Departments savings documented

Scott Csernyik

3/15/2002 12:00:00 AM

Tribal Council approved several resolutions concerning housing and finance, as well as heard updates from its planning and purchasing departments during the March 5 regular session.

From April 1, 1998 through Feb. 26, 2002, the Purchasing Department has saved the Tribe almost $15 million, according to Director Richard Everest.

"One of the keys of success for the department is that we try to pay attention to everything," explained Everest. "We're also very lucky to have a lot of talented people working in purchasing. They have been instrumental in the department's success."

He also said he's proud the department has cultivated more business relationships with Native American vendors.

"We've tried to work very diligently to increase that total," he explained.

"When the department was started in 1998, near zero money was spent with Native American vendors," according to the two-page document Everest presented to Tribal Council. "In fiscal year 2001, over $1.2 million was spent with over 20 Native American vendors without price penalty."

Everest said he was optimistic the department could "top $1.5 million this year."

Planning Director Bill Mrdeza updated Tribal Council on several projects for about 30 minutes, including possible land acquisitions, and requested guidance on others.

One of those matters concerned the formation of a steering committee for the Tribe's proposed zoning ordinance.

He also mentioned to Tribal Council about appointing a representative to sit on the area council of governments. The ad hoc group meets monthly and is comprised of representatives from Isabella County's local governments, according to Mrdeza.

There is also a need for additional fencing around the Tribe's wastewater treatment plant, he also stated.

Mrdeza then discussed possible finance strategies of curbside collection on the Isabella Reservation. He told the Tribal Council if each household paid $14 per month for a 96-gallon container to be picked up on a weekly basis, it would result in a $28,000 annual savings.

"Each individual household would only be responsible to take their cart down the end of the driveway on a weekly basis," he explained. "There would also be the provision of also being able to discard one large item, such as a couch or stove, per week."

Currently there are several dumpsters located around the community which has led to overflowing and misuse from nonresidents. The curbside collection plan is still being discussed and no formal action was taken at the meeting.

In other action, Tribal Council:

-Passed Resolution 02-105 which authorized both prior and future revenues generated from Sagamok Shell and Ojibwa Cellular Telecommunications be allocated to the following plan-68 percent to per capita trust, 17 percent to housing and land trust, and 15 percent to governmental trust;

-Passed Resolution 02-095 a lease cancellation to Junior Isaac, BIA lease #S-90 (84) with property located at 2660 Worth Road in Standish;

-Passed Resolution 02-096 granting a 50-year residential land lease to Junior Isaac with property located at 2660 Worth Road in Standish;

-Passed Resolution 02-108 approving modification of lease No. S-227 (92) to the Saginaw Chippewa Housing Authority and authorizing the issuance of a bill of sale to Carla Sineway for Mutual Help Home; and

-Passed Resolution 02-109 granting a residential land lease to Christopher Sineway with property located at 7784 E. Little Elk Drive.