Karuk Tribe of California

Council Meeting Minutes

April 27, 2006

Yreka, California

 

Ayukii,

 

The meeting was called to order at 5:02 PM by Arch Super, Chairman.

 

Roll Call

Present

Arch Super, Chairman

Leeon Hillman, Treasurer

Roy Arwood, Member

Robert Goodwin, Member

Robert Grant, Member

Alvis Johnson, Member

 

Absent

Leaf Hillman, Vice Chairman

Florrine Super, Secretary

Florence Conrad, Member

 

Quorum is established.

 

Robert Goodwin read the preamble to the Constitution aloud.

 

Approval of the Agenda for April 27, 2006

 

Robert Grant moved and Alvis Johnson seconded to approve the Agenda.  5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

1)  Approval of the Minutes for March 23, 2006

 

Robert Goodwin moved and Leeon Hillman seconded to approve the Minutes for March 23, 2006.  5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

2)  Jim Freeze, Northern California Paving

Jim was present from Northern California Paving.  He states they are currently in the process of bidding a two-part Cal Trans chip-seal project with 27 miles of road in the area of Happy Camp to Swillup Creek.  He has requested permission to setup a small crushing operation in Happy Camp with the Tribe to use for this project and also produce additional aggregate that can be left behind for the Tribe to use.  He feels this is a viable project due to the proximity of Happy Camp and the distance to other quarries.

 

They would like to develop/prepare the area for a crushing operation.  They would also develop a water source to wash the aggregate as required by Cal Trans.  Then have the crushing operator on site – he is committed to hiring Tribal Members if they are able to do the task as well as train the Maintenance Staff on this skill.  They would also bring in scales that would be left on site for the Tribe to use in the future.  The Tribe would provide a staff member to run the scales.

 

The Council asked if he has spoke to any staff regarding this proposed idea.  He states he has spoke to the County and State but has only spoken to the Maintenance Staff.  Bob asked what area they would be using for this.  It would be near the tailing piles out at the Ranch.  The water would come from the River and then go into a settling pond.

 

Bob asked about wear this would create on China Grade Road.  He states there would be some road wear but the trucks cannot travel at high speeds on that road so it should be minimal.

 

Arch states they will discuss this tonight and would like to talk to their staff and then meet with him again soon to go over the details.  The bid opening is next Wednesday in Sacramento so he needs an answer before that.  Arch states they can get together on Monday morning in Happy Camp to discuss this more with him and staff.  The meeting will start at 9 AM.  Laura, Erin, Sandi, Scott, Council, and Fred will be included.

 

3)  Natural Resource Conservation Service

Two representatives were present to discuss cost sharing conservation projects that they do with land owners for various projects.  The cost share is about 90% as well as financial incentives to set aside land.  Sandi states this is similar to the project they are applying to do at the Ranch and this would be a beneficial project for that land.  It would be a way to allow cattle to use the land and ensure that those cattle are not in or near the River.

 

They went over the financial details of the cost share agreement to briefly explain how it works.  Sandi also gave them some information on DNR’s opinion of this type of project and how it could be beneficial to the Tribe.  He states there is no ranking/waiting system all applications that are deemed beneficial are approved.

 

Sandi states the proposal is drafted and will have a couple of changes and she should be able to bring it to their next meeting for approval.

 

4)  Jennifer Goodwin, Education Presentation

Jennifer introduced herself and conducted a presentation to the audience regarding the possible cutting of the JOM Program which is the funding source of the Higher Education Program.  She and Joyce plan to distribute this information to congress opposing this cut.  She also has sample letters that can be sent in.  Sandi states she may want to contact Ron Reed who is working on environmental justice issues and this could be defined as a social justice concern.  If one race is impacted more than another by a federal government decision it becomes a social justice issue.

 

Hector states that this is one of many programs proposed to be ended without fighting from the Tribes.  Everyone needs to write letters and fight this decision.  If the government does not see how important this is, they won’t care.  The meeting is next month and they need to have as many letters as possible signed for this cause.

 

They thanked Jennifer for her presentation.

 

5)  Arch Super, Old Business

Arch asked Jennifer about the request from the Orleans School regarding a substitute teacher that was made.  She states that Shirlee Preston called and there is a substitute teacher that is a contractor of the Tribe that cannot do it and the other is not on the school’s list to do it.  Jeanette Quinn may be able to do it.  She will report further Wednesday.

 

He asked about the Klamath Knot Arts Council and the Tribe’s involvement with them.  He was told it continues moving forward.

 

He asked April Attebury about the ICWA Appeal and why they have received further information regarding an appeal.  April states an appeal has been requested by the County with the Supreme Court.  They will have to wait and see if they take it up or not.  It is predicted they will not hear the appeal.

 

He also asked about the KCDC and the letter of intent with Cufis.  Bob states they made their modifications to the letter of intent and he has accepted their changes and signed the revised letter with no problems.  They hope to obtain 8A certification and create employment opportunities through a partnership with him.

 

Robert Grant excused himself at 6:30 PM.

 

6)  Philip Albers, Language

Phil was present on behalf of the Language program.  There are no action items this month.  There is a new link to the Karuk Dictionary website which is http://dictionary.karuk.org and it links directly to the site.  They are also working on getting some audio recordings added into the phone system so that you can hear Karuk speakers when you are on hold instead of music.

 

He reviewed the remainder of the written report with those Council members present.  He states that he and Crystal Richardson have been selected as alternates for the scholarships they applied for.  He had to submit separately and they really wanted to fund partners for the scholarship.  Most likely they will not be funded and therefore won’t attend, so he will be in the office and not gone during June.

 

He states they fell behind schedule on the grant application to produce a baby naming book and he is sad because there have been five requests in the last month but they still plan to work on it in the future.

 

Robert Goodwin moved and Leeon Hillman seconded to approve Phil’s report.  4 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

7)  Sandi Tripp, DNR

Sandi was present to review her written report.  She has two action items and a request for the Mid Month Meeting Date.

 

The first is approval of a small purchase from the Salmon River Restoration Council in the amount of $2,000 to remove approximately 200 cars in the Salmon River area.  They are already doing the service and it is less expensive to offset their costs then to remove the vehicles themselves.

 

Robert Goodwin moved and Leeon Hillman seconded to approve payment of $2,000 to the Salmon River Restoration Council for car removal.  4 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

The second is approval of Resolution 06-R-43 in support of a government to government partnership with the BIA to provide an agency funded representative to serve as a Tribal liaison.  The liaison will provide coordination and collaboration between BIA and the Karuk Tribal Fire Program representative.  This partnership shall assist the Karuk 1 Fire Crew with infrastructure development to further tribal trust resource protection goals.

 

This will be position employed by BIA and working with Harold Tripp for the Fire Crew.  The goal is to secure year round work for that Fire Crew.  They are doing everything they can to get their crew on new types of assignments and be able to keep them working.

 

Roy Arwood moved and Robert Grant seconded to approve Resolution 06-R-43.  4 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

She requested a date for the Mid Month Meeting and also announced a conference call with several individuals on May 3, 2006 to discuss the Fire Crew and them having year round work.  This has to do with the pilot project they have been selected for and funding that can come from that.  The conference call will be placed on the Wednesday agenda when Sandi finds out what time the call is.

 

May 9, 2006 at 11 AM was set for the Mid Month Meeting.

 

She requested out of state travel for Earl Crosby to Prescott, Arizona for the Non-Point Source Conference, May 17-19, 2006. 

 

Roy Arwood moved and Robert Goodwin seconded to approve out of state travel for Earl Aubrey.  4 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

Robert Goodwin moved and Leeon Hillman seconded to approve Sandi’s report.  4 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

8)  Scott Quinn, Land/Transportation

Scott presented Resolution 06-R-44 to join the Humboldt County Tribal Transportation Commission (HCTTC) with Leaf Hillman being appointed and Scott Quinn as first alternate and Carrie Davis as second alternate.

 

Robert Goodwin moved and Leeon Hillman seconded to approve Resolution 06-R-44.  4 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

He distributed the Bunker Hill Risk Assessment and requested that a funding request letter be sent to BIA.

 

Consensus:  To approve the Bunker Hill Risk Assessment funding request letter being sent to BIA.

 

He requested approval of Resolution 06-R-45 authorizing the Karuk Tribe of California’s Tribal Transportation Improvement Program (TTIP) for Fiscal Year 2006.

 

Robert Goodwin moved and Leeon Hillman seconded to approve Resolution 06-R-45.  4 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

On May 5, 2006 they will meet with BIA to negotiate the next year’s AFA and the next Resolution authorizes compacting the roads dollars in to the AFA.  Resolution 06-R-46 was assigned. 

 

Hector cautions them to attend the meeting and be fully aware of their obligations before signing the document as there is a lot responsibility that goes along with this agreement.  He suggests discussing this further at a Wednesday meeting.  Scott states he is well aware of the responsibilities that go along with this.  Bob is disappointed that Hector is raising these concerns now that it has been discussed at length and the Council has already agreed to move forward with compacting the roads dollars.  Other Tribes are doing this and the last one to sign will get the smallest pot of money.  They will not get dollars in years they have no projects but by compacting they can bank the dollars from year to year to have a Transportation Assistant to work on adding road miles into the BIA road system.  They will discuss this further on Wednesday to ensure that everyone’s concerns are addressed before they make a final decision.

 

Hector states that May 5, 2006 in Yreka is the five year plan meeting and May 17, 2006 in Arcata is for the BIA AFA.  Bob suggests they should meet before Wednesday.  They will meet on Monday after the meeting with Jim Freeze at 10 AM to discuss this with necessary staff.

Robert Goodwin moved and Alvis Johnson seconded to approve Scott’s report.  4 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

9)  Lisa Aubrey, LIAP

Lisa distributed her written report for their review.  She has one action item which is a request from a Tribal Member to have their pump replaced.  The funding will be through the HBG funding.  The amount is above $2,000 and therefore, requires Council approval.  IHS cannot help them as they are homeowners.  They tried to have it replaced by the power company due to a power surge and they were denied.  The County is prepared to cite the homeowners but are holding off in hopes the Tribe can help them and avoid a health hazard being declared requiring them to leave their home until it is repaired.

 

Robert Goodwin moved and Roy Arwood seconded to approve $2,670.39 to Steven’s Grading and Excavating.  4 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

Leeon Hillman moved and Roy Arwood seconded to approve Lisa’s report.  4 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

10)  Dion Wood, TERO

He distributed his written report.  He states he recently attended Pacific Northwest Regional TERO meeting which was a great success.  At this conference he welcomed everyone in the Karuk Language.  The next Flagger Certification Class is going to be May 13, 2006 in Happy Camp.  He is still accepting applications for childcare assistance.  He is looking for input on a Veteran’s Monument and will hold a listening session at the Reunion to discuss this and gather ideas.

 

He requested out of state travel to the National Council for Tribal Employment Rights Conference, August 6-9, 2006 in Orlando, Florida.  The TERO Commission would like to send 4 members and invite Council representation to attend with them.  He will be unable to attend as he will be in Washington, DC.

 

Roy Arwood moved and Robert Goodwin seconded to approve travel for four individuals to the TERO Conference in Orlando, Florida.  4 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

He states that Quartz Valley has declined to participate in the Karuk Tribal TANF Program so he will be revamping a little on that.

 

He states that several staff members have requested the offices be closed on Monday, July 3, 2006 as the July 4, 2006 holiday is on a Tuesday this year.  They can make a decision on Wednesday, currently the employees have been advised that they may request annual leave for that day if they would like but that the offices will not be closed.

 

Robert Goodwin moved and Roy Arwood seconded to approve Dion’s report.  4 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

Due to the length of the agenda Arch asked for action items only from Directors.

 

11)  Rick Hill, Grant Writer

Not present, written report only.

 

Robert Goodwin moved and Alvis Johnson seconded to approve Rick’s report.  4 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

 

12)  Laura Mayton, CFO

Written only, no action items.

 

Leeon Hillman moved and Robert Goodwin seconded to approve Laura’s report.  4 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

13)  Erin Hillman, Contract Compliance

Erin has one action item which is a MOU number 06-M-06 with IHS for Project CA 06-B32.  $153,000 is their estimate for costs to do seven projects on Tribal Members homes.

 

Robert Goodwin moved and Leeon Hillman seconded to approve MOU 06-R-06 with IHS.  4 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

Robert Goodwin moved and Roy Arwood seconded to approve Erin’s report.  4 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

Lessie was present to request Contract 06-C-029 with Dian Tirada for $80 per hour, plus mileage/lodging to be the Pharmacy Consultant.

 

Robert Goodwin moved and Leeon Hillman seconded to approve Contract 06-C-029 with Dian Dirada.  4 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

Lessie states she apologizes for not being at the meeting on Wednesday for priorities for the IHS Master Plan Process.  They actually wanted 10 for each site and the Council only chose 5 each.  They would like to do this Wednesday.  She circled items she thinks would be good priorities.

 

14)  Jennifer Goodwin, Education

Jennifer was present and states she has no action items to add to her written report.

 

Robert Goodwin moved and Leeon Hillman seconded to approve Jennifer’s report.  4 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

15)  Leo Carpenter, People’s Center

Leo was present to review his written report.  He requested approval to travel to North Bend, OR, May 14-17, 2006 for himself and Lisa Schamehorn as they were personally invited to attend the Coquille Indian Tribe’s 10th Annual Cultural Preservation Conference at the Mill Casino.  It would be funded from discretionary.  They will decide on Wednesday.

 

Robert Goodwin moved and Leeon Hillman seconded to approve Leo’s report.  4 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

16)  Chris Kleeman, IT

No report, not present.  They would like his report on Wednesday.

 

17)  Barbara Houle, CASA

Written report only, left the meeting as there were no action items.

 

Leeon Hillman moved and Robert Goodwin seconded to approve Barbara’s report.  4 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

 

18)  April Attebury, Tribal Court

April distributed her written report.  She has no action items at this time.

 

Robert Goodwin moved and Alvis Johnson seconded to approve April’s report.  4 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

19)  Jim Berry, KCDC

Written report only, not present.

 

Robert Goodwin moved and Leeon Hillman seconded to approve Jim’s report.  4 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

20)  Hector Garcia, Self Governance

Hector only had one action item to request which was to be on the Agenda for Wednesday with Barbara Norman to do a small presentation on the Probate Code so that it can be submitted.  He requests 20 minutes.  The Council states that is fine, Sara will add him.

 

Robert Goodwin moved and Leeon Hillman seconded to approve Hector’s report.  4 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

21)  Fred Burcell, Maintenance/Construction

Written report only, not present.

 

Roy Arwood moved and Robert Goodwin seconded to approve Fred’s report.  4 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

22)  Don Voyles, Maintenance/Automotive

Written report only, not present.

 

Roy Arwood moved and Alvis Johnson seconded to approve Don’s report.  4 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

23)  Sami Difuntorum, Housing

Written report only, not present.

 

Leeon Hillman moved and Robert Goodwin seconded to approve Sami’s report.  4 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

24)  Mike Edwards, Social Services

Mike was present to go over one action item which is Contract 06-C-007 with Mike and Kayla Bridwell beginning May 1, 2006 at the monthly lease amount of $375.  They will be the first Karuk Tribal Foster Family!

 

Robert Goodwin moved and Leeon Hillman seconded to approve Contract 06-C-007.  4 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

Leeon Hillman moved and Roy Arwood seconded to approve Mike’s report.  4 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

25)  Daniel Pratt, Social Services

Written report only, not present.

 

Roy Arwood moved and Robert Goodwin seconded to approve Daniel’s report.  4 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

26)  Arch Super, Requests

Arch requested their direction regarding local candidates that them wanting to introduce themselves to the Council for the upcoming June County elections.  He wants to know if they want them to come to their meetings or not.  Barbara states that Arkfeld is very interested in meeting with the Tribe; he is running for District Attorney.  There is no policy guiding this type of activity.  They can be added during the Guest segment of the Meeting if they are interested.  Arch will find out what time is best for them.

 

Matt Rhokes and Mickey Hayes have also called wanting to speak to them about the proposed Casino development.  Hector states that they have been calling them for years.  The Council states they have already decided to move forward with a group so it would be an unwise use of time to meet with anyone else.

 

27)  Phone Votes

The phone votes were included in the packets to be added to the record.  Roy Arwood read them aloud for the audience.

 

            a)  Request approval for Social Services Intern mileage to provide services to other sites.  Passed.

b)  Request approval to submit a grant application to EPA for the Tribal Solid Waste Program in the amount of $84,273.  Passed.

c)  Request approval for loan to Tribal Member in the amount of $4,998.  Denied.

d)  Request approval of Resolution 06-R-35 to submit a grant application to National CASA for Continuation funding in the amount of $40,000.  Passed.

e)  Request approval for Sarah Allen to attend training in Sacramento, April 24-28, 2006.  Passed.

f)  Request approval for Toby Reuze to attend training in Sacramento, April 24-28, 2006.  Passed.

 

28)  Informational

None at this time.

 

29)  Committee Reports

None at this time.

 

Closed Session from 8:45 PM to 12:15 AM

 

Alvis Johnson moved and Robert Goodwin seconded to approve Resolution 06-R-37 to enroll 14 members into the Tribe.  4 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

Consensus:  Laura will contact CILS regarding the invoice to determine what can be done, she will also talk to Barbara Norman to determine her impression of the services that were going to be provided.

 

Consensus:  They will consider the requests from Tribal Member #2035 at the Wednesday meeting.

 

Consensus:  For Barbara Norman to discuss Tribal Member #2093 with Sheriff Riggans.

 

Consensus:  To uphold the decision to appoint Donna Goodwin-Sanchez to the TERO Commission.

 

Directive:  To Housing to forward the letters of intent for the Housing Committee to the Tribal Office to Sara’s attention.  The point of contact for the request will also be updated to reflect Sara Spence will receive the letters.

Roy Arwood moved and Robert Goodwin seconded for Dion Wood to continue to serve on the National Indian Child Care Association.  4 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

Consensus: To review the request from Tribal Member #717 on Wednesday.

 

Consensus:  To ask Stephanie Dolan for her input regarding Tribal Member #4297’s case and what might be involved in a case such as this.

 

Consensus:  To review the request from Tribal Member #224 on Wednesday.

 

Consensus:  To refer Enrollment #D01745 to the Housing Committee.

 

Consensus:  To refer Tribal Member #2724 back to the Housing Committee.

 

Consensus:  To review the request from Tribal Member #1275 on Wednesday.

 

Consensus:  To review the request from Tribal Member #650 on Wednesday.

 

Consensus:  To review the request from Tribal Member #1900 on Wednesday.

 

Consensus:  To review the request from Enrollment #D00107 on Wednesday.

 

Consensus:  To review the request from Tribal Member #858 on Wednesday.

 

Consensus:  Mike Edwards will have Daniel Pratt review Tribal Member # 3370’s case and see what his opinion is.

 

Next Meeting Date:  May 25, 2006 at 5 PM in Orleans.

 

Meeting adjourned at 12:18 AM.

 

Yootva,

 

 

_______________________________

Arch Super, Chairman

 

Recording Secretary, Sara Spence