Public Safety Commission reinstated

         (RLNN) - At the Regular Tribal Council Meeting held at Red Lake Tribal Headquarters on Tuesday, November 11, 2003, the issue of the Public Safety Commission was brought up once again and the matter placed on the table.

         Formed in 1997 under the Whitefeather Administration and suspended about six months ago by the Tribal Council because of controversial issues and no written policy and procedures to guide them, the Public Safety Commission has since remained in limbo, although not without prejudice.

         Since its suspension, Tribal Council members have held several discussions about the Commission at almost every Council meeting since, as well as discussions taking place in both public and private forums.

         Originally, the Public Safety Commission was formed to insure there were proper procedures in place within the Public Safety Department, and also to provide a forum for the general public to be heard involving complaints involving law enforcement.

         Tribal Attorney Michelle Johnson, at the request of the Council, had drafted policies and procedures as a guide in developing that, and later members of the suspended Commission each had an opportunity for input.

         After various discussions, the Council finally agreed upon reinstating the Public Safety Commission, stipulating that they must develop the new policy and procedures, and instead of eight members on the Commission, this new Commission would have a total of five members.

         These five members, one member appointed by the Representatives of their district with the exception of Red Lake who would have two member appointments, would have the authority to conduct public meetings and bring their recommendations to the Tribal Council for further action.

         The appointed members were: Charles Barrett, William Branchaud, Pete Black, Joyce Roy and Alice Benaise. At their first meeting the Commission will select a chairperson, and unlike in the past with Mickey Fairbanks serving as chairman and receiving a salary, the chairperson position will not be a salaried position.

         All persons serving on the Public Safety Commission will just be entitled to a meeting stipend of $100.00 per meeting.