The Plymouth City Council approved a resolution Thursday evening prohibiting Government-to-Government Relations with the Ione Band of Miwok Indians. City Administrator Dixon Flynn presented the rational for his decision to draft the resolution, stating that “there are strong feelings about the casino on both sides” and that a formal contract is needed to set straight rumors about ongoing talks with the tribe. Rumor indicates there are current negotiations between the tribe and the Governor to form a compact. Flynn stated that there rumors are “completely untrue”, based on his conversation with the Governor’s office. The staff report also states that “the resolution makes it clear the City of Plymouth City Council has no desire to establish government-to-government relations with the tribe at this time. Any meetings between individual council members or staff members and members or representatives of the Tribe regarding proposed trust property are not officially sanctioned by the City Council.”
The resolution would become null if the proposed trust property is taken into Trust by the Tribe. During public comment, Plymouth resident Gary Colburn commented on the resolution. “I am not bashful about saying that Plymouth needs a casino. When they first came to the city they were treated like any other developer, and for some reason they are now tremendously discriminated against,” Colburn said. Colburn’s comments surpassed the allotted 3 minute time period and he was asked by City Clerk Gloria Stoddard to wrap up his speech. He responded that he had more to say and referenced an earlier speaker who had also gone over her time limit. Councilman Greg Baldwin interjected that if Colburn was not going to cooperate and sit down that he would “call the Sheriff” to resolve the issue. As Colburn proceeded to speak, Baldwin left his chair and called the local Sheriff. By the time he returned from the call, Colburn had finished speaking and sat down. Butch Cranford stated that he “agreed with this long overdue resolution.” He also voiced his opinion of the Ione Band of Miwok Indians, stating that he felt they “are not the legitimate Ione band, and he believes them to be fraudulent.” Vice Mayor Pat Fordyce called the proposal “condescending” and stating that “it has absolutely no meat.” The resolution was approved 3-2 with both Vice Mayor Fordyce and Councilman O’Meara dissenting.
The Plymouth City Council approved a resolution Thursday evening prohibiting Government-to-Government Relations with the Ione Band of Miwok Indians. City Administrator Dixon Flynn presented the rational for his decision to draft the resolution, stating that “there are strong feelings about the casino on both sides” and that a formal contract is needed to set straight rumors about ongoing talks with the tribe. Rumor indicates there are current negotiations between the tribe and the Governor to form a compact. Flynn stated that there rumors are “completely untrue”, based on his conversation with the Governor’s office. The staff report also states that “the resolution makes it clear the City of Plymouth City Council has no desire to establish government-to-government relations with the tribe at this time. Any meetings between individual council members or staff members and members or representatives of the Tribe regarding proposed trust property are not officially sanctioned by the City Council.” 
The resolution would become null if the proposed trust property is taken into Trust by the Tribe. During public comment, Plymouth resident Gary Colburn commented on the resolution. “I am not bashful about saying that Plymouth needs a casino. When they first came to the city they were treated like any other developer, and for some reason they are now tremendously discriminated against,” Colburn said. Colburn’s comments surpassed the allotted 3 minute time period and he was asked by City Clerk Gloria Stoddard to wrap up his speech. He responded that he had more to say and referenced an earlier speaker who had also gone over her time limit. Councilman Greg Baldwin interjected that if Colburn was not going to cooperate and sit down that he would “call the Sheriff” to resolve the issue. As Colburn proceeded to speak, Baldwin left his chair and called the local Sheriff. By the time he returned from the call, Colburn had finished speaking and sat down. Butch Cranford stated that he “agreed with this long overdue resolution.” He also voiced his opinion of the Ione Band of Miwok Indians, stating that he felt they “are not the legitimate Ione band, and he believes them to be fraudulent.” Vice Mayor Pat Fordyce called the proposal “condescending” and stating that “it has absolutely no meat.” The resolution was approved 3-2 with both Vice Mayor Fordyce and Councilman O’Meara dissenting.
