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From: Ruth Dial Woods
Date: 18 Jan 2004
Time: 10:47:44 -0500
Remote Name: 172.141.28.114
It appears that folks are still trying to point figures and since this is discussion, I am offering the following information to clear up some misconceptions about exactly how land was procured and to set the record straight for future purposes. I am not defending actions, I am only setting the record straight and hope that minutes have been adequately and appropriately maintained to support these facts. At least this explanation will assist our network of friends and users in discussion of the facts rather than rumors. In 2002, the Lumbee Tribal Council introduced land acquisition as a line item in the 2001 fiscal year budget. As part of that planning, NAHASDA procurement standards were utilized in every step including constant communication with the Chicago HUD office. There was pressure from the Housing Chairman to proceed quickly and other tribal council members to move ahead, but as Tribal Administrator, I followed the NAHASDA reules and regulations for procurement. Notice of bids were publicized that stated the intent of the Tribe to purchase land in Scotland, Robeson, Hoke and Cumberland counties and public bids were solicited. The bids were reviewed in closed session, according to law that prohibits discussion of personnel and land acquisition in public meetings, and the Tribal Council selected sites to be visited by the Housing Committee and other members of the council who chose to do so. Michael Clark was employed as a consultant to assist the council in developing the requirements of the land since he was an architect and provided a level of expertise that was not available on staff. He also visited the sites with the Council and myself. After visiting all of the sites except Cumberland County which was a country-club type development area, the Council reconvened and selected Autumn Chase in Lumberton, Arrow Point in Pembroke, and land in Hoke County. The Scotland County site was well developed and would have been ideal except that there was too much wetlands to meet our housing purposes.