Lani Hansen/Senior Reporter
OKMULGEE, Oklahoma — A Muscogee (Creek) Nation National Council Business, Finance, and Justice and Land, Natural Resource, and Cultural Preservation Committee meeting was held Dec. 14 at the Mound Building in Okmulgee, Oklahoma.
All passed legislation will go before the full Council during the regular session Dec. 18.
BFJ/LNC addressed the following legislation, the interpretation of which is attributed to language in the bills:
TR 21-166 Authorizing the Principal Chief to execute an agreement between the Muscogee (Creek) Nation DBA Looped Square Meat Company and Harley Hollan Company. Representative Joseph Hicks sponsored the resolution, which was postponed indefinitely with a vote of 8-0.
There was no discussion for this resolution.
TR 21-167 Authorizing the Principal Chief to execute a First Amendment to Revolving Loan and Security Agreement with BOKF, NA d/b/a Bank of Oklahoma and a Revolving Note with BOKF, NA d/b/a Bank of Oklahoma. Rep. Joseph Hicks sponsored the resolution, which was postponed indefinitely with a vote of 8-0.
During discussion, it was stated more time was needed to go through the budget and have a discussion with the architect before bringing to full council.
NCA 21-159 Creating a new Chapter 10, entitled “Muscogee (Creek) Nation Tribal Utility Authority” in MCNCA Title 17 “Economic Development.” Rep. Joseph Hicks sponsored the resolution, which passed 8-0.
The Muscogee (Creek) Nation uses public utilities and services from various service providers. There is a need to regulate public and/or tribal utilities within the Nation’s jurisdiction to provide the Nation and consumers with adequate and reliable services at reasonable costs and rates.
NCA 21-163 Authorizing the expenditure of self-governance funds for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Tribal Utility Authority for the benefit of the Office of the Secretary of the Nation and Commerce. Rep. Joseph Hicks sponsored the resolution, which passed 8-0.
A grant fund in the amount of $334,507.00 from the Department of the Interior Self-Governance will help establish a Tribal Utility Authority, to address the serious need for adequate public utility regulations and management.
NCA 21-164 Authorizing the expenditure of American Rescue Plan Act (“ARPA”) funds from the United States for the Climate Resiliency Project at River Spirit Casino Resort. Rep. Patrick Freeman sponsored the resolution, which passed 8-0.
The funds from ARPA will be to used for the Climate Resiliency Project, to provide adequate water and sewer infrastructure to prevent water pollution to the Arkansas River and its tributaries caused by climate related flooding.
Representative Travis Scott was absent from meeting.
For video of committee meetings visit: www.mcnnc.com.
