I am not your chief. I want to think all of you who voted for me and supported a position that changes are needed. I also want to thank all who voted. Being a part of the process is what is important. That process continues as the new administration takes charge. As a small part of my continuing concern for the tribe, I will use this link to provide tribal members with information of BC committee activities. The entries will only report my observations not my opinions. I will use the message board and facebook to advise you of updates.
The June meeting of the Business Committee was called to order at 6:00 pm in the conference room of the Tribal Operation Center in Grove. With only 13 chairs available to guests and a crowd of more than 20, Chief Howard moved the meeting to the AOA Building. There were 30 or more present for the meeting. All members of the BC were present. Minutes from four BC meetings held in May were read and approved.
A comprehensive report was distributed from Carol Brown in regard to funding education students. Requests are being funded as follows:
Summer school students were funded first.
Spring 2011 underpaid students are being processed as
well as summer students still providing information.
High School students will be taken care of next.
Students not receiving the $1000 computer/supply will be taken care of next for those students attending this past Spring 2011 and Summer School 2011 who have not been funded.
Rick Smith, general manager for Grand Lake Casino presented a report with a financial for May. He reported profits were off for the month of May for two reasons. First, the tornado and other weather events postponed the traditional opening of the Lake season. Also, $167,000 in health insurance had to be paid in May. Income paid the tribe was $365,954.04. He also indicated $111,000 was paid out in jackpots in May. Additionally, $65,000 dollars was spent on automobiles for the Malibu promotion. That, combined with low attendance diminished the profits for that promotion. In a discussion about machine malfunction, it was reported that at one time in the recent past 36 machines were shut down. Machines are being replaced as they become available from vendors, and the problem will be resolved soon. While in the earlier years of the casino 1,100-1,200 machines were available to customers, we are now offering 800.
Smith next presented information on the Grand Lake Casino Lodge. Reservations are being accepted for the Fourth of July weekend. Smith reported that except for cosmetic additions, the hotel is ready to open. The reservation, check-in system and the phone system is operational and training began on the June 29th.
Dennis Sisco presented information regarding our tribal participation in a project by the Indian Health Service, Division of Epidemiology. This is a project researching tribal diseases. Dennis also presented two resolutions dealing with bringing tribal land parcels into trust.
The CFO for the tribe reported that the audit is almost complete, but until it is finished, financials will not be accurate. She felt that following the audit, all tribal business financials should be available monthly. She also reported on the Skydancer Convenience Store in New York. The financial she presented for April showed a net income of $176,704 but the tribe has only received two payments totaling $48,000. Chief Howard explained that this number is low because a great deal of the early profit was reinvested to replace name brand tobacco inventory before taxes. With the law change it is questionable as to whether existing inventory will be replaced with brand names or the store may only offer native produced product. She stated that confusion with the operator and the tribe exists, and when that is resolved, transfer of money should be more efficient. Currently the whole enterprise is being operated through a personal checking account. In regard to the store operation, she is researching software that would allow us to communicate directly with the New York business and would allow a day to day monitor of sales and inventory. The anticipated cost of the software would be $10,000. In April the tribe paid out $3,000 for an independent accountant in New York to service our account. Referencing the tobacco factory, she indicated that the business is operating efficiently, it just needs increased sales to turn a profit.
Routine business included changing the bank account to reflect new BC members, and opening a bank account for Grand Lake Casino Lodge. The new account was opened at Bank of Oklahoma.
A motion was made to transfer $54,000 from the tax commission to provide additional funding for health insurance. The CFO indicated the money was to pay claims.
The final action of the committee before they recessed into executive session was to hear a request from Hoyt Bacon on his proposal that the tribe hire him as a consultant for strategic planning. He would provide the strategic planning workshops for a fee of $5,000-$10,000. He offered an alternative proposal where the tribe would hire him as a full time employee. Details of his proposal were sketchy. No action was taken during the general session, but Chief Howard did offer to consider the proposal if it was put in writing.
The general session was adjourned at 7:20 p.m. The next regular BC meeting should be July 5th.
