NAVAJO COUNCIL STILL DEBATING LEGISLATION 0144-13 WHICH IS $150,200 TO DEMOLISH FORMER TUBA CITY COURT BUILDING.
NAVAJO DEPUTY ATTORNEY GENERAL DANA BOBROOF
In the Budget Instructions Manuel, VIII, page 17, under C, the branch chiefs shall review and provide recommendations on any supplemental proposals before submit to any standing committees and consider Reserves Fund Balance.
“Appropriations Act does not mention three branch chiefs’ memo.”
DELEGATE KATHERINE BENALLY
That is why I said that that memo “undermines” Council actions. Speaker Naize, If there is to be a memo like that then let it be between the other two branches. The Shiprock Home for Women & Children came before us and they need emergency financial assistance. And there was no financial assistance from President Shelly to address layoffs created by federal Sequestration.
DELEGATE WITHERSPOON
I agree with Delegate Benally, we are the body that makes decisoins for nation and memo undermines our ability to appropriate funds for benfit of nation, people, communities.
DELEGATE WITHERSPOON
I agree with Delegate Nez that building cud be renovated. Perhaps Delegate Butler cud provide info. I don’t agree that it shud be demolished cuz eye-sore. And when building needs demolishment, where do you go for funding. I also have concern for my area. We’ve had new Judicial District and located next to Pinon Chapter but then building ID at Pinon school but cuz of incident on campus, they returned to chapter and looking at facility at Whipoorwill. Suggested move three modular buildings to establish office, court, staff. But no support from tribal Design & Engineering so we may need funds for temporary facility until permanent one constructed/obrtained.
DELEGATE JOSH BUTLER
Reason didn’t sponosr legislation for demolishment, I agree with Delegate Nez. Building sound, potential for renovation. Agree with second or third assessment and cud save thousands, millions. DK how much money cost for new Supreme Court but cud save construction on new Supreme Court building by renovating Tuba City court building and move Supreme Court to western Navajo. We are in great need of office space in western Navajo. Most offices in delapidated trailers. The old BIA buildings in Tuba City are more than 100 yrs old and renovated and used today.
DELEGATE PHELPS
Question over Public Safety Trust Funds for new facilities. Apparently, if understand, there is no provision in Trust Fund for facilities no longer needed and funds used for demolishment.
Other question, General Services Division has facilities management is to maintain inventory of all tribal facilities. I tried to find out that info and how to replace those facilities or demolish.
DELEGATE NELSON BEGAY
Tuba City is certified chapter and has tax base and collect more than $2 million a year so cudn’t they renovate or demolish. So there are a couple of options, Delegate Russell Begaye.
