Plymouth council reinstates tribal ad hoc committee after residents press for oversight

The Plymouth City Council voted on Nov. 26 to reinstate a two-member tribal ad hoc committee to handle negotiations and coordination with a nearby tribal development project. Staff told the council the ad hoc structure would "support continuity and discussions and representation during intergovernmental meetings between the tribe, its representatives, and the city," and recommended selecting two council representatives to serve on the panel.

Residents who addressed the council urged caution and greater transparency. Stephanie Moreno, a city resident and small-business owner, said the public has not been kept fully informed and asked that council staff put key documents and correspondence into the public record. "I'm asking Mayor Cranford to recuse herself from future tribal discussions in, an abundance of caution, to protect yourself more than anything," Moreno said during public comment. Other speakers questioned whether the tribe had fulfilled required reporting and urged the council to collect trust and well data before substantive negotiations.

Council members debated benefits and risks: staff and supporters said the ad hoc committee permits quicker, frank exchanges and can operate on shorter notice, while critics stressed that any ad hoc must routinely report back to the full council to preserve transparency. The motion to reinstate the committee carried on a roll call; three council members voted in favor and the chair opposed the motion. The council also directed staff to return items related to the committee and any negotiations to future full-council agendas for public reporting.