Morgan Taylor/Reporter
OKMULGEE, Oklahoma – A Muscogee (Creek) Nation National Council Business, Finance and Justice Committee meeting was held Dec. 13 at the Mound Building.
All passed legislation is subject to the full council approval during the regular session.
BFJ addressed the following legislation, the interpretation of which is attributed to language in the bills:
NCR 21-013 Approving the Consulting Agreement between the MCN National Council and Jeff Fife. Representative Adam Jones III sponsored the legislation, which failed 1-3. Reps. Patrick Freeman, Robert Hufft and Travis Scott voted no.
Rep. Jones made a motion to go into Executive Session with no action taken. Rep. Jones claimed that he proposed this legislation because he believes Fife has experience in working with McGirt.
Rep. Hufft said that he believes Fife would be a good asset but would like to present this to the new council in a few weeks.
TR 21-158 Upholding and enforcing the official name and seal of the MCN. Rep. Jones sponsored the legislation, which was postponed to be addressed until Dec. 18 with a vote of 4-0.
According to Kyle Haskins, he claimed since the official name is the Muscogee (Creek) Nation that any legal binding documents, contracts, etc. using any other name would not be legal.
Kyle Lee claimed the new name Muscogee Nation is for branding purposes only not legal purposes.
Rep. Adam Jones made a motion to postpone until Dec. 18, which passed with a vote of 4-0.
TR 21-165 Approving extension of the Management Agreement between Ruth’s Hospitality Group, INC and the Gaming Operations Authority Board. Rep. Patrick Freemen Jr. sponsored the legislation, which passed 4-0.
The GOAB desires to renew the Management Agreement for an additional five-year term.
TR 21-170 Confirming the nomination of Roger Wiley to serve as the Chief Judge of the District Trial Court for the MCN. Rep. Jones sponsored the legislation, which passed 4-0.
The National Council will interview Wiley during the Dec. 18 Pre-Agenda.
NCA 21-153 Authorizing the expenditure of funds in the amount of $288,413 for the benefit of the MCN Lighthorse Police Department for the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services 2021 Cops Office Tribal Resources Grant Program – Equipment and Training. Rep. William Lowe sponsored the legislation, which passed 4-0.
Funds will be used to pay for trainings, vehicles, uniform and equipment for two officers.
NCA 21-154 Authorizing the expenditure of funds in the amount of $600,359 for the benefit of the MCN Lighthorse Police Department for the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services 2021 Cops Office Tribal Resources Grant Program – Equipment and Training. Rep. Lowe sponsored the legislation, which passed 4-0.
Funds will be used to hire two officers for a period of five years.
NCA 21-155 Repealing MCNCA Title 17, Chapter 8, entitled “Gaming Operation Authority Board.” Rep.Patrick Freeman Jr. sponsored the legislation and co-sponsored by Reps. Jones and Robert Hufft , which passed 4-0.
Replacing the GOAB with a Tribal Limited Liability Company to administer and manage the Nation’s gaming facilities and operations.
NCA 21-156 Authorizing the Execution and File Articles of Organization with the Office of the Secretary of the Nation and Commerce to form “Muscogee Nation Gaming Enterprises, LLC” under the MCN Limited Liability Company Act and approving the operating agreement for “Muscogee Nation Gaming Enterprises LLC.” Representative Patrick Freeman Jr. sponsored the legislation and co-sponsored by Reps. Jones and Robert Hufft, which passed 4-0.
Creation of Muscogee Nation Gaming Enterprises, LLC would contribute to the social, physical well-being and economic advancement of the citizens of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation by providing funds for governmental services, programs, health centers and general welfare activities.
NCA 21-157 Amending MCNCA Title 37, 2-203 to alter the distribution of funds. Rep. Lowe sponsored the legislation, which passed 4-0.
The amendment adds FY 2022 gaming revenue so that no funds shall be deposited into the Permanent Fund but instead shall be deposited into the Gaming Fund.
NCA 21-158 Approving a Continuing Budget Ordinance and providing appropriations and authorization for expenditures for FY 2022. Rep. Hufft sponsored the legislation, which passed 4-0.
Continuing Budget Ordnance is needed to provide funding to all three branches of government until such time that the FY 2022 Comprehensive Annual Budget is approved.
Meetings and agendas can be viewed at www.mcnnc.com.