NAVAJO COUNCIL CONTINUES DEBATING $150,200 TO DEMOLISH FORMER TUBA CITY COURT BUILDING

DELEGATE EDMUND YAZZIE/Law & Order Committee chairperson
During 2013 budget hearings by Law & Order Committee, the Chief Justice, Herb Yazzie, asked for raise when Judicial Branch facing layoffs and then there was no request for funding to demolish former Tuba City court building.

I wud support this cuz of chapter resolutions from Tuba City supporting demolishment, unlike when Iyabeto chapter opposed Solar Project but Council approved.

DELEGATE ALTON SHEPHERD
Don’t know if staff would want to return to building that has asbestos, mold growing, cracks in building. It’ll probably cost more to renovate than it wud to construct new building.
40 in favor, 0 opposed Tuba City chapter resolution to demolish former Tuba City court building. If anybody wanted to occupy building then they wud have stepped forward. But this is one area that can be crossed out. Ask Council to pass and if President Shelly line item vetoes then that is up to him.

DELEGATE RUSSELL BEGAYE
Tribal department of corrections asked to demolish. Study showed foundation moving, doors shifting, interior mold, asbestos study done, also one part of building 12 inches from new building and new building is jail and so there is safety issue. And why Tuba City chapter recommended demolishment. Yes, possibility renovate but cost. And think building sit there for years. But people of Tuba City want removed so honor their request. DOC came to law and order committee several times and committee discussed funding options and committee felt Reserves best option. $113,000 original and now $150,200.

DELEGATE LORENZO BATES
I’m going to vote against. Your committee has authority and don’t know how many times told Law & Order Committee that they have authority over Public Safety Trust Fund, where more than $28 million unallocated. That your committee has authority over. We’ve told you this.

DELEGATE DANNY SIMPSON
Bates stated about $28 million in Public Safety Trust Fund and ask DOJ to confirm. There is money and it can be allocated so we can vote this down and have Law & Order Committee allocate.

DEPUTY ATTORNEY GENERAL DANA BOBROOF
Need assistance of Controller and need copy of enactment of PUblic Safety Trust Fund.