[History: Tribal Act #06-24.1650 enacted by Tribal Council
at Special Session on April 26, 2006.]
This Plan of Operation and any amendments thereto shall serve
as the operating guideline for the GTB Department of Public Works
("Department").
[History: Tribal Act #06-24.1650 enacted by Tribal Council
at Special Session on April 26, 2006.]
The purpose of the Department will be to manage, operate, and
maintain utility systems of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and
Chippewa Indians ("GTB," "Tribe").
[History: Tribal Act #06-24.1650 enacted by Tribal Council
at Special Session on April 26, 2006.]
The Department will maintain an office in Peshawbestown, Michigan.
Its address will be:
|
Grand Traverse Band Department of Public Works
2605 N. West Bayshore Drive
Peshawbestown, MI 49682
|
[History: Tribal Act #06-24.1650 enacted by Tribal Council
at Special Session on April 26, 2006.]
(a)
Water Service. The Department is responsible to provide safe, adequate
water for a fee to those houses connected to the mainlines of Tribally
owned public water systems. Responsibility for maintenance will include
water sources, storage tanks, controls, mainlines, valves and hydrants,
and service lines to the curb stops only. The service line from the
curb stop to the house or building and the interior plumbing are the
responsibility of the customer.
(b)
Sewerage Service. The Department is responsible to provide sanitary
disposal of domestic waste for a fee to those houses and businesses
connected to the main lines of the community sewerage systems. Responsibility
for maintenance will include treatment facilities, pumping stations,
mainlines and manholes, and service lines to the property lines only.
The Service line from the property line to the house or business and
interior plumbing are the responsibility of the customer.
(c)
Customer Service. To ensure the provision of adequate water and sewerage
service to its customers, the Department will retain qualified personnel
on duty or on call at all times. The Department will respond as quickly
as possible to breakdowns and other emergencies. The Department's
personnel can be contacted at 231-534-7376.
(d)
Septic Tank Service. The Department may elect to provide for pumping
of individual septic tanks for a fee. Responsibility of the Department
will cover only such elective pumping. The Department cannot guarantee
the operation of improperly designed, maintained or constructed septic
tank systems.
(e)
Other Services. The Department may agree to perform under contract
with governmental, tribal, or private bodies, construction or operation
and maintenance services.
(f)
Future Services. At some future date, the Department may assume responsibility
to provide solid waste disposal, electrical, gas, telephone, or other
utility services. None of these services are available through the
Department at the present time.
[History: Tribal Act #06-24.1650 enacted by Tribal Council
at Special Session on April 26, 2006.]
(a)
Water (Community Systems).
(1)
All Grand Traverse Band Public Water Systems within the six-county
service area. Currently: Peshawbestown, Turtle Creek and the Grand
Traverse Resort.
(b)
Sewerage (Community Systems).
(1)
All Grand Traverse Band Community Sewer Systems within the six-county
service area. Currently: Peshawbestown and Turtle Creek.
(c)
Those individuals not on the community water or sewer systems are
responsible for maintenance of their individual systems.
[History: Tribal Act #06-24.1650 enacted by Tribal Council
at Special Session on April 26, 2006.]
The Department will develop and follow a regular schedule of
maintenance services for each water and sewage system. These services
will include, but not be limited to the following:
(a)
Water Systems - Community Water Systems.
(1)
Inspect and operate all valves and hydrants.
(2)
Inspect and repair water mains for leaks or damage.
(3)
Flush water lines.
(4)
Inspect storage tank and level indicators.
(5)
Adjust and service controls.
(6)
Maintain all components as necessary.
(7)
Collect all water samples as required by the Safe Drinking Water
Act, 25 U.S.C. §§ 300f — 300j-26.
[History: Tribal Act #06-24.1650 enacted by Tribal Council
at Special Session on April 26, 2006.]
The rate structure and fee schedules shall be determined based
on the actual costs of operation and maintenance for each of the systems.
All rates and fee changes must be approved by the GTB Tribal Manager.
The fee schedules are available at the Department's office in
Peshawbestown.
[History: Tribal Act #06-24.1650 enacted by Tribal Council
at Special Session on April 26, 2006.]
(a)
The Department will maintain a complete and up-to-date record of
all customers served by those systems operated by the Department.
Additions and deletions will be made as soon as the Department learns
of changes.
(b)
The Department will send out a water and wastewater bill for services
on the first day of each month. Payment will be due on the 10th day
of the month. Non-payment by the 20th day of the following month will
be cause for the Department to shut off the customer's water
service.
(c)
Customers may make payments by cash, check or money order at the
GTB Housing Department office in Peshawbestown, Michigan. The customers
will receive a signed receipt for payment.
(d)
Customers requesting new services or re-connection shall make arrangements
with the Department works for payment prior to receiving the services.
(e)
If a customer's water service is discontinued they must pay
all of the delinquent charges plus the re-connection fee before the
Department will restore water service.
[History: Tribal Act #06-24.1650 enacted by Tribal Council
at Special Session on April 26, 2006.]
(a)
The Department is hereby authorized by the GTB Tribal Council to
collect fees for services and to shut off services for non-payment.
(b)
The Department shall enforce its regulations and fee collections
by shutting off water service of any and all violators and delinquent
bill payers; provided, however, that any shut off of water service
shall not be effected if the water user is currently a family in crisis,
receiving GTB or state human services. The Department shall not seek
to attach customer's property, nor seek to have fines assessed
by the GTB Tribal Court, except in limited cases of blatant or continued
abuse or destruction of property.
[History: Tribal Act #06-24.1650 enacted by Tribal Council
at Special Session on April 26, 2006.]
(a)
The Department will follow normal Tribal procedures for bookkeeping
and banking. This will allow convenient handling of funds through
the same bank of the Tribe, while also providing separate accounting
of the Department's funds.
(b)
Actual handling of the Department's funds will be handled by
the GTB Accounting Department.
(c)
All accounts and ledgers of the Department shall be available for
audit at any time by the Tribal Auditor or auditor of the Tribe's
choice.
[History: Tribal Act #06-24.1650 enacted by Tribal Council
at Special Session on April 26, 2006.]
(a)
The Department will manage the operations of the water and wastewater
facilities. The water and wastewater program director will have the
responsibility to direct the work of all employees of the Department.
He or she shall establish a direct chain of command for orderly functioning
of the office and operation and maintenance of the utility systems.
(b)
Job descriptions for all employees will be developed and followed.
(c)
Employees of the Department will receive wages and benefits comparable
to employees of the Tribe. Employees will retain their right of final
appeal to the Tribal Grievance Committee should any dispute with the
Department Manager not be resolved.
[History: Tribal Act #06-24.1650 enacted by Tribal Council
at Special Session on April 26, 2006.]
The Department is designed to serve the people of the Tribe
and the community it serves. Any grievance or customer complaint should
be put in writing and delivered to the GTB Administration Building,
and shall follow the "Statement of Due Process" procedures.
[History: Tribal Act #06-24.1650 enacted by Tribal Council
at Special Session on April 26, 2006.]
The Plan of Operation may be amended by a simple majority vote
of the GTB Tribal Council as provided by law.
