Karuk Tribe of California

Council Meeting Minutes

January 25, 2007

Happy Camp, California

 

Ayukii,

 

The meeting was called to order at 5:00 PM by Arch Super, Chairman.

 

Roll Call

Present

Arch Super, Chairman

Florrine Super, Secretary

Leeon Hillman, Treasurer

Roy Arwood, Member – Late – 5:16 PM

Sonny Davis, Member

Robert Goodwin, Member

Alvis Johnson, Member

 

Absent

Leaf Hillman, Vice Chairman – excused

Florence Conrad, Member – excused

 

Quorum is established.

 

The preamble to the Constitution was read aloud by Robert Goodwin.

 

Approval of the Agenda for January 25, 2007

 

Florrine Super moved and Alvis Johnson seconded to approve the Agenda for January 25, 2007.  5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

1)  Approval of the Minutes for December 28, 2006

 

Florrine Super moved and Leeon Hillman seconded to approve the Minutes for December 28, 2006.  5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

2)  Rob Hisimoto, Brass Knuckles Promotions

Rob introduced himself on behalf of Brass Knuckles Promotions.  He states they sponsored Rumble at the WarGrounds I, II, and III last year and plan to do several events this year.  They would like to go with April 6, May 25, August 10 or 11, September 29 for this year’s event dates tentatively.  They have chosen two Fridays, one event during the Fair, and a final event on a Saturday.  All dates do not compete with the stock car races.  He is currently in contact with a pay-per-view opportunity to broadcast the fights.  They will have their promotion package together by Wednesday.  He currently manages over 30 teams and would like to have one of the local teams compete in a large pay-per-view event.  He states it is nice to work in Northern California in conjunction with the Karuk Tribe; they would like to have one of the Yreka events be broadcast on pay-per-view with eight teams competing throughout the season to eventually compete for the International Fight League title at the end of the season.  He states that this has huge opportunities for the fighters to get real deals to compete for compensation.

 

He would like permission to proceed with April 6, May 25, August 10 or 11, and September 29 for this year’s events.  He and Phil are working with other Tribes and Tribal Casinos to coordinate events and working with the Karuk Tribe would be helpful for them as the Tribe has better working relationships with the other local Tribes.  He has left most of that contact to Phil Albers for that reason.

 

Arch states they will take this to the Wednesday meeting for a final decision and then get back to him.

 

Roy Arwood arrived at 5:16 PM.

 

2a)  LATE ADDITION, Joe Scheuler

He states that he has been a homebuyer in the Yreka Community and due to recent issues they are going to be moving from the Housing Authority.  He states that he was granted permission to do improvements to the home as he was a homebuyer and now that he is moving, would like to know what happens to the monetary value of his improvements to the home.  Arch states he would need to speak to the Housing Authority regarding this.  Joe states he spoke to Ann and was told no and tried to contact Sami but has not heard back.  Arch states that the Council will forward this information to the Housing Committee to determine if there are any procedures in place for situations such as this and then get back to him.

 

3)  Susan Gehr, Language

Susan states she has no action items in addition to her written report.  Susan introduced herself to the audience and gave a brief overview of the phrase of the month in her report which is:  “hámi” meaning “isn’t it”.  Bob suggests she work with Rosie at the Computer Center to help with their Distance Learning project they are working on since the equipment is already there.

 

Florrine Super moved and Robert Goodwin seconded to approve Susan’s report.  6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

4)  Rick Hill/Hester Miller, Grant Writers

Written report only, not present.

 

Florrine asked if there would be a date for the next Basket Weaver’s Gathering.  Erin states with no one in that position, no one has had time to work on putting anything together and determining if the funding is approved.  It will have to be a volunteer effort between Paula McCarthy, Verna Reece, and Jennifer Goodwin.  Arch asked if the Museum Advisory Committee could handle this task and plan the event.  Susan, as a representative of that Committee, states it is such a group that is so involved in so many things, she does not know if that would be possible.  Erin states the largest factor is whether or not the funding is approved.

 

Robert Goodwin moved and Florrine Super seconded to approve Rick and Hester’s report.  6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

5)  Scott Quinn, NEPA/Land/Transportation

Scott was present to review his written report.  He has two items to hand out, one of which is an action item.  The first is travel to San Diego; this does not require Council approval because it is in California.  He does require Arch’s signature however.  His next item is regarding the Yurok Tribal Park Plan and it is a letter that he drafted voicing their concerns with the plan and areas that they would like to have further discussion with them on.  He states that any input they have on the letter; he would like them to email him.  Arch suggests a follow-up meeting regarding this issue so that they can go over this in detail.  They will decide tonight if they would like to do this Wednesday or an alternate day.  Bob asked Scott for a copy of the map of the Shivshaneen property that can be compared with the Housing plan for that property so that Council can review this as it will be Tribal Land and they should have knowledge of what they propose to put on it.

 

Bob asked if anything has developed with Dick Roland, Scott states that Laura has provided a draft contract and he will meet with him tomorrow regarding that for further modifications.

 

Robert Goodwin moved and Alvis Johnson seconded to approve Scott’s report.  6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

6)  Sandi Tripp, DNR

Sandi states she has several action items to be approved tonight in addition to her written report.

 

The first is a purchase from Ferguson Enterprises, Inc. for necessary supplies to repair flood damage to the fish hatchery.  The only responsive quote is $7,505.05.  They will do the work and are working with the Forest Service on this.  They may be able to upgrade the filter system also so that it doesn’t have to be manually cleaned.

 

Robert Goodwin moved and Roy Arwood seconded to approve the purchase from Ferguson Enterprises, Inc. in the amount of $7,505.05.  6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

The next item is an MOU with the Six Rivers Forest Service regarding a large project they are proposing in the Orleans area because the area is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places as an historic property.  They will for the first time be involved so that the Tribe’s input is formal and must be included in their project and formally recognize the Tribe’s forest management practices.  Bob asked if there is a map of the cultural district.  Sandi states she does have one and can get them to him for all of the cultural management areas.  There is no number assigned as Erin has not seen it.  Sandi states it can be tabled to Wednesday so that Laura, Erin, and Hector can review it and assign an Agreement Number.

 

Her next item is the Special Use Permit for the Katimin Area that she distributed last month.  It is to reissue the permit which expired on December 31, 2006.  It too, will need to go through the Agreement process and be approved Wednesday.

 

Sandi states they are working with the Water Resources Control Board on the impacts of water quality on health.  It is an informative document that includes many different sources of information and would like them to review the document so that they can provide input on any areas that may be missing from it.  This also goes along with the Clean Water Permit that PacifiCorp will need in order to operate the dams.  The final version will require a Resolution be tied to it.

 

She has a Tribal Wildlife Grant to be approved for Earl.  Erin and Laura have both reviewed the document.  It is for $111,000 from the Fish and Wildlife Service for road decommissioning.  Resolution 07-R-006 was issued for the proposal.  It will be for decommissioning in the Bluff Creek area.

 

Robert Goodwin moved and Roy Arwood seconded to approve Resolution 07-R-006.  6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

She requested approval of two grants to the Seventh Generation Foundation for $10,000 and a grant for $20,000 to the Panta Rhea Foundation both to meet with Warren Buffet to generate major network news coverage (NPR, Washington Post, New York Times) to use media pressure to drive PacifiCorp in to a dam removal deal.  They will be going to Omaha, NE instead of Scotland as they have sold the company.  The Resolution numbers are 07-R-009 and 07-R-008 respectively.  They have to stage this differently then in Scotland in order to ensure it will be national news.  Bud pointed out the Tribe was founded in 1979 instead of 1986 and that needs to be fixed on the Panta Rhea Foundation application.  Erin pointed out that she and Laura just reviewed these tonight and she will have to start enforcing policy and not reviewing them when they do not arrive 7 days before the meeting.

 

Robert Goodwin moved and Alvis Johnson seconded to approve Resolution 07-R-008 and 07-R-009.  6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

Sandi also announced that Siskiyou Telephone has donated $5,000 toward the rebuilding of the Katimin Dance Pit.  She has drafted a thank you letter to them.

 

She requested a DNR Mid-Month Meeting for February.  She will get the date on Wednesday; they also need to revisit the cow issue at the Ish-Kayish Ranch.

 

Robert Goodwin moved and Florrine Super seconded to approve Sandi’s report.  6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

7)  Lisa Aubrey, LIAP

Written report only, not present.

 

Leeon Hillman moved and Roy Arwood seconded to approve Lisa’s report.  6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

8)  Dion Wood, TERO

Dion was present to distribute his written report.  He states that yesterday the TERO Commission met to follow up on their October Planning Session that was held.  He states that they are working toward adopting a Workplace Protection Act that will address EEOC and OSHA policies for the Tribe to give them a stronger Tribal Government Base.  He states that nationally, they are working with NAHASDA to change the language to Tribal Preference, versus Indian Preference and he would like to work with Sami on this to see if they are pushing the same issue.  Bud states that has not been brought up, Dion will speak to them.  Dion states that there is a contradiction between TERO and NAHASDA for preference issues.  They are also working on Caltrans issues for contracting that takes place on or near Tribal lands and there may be a class action lawsuit coming that they can participate in if they would like.

 

He asked about the fact that the Tribe follows Federal Laws and not State Laws, he would like to adhere to the Federal working standards of 9 to 5 with paid lunch for their consideration.

 

He states that the Regional TERO will have training on EEOC issues and it may be beneficial for the Human Resources Manager to attend.

 

He states the Tribal CCC Crew is working out very well and will be on site until February 7, 2007.  There are seven members and one crew leader tearing down the old school building in Happy Camp to make room for the new modular building.  The EEOC Training will be in Mid-March.  The TERO Commission has approved to purchase a gift for each of them a hooded sweatshirt.  He recommends the Council reward the Maintenance Crew for their contributions also.  The cost is about $40-$50.

 

Consensus:  They approve to purchase the same gift of hooded sweatshirts for the Maintenance Staff working on the demolition also.

 

He will be working with Housing on wage monitoring for the Yreka Construction Project that is scheduled to begin next week.  TERO does wage monitoring, DNR handles coordinating Cultural Monitors to work on the project.

 

Dion states the TERO Commission has revived the Policy for Tribal Committees that was started sometime ago, most importantly how stipends are handled for staff who sit on committees, currently there are only a couple of motions in place to guide these payments.  It will be going to the Management Team for review and then back to Council.

 

He states that TANF is moving forward and he and Daniel Pratt will be giving a full presentation at the next Wednesday Meeting to fill them in and see how it will look.  He states that he has the first invoice for the Contractor for $4,000 for TANF.  When it was approved, it was planned to be paid for out of TANF Funding but cannot be done with that funding, it will have to be discretionary and they will have to vote on it.  Arch states they will do it Wednesday.

 

Dion states that in February the TERO Commission will be coordinating their Summer Youth Project to make sure it is well thought out and a full process for those kids.

 

Robert Super asked about the Head Start Program doing Childcare with supplemental funding.  He states he is having a hard time securing childcare.  It would be similar to other Tribes wraparound programs.  Dion states it has been discussed before and came down to grant reporting issues and funding issues.  He states they could re-visit it again and see what they can come up with.  The County is going to be implementing a childcare program through the school system until 6 PM.  April states that program is already full in Yreka and it just started.

 

He states he was very disappointed with the State of California’s recent report on childcare.  It did not mention the Tribes and their commitments to childcare and in fact it does not mention them at all, other than to say they are poor, have asthma, and are overweight!  He is going to keep his eye on this and Arch would like to send a letter to them.  The State staff have mentioned holding a Tribal meeting for them to voice their concerns with the report, but it has gone nowhere.

 

Florrine states that he had talked about working with NCIDC to coordinate interview skills training for Tribal Members.  He states he can work on that.

 

Florrine Super moved and Alvis Johnson seconded to approve Dion’s report.  6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

9)  Jennifer Goodwin, Education

Jennifer was present to review her written report with the Council.  She states she has no action items.  But does have a couple of announcements, the first is that the budget meeting in Hoopa has been changed to February 12, 2007 and just before the meeting there will be an Indian policies and procedures meeting.  Arch states she needs to get others to go to that meeting, as Council will be unavailable that day. 

 

In March, Humboldt State will be holding an Education Conference, which she will have more information on in the near future.  There will also be a meeting to discuss budget cuts for Humboldt State and Arch and Roy will be attending with her.

 

She also announced that there is currently an Art Competition going on that can lead to scholarship opportunities.  It is for ages pre-K through 12.  You have to pre-register before you can submit your artwork. 

 

Florrine thanked her for sending the announcement out.

 

She states she included in her report some information regarding the CHP Workshop that will be going on called Start Smart.  Bob states they can call Rick Landrum at the Yreka CHP Office for more information.

Florrine Super moved and Leeon Hillman seconded to approve Jennifer’s report.  6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

10)  Erin Hillman, Administrative Programs

Erin was present to review her written report.  She states that several grants have been reviewed and submitted since her report was completed.

 

They have completed the review of the Architectural Proposals for the Orleans Community Building and will be meeting with a potential Architect next week.  They will be working out some possible change issues with engineers as well.

 

She included a couple of policies for them to review and then vote on Wednesday.  They are for the Education Department and the LIAP Program.

 

She presented a request for out of state travel for Hester Dillon, Martha Schrock, and Lessie Aubrey to attend HRSA Training that is coming up.  The health staff training is pending Martha’s recommendation as she is unavailable right now.  The Training will be held in New Orleans, February 12-14, 2007.

 

Robert Goodwin moved and Leeon Hillman seconded to approve out of state travel for Hester Dillon, Lessie Aubrey, and Martha Schrock to New Orleans, February 12-14, 2007 for HRSA Training.  6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

She requested approval of Contract 07-C-029 with Winzler and Kelly in the amount of $13,500 to perform the Environmental Assessment for the Panamnik Property for the new Orleans Community Building.

 

Robert Goodwin moved and Florrine Super seconded to approve Contract 07-C-029.  6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

She also distributed Contract 07-C-030 with Ghost Rx that provides quarterly Pharmacy inspections to allow them to dispense pharmaceuticals.  The rate is $80 per hour for calendar year 2007 as needed.

 

Robert Goodwin moved and Alvis Johnson seconded to approve Contract 07-C-030 with Ghost Rx.  6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

Florrine Super moved and Alvis Johnson seconded to approve Erin’s report.  6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

11)  Sami Difuntorum, Housing

Not present, written report only.

 

Florrine asked if Hector is involved in any of the legislative business that Housing is working on.  There was discussion that those items should come to the Council for final approval as it is a Tribally Designated Housing Entity under the Council.  They should talk about this on Wednesday and address it.

 

Laura states there is funding available to purchase tables and chairs so that is handled and it is unnecessary to continue discussing it.

 

Leeon asked if the documents for the Housing Meeting are going to be received ahead of time and how they will be receiving that.  The Court will be submitting some paperwork for that meeting.

 

Robert Goodwin moved and Leeon Hillman seconded to approve Sami’s report.  6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

12)  Laura Mayton, CFO

Laura states she has no action items to add to her written report.  She states they are continuing to work on the direct deposit and it should be better now that Sonny is a Council Member.

 

She states that the two findings from last year will need to be looked at very closely to avoid a repeat finding.  They were Head Start and the I-9’s.  They will be at KCDC and Housing the week of February 20.  They will be at KTOC the week of February 26.

 

Sonny Davis moved and Robert Goodwin seconded to approve Laura’s report.  6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

13)  April Attebury, Tribal Court

April was present to report to the Council.  She states she only has a couple of items and then Judge Henry will address them.  She does not have a written report but has some information that she put together for them.

 

She states the State CASA Contract should be on its way and they just need to keep an eye out for that.  She states a laptop has been purchased and the case management software has been installed, they should be receiving it at any time which will provide technical assistance to them.

 

She states they met today with Don Langford and some County staff regarding their County Agreement.  She would like to enter into a short term contract with Joanne Newton who has been assisting in these negotiations and work on some questions they have.  It will only be through March for about 10-12 hours.

 

She states there was also a conference call with the State and Stephanie today regarding the Title IV-E funding and there needs to be a date coordinate to review the final proposed version from the State which will be ready next week.  She would like Council, Martha, Laura, and Erin at the meeting along with herself and Stephanie.  It needs to be before February 9, 2007.  They will meet on Monday, February 5, 2007 at 10, 2007 in Happy Camp.

She plans to request a phone vote tomorrow for a grant application once some issues are worked out in the review process.  This can assist with increasing the CASA Program Manager position to full time to allow them to better meet their goals and objectives.

 

Judge Henry was present to report to the Council as well.  He announced that they recently had their Judges Coalition Meeting in Redding and there were many Judges there, one of which who is nationally known in the court circuit.  He is just aware that there are Tribal Courts and a network in his area in December.  He was able to attend the meeting and is very enthusiastic and promised his help which is wonderful with the CASA and Title IV-E and enforcement of Tribal Court Orders, etc.  The next meeting will be March 9, 2007 in Klamath and Olin Jones will be attending that meeting.

 

Robert Goodwin moved and Florrine Super seconded to approve Contract 07-C-031 with Joanne Newton.  6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

Robert Goodwin moved and Leeon Hillman seconded to approve April’s report.  6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

14)  Cheyenne Davis, CASA

Not present, written report only.

Robert Goodwin moved and Alvis Johnson seconded to approve Cheyenne’s report.  6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

15)  Hector Garcia

Hector was present to review his written report.

 

He would like some direction from the Council regarding Dennis Whittlesey’s files and if the Tribe will be issuing a letter to request the files be transferred from his current firm to the new firm.  Robert Goodwin states that they need to finalize their account with them.  Laura states that does not matter, they just have to authorize Dennis to take the files with him; it is not attached to the invoice from them.

 

He states the Probate Code was submitted to the Department of Interior last Summer and have now received a letter from them stating that the Tribe’s jurisdiction must be defined before they can approve the Code.  He has been in communication with several individuals regarding this issue.  He states that the adverse reaction was drafted on December 6, 2006 and then they were called to a meeting but the necessary staff were not present to address their questions.  The other Tribes are behind them in moving forward with this issue.  He feels there are several options that they need to discuss.  He is not pleased how this was handled at all and is disappointed in how Amy handled this.  He would like to discuss this Wednesday and then go back and work the issues out because the Tribe is given the necessary authority in the BIA approved Constitution.  They did not receive Federal Notice within 180 days as required in the Federal Code and may pursue this by ignoring the determination.  They will discuss this Wednesday.

 

He states the Consortium has been working on Trust Reform issues and there was much effort contributed toward the Cobell litigation but it was shot down in this new administration.  He and Danny Jordan have been on conference calls with ATNI regarding this bill.  He would like to attend a one day meeting with the Senate Staffers to develop an activity plan for the coming year.  Arch states it is in Portland, so it does not require Council approval.  He encourages Council representation at this meeting.  That will not be possible as it is during the Canyonville Planning Session.  Arch states if it will be February 14, 2007, they may be able to make it as their meeting adjourns at 11 AM on February 13, 2007.

 

He would like to discuss Bill AB 1962 on Wednesday which was the Yurok Bill that was vetoed.  He states they need to discuss several issues as requirements must be met before the Governor will sign a new bill.

 

He states that he has put together a bound copy of the policies/codes of the Tribe and is willing to create a copy for them if they would like it.  He can forward it to Sara and she can place it in the Council’s office.

 

Robert Goodwin moved and Leeon Hillman seconded to approve Hector’s report.  6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

e

 

 

16)  Jim Berry

Jim was present to review his written report.  He distributed detailed information regarding their budget that was approved through a phone vote earlier this week and passed.  He states that it looks like the $60,000 grant from EDA will be approved which will help them with staffing and workload.  He states he will be meeting with Sue Burcell in Hoopa to go over the CDFI Grant Application which will help with obtaining some staff members to oversee that program which was transferred from Housing to KCDC.  That would be $150,000 if approved.

 

Florrine Super asked if now that Naa Vura Yee Shiip is working with Martha will she report in a different manner.  Robert states the program still reports to KCDC, but Martha is providing assistance to get the program into compliance with the funder’s requests and coordinate more collaboration with other Tribal Programs/Resources.

 

Robert Goodwin moved and Florrine Super seconded to approve Jim’s report.  6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

17)  Davey Davis

Not present, written report only.

 

Roy Arwood moved and Robert Goodwin seconded to approve Davey’s report.  6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

18)  Fred Burcell

Not present, written report only.

 

Robert Goodwin moved and Roy Arwood seconded to approve Fred’s report.  6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

19)  Requests

None at this time.

 

20)  Phone Votes

a.  Request for approval of Resolution 07-R-001 authorizing the acquisition of and change in purchase price of Jacobs Allotment.  Passed.

b.  Request for approval of out of state travel for Davey Davis, January 8-12, 2007.  Passed.

c.  Request approval to close all Tribal Offices in honor of former President Ford, January 2, 2007.  Passed.

d.  Request for approval for Monitor position to be onsite at the HappyCamp Rock Shop.  Passed.

e.  Request for approval to provide $575 for food/lodging for Tribal Member to San Francisco.  Passed.

f.  Request for approval to purchase 2007 flu vaccine in the amount of $3,839.41.  Passed.

 

21)  Informational

None at this time.

 

22)  Committee Reports

None at this time.

 

23)  Closed Session from 8:42 PM to 10:20 PM

 

Robert Goodwin moved and Roy Arwood seconded to approve up to $4,000 for rehabilitation expenses for Client #V as recommended by Joe Snapp and Robert Super.  6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

Consensus:  To move forward with the Social Services/Tribal Court Planning on the second day of the Canyonville Agenda and extend the discussion to 1 PM.

 

Consensus:  To schedule the 11th Annual Karuk Tribal Reunion for June 23, 2007.

 

Consensus:  To meet with Stephanie Dolan on February 5, 2007 when she is in Happy Camp.

 

Consensus:  Scott Quinn will be added to the Agenda for Wednesday to discuss the Tribal Park Plan.

Next Meeting Date:  February 22, 2007 at 5 PM in Orleans, California.

 

Meeting adjourned at 10:25 PM.

 

Yootva,

 

 

____________________________________

Arch Super, Chairman

 

Recording Secretary, Sara Spence