnett
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson, Sheila Hall, at appproximately
1:50 p.m. in the office of John Schoemann.
Minutes of the previous meeting (May 10, 1979) were read. Gary
Bourbonnais moved to accept the minutes as read. It was seconded by
Chairperson Hall. All were in favor of accepting the minutes as
read.
Chairperson Hall directed Ms. Stinnett to advertise the income criteria
guidelines in the next edition of the HOW-NI-KAN.
It was discussed and pointed out that proof of roll number must be
made before payment is sent out to any participant.
The meeting proceeded on to evaluation of the many applicants for the
Fall, 1979, Semester monies. The members evaluated all the applications
individually and collectively, not wishing to deny any applicant that
had met the guideline criteria and had provided documentation before
the application deadline.
Upon completion of reviewing and evaluation of all applications by the
committee members, John Schoemann moved to adjourn. It was seconded
by Gary Bourbonnais with a vote of 3 and 0 in favor of adjournment.
The committee disbanded at approximately 4:12 p.m.
Sheila Hall, Scholarship Chairman
CITIZEN BAND POTAWATOMl INDIANS OF OKLAHOMA
BUSINESS COMMITTEE MEETING
SHAWNEE, OKLAHOMA
AUGUST 24, 1978
MINUTES
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Paul Schmidlkofer at 6:30 p.m.,
August 24, 1978. The following Business Committee members were present:
Paul Schmidlkofer, Chairman
Sheila Hall, Secretary-Treasurer
Priscilla Sherard, Councilwoman
Jim Tacker, Councilman
Others present were: John Schoemann, Tribal Administrator; Walter Nelson,
Tribal Business Manager; Bill Burch; Linda Wolf; Mrs . Rhone; Patty Broyles;
other tribal members.
The minutes of the July 20, 1978, meeting were reviewed. The tenth paragraph,
first page was changed to read; "After the interview,". Jim Tacker
made a motion to approve the July 20, 1978, minutes as corrected . Priscilla
Sherard seconded the motion. Motion passed, 4-0.
The minutes of the July 27, 1978, meeting were reviewed. Jim Tacker made
a motion that the minutes be approved as written. Priscilla Sherard seconded
the motion. Motion passed, 4-0.
A letter of resignation from John Schoemann, Vice-Chairman, was read. The
vacating of the Vice-Chairman's position had left a vacancy on the Business
Committee which the Committee elected to fill. Priscilla Sherard made a
motion to appoint Jim Tacker to the unexpired term of Vice-Chairman. Sheila
Hall seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Priscilla Sherard
made a motion to appoint Bill Burch to the unexpired term of Councilman,
vacated by Jim Tacker. Jim Tacker seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
Bill Burch assumed his seat with the Business Committee. The
Business Committee was then composed of the following members:
Paul Schmidlkofer, Chairman
Sheila Hall, Secretary-Treasurer
Bill Burch, Councilman
Jim Tacker, Vice-Chairman
Priscilla Sherard, Councilwoman
Jim Tacker, with Sheila Hall seconding, made a motion to hold the discussion
on the membership of Danny Corn in abeyance until Mr. Corn arrived. Motion
passed, 5-0.
Mrs. Rhone, tribal member, stated that another tribal member (Mrs. Rhone's
sister), Alice Huber, was having tribal mail sent to her mother's home prior
to the claims payment, but the claims payment check was sent to Apple Valley,
where Mrs. Huber had not lived for over a year. Also, Mrs. Rhone stated,
her daughter's (Carol White) check was erroneously placed in an IIM account.
Mrs. Rhone felt the inefficiency of the Rolls Clerk, Beverly Hughes, was the
reason for this mix-up.
BUSINESS COMMITTEE MEETING
SHAWNEE, OK., Aug. 24, 1979
MINUTES, Page 2
Bill Burch made a motion, with Jim Tacker seconding, that only change requests
received by registered letters or in-person requests, with legal
guardians being allowed to request for their charges, be accepted; the new
requirements will be published in the next newsletter. Motion passed, 5-0.
Sheila Hall made a motion to adopt a resolution in support of the Oklahoma
Indian Council on Aging in their efforts to better the services to the
elderly Indian people of Oklahoma. Bill Burch seconded the motion. Motion
passed, 5-0.
RESOLUTION 79-8 .
Jim Tacker made a motion, with Sheila Hall seconding, that $60 be allocated
for the October 5, 1978, luncheon meeting of the local Council on Aging.
Motion passed, 5-0.
At 7:00 p.m., Danny Corn entered the meeting. The membership of Mr. Corn
in the Tribe was discussed, with Mrs. Virginia Rhone, the alleged mother,
stating that Mr. Corn was not her child. Mr. Corn presented his views. He
also asked about tribal disenrollment procedures. Secretary Hall stated
that disenrollment was by Business Committee resolution. There were no
formal disenrollment procedures which had been approved by General Council.
Danny Corn then requested that he be disenrolled from the Tribe. Chairman
Schmidlkofer asked Mr. Corn to forward a letter to the Secretary-Treasurer
formally requesting disenrollment. Mr. Corn agreed to do so.
It was agreed to have a General Council meeting on September 23 or 30, depending
on when mailing labels can be received. The business to be discussed
was the contract for the claims attorney and other business.
Walter Nelson requested that $5,200 from the EDA grant be approved for blacktopping
the service road to the Day Care center. The amount was increased
from the previous quote because the road was widened from fourteen (14) feet
to twenty-seven (27) feet. Mr. Tacker made a motion, with Mrs. Hall seconding,
that this $5,200 be approved for blacktopping the service road. Motion passed,
5-0.
Sheila Hall made a motion, with Jim Tacker seconding, that $10,000 from the
EDA grant be allocated for equipment for the Day Care center. Motion passed,
5-0.
The membership of the Potawatomi Industries LDC was discussed. Linda Wolf
and Patty Broyles volunteered to be board members of this corporation.
Priscilla Sherard made a motion that Bill Burch, John Schoemann, Jim Tacker,
Linda Wolf, and Patty Broyles be appointed to the LDC board and the annual
dues of $12.00 be paid to the state. Sheila Hall seconded the motion. Motion
passed, 5-0.
BUSINESS COMMITTEE MEETING
SHAWNEE, OKLA., Aug. 24, 1978
MINUTES, Page 3
Bob Waugh and John Harrison entered the meeting.
Carpax Associates, Mr. Waugh and Mr. Harrison, were introduced to the
Business Committee. A study on the carpet industry was presented to the
Committee. The particular industry discussed is located at Wilburton,
Oklahoma, and is owned by Congoleum Corporation.
The taking of monies for coffee supplies out of the General Account was
discussed. The concensus of the committee was that money should not be
taken out of the General Account for the purpose.
Membership of the Education and Health Committee for the Foundation established
from monies set aside from the last per capita payment was discussed.
The following people were appointed to the boards:
EDUCATION COMMITTEE: George Hamilton, Rancher and tribal
member; Rebecca Cryer, Attorney and tribal member; Gary
Boubonnais, Principal of Bethel Grade School and tribal
member; Sheila Hall, Business Committee member; and Gary
Hathcock, representative of Federal National Bank.
HEALTH COMMITTEE: Bill Burch, Business Committee member;
Mary Lynn Hillemeyer, tribal member; and Tina Larney, CPR.
It was agreed that the Revenue Sharing Budget should be established by the
Administrator. It was also agreed to allow the Administrator, John Schoemann,
to select the IAT director, and the Business Committee would reserve
the right to confirm the appointment.
Mr. Schoemann presented the use of telephone credit cards in lieu of collect
telephone calls. The Business Committee agreed unanimously to use
Credit Cards.
Sheila Hall made a motion, with Bill Burch seconding, to adopt a resolution
approving John Schoemann to sign tribal checks. Motion passed, 5-0.
RESOLUTION 79-11.
HIP boundaries were discussed.
Linda Wolf presented a petition with thirty-five (35) signatures of tribal
members. The petition requested that Beverly Hughes be removed from the
position of rolls clerk. Mrs. Wolf requested an answer and that she be allowed
to have a representative present when names on the petition are checked
against the rolls.
The audit of the General Account was discussed briefly.
The following resolutions which had been approved by telephone votes were
read into the minutes:
(1) the witholding of the per capita payment to Danny Corn
RESOLUTION 79-6.
BUSINESS COMMITTEE MEETING
SHAWNEE, OKLA., AUG. 24, 1978
MINUTES , Page 4
(2) approval of the NYACC proposal RESOLUTION 79-9.
(3) approval of request for Comprehensive Planning Funds
from the BIA RESOLUTION 79-10.
Mrs. Hall gave a report on the activities of the Historical Society.
Priscilla Sherard requested monies for printing of microfilm.
Mr. Schoemann announced that the Tribe had been approved for $100,000 on
our CDBG proposal.
A discussion of the carpet proposal ensued.
Jim Tacker made a motlon to adjourn. Bill Burch seconded the motion.
Motion passed, 5-0.
MEETING ADJOURNED at 12:08 a.m.
SHEILA HALL , SECRETARY-TREASURER
CITIZEN BAND POTAWATOMI INDIANS OF OKLAHOMA
BUSINESS COMMITTEE MEETING
SHAWNEE, OKLAHOMA
August 28, 1979
MINUTES
The meeting was called to order by the Chairperson, Wanita Clifford, at
7:20 p.m. on August 28, 1979, a Tuesday. The following Business Committee
members were present:
Wanita Clifford, Chairperson
Jim Tacker, Vice-Chairman
Sheila Hall, Secretary-Treasurer
Bill Burch, Councilman
Mary Lynn Hillemeyer, Councilwoman
Others present were:
John Schoemann, Tribal Administrator
Dwayne Hughes, Tribal employee
Paula Stinnett, tribal employee
Donna Harmon, Tribal employee
Diana Wilson, Tribal employee
Donna Harmon present the financial statement for July and Dwayne Hughes
presented the progress reports on each program. Discussion followed and
questions were answered.
Mrs. Harmon read a memo to the committee pertaining to the telephone credit
card belonging to a past employee, Larry Dunham. During the month of July
$76 in long distance telephone calls had been charged on Mr. Dunham's telephone
credit card after his resignation. Ms. Harmon had contacted Mr. Dunham
on this matter and Mr. Dunham had assured Ms. Harmon he would get her a check
in the mail. Ms. Harmon never recieved the check and called Mr. Dunham.
Mr. Dunham replied that he had decided not to pay for these calls. The
committee decided to table making a decision on this matter until a later
date.
The committee discussed the tribal employee's organizational chart. A new
organizational chart was designed (see attached copy). Jim Tacker made a
motion to accept the new organizational chart and modify the Personnel Policy
and Procedures to fit it. Sheila Hall seconded the motion. Motion passed,
5-0.
The committee decided Jim Tacker would contact Frank Wano concerning the
minutes.
Discussion concerning the minutes being handed over to the Bureau ensued.
Jim Tacker suggested the committee get an interpretation from the Solicitor
and the Bureau about "freedom of information" before the committee makes a
decision pertaining to the minutes. Jim Tacker made a motion to adopt a
resolution to send the minutes to the Bureau sealed with the provision that
the sealed minutes would not be open until the Solicitor had made a ruling
and if any tribal member wishing to read the minutes was welcome to read in
the presence of the secretary at the tribal office. Mary Lynn Hillemeyer
seconded the motion. Motion carried, 4-1. (Bill Burch opposed).
RESOLUTION
Discussion concerning giving Mr. Wano copies of the 8/15/79 meeting tapes
followed. The committee voted (5-0) not to release the copies to Mr. Wano,
but if Mr. Wano wanted to listen to the tapes, he could do so in the tribal
office with the understanding that he does not reproduce the tapes.
Business Committee Meeting
August 28, 1979, MINUTES
Page 2
The committee discussed the remaining per capita payment. Mr. Tacker
made a motion, with Sheila Hall seconding, that a resolution be adopted
requesting that the 30% set-a-side from the remaining per capita payment to
the Tribe be for land acquisition and maintenance of tribal property.
Motion carried, 5-0.
RESOLUTION
Jim Tacker made a motion, with Mary Lynn Hillemeyer seconding, that a
resolution be adopted approving the 48.7% share of the per capita payment
to go to the Citizen Band Potawatomi Tribe of Oklahoma. Motion
carried, 5-0.
RESOLUTION
Paula Stinnett, tribal employee, presented a request from the Bureau
pertaining to a recommendation to reinvest dockets totaling $7,806,624.76.
The Business Committee recommended a reinvestment of 180 days (6 months).
Sheila Hall made a motion, with Bill Burch seconding, to reinvest the
dockets totaling $7,806,624.76 for a period of 180 days (6 months).
Motion carried, 5-0.
The committee and Mr. Schoemann discussed the Wilburton Carpet Mill project.
Alternatives were discussed as to how the equity money could be
raised. The committee requested Mr. Schoemann to look further into these
alternatives and bring his findings to the committee.
The committee discussed the Bingo project. It was decided that the Pow
Wow Club and the Historical Society would be asked to help on this project.
Further discussion would be tabled til the next meeting of the committee.
The November Pow Wow was discussed and decided to table any decision until
after the Pow Wow Club was consulted.
Mrs. Hall discussed a letter sent to her from Anna Rutherford resigning
from the Grievance Committee and a second letter rescinding this request.
The committee decided to wait to take action on Ms. Rutherford's letters
until the Bureau had given their opinion on the action to be taken.
Jim Tacker requested that the per diem be raised to $35.
MEETING ADJOURNED, 12:45 a.m.
CITIZEN BAND POTAWATOMI INDIANS OF OKLAHOMA
BUSINESS COMMITTEE MEETING
SHAWNEE, OKLAHOMA
September 10, 1979
MINUTES
The meeting was called to order by Wanita Clifford, Chairperson, at 7:10
p.m., Monday, Septermber 10, 1979. Those Business Committee members present were:
Wanita Clifford, Chairperson
Bill Burch, Councilman
Jim Tacker, Vice-Chairman (arrived at 7:20 p.m.)
Sheila Hall, Secretary-Treasurer, was not present
Mary Lynn Hillemeyer, Councilwoman
Others present were:
John Schoemann, Tribal Administrator
Paula Stinnett, tribal employee
Dwayne Hughes, tribal employee
Mary Lynn Hillemeyer read a letter from Sheila Hall pertaining to Mrs. Hall's
telephone conversation with Mr. Taylor, BIA, concerning Anna Rutherford's
letter of resignation from the Grievance Committee and Ms. Rutherford's second
letter rescinding the first letter. Mr. Taylor was of the opinion that since
Ms. Rutherford's first letter had never been discussed or acted upon at a
Business Committee meeting before Ms. Rutherford's second letter had been
recieved, Ms. Rutherford was still a member of the Grievance Committee.
A discussion followed concerning the constitutionality of the Grievance
Committee members (Ginger Beets and Anna Rutherford) being employed by the Tribe.
Bill Burch suggested that the committee get a legal opinion of the correct
interpretation of the Grievance Committee members standing. The point was
made that the Grievance Committee ran unopposed and were duly elected by the
General Council. Mr. Wano was to be informed that the committee anticipated
calling a General Council meeting for the hearing of records and all questions
could be discussed at that time.
A letter was read and discussed to be sent to Mr. Frank Wano, tribal member,
concerning the points Mr. Wano questioned at the August 15 Business Committee
meeting.
The committee discussed a letter that was read to a group of tribal employees
pertaining to Pete Vietenheimer, a tribal employee. The committee did verbally
reprimand John Schoemann about the procedure for unprofessional behavior by
reading said letter.
Also discussed was the action taken by Ms. Gayla Heckman, tribal employee,
filing suit against Mr. Vietenheimer concerning allegations Mr. Vietenheimer
had made against Ms. Heckman. The committee decided it was not the committee's
duty to resolve this matter. Jim Tacker made a motion that no action or determination
be made in regard to Mr. Vietenheimer and Ms. Heckman's dispute.
Motion seconded by Mary Lynn Hillemeyer. Motion carried 3 in favor, 1 abstention.
Mary Lynn Hillemeyer was to contact Mr. Vietenheimer about this
decision.
Business Committee Meeting
September 10, 1979
MINUTES, Page 2
Wanita Clifford requested office space in the Tribal Office Complex.
Discussion followed about office space available and how can funds be derived
at and from what grant or program. The committee decided there is no office
space available at this time. Mrs. Hillemeyer, Mrs. Hall and Mr. Tacker
feels giving office space to a Business Committe member might be undermining
the Program Director's job.
The committee discussed the committeeship of the Health Aids Foundation.
At the present time there were two Business Committee members (Mary Lynn
Hillemeyer and Bill Burch) serving on the Foundation. Mrs. Hillemeyer
resigned and suggested appointing Paul Schmidlkofer to fill the vacant
postion. Mr. Schmidlkofer had offered to serve. Ms. Clifford suggested
appointing Marge Brant or Billie Wano. Discussion followed and it was
decided that Ms. Clifford would contact Ms. Brant and ask her if she would
serve on the Health Aids Foundation committee.
Discussion of the Bingo project followed. It was agreed that it would take
six to eight people to run a two hundred person game. Bill Burch made a
mtoion to authorize a loan at 10% interest from the General Account for
approximately $5,000 (equipment $4,500 and initial concession supplies $500).
Motion seconded by Mary Lynn Hillemeyer. Motion carried, 4-0.
Mr. Schoemann reported on IAT monies from the CTSA consortum. Mr. Schoemann
told the committee that the dollar amount had not been set and he would be
meeting with Forrest Gerard, Assistant Secretary of the Interior, on Tuesday,
September 11. The committee advised Mr. Schoemann to set up a date for the
committee to meet with Mr. Mahaffey (Michael Mahaffey & Associates) to advise
the use of the community building without any funding for the pro-shop and
golf course.
Membership in the National Congress of American Indians was discussed. Mary
Lynn Hillemeyer made a motion to have the Tribe join. Seconded by Jim Tacker.
Motion carried, 4-0.
A trip to Indiana by tribal members was discussed. The commitee was asked
if there were any funds available to help pay the expenses for the trip. The
committee replied that there were no funds available.
The November Pow Wow decision was tabled until after the Inter-Tribal Pow
Wow Club meets next.
Discussion of appointing someone to the Shawnee Service Advisory Board followed.
The committee recommended and approved Sheila Hall to be appointed
to the Shawnee Service Advisory Board.
Discussion of the revised Personnel Policy and Procedures followed. There was
a correction under Military Leave to read as follows: "The Tribe is not liable
for expenses when the Armed Forces earnings exceed regular earnings." Jim
Tacker made a motion that the committee accept the Personnel Policy and Procedures
as corrected. Bill Burch seconded the motion. Motion carried, 4-0.
Wanita Clifford made a motion that future Business Committee meetings adjourn
no later than 10:00 p.m. Seconded by Mary Lynn Hillemeyer. Motion carried, 4-0.
Business Committee Meeting
September 10, 1979
MINUTES, Page 3
The committee decided that all Business Committee meeting be held on the
first and third Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m.
There was a discussion of an Open Business Committee meeting to be held
tentatively the third Wednesday of October.
It was announced that October 27 is National Indian Day.
Mr. Schoemann recommended the committee pledge the equity in CTSA Enterprise
and make a loan at Federal National Bank and submit $56,000 to Aetna Business
Credit to be held until the close of the loan. This way the Tribe could attempt
to get equity financing of $1.25 million from a direct loan from the
BIA to acquire the Congoleum Carpet Mill located in Wilburton, Oklahoma.
MEETING ADJOURNED, at 10:10 p.m.
CITIZEN BAND POTAWATOMI INDIANS OF OKLAHOMA
BUSINESS COMMITTEE MEETING
SHAWNEE, OKLAHOMA
September 19, 1979
MINUTES
The meeting was called to order by the Chairperson, Wanita Clifford, at
7:00 p.m. on September 19, 1979, a Wednesday. Business Committee members
present were:
Wanita Clifford, Chairperson
Jim Tacker, Vice-Chairman
Bill Burch, Councilman
Mary Lynn Hillemeyer, Councilwoman
Sheila Hall, Secretary-Treasurer
Others present were:
John Schoemann, Tribal Administrator
Paula Stinnett, Administrative Asst.
Ed Janesic, DECA
Mike Mahaffey, Mahaffey & Assoc.
Walt Cartwright, tribal member
August 15th Business Committee meeting minutes were written and mailed to
Sheila Hall. These minutes were lost in the mail. The minutes are still
being recomposed at this time.
August 28th Business Committee meeting minutes were read and corrected.
Corrections: second paragraph the word "voided" was crossed out twice;
second paragraph "...after his resignation." was added to the second sentence.
Bill Burch made a motion to approve the minutes as corrected. Mary
Lynn Hillemeyer seconded the motion. Motion carried, 5-0.
September 10th Business Committee meeting minutes were read and corrected.
Corrections: third paragraph, second sentence was to be added to the second
paragraph; fourth paragraph, after first sentence add "The Committee did
verbally reprimand John Schoemann about the procedure for unprofessional
behavior by reading said letter."; second page, fifth paragraph, cross out
"...for Beverly Hughes, Wanita Clifford, and Judith Michener."; second
page, ninth paragraph, motion was seconded by Mary Lynn Hillemeyer. Jim
Tacker made a motion to approve the minutes as corrected. Bill Burch seconded
the motion. Motion carried, 5-0.
Sheila Hall suggested the meeting begin with invocation. Bill Burch made a
motion that Jim Tacker be Chaplin. All members were in favor, except Jim
Tacker. Tacker wanted to think about it.
Chairperson Clifford turned the chair over to Vice-Chairman Tacker to condut
the remainder of the meeting.
Mike Mahaffey gave a presentation pertaining to the Golf Course Project.
Discussion followed about the $209,900 monies level. The Community Center
can be realized as a two level building. The upper level would be 3,200 sq.
ft. ($132,000), for the Community Center. The lower level would be 3,300 sq.
ft. for the golf course club house and pro-shop to be initially constructed
as unimproved space. It was decided Mr. Mahaffey would return to the October
17th meeting with cost estimates, blue prints, and a budget for the proposed
building.
Bill Burch suggested the possibility of a shopping center development in the
southeast are of Shawnee, intersecting with and along the river. This would
be an important endeavor to compliment the Golf Course.
Page 2
Sept. 19, 1979
MINUTES
Walt Cartwright made a presentation concerning the Closed Freon Air
Conditioning Systems for small aircrafts. Mr. Cartwright requested an
up-front amount of $10,00 plus $1,000 per month for his time in designing
and development. The committee decided to table a decision until a later
date.
Discussion pertaining to Larry Dunham's illegal use of a telephone credit
card followed. The committee decided to table a decision until the total
billing amount was known.
Ms. Clifford reported to the committee that Marge Brant declined to serve
as a committee member on the Health Aids Foundation Committee because of ill
health. Discussion followed and the following names were submitted: Norman
Kiker, Beverly Hughes, and Paul Schmidlkofer. Secret ballot was taken and
Norman Kiker was elected to serve on the Health Aids Foundation Committee.
Discussion of the upcoming National Congress of American Indians (Oct. 1-5)
followed. Wanita Clifford was chosen as the main delegate; Jim Tacker first
alternate; and Sheila Hall second alternate. It was decided the individual
and tribal dues in the amount of $265.00 a year be paid from the General
Account. Bill Burch made a motion, with Mary Lynn Hillemeyer seconding,
that the above decision on the delegates and fees be accepted by the Business
Committee as a resolution. Motion carried 4 in favor and 1 abstention.
RESOLUTION 80-9
The Business Committee decided to have an Open Business Committee meeting on
Saturday, November 24, 1979, at 1:00 p.m. in the Long Room of the Ship She
Wano Learning Center.
The opening date of the Bingo project, Oct. 4th at 7:30 p.m. in the Long
Room, was announced.
Bill Burch made a motion with Mary Lynn Hillemeyer seconding, that the per
diem be increased to $35.00. Motion passed, 4-1-0.
Discussion followed concerning John Schoemann's per diem. Mr. Schoemann
offered to drop his per diem. Bill Burch made a motion that the Tribal
administrator be paid per diem. Sheila Hall seconded the motion. Motion carried,
4-1-0.
Mr. Schoemann presented a resolution to acquire a direct loan of $1.3 million
from the BIA to be utilized as equity to finance the Wilburton Carpet Mill
from Congoleum Corporation for the Citizen Band Potawatomi Indians of Okla-
homa doing business as the Native American Manufacturing Association, Inc.
Sheila Hall made a motion to accept the resolution as read. Bill Bruch made
a motion to second. Motion passes, 4-1-0.
RESOLUTION 80-10
The Committee decided to prepare a resolution to accompany the sealed minutes
to the BIA.
Discussion about having a November Pow Wow followed. It was decided by the
Committee to let the Pow Wow Club decide if there was to be a PowWow.
Page 3
Sept. 19, 1979
Minutes
A resolution for JOM, Option 1 or 7 was discussed. Sheila Hall made a motion
for the Business Committee to choose Option 1. Bill Burch seconded. Motion
carried, 5-0.
RESOLUTION 80-11c
A discussion on 25 CFR Court Systems followed. It was decided by the Committee
to table a decision on the approval of the rules and regulations until the
committee received a copy of them. Sheila Hall made a motion to adopt a
resolution to accept the courts appointments of officers. Mary Lynn
Hillemeyer seconded the motion. Motion carried, 5-0.
RESOLUTION 80-
It was annoucned that the CTSA Board had requested the use of the Long Room.
Jim Tacker suggested that they pay for the utilities used. Concensus of
the committee was to allow usage at not charge.
John Schoemann read a letter from John Sloat, Absentee=Shawnee Tribe,
pertaining to the appointment of Robert Bruno to the Housing Authority Board.
Mr. Sloat feels there is a conflict of interest with Robert Bruno being appointed.
Each Business Committee members was asked to bring a name to be
submitted for approval at the Oct. 4th meeting.
Per centage pay raised for FY80 was discussed. It was decided to table
discussion until the next business committee meeting, Oct. 4.
Discussion pertaining to the constitution ensued. The committee decided
to investigate the cost and the selection of a person to get the constitution
finished.
The committee was approached requesting $27.00 to pay for 18 senior citizens
to go ona CHR Culture Trip to the State Fair of Oklahoma. The committee
wanted to know if there was a Senior Citizen Day designated by the State
Fair of Oklahoma officials.
Bill Burch made a motion to adjourn. Mary Lynn Hillemeyer seconded the
motion. Motion carried, 5-0.
ADJOURNED, 10:30 p.m.
CITIZEN BAND POTAWATOMI INDIANS OF OKLAHOMA
BUSINESS COMMITTEE MEETING
SHAWNEE, OKLAHOMA
OCTOBER 3, 1979
MINUTES
The meeting was called to order by Vice-Chairman Jim Tacker at 8:05 p.m.
on October 3, 1979, A Wednesday. Business Committee members present were:
Jim Tacker, Vice-Chairman
Sheila Hall, Secy.-Treasurer
Mary Lynn Hillemeyer, Councilwoman
Bill Burch, Councilman
Wanita Clifford, Chairman, was not present due to Ms. Clifford's attendance
at the National Congress of American Indians.
Others present were:
John Schoemann, Tribal Administrator
Paula Stinnett, Tribal Employee
Donna Harmon, Tribal Employee
Sheila Hall read the September 19, 1979, Business Committee meeting minutes.
Corrections: first page, between fourth and fifth paragraph add "Chairman
Clifford turned over the chair to Vice-Chairman Tacker to conduct the remainder
of the meeting."; first page, last paragraph, change first sentence
to read "Bill Burch suggested the possibility of a shopping center development
in the southeast area of Shawnee intersecting with and along the river.";
second page, between sixth and seventh paragraph, add "Bill Burch made a
motion, with Mary Lynn Hillemeyer seconding, that the per diem be increased
to $35. Motion passed, 4-1-0."; second page, seventh paragraph motion was
"4-1-0."; second page, eighth paragraph motion was "4-1-0."; third pages
first paragraph, third sentence change to read "Sheila Hall made a motion to
adopt a resolution to accept the courts appointment of officers." Bill
Burch made a motion to accept the September 19 minutes as corrected. Mary
Lynn Hillemeyer seconded the motion. Motion carried, 4-0-0.
Donna Harmon, tribal employee, gave a presentation on the August financial
reports. Discussion and questions followed. It was announced that the new
financial accounting procedures went into effect 10-1-79.
Sheila Hall read a letter from John Taylor, BIA, addressed to Wanita Clifford.
The letter was regarding Wanita Clifford's request of an audit of the FY79
programs by the BIA Audit Department. The committee decided to hold the letter
until the next Business Committee meeting so that the audit procedure could
be explained to Ms. Clifford.
Donna Harmon left the meeting.
John Schoemann presented the revised architect drawing for the Community Center
for review and changes. Changes by the committee were: 1. additional windows
need to be added on the south side of the upper level to match the north wall
windows, 2. try to go force account, 3. sheet rock finish, 4. enclose bottom
level for weatherproofing. It was decided John Schoemann would submit these
changes to Mike Mahaffey.
Discussion followed concerning Walt Cartwright's presentation on closed freon
air conditioning systems for small aircrafts. Sheila Hall made a motion that
the Business Committee not pursue this project at the present time. Bill Burch
seconded the motion. Motion carried, 4-0-0.
Page 2
Oct. 3, 1979
Minutes
Paula Stinnett gave a presentation of the approximate expenses incurred on
the Bingo project as follows: equipment $3,900, supplies $300, advertising
(marquee) $55, and concession supplies $250.00. Discussion pertaining to
the Bingo project expenses followed.
Discussion on revising the constitution ensued. Jim Tacker made a motion that
John Schoemann secure a contract with Craig Throckmorton to start revising the
constitution. Mary Lynn Hillemeyer seconded the motion. Motion carried, 4-0-
0. Mr. Schoemann would submit a price from Mr. Throckmorton on revising the
constitution at the next Business Committee meeting.
Discussion pertaining to Beverly Hughes research technique followed. Jim
Tacker suggested when people came in to research, Mrs. Hughes could use her
spare time (if she had any) to assist them in said research.
Housing Authority Advisory Board appointment discussion followed. Donnie
Bruno was suggested as an appointee and Sheila Hall was to contact Mr.
Bruno and report back to the committee on Mr. Bruno's answer. Sheila Hall
left the meeting to call Mr. Bruno. Mr. Bruno told Mrs. Hall he would be
unable to be appointed to the Board. The committee decided to table further
discussion until the next Business Committee Meeting.
Discussion pertaining to the cost of living pay raises followed. Bill Burch
made a motion to have a 7% cost of living pay raise effective Oct. 1, 1979.
Mary Lynn Hillemeyer seconded the motion. Motion carried, 4-0-0.
Futher discussion regarding the cost of living pay raises involved Linda
Coventon, Health Planner, and Diane Allen, Health Planner's secretary.
John Schoemann read a request from Mrs. Coventon requesting her salary be
raised to $16,000 a year (presently $14,000) and Diane Allen's
job description be changed to Research Assistant and the pay raised accordingly
to $11,000 (presently $8,000 as secretary). The committee decided Linda
Coventon's pay would be raised to $16,000 (attached as a rider to the cost of
living pay raise). On the Research Assistant pay raise, Diane Allen's pay would
be raised to $9,000 a year and Mrs. Allen's job description would be changed to
include research assistance and continuation of her secretarial duties. The
committee approved the above raises and if there were any additional salary
increases, these changes would be brought before the committee at the next
scheduled meeting.
Sheila Hall made a motion to appoint Wanita Clifford to the CTSA Enterprise, Inc.
Board as alternate. Bill Burch seconded the motion. Motion carried, 4-0-0.
Discussion pertaining to the upcoming per capita payment followed. The committee
decided to develop a plan for the BIA and if the remaining two dockets are appropriated,
they would be added to the plan.
Discussion pertaining to the modification of the ANA Budget for $4,500 for equipment
to the Community Center and $5,000 for a new tractor followed (total $9,500
ANA monies were not expended for FY79). The committee decided to go ahead and
buy the tractor. Charge it to General Account and when the funds became available
pay General Account back.
Page 3
Oct. 3, 1979
Minutes
John Schoemann announced that Ed Herndon, BIA, had called him and that the
1971 Per Capita Payment had been approved. The per capita payment for non-located
roll members were discussed. A decision about this money was tabled
until the next Business Committee meeting, at which time John Schoemann is
to submit a budget.
The Salt Lake City trip discussion followed. A date has to be decided upon.
Sheila Hall discussed her newspaper article for the up-coming issue of the
"How-Ni-Kan".
Sheila Hall suggested the Business Committee follow-up on the Prosthetic
Foundation. The committee asked Paula Stinnett to call Ed Herndon, BIA,
to get a copy of the guidelines. Ms. Stinnett is to submitt these guidelines
at the next Business Committee meeting.
Bill Burch made a motion to adjourn. Mary Lynn Hillemeyer seconded the
motion. Motion carried, 4-0-0.
MEETING ADJOURNED, 10:35 p.m.
CITIZEN BAND POTAWATOMI INDIANS OF OKLAHOMA
BUSINESS COMMITTEE MEETING
SHAWNEE, OKLAHOMA
OCTOBER 17, 1979
MINUTES
The meeting was called to order by the Chairperson, Wanita Clifford, at 7:15
p.m., October 17, 1979, a Wednesday. All Business Committee members present
were:
Wanita Clifford, Chairperson
Jim Tacker, Vice-Chairman
Bill Burch, Councilman
Sheila Hall, Secretary-Treasurer
Mary Lynn Hillemeyer, Councilwoman
Others present were:
John Schoemann, Tribal Administrator
George Barnett, tribal employee
Diana Wilson, tribal employee
Sheila Hall, Secretary, read the October 3, 1979, Business Committee meeting
minutes. Corrections: second page, second paragraph, second sentence, change
the word "secure" to "pursue"; second page, sixth paragraph, second sentence,
change "$4,500" to "$4,000" and change "$9,500" to "$9,000; last paragraph,
second page, last sentence, change to read "The Committee decided to buy the tractor
at approximately $6,483 and use the $5,000 from the ANA Budget Modification and
pay the balance of approximately $1,483 from the General Account."; third page,
first paragraph, first sentence, change to read "John Schoemann announced that
Ed Herndon, BIA, had called him and that the 1971 Unpaid Shares Per Capita had
been approved to be returned to the TRibe. Jim Tacker made a motion to approve
the October 3 Business Committee meeting minutes as corrected. Bill Burch
seconded the motion. Chairman Clifford declared minutes approved.
At 7:33 p.m. George Barnett, tribal employee, entered the meeting. He gave
a presentation on the HIP Applicants. Discussion and selection on HIP/CDBG
Applicants followed. The following were approved in the order they are numbered:
(1) John Melot (Class "A"), (2) Viola Cox, (3) Kathleen Kiker, (4)
Luvina Anderson, (5) Roy E. Gregson, (6) Verona Looper, (7) Ruby Peltier,
(8) Mildred Pratt, (9) Anna Moore, (10) Verda Mize, (11) Calvin Peltier,
(12) Louise Owens, (13) Etta Charlene Primeaux (Class "A"),(14) Irvin Joe
Coots (Class "A" with no more than $2,500 spent), (15) Bonnie Taylor (Class
"A"), (16) Patricia Hargus, (17) James Amerson, (18) Purman Jones, (19) Donald
Ray Whitaker, (20) Sharon Rollins. The Business Committee also made recommendations
as follows: (1) John Melot, relocation if possible; (13) Etta
Charlene Primeaux, name be submitted to the CHR and CETA for any assistance
available; (14) Irvin Joe Coots, Mr. Barnett is to find out if Mr. Coots is
receiving a VA check; (15) Bonnie Taylor, Mr. Barnett is to find out if there
are any rent-houses available through the Housing Authority, since, Ms. Taylor
would be willing to rent a house. Mr. Barnett left the meeting.
Discussion ensued pertaining to the Housing Authority Advisory Board appointment.
Darrell Yott was suggested as an appointee. Mrs. Hall left the meeting to call
Mr. Yott. Mr. Yott told Mrs. Hall he would be glad to serve on the Board if
there were no conflict of interest since he does bid on HUD housing. The
Business Committee decided there would be a conflict of interest to have Mr.
Yott on the Advisory Board. More discussion followed. Sheila Hall made a
motion to adopt a resolution appointing Jim Tacker to the Housing Authority
Advisory Board. Bill Burch seconded the motion. Motion carried, 5-0.
RESOLUTION 80-13
Oct 17, 1979
Business Committee Meeting
Page 2, Minutes
Discussion ensued pertaining to Wanita Clifford's request to the BIA for an audit.
The Business Committee explained to Ms. Clifford that when the BIA audited, the
BIA were not as thorough as they should be. Concensus of the Committee was to
have an audit of all programs for FY79. Ms. Clifford wanted her request be shown
on the records that she did request an audit by the BIA. Mrs. Hall assured
Ms. Clifford that all members of the Business Committee would receive a copy of
the audits.
Further discussions pertaining to the FY80 pay raises followed. Among the
decisions made was a pay raise for Jann McAlister to $8,500 per year.
Discussion followed regarding the Salt Lake City trip by the Business Committee.
The Committee agreed to November 12, 13, and 14 as the days they would travel
to Salt Lake City. It was also agreed upon that Sheila Hall, Mary Lynn Hillemeyer,
Bill Burch & wife, Paula Stinnett, and John Schoemann would be going to Salt
Lake City and expenses would be paid from General Account.
Ms. Clifford requested the use of the Long Room on November 8, a Thursday, for
the Oklahoma Council for Indians on Aging to meet. The concensus of the
Committee was to allow usage at no expense. The committee did ask that the
meeting be over by 3 p.m. due to Bingo that evening.
Ms. Clifford asked the Committee their feelings on forming a Potawatomi Indian
Council on Aging. The concensus of the Committee was to find out all the guidelines
for the Council on Aging and how to organize a chapter. Ms. Clifford was
to bring this information before the Committee at the next meeting.
The "Miss Potawatomi Princess" sponsorship was discussed. It was decided by
the Committee to write a letter asking the Pow Wow Club if they would like the
sponsorship of the Princess. If they did decide to take responsibility for the
Princess, the Pow Wow Club would need to report to the Business Committee on
the Princess's activities and expenditures.
Ms. Clifford announced the newly elected officers of the Pow Wow Club as follows:
Father Vincent, chairman; David Pecore, vice-chairman; Kathleen Kiker, treasurer;
and Becky Pecore, secretary.
Discussion regarding the Health Aids Foundation guidelines followed. Reveiw of
the original resolution pertaining to the set-a-side per capita for the Health
Aids Foundation stated that the Foundation was for Tribal Roll Members only (non-
enrolled dependent children not eligible), and for prosthetic devices eyeglasses
and hearing aids only. A prosthetic device is defined as the replacement of a
missing part. The Committee felt that when the three years for the present guidelines
are up they should be modified to include the enhancement of a present part.
Jim Tacker made a motion to adopt a resolution accepting deliverables prepared for
and in behalf of the Citizen Band Potawatomi Indians of Oklahoma by Craig C.
Throckmorton, Consultant, pursuant to BIA purchase order number 9B09-0100079 to
be submitted to the BIA for reimbursement to the General Account. Bill Burch
seconded the motion. Motion carried, 5-0.
RESOLUTION 80-12
John Schoemann gave a report on the present standing of the Bingo project. Mr.
Schoemann estimated that the Bingo equipment should be paid for in approximately
one month. Mr. Schoemann also asked the Committee to decide how and when to
October 17, 1979
Business Committee Meeting
Page 3, Minutes
distribute the profit between the Historical Society, the Pow Wow Club, and the
Tribe's General Account.
Discussion regarding the Budget for the 1971 Unpaid Shares Per Capita Payment
followed. Mr. Schoemann gave each Committee member a copy of the budget from
the original resolution to be considered for revision until the check came
down from the BIA. Concensus of the Committee was that the money be maintained
separate from the General Account.
Discussion pertaining to the letter from Jo Marcus, tribal member, requesting
assistance from the Tribe on obtaining gravel for her home followed. Bill
Burch volunteered to give Ms. Marcus the gravel free of charge, but Mr. Burch
did not have a truck to deliver the gravel. The Committee would try to find
a truck to deliver the gravel to Ms. Marcus.
Sheila Hall read a memo from the United Indian Tribes of Western Oklahoma and
Kansas inviting tribal officials to a seminar at Western Hill Lodge. The
Committee decided Wanita Clifford would attend the seminar October 25 and 26.
Discussion of Chairperson Clifford's letter to influential persons dated Sept.
17, 1979, complaining about Greivance Committee members being employed by the
Tribe followed. It was brought up that previously the Business Committee members
as a whole, including Ms. Clifford, had agreed on the action to be taken on this
matter. Jim Tacker moved that the Business Committee go on record showing that
Wanita Clifford was verbally reprimanded for acting above and beyond her duties
as Chairperson in writing said letter to Mr. McNabb (ANA) with copies sent to
Senator David Boren, Senator Henry Bellmon, Bob Pipe (field representative for
the Dept. of Labor, the person in control of Indirect Cost monies), and Mr.
Goodwin (unknown). Sheila Hall seconded the motion. Motion carried, 4-1.
(Attached is a letter to Frank Wano from Wanita Clifford dated Sept. 11, 1979,
pertaining to this matter of the Grievance Committee members' employment by
the Tribe to be taken to General Council.)
Further discussion pertaining to Ms. Clifford's letter to Mr. McNabb followed.
Mr. Tacker suggested that if the Business Committee members had any problems
they, the Business Committee members, did not understand, that member or members
should bring the problem to the Business Committee. If the Committee could not
solve the problem, then the Business Committee, as a whole, would write an official
letter from the Business Committee to the appropriate person(s) and have each
Business Committee member sign said letter. The Business Committee agreed to
prepare a formal request of interpretation from the Solictor, including a list
of questions to be answered and have Wanita Clifford sign said letter.
John Schoemann requested Wanita Clifford to go on record retracting her campaign
statement against Mr. SChoemann for misuse of federal funds. Ms. Clifford stated
that she, Wanita Clifford, retracted the accusations against Mr. Schoemann for
misuse of federal funds in the instance of Doug Bohanon's salary being paid by
IAT monies. Ms. Clifford further stated that Mr. Taylor, Shawnee Agency BIA,
explained to her that this was a legal procedure since the IAT program was
paid back when WIC monies came down.
Discussion pertaining to Larry Dunham's illegal use of a telephone credit card
followed (approximately $85 in telephone charges). The Committee decided to
send a letter by certified mail, return receipt requested, to Mr. Dunham requesting
payment and if Mr. Dunham did not feel he was responsible for these
telephone charges, Mr. Dunham was invited to attend the next Business Committee
October 17, 1979
Business Committee Meeting
Page 4, Minutes
meeting to explain his reasons for not paying.
Mary Lynn Hillemeyer made a motion that per diem be paid for attending the
Health Advisory Board meetings. Jim Tacker seconded the motion. Motion
carried, 4-1.
Bill Burch made a motion to adjourn. Mary Lynn Hillemeyer seconded the
motion. Motion carried, 5-0.
MEETING ADJOURNED, 11:00 p.m.
CITIZEN BAND POTAWATOMI INDIANS OF OKLAHOMA
BUSINESS COMMITTEE MEETING
SHAWNEE, OKLAHOMA
November 20, 1979
The meeting was called to order at 7:31 by Chairperson Wanita Clifford, on
November 20, 1979. Business Committee members present were:
Wanita Clifford, Chairperson
Jim Tacker, Vice-Chairman
Bill Burch, Councilman
Mary Lynn Hillemeyer, Councilwoman
Sheila Hall, Secretary-Treasurer
Others present were:
John Schoemann, Tribal Administrator
The Minutes of the November 7, 1979 Business Committee meeting were read by the
Secretary-Treasurer, Sheila Hall. Changes included corrected spelling of "Coventon"
and "Western" on the first page. Also, it was changed to read "adopted" Resolution
80-16. Vice-Chairman Tacker motioned to accept the corrections and it was seconded
by Councilman Burch. All were in favor of the minutes as corrected. Voting
reflected 5 in favor, 0 opposed.
The billing for Larry Dunham's personal phone calls were discussed. It was the
feeling of the Committee to have all charges for personal calls he had previously
paid including all calls made on April 1, 1979 be charged and billed as soon as
possible. (Mr. Dunham was hospitalized on April 1, 1979 and it was the concensus of
the Committee that any calls made on that date were of a personal nature as he could
not responsibly conduct tribal business while hospitalized.) The Committee instructed
Mr. Schoemann to prepare the billing and to give it to Chairperson Clifford who would
then in turn give it to Mr. Dunham.
Mrs. Clifford and Mrs. Hall signed the resolution passed at the previous meeting
to draw down interest monies on the Scholarship Foundation.
Mrs. Hall questioned the 93-638 budget. She was concerned if Beverly Hughes, Tribal
Rolls, and Judith Michener, Museum Curator, had a travel budget line item of their
own for travel. The question was answered by John Schoemann, that at this time no
provisions had been made for their personal travel expenditures.
On the 1971 per capita shares, it was the decision of the Committee to deposit the
monies in the Foundations checking accounts and to pay back monies advanced to the
Health Aids Foundation and the Scholarship Foundation from the General Account for
board meetings. This figure amounted to $1,950.00.
$3,000.00 Archives Materials
500.00 Clifton Materials
229.60 Advanced Jerry Lewis for Travel
$3,729.60 Total as listed above has been reimbursed to the
General Account for expenses as listed.
The Bingo accounting was reviewed to date and discussion about advertising to hire
an Activity Manager to run the Bingo activity for the tribe followed.
Page 2
November 20, 1979
Minutes
The Economic Development Workshop at OBU, November 26, was discussed. Those
designated to attend were John Schoemann, Wanita Clifford, and possibly Jim Tacker
if he could make it.
John Schoemann reported that we would host a group of 18 foreign journalists on
December 3, 1979. The plan includes a tour of the tribal facility and a luncheon
in their honor. Mr. Schoemann asked all Business Committee members who could attend
to be present to represent the Tribe.
Mr. Schoemann presented an Economical Development report to the Committee stating
that on April 27, 1979 HUD re-evaluated the flood plan and the tribal property is
now in Zone C. We are now eligible for federal monies or fundings. Additionally,
he recommended that a tribally owned shopping center and office complex be investigated
and that a feasibility study be pursued as soon as possible. It is the intent
to generate revenue from our tribal trust land.
The upcoming Open Business Committee Meeting of November 24, 1979 was discussed and
Bill Burch, motioned to cancel the meeting on the proposed date. It was seconded by
Jim Tacker. Vote was 4 in favor and 1 opposed. It was directed that the cancellation
of the Open Business Committee Meeting be advertised in the Oklahoma City Times, the
Tulsa paper, Shawnee News Star, and the Seminole publication.
Mr. John Schoemann presented a newspaper billing pertaining to a meeting called by
Audie Pecore to listen to greivences filed against the Business Committee. It was
decided that the bill for $7.46 be paid from the General Account.
Mrs. Clifford discussed the possibility of a Christmas Float to be entered in the
Shawnee Christmas parade on December 1, 1979. Approval was given by the Committee.
Executive session was called by Mrs. Hall at 10:13 p.m. At this time Mr. Schoemann
left the meeting.
Meeting adjourned at 10:30 p.m.
Minutes corrected 12-20-79
CITIZEN BAND POTAWATOMI INDIANS OF OKLAHOMA
BUSINESS COMMITTEE MEETING
MINUTES
SHAWNEE, OKLAHOMA
December 5, 1979
The meeting was called to order by Vice-Chairman Jim Tacker. Business Committee
members present were: Jim Tacker, Vice-Chairman; Sheila Hall, Secretary-
Treasurer; Mary Lynn Hillemeyer, Councilwoman; and Bill Burch, Councilman.
Absent was: Wanita Clifford, Chairperson. Others present were: John
Schoemann, Tribal Administrator.
The minutes of the November 20, 1979, meeting was read by the Business Committee
members. The following corrections were made: First page, fourth paragraph,
last line, should read "program travel expenditures", instead of "personal
travel expenditures". Discussion on the $1,950 reveled that it had not been
reimbursed. It should read "Total as listed above will be reimbursed to the
General Account". Second page, fifth paragraph, "grievances is misspelled.
Motion was made by Bill Burch and seconded by Mary Lynn Hillemeyer that the
minutes be accepted as corrected. The motion passed 4 in favor and 0 opposed.
BINGO PRESENTATION. Mr. Ken Griffith, K&B Sales, Norman, Oklahoma, gave a
presentation on bingo supplies. He offers bingo supplies and management
services for bingo. He recommended that someone be hired, at a good salary,
to run the bingo for the Tribe. His organization does have a crew that works
the bingos. They would run the bingo and provide the bingo supplies, and
offer the Tribe a set dollar amount. Anything over that dollar amount
would go to K&B Sales. However, if someone were hired by the Tribe to run
the bingo, the Tribe would control the monies made. K&B Sales would then
sell whatever bingo supplies are needed to the Tribe.
Barbara Tate entered the meeting and proposed that the following personnel be
hired to run the bingo:
2 Activities Managers @ $60 ea. $120
1 Caller @ 25
3 Floor Workers @ $35 ea. 105
1 Kitchen Supervisor @ 25
1 Kitchen Aide @ 25
Total $300
The cost of supplies would come out of the money made over the $300. Discussion
was held on the bingo. A suggestion was made that the bingo could be subcontracted
to the different groups within the Tribe. A bingo would be held on Thursday
night, and the possibility of having a bingo on Sunday would be discussed after
the holidays. The people hired would be responsible for the clean-up after the
bingos, however, they will not set up the tables and chairs. Also, these people
would not expect to be paid unless a bingo is actually held. The Business
Committee will review the operation of the bingo in two months. A motion was
made by Bill Burch and seconded by Mary Lynn Hillemeyer to accept the proposal
submitted by Barbara Tate, and hire her as Activities Manager. The motion passed
4 in favor and 0 opposed.
TRIBAL FLOAT. The Business Committee was informed that the Tribal Float won
second place in the Shawnee Christmas Parade. The Tribe would be entering
the Tecumseh Christmas Parade.
PROPOSED MUSEUM EXPANSION. The tribal museum will be expanded to include an
archives, museum, and gift shop. The bottom level will be a training center
for craftsmen and silk screening. A silk screening process would be set up
to reproduce prints of Woody Crumbo and sold to universities and colleges.
Also, arts and crafts would be on consignment to the gift shop. Mr. Crumbo
expressed an interest in working with the Tribe.
ACTIVITIES MANAGER. This was taken care of during earlier discussion.
SHAWNEE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE APPLICATION. The membership fee is $224. The
application has been received and needs to be filled out and returned to the
Shawnee Chamber of Commerce. The application for the Tecumseh Chamber of
Commerce has not been received yet. A motion was made by Bill Burch and
seconded by Mary Lynn Hillemeyer to apply for membership to the Shawnee
Chamber of Commerce. The motion passed with 4 in favor and 0 opposing.
HOW-NI-KAN. The deadline for articles is December 14, 1979. It was suggested
that the Business Committee write an article for the tribal newspaper.
FOREIGN VISITORS. The eighteen (18) visitors were given a tour of the tribal
facilities and served lunch at the Learning Center. This served as good
publicity for the Tribe.
CHRISTMAS PARTY. Discussion was held on the Employee's Christmas Party to be
held December 15, 1979. A motion was made by Bill Burch and seconded by
Sheila Hall to set aside $200 from the Activities Fund for the Christmas
Party, and John Schoemann, Tribal Administrator, would be responsible for
the decorations. The motion passed with 4 in favor and 0 opposed.
CDBG/HIP. A letter was read from the Bureau of Indian Affairs regarding poor
construction quality of the work done on houses. The '80 monies have been
received for the building. The HIP Program has eight (8) houses to be built.
It was suggested that bids be taken on four (4) houses and see how the quality
of the workmanship is before accepting bids on the next four (4).
OTHER BUSINESS. Discussion concerning photographs of the Chairwoman was held.
This amount, approximately $75, is to be paid. However, a vote was not taken.
A tribal member did not receive his per capita payment. It was sent to another
person with the same name, but from a different tribe. The Bureau sent him a
letter requesting repayment of the amount of the check. It was the decision of
the Business Committee to let the Bureau handle this, as it is not a tribal
problem.
The Housing Authority was contacted as to the membership of Jim Tacker. They
had received the Resolution appointing him as a member of the Housing Authority,
but he has not been contacted by them as to whether or not he has been accepted.
The possibility of purchasing a lease vehicle for use by the staff under Indirect
Cost was brought up. This would be discussed at the next meeting. Also, Indirect
Cost negotiations are scheduled for the first week in January, 1980.
Mike Mahaffey was scheduled for this meeting, but was unable to attend. He
should be at the next meeting.
Meeting adjourned.
CITIZEN BAND POTAWATOMI INDIANS OF OKLAHOMA
BUSINESS COMMITTEE MEETING
SHAWNEE, OKLAHOMA
DECEMBER 19, 1979
MINUTES
The meeting was called to order by the Chairperson, Wanita Clifford. Business
Committee members present were: Wanita Clifford, Chairperson; Jim Tacker,
Vice-Chairman; Bill Burch, Councilman; and Mary Lynn Hillemeyer, Council-
woman. Absent was: Sheila Hall, Secretary-Treasurer. Others present were:
John Schoemann, Tribal Administrator; and Jenell Downs, Executive Secretary.
MINUTES. The minutes for the previous meeting were read and the following
corrections were made: First page, under Bingo Presentation, place the
following sentence before the motion: "The Business Committee will review
and renegotiate the operation of the bingo in two months". The motion should
also include "and hire her as Activities Manager". Second page, "Museum
Expansion" should be "Proposed Museum Expansion". Second to last paragraph,
second sentence, should begin "They" instead of "The". Last paragraph, first
sentence should read "for use by the staff under Indirect Cost", strike Tribal
Administrator. A motion was made by Jim Tacker and seconded by Bill Burch to
accept the minutes as corrected. The motion passed with 4 in favor and 0
opposed.
ENROLLMENT. There was discussion concerning the cut-off date of enrollment for
the per capita payment. The Tribal Rolls have to be open a certain number of
days after approval of payment. They will need to be corrected and updated
before payment.
A list of names was presented to the Business Committee for approval by the
Enrollment Clerk. However, since it was such a long list, it was tabled
until the next meeting. The Business Committee requested that the Enrollment
Clerk be present at the next meeting to discuss the list.
FEDERAL SURPLUS PROPERTY UTILIZATION PROGRAM. This Application for Eligibility
will qualify the Tribe for surplus property through the State. The
date on the resolution should be changed from 12-12-79 to 12-19-79. A motion
was made by Jim Tacker and seconded by Bill Burch to adopt the resolution on
Page 4 of the Application designating the Tribal Administrator authorization
to sign papers in the acquisition of surplus property for the Tribe. The
motion passed 4 in favor and 0 opposed.
CONSTITUTION. Copies of a draft of the Constitution were given to the Business
Committee members for their review. The suggestion of holding a special meeting
to discuss the Constitution was made, if needed. However, it would be placed on
the next meeting's agenda.
SAC & FOX JOM MEETING. A request was made by the Sac & Fox JOM Committee to
hold their meeting in the Long Room on January 19, 1980. Since it was for a
good cause, rental charges would be $30 per hour to cover the cost of utilities
and clean-up. There was further discussion on the rental of the Long
Room to other organizations other than tribal. Rental would be made to
organizations if it is for a good cause and purpose.
MONTHLY AND FINANCIAL REPORTS FOR OCTOBER. Copies were given to the Business
Committee members for their review. These would be discussed at the next
meeting.
DAY CARE DELINQUENT ACCOUNTS. The amount of the outstanding accounts is
approximately $1,543. The Director of the Learning Center wants to know how
to go about collecting on these outstanding accounts. The following process
was recommended for collection of these accounts: Obtain a form from the
Sheriff's office and fill in the appropriate amounts for the individual, send
this certified (the individual would have to sign for it upon receipt). If
payment has not been made within a reasonable length of time, then the individual
would be taken to small claims court. A copy of the form and the certified
receipt could then be used as proof of request for payment. It was further
suggested that payment of day care be made a week in advance. If payment is
past due one week, then day care would not be provided until it is paid.
TELEPHONE CREDIT CARDS. The credit cards were given out at the beginning of
the meeting. Copies of the billing on each individual's card will be given
to them, when received, for their review.
INDIAN COUNTRY. A resolution is to be drawn up and presented at the next
meeting opposing state jurisdiction In Indian Country. It was also suggested
that an article be written for the tribal newspaper to explain the situation
and make the tribal members more aware. Also, letters be written to other
Tribes soliciting their support for this action.
GOLF COURSE. A resolution in the form of an application has been submitted
to hire an architect to do the lay-out for the golf course. The course will
include 18 holes, and if enough money is not received then the course will
have 9 holes. This will also include a driving range to coincide with the
course.
In a meeting with the head of Parks and Recreation, Mr. Abe Hesser, he stated
that he could fund the golf course for '80 but did not know for how much.
The Tribe is also requesting comprehensive monies through the BIA in the
amount of $6,000.
A motion was made by Jim Tacker and seconded by Bill Burch to accept the
resolution/application for the golf course. The motion passed with 4 in
favor and 0 opposed.
BINGO. The Pow-wow Club is requesting payment on a monthly basis. But because
of billing and break-down costs, the payment will be one month behind. The
first payment will be the end of January or the first of February.
MUSEUM AND HISTORICAL SOCIETY. These two groups need to come in and talk with
the Business Committee regarding their functions. It was suggested that the
Museum Curator and Historical Society Director be invited to meet with the
Business Committee at the second meeting in January.
PER CAPITA. The Tribe has not received a breakdown on the amount of the award.
General discussion concerning the use of the set aside money was held. One
point of agreement was that the money should be invested at the highest rate
of interest. The Tribe is locked into any decision they make after the Hearing
of Record. The Bureau cannot reject any plan the Tribe submits; however,
they can change it. Whatever plan is submitted, the money should be used
to enhance tribal economic growth and development. One suggestion is to
invest the money and borrow on it. The Tribe could draw down on the interest
only and use it for maintenance of the present tribal facilities. Final
approval of the plan will be left up to the General Council.
The Tribal Administrator plans to visit with Mr. Roy Cartwright, a Tulsa
banker, and get some ideas on investments. The Business Committee expressed
an interest in visiting with Mr. Cartwright. They hope to have a plan drawn
up by the end of next month for submission to the Bureau.
OTHER BUSINESS. A question was asked about the Tribe having its own Housing
Authority. There was no reason they shouldn't. The Tribe would have to make
application through HUD.
In regards to the lease vehicle, the Business Committee wants some figures to
work with before acting on it.
The next Business Committee meeting will be January 9, 1980.
Meeting adjourned.