It is now 11:56 am and the Navajo Council has finally reached a quorum. Speaker Pro Temp Delegate Roscoe Smith called on Delegate Charles Damon to do the opening prayer. Council Delegate Duane Tsinginie, who pleaded guilty to drunk driving, is here.
SPEAKER PRO TEMP SMITH
Each of you have received Speaker Johnny Naize’s MEMO regarding my appointment as speaker pro temp for administrative purposes only and so Council needs to vote on its speaker pro temp today. Council votes 13 in favor, 0 opposed to keep Smith as their speaker pro temp for today’s special session.
DAMON
Add legislation ? for renovation of three chapters
15 in favor, 1 opposed
DELEGATE WALTER PHELPS
Add Legislation 0012-14 that was pending and last time had on Council Feb. 13, 2014, special session. Title of 0012-14: Relating To Resources and Development Committee and Naa’bik’iyati’ Committee; Urging Representative Ann Kirkpatrick and the U.S. Congress to Appropriate Funds on an Expedited Basis for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to Work in Collaboration With The Navajo Nation Department of Water Resources to Study, Survey and Delineate the Floodplain Along the Little Colorado River and to Prioritize, Authorize and Assist in the Development and Construction of Flood Control Projects to Prevent Dangerous and Repetitive Flooding Emergencies and Substantial Damage to Homes, Property, Roads and Earthen Dams Levees in the Communities Along the Little Colorado River of Birdsprings, Leupp, Cameron and Coalmine Chapters of the Navajo Nation
14 in favor, 2 opposed
DELEGATE LEONARD TSOSIE
On Oil and Gas Legislation, ask to delete because in tribal court and there is restraining order against its Shareholders. Oil and Gas had gone off deep end, claiming its an independent corporation. But it is a Navajo enterprise. So ask to wait until court addresses and delegate LEGISLATION 0352-13: Proposed Navajo Council resolution; an action relating to Resources and Development; approving amendments to the federal charter of incorporation of the Navajo Nation Oil and Gas Company and directing the Navajo Nation’s Washington Office to take all actions necessary to petition the Secretary of the Interior to issue the restated federal charter of incorporation of the Navajo Nation Oil and Gas Company.
DELEGATE RUSSELL BEGAYE
Legislation 0352-13 is not about Board members and Shareholders. It’s about making Oil and Gas more productive.
DELEGATE LORENZO BATES
What I didn’t hear is how court activities impact 0352-14. Litigation is about past and 032-13 is about the future.
DELEGATE LORENZO CURLEY
The matter in court pertains to internal operations of Oil and Gas Corporation and disputes over documents controlling internal operations of corporations. And if I’m wrong, I’d ask Tsosie to enlighten me. 0352-13 is renew federal charter and that is separate matter and only deals with status of entity before federal government.
DELEGATE TSOSIE
If you look at 0352-13 is all about litigation. And 0352-13 wud create conflict and 0352-13 is being pushed by Oil and Gas CEO.
DELEGATE MEL BEGAY
For clarification, the restraining order is not against Council and so oppose removal. And regarding argument to remove cuz of litigation, that same argument was not applied when Council asked to address Navajo Housing Authority which was in litigation against Resources and Development Committee.
DELEGATE CURLEY
Tsosie trying to explain that Council decision of 0352-13 wud influence court decision. But court not here to protect its case so why are we protecting courts?
NAVAJO DEPUTY ATTORNEY GENERAL DANA BOBROFF
You are presuming that Court prohibits Council from taking action. And court is not.
DELEGATE TSOSIE
Ask for copy of temporary restraining order.
DELEGATE KENNETH MARYBOY
earlier Mr. Bates mentioned that wat in court has nothing to do w 0352-13.
VOTE ON DELETING 0352-13: 2 IN FAVOR, 14 OPPOSED
VOTE ON ADOPTING AGENDA AT 12:40 PM IS 14 IN FAVOR, 1 OPP0OSED
