Agreement Reached with Local Governments

Prior Lake, MN – The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community has reached an agreement with local governments which will assist the future process regarding land use and other issues which have arisen in the past. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was approved in February 2012 between the government of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community and the governments of the City of Shakopee, the City of Prior Lake, and Scott County. The intergovernmental agreement on land information was approved by both cities February 21, 2012, whereas the SMSC Business Council approved it February 10, 2012. Scott County approved the agreement on February 28, 2012.

“We are pleased that the local governments have decided to recognize our sovereignty as a tribal government and take a more conciliatory approach to intergovernmental relations,” said SMSC Chairman Stanley R. Crooks.

City of Prior Lake Mayor Mike Myser said, “I do fully support this first step, improving and strengthening our working relationships. It’s very important for folks to work together on a regular basis and get to know who those individuals are and build trust in order to work on conflicts that come up or opportunities.”

"I am very excited about the prospects of the MOU," said Shakopee Mayor Brad Tabke. "It gives a forum for all four of our governments to work together and discuss opportunities and challenges as they come up to benefit all of our communities."

The MOU establishes an Intergovernmental Working Group (IWG) consisting of two members appointed by their respective government which shall meet at least once each three-month quarter to identify and investigate issues of concern to the Governments. The IWG may establish Technical Working Groups of elected, appointed, or retained experts to study and recommend solutions on matters of mutual concern, may receive and review the reports and recommendations of these working groups, and periodically shall develop and recommend solutions to the Governments in keeping with the intentions of the MOU.

The IWG will serve as a forum that the Governments may use for enhancing intergovernmental relations, resolving intergovernmental disputes, and joining in mutually beneficial cooperation in service to their citizens. The IWG may investigate and discuss alternatives to litigation for resolving disputes among the Governments and shall recommend to the Governments such alternatives as may be appropriate.

It is the Governments’ intention that productive and respectful government-to-government relations among them be based upon the following principles:

-Conflicts of jurisdiction that may from time to time arise should be resolved through productive problem solving, collaboration and cooperation that serves to minimize or eliminate intergovernmental dispute and litigation.

-Mutually-agreed upon cooperative agreements, memoranda of understanding, and similar instruments of cooperation may be appropriate means of establishing respective roles and responsibilities in intergovernmental relations and undertakings.

-When shared interests warrant, joint and cooperative efforts should be undertaken in dealings and interactions with other governmental and non-governmental entities.