# Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribal Council (2024)

> Briefs, arguments, decisions, and more.

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Apyramid_lake%3A6a8cfab8fb451564

## Record

- **Collection:** Tribal code
- **Document type:** Tribal code

## Text

Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribal Council

Post Office Box 256
Nixon, Nevada 89424
Telephone: (775) 574-1000
Fax (775) 574-1054

SEPCIAL MEETING MINUTES
Tribal Chambers ~ Nixon, NV
February 16, 2024

Members Present:

Steven Wadsworth, Vice Chairman Della John, Councilmember
Harriet Brady, Councilmember Judith Davis, Councilmember
Nicholas Cortez Councilmember Edward Ely III, Councilmember
Nathan Dunn, Councilmember Genevieve John, Councilmember

Members Absent: James Phoenix, Tribal Chairman and John Guerrero, Councilmember

CALL TO ORDER

Vice Chairman Wadsworth called the February 16, 2024, Special Tribal Council meeting of the Pyramid Lake
Paiute Tribal Council to order at 6:00 p.m.

ROLL CALL

Roll call was taken by Brenda A. Henry, Tribal Council Secretary. Chairman Phoenix and Councilmember
Guerrero were present on zoom but did not participate in votes. Councilmember Della John arrived at 6:02
p.m. All other Councilmembers were present at roll call and a quorum was established for this meeting.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Vice Chairman Wadsworth presented the agenda with an addition for Approval of the 2024 Final Budget
under the Comptroller’s Report.

Councilmember Brady asked about the Chairman’s report, on whether he submitted one for January, which
she had questions on. She would like to ask questions regarding his report during the Chairman’s Report
time frame about conflict of interest, department reports with possible action.

Councilmember Davis motioned to approve the agenda with requested changes. Councilmember Cortez
seconded the motion. Votes were seven (7) for and zero (0) opposed with zero (0) abstentions. MOTION
PASSED

PUBLIC COMMENT. No Public Comment
CONSENT AGENDA

Following items presented on the Consent Agenda:
Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribal Council
February 16, 2024, Special minutes

1. Approval of Minutes:

a. a.January 5, 2024, Regular Outgoing b. January 5, 2024, Regular Incoming
Approval of Wes Williams Legal Counsel January 2024 Invoice #4197
Approval of Quarles November 2023 Invoice #6683021 & December 2023 Invoice #6696175
Approval of Silver State Government Relations Invoice #1371 and #1384
Approval Ratification of Poll Votes: Elder Energy Request Bill Jean Guerrero, Kenneth Miller and
Virginia Calico
6. Approval HR Classification Animal Control Officer.

Gi ge Cp

Councilmember Davis requested to pull #1b for discussion.
Councilmember Cortez requested to pull #1a for discussion.
Councilmember Brady requested to pull #4 & #5 for discussion.

Councilmember Dunn motioned to approve items #2, 3 & 6 on the Consent Agenda. Councilmember Brady
seconded the motion. Votes were seven (7) for and zero (0) opposed with zero (0) abstentions. MOTION
PASSED

Item #1a & 1b. January 5, 2024, Regular Outgoing and Incoming minutes.
Councilmember Cortez said he already provided his corrections to both the minutes to the Tribal Secretary.

Councilmember Genevieve John had a couple grammatical errors for January 5, 2024, Regular Outgoing and
Incoming minutes.

Councilmember Davis requested to add the vote count for the Tax Commission Selection on January 5,
2024, Regular Incoming minutes. Sherry Ely-Mendes one, Denise Shaw seven, Brian Wadsworth four and to
identify the two abstentions.

Councilmember Brady said she thought she forwarded her edits to the minutes to the Council, but the
Council didn’t remember seeing them.

Councilmember Dunn motioned to table the January 5, 2024, Regular Outgoing & Incoming minutes.
Councilmember Brady seconded the motion. Votes were six (6) for and one (1) opposed (Davis) with zero
(0) abstentions. MOTION PASSED

Item #4. Silver State Government Relations Invoice #1371 and #1384.

Councilmember Brady thought the Council gave instructions for a detailed report on Silver State
Government Relations.

Mr. Adler explained they did send documentation packets for their November and December invoices and
for the meetings they attended. Generally, with a session contract they have more significant hands-on
work where they are addressing legislative issues but in the interim, they are tracking active work
primarily on water. He met with the Mayor of Fernley and learned their canal had been sealed and they saw
a 70% drop in their aquifer recharge, this information he forwarded to Chris Mixson. In regard to their
invoices, they will include everything in one invoice and the same during the legislative sessions, they
include what bills they worked on including the Tribal tracking sheet, but they can readdress this in the
future.

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Councilmember Ely said he brought up the issues with his invoices and this is the type of information he
would like to see where he met with the City of Fernley on aquifer issues and with Chris Mixson.

Councilmember Brady emphasized they talked about this before but rather than verbalizing it they want it
in written form.

Mr. Adler said he tried to email it to the Council but will bring a printout the next time. They will try to
address this with the approach of the Lands Bill, but their interim contract is $500 a month and it is not
quite sufficient for him to drive out to Pyramid Lake every week. Previously, this was how they
documented, supported by documents they sent to the Chairman which was presented to the Council. This
methodology is not working, and they will support it with more documentation on the invoices.

Councilmember Brady motioned to table the invoices for Silver State Government Relations Invoices until
they receive a narrative for both invoices and conduct a poll vote. Councilmember Ely seconded the motion
and added this is what they are asking for, but he’s not sure exactly what a lobbyist does.

Votes were six (6) for and one (1) opposed (Della John) with zero (0) abstentions. MOTION PASSED.
Item #5. Approval Ratification Poll Votes: Elder Energy Request for Billie Jean Guerrero.

Councilmember Davis had a correction to the poll vote for Elder Energy Request for Billie Jean Guerrero.
The votes should be 7 for, 0 opposed with 1 abstention (Guerrero), for the record.

Councilmember Ely added he voted yes for this poll.

Councilmember Davis motioned to approve ratification of Poll Vote for Elder Energy Request for Billie Jean
Guerrero with correction to the votes. Councilmember Cortez seconded the motion. Votes were seven (7) for
and zero (0) opposed with zero (0) abstentions. MOTION PASSED

PRESENTATION
1. Legal Update. Pilar Thomas, Quarles & Brady LLP

Because Ms. Thomas was not present during the January Special Council meeting, she is presenting her
report for both December and January. She continues to monitor COVID related information. Everything is
slowing down with the COVID relief programs. It’s important if the Tribe still has money left over, to make
sure they obligate it by the end of the fiscal year 2025. She will put out a reminder in the next couple of
months of the upcoming deadlines for the ARPA funded programs because most are expiring in 2024. She
provided updates on the energy programs; provided a summary to the Council on the Tribal Home
Electrification Rebate Program and encouraged the Council to share with the Housing Authority because
they are eligible to receive the Tribe’s allocation. This program can replace natural gas for homes with
electricity and upgrade the appliances. They can assist the Tribe or Housing Authority on how to get the
allocated funds, there is no rush the Tribe has until next May to apply for the funding. They are still working
with Benjamin John on finalizing the Leasing Ordinance amendments they drafted for solar leasing and
residential leasing. It’s going through the Tribe’s standard process. On the contract review side, there is the
NV Energy Easement Agreement, NV Energy is doing the environmental work they are required to do for
the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) grant easement. The four easements that are the subject of that easement
agreement have all expired, so NV Energy has to request all new easements. With the new easements, NV
Energy is looking to relocate power lines that have fallen into the river. Initially, she thought the line
needed a new easement but after further review, she is working with the Chairman, Executive Team,

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Donnal Noel, Natural Resources and Betty Aleck, THPO to finalize what the requirements are to relocate
those power lines away from the river and more inland. Not sure if the Council has seen the map on that
but they will need to come to the Council for the approval to relocate. Ms. Noel and Ms. Aleck are working
to meet some of the regulatory requirements, and the cultural resources, because there are some
archaeologically marked burials in the area. In December, they assisted with the Washoe County Animal
Control IGA, which they reviewed months earlier and were trying to get it cleaned up for the Tribe to
become a party to it which would be an interlocal agreement. They provided a review of the fly fishing
contracts in which they provided a short memo with the issues with them. She hadn’t seen anything further
on these, but they were about different parties who wanted to do photography and filming on Pyramid
Lake, both of these were tourist oriented.

The solar project, NextEra continues to request a meeting with the Council. They had a workshop back in
November and she is coordinating the next step with NextEra. The Tribe had an option agreement with
them that expired in December but still has a community benefit agreement with them that does not expire,
it’s a 25-year agreement. She sent an email to the Council in mid-January that the Bureau of Land
Management (BLM) issued a notice that they will be beginning the Environmental Assessment (EA) process
for the Dodge Flat Two project that NextEra will be doing next to Dodge Flat One on BLM land. The Council
had a working session the week before last to discuss what the Tribe’s position will be on that. The
previous week the BLM had a call-in for the public scoping for that project and she didn’t see anyone from
the Tribe on the call. They have identified the Tribe as a cooperating agency with them, which is good news
because the Tribe will be able to participate in the EA. NextEra would like to meet with the Tribe and if the
Council is agreeable, she can facilitate that meeting. There are opportunities for the Tribe to negotiate some
agreements with NextEra and encourage the Tribe to look at what NextEra is doing with the new project.

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Pyramid Lake Pumped Storage Project on Pyramid
Lake.

The FERC is responsible for permitting hydroelectric facilities including pumped storage hydro. A couple of
years ago there was a notice put out that a company wanted to build a pumped storage hydro facility on
Pyramid Lake. The way the pumped storage hydro works is they pull water out of the lake, pump it up a hill
or mountains surrounding Pyramid Lake and their proposed plan is to build two reservoirs in the
mountains and during the day or night, when they need to produce power, they will release the water from
the reservoir downhill through a dam or hydroelectric facility back into the lake. That company had to go to
FERC to get a preliminary permit which FERC just granted in October of last year. That company is now ina
permitting process to get a final permit for that project. FERC just announced a new policy yesterday that
said the Tribe’s object to pump storage projects located on Tribal lands, if companies don’t have Tribe’s
consent, FERC will deny the permit. She is not sure if the Tribe’s Water Team is monitoring this or is aware
of this but would strongly recommend the Council take action because this project is fully located on the
Reservation. There is nothing on record that states they have spoken with the Tribe or that there has been
any communication or there is Tribal consent. There is supposed to be on record that they have contacted
the Tribe for consultation, but it doesn’t indicate they have done that. Time is of the essence now, if the
Tribe has any concerns they need to act soon with the FERC. Their plan also includes two solar projects
with the pump storage on the Reservation. She is not sure how this is getting by FERC screening, but it
apparently has.

Vice Chairman Wadsworth said when it comes to FERC, he remembers this project during Chairman
Sampson’s tenure and he said absolutely not but now that it’s come this far, it is concerning because they
said no. Ms. Thomas said she remembers at that time she asked the Chairman and the Council if they
wanted her to draft a comment letter but she was not asked so she didn’t which is the reason she asked if
the Water Team was aware of this. At the time she brought it to other people’s attention, but the good news

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is that it is only in the preliminary stage, but they still have a lot of work to do and it’s not too late for the
Tribe to submit comments and demand consultation from FERC. She has a good working relationship with
the FERC office of Public Participation and can get a meeting schedule for the Tribe to get engaged and find
out what is going on. If the Tribe opposes the project, the Council needs to let FERC know or else they will
grant the permit. Under the Federal Power Act, FERC has the authority to condemn the Tribe’s land which
they don’t need permission to do that.

Ben John, Business Officer, said they did reach out to the Tribe in 2019, and they were told no, the Tribe is
not interested. He thought that was the end of it but to find out they later filed an application with FERC. At
that point, Ms. Noel was going to write a letter and send it to FERC saying the Tribe is not interested in this
project. This company was doing this on their own even though they were told the Tribe opposed this
project. FERC looks like they are not considering the Tribe’s comments so maybe the Council should send
another letter stating the Tribe told this company they are not interested multiple times.

Ms. Thomas said the FERC records show that no comments were received with respect to the preliminary
permit. She is not saying the Tribe didn’t send in anything, it’s just not a part of their record, the Tribe has
not officially registered their objection to this permit. The Tribe needs to get a record of objections
submitted and very clearly stated the Tribe objects. The Tribe also needs to demand Tribal consultation
with the FERC, she doesn’t understand how the FERC does not know this project is located on the
Reservation which should be their first screening. The project proponents should have come to the Tribe
and when the FERC received their application, they should have sent a letter of consultation to the Tribe
immediately to say they received this application. Again, the Tribe needs to demand consultation with the
FERC as soon as possible to determine what is happening with this permit and the Tribe can register their
objections direction with them.

Councilmember Davis motioned to direct Ms. Thomas to write a letter with the Tribe’s objection to the FERC
regarding the Pyramid Lake Pumped Storage Project located on Pyramid Lake. Councilmember Ely seconded
the motion. Votes were seven (7) for and zero (0) opposed with zero (0) abstentions. MOTION PASSED

Councilmember Davis motioned to direct Ms. Thomas to draft a letter for Government-to-Government
Consultation with the FERC regarding the Pyramid Lake Pumped Storage Project on Pyramid Lake.
Councilmember Brady seconded the motion. Votes were seven (7) for and zero (0) opposed with zero (0)
abstentions. MOTION PASSED

Vice Chairman Wadsworth said he just received an email from NextEra requesting a meeting with the
Council on February 28, 2024, at 4 p.m.

Mr. John said NextEra’s request is the initial and then they will make a formal request at a Council meeting
for a presentation. There were some issues with some items in the previous contract that weren't completed
so they needed more time to ensure they completed what they said they were going to do. In speaking to a
representative from NextEra, he was told the Tribe was supposed to ask for those items, but he doesn’t think
it said that. They turned the land over but not the water rights.

Ms. Thomas is willing to share additional recommendations for the Council to consider in their discussions
with NextEra. They will need to expand the easement, like the one for Dodge Flat One, they will need a
separate one for Dodge Flat Two. Same road but a new easement which they will need to negotiate with the
Tribe. She will send to the Council some separate thoughts on other opportunities the Council can negotiate
with NextEra.

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Councilmember Genevieve John said it would be good to meet with them on the 28t because no decisions
would be made, they would just hear them out. This would give the Council an opportunity to meet later in
an official consultation to discuss what they presented.

Gina Wadsworth, in the audience requested the Tax Department be included in the meeting because if it’s a
new company with a new easement, they would be responsible for possessory interest tax.

Councilmember Davis asked for clarification if that meeting would only be for them to give the Council a
presentation.

Mr. John said they were going to prepare an official one if the Council didn’t want to be there because there
were questions, they had for them with the first contract regarding them completing everything that was
supposed to be done in that contract. He wanted to review the contract to see if there was enough time to
prepare the letter to ask for what they said they would give the Tribe. Once those were conveyed, then they
would have the meeting to take care of all the things they had questions on and then he would let the Council
know they had ironed everything out. Then they would present before the Council.

Councilmember Ely said they need to hold them to the first contract if they didn’t follow the first contract
and now, they want to come before the Council to ask about another contract.

Elaine Duncan, in the audience, asked what the benefit to the Tribe is. It is BLM land, so what is the Tribe
getting that they feel they need to come to the Council to ask for permission.

Vice Chairman Wadsworth said it is because there is only one way to access their solar panels which is
through the Reservation, there is only one access point, and they have to consult with the Tribe.

The Council requested that Ms. Thomas be present at the meeting on February 28, 2024. Ms. Thomas said
she is attending a conference but will be available via zoom.

Councilmember Dunn asked Ms. Thomas if she received the contract with the State for the impounding of
their animals when they were picked up. Ms. Thomas said she didn’t see anything that constituted a waiver
of the Tribe’s sovereign immunity. There is required language, but she didn’t see anything that raised a
concern, there were some items she provided edits to provide more clarity for example they just don’t come
onto the Reservation without the Tribe’s knowledge or permission and then send the Tribe a bill.
Councilmember Dunn said there was a review done by another attorney but hey wanted a second opinion
because it seemed overlooked. Ms. Thomas said she saw the comments but didn’t see anything that
constituted a waiver.

Councilmember Davis would like the February 28, 2024, meeting to be a Tribal Council meeting so that it is
on record.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1. Request for Approval 2024 Siler State Government Relations Contract. Will Adler, SSGR

Mr. Adler said they corrected the scope of work; this contract is exclusively for Lands Bill. With the scope of
work this contract is to include cross engagement for getting their opinions heard and visible in writing
either through comments or in response to language in the bill, targeting disposal boundary and other

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previous dimension issues. This Lands Bill is not as the previous one but they are still split in Congress but
there is an opportunity to make that impact and change or correct now because it is an election year. His
scope of work would also include water issues which he would work with the Water Team but is more than
happy to include other issues as well. His direction for working on other issues would come through the
Chairman’s office.

Councilmember Brady asked that his correspondence be forwarded to the Tribal Secretary’s office so she
can disseminate information to the Council. Her understanding of a lobbyist is they are supposed to be
proactive, if they see anything coming down the pipe then the Council is supposed to be notified.

Mr. Adler said he has a proactive approach but when it comes to the Lands Bill, especially on the Council's
opinions on federal issues, he will need a clear and precise communications.

Councilmember Brady asked about the scope of work where it states work related to business development.

Mr. Adler said that may be from a previous contract and has not been updated but he would like to
concentrate on the Lands Bill and focus being a lobbyist in that document. He will resend the contract with
the updated documentation.

The Council consensus was to remain tabled until the Water Team meeting on February 21, 2024 since his
lobbying activities are water related.

2. Request for Approval Law & Order Code Part 5 Adoptions with Resolution. Paula Wright, Law &
Order Committee Secretary

Ms. Wright said they cleaned up the document from the last meeting with Mekala Montoya, Tribal Court
Administrator, editing the phrase “fit and proper” by adding, the petitions are of high moral character and
are able and willing to provide food, shelter, health care, education, and a safe and supportive environment
for the child.

Councilmember Brady felt it was still subjective and Wes Williams, legal counsel, said he was going to add
something about culture and how it fits culturally and how does this fit in with ICWA because it is not
mentioned.

Ms. Wright said ICWA cases are usually in the County and State, so they don’t have cases coming forward
from ICWA. This only pertains to Tribal Court.

Councilmember Dunn said because we have our own legal system, it can be done here, it’s different when the
Tribes have their own courts, that is why it’s County or State.

Ms. Wright said if the child is a Tribal member, then that case would be transferred to our jurisdiction.
Councilmember Brady wanted to know; how would the Court know.

Ms. Wright said they are in communication with five different states on ICWA cases and it depends on if those
parental rights of that child, those parental rights have been terminated, that is the only avenue that opens
up for adoptions. To her knowledge it hasn’t happened.

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Councilmember Cortez stated that ICWA is a federal law, so it would still apply either way.

Ms. Wright was glad Councilmember Cortez mentioned this because it is in the old Code it does have anICWA
citation, they just haven’t been able to bring it over into the 2013 Code. Anything that is not in the current
2013 Code, the Court must revert back to the original Law and Order Code where there is four paragraphs of
adoption ordinances in the old Code. That is the basis of this Code, except for all the additions and the edits
that have gone into this document. Ms. Wright pointed out on page three, number eight, that this is the new
paragraph that Mr. Williams inserted based on Councilmember Brady’s questions about a conflict of interest.
He stated regarding another Tribe’s Social Services Department that if the Tribe’s Human Services
Department doesn’t have the capability to perform the investigations, or it its employees have a conflict of
interest with any of the parties involved in a case, any dispute on whether employees have a conflict of
interest shall be decided by the Tribal Court Judge.

Councilmember Dunn stated they wouldn’t know any details other than from the Human Services going to
Court, so they wouldn’t really have any information to go off either.

Ms. Wright said only if the petitioner has a problem, they can hire an advocate who will enter into notice of
appearance into the Court for the petition which will work also but someone will still have to do the
investigations.

Councilmember Dunn asked to keep the name consistent between Social Services or Human Services so
people will know what department is being mentioned.

Ms. Wright mentioned she found an adoption template from another tribe which the Tribal Court
Administrator amended to fit the Court. This application will be used for the start of adoptions and can be
used for multiple children.

In response to Councilmember Genevieve Johns question about when the final adoption order would be
recorded with Nevada Vital Statistics, she attached a form from the Department of Human Services where
the adoptive parents must sign and pay a filing fee.

Councilmember Genevieve John motioned to approve the Law & Order Code Part 5, Adoptions with Resolution.
Councilmember Dunn seconded the motion. Votes were five (5) for and two (2) opposed (Della John, Brady)
with zero (0) abstentions. MOTION PASSED

Councilmember Della John opposed because she thinks ICWA should be referenced in the new ordinance
instead of just in the old ordinance.

Councilmember Davis asked why wasn't it included in the new Code since it has its own chapter? Ms. Wright
said they will have to bring it to the Council to adopt it into the new Code because that is the method they are
using, anything from the old Code, they must bring forward individually for the record. For ICWA they will
be bringing forward and they will not be making any changes unless the law has changed, which is something
she will have to research.

Councilmember Brady opposed it because she thought it should include ICWA and the Cultural Clause that
she thought Wes Williams, legal counsel, was supposed to add.

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Councilmember Davis clarified they are taking the Law and Order Code section by section and the new
sections that are approved supersede what was in the old Code.

Ms. Wright said as long as they are not approved by the Council, the old ones still are in effect. For example,
the Law and Order Code under Chapter four, the Criminal Chapter for crimes against persons, there is no
ordinance for child abuse, child neglect, or failing to report abuse but there is in the old Code. They will be
updating those and putting them under the Criminal Chapter. The sentencing conviction is minimal, for
anything else that has child abuse with substantial bodily injury is sent to an outside jurisdiction for
adjudication, they don’t hand major crimes.

Councilmember Della John stated the Tribe’s Code is mainly misdemeanor, it only applies to Tribal people,
that is the difference. It’s punitive, from what she has seen it leaves the judge with the ability to set all the
fines. When they passed the traffic code it was during COVID, and she is not sure how many people got to
look at it and all of a sudden it was approved.

Ms. Wright said she has seen where the Criminal Court Judge works with people; he gives them a chance, he
will defer a sentence but if they commit a crime, that deferment goes away, and they have to fulfill their
sentence. She believes the judge is fair with people when it comes to the criminal traffic court.

Councilmember Brady said she opposed it because she was under the impression Mr. Williams was going to
look for a cultural cause to be added, she thinks Mekala Montoya did it and it’s still subjective.

Ms. Wright stated in the beginning of Chapter Six, titled Juvenile Justice, it does cite that our children are our
highest valued resource on our Reservation and does reflect our cultural value for our kids.

Councilmember Brady said people will argue that the word resource is very colonial, it’s spiritual.

NEW BUSINESS
1. Selection of Land & Resource Committee vacancy (1 vacancy).

There were three (3) applicants for the one vacancy: Alvin James, Loren Decker and Ralph Copeland.
Council voted by ballot: Alvin James received 0 votes, Loren Decker received 6 votes and Ralph Copeland
received 1 vote. Loren Decker was selected to fill the one vacancy on the Land & Resource Committee.

2. Request for Approval Law & Order Code Chapter 20 Control of Domestic Animals.

The Tribal Secretary said she contacted the BIA for the status on the Law and Order Chapter 20 Control of
Domestic Animals and they said they didn’t receive it within the timeline. They are requesting the Tribe
amend the resolution with an updated date and will have to start the process over again.

Councilmember Genevieve John motioned to approve the Law & Order Code Chapter 20 Control of Domestic
Animals. Councilmember Dunn seconded the motion. Votes were four (4) for and two (2) opposed (Davis,
Della John) with one (1) abstention (Cortez). MOTION PASSED. RESOLUTON NO.: PL 008-24 LAW &
ORDER CODE CHAPTER 20 CONTROL OF DOMESTIC ANIMALS

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Councilmember Davis said she didn’t think the whole definition of why they are reaffirming needs to be ina
resolution.

Councilmember Della John said the ordinance is punitive to tribal members.

3. Request for Approval Letter of Commitment Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program Grant.
Casey Acklin, UNR

Mr. Acklin explained he has been working with Carla Eben, Numaga Elder program on this program for the
past five years in partnership between the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, Numaga Senior Services, the
University of Nevada Reno (UNR) and the broader statewide dementia community. Over the past three
years they have hosted two Tribal Summits on Brain Health and Dementia. They are partnering with an
upcoming grant application through the Standford Center for Aging and UNR School of medicine and they
are submitting a grant to the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the grant is titled
Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program. The grant is focused on building the geriatrics workforce and
this particular application will strengthen Tribal Clinics. The capacity within Tribal Clinics would educate
Tribal Clinic Providers and Senior Center Providers on how to best serve people living with dementia and
family members. They are excited to host a series of Nevada Tribal Summits over the next five years to
providers from Tribes across the State to come to Pyramid Lake each year to learn how they can build their
capacity in supporting the wellbeing of elders. There would be no cost to Pyramid Lake, this would be
entirely a part of a partnership where all of the capacity is brought from the Standford Center for Aging.
They are looking for a commitment to a grant application which is due on Tuesday of next week.

Councilmember Genevieve John motioned to approve the Chairman to sign the Letter of Commitment
Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program Grant. Councilmember Cortez thanked Mr. Acklin for working
with Ms. Eben to create a documentary.

Mr. Acklin said it’s a documentary film and they will be submitting an agenda for the next Council meeting to
get approval for a national screening of that documentary, which is coming up next month, they will send the
Council a link of the tentative final version.

Councilmember Cortez seconded the motion. Votes were seven (7) for and zero (0) opposed with zero (0)
abstentions. MOTION PASSED

4. Request for Approval of Contracts & Grants. Trisha Conner, Contracts & Grants Administrator
a. Approval Nevada Indian Commission (NIC) State of Nevada Grant Application for ARPA
Funds for Tribal Vehicles.

Ms. Conner explained this is a grant application from the State of Nevada for ARPA funds, through the
Nevada Indian Commission (NIC). She met with the Executive Team and came up with some vehicles that
are needed for several programs including the Johnson O’Malley Program (JOM), Public Utilities District
(PUD), Parks and Recreation, Roads Department and the Maintenance Department. The grant doesn’t
require a match, IDC would be covered, however, the proposal is for equipment that is over $5,000 so it
wouldn't be applicable. The application is due at the end of February and if everything is approved by them
to get a proposal and agreement signed by the end of March. It does fit the scope of ARPA. The Parks and

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Recreation will get two vans, the PUD is getting a service truck and a heavy equipment road grader for the
Roads Department.

Councilmember Dunn asked if the Numaga Program needed any vehicles for delivery services. Sherry Ely-
Mendes, Programs Office said she contacted them but didn’t get a response on whether there was a need,
she thinks they could use a vehicle, but they have already allocated the funds.

Councilmember Cortez asked how many graders the Roads Department has and what is the status of their
current grader. Ms. Ely-Mendes said it’s very old and it’s been around for a while, they are constantly fixing
it and getting it repaired. She would like to work towards a grader in each community.

Councilmember Della John said they had a workshop, and the Council had an ARPA list, did they see that?
Ms. Conner said they were provided with the list, but they have to keep the projects within the maximum
amount of the allocation that was available to them. If they go over, then they will have to use Tribal funds
to make up for the overage. They do have other projects, but those project scopes are much more than what
is available for this award.

Councilmember Brady motioned to approve the NIC State of Nevada Grant Application for ARPA Funds for
Tribal Vehicles. Councilmember Ely seconded the motion.

Councilmember Della John said some of these programs already receive ARPA funds, what is the reasoning
for that.

Ms. Conner said the Roads Department didn’t receive any ARPA funds, but the JOM Program did. The reason
she likes the JOM Program is because in the ARPA language, they both qualify for the BIA ARPA funds that is
available to JOM and with these funds it will hopefully increase the number of summer youth workers using
those vans and will be able to deliver more nutritional meals to children on the Reservation.

Councilmember Ely said he saw a pickup truck for the Parks and Recreation Department, his thoughts is that
they will be taking responsibility for the cemeteries.

Councilmember Cortez asked if there would be a conflict with any of the programs like the Roads Department
and JOM because they are 638 funded. There won't be any issues with PUD even though they are run as a
business.

Ms. Conner said no because they are providing water and sewer services, essential services that have to go
on whether there is a pandemic or not.

Votes were six (6) for and zero (0) opposed with one (1) abstention (Della John). MOTION PASSED

b. Approval and Adoption of Resolution to Request Additional Capital Project Funds for
Broadband Project.

Ms. Conner explained earlier this year she came before the Council to provide an update on the ARPA funds
that was given to the Tribe by the US Treasury and among those funds, there were three, there was the
Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund and initially the fund was for $167,504. Back in 2022, the Council

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approved by resolution the application for these funds and it was obligated to broadband infrastructure in
addition to what they received from the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund allocation. Not all the Tribes
accepted the funds or wanted the money, so the US Treasury is reallocating another bunch of money which
comes out to be this amount $21,820.36. She is asking the Council if they can apply for these funds and since
these funds are already set up for broadband to just go ahead and use it for that project.

Councilmember Dunn motioned to approve the resolution to request additional Capital Project Funds for the
Broadband Project. Councilmember Brady seconded the motion. Votes were seven (7) for and zero (0)
opposed with zero (0) abstentions. MOTION PASSED. RESOLUTION NO.: PL 010-24 CAPITAL PROJECT
FUNDS BROADBAND PROJECT

5. Request for Approval Update Transportation Project Priorities Resolution. Johnnie Garcia,
Transportation Planning

Mr. Garcia explained his request is to update the Tribal Priority List for Roads. They are nearing completion
of a couple of the projects and so it is a good time to have the Council update the list. He included a map of
the smaller roads because they may be hard to find because they are short sections, and a part of the
community already needed to be fixed and paved. He heard the presentation on the NextEra agreements and
with the Bypass Road at Olinghouse they are going to be close together, he is going to need to doa little more
research on how that is going to affect the Bypass Road.

Councilmember Genevieve John motioned to approve Update Tribal Transportation Project Priorities
Resolution.

Councilmember Della John said when they added the Bypass Road, does that mean the existing roads are
getting further down the list so the potholes will have to wait until the number one project gets approved
right?

Mr. Garcia said the existing roads are maintenance projects to patch and seal, it’s all construction funds. They
received a big grant to construct the Bypass Road, and they recently received $12 million to construct it. They
still need to get it approved on the Tribal Transportation Improvement, then they start to put funds into the
project. This is just the beginning to update TTP, they are not taking away any funds from any other projects,
they are still working off a priority list to use the funds they have available.

Councilmember Cortez seconded the motion. Votes were five (5) for and zero (0) opposed with two (2)
abstentions (Ely, Della John). MOTION PASSED. RESOLUTION NO.: PL 011-24 UPDATED
TRANSPORTATION PROJECT PRIORITIES

Councilmember Dunn asked about the speed limit near their new Transit Facility. Ms. Ely-Mendes said
recently during the last Burning Man (BM) event, the Federal Highways came out and did a study of that
whole area right by SR 446 and 447 intersection and filed a report and are in the process to get it approved.
These findings were that there are some issues there with pedestrian and bicycle users. That is something
they will be able to use to start looking for funding to get a walkway done and maybe some road widening
and to possibly slow vehicles down with a roundabout at the intersection.

6. Request for Approval Land Assignments with Resolutions. Richard Frazier, Tribal Land Manger

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Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribal Council
February 16, 2024, Special minutes

a. Elaine Duncan - Wadsworth
Mr. Frazier explained this is a home conveyance at 220 Sagebrush Street, Wadsworth NV.

Councilmember Cortez motioned to approve the land assignment for Elaine Duncan. Councilmember Davis
seconded the motion. Votes were seven (7) for and zero (0) opposed with two (2) abstentions (Brady,
Guerrero). MOTION PASSED. RESOLUTION NO.: PL 012-24 LAND ASSIGNMENT ELAINE DUNCAN

b. Charlotte M. Merrell - Wadsworth
Mr. Frazier explained this is a home site at 40 Reservation Street, Wadsworth, NV.

Councilmember Genevieve John motioned to approve the land assignment for Charlotte M. Merrell.
Councilmember Ely seconded the motion. Votes were seven (7) for and zero (0) opposed with zero (0)
abstentions. MOTION PASSED. RESOLUTION NO.: PL 013-24 LAND ASSIGNMENT CHARLOTTE M
MERRELL

c. Donna M. Teton - Nixon

Mr. Frazier said this is for information only, it seems Charlie John put in for Ms. Tetons existing home and
site and she didn’t respond to Mr. John’s application. When this came up at the committee, records show that
everything was still in Ms. Teton’s name from the original when she first got the home. There was no action
taken and this one is for information only.

Mr. Frazier asked the Council where they were on his ordinance and application. He would like to bring them
both back to the Council and get those moving forward as the applications are stacking up in his office. He
could bring the comments he received at the next meeting, and they could go over them and maybe make
some kind of decision and address the moratorium that was stipulated there.

Councilmember Ely said the moratorium automatically expired after 90 days. Mr. Frazier said they still need
to address the comments on the application.

Councilmember Cortez motioned to approve the extension of the land assignment moratorium for new
assignment requests for 60 days from February 16, 2024. Councilmember Brady seconded the motion. Votes
were six (6) for and zero (0) opposed with one (1) abstention (Della John). MOTION PASSED

Mr. Frazier said he will incorporate the comments and have it back to the Council prior to the next meeting
for their review.

Councilmember Davis said they talked about the Council meeting with the Land & Resource Committee to
work on the policy and the application back in October.

Vice Chairman Wadsworth said they will meet on March 1+.

7. Request for Approval to Rent Food Distribution Kitchen, Policy and Form. Francesca Maipi, Food
Distribution Manager

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Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribal Council
February 16, 2024, Special minutes

Ms. Maipi submitted a kitchen use agreement and kitchen use policy to be approved to be able to rent out
their kitchen for commercial businesses to utilize during business hours only.

Councilmember Davis asked why they would rent it monthly? Who is coming to rent from them monthly.
Ms. Maipi said it would be businesses like the cottage industry businesses, like the person that makes their
bread and jam, they would rent it monthly so they wouldn’t have to go to Reno to do it. This would generate

a monthly income which would go directly back into their program, the pantry or Tribal budget.

Councilmember Dunn had a question on page three of the policy under restrictions, regarding CE-
cigarettes, is that supposed to be E-Cigarettes. Ms. Maipi confirmed it was a typo, and it is supposed to be E-
cigarettes.

Councilmember Ely commented there was a lot of funding put into the kitchen and the Food Distribution
program doesn’t use it as much, are they are allowed to rent it out.

Ms. Maipi said they hardly use it, but she is looking to create a Soup Kitchen twice a month, noting she
doesn’t like that phrase, but to provide dinners which would be contracted out to someone else to create
dinners using the food in the pantry. This would be at night.

Councilmember Dunn asked if they were working with the diabetes program for food education.

Ms. Maipi said they are coordinating with Ms. Williams in the Diabetes Program, but she is waiting on
funding.

Councilmember Cortez said he doesn’t see anything about certifications such as food safety or food
handlers’ course, certain standard requirements for using a kitchen.

Ms. Maipi said she would add that information to the policy.
Councilmember Dunn added on the application the waiving of the fees for tribal programs like diabetes.

Ms. Maipi said only if it’s in partnership with the Food Distribution Program, she is trying not to have every
department come and use the kitchen just to use it.

Councilmember Brady said for businesses 20 hours at $300 and one to five hours for Tribal members $100
an hour? Seems excessive.

Ms. Maipi said for Tribal members it’s $100 for one to five hours, anything additional is $50. There is a $250
deposit for both.

Councilmember Ely asked about what type of businesses they have in mind who might be renting the
kitchen.

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Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribal Council
February 16, 2024, Special minutes

Ms. Maipi said there are food trucks or anyone who has to do food prep in a commercial kitchen. At the
current time they have to go to All Points Grill in Fernley, or they have to go to Reno.

Councilmember Davis said she is confused because her application says, “they are only to use the kitchen
for food prep and cooking. No selling of goods or products will be conducted on the premises.”

Ms. Maipi said they are prepping and cooking the food they will be selling. Food trucks in Fernley are not
allowed to prep food inside their trucks, they must go to a commercial kitchen, a Washoe County Certified
Commercial kitchen, so they are providing that space for them closer to home. Their kitchen is Indian
Health Service (HIS) certified, and they did get a surprise visit that day and passed.

Councilmember Brady asked if they will be required to have liability insurance.
Ms. Maipi said the businesses should already have it if they have a Nevada Business License.

Councilmember Cortez asked if that would be a requirement since they are a business coming onto the
Reservation and to also coordinate with the Tax Department.

Councilmember Brady asked if this is something the Food Distribution Program needs to do, rent out their
kitchen.

Ms. Maipi said if they want to expand the way they want to they need to generate income. Just like the
Catholic Charities, they assessed 42 pantries, but they have two thrift stores on top of the grants.

Councilmember Ely had reservations about this request since it’s a program for the membership who are in
need and now, we’re turning it into a business for businesspeople and he doesn’t see the fees that will
generate that much more money as opposed to the use and the wear and tear on the ovens, the sink and
plumbing. He doesn’t think it’s a good idea personally.

Councilmember Dunn added maybe because Ms. Maipi didn’t provide them how it was going to go back
into the program, repair and maintenance was mentioned but would like to hear more specific information
on what they will be doing with the money.

Councilmember Ely said if they are going to wear and repair it, then they aren’t making money anyways.
Ms. Maipi said it would go into the wear, repair and maintenance of the building and mostly it would go
back into the food pantry. Food or equipment for the pantry or fuel for their vehicles. There are things they
don’t get from the pantry like Splenda and Sweet and Low for Diabetics rather than regular sugar which

they get from the food bank now.

Councilmember Brady said she gets where Councilmember Ely is coming from but $300 is cheap, she
would like to see $1,000 to be more reasonable.

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Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribal Council
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Ms. Maipi said she based the amount on a kitchen called Nourish and Flourish, they are located in Reno and
have 24-hour access and provide 20 hours for $600 and to be more accessible to everyone, that is how she
came up with the $300.

Councilmember Dunn asked if the non-Tribal member is a non-Native or not a Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribal
member?

Ms. Maipi said a non-Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribal member, if she can’t verify them then they are non-Tribal.

Councilmember Genevieve John asked that a statement be provided showing this is not in conflict with any
of the grant requirements by accepting or creating this site business, utilizing facilities would benefit.

Councilmember Genevieve John motioned to table the Rental of the Food Distribution Kitchen, policy and form
and to bring it back at the March 1, 2024, Regular Council meeting with corrections recommended by the
Council. Councilmember Della John seconded the motion. Votes were six (6) for and one (1) opposed (Ely)
with zero (0) abstentions. MOTION PASSED

EXECUTIVE TEAM
1. Business Office. Benjamin John. Report Submitted

a. Approval Resolution to Rescind Prior Resolution Approving GS Wage Scale.

Mr. John explained back in 2021 working with the Police Department they were trying to solve issues with
recruitment and retention. They decided to move them to a GS wage scale which is typical for their industry
which would have brought them closer to industry standards. However, the GS wage scale step increase
changes every single year. At that time, it was averaging maybe a little bit back then when the Tribe was
averaging 2.5 percent, which the Council approved. The next year, when the Chief of Police did his EANs to
get to the new GS wage scale, the Human Resources (HR) manager denied it and said they were only
approved for one year. Mr. John’s response was no, they approved the GS wage scale and from then
received push back. So, from that point they looked at the wage scale from 2021, then used the starting
wages and changed it to the same as the Tribes and then it matched the Tribe’s Five percent per step. Then
when they did the 3 percent increase on the Tribal wage scale, they didn’t bring this one forward and it was
left out. They are looking to change this one to a 3 percent increase but given all the problems that were
happening in payroll at the time, talking with the Comptroller, it made more sense to find them on the new
Tribal wage scale and do away with this one. They must rescind the other resolution PL 051-22 because in
that resolution, it specifically names the Police Department and the Courts to the GS wage scale.

Councilmember Davis motioned to approve rescinding Resolution PL 051-22. Councilmember Cortez
seconded the motion. Votes were six (6) for and zero (0) opposed with one (1) abstention (Genevieve John).
MOTION PASSED. RESOLUTION NO.: PL 114-24 RESCIND PL 051-22 & APPROVE GS WAGE SCALE

b. Consensus Expenditure of Water/Sewer Infrastructure ARPA Funds.

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Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribal Council
February 16, 2024, Special minutes

Mr. John provided a sheet showing the initial allocation of the ARPA Funds. The sheet shows the funding that
was first allocated minus what was given to the Pyramid Lake Housing Authority (PLHA). It also shows the
projects that are in progress. The two items that state Needs Council approval are two items that need to be
done as a first step, they are 1) Shaw Engineering to Evaluation Old Washoe County Irrigation Piping for
Usability with Potable water in the amount of $107,350.00 and 2) Second Tank for the Sutcliffe Community
in the amount of $978, 250.00. After getting these done, it leaves a balance of $1.5 million. And of those he
put into groups to try and spend the funds in different groupings. Group three got the most done but it went
over by $171,000. They are looking at the funds that didn’t get spent during the distribution for the Tribal
member assistance, which was about $260,000.

Councilmember Della John stated the distribution funds have to stay as distribution funds because that is the
resolution it was approved with.

Mr. John said this is just an idea, he needs consensus to go ahead and have these two contracts signed for the
water tank and then determining if the old irrigation system in Wadsworth is usable. If it’s usable to save a
lot of money on the projects to extend water lines, they can use that piping.

Councilmember Ely said he remembers when he received this from the ARPA funds, and it was a resolution
that it would be spent on water infrastructure to fix the Sutcliffe water issue. He sees on the form the
Hardscrabble Creek wellhouse but not the tank. Mr. John said the tank that is on top is the one that needs to
get done.

Vice Chairman Wadsworth said groups one, two and three would be in addition to correct? Mr. John agreed
with the tank and the exploration of the system in Wadsworth, if it’s usable, those two items are the first
steps they need to take before they do anything else. Then what is left over is the $1.5 million that is spread
out between the different projects which he finally received numbers for.

Councilmember Ely asked if the Sutcliffe water tank and the hardscrabble Creek wellhouse work together to
help the water issue?

Mr. John said he tried to use up the remaining $1.5 million because the Council wanted something now.

Councilmember Ely said they are coming up on the deadline of December 2024, they received the funds in
2021, and they need to earmark it and get it moving and spend the funds.

Mr. John said the Council identified the Sutcliffe well, Wadsworth and Nixon and rated Sutcliffe number one,
with Wadsworth number two and Nixon number three, as far as priority goes.

Councilmember Ely said they were going to fix the well or enhance the well and then build a pump house
around it and then tie it into the existing system there and into the tank.

Mr. John said the water main is located right on the highway and is where it will connect into. He just grouped
the projects together to use up the $1.5 million but the Council doesn’t have to go with this, they can pick and
choose which project they want out of all of them listed.

Councilmember Genevieve John asked if the second tank for the Sutcliffe community says $978,250, is that
how much they spent or obligated?

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Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribal Council
February 16, 2024, Special minutes

Mr. John said no, the second tank for the Sutcliffe Community needs Council approval.
Councilmember Della John asked if this second Sutcliffe tank is different from Hardscrabble.

Mr. John said there is the second Sutcliffe water tank and the upfitting of the Hardscrabble well, but they still
haven’t received more information from the Engineers they are using from the PLHA on the flow rate. They
gave him a timeline to get back to him in April sometime. They have been working on it for some time now
but he’s their last priority since they are working on PLHA items now. This is the reason he is using Shaw
Engineering and it’s where he received his numbers. He is looking for approval to use Shaw Engineering for
the evaluation in Wadsworth and for the second Sutcliffe water tank. What he provided for the Council is a
breakdown of the projects, how much they will cost and their priorities. It’s up to the Council on which ones
they want to go forward with.

Councilmember Cortez summarized from the proposed projects, if they picked group 1, they would have
$115,578.00 left over, if they picked group 2, they would have $76,452.00 left over and if they chose group
3, they would be $171,953.00 in the red.

In response to Councilmember Ely’s question about the breakdown of funds? Mr. John said after allocating
funds to the PLHA for the Big Bend Housing Project, there was $3,050,000.00 left; with phase 1 of the
remediation and mitigation of water aesthetic issues within the Reservation in progress, there was
$2,867,054.00 left; with the MOU with PLPT Housing/Akana Approved and in progress, there was
$2,661.000.00 left; if the Council approves the Shaw Engineering to evaluate the Washoe County Irrigation
Piping in Wadsworth, there will be $2,553,650.00 left; and if the Council approves the Second tank for the
Sutcliffe Community, there will be $1,575,4.00.00 left. This amount would then be used for the three proposed
project groups 1, 2, or 3. The Council doesn’t have to approve Shaw Engineering or the Second tank for the
Sutcliffe Community, but he is recommending they do.

Councilmember Ely understands these estimates, if they build the second tank in Sutcliffe ($978,250.000)
and enhanced the Hardscrabble Creek Wellhouse ($390,000.00), that will come to $1,368,250.00, and he
knows those are not solid numbers. Mr. John stressed the numbers he has for the Hardscrabble Creek
Wellhouse is just to design it not to actually build it.

Councilmember Genevieve John asked if the projects would be in April if they approved of the two that Mr.
John is recommending for approval. Mr. John said no, once they get the approval, they can get the contracts
signed next week and they can start the process. Once signed, Shaw Engineering said they could be done
sometime before June for the evaluation, the tank....

Councilmember Della John asked what the Irrigation Piping is in Wadsworth. Mr. John said a while back, they
were approached by Washoe County who has an irrigation system that goes from the southern end of
Wadsworth, underneath the highway, down to Herman’s and in that area of those homes down there and
only pumped irrigation water through it. When they gave the well and the land the well was on, to the Tribe,
they had the water tested in the well. They were going to get rid of the well but when they had the water
tested, it was recommended by EPA that the water was good enough they could blend it with the water they
were already using from the other wells. However, the idea was to get rid of the well because it was pumping

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Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribal Council
February 16, 2024, Special minutes

off the same aquifer anyways. Now, they have the infrastructure there, but they know there is a leak
somewhere because that pressure tank won’t hold pressure and in order to keep that system charged, they
have to sit down and keep pumping air to keep the bladder full. That is what Shaw Engineers will do, they
will evaluate the whole system to make sure they can use it, then they will treat it with chlorine, let it sit, test
it to make sure it is good but before they can put potable water in there and they can use it on actual lines for
the residential water system and just increase the size of it, and get onto the highway without having to put
in new lines. This one will potentially will be used for non-Natives which is why they put in the water meter
scale, which is in the ordinance and the idea behind it was if they did do this with the non-Natives, they can
charge them on their metered water so they would be paying for the cost of the water rather than the Tribe
subsidizing, like they do for the Tribal members. Whether they charge Tribal members would be up to the
Council, it’s already in the ordinance but the Council has never said to use it.

Councilmember Cortez motioned to approve the following projects: Shaw Engineering for the Evaluation of
the old Washoe county Irrigation Piping for usability with Potable Water and the Second Sutcliffe Water Tank
for the Sutcliffe Community. Councilmember Dunn seconded the motion. Votes were five (5) for and two (2)
opposed (Ely, Della John) with zero (0) abstentions. MOTION PASSED

Vice Chairman Wadsworth said for the rest of the funds about $1.5 million is the next discussion.

Mr. John said that would be the Council’s decision however, in speaking with the IT Manager on their
Broadband Project, he was about $1.8 million short of finishing his project. Working with him, they found a
company that will trench down Hill Ranch Road, in their trench they are able to put a water line and fiber. It
would basically use up the remaining funds.

Vice Chairman Wadsworth asked if that happens, would the residents on Hill Ranch Road not have to use
their wells they would be on the water system?

Mr. John said he hasn’t received any specific plans from the IT Manager so he doesn’t know where it starts
or where it ends, he just gave him a number and said this is what it will cost to trench Hill Ranch Road.

Councilmember Genevieve John said before they can make a decision they would need more information. Mr.
John said that is the reason he didn’t put it in on the spreadsheet.

Councilmember Brady said she is still stuck on the priority for Hardscrabble, they wanted to fix the Sutcliffe
water system so why would they not do that? The Wellhouse, estimated at $390,000? Vice Chairman
Wadsworth said his spreadsheet is presenting groups 1 through 3, the Council can choose whichever one
they want to go with for the remaining $1.5 million or they can make their own group or dedicate it all to
Sutcliffe. Councilmember Brady said Sutcliffe was Priority 1.

Councilmember Ely asked how many homes they serve in Sutcliffe verses Hill Ranch Road. Mr. John said
about 65 homes in Sutcliffe, and they don’t service anyone down Hill Ranch Road. Councilmember Ely said
Hill Ranch Road still has issues especially with CEMEX but there are about 20 homes. He agrees with
Councilmember Geneveive John, it would be interesting to see an estimate for Hill Ranch Road. Mr. John said
they don’t have to make a decision now, but he is just bringing it to the Council’s attention, but they could
have it under contract by Monday if they wanted.

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Councilmember Ely said according to the rough numbers they have $1,681,750.00 to do other projects but
he thinks this started out as a priority in Sutcliffe with the dirty pipes. Mr. John said the other thing is they
would have a new tank, and a new well but the pipes are still going to be the same. Councilmember Ely asked
about the ice picking. Mr. John said they are on the schedule but now they want a 20% deposit, so he will
have to submit for that because the Council said the funds are there, but they are currently out of the area
and will let him know when they will be back. They just had the tanks cleaned with the funding that was set
aside.

Vice Chairman Wadsworth asked with the Hardscrabble Wellhouse, if they got off the Mullins Pass water, in
his opinion how much cleaner would the water be? Mr. John said it would help a lot but the item that didn’t
get put in the spreadsheet but is needed, they don’t’ have the funding for it would be to install more valves
so they can isolate them and flush better because now when they try to flush, they can’t isolate a single line
to flush. Even when they shut off and they go to flush it, it’s still moving through the system and not actually
flushing. When they did this in Wadsworth and the company broke it, the Indian Health Service (IHS) paid
for it and it was about $75,000 for one valve to be hot tapped in and it would require 15 valves for Sutcliffe.
At a minimum one valve would work but the problem is when everything was put up there it was installed
in sections, and they didn’t have any way to isolate each little section. It’s just old stuff which is the problem.

Councilmember Ely said he is on the Housing Board and there are a lot of requests for homes in Sutcliffe and
that is the first discussion, do they have water, decent water?

Mr. John said Shaw Engineering gave him numbers on the lining which is going to be needed to increase
homes in Sutcliffe. The Council can decide to do just Sutcliffe but that is something they don’t need to decide
now.

Councilmember Davis said she remembers IHS saying at one time, it’s because the detention ponds in
Wadsworth that were holding back the growth in the Wadsworth area. Mr. John said currently there is
nowhere in Wadsworth that has infrastructure anymore. The new ones that were put in, the line stops there.
There was a plan to connect it to Rabbit Drive but there is no funding. It is on the plan butit’s a lower priority.
For the retention ponds in Wadsworth, there are overflow ponds that can be used, it is not as critical as lining
the one in Sutcliffe because that one is closer to the Lake. The ones in Wadsworth just need to be cleaned out.

Councilmember Geneveive John said with people wanting to live in Sutcliffe and then being allowed to choose
that, they need to make sure they have better water but what is it going to cost them especially since they
have the funds. Mr. John said there isn’t enough funds to fix it but it’s a step in the right direction, it should
improve it.

Vice Chairman Wadsworth said if they look at proposed project group 1, it’s got the Hardscrabble Creek
Wellhouse, it has the Sutcliffe WWTP Pond Line (wastewater treatment ponds), which leaves just over $1.5
million left.

Councilmember Davis said she understands the need in Sutcliffe but the waiting list for Sutcliffe isn’t half as
long as the waiting lists for Wadsworth. The number of homes in Sutcliffe isn’t even a third of the number of
homes in Wadsworth. They need to look at where the population of the membership is.

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February 16, 2024, Special minutes

Councilmember Cortez said another thing to consider is what housing development the PLHA is going to
work on next, they are going to work on Wadsworth, then Nixon and eventually Sutcliffe. Looking at that
standpoint, they will need funding again when it comes to Nixon.

Mr. John said another thing to consider is the change in orders, these amounts are estimates. He agrees with
the Council to do Sutcliffe.

Vice Chairman Wadsworth said for everyone to keep in mind they are looking at $1,575,400 leftover and
then they have the projects listed for them.

Moving on to another subject for Mr. John, Councilmember Ely asked regarding Ms. Thomas’s report where
she said the lease agreement for commercial lease, land lease, homeowner lease is complete. Is that complete
and what is the next step to where they are able to lease land and to get some of these 184 projects for those
members who are ready, but the lease ordinance isn’t in place.

Mr. John said he did get it back from Ms. Thomas. Originally, they were working on the green energy part of
it to learn about solar and wind energy and they included the residential part in there. What he noticed was
they were using language that is specific and too limiting. Just like what is happening with the Realty
Department, they lease homes to Tribal members and non-Tribal members. This would be a question for the
Council, the language in the lease agreement is only specific to Tribal members, it wouldn’t cover non-Tribal
members if they were leasing a home on the Reservation. Do they want to make it “lessee” rather than Tribal
member. He hasn’t had a chance to send it back to Ms. Thomas, which would be a long process but if they just
changed the verbiage, then it would be ready to go at that point. He would also have to go to the Law and
Order Committee for them to review and bring to the Council to request a 30-day posting, then it would go
to the BIA for approval because it’s just an amendment to the Hearth Act.

Councilmember Della John asked if this was the 99-year lease that a business proposed on Dodge Flats. Mr.
John said that it is under Business Leasing but it’s not 99 years, it’s 25-years with the two options for 25-
years each. That would be up to them to develop that type of lease, if the Council doesn’t want it they don’t
have to do that. Councilmember Della John asked what the Tribe has in place that does the solicitor’s review,
because it’s in trust you want to protect the land. Mr. John said it has to be in the ordinance, it’s reviewed by
the Solicitor’s Office before they sign off on it. The first part of it was sent to them and approved but at that
time they didn’t have any interest in solar so they didn’t do that section. Now they do, so they are working
on getting the solar and it was what he asked for and he received both back. It will go before the Law and
Order Committee next month, then it will come to the Council for permission to post.

Richard Frazier, Tribal Land Manager, said regarding the residential lease for Section 184, that particular
lease still has to go through BIA and the Tribe’s involvement in that is only approving the conversion from
assignment to lease. Mr. John’s language in his business leases cover some of that also, besides the approval
they already have for doing the residential leases.

Councilmember Della John asked if the revenue from the lease goes to the General Fund. Mr. John confirmed
it did.

2. Programs Office. Sherry Ely-Mendes, Report Submitted

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Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribal Council
February 16, 2024, Special minutes

a. Approval of Bids for Courthouse Renovations.
Ms. Ely-Mendes said she is doing her best to get the funding spent on the Tribal Court.

Ben John and she looked over the bids and thought Pack Construction was the most economical and thorough
bidder for the project at $44,000. A separate request is for CNC Electric to do the electricity at the Courthouse
because it needs it.

Councilmember Cortez said that’s a lot of work for that amount of money when you're thinking about how
much supplies cost. Ms. Ely-Mendes said it could be as a contractor; he gets the supplies for a good price.

Councilmember Genevieve John asked about the expansion of the porch area to expand the Judicial building.
Ms. Ely-Mendes wasn’t a part of the scope of work, but she could put it out there with the guys she is working
and get some bids. The newest scope of work does not include the work that John T. Handyman previously
completed, who was let go because of the amount of his bids which were high. The scope of work was posted
in the Reno Gazette Journal, and she also sent it to a few local guys who were recommended to her.

Councilmember Cortez recommended she post it to the Tribe’s website and Facebook page.

Councilmember Della John motioned to approve the bid for Pack Construction for the Courthouse Renovations
in the amount of $44,100. Councilmember Brady seconded the motion. Votes were six (6) for and zero (0)
opposed with one (1) abstention (Cortez). MOTION PASSED

Ms. Ely-Mendes reported she received a bid for electrical on the Courthouse who recommended dedicated
circuits for the computer systems and for everything else because they were overloading the circuit. She
would like to just hire him rather than get bids for this project. This would be for CNC Electric.

Councilmember Ely stated CNC Electric does a lot of work for the Housing Department.

Councilmember Davis motioned to approve the request for CNC Electric for the electrical circuits at the
Courthouse. Councilmember Dunn seconded the motion. Votes were six (6) for and zero (0) opposed with
one (1) abstention (Della John). MOTION PASSED

Ms. Ely-Mendes said she looked at the job description for the Court Administrator as requested, and it isn’t
in her job description to be a part of the Law and Order Committee, not the committee specifically, but it is
in her job description to be at every meeting, to provide feedback which would a member of the committee
would do but as a consultant. As her supervisor, I would require her to attend the meetings to report on the
Court and to provide any updates to the committee.

Councilmember Brady asked if the Court Administrator got on the committee before she was hired as the
administrator. Councilmember Davis said she thinks she got on the committee as the Court Clerk, then she
was hired as the Court Administrator.

Councilmember Ely said he pointed it out because of the Court Audit it was stated it was a conflict of interest
she sat on the committee. Ms. Ely-Mendes said she didn’t think it was a conflict of interest, they felt she should
be there to provide feedback. Questioning what the board does and what positions they put her in, doesn’t
make sense but if the Council is not comfortable with it then it would be up to them to make a decision on it.

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Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribal Council
February 16, 2024, Special minutes

Vice Chairman Wadsworth said because there is no policy to govern it, like the Health Board specifically says
you cannot be an employee versus the Law and Order Committee where there is not policy.

COMPTROLLER REPORT. John McCauley (I). Report Submitted.
a. Approval of 2024 Tribal Budget.

Mr. McCauley stated he was able to find more royalties from CEMEX which weren't previously reported,
including the Economic Development Fund and Burial.

Councilmember Geneveive John asked if there were budgets asking for equipment. Mr. McCauley reported
there were a few vehicles for Parks and Recreation which were being presented by Trish Conner. The biggest
one is a freezer for Food Distribution.

Councilmember Della John asked if the payments in lieu of taxes from the Housing Authority were included,
which they are supposed to pay every year. It helps to cover the costs of their projects when they put up
outside lights along the streets and the Tribe pays the bill; there is a payment in lieu of taxes they give every
year. Mr. McCauley said it was not.

Vice Chairman Wadsworth said he has to pay for his outside lighting, it’s on his bill every month.

Councilmember Della John said it depends on the Housing project; the power company provides a list of all
the streetlights the Tribe pays for on their invoices, but the Housing Authority gives a payback to the Tribe
in lieu of taxes to the Tribe to cover some of those costs.

Vice Chairman Wadsworth said they will look into it because the did cover some of the costs for the work
that was done in front of Natchez School.

Councilmember Brady was curious about the 5011 Cattle Range fees, she was under the understanding that
$1 ahead is supposed to come from each cow, this budget hasn’t moved since she has been on Council. She
was hearing something different about the funds that it was being paid into but the funds were going into
the General Fund. Mr. McCauley said he looked into this last March and found there were some who had long
gaps in payment but yes, it is going into General Fund. Councilmember Geneveive John said these are general
funds so they should be going into that line item. Councilmember Brady said the fund has been the same
since 2021 meaning there has been no more or less cows.

Mr. McCauley said everything he has reported is the actual numbers except for the royalties because their
final numbers haven’t been booked yet, but it’s noted.

Councilmember Cortez asked if the Comptroller’s recommendation would be to keep it at a higher rate or try
to get it down to what they have in the budgets. Mr. McCauley said given the last couple of years, the budgets
haven’t been fully spent out so it’s fine as it is, there are only a few that meet their budget amount. Again, *
understaffing is going to continue and some of those are not going to be able to utilize their entire budgets.
Looking at only 20-30% increase over this year’s expenditures as some departments have gotten more staff
but where the budget is now, using 2023, there is enough for next year. That is the reason he didn’t include
any past history because it’s his thought those numbers should stay there. Reserves should be kept as
reserves and it’s the reason the Council is only seeing the numbers from the previous year which is a

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Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribal Council
February 16, 2024, Special minutes

projection for next year that they are going to make because he took off all non-recurring revenues like ARPA
and a couple other things throughout the year. That way those don’t get considered because that is always
the goal is to use recurring revenues to meet the recurring expenses.

Councilmember Ely asked if he thinks they will have funds unspent in the amount of $93,000 which they can
use to reimburse Transportation because that resolution was passed nine months ago, and no action has
been taken on it. Mr. McCauley said he remembers in December it was mentioned, and he asked to be given
the resolution, but he is not going to decide if something was done in the past and he doesn’t have the
resolution. He would need to know where the funds would be coming from.

Councilmember Dunn asked for clarification for fund code 113 Tribal Domestic Services, is that Victim
Services? It needs to be changed to Victim Services. For Gaming Commission, fund code 096, wonder why it’s
included if it’s not a department.

Councilmember Cortez asked if he was able to correct the budget for fund code 072 and 074, Tribal Council
and Tribal Council Indirect. Mr. McCauley said yes, those were updated, and the other change was for the
Parks and Recreation. The Council was wondering why they had a fuel line item; it is because they are
anticipating getting a vehicle, EMS, he reduced their amount as requested and Social Services is funding
another position.

Councilmember Ely said the EMS didn’t reduce to $113,000 or $100,000. Mr. McCauley said he told him
$116,000. Vice Chairman Wadsworth said their original budget under 122 was $1.7 million but now it’s $1.6
million.

Councilmember Genevieve John asked why the Ranger’s budget was so high. Chief of Police (COP) Chris
Parsons explained part of this. Councilmember Cortez added it was part of the Charter funds; they didn’t
have to do the budget modification when the funds came in at the end of the quarter. Councilmember Davis
said they made a motion to remove the Charter funds out. Vice Chairman Wadsworth confirmed they took
the charter funds out of his budget, so it increased his Tribal budge because he no longer has those funds,
and it goes to the General Fund. Mr. McCauley added previously he would have added it to his budget as
revenue and shrinking the bottom line, but his expenses are still at the level they have been. Vice Chairman
Wadsworth said this also saves him from doing a budget mod at the end of the year when they get the funds
now it’s just automatically there.

Councilmember Genevieve John noted for Law Enforcement his budget is $1 million or so for the Police and
Rangers. Mr. McCauley said they did go over budget to cover the number of officers needed and to track and
retain them, it’s just something they must do. COP Parsons did mention two officers already left because they
had better offer elsewhere, mostly focused on retirement. Vice Chairman Wadsworth said they probably
won't spend all the funding mostly because of personnel.

Councilmember Brady asked about the License Plate Fund, is that a special fund? Mr. McCauley said it
shouldn’t be in there because it has specific uses, and they were asking why the Tribe wasn’t spending or if
they have pending projects. This fund is spent on projects for the Lake or tourism. Currently there is $550,000
in that account. Some of it is supposed to be set aside for high school rodeo events. Councilmember Brady
asked if it could be used for the PL Fisheries shortfall? Councilmember Davis said probably no because it has
to be in what the agreement is with the State. Councilmember Della John said they used some of it for river

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Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribal Council
February 16, 2024, Special minutes

restoration for a Natural Resources project. Mr. McCauley said it’s outlined specifically in the resolution for
it. He has a meeting with the Tax Department and will follow up with this question. Councilmember Brady
was concerned the State would get rid of that program if the Tribe was not using it. Mr. McCauley said it
didn’t sound like there was a threat for not using it, they just want to know for what purpose the Tribe is
using it. Benjamin John said he spoke with Vernelda Frazier, Tax Department Director about this and the
State issue was that it hadn’t been transferred from the account that holds the License Plate fund into the
General Fund. That is where the question came from on whether the Tribe was saving up for a project, then
they asked does the Tribe really need these funds if they haven’t moved it and it would be a possibility if the
Tribe doesn’t use the funds. It’s more a matter of reporting that the funds were moved and the reports being
on time. He’s working with Vernelda to look at the new tax information to see what they are responsible for
and working with Mr. McCauley to see if it would be better for the Tax Department to just submit those
reports themselves so they can be on top of it. It was just the reporting wasn’t on time to the State. They are
trying to figure out how to make sure the reports are prepared and submitted in time to the State, that was
the issue.

Councilmember Genevieve John asked if they could use it at the Lake for more picnic areas. Mr. McCauley
said he previously spoke to Dan Mosley and there was an assessment done of what users would prefer to see
if rates are increased. The assessment was done in 2019 or 2020 and there should be something on file,
possibly a resolution that has suggestions for the Lake.

It was recommended it could be used for signage, QR codes on the beaches where it takes you to the website
for purchasing permits and include it in Spanish. Councilmember Cortez suggested a restroom on the closed
area side for Tribal members.

Councilmember Brady asked for an update about the audit. Mr. McCauley said, being a subrecipient of that
division through the State and the Tribe, by not doing their part and this being the third year, the State is
getting tired and the Tribe needs to take action. He has spoken with Laura at the Nevada Department of
Transportation (NDOT) but he doesn’t get the feeling that anything is dire at the moment because they
haven't been given suspense and it’s been two weeks since he last heard from them. Councilmember Brady
asked what the ramifications could be if the response to the audit is not provided. Mr. McCauley said he would
assume they wouldn’t cut them off but at a minimum maybe have the Tribe front some of the funding for a
time until it gets done or they won’t issue any reimbursements until they get what they need. He had nothing
specific in his conversations with NDOT so that is why he doesn’t feel too much pressure now.

Councilmember Ely motioned to approve the 2024 Tribal Budget with a name change for Budget 112 from
Social Services to Human Services and Budget 113 from Tribal Domestic Violence to Victim Services.
Councilmember Dunn seconded the motion. Votes were five (5) for and one (1) opposed (Della John) with
one (1) abstention (Cortez). MOTION PASSED

Councilmember Della John opposed it because she didn’t want to approve the budget for EMS.

Councilmember Genevieve John asked they consider another distribution to the Tribal members during
Christmas. Vice Chairman Wadsworth said in order to accommodate that request they would need to stay
vigilant with the Comptroller to set up quarterly updates so they can get a better handle on the budgets.

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Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribal Council
February 16, 2024, Special minutes

Moving on to another issue, Councilmember Brady asked the Comptroller to find funds for the fenced area
that is being used as a shortcut by NextEra personnel along SR 447. Knowing they don’t have the personnel
to keep monitoring the area.

Councilmember Brady motioned to direct that funds be found to close the section on SR 447 where NextEra
personnel were taking a shortcut to their solar panels. Councilmember Dunn seconded the motion. Votes were
four (4) for and three (3) opposed (Cortez, Davis, Della John) with zero (0) abstentions. MOTION PASSED

Councilmember Davis opposed it because they could ask Natural Resources for supplies lying in their yard.
Councilmember Della John opposed it because the Tribe has supplies on hand to complete the task.

Councilmember Brady amended her motion to her directive to find funds to close the section of SR 447 to find
resources, equipment, materials within the departments to close the section on SR 447 where NextEra personnel
were taking shortcuts to their solar panels. Councilmember Genevieve John seconded the motion. Votes were
seven (7) for and zero (0) opposed with zero (0) abstentions. MOTION PASSED

CHAIRMANS REPORT.

Councilmember Brady had a question about the Chairman’s report. Vice Chairman Wadsworth said because
the Chairman is not present to answer questions, they should table his report.

Councilmember Brady said there was supposed to be follow up after they had a meeting with the group that
came over to request use of the Hardscrabble Ranch who didn’t follow procedures and were to go through
the Inter-Disciplinary Team (IDT).

Councilmember Cortez motioned to table the Chairman’s Report. Councilmember Dunn seconded the motion.
Votes were six (6) for and one (1) opposed (Ely) with zero (0) abstentions.

Councilmember Davis asked if the Chairman was connected on zoom, then they should be able to address
Councilmember Brady’s questions. She rescinded her “for” vote.

Councilmember Cortez rescinded his motion and Councilmember Dunn agreed to rescind his second.

Councilmember Brady asked Chairman Phoenix (connected via zoom) what the topic was in his discussion
with him (unsure who him is), Andrea Matinez and Doug Gardipe. It stated only “Chairman Topics”. Chairman
Phoenix said it was just small talk and reaching out to each other. Will Adler was present during their
conversations and he put it down as collaborative activities along with advising him of February contract
and invoices. Councilmember Brady said it didn’t seem like there was any conversation between the two
since he submitted the same invoices without any details. Chairman Phoenix reiterated he’s told him
numerous times about providing more details if he wants to get paid.

Councilmember Dunn asked what type of community engagement he is planning in the three communities.
Chairman Phoenix said he hasn’t really been able to get out there this year, but he is trying to engage with
community members who want to speak with him and being at the Numaga Elder Center engaging with the
elders. Any recommendations from the Council are agreeable to it.

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Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribal Council
February 16, 2024, Special minutes

Councilmember Ely asked where he is with the Attorney contract for Pilar Thomas, Quarles & Brady LLC, and
the RFPs. They discussed this back in November and wondered if he made any progress. Chairman Phoenix
said it’s drafted but hasn’t gotten with the Executive Team to review it before it comes to the Council.
Councilmember Ely asked when they can expect it to come before the Council because it has been some time
now. Chairman Phoenix said he could get it to the Executive Team to review next week and have it before the
Council via email by March 1s or sooner for review.

Councilmember Cortez said he hoped he wasn’t overstepping but asked if he knew when he would be back
in the office. Chairman Phoenix said he went to the doctor yesterday and was told not to put any weight on
his foot and he can’t drive. He goes back to the Doctor on March 15t so he may be back by then if not sooner.

Councilmember Dunn said he attended the UNR Leadership Summit but there was no takeaway from it, just
said it was a nice turn out. Asked if he could be more specific rather than attaching an agenda to his report.

Councilmember Ely said if he is going to be out of the office for the next three weeks, they need to have
somebody in the Chairman’s position.

Councilmember Brady asked if the Chairman was on zoom the whole meeting because there was discussion
about no communication between the Chairman and key people in administration. There was a directive
given that he includes the Tribal Council in his emails. Chairman Phoenix said a lot of his emails already
includes the Council or is forwarded by the Tribal Secretary. Councilmember Brady said Mr. Adler stated he
hasn’t received anything from the Chairman. Chairman Phoenix responded he hasn’t received anything
specific to the Lands Bill legislation from Mr. Adler since there hasn’t been a lot of interaction so with Mr.
Adler stating that, it is incorrect.

Councilmember Genevieve John asked if the Vice Chairman was ready to step up. Chairman Phoenix stated
the Executive Team has been running the operations at administration and he contacts them every day. The
Council might not see but he is constantly engaging with the Executive Team to continue to push the
programs like he was there on site.

Councilmember Davis is concerned, she thinks they need someone in the Chairman’s office temporarily,
because the Interim Comptroller has stepped down to where he is doing other things rather than Comptroller
duties by trying to get the Finance Department up to speed again. That leaves two Executive Team members,
and she doesn’t know where the Business items are since Benjamin John has become in charge of
Administration. They are putting a lot on two people, like the other duties like meeting with the BLM and
Senator Rosen’s office plus other items they are trying to keep afloat on.

Mr. John said there are times, for instance, the NextEra meetings, it appears to be better if the Chairman or
Vice Chairman can be present, he has been coordinating with Vice Chairman Wadsworth in his full-time
position in IT, to try and give him enough notice so it won’t affect the IT office, when attending events. They
are trying to make it work. It’s not always needed every day all the time but there are certain times when he
has reached out to the Vice Chairman.

Councilmember Ely recommended with the Chairman on medical, he needs to be on medical and heal. There
is a disconnect, the face isn’t there, and the person isn’t there and with communication it’s an odd situation,
but they are making it work.

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Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribal Council
February 16, 2024, Special minutes

Councilmember Dunn asked Mr. John if he had any conflicts that will be coming up within the next 30 days
that would hinder them from going forward. Mr. John said he didn’t see anything, but they expected this and
are just planning on moving forward until the Chairman returns. They do have interviews for the Comptroller
on the 21st, there are two applicants, and one has already passed the provisional background. They can ask
if the applicant can do their provisional backgrounds beforehand, something that is usually done after the
interviews. It was asked if Mr. John would be okay with attending the Water Team meeting and Special
meetings in place of the Chairman within the next couple of weeks and he agreed.

Councilmember Davis asked the Vice Chairman if he would be willing to step in for the next month. Vice
Chairman Wadsworth said he is always willing to step in because that is the Vice Chairman’s duty.
Councilmember Davis said for them as the Council, it would be in their best interest to have somebody in
that position now because of what they are going through and it’s not like he isn’t coming back but he is on
medical leave. She would like to see the Vice Chairman placed into the Chairman’s seat for 30 days.

Councilmember Brady motioned to direct the Vice Chairman to cover the Chairman position full time for
administration for 30 days while the Chairman is on medical leave. Councilmember Genevieve John seconded
the motion. Votes were seven (7) for and zero (0) opposed with zero (0) abstentions. MOTION PASSED

Councilmember Brady asked the Vice Chairman to get a status on the Ms. Thomas’ invoice regarding her
telephone call with Chairman Phoenix regarding status of various matters.

Councilmember Brady has other questions regarding the Courthouse, but she agrees with Ms. Ely-Mendes
about an employee, the Court Administrator should only be a part of that committee but again the Council
was talking about how it is not written in their policy. Another item she would like to see is Paula Wright
step down as the Chairperson of the Law and Order Committee because she is Social Services.

Councilmember Ely said Ms. Wright is the Secretary and Mekala Montoya is the Chairman of the Law and
Order Committee. Councilmember Brady said Ms. Wright is the one presenting and she thinks there is a
conflict of interest.

Councilmember Brady motioned to remove Paula Wright from her seat on the Law & Order Committee due to
her position in the Social Services Department and to repost the vacancy. Councilmember Dunn seconded the
motion. Votes were six (6) for and zero (0) opposed with one (1) abstention (Cortez). MOTION PASSED

Councilmember Brady motioned to remove Mekala Montoya from her seat on the Law & Order Committee due
to the findings of the Tribal Court Assessment, but she is to continue to attend the meetings as directed by her
job description and to repost the vacancy. Councilmember Dunn seconded the motion. Votes were six (6) for
and one (1) opposed (Cortez) with zero (0) abstentions. MOTION PASSED

ADJOURNMENT

With no further business before the Tribal Council, Councilmember Cortez made a motion to adjourn the
meeting. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Dunn. Votes taken were all in favor, motion carried.

The meeting adjourned at 11:12 p.m.

Submitted by,

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Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribal Council
Phun 16, 2024, Special minutes

hn A. Henry {ew

Tribal Council Secretary

CERTIFICATION

The foregoing minutes were adopted by the Pyramid Lake Tribal Council, governing body of the Pyramid
Lake Paiute Tribe, at a meeting duly held on the 17 day of January 2025, having nine (9) members present,
constituting a quorum, by the vote of eight (8) FOR and zero (0) OPPOSED, with zero (0) ABSTENTIONS.

Minutes attested and concurred by:

Steven Wadsworth, Tribal Chairman
Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribal Council

//
//

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Apyramid_lake%3A6a8cfab8fb451564. Public record. Not legal advice.