Morgan Taylor/Reporter
OKMULGEE, Oklahoma – A Muscogee (Creek) Nation National Council Emergency Session and Land, Natural Resources, Cultural Preservation and Health Education Welfare Joint Committee Session was held July 27 at the Mound Building in Okmulgee.
All legislation passed in joint committee is subject to the full council approval during the quarterly session.
The Council/Committee addressed the following legislation, the interpretation of which is attributed to language in the bills:
NCR 21-008 Approving the terms of engagement with Barnes & Thornburg, LLP. Representative Patrick Freeman Jr. sponsored the legislation, which was adopted, 13-1 with Rep. Mark Randolph voting against.
The National Council has been sued and needs representation. NC desires to utilize Barnes & Thornburg, LLP.
TR 21-109 Repealing TR 21-064 (Authorizing Principal Chief to execute a contract accepting a donation of land located in McIntosh Co.,) and authorizing the Principal Chief to execute a revised contract accepting a donation of land located in McIntosh County. Rep. Mark Randolph sponsored the resolution, which was adopted, 14-0.
The property owner refused to sign the Real Estate contract since it required him to pay to update and certify the abstracts for the property. The contract has been revised to give the Nation fiscal responsibility.
TR 21-110 Authorizing the Principal Chief to execute a wholesale supply agreement with World Fuel Services, INC for the Twin Hills Convenience Plaza. Rep. James Jennings sponsored the resolution, which was adopted, 14-0.
This new agreement will allow the Travel Plaza to purchase fuel from WFSI, ability to obtain Upgrades/Image Allowance for the Plaza which required execution of Promissory Note and the ability of the Nation to assign its rights and obligations to purchase fuel, make payment for fuel purchased, and comply with all Brand Requirements through an Assignor-Assignee Limited Assignment Agreement to the Twin Hills Indian Community for its Plaza.
TR 21-111 Approving consent letter with Barnes & Thornburg LLP. Rep. Patrick Freeman Jr. sponsors the resolution, which was adopted 13-1 with Randolph voting against.
National Council seeks to engage Mr. Jeff Davis to act as the Special Prosecutor to the Special Impeachment Committee and Mr. Davis is employed with the law firm. The firm represents a client adverse to the MCN in the lawsuit. A consent letter will waive a conflict of interest between parties.
HEW/LNC agenda:
NCA 21-079 Appropriating funds to be used for the operating budget for the Muscogee Nation Resource Center located in Oklahoma County, OK for the remainder of the Fiscal Year. Rep. Thomasene Yahola Osborn sponsored the legislation, which passed 8-1 with Rep. Joyce Deere voting against the legislation.
The Nation wants to re-purpose the building into a resources center for various programs that want to do outreach to citizen in the Oklahoma City and surrounding areas. Funding is needed to operate and maintain the building and hire two positions for the remainder of the fiscal year in the amount of $43,681.00.
