Karuk Tribe of California

Council Meeting Minutes

August 23, 2007

Yreka, California

 

The meeting was called to order at 5:04 PM by Arch Super, Chairman.

 

Roll Call

Present

Arch Super, Chairman

Florrine Super, Secretary

Leeon Hillman, Treasurer

Roy Arwood, Member

Florence Conrad, Member

Sonny Davis, Member

Robert Goodwin, Member

Alvis Johnson, Member

 

Absent

Leaf Hillman, Vice Chairman

 

Quorum is established.

 

Robert Goodwin read the mission statement of the Karuk Tribe aloud.

 

Approval of the Agenda for August 23, 2007

 

Florrine Super moved and Robert Goodwin seconded to approve the Agenda with changes.  7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

1)  Approval of the Minutes for July 27, 2007

 

Florence Conrad moved and Alvis Johnson seconded to approve the Minutes for July 27, 2007.  5 haa, 0 puuhara, 2 pupitihara (Florrine Super and Roy Arwood).

 

Arch welcomed everyone to the new building and asked them to enjoy and explore the building.

 

2)  Tommy & Randy Davis

Not present.

 

3)  Selma George

Selma was present to address the Council regarding September-Fest on Miner Street and Broadway.  They will have bands and activities and she welcomed the Tribe to attend and be represented to play drums, traditional card games, sell goods, sell Indian Tacos, etc.  It could be a good fundraising opportunity.  A demonstration dance would be nice as well.  Arch states they will spread this information around.  September 15, 2007 from 9 am to 4 pm is the date and time.  She also left some flyers behind as well.

 

 

 

 

4)  Rick Hill, Grant Writer

Rick was present to review the written report included in the packets.  He announced that the US Dept. of Justice/Tribal Youth has awarded $300,000 for 4 years to the Tribal Court/Children’s Court; $30,000 from Blue Shield toward the Happy Camp Generator was also received; and they have been re-funded for both ANA Grants as well.

 

He distributed copies of the Strategic Plan Document that was reviewed with several Council Members yesterday.  He requested approval of the document and also requested permission to develop a brochure from the document to be used in grant support and to distribute general information about the Tribe.  He provided a short update regarding the activities discussed at the meeting as well.

 

He also has an action item to approve a grant application to Shasta Regional to purchase sports equipment that can help with youth sports needs.  It has been assigned Resolution 07-R-119 in the amount of $5,000.

 

Roy Arwood moved and Leeon Hillman seconded to approve Resolution 07-R-119.  7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

Florrine states the Strategic Plan should be distributed to Tribal Members and be made available on the website as well.  It could be printed in the Newsletter also when completed.

 

Robert Goodwin moved and Florrine Super seconded to approve the Strategic Plan Summary.  7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

Florrine Super moved and Sonny Davis seconded to approve Rick’s report.  7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

5)  Scott Quinn, Land/Transportation

Scott’s written report was included.  He was not present.

 

Roy Arwood moved and Florrine Super seconded to approve Scott’s report.  7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

6)  Sandi Tripp, DNR

Sandi was present to review her written report with the Tribal Council.  There were some problems with the copies because the copier was running out of toner while the packets were made.  She distributed the budgetary information for review as well.

 

She has one item to request approval on which is the purchase of chairs for the Orleans Community Room to be used for Council meetings and community events.  She would like to purchase them from www.officefurniture.com in the amount of $39 each.  They are very similar to the chairs in this room tonight.  She would like to purchase 40 of them which would total $1,878 including shipping from the Indirect Cost Pool.

 

Consensus:  To purchase the chairs.

 

She next distributed a request to purchase rock for the watershed restoration program for projects they are currently working on from T&T Construction in the amount of $2,088.23.

 

Florence Conrad moved and Robert Goodwin seconded to approve the purchase in the amount of $2,088.23 from T&T Construction.  7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

She requested a meeting date to bring everyone up to speed on the dam removal campaign and an upcoming article that will be in an upcoming issue of National Geographic.  She also states that they are most likely going to be invited to Spain for the 2008 World’s Fair regarding river issues that require restoration and the Tribe having the ability to accomplish that.

 

It will be the largest dam decommissioning project in history when it happens.  There was a River in Maine that was restored in only three years after dam decommissioning.  There will be funding for that trip as well.  She also suggests scheduling community public meetings in all three locations to discuss dam issues again and have questions and answers for the membership.

 

September 5, 2007 at 10 AM was scheduled at the Headway Building.

 

Leeon asked Sandi to thank Susan Corum for her hard work and commend her.

 

Leeon Hillman moved and Florence Conrad seconded to approve Sandi’s report.  7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

7)  Susan Gehr, Language

Susan was present to review her written report.  She has two action items tonight for requests to do stories on the online Karuk Language class.  The requests are from the Eureka Reporter and the Hoopa People.  She states the classes are up and running with full schedules and waiting lists.  It is very successful so far; each class can hold 25 students.

 

Arch states that when department directors are requested to provide information regarding their programs or projects they are working on that it is fine to discuss that information, any statements regarding Tribal activities in general or Tribal opinions need to come to the Council first.

 

She has a request for out of state travel in Vale, Arizona, September 17-18, 2007 for Language Program related training.  Funding is available in her budget.

 

Robert Goodwin moved and Leeon Hillman seconded to approve out of state travel for Susan Gehr.  7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

She will be requesting appointments with several Council Members who are speakers for the online class as well.

 

Robert Goodwin moved and Florrine Super seconded to approve Susan’s report.  7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

8)  April Attebury, Tribal Court

April distributed her written report to the Tribal Council for review.  Her report covers June through August as she was unable to attend the last meeting; she has no action items or closed session items at this time.

 

She states there have been 35 Child Welfare Hearings from January 1, 2007 through June 30, 2007!

 

She states a guest Judge will be visiting on September 7, 2007 who is retired and will be overseeing a hearing; she would like any interested Council Members to stop by and meet him before the hearing as the Council cannot sit in on those.  He will be in Yreka at 10 AM; the hearing should conclude at about 11 or 11:30 AM.

 

Florence Conrad moved and Florrine Super seconded to approve April’s report.  7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

9)  Jim Berry, KCDC

Jim’s written report was included in the packets; he has no action items tonight.  He states this past week the Board was able to complete the 501(c)3 application for the State of California for the Community Loan Fund.

 

Roy Arwood moved and Florrine Super seconded to approve Jim’s report.  7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

10)  Hector Garcia, Self Governance

Hector was present to address the Council and update them on his activities.  He first wanted to discuss what is happening at the State level as the Federal Programs are also tied to that.  Everything is on hold currently due to budget negotiations in Sacramento.  They will be able to start working on Bills again in the near future.

 

There is a small problem with OES and they should be able to work something out with them and he will keep everyone up to date.  The in-person meeting will include Bob, Corina, Chuck, and Arch along with himself.  The grant needs to be revised and submitted on a short timeline which starts in October.  They will be meeting with them in Sacramento to discuss that.

 

He states the same thing is going on in Washington, DC at this time with budget negotiations and nothing is moving forward at this point.  He also discussed several other items that his department is following currently.  One is the continued issue with how the Native Americans are counted in the Census system as it directly impacts Housing Programs and Tribal Funding.

 

The Council requested that Hector provide the Tribal Council with plenty of notice regarding any meeting dates or times that are set so they can plan ahead.

 

He states the request for Economic Co-Development with Augua Caliente was presented and they are awaiting a phone call to Arch regarding their suggestions which could lead to some exciting ventures.

 

Dion inquired how the Casino is coming along; Hector states it is moving along and he is encouraged by the information he has received; the Council has to report directly on that.  Robert states their latest correspondence indicates that NIGC continues to review the Indian Lands Determination and they await the results of their review and are hopeful for approval.

 

He also has an item for CRIHB which is their annual membership fee; Laura states this was already handled at the Health Board Meeting when the Darell Hostler Fund Donation was approved.  Arch states they did not see it in the minutes; it will be researched and if it needs to be paid, it can be presented on Wednesday for approval.  The cost is $15,760 for full membership and $11,020 for associate membership.  It should go to Martha for clarification.

 

Sandi asked what the water conference is that he will be attending.  Hector states he will be attending a conference with DOI officials to discuss how to get bills through Congress to obtain more control over Land and Water in Indian Country; Florrine will be attending along with him in Albuquerque.  Congress will be participating as well.

 

Florrine Super moved and Alvis Johnson seconded to approve Hector’s report.  7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

10a)  Barry Clausen, Pioneer Press Column Writer

Barry was present to address the Tribal Council and speak to them and the audience.  He read an excerpt from his book and addressed the Council regarding recent events and Leaf Hillman.  He states that he is trying to seek the truth and expose the corruption on the Tribal Council.

 

Sandi responded to him and the fact that he has not inquired once about Molli and how she is doing, he only cares about putting the Tribe down and speaking badly of Leaf.  She states that the Tribe does tremendous things in all the communities they serve and the lies that are printed in the Pioneer Press are detrimental to the good they do and she does not appreciate it.

 

He attempted to respond and was asked to leave and was told he was not welcome.  Arch stated that the articles printed in the Pioneer Press are not true and tear the Tribe apart and that he also felt that Barry should leave the meeting.

 

Barry excused himself from the meeting and was asked to leave the property.

 

10b)  Marilee Cross

She was present to address the Tribal Council and speak to them to present a donation to the Tribe in the amount of $500 for work done to assist a movie studio and in lieu of pay she requested this donation be paid to the Tribe.  She wants them to use it wherever the need is greatest.  She had requested it be issued as a scholarship but they chose to write a check so she leaves it up to them how to spend it.

 

10c)  Sandi Tripp

Sandi forgot one item which is the playground equipment from the old Orleans Head Start at the current Fisheries Office and she would like to know if that can be donated to the Junction Elementary School now that their project is near completion.  The value is only about $400 which is no problem for disposition, she does need to check with Toni first as it was purchased for the Center down there.  They would like her to speak to Toni first before they make a decision.

 

11)  Dave Wrobleski, People’s Center

Dave was present to address the Tribal Council and give his first report.  He is the new People’s Center Coordinator.  He states that the Center belongs to the Karuk Tribe and he sees himself as a tool to make the Center become what they would like it to be and to come to him with ideas of anything they may like to see.  He plans to start a steady power point loop with historic photos that are on a CD in the office; he encourages anyone who stops by to identify anyone they can to add captions to them.

 

He would like to develop a cultural resource management plan to allow them to conduct archaeological studies in the California area to bring revenue into the Center.  His ultimate goal is for the Center to make money for the Tribe to support itself, enrich the lives of the people, and to make the center anything and everything they would like it to be.

 

Sandi states she would like to meet with him to discuss the cultural resource management training with him further and understand fully the big picture for that project.  Sandi states that they have trained in the past for monitoring but there is a limited availability for that and she would like them to have more information which Dave can provide.

 

His written report included a request to pursue the possibility of having Martial Arts Classes in Happy Camp for youth.  He has a contact that would teach a three-month self defense course and is pursuing grant funding to purchase the equipment needed for that type of training.  It would be a great service they could provide to the community and residents who live there.  He would like to be able to determine what the cost would be and how that could work.

 

He would also like permission to pursue the Cultural Resource Management Program as well.

 

Consensus:  To pursue both projects and keep the Council informed of their progress.

 

Florence Conrad moved and Robert Goodwin seconded to approve Dave’s report.  7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

12)  Erin Hillman, Administrative Programs & Compliance

Erin was present to review her written report and request approval of several items. 

 

Erin states it is exciting to be in this building tonight and it was wonderful working with the team who built the facility; Sami Difuntorum, Richard Black, Steve Mitchell, Fred Burcell, and Lori Arwood.  She states they are now out to bid for the Orleans Community Center which will be another joint project with the Housing Authority and she looks forward to that project as well.

 

She states she received notification from Ken Reinfeld regarding the letter they submitted regarding the budgetary cut for the SWEEP Program.  Because of the letter, Ken is interested in having Erin and Lisa meet with him to discuss reinstatement of that program.  They are not offering that to any other Tribe but willing to work with the Karuk Tribe on that.  She does not have a place or time but will let them know as soon as it is scheduled.

 

Grants have been received recently for; Tribal Court ($300,000 for 4 years), Environmental Justice ($20,000), Handicapped Transport Van ($41,000), Monitoring Reimbursement ($300,000), and a Cooperative Agreement ($24,500).

 

She distributed a letter of support for the American Indian Education Center application from NCIDC that is being submitted.  She would like approval of that letter so it can be sent in.

 

She also presented MOU Number 07-M-006 with NCIDC to collaborate on the grant application that is being submitted for the American Indian Education Center so that the Karuk Tribal needs are included in the project.  The Center would be constructed where the current Yreka NCIDC Office is located on Main Street.  Florence states there is an existing project in Crescent City and it would be beneficial for them to visit that center and see how it works.

 

Florence Conrad moved and Roy Arwood seconded to approve MOU 07-M-006 and the Letter of Support for the NCIDC Grant.  7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

Her report included information on the stabili-grid that will be installed for the parking lot of this building.  It is made of 100% post consumer fibers and will be seeded with grass and can support the weight of a parking lot with no toxins into the ground.  The Council inquired if could be used for the Elder’s driveways as a cost effective alternative, eco-friendly driveway instead of asphalt.  Sami can look into that.

 

There has been brief discussion of bringing summer interns into the grant writing program to learn the skill of grant writing and keep the pace up with the applications.  Erin wants to hold off slightly to see how everything is coming through the office.  The system that Rick and Hester have developed could be beneficial for youth that are interested in grant writing which can help directors as well.

 

Robert Goodwin moved and Florence Conrad seconded to approve Erin’s report.  7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

13)  Sami Difuntorum, KTHA

Sami was present to address the Tribal Council and distribute her written report.  She provided an overview of the information contained in her report as she has not met with Council in person for awhile.

 

She states she anxiously awaits the numbers from Hector regarding the census because it will impact the Block Grant by about $500,000 which is needed.

 

Florrine asked about the basket weaving room and offices on the Tribal side of the building and how that will be coordinated.  There is an office for a CHR and an Elder’s Worker that will be coordinated with the Tribe.  They can contact Erin to inquire about that.  Sami states that the internet and phones are being coordinated for the Yreka and Happy Camp Buildings and she hopes it will be completed soon.

 

Robert Goodwin moved and Leeon Hillman seconded to approve Sami’s report.  7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

14)  Laura Mayton, CFO

Laura was present to address the Council and distribute her written report.

 

She would like to request a date and time to meet to go over the FY 2008 Budgets as soon as they are available.  Tuesday, September 4, 2007 at 10 AM was scheduled.

 

She received a loan payoff in the amount of $950 but the actual balance was $970.20 leaving a balance of $20.20; she is requesting they write that amount off and consider the loan paid in full.

 

Florence Conrad moved and Florrine Super seconded to write of the balance of $20.20 on the loan.  7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

She states the proposed Indirect Cost Rate for FY2008 is calculated at 62.07% and she requests approval of the Indirect Cost Proposal so that it can be submitted.

 

Robert Goodwin moved and Florence Conrad seconded to approve the Indirect Cost Proposal at 62.07%.  7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

Florence Conrad moved and Alvis Johnson seconded to approve Laura’s report.  7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

15)  Lisa Aubrey, LIAP

Lisa was present to address the Council and distribute her written report.

 

She requested approval of Resolution 07-R-124 to approve submission of the Fiscal Year 2008 LIHEAP Grant.  It needs to be submitted by September 1, 2007.  Erin and Laura will review the document and it will be approved at the Wednesday meeting.

 

Robert Goodwin moved and Florence Conrad seconded to approve Lisa’s report.  7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

16)  Dion Wood, TERO

Dion was present to address the Council and distribute his written report.

 

He states the Kindergarten Camp was a great success and the kids really enjoyed it getting them ready for the upcoming school year.  He would like to see this happen in the future.  He hopes to have a TANF budget amount by September 1, 2007 so that they can move forward.  The Executive Director position will close on August 31, 2007.  The Summer Youth Program went very well and was successful for the kids who participated.  He states the IHS water project has begun and they will be employing many Tribal Members; TERO fees will also be collected on that project.  He would like to work with the Forest Service on getting Tribal Members who have equipment and services to work on the fires when they are going on and he would like help with that.  Robert has requested that Rick set up a meeting with Alan Vandiver regarding items such as this so Dion should speak to him about getting a space on the agenda at that meeting.

 

He states that there are many requests this time of year from Members who are looking for education assistance for either AVT, Books, or classes.  TERO has a limited budget and he would like to find a way to accommodate and support those requests.

 

Florence Conrad moved and Leeon Hillman seconded to approve Dion’s report.  7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

17)  Jennifer Goodwin, Education

Jennifer was present to review her written report which was included in the packets.

 

Shelby Rhodes was present along with her to display a dress that Jennifer and Verna finished last Thursday; they have been working on it for two years and it is now ready for use.  It will be kept in the People’s Center and can be checked out for dance use.  Junalynn Ward, Cynthia Figueroa, Paula McCarthy, Jennifer Goodwin, and Verna Reece all helped with this dress.  This dress danced at the IshKayish Brush Dance with Frankie Snider wearing the dress; it was also Frankie’s first dance which made it even more special.

 

She reviewed the information in her report.  She has been working on higher education grants, scholarships, and student rent vouchers for the upcoming school year.

 

Leeon Hillman moved and Robert Goodwin seconded to approve Jennifer’s report.  7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

18)  Davey Davis, Maintenance

Unavailable; leave of absence.

 

19)  Fred Burcell, Construction/Maintenance/Automotive

Written report only, not present.

 

Florence Conrad moved and Alvis Johnson seconded to approve Fred’s report.  7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

20)  Sara Spence, Human Resources

Sara was present to review her written report which was included in the packets.  She has no action items at this time.

 

Florrine commented on the Newsletter and wanted to let everyone know that many people out there read the newsletter besides the membership, many people visit the website to read the contents which is nice.

 

Florence Conrad moved and Florrine Super seconded to approve Sara’s report.  7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

21)  Requests

None at this time.

 

22)  Phone Votes

  • Request for approval of loan to Tribal Member in the amount of $2,000 with payments of $210 per month; Passed.
  • Request for lodging assistance for Tribal Elder not to exceed $150; Passed.
  • Request for approval of Stephanie Dolan to represent Tribal Member; Passed.
  • Request for approval to contribute up to $150 toward Ribbon Cutting Ceremony; Passed.
  • Request for procurement approval to purchase Gateway monitors in the amount of $3,399.83; Passed.
  • Request for procurement approval to purchase Jack PC EFI-6800 wall mounts for computers in the amount of $6,274.19; Passed.
  • Request for approval to purchase tables and chairs for Yreka Community Building and Happy Camp Headway Facility; Passed.
  • Request for Tribal Member to borrow equipment from Tribe; Denied.
  • Request for approval of Resolution 07-R-120 authorizing Social Services Representation; Passed.
  • Approval to post and recruit Karuk Tribal TANF Executive Director; Passed.
  • Approval of loan to Tribal Member with collateral to be repaid upon reconciliation; Passed; Voided as request for loan was withdrawn.
  • Request for approval of procurement of excavator work; Passed.
  • Request for approval of assistance in the amount of $500 to Tribal Member; Passed.
  • Request for approval to purchase flowers for Tribal Elder not to exceed $100; Passed.
  • Request for approval to move Health Board Meeting from 8/9 to 8/16; Passed.
  • Request for approval of Resolution 07-R-107 authorizing submission of grant in the amount of $570,183.87; Passed.
  • Request for approval of procurement and purchase of road based not to exceed $10,000; Passed.
  • Request for approval to contribute $150 toward flowers for the Forest Service Memorial Service; Passed.

 

23)  Informational

The NCIDC Meeting Minutes were included for their review and information.

 

24)  Committee Reports

None at this time.

 

Closed Session from 8:36 PM to 11:10 PM

 

Florence Conrad moved and Alvis Johnson seconded to approve Resolution 07-R-122 enrolling four members.  7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.  There are 3,498 members currently.

 

Consensus:  Arch Super will work with Tribal Member #4084 to address his property/water issues and see if there is any assistance the Tribe can provide on this matter and get back to him within a week.

 

Consensus:  To table the loan request from Tribal Member #72 to the Wednesday Meeting.

 

Consensus:  To table the loan request from Tribal Member #3098 to the Wednesday Meeting.

 

Consensus:  To table the request from the TERO Director and Social Worker regarding the contract and get back to them with further information after the Wednesday Meeting.

 

Robert A. Goodwin excused himself.

 

Consensus:  To forward the request for legal assistance from Tribal Member #570 to Barbara Norman for review to determine if she can assist.  A decision will be made Wednesday based on her recommendation.

 

Robert A. Goodwin returned to the meeting.

 

Consensus:  To forward the request for legal assistance from Tribal Member #872 to Barbara Norman for review to determine if she can assist.  A decision will be made Wednesday based on her recommendation.

 

Consensus:  To uphold the decision to overturn the eviction of Tribal Member #3199 for referral to Social Services for intervention.

 

Florence Conrad moved and Florrine Super seconded to sponsor a hole at the Attebery Golf Tournament at a cost of $100; it will take place on August 25, 2007 at Lake Shastina.  7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

Consensus:  To approve travel to the Tribal Court Coalition Meeting in Smith River on September 14, 2007 for Arch Super, Florrine Super, Florence Conrad, and Sonny Davis.

 

Florence Conrad moved and Roy Arwood seconded to pay childcare invoices to Hazel Croy, Wynona Croy, and Rhonda Croy from discretionary.  7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

Next Meeting Date:  September 27, 2007 in Happy Camp at 5 PM.

 

Meeting adjourned at 11:13 PM.

 

Recording Secretary, Sara Spence