TEB Bans Data Centers
The Fort Peck Tribal Executive Board held its regular meeting Monday, Aug. 10. Resolutions passed included a vote to recognize the Fort Kipp Community Organization officers as follows: chairman Leslie Long Hair, vice chairman Terrence Gourneau Jr., treasurer Ashten Youpee and secretary Jerome Coughlin.
During Veterans, Elders, Youth and Media, the board voted to ban, “all future discussions and/ or proposals pertaining to individuals or entities that would potentially develop data centers on the Fort Peck Reservation [...] due to the threat to our environment and members of our tribe with irreversible impacts.”
The board also voted to approve the allocation of a buffalo for use at the Fort Peck Community College’s DPP food sovereignty conference, with FPCC DPP undertaking the responsibility of food processing services.
An official proof of ownership and certificate of occupancy was approved for the Tribal Courts Administration Building in Poplar.
The board voted to approve to allow the planning department to get with legal and review letter of intent from R& R Tank Company with the possibility of going into business.
The Fish and Game Department was approved to promote Vincent McDonald from game warden to lead game warden.
The Tribal Health Director’s recommendation to hire Alexis Culbertson for the HPDP assistant manager position was approved unanimously.
Chairman Floyd Azure was approved to sign a notice of award to 21 Construction for the Poplar Duplex Construction in the amount $7,382,117.12.
Budgets were approved for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, Food Distribution and CSBG.
The board authorized the selection of Thomas Bauer for a three-year term on the water resources control commission.
The 477 Program and Head Start’s partnership and memorandum of understanding was approved, as was an MOU for Brockton Schools and Head Start.
AB Staffing Solutions was authorized to provide “competent and qualified” supplemental staffing to the Tribal Health Department.
During New Business, the board discussed the transition of the Fort Peck Journal from print to digital for news content due to financial constraints, while maintaining printed copies for legal notices. According to the official resolution log, “The publisher highlighted a $2,000 loss from an accident and the need to reduce costs by switching to 11x17-inch print sheets. The tribal council expressed concerns about the impact on legal notices and the need for a legal opinion. The council emphasized the importance of maintaining legal standards and competitive rates for tribal advertising.” No action was taken.
TEB is the duly elected body representing the Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes of the Fort Peck Reservation and is empowered to act on behalf of the Tribes. All actions shall be adherent to provisions set forth in the 1960 Constitution and By-Laws. The next full board meeting is set for Aug. 24.
