Seneca Cayuga General Council November 3, 2012

General Council – November 3, 2012 For those of you who missed the General Council today, it flexed their muscles and assumed its role as the Supreme governing body of the tribe. The purpose of this post is to report the outcome of the meeting. Please understand that this is not an official document. If there are errors it is do to my lack of understanding and not posted intentionally The meeting was called at the June 2012 General Council. The call for a meeting was read by Chief Howard and was approved by a majority of those voting. The number was more than the thirty needed to call a meeting. The first order of business was to elect a chairman pro tem, and a secretary, pro tem. This was necessary because officers of the tribe elected not to attend. The only member of the business committee present was Katie Birdsong. Those in attendance elected Raymond L. Rodgers as chairman, pro tem; and they elected Thomas Weidman as secretary pro tem. After calling the meeting to order, the General Council by Resolution voted to authorize a court reporter to transcribe today’s meeting and also authorized payment for said service. The same resolution authorized votes be recorded by secret ballot and authorized Linda Whitecrow, Wilma Alexander, Janice Quick, Gloria Bute, and Minnie Niblack to act as ballot counters. Resolutions were pre-printed a made available to those in attendance. This was a provision of the June 2012 General Council and made working with language and amendments easier to understand. The following resolutions were presented, voted on an approved. Moratorium On Land Acquisition Funds –General council placed a moratorium on the spending of any of the funds already in Land Acquisition Fund Account or depositing of any further funds it allotted for the Land Acquisition Fund out of the General Council General Welfare Fund. Any resolutions in conflict with this resolution are hereby rescinded, effective immediately. Funds will remain frozen until Policies and Procedures for Funds are presented and approved by General Council. Moratorium on Housing Funds – General Council placed a moratorium on the spending of any of the one-million dollars it allotted for the Tribal Housing Program. The Housing Director for the Tribe is hereby directed to produce policies and procedures for the Council’s consideration. A final document should be presented and voted on at the June 2013 General Council. Adoption of Grievance Procedures Ordinance Enactment Revised 2012. – This was confusing and I didn’t get a cleaned –up version. The new ordinance does not include a penalty clause for those removed from office by the committee. For further clarification you’ll have to wait for the official minutes. Certification of Election Results for Grievance and Claims Committees – The General Council recognizes the Business Committee’s Constitutional rights to set an election ordinance for Business Committee positions only, and the General Council also recognizes its right to oversee, conduct, and settle election disputes with regard to Grievance Committee positions and Claim Committee positions. By resolution the General Council (GC) certified the election results for Second Grievance Committee – Lisa Spano; Fourth Grievance Committee – Jerry Crow; Third Claims Committee – Lenora Sparks, and Fourth Claims Committee – Sallie Leaf. Jerry Crow shall serve as chairman of the Grievance committee. The election process of Grievance and Claims committee members is strickly reserved for General Council. The Business Committee has no authority over the election or removal of these tribal officials, effective immediately. Removal of Grievance Committee Member – By resolution, GC voted to remove Diane Baker from the Grievance Committee, effective, November 3, 2012. The GC of the tribe finds that Diane Baker chose not to recognize the GC decision to give jurisdiction to the Court of Indian Offenses and ensuing Court Orders. In further action on this issue, Calvin Cassady was nominated from the floor and was elected to fill the vacancy. The General Council also passed by resolution to ban the use of Geoffrey Standingbear and David Anderson immediately and appointed the fourth business committee person assisted by William Fischer to contract with any new legal counsel. The General Council voted on and approved a resolution the gives the Court of Indian Offenses jurisdiction to hear and settle governmental disputes including election disputes in all future cases. This will not include those disputes involving the Grievance Committee. By Resolution, the GC voted to terminate the contract of Jerry Barber, tobacco factory manager. The GC passed by resolution a measure that rescinds the salary/stipend of the Chief to include any fringe benefits afforded this position. He will be asked to surrender his tribal vehicle (s) as of Monday, November 5th. The claims committee is further directed to sell said vehicle (s) at fair market value and deposit the funds into the Children’s Clothing Fund. The Officers of the Business Committee were censored by the GC. This action, by resolution was do, in part, for their failure to provide necessary leadership for this General Council. The Chief was further censored for actions regarding the CFR court issues. Setting General Council and Business Committee Meeting – By resolution, the GC recognizes the right s of the chief to set meetings of the GC, and the business committee. The GC also recognizes its right to set its own Council meetings. The GC directs that the Chief and or Business must give not less than (14) days notice prior to call a General Council. The call must be published in 2 newspapers in the Tribe’s reservation area and posted on the Tribal Office Headquarter door. Also, every business committee member must receive not less than 72 hours prior written notice to the calling of business committee meetings, excepting their regular monthly meetings. Notice is to be given by the tribal secretary treasurer. Poll votes or attendance by phone or teleconference are strictly forbidden. In closing business, the GC set another GC meeting on January 19, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. It was also noted that the Chief has called a General Council for December 1st.

Memorial Day 2012

This Memorial Day tradition has been observed by my family since 1990. Following the unexpected death of my mother Betty Zane Cassady in February, her brothers and sisters came together to help us remember her life on Memorial Day in May. Originally we met at the Shoney’s but when it closed we were forced to move our breakfast to Golden Corral. Last year following the Joplin tornado we moved our breakfast to Petro, but we returned to Golden Corral this year. Mom was the first in her family of 7 brothers and sisters to die since her Father Clarence passed in 1954. In 1991 we lost Gladys, the matriarch of the Winnie Family, and the following year we lost Roland, and Sue, moms brother and sister. The next year Gladys, the oldest of the Winnie children passed. In 2005, Joseph Winnie, the youngest, was buried in the Wyandotte Cemetery. That leaves two sisters, Ramona Daniel of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, and Geraldine Walker of Milan, Indiana. They were both present for this year’s event. We visited Mt. Hope Cemetery in Webb City, Missouri to honor my mother, Burkhart Cemetery near Racine, Missouri, the honor my Uncle Roland, Council House Cemetery near Grove, Oklahoma to honor my Grandfather Clarence, and many of his brothers and sisters, and Wyandotte Cemetery, Wyandotte Oklahoma to honor my Grandmother Gladys, my Great-Grandfather John Zane, and my Aunt Susie and my uncle Joe. We are hopeful that a memorial for my Aunt Gladys will be available in Wyandotte for next year’s observance. We completed our day with a luncheon hosted by my daughters Sarah Cassady, Rogers, Arkansas, and Rebecca DePriest, Seneca, Missouri. The luncheon was held at the DePriest home in Seneca. I want to thank all of my extended family who was there for my immediate family in 1990, and I consider it a privilege to be a part of this annual observance.

May 2012 Business Committee Notes

The Business Committee of the Seneca-Cayuga Tribe of Oklahoma met on May 1, 2012. This was the last regular monthly meeting of the Committee before the Annual Election and General Council to be held on June 2nd. The meeting began with prayer, roll call and the declaration of a quorum. All members of the committee were present. The first order of business was the introduction of Paul Myers, the manager of the tribe’s convenience store in New York. He simply wanted to introduce himself and present himself for questions. His financial speaks for itself. This month the store reported a profit of over $218,000. The store is one of the most stable of our tribal businesses, earning close to $250,000, monthly. The furniture business presented its first financial showing a profit of $10,827.93. The business reported a signed contract with the new Bordertown Casino. The contract as presented at the April meeting was in excess of $400,000. A tribal member in attendance pointed out that the start-up money for the business did not appear in the financial. The furniture company is expecting to finalize a bid on the new health clinic. The report on the Tobacco Factory was a hazy as ever. While many commitments requiring increased output, and high profit our in the wind, the bottom line is the company reported a yearly profit of only $150,000, including a monthly loss of $42,000 from the previous month. I examined the complete monthly financial. It shows a solid company on the manufacturing side, the weakness seems to be on the marketing side. The smoke shop did not produce a profit-loss for last month. Stoney Sisco announced a new advertising campaign appearing on local media. He also reported that the plans for the new smoke shop in Miami are in the hands of the BC for approval. The Casino and Lodge remain a point of controversy. The Lodge is still showing a loss, a little over $5,000 for the last month. According the management this should be offset by depreciation. I guess that depends on how you look at it. The casino deposited over $721,000. to the tribe last month. The Living Social promotion has provided additional income for both the Lodge and the Casino, but it makes tracking profits and loss for both the lodge and the casino difficult. Management remains cautious as opening day for the new Bordertown Resort draws near and fear that at least initially our properties may suffer some losses. It was noted that our casino clients are extremely loyal. Chief Howard scolded that if our tribe would spend less time in chaos and more time planning for our future we would not be in a position to have to accept losses. The big news at this meeting was the purchase of Royal Bay. Details of the purchase were not presented. Discussion was mostly on name change and cosmetic improvement. The name has been changed to Grand Lakeside. The boats will be known as the Grand Belle and the Grand Princess. A new theme, menus, and hours of operation were also discussed. A financial was also presented. It showed a loss of $3,705. The land purchase payment does not show as a loss as money was transferred in. In other business a letter was presented showing that as of April 20th, Caywil is no longer a part of our Casino operations. A resolution was agreed on that would authorize a letter of support for the current CFR Judge. A resolution was also approved contract with an attorney who specializes in Economic Development. The firm will be used initially to advice on payday loans and on-line gambling, but may also be utilized in any matter requiring their expertise. The Wellness Center is being furnished, and a position for a part-time director is to be advertised. The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m. If you would like an enriched version containing financials email me at vccassady@att.net.

2012 Campaign Postcard

Seneca Cayuga Tribal Members
You Are Entitled to Representation and Deserve Answers!

On May 2nd Vote
For Honesty and Integrity
For a Native American Advocate with a Tribal Heritage
For Protection of Social Services for Children and Seniors
For Transparency and Accountability

Elect Calvin Cassady
Business Committee – Fourth Councilman
“No Strings Attached”

Deadline for Absentee Ballots is Thursday, May 3rd, 2012
For Campaign Up-dates visit – www.cassady-winnieclan.blogspot.com

2012 Election Bio

Calvin Cassady
Candidate – Business Committee, Fourth Councilmen

Calvin was born at Hastings Indian Hospital in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. He is the grandson of Clarence and Gladys Winnie and the great-grandson of Reid Burton Winnie, one of last hereditary chiefs of the Seneca- Cayugas. He has lived in the four-state area all of his life. He currently resides in Carl Junction, Missouri with his wife Vicki. He has two daughters, Sarah Cassady, and Rebecca DePriest and her husband Brett, and two grandsons, Cal and Wil.

Calvin brings to the tribe a thirty-five year career in public service. He has a B.S. degree in Education from Missouri Southern State University in Joplin, Missouri and an M.S. and an Ed. S degree in Administration from Pittsburg State University. Through his education and his training Calvin has experience in budgeting, communications, and in human resources..

Calvin is a Native American advocate and during his time in the classroom he has researched the tribe and its history. He has traced their journey from the northeast through Pennsylvania and Ohio and finally arriving in Oklahoma. He has presented programs and workshops on tribal history at both local and state events. He takes pride in helping Native Americans document their Indian heritage and encourages them to be proud participants in their tribe.

Calvin and his family are charter members of the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington D.C. and he represented the tribe in the “Parade of Nations” and the VIP Reception held in conjunction with the Grand Opening of the Museum. He believes in productive conservation practices to insure protection of the resources “Mother Earth” has provided. He is a founding board member of the Wildcat Glades Conservation and Audubon Center in Joplin and is president of the State Board for Missouri Master Naturalists.

Calvin, like his great-grandfather is an educator with an intense passion for helping people. To him family is important. In many ways the tribe reflects family, yet it also is a thriving business. This creates a delicate balance. While the “Great Spirit” has provided the tribal family with generous resources, it is up to tribal members to provide guidance and leadership. He would like to continue in the foot-steps of his great-grandfather and serve the Seneca Cayuga tribe as he seeks the Fourth Position on the Business Committee.

“I have recently retired and I am prepared to put fourth my full effort and energies to tribal activities. I again offer no promises for the future. Too many of the controversial issues and decisions affecting our tribe this past year, have been made in private aside from the regularly scheduled meetings. I have met some very loyal tribal members while attending these meetings. They attend meeting seeking answers as well as education in regard to tribal policies.”

“I will support the chief and the members of the BC but I can only do my best to see that tribal business is conducted in accordance with the Constitution and the wishes of the General Council.”

“I remain an Independent. I feel that that offers me the best platform to serve all tribal members. I look to the future and hope to lay the groundwork for a United Seneca Cayuga tribe. I encourage members from all over the nation to take part in their tribal government. Don’t be left out. VOTE!”

“For additional and up-to-date information regarding my campaign visit: www.cassady-winnieclan.blogspot.com. Also look for Cassady-Winnie on Facebook.

Thank You for your consideration in this important tribal election.

Calvin Cassady
Candidate – Business Committee, Fourth Councilmen

March Business Committee Summary

It was good to be able to attend this month’s BC meetings. I have missed some past meetings while I was recovering from knee surgery. I remind you that this is only a summary of the meeting. It is hard to hear at the meeting. If there is an error it is an honest one.
The March Business Committee meeting was held as scheduled on March 6th at 7:00 pm at Grove. Geneva Fletcher was the only BC member absent. It was a very routine meeting.
The casino reported $496,084.03 transferred to the tribe at the end of January. It was reported that the casino performance was strong in February and March had a strong beginning.
The Lodge was a different story. It continues to be a disappointment. At the end of January, the Lodge was $64,730 in the red. According to Rick, a new promotion is showing promise and he feels that February sales may chip away at the deficit. A mild winter and special events beginning in the spring should allow for better financials.
There was no financial presented for the tobacco company. When questioned about this, Jerry explained that the business committee received a financial but the BC did not want the financial made available to the public. Something about secrets and our competitors was the reason given for withholding that information. Sounds like corporate espionage. When questioned about this lack of transparency, the BC admitted that they had told tobacco to confine their financial report to just the BC. Tobacco verbally reported sales in the previous month of $276,200. That alone tells us nothing without a profit and loss statement.
A crisis was created in tobacco when an international buyer who ordered a warehouse of finished product backed out at the last minute. This left tobacco with a huge inventory. The result of this dropped order is a shut-down of the factory for two weeks in March. Workers will be paid $450 a week since they would not be able to collect unemployment for just the two week shutdown. This is designed to offset cash flow problems for the employees. Money will be saved as the factory will not be purchasing any raw product for that period. Sales will continue as usual using the factory inventory to fill orders. Jerry Barber, who will continue to work during the shutdown, agreed to forfeit a week’s salary during the factory closure.
The furniture and office supply business seems promising as they received several orders and have many large bids out. No financial again prevents a clear picture of profit and loss, but financials are promised beginning next month.
There was also no financial for the Smoke Shop, but a verbal report included steady and consistent profits. There was some discussion of construction of a new Smoke Shop in Miami. A more complete report will be presented in April.
The report on the convenience store continues to be a bright star. They reported a profit of $261,711. It continues to produce steady revenue even in the winter. It has been a mild winter in New York and that could account for the good sales during winter months.
In new business, the BC approved a motion to send a letter of support for a Pittsburg State University grant program to train Native Americans as teachers. The Ottawa tribe would be the host tribe for the Grant.
In other action the committee approved a motion to provide a picture of the tribal flag, and the long house, to the National Museum of American Indians in Washington, D.C.
The remainder of the meeting included a discussion, “Everything you want to know about buffalo,” and a report from the chief on his trip to the Reservation Economic Summit.
The meeting adjourned about 8:20.

November Business Committee Summary

Summary of November Business Committee Meeting
Chief Leroy Howard was not present.
Second Chief Charles Diebold called the meeting to order and delivered the prayer. All members were present with the exception of Chief Howard. A quorum was declared.
Seneca –Cayuga Commercial furniture is completing the certification and registration process. They have bids out at Fletcher Honda, Branson Jr. High and Bordertown Casino. Bids should be awarded in the next few weeks. To better reflect the scope of their offerings Seneca-Cayuga Commercial Furniture will do business as Seneca-Cayuga Office Solutions.
Rick Smith, casino manager reported that $765,203.76 was transferred to the tribe last month. Currently the casino has 807 machines, 325 titles that represent 12 vendors. Reporting on the Grand Lake Lodge, the Profit – Loss Reported showed a $58,000 dollar loss. Rick explained the loss for the month was more like $6,000 because depreciation expense, $35,765, and interest expense for the year were all shown on last month’s report.
Guests at the meeting initiated a discussion as to the merit of the Lodge and its future. The discussion also included any future land or business acquisition. Many in attendance felt that the General Council should be more involved in future business interests involving the tribe
When Rick was questioned about taxes on the Lodge, he said Chief Howard told him to reference the Lodge as a tribal property and thus afforded sovereignty.
The Business instructed Smith to file all of the paperwork and to pay the necessary taxes..
As a result of the discussion, Katie Birdsong offered a motion to pay-off the Lodge from money in the land acquisition fund. The payoff price is $452,000. Paying off the mortgage would allow the property to be placed in trust. This would eliminate the taxation issue. It would also eliminate a $2,300 + monthly payment for the next 20 years, saving the tribe a large amount of money in future years.
The Seneca Cayuga Tobacco Company reported the sale of 4,930 cases during the month of October. This was an increase of 1,400 cases over September sales. The company reported $217,064 in sales for the month. The company remains in the negative at $152,920, but with sales increasing, they should be in the black before the end of the calendar year. Another point of interest, The company took in $64,125 in October from brokerage monies from national brands being sourced from our contracts. The company has received their first shipment of Skydancer filtered cigars to compliment the cigarette and pipe tobacco. The tobacco business picked up five new accounts last month, two in New York, 1 in Arizona and 2 in Nevada.
Jerry Barber, president, indicated that the company is working hard to establish brand equity.
There were questions and a discussion from those in attendance in regard to cigarette distribution. Some requested that the Tobacco Company consider direct sales to the market as opposed to the use of distributors.
A smoke shop report was submitted to the committee, but no report was made to those in attendance.
The office of economic development is currently reviewing 25 diverse businesses opportunities. Also, it is working with Paul Barton to establish a new cash flow of $150, in the form of a review fee, for each proposed cell tower constructed in our area of interest or responsibility.
The Skydancer Convenience Store continues to be a bright star in our business package. Last month it generated $306,901. This month the tribe has paid off most of the monies associated with starting the business and profits should increase. The Store also received its first supply of tax free gasoline.
Dennis Sisco, tribal executive director offered several item for action. Dennis is very soft spoken and my position in the room made it difficult to hear but hopefully I got the general ideas. The first item was a request to upgrade the soap and towel dispensers. The total cost of the new dispensers is $237.00. Another item required the Business Committee to grant permission for our tribal flag to be flown at NEO in observance of Native American Heritage Month. Next, he had prepared a resolution to write off amounts over $1,000,000 dollars as advised by the auditors. Despite these huge numbers, the tribe’s total assists will remain the same. A third item was the need for a letter to grant the State of Oklahoma the permission to conduct required reviews in regard to the replacement of the Highway 10 bridge o9ver Sycamore Creek. A final issue was a letter of partnership between the tribe and the Cherokee nation with regard to the building of houses in Miami that are on Cherokee native land, but owned by our tribe.
The Business Committee approved all items offered by Dennis.
Following the reading of the minutes, a discussion followed on an item that was passed in closed session in regard to land that a trust application for purpose of building a casino. The intent was to refile the application to put the land in trust “with no change of purpose.”
First, there were several in attendance that believed that this request to rescind should have been made in open session. Next, the land in question was tribal land granted by treaty and by law could be used for virtually anything once the paper work is filed. There was enough discussion to prompt the Business Committee to rescind its prior action. This was in regard to the 31 acres set aside for a possible casino in Grove.
The secretary read two tribal relinquishment requests regarding minor children. They were approved.
Another discussion initiated by the group was in regard to the vacancies on the Election Committee. Since that committee is appointed by the Business Committee, a motion was made that the committee appoint three new members. Those appointments will be made from those who apply to the Business Committee. Hopefully these positions will be filled at the December meeting.
This is a summary of what I heard. At times it was hard to hear and I apologize if things are not accurately reported.