Tribal Members Present: 30

Council Members Present: LaRue Parker, Chairperson; Joyce Hinse, Vice Chairperson; Diane Sparks, Secretary; Jeraldine Redcorn, Oklahoma City Representative; Brenda Shemayme Edwards, Binger Representative

1:15 pm    Chairperson Parker stated that 3 council members had been removed and introduced Diane Sparks as the person to fill in the remaining term of removed Marilyn Threlkeld as Council Secretary.

George Huff gave the invocation.

LaRue Parker, Chairperson gave her Tribal Status Report stating that 3 council members had been removed leaving the Anadarko Representative, Ft. Cobb Representative and Secretary positions vacant. Chairperson Parker reported that an Administrative Assistant to assist the Chairperson, an Executive Director of Housing and an Indian Child Welfare Director had been hired along with a new Museum Director.

Chairperson Parker reported since certain monies hadn’t been spent and would be replenished in October the Caddo Nation would provide health insurance for the Caddo Nation employees. Audits had been conducted and In-Direct Cost proposals had been prepared. Several programs had submitted new grants and we had received a new grant for Injury Prevention. Motor Fuel monies allocated monies for Education, Health, Museum and Historic Preservations. All budgets had been passed. Eldridge Gordon was reviewing programs and preparing audits in a consultant position and perhaps would be hired as the Business Manager at a later date.

In order to focus on economic development and gaming we must first establish a sound government as well as re-establishing our credibility and name.

Old Business/New Business

Don Kelin, Hearing Board Chairman, introduced members of the Hearing Board and reported there were 3 attorneys working on Hearing Board Ordinances. The Hearing Board would work on putting a judicial system in place, review and revise the constitution and work on economic development.

Chairperson Parker stated that if members did not have a copy of the constitution to please call and one would be mailed to the requesting party. If that party had any ideas or suggestion to please let Don Kelin know and although it would be considered that idea or suggestion might or might not be included but membership was being offered the opportunity to voice his/her opinion.

Chairperson Parker reported that the Eakley School has just been sitting due to problems within the council. Did the membership wish to sell it or keep it, although it was costing the tribe for upkeep. Discussion was held as to location, whether or not it had been appraised, could we use it, should we put it up for auction, much work and expense would be required to remove asbestos.

Kenny Poindexter, seconded by Betty Baldwin, made a motion to get it appraised. Motion passed with no opposed or abstention votes.

Chairperson Parker reported our old council house was in dire need of repair and the appliances were in need of being replaced. Any mention of tearing it down and rebuilding brought negative replies. Although a deposit had to be made for its use, people were taking chairs even with the chairs being stamped with the Caddo Nation ownership on the bottom. Discussion was that persons should be billed for what was missing after their use.

Chairperson Parker stated an Executive Director of Housing had been hired and Donna Parten, Kenny Poindexter, George Cooper, Betty Baldwin and Steve Edmonds were sworn in as the new committee.

Chairperson Parker introduced Eddie Cash as a possible new Election Board Member. Nova Edwards made a motion, seconded by Ruth Decker, that Eddie be placed on that board. Motion passed with no “no” votes or abstentions. Chairperson Parker then swore Eddie in as an Election Board Member.

Joyce Hinse requested names of 2 alternates for the Election Board and asked for question or comments, none of which were forthcoming.

George Huff commented the Caddo Tribe should be replaced with Caddo Nation for persons answering the Caddo Nation telephone.

Donna Benetiz made a motion that the Caddo Nation Quarterly Membership Meeting be adjourned, seconded by Steven Edmonds. Motion passed with no opposed or abstention votes.

APPROVED:

[sgnd] LaRue Parker, Chairperson

[sgnd] Diane Sparks, Secretary    

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