Karuk Tribe of California

Health Board Meeting

July 13, 2006

Minutes

 

Meeting called to order @ 5:01 PM, by Chairperson, Arch Super

 

Present:

Arch Super, Chairman

Leeon Hillman, Treasurer

Roy Arwood, Member at Large

Florence Conrad, Member at Large

Alvis Johnson, Member at Large

Robert Goodwin, Member at Large (5:13 PM)

 

Absent:

Leaf Hillman, Vice-Chairman (travel/excused)

Florrine Super, Secretary (travel/excused)

Robert Grant, Member at Large (ill/excused)

 

Quorum is established.

 

Florence Conrad read the Health Mission Statement out loud.

 

Agenda:

Alvis motioned and Leeon seconded to approve the agenda with additions, 4 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

Minutes of June 12, 2006:

Roy motioned and Leeon seconded to approve the minutes, 4 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

Guests:

1) Hester Miller, Grant Writer/Resource Developer:

Hester provided information on the FEMA mitigation plan. She would like to collect public input from the community that is present. She will also make the draft available for others to read. The FEMA plan will assist in obtaining funding in the future for any other years of flood damage similar to this last year. The funding includes allotted assistance toward the clean up process. She explained that the recent flood damage was mainly in Karuk territory, so this plan is very important to ensure there is adequate funding to assist in appropriate damage clean up. If the mitigation plan is approved the clean up project/s may begin as early as this summer.  The outline goals are millions of dollars that would be to remove structures that are in flood zones, and stream moving.

Hester would like to receive public comments and feedback received by August 4, 2006 to allow her and Rick Hill to incorporate public input in the planning document. Hester will also make copies of the plan available at receptionist desks and also the table of contents on the website for people to contact the grant writers’ office to obtain the document.

 

Directors Reports:

1.) Lessie Aubrey, DQMCH:

Lessie presented a PSA Area Agency grant continuation application for the senior nutrition program. The funding source is PSA Area 2 Agency on Aging in the amount of $27,868 from 7/01/2006 to 06/30/2007. The actual contract is the same as the previous years with minor revisions.

 

Roy motioned and Leeon seconded to approve resolution 06-R-84 authorizing submission of a continuation application with the PSA Area 2 Agency in the amount of $27,868, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

Due to the recent discussion to move from JCAHO accreditation body to AAAHC, Lessie would like to attend training along with her assistant to obtain an overview of AAAHC. She would like to attend training in September and will need out of state approval.

 

Bob motioned and Alvis seconded to approve out of state travel for Lessie Aubrey and Norlyn Peters September 29-30, 2006 to St. Louis Missouri, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

Lessie would also like to request training on Contract Health Services. She invited any interested board members to attend as well.

 

Florence motioned and Bob seconded to approve out of state travel for Lessie Aubrey and Arch super to attend training on Contract Health Services in Las Vegas, September 26-27, 2006, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

The meeting with Jim Crouch of CRIHB was postponed, but there is the possibility to meet with him via teleconference. Bob inquired about the membership fee that CRIHB wants to impose. Roy explained that this fee covers stipends for our board members, as well as some training for our employees, but CRIHB basically offers the services that we’re already receiving. Roy also commented that in California there weren’t any health services for Native Americans and that is why CRIHB was formed. The board agrees that meeting with Jim Crouch to receive further information regarding CRIHB and its services would benefit the Tribe.

 

Erin asked that if this teleconference takes place she and Laura Mayton be involved to determine exactly what services CRIHB is able to provide. Bob explained that she should set the date and time, and then invite Erin and Laura, they will meet via teleconference. Arch suggests getting some dates of availability from Jim Crouch and then bring those back to the Council.

 

Lessie also provided an update regarding HRSA; she completed a modification and has been eligible to move $80,000 to cover some costs associated with the sliding fee scale implemented at the clinics.  There have been third year modifications to maintain the staffing. Lessie found that there was a $6,000 reduction; this was a 1% reduction that took place on the Federal level to all programs.

 

Lessie provided the health program zero tolerance policy that was recently re-approved by the CQI Committee. She is requesting re-approval by the Board at this time.

 

Bob motioned and Leeon seconded to approve policy 02-013-030 Zero Tolerance Policy as presented, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

A JCAHO press release should go out to the public and to the newspapers. JCAHO provides a template to utilize to issue a public release that is sent after organizations receive accreditation. Lessie will post this on the website and insert it into the Siskiyou Daily news and the Eureka reporter, as approved by consensus of the board.

 

A request from Maria Miranda and Sharon Denz, to attend the Siskiyou Golden Fair to provide information to community members that KTHP’s health service is open to the entire community was presented. Dr. Hess explained that the space rent is approximately $330 and it must be staffed the entire time. Bob explained that this is a great idea, but there should be further funding information submitted in regards to staffing the booth and the funding needed to cover their entry fee and associated costs for time. Arch explained that this would have to be approved at the next Wednesday meeting as more information needs to be submitted. Bob also suggests having other staff volunteer for the booth as well, so that they do not become too tired.

 

Vickie announced that Fairchild Medical Center is going to have a health fair in September in which would also be an opportunity to provide information to the community regarding services.

 

Leeon motioned and Bob seconded to approve Lessie’s report, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

2.) Joe Snapp, Substance and Alcohol Abuse Program:

Joe announced that the substance abuse program received its state certification.

 

Joe provided revised plans from the architect regarding the Oak Knoll project. They are scaled down prints which is the third revision for this project. He distributed the plans for the Council to review. The Council agreed with the latest plan revisions including the scaling back and building on once there is further funding obtained. The Oak Knoll facility will not provide treatment due to the restricted regulations. The best option is to keep the residence strictly a transitional house, and transport the patients to treatment. This has been approved, and will best suit the facility.

 

Joe introduced Anthony who has recently been employed as counselor for the Orleans community. Florence announced that on August 13, 2006 at 1:30 PM there will be a lunch at the Pananmik Center in Orleans inviting the Social Services staff to the Karuk Tribe of California.

To date Joe is unsure where the DUI application process is. He believes that it is held at the County level. Joe suggests asking if Barbara Norman contact the County, to obtain a response. The Council agrees that having Barbara Norman on this task would be helpful.

 

Directive: for Barbara Norman to contact Joe Snapp to obtain an update regarding the DUI application held at the County level, and to follow up on the status with the County.  

 

The garden is going good, and there is quite a crowd working on it. He is experiencing issues with the water pump and is unable to have adequate watering to the garden. Joe explained that he purchased a smaller pump that he may use.

 

Directive: for Barbara to notify Fred and Davey to assist Joe in digging a pond with the backhoe including a reservoir to provide water for the garden. Also, inquire about Bill Johnson’s ability to work on the pump at the Ranch.

 

Directive: to Scott Quinn, Land Manager, to contact Joe Snapp to inquire about zoning problems associated with Oak Knoll, also to assist Joe in finding a resolution to the zoning issue.

 

Bob motioned and Leeon seconded to approve Joe’s report, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

3.) David Eisenberg, PHN:

Florence motioned and Bob seconded to approve David’s report 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

The inspection noted in David’s report, was in regards to the JCAHO survey that was recently conducted. Bob would like to have follow up next month on meeting compliance regarding the identified deficiencies.

 

4.) Patti White, Database Administrator:

The IT department seems to be experiencing issues on both sides of the organization. There should be a plan of action regarding the issues that are being identified.  

 

Florence motioned and Leeon seconded to approve Patti’s written report, 3 haa, 0 puuhara, 2 pupitihara (Bob Goodwin and Roy Arwood).

 

5.) Vickie Walden, Dental Office Manager:

Vickie completed a required report for the HRSA grant, participated in the JCAHO survey and was selected to sit on the EDDHS interview panel. Due to her schedule she was unable to complete a written report. She went on to provide a verbal report for the Council.

 

The Happy Camp Dental Office is moving along, including prepping the facility for construction and obtaining equipment to be utilized in the new space. This project was funded some time ago and now she will be able to provide IHS a report of the progress.

She has been having staff meetings, and quarterly joint staff meetings in which all staff attend together. The next joint dental staff meeting is scheduled for September 28, 2006 she invited all Council members to attend.

 

The Hygienist services in Yreka are increasing. There also have been improvements in all areas regarding expansion of services within the dental program.

 

Florence motioned and Leeon seconded to approve Vickie’s verbal report, 4 haa, 0 puuhara, 1 pupitihara (Roy Arwood).

 

Bob would like to get together with persons for the Health Fair and the Reunion to brainstorm ideas to make the event a little more pleasurable next year. Erin explained that there was a survey completed last year and this year there will be discussion on improvements as well.

 

Requests:

1.) Phil Albers Jr., Tribal Member:

Phil was unable to attend the meeting to present his request; however his request was written and included for the Council to review. The request will be moved to the next Wednesday planning meeting for review to ensure that the Tribe received payment from Brass Knuckles Promotions from their last event.  

 

Informational:

1.) Suzanna Hardenburger, Business Office Manager:

Suzanna Hardenburger provided written information regarding which collection agency she recommends for selection to begin collection proceedings regarding delinquent health program accounts. She will be available to meet with the Council at a later time, but due to the amount of information she distributed the resource material is submitted at this time as informational.

 

Closed Session:

Employment proposal was discussed with the Council. The Council recommends that Laura Mayton, Lessie Aubrey and the employee meet together to discuss the details of the proposal. After the CFO reviews the proposal the Council will be more informed of the budget status to continue negotiating. Barbara Snider is to complete salary comparisons regarding the proposal and present the information back to the Council.

 

Consensus: to allow employee #1027 to remain on staff until August 18, 2006. Partial funding will be from the HCHS clinic budget to offset wages.

 

Consensus: to have Lessie Aubrey draft a letter to employee #3692. The letter should include; recent reports maintaining composure, noted lack of presence, and obvious loss of desire related to work, this will be presented and discussed with employee, Tuesday July 18, 2006 following the gaming meeting. Arch Super and Robert Goodwin shall meet with the employee to determine capability and desire to maintain employment with the Tribe.

 

Directive: to employee #3692 to meet with Bob Goodwin and Arch Super on Tuesday July 18, 2006, time not specified, but availability should begin in the morning after 10:00 AM.

 

Employee made recommendations to the Council regarding the recent EDHHS selection, and replacement suggestions for the Yreka Medical facility.

 

Florence motioned and Bob seconded to approve mileage to (Delight Attebury) for Cornelius Attebury in the amount of $95.06 for an appointment July 24, 2006 with proof of appointment 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

Florence motioned and Roy seconded to grant employee #1653 the authority to make the arrangement with Pacific Power on behalf of HG, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

Consensus: the Council needs and would like to be sent the KTHA delinquent list. Erin will forward a copy that she has.

 

Consensus: to move the next regularly scheduled Council meeting back to Thursday July 27, 2006.

 

Florence motioned and Leeon seconded to approve up to $200 for appreciation purchases of flowers and possibly certificate to employee #3413 for her coordination and passing of the 2006 JCAHO accreditation survey, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

Florence has questions regarding Katimin. Employee has threatened a couple people, and also an employee filmed demonstrating vulgar behavior toward the Council.  There is and should be no tolerance for this type of behavior. Arch will talk to Sara to review the Human Resources guidelines for dealing with type of behavior.

 

Florence excused herself from the meeting at 8:19 PM.

 

Bob motioned and Alvis seconded to approve lodging for Arch Super and Vina to Berkeley CA, July 21-23, 2006 for a language seminar, 3 haa, 1 puuhara (Roy Arwood), 0 pupitihara.

 

Employee #3770 requests a loan in the amount of $1,129 to pay back in four installments via a payroll deduction. Roy motioned to approve the loan and it was denied due to the lack of a second. 

 

Bob motioned and Leeon seconded to approve increase of Stephanie Dolan’s rates from $100 per hour to $150 effective September 1, 2006, 4 haa, 0 puuhara, 1 pupitihara (Roy Arwood).

 

Roy motioned and Leeon seconded to contribute to the 2006 Northwest Intertribal Gathering & Elders Dinner in the same amount as last donated, 4 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

Roy motioned and Leeon seconded to approve a $1,000 donation to Sports Core Outdoor Renovation Effort (SCORE) for their recondition project to the Happy Camp High School outdoor basketball courts,  3 haa, 0 puuhara, 1 pupitihara (Bob Goodwin).

 

Next Meeting date: August 10, 2006 at 5:00 PM, in Happy Camp, California

 

Alvis motioned and Roy seconded to adjourn meeting @ 8:35 PM, 4 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

 

 

 

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

 

 

________________________________

Arch Super, Chairman

 

 

Recording Secretary, Barbara Snider