Karuk Tribe of California
Council Meeting Minutes
December 22, 2004
Happy Camp, California
The meeting was called to order at 3:05 PM by Arch Super, Chairman.
Roll Call
Present
Arch Super, Chairman
Leaf Hillman, Vice Chairman
Florrine Super, Secretary
Leeon Hillman, Treasurer – arrived at 3:30 PM
Roy Arwood, Member
Florence Conrad, Member
Robert Goodwin, Member
Robert Grant, Member
Alvis Johnson, Member
Quorum is established.
The preamble to the Constitution was read aloud by Florence Conrad.
Approval of the Agenda for December 22, 2004
Florrine Super moved and Alvis Johnson seconded to approve the Agenda for December 22, 2004. 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
1) Approval of the Minutes for November 18, 2004
Bob thanked the directors that submitted their reports electronically by the deadline to Sara and thanked Sara for emailing them out in a timely manner; he states it makes it very easy to read the information before the meeting when it is sent electronically.
Leaf Hillman moved and Robert Goodwin seconded to approve the Minutes for November 18, 2004. 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 1 pupitihara – Roy Arwood.
2) Kenneth Sims
He was present to ask the Council about the heat pump at the new home that Jo Elaine had built. The heat pump is on the porch and the condensation from the heat pump leaks water on the wooden porch and over time it will damage the wood, there are no rain gutters either and this also causes water to run on the wooden porch. The ceiling fans in the house also need to be balanced as one is very wobbly. Erin will let Fred know so that he can contact the contractor to make sure that it is looked into as there is a one year warranty on the work that was done. She assured them that it was inspected by the County and is all up to code but they can look at it. Erin states they exceeded the budget and didn’t have the dollars to put in rain gutters and most of these types of items will be the homeowner’s responsibility but she will have Fred contact the Contractor just to make sure. The Council will follow up on Wednesday.
3) Carrie Davis
Carrie presented a report on the budget for the Community Christmas Party that was held on December 11, 2004. Many of the items that were left over were used for the Awards Banquet. She states they had a large number of older kids at their party. She gave them all the details of how it worked out and what they did. She also gave them a breakdown of the budget.
4) Old Business
The only items that were discussed were the Elder’s Survey and the Housing Newsletter.
5) Jennifer Goodwin
Written report only, not present. She had no action items in her report.
Florence Conrad moved and Florrine Super seconded to approve Jennifer’s report. 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
Roy states there is supposed to be an Education Committee Meeting coming up and asked if there is anything they should work on. Florrine states that Scholarships were mentioned and she has already passed that on to Jennifer to discuss at the meeting.
6) Dion Wood
Dion was present to review his written report. He has no action items but requires guidance on some issues. He states that they held a TANF Planning Meeting today and feels that it will not be productive to have another meeting until they have the numbers from the State to work with.
They are hoping that the Council will designate Daniel Pratt to work on this with them. The goal is to start the program October 1, 2005. The infrastructure needs to be well in place at least a couple of months before that. As soon as the numbers come in they can start working on actual planning of the program.
Leeon Hillman arrived at 3:30 PM.
Dion states they plan to put the TANF offices in the Old Headway Market building so they need to work with Housing to make sure the timeline works with their renovation. They feel that Daniel would be good on that Committee as he has extensive information and experience with TANF. Erin suggests holding the meeting with the LIAP Committee as it will work closely with them. Daniel is willing to work with the program if the Council allows him to.
Consensus: To allow Daniel Pratt to work on the TANF Committee.
He told them that there are several ways to pinpoint sovereignty issues in regard to TERO when it applies to contracting and their 8(a) Status. He states the conference he attended had a lot of information about what is going on in Indian Country with TERO and how it is affecting Tribal programs. He was thankful that Hector was able to attend and know what is going on in other Tribes.
He updated them on the current status of the Child Care Program. He states he has a meeting in January to find out what is going on nationally with that program to see what they can do to help the neediest in the Tribe through that program. He has been looking into the updated version of the Tribal Database Program that will be out in April 2005. He has scheduled a program audit for February for that program as well.
He states that he met with April and the Judge regarding TERO and the way he can collaborate with the Tribal Court. And make the processes stronger. He also updated them on upcoming meetings: Tax Authority Meeting 1/25 at 1 PM, Policy Committee Meeting 1/25 at 10 AM. There was discussion regarding the taxes and who will be involved in the meeting and what will be done at the meeting.
He states that a Cultural Monitor Training will be held in the New Year and he is keeping a list of who would like to take that Training.
Florrine Super moved and Florence Conrad seconded to approve Dion’s report. 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
7) Erin Hillman
Erin was present to review her written report with the Council. She distributed information to them regarding what Larry Neel would charge to renovate the Yreka Housing Office for Head Start. He is not interested in doing the job but provided the quote for them to help them get a ballpark idea. It is a very high quote and she will be working with him to address that. She also distributed information regarding the Thomas George bid that came in. She will discuss it with them on Wednesday.
Leaf Hillman moved and Florence Conrad seconded to approve Erin’s report. 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
8) April Attebury
April distributed a written report and was present to report verbally on her activities for the past month and upcoming projects she is working on.
The CASA swearing in will be January 24, 2005 at the Yreka Housing Authority Office. It is also the Tribe’s turn to host the Judicial Meeting with the other Judges and they will do the swearing in at the same time with the other Tribal Court Judges and CILS there also. The meeting with judges is from 11-2 and the swearing in will probably be around 12 PM.
April announced that they will be starting a CASA training in Humboldt County soon and they can contact Darlene or Daniel. Leaf asked that the flyers be posted in the Orleans area.
Leeon Hillman moved and Robert Goodwin seconded to approve April’s report. 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
9) Sandi Tripp
Earl was present to review the DNR report. He only has one action item for their approval. It is an application and work plan that goes to EPA for additional funding in the amount of $46,133. Resolution 04-R-120 was assigned for submission.
Leaf Hillman moved and Robert Goodwin seconded to approve Resolution 04-R-120. 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
Leaf Hillman moved and Robert Goodwin seconded to approve the DNR report. 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
10) Chris Kleeman
Chris was present to do a verbal update on all of his activities throughout the Tribe. He states that he has been looking at other options from the RPMS System and the costs to enter data and the double-entry that goes into that system. He questions if it is worth keeping the program only because it is free if it results in lost productivity of staff. He would like to have a committee to discuss these issues and have someone from each section of the health system to discuss the options, problems, what they want to see, etc. They may not need to change but only fix the problems they have with RPMS. He would like permission to look into the alternatives and also see if any other Tribes use a system other than RPMS.
He updated them on the teleconferencing equipment that is being installed in the clinics and also some equipment that they have in Happy Camp. He then explained how the phone lines work to use that system and the costs for that. They currently do not have the bandwidth to run the system in Happy Camp without using 6 phone lines on long distance to run it. They would need to put in T1 lines between Happy Camp and Yreka and Happy Camp and Orleans to be able to have a gateway computer to make the calls and run the systems. The cost would be $1,500 per month times 4 at retail cost. He is looking into government pricing that could reduce those costs. Also if they have tele-medicine, IHS can help with the expenses for those lines. Currently IHS covers to a certain bandwidth speed and then the Tribe pays the additional amount. He will work on finding out specific costs and what can be done during January and then getting back to them. He would suggest increasing the speed on the current network to increase productivity as well.
He distributed the position description for the Database Administrator that will replace the RPMS Site Manager. It will be a Tribal wide database oversight rather than Health only. The salary would be 50% from IHS and 50% from Indirect.
Leaf Hillman moved and Robert Goodwin seconded to approve the position description. 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
Robert Goodwin moved and Leeon Hillman seconded to approve Chris’ report. 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
11) Laura Mayton
Laura was present to review her written report. She announced that she has the Final Audit report and asked that if they did not want their copy to return it as she needs them to send to funders when they ask for them.
She also went over the high risk status of KCDC at this time. Until that is lifted the Tribe is not authorized to pass through grants to KCDC which will jeopardize their plans for putting programs through KCDC. One of the things that need to be done is have an approved indirect cost rate for KCDC and she explained how that would be done. They could also do a cost allocation plan instead of an indirect cost rate. Jim can write the plan and Laura is willing to help him with that. She has sent a letter to Mr. Sinclair along with KCDC’s current audit to see if that will change the situation at all. The KCDC Board and Jim need to work on what they want to do to get these issues addressed.
She states they also need to have a KSWA meeting before the final check is issued to discuss the profit margin that is written in and if any of it is KCDC’s share of the profit.
Robert Goodwin moved and Leeon Hillman seconded to approve Laura’s report. 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
12) Toni McLane
Written report only, no action items, not present.
Florence Conrad moved and Florrine Super seconded to approve Toni’s report. 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
13) Sami Difuntorum
Written report was emailed but not printed and copied for the packets.
Robert Goodwin moved and Florence Conrad seconded to table the report until Wednesday. 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
14) Hector Garcia
Hector was present to review his written report with the Council. He discussed issues that have been developing in Indian Country regarding OST and Trust Reform issues. He gave them specific issues that have arisen over the past year that directly affect the Tribes and states something needs to be done to address the situation. He states that they need to have a larger presence in Washington to be able to have their issues heard and addressed. He suggests a conference in Yreka regarding what is involved in a trust evaluation to prepare the Tribes and charge an admission for the conference to raise dollars. They could have Chris talk about computer security, Laura could talk about fiscal responsibility, Erin could address contracts and they could help the other Tribes get ready for their reviews and also make dollars to go toward helping their presence in Washington at the same time. Leaf states that carrying/pushing their agenda with the consortium is long overdue and can be done through that avenue. It was suggested to have a meeting dedicated to these issues. Discussion followed and they asked Hector to put together a summary for them to review prior to the meeting which was set for January 6, 2005 at 10 AM in Happy Camp.
Robert Goodwin moved and Leeon Hillman seconded to approve Hector’s report. 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
15) Lisa Aubrey
Lisa was present to address the Council verbally and update them on her activities for the past month. She states she has been spending the dollars in the Low Income Programs and trying to keep on top of the applications that come in. Florrine asked about the dollars that were used for Christmas Vouchers in the past. Laura states it was a borderline use of the funds and that is why they have not done it again, it is only supposed be for food, clothing, and shelter assistance. There were 69 requests this year for this type of assistance. They can discuss possible plans for this type of assistance in the future at their Wednesday meeting.
Florrine Super moved and Alvis Johnson seconded to approve Lisa’s report. 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
16) Susan Gehr
Susan was present to review her report and request approval of two contracts with Violet Super and Jim Ferrara.
Leaf Hillman moved and Leeon Hillman seconded to approve Contract 05-C-015 with Violet Super in the amount of $3,750 for the period of 12/23/04 to 8/31/05. 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
Leaf Hillman moved and Robert Goodwin seconded to approve Contract 05-C-016 with Jim Ferrara in the amount of $22,021.50 for the period of 12/23/04 to 8/31/05. 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
She also mentioned the Museum Director interviews and when they will be held due to scheduling conflicts. They will be changed to January 7, 2005 at 1 and 2 PM.
She sang them a Karuk song that was included in her report.
Leeon Hillman moved and Leaf Hillman seconded to approve Susan’s report. 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
17) Scott Quinn
Scott was present to review his written report and request approval of a Resolution approving the Memorandum of Agreement between KTOC, KTHA, and Happy Camp Community Services District. Resolution 04-R-121 was assigned.
Leaf Hillman moved and Florence Conrad seconded to approve Resolution 04-R-121. 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
He also distributed an MOA between KTOC, KTHA, and Happy Camp Sanitary District. Resolution 04-R-122 was assigned to this MOA.
Leaf Hillman moved and Florence Conrad seconded to approve Resolution 04-R-122. 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 1 pupitihara (Robert Goodwin).
Both MOA’s remove the Tribe from their districts for Fee to Trust application purposes.
Scott also discussed the fence on the Hamblin property and what they need to do to remove it as it encroaches based on the ALTA survey. The suggestion is to only tear down the parts that are on their property. Scott feels it would be nicer to take down the whole fence. They could contact all of the land owners first to see what they think also. Scott will have a definite solution in the future just wanted to let them know what is going on.
Florrine Super moved and Alvis Johnson seconded to approve Scott’s report. 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
18) Trista Parry
Trista was present to review her written report. She also distributed information on the ANA SEDS conference she attended last week. She states the grant can be up to $500,000 per year for three years and also pays 100% of the Indirect Costs. She has a list of several projects that the dollars can be used for but the RFP has not been released yet and it will not be due until March 2005. Trista states that in the documents are ANA’s current priorities for funding.
Florence Conrad moved and Robert Goodwin seconded to approve Trista’s report.. 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
19) Wes Valentine
Not present, on vacation.
20) Fred Burcell
Written report only, no action items, not present.
Florence Conrad moved and Florrine Super seconded to approve Fred’s report. 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
21) Phone Votes
Robert Goodwin read the phone votes aloud.
a) Approval of Contract 05-C-011 with Weddle Gilmore Architects in the amount not to exceed $8,000 for the creation of preliminary floor plans and construction cost estimates for the Yreka Housing Office/Community Center for the ICDBG funding proposal. Passed.
b) Request for approval of procurement for $3,569.02 for carpet for Hazel Joyner’s home. Passed.
c) Request for approval of Resolution 04-R-118 authorizing submission of funding to HUD ICDBG in the amount of $605,000. Passed.
22) Committee Reports
Florence: She state she forgot her minutes from the last NCIDC meeting but gave them a brief overview of their last meeting which included the election of new officers. She is the Treasurer. There is also a proposition to change their name to California Indian Development Council as they serve the entire state and not only Northern California but nothing official has happened yet.
Florrine: She states they will be interviewing two prospective families for the foster family agency and hope to get that going. The interviews will be in January. The Election committee is working with CILS on their Ordinance also.
Closed Session from 6:55 PM to 9:30 PM
Florence Conrad moved and Robert Goodwin seconded to approve Resolution 04-R-119 enrolling six members into the Tribe.
Florence Conrad excused herself from the meeting.
Robert Goodwin moved and Leaf Hillman seconded to approve up to $600 being charged on Tribal credit card and repaid with 401(k) check when it comes in for Tribal Member #1753. 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara (Florence Conrad not present for voting).
Florence Conrad returned to the meeting.
Directive: For Barbara Norman to re-open and examine the ICW Case for Tribal Member #2053 and work with CILS to find the legal support needed for the intervention in the Court system. If a Resolution is needed they can do a phone vote or discuss it on Wednesday.
Leeon Hillman moved and Leaf Hillman seconded to appoint the current TERO Commission as Lynn Parton, Alvis Johnson, Dolores Voyles, Elsa Goodwin, David Nelson, and Cecilia Arwood as alternate. 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 2 pupitihara (Robert Goodwin and Alvis Johnson).
Consensus: Arch will send a thank you letter to Corina Alexander and Roy Arwood for their time on the TERO Commission and making this decision easier for them.
Consensus: The Management Team needs to look at all of the stipend issues for committees and those that sit on them. They can propose a draft to the Council. The Management Team Meeting schedule also needs to be changed for January due to the Housing Planning Session and ongoing as it isn’t working.
Robert Goodwin moved and Florence Conrad seconded to dissolve the Karuk SWA Partnership. 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
Robert Goodwin moved and Florence Conrad seconded to approve Resolution 04-R-123 authorizing the execution of the Bill of Sale and Conveyance for the Housing Authority to buy the Oak Knoll building and improvements for $10 from the Tribe. Housing will then lease it back to the Tribe in monthly payments based on the fair market value. 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
Consensus: To allow Leaf to work with the Yurok Tribe and Craig Tucker on developing a position description and funding plan for a FERC Coordinator to be hired by the Karuk Tribe.
Directive: For the ICWA Committee to have a briefing paper from CILS prepared addressing “enrolled descendents” of the Tribe and eligibility for ICWA. The revised Enrollment Ordinance needs to be sent to them reflecting that descendents are actually put through the enrollment process for the Tribe and entered into the system. Based on CILS’s position, the Council can make a determination to guide the ICWA Committee’s cases.
Consensus: To pay $3,200 for a new compressor in addition to the $4,427 already approved for installation of strip heaters. All funding will come from Indirect.
Robert Goodwin moved and Florence Conrad seconded to allow $250 on tribal credit card for a General Assistance voucher for Tribal Member #3199. Funding will come from the LIAP program or discretionary if not allowed.
Robert Goodwin moved and Leeon Hillman seconded to adjourn the meeting at 9:39 PM
Next Meeting Date: January 27, 2005 at 5 PM in Yreka.
Yootva,
____________________________
Arch Super, Chairman
Recording Secretary,
Sara Spence