Karuk Tribe of California
Council Meeting Minutes
April 28, 2005
Yreka, California
Ayukii,
The meeting was called to order at 5:00 PM by Arch Super, Chairman.
Roll Call:
Present
Arch Super, Chairman
Leaf Hillman, Vice Chairman (5:30 PM)
Florrine Super, Secretary
Leeon Hillman, Treasurer
Alvis Johnson, Member
Roy Arwood, Member
Robert Grant, Member
Robert Goodwin, Member (5:15 PM)
Absent:
Florence Conrad, Member – excused – on travel
Quorum is established.
The preamble to the Constitution was read aloud by Roy Arwood, Member.
Approval of the Agenda for April 28, 2005
Leeon Hillman moved and Florrine Super seconded to approve the agenda for April 28, 2005. 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
Approval of the Minutes for March 24, 2005
Consensus: To table the minutes for March 24, 2005.
Guests:
1) Charlie Thom
Charlie Thom explained to the Council that he has an organization called Earth Circle. He believes that it is a good organization, but he has had trouble finding someone to help run it. He needs someone to help run the financial aspects of the organization. He also came to announce an invitation to the twentieth anniversary of Earth Circle. It will be held on Father’s Day in Mt. Shasta. He hopes that people will come and join in. He will send a flyer out with the specific details. He wonders if he could ask Barbara Norman to be his Assistant, to provide legal assistance. He doesn’t know if he needs their approval or not, but he wanted to bring this before them.
Robert asked if Charlie wanted her to review documents, or policies. Charlie stated that yes he would like her to review the corporate status of the organization.
Charlie wanted to express also that he was subpoenaed on Tribal Land. In May he will discuss with them what the Forest Service has done to his land, to our land, the Tribal peoples land. He thanked everyone for listening to him.
2) Daniel Pratt
Daniel is present to request a donation from the Tribe toward Orleans Little League.
Arch explained that this type of request is discussed at the Wednesday meeting, at that time this will be discussed and they will get back to him.
Director’s Reports:
1) Toni McLane, Head Start Director
Not present. Written report provided.
Florrine Super moved and Roy Arwood seconded to approve Toni’s written report. 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara
2) Sandi Trip, DNR Director
Not present. No written report provided, because she had a meeting with the Council Wednesday April 27, 2005.
3) Jennifer Goodwin, Education Coordinator
Not present. Written report provided.
Arch noted that Jennifer has been having grant meetings, Indian Club meetings in Yreka and Happy Camp, CASA meetings, Award Assembly meeting in Happy Camp, School Site Meetings, SAR meeting in Orleans, and meetings with Sami Jo.
Roy Arwood moved and Leeon Hillman seconded to approve Jennifer’s report. 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
4) Scott Quinn, Land Manger
Not present, no written report provided. Scott has a presentation on May 4, 2005 at that time he’ll provide a report.
5) Hector Garcia, Self-Governance
Hector stated that he has a few things to inform the Council about. He has been involved with a lot of discussions with the Governor’s office regarding the Casino in the last few weeks. After much discussion it was decided to supply the Governor’s office with a proposal. He has drafted one, and sent it to Dennis. He stated that this proposal will come back to the Council for final approval. He stated that Dennis believes that they should meet back in Sacramento again in May, but Hector believes that this is too soon. The Council hasn’t seen the letter yet and doesn’t know what is really on the table. Hector stated that he and Arch are going to have a meeting on May 17, 2005 with the Board of Supervisors to get a support letter to the Governor’s office to show proof of everyone being on board and in support of our effort. The City Council has asked that members of the Council come and meet with their Gambling Committee to ensure things are moving forward. Hector doesn’t know what date the City Council wants to meet yet, he will try to set this up via e-mail.
They are hoping that the Governor will have an eye on this and see that the Board of Supervisors, City Council and we are all working together. He added that they believe that they meet all the criteria for a section 20 exception. He added that it looks like everything is going good.
He would also like to meet with the Council to get the Council up to date with where he’s at and what’s going on.
He will also be going before the BIA to attend the National Budget meeting. Hector is going to try and represent the Tribe and show what advances that the Tribe has made.
He has heard that the Government feels that Indians in the United States are getting too powerful with their gaming endeavors, and learning how to work the system. They are trying to stop Fee to Trust Transactions. He is working closely with Redding Rancheria who is taking the lead in fighting this.
Hector stated that in his last meeting with BIA he heard that the OST is going to try to take away a lot of their function here. In order to fight this, Hector has been partaking in a committee that meets in Redding that is forming a Probate code. He is hoping to have a good working draft and bring it back for final approval. Hector took a minute to explain that the OST wants to take documents from the administration office and store them at another location, and if they want to access them, then they would have to pay them. He added that they want to make sure that the BIA and individual Tribes are spending money accurately, and know what is going on with it.
Bob stated that there is more to it than that. Basically what happened was that the BIA got into trouble a few years ago for not managing some of their trusts with some Tribes and are now being sued. The BIA had to stop everything they were doing, and the Government came in formed the OST. Before the OST was formed their Tribe, being self- governance, had everything in place and now the OST is trying to come and impose their will on them. Hector stated that the OST has failed miserably at their tasks. However their budget is supposed to increase, but they have no functions. Bob added that they have been audited and it’s been shown that they are more capable of handling our own trust assets better than OST. Bob stated that a non self-governance tribe needs BIA to come and look at their programs, but their organization has administration staff that monitors these things and it is well documented how good the operations run. This will be an up hill battle though. Bob did explain that this is being worked on with a rights restoration group. It is a good group, formed with attendees including lawyers and others who are fighting for the Tribes best interests.
Leeon Hillman moved and Robert Goodwin seconded to approve Hector’s report. 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
6) Lisa Aubrey, LIAP
Lisa provided her report to the Council, and gave a brief explanation of the LIAP program. She believes that the SWEEP program is coming along better than ever before. She explained that this is a program that helps people get to work.
There aren’t too many adult services being offered currently. There is a restriction to the program and that is that the care giver has to be certified. The course is offered by Babbie and it is six weeks long. This class is only offered, as far as she knows, in Orleans. She will contact Jim Reynolds to see if something has been set up in the other communities. When Lisa gets more information about where the classes are located and when, Florrine will put this on the Website.
Florrine Super moved and Leeon Hillman seconded to approve Lisa’s report. 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
7) Larry Jordan, Executive Director
Larry introduced himself to the group, as this is his first meeting as the new EDHHS for the Karuk Tribe of California. He has replaced Wes Valentine who has moved on to other things. He explained that he has twenty years experience in Health Administration and working with Tribes. He noted that they have an excellent staff, and it’s an inviting environment.
He provided a monthly activity report from Social Services that he will provide monthly. He met today with the Social Service Staff and he will continue to meet monthly with them. The first meeting will be May 6, 2005 at 3:00 PM. He has appointed Jesse Drake as Acting Director.
Other things he’s been working on includes attending a lot of meetings. He won’t be attending the Self Governance conference next week, as Wes will be here and they have a lot of things to go over. He is glad that this was arranged.
In May he will attend the CRIHB Program Directors Meeting.
Larry announced that after negotiation Dr. Don Solas has signed a contract to become the full time physician in Yreka. His first day will be June 13, 2005; his wife will also be the full time Dentist in Yreka.
The Biannual health staff meeting will be held on June 8, 2005 in Happy Camp. Something new this year will be to have a health fair at the Karuk Tribal Reunion. He hopes to have Health involved to provide Tobacco cessation, some B/P education and several health prevention activities. He has established a planning committee to work on this and their first meeting is next week. He expects a successful health fair and hopes to demonstrate what they do, along with providing a service.
Leaf welcomed Larry aboard, and stated that he hopes for a long and prosperous relationship.
Florrine Super moved and Roy Arwood seconded to approve Larry’s report. 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
8) Erin Hillman, Contract Compliance Specialist
Erin stated that she has been working with Larry for the last week, and they have been scrambling since Sara has been gone.
She stated that she doesn’t have the MOA with IHS to provide the individual septic systems/water systems, because the wording isn’t in the correct format. The format is going to be changed.
She provided the Council a copy of the newsletter for approval. Florrine noticed some mistakes that will need to be changed. Erin will look this over again, and the Council can review it. If the Council has changes then they can e-mail them to her. She will hold off on this until Monday, before she tells Rosie to go ahead.
Erin presented an amendment to the MOA with Happy Camp Community Services District, IHS, and the Tribe for the Happy Camp bridge contract. The amendment covers the increased cost of the contractor on the agreement and administrative cost that IHS comes up with to cover the administration portion of it. She is re-submitting this for approval because this has the last payment of approximately $31,000 to the contractor tied up in this amendment. The Happy Camp Community Services District is asking the Tribe to support another project.
Leaf Hillman moved and Leeon Hillman seconded to approve Amendment Number 2, to project number CA04052. 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
Erin stated that she attached a copy of a survey that she did. This survey incorporated questions from the Directors. The questions are a wide variety, from education, health and others. This is a requirement and the results have to be incorporated into the community action plan and that has to be submitted to the State for the CSBG funding. This funding supports a lot of services and programs, also a lot of community services. She and Arch asked that the Council offer incentive prizes to hopefully receive a larger response. She will send this to Greg to hopefully use for NCIDC. Robert asked if she can have information about incentive prizes on Wednesday. She was asking for a gift certificate to the People’s Center, a DVD player.
Consensus: To approve distribution of the survey and discuss incentive prizes at the Wednesday meeting.
Erin has received two applications for the grant writer position. She would like to get a hiring committee, and schedule interviews as soon as possible. On Thursday Leaf, Florrine, Larry, and Bob will be available for interviews. She will call to see if the applicants are available.
Robert Goodwin moved and Roy Arwood seconded to approve Erin’s report. 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
Erin announced that the Council is invited to attend a youth leadership meeting being held Friday April 29, 2005 at 3:00 PM. Florrine announced that the Karuk Tribal Reunion is going to be held on June 25th. She invites all people to attend.
Also the Building a Bridge for Change training is open to everyone and it is going to be held May 9-11, 2005 in Happy Camp.
9) Chris Kleeman, IT Manager
Chris explained that he has been getting the two new staff members on board and up to speed. Basic office clean up and server clean up has been productive. Clean up of infected machines was also done.
Older computers were re-formatted and set up. Rather than having to purchase new ones, they are upgrading some of the old ones.
He has issues with IHS; he explained that they are paying IHS for band width that they’re not receiving. Orleans and Yreka are having this problem.
When Leaf was at the Scottish Power share holders meeting he was asked shortly after that if this was possible for Tribal Council Meetings. He conducted this test and may have caused some upheaval, but he apologizes for this. The test did work. Overall he just wanted to explain that he did conduct the test, and this is something that can be done. This system would not be two way, but would provide digital videoing of the Council meetings, which can be seen by Tribal Members that may not be able to travel the different locations.
He states the PCC+ printers were put on the new server. The system is running faster and smoother. He has done a BETA Test with Cimarron, but now it will be superseded by PIMS which will be up later this year. They have taken a better late than never approach.
Arch asked about Hectors Laptop. Chris will talk to Jamie about this tomorrow, because he knows that he ordered it, he was just waiting on finance to fax the purchase order.
Chris found that they have the ability to get a computer tracing package. This is a service that they would pay for. They can find out what’s running on a machine, as well as send a signal to an 800 tracing program through the phone line or land line. This signal will help to get the equipment recovered if lost or stolen. The cost is about $150.00 per machine for about 4 years. If there is sensitive material on this machine you can pay the company a one time $500 or $1,000 fee, to delete the hard drive, this would mean, if its irretrievable then they can pay and have the whole system wiped clean in a non retrievable way.
Leaf Hillman moved and Leeon Hillman seconded to approve Chris’ report. 7 haa, 0 puuhara, and 0 pupitihara.
10) Susan Gehr, Language Director
Not present. Written report provided.
Arch announced that Susan is still working on the language dictionary, she has done a lot of work and has more to do, but she is doing great and if anyone wants to get involved with the language it is there.
Erin pointed out that Susan gained her Masters Degree in Linguistics.
Arch announced that there is an Elder’s Immersion luncheon tomorrow in Happy Camp. The language speakers will be gathered there and speaking the language, if anyone is interested in attending.
May 22, 2005 will be a teacher’s workshop in Happy Camp.
Arch will check to see if there are anymore language CD’s available. Erin believes that Susan was ordering them and waiting for them to be re produced, so they should be available soon.
Roy Arwood moved and Leaf Hillman seconded to approve Susan’s report. 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
11) Laura Mayton, CFO
Not present. Written report provided.
Her report included the announcement that a new bookkeeper, Laura Olivas, was hired and her first day will be May 9, 2005.
Florrine Super moved and Robert Goodwin seconded to approve Laura’s written report. 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
12) April Attebury, Tribal Court
April explained who she was and her position currently in the Tribal Court. She would like to thank Mike Edwards for his hard work; they petitioned California State Superior Court for jurisdiction of a child and moved into the Tribal Court. Stephanie Dolan argued the case, very well, and the Judge gave custody back to the Tribe. She thanked all those involved and added that this effort was excellent and she was very proud of everyone and the accomplishment. Their first case has gone through the Tribal Court. The Council was proud of the accomplishment and told her congratulations.
She stated that she knew they had it all along, but now the State has validated it. She thanked the planners, committee members and all those involved; she is extremely moved and proud of everyone. City Council was upset, but the State Judge was on their side.
April noted that the Judge has also taken the extra time upon himself to learn the Karuk language, and speak it in court.
Robert Goodwin moved and Leeon Hillman seconded to approve April’s report. 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
13) Dion Wood, TERO Director
Not present, written report provided.
Florrine asked when the next
TANF meeting is. The next cultural training is in June, no specific day in June
has been set yet.
Roy Arwood moved and Leaf Hillman seconded to approve Dion’s report. 7 haa, 0 puuhara 0 pupitihara.
14) Sami Difuntorum, KTHP Director
Not present, written report provided.
Arch questioned what the target date for the Elder’s houses being finished in Yreka. Josh stated that the target month is June.
Robert Goodwin moved and Leeon Hillman seconded to approve Sami’s written report. 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
15) Fred Burcell, Maintenance/Automotive Director
Not present. Written report provided.
Roy Arwood moved and Leeon Hillman seconded to approve Fred’s report. 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
Requests:
1) Christine Perez, Ron Griffith, request
This will be moved to the Wednesday meeting.
Informational:
1) Phone Votes
Robert Goodwin read the results of phone votes aloud.
Committee Reports:
1) Karuk Restoration Work Group Minutes
Leaf asked that the Council spend some time going over the minutes provided and become familiar with the issues that the workgroup is currently undertaking. Minutes will be in next Council packet too. Any questions can be forwarded to the work group. In June the workgroup will be making a formal presentation to the Council with recommendations.
2) JOC Committee:
April wanted to see if it was possible to schedule a meeting, to discuss issues regarding JOC with the Council. It is a requirement to meet quarterly with the Council and she would like to discuss making this a stipend committee. She thinks this may be a hardship on the members in which is causing low attendance. There are representatives from Happy Camp, Orleans and Yreka. She has expressed concerns with not having a quorum due to the low attendance. She has worked out times to work around schedules, but there is little to no communication as of why they aren’t attending. In the beginning everyone was going to meet once a month, but that hasn’t taken place. One or two representatives have been asked to attend the six week meetings, and they have, but they also need to have a good functioning committee. The Ordinance states that they have this committee. She states that if the request to meet, would be sent from the Council, then maybe they would understand the importance of these meetings. Leaf asked that the numbers be put together (stipends vs. meetings), and this will be moved to an action item on the Wednesday meeting schedule.
Closed Session
Consensus: For Larry Jordan to consult with Dr. Burns regarding UA and bring information back to Leaf or Arch. Initial answer from Council is one month of classes with Joe Snapp would allow Tribal Member #WD to become eligible for employment, but no second UA test.
Robert Goodwin moved and Leaf Hillman seconded to accept the billing audit committee recommendations; to contract for $19,680.00 for two week training by Soaring Eagle. Employee #1944 to be appointed as Business Office Manager, and billing policies and procedures to be written after further discussion. 7 haa, 0 puuhara, and 0 pupitihara.
Consensus: Pay increase for employee will be discussed when Sara returns.
Discussion of employee’s behavior was rectified by Larry Jordan, all correspondence to staff, will be routed through Larry before being sent out.
Robert Goodwin moved and Leeon Hillman seconded to reflect accurate Karuk Blood Degree for CMB. 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
Robert Goodwin moved and Leeon Hillman seconded to approve 05-R-53 adding eligible Tribal Members to Karuk roll. 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
Robert Goodwin moved and Leeon Hillman seconded to send a directive to the Enrollment Committee, Dolores Voyles, and Leaf Hillman to develop a draft letter explaining implications of relinquishing enrollment with the Tribe to be sent to Tribal Members requesting relinquishment. 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
Robert Goodwin moved and Leeon Hillman seconded to approve 05-R-51 removing Tribal Member #3439 from Karuk Tribal roll. 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
Robert Goodwin moved and Leeon Hillman seconded to approve 05-R-50 authorizing intervention, removal and placement of children. 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
Directive: For Barbara Norman to get with MM and bring information to the Wednesday meeting.
Leaf Hillman moved and Robert Goodwin seconded to send a Directive for Barbara Norman to meet with Deane Sellon and RG to get details of irrevocable trust. If solution can’t be made to assist each other for reduced cost ($600.00), then the Council pledges to pay the whole amount ($1,200.00). Check payable to lawyer for the first installment of $600.00 will be issued right away. 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 1 pupitihara (Florrine Super).
Directive/Consensus: For Eddie Davenport to draw up necessary forms regarding loan vs. collateral on property. Loan approved for the amount of $1,215.17 at 5% interest. Payments will be made in the amount of $75.00 until paid in full.
Directive: For Chris Kleeman to provide financial details and more information on computer tracing software at Wednesday’s meeting.
Directive: For Housing to include legal language that may be required for HUD/BIA chapter 7 policies. The language may require that all communities be included, Yreka, Orleans, and Happy Camp.
Directive: For Arch to discuss pharmacy issues identified in Laura’s report with Larry.
Consensus: For Council to remember sensitivity issues regarding hiring or advancement of Native Americans.
Consensus: To table the reimbursement request of $577.00 to the Wednesday meeting. Florrine is to get details.
Directive: For Leaf to research speeding issue, and put together a summary of what recommendations there were from the past and bring some more recommendations to the Housing committee to implement some changes.
Consensus: For Tenant to address Housing Committee to discuss request for pet.
Consensus: To approve Director’s decision to have employee do filing and phones, until court date. Director will assume duties in the intermittent.
Follow up from previous directive was reported on; employee was reminded of appropriate conversations with appropriate persons.
Directive: For Chris Kleeman is to contact Rosie Bley to put safeguards in place, if possible, for the Computer Center. When meeting with Mr. Chambers and the principal is scheduled Bob, Leaf, Chris, and Jim will go. Discussion regarding the damage caused not only being financially for the Tribe, but leaving the kids without computer privileges until repairs were complete needs to be brought up at the meeting. The police report will also be taken to the meeting.
Consensus: To table the request from KCDC for $75,000 until Wednesday’s meeting for Laura’s review.
Meeting Set: KCDC and the Council to talk about KCDC on May 10, 2005 at 10:00 AM.
Consensus: For Arch to write an e-mail to all staff explaining directives, to clear any misconceptions that staff may have about them.
Consensus: To table the CHS Case until the Wednesday meeting for more information.
Next Meeting Date: May 26, 2005 at 5 PM in Orleans.
Roy Arwood moved and Leeon Hillman seconded to adjourn the meeting at 11:31 PM.
Yootva,
_______________________________
Arch Super, Chairman
Recording Secretary, Barbara Snider