Karuk Tribe of California – Health Board Meeting

Meeting Minutes – June 14, 2007

 

Meeting called to order at 3:00 PM by Arch Super, Chairman

 

Present:

Arch Super, Chairman

Leaf Hillman, Vice-Chairman (3:03 PM)

Florrine Super, Secretary

Leeon Hillman, Treasurer (3:45 PM)

Robert Goodwin, Member at Large (3:03 PM)

Roy Arwood, Member at Large (3:08 PM)

Alvis Johnson, Member at Large

Sonny Davis, Member at Large

Florence Conrad, Member at Large

 

Absent: none

 

Quorum is established.

                                                                                                     

The Health Program mission statement was read aloud by Florrine Super, Council Secretary.

 

Agenda:

Florrine motioned and Robert seconded to approve the agenda, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

                                                                                                         

Meeting Minutes of May 12, 2007:

Florence motioned and Leaf seconded to approve the minutes of May 10, 2007, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 1 pupitihara (Florrine Super).

 

Guests: Erin Hillman, Dir. Administrative Programs & Compliance:

Erin distributed a copy of the community action plan that has been drafted for the community services block grant. It provides a snap shot of how the Tribe provides services to individuals in the communities based on low income status. It enables the Tribe to provide assistance with the Basketweavers Gathering, wages, events, youth events and several other things. The plan is open and available on line with a due date of June 23rd.

 

Erin stated that while on vacation there was a meeting on the community action plan and Greg Gehr and Terry attended the meeting. Greg was able to convince the state to increase the allocation for the smaller tribes from $1000 to $1500. She was grateful for this increase.

 

Guests: Dion Wood, TERO Director

Dion thanked the Council for allowing him to be a guest on the Health Board agenda. He is present to request supplemental assistance for summer youth positions. The summer youth applications consisted of twenty two applicants, but there is not enough funding to employ all that applied. Joyce Jones can provide financial assistance from NCIDC for up to four positions, but there still is remaining applicants that Dion would like to employ. Dion would like to ask that the Council approve up to six positions. The cost is $1,213 for each position. Roy explained that it is difficult to make a hiring decision when the applicants are all very interested in being employed and work hard in their interviews. The first group of youth workers will begin on Monday and there are nine positions remaining.

This will be discussed later on tonight and if no decision is made then it will be moved to Wednesday.

 

Guests: Paula McCarthy, Tribal Member:

Paula addressed the Council explaining that the other day there were a lot of people who received a message to not park in front of the People’s Center or the gym. Sara sent word to the staff asking that they adhere to the no parking and seek another location that did not interfere with senior nutrition parking. Paula has heard that staff made negative comments questioning why Paula and Verna park there. Paula was upset by this as she works for the People’s Center without compensation and the staff was not thoughtful or understanding of the parking situation. With recent office moves parking has been taken that is reserved for the Senior Citizens when they come at Noon for the Senior Nutrition meals. The request for staff to not park there was not meant to be hurtful, but allow for the elders to utilize services. Paula was hurt by the comments made and she wanted the Council to be aware of the situation.

 

Guests: Norman Goodwin, Tribal Member:

Norman is present to discuss the traditional ceremonies happening this year. He viewed all the ceremonial areas checking their trails and accessibility. The trails are over grown and are in need of work. Norman spoke with Leaf on this matter previously and is now present to request funding to put a small crew to work on this. If four positions could be paid to hire a crew, already identified for one month that would be very beneficial. Alan VanDiver could possibly provide a crew or a fire hand crew to provide some assistance as well.

 

Alan stood and addressed the audience clarifying that he could send the USFS crew after Norman’s crew then the work could be done and the work would be accomplished between fire times. Alan is concerned that if his crew does the work without Norman’s leadership then the work may not be done accurately.

 

Norman clarified that his request would be four positions paid at $10 per hour clearing trails and over grown brush. He would like the work to be approved for 30 days. He would also like to purchase a couple saws for use. He is counting on a month as the work load is very high but will take the time that the Council approves.

 

Leaf explained that in some of the discussions with Norman there have been a couple other things discussed. Maybe NCIDC could assist and the youth positions by putting them to work on the ceremonial clearing for example. Leaf would assume that the youth workers that are between the ages of 18-19 years of age may be considered.

 

The next Council Meeting is June 28th. Leaf will work with Norman and Alan on this to determine other resources and clarify the positions and funding available.

 

Guests: Robert Attebery, Tribal Member:

Robert Attebery addressed the Council representing the SCORE project and explaining that they are in the process of re-doing the class project. Right now the goal is to reach $7,000 and obtain a matching $5,000 from FORD family foundation to complete their project. The Happy Camp High School has begun to seek the contractors before the remaining $500 is obtained. The SCORE group would like to have their equipment purchased prior to the construction being completed as this would lead to further work, but are still needing the $500 to meet their $7,000 goal. Robert discussed ordering through the Tribe to obtain tax discounts and shipping breaks. Also, if the equipment is received prior to the construction that is done then it assists in completing the project accurately. The SCORE group would like to purchase the equipment using the Tribe’s credit cards or purchase order system to begin the purchasing and then would repay the Tribe. Robert stated that the problem is not raising the money, but it is completing the funding documents to get the $5,000 from the FORD foundation. All together the cost is approximately $7,000.

 

Leaf asked if Bob has been involved in this project. Bob stated that yes he is and the Tribe did provide a donation to the SCORE program previously. Bob stated that there is a guarantee to receive the $5,000 once the $7,000 is met. Bob stated that if the Tribal Council could provide the last of $500 to meet the SCORE programs goal they could submit for $5,000 and then purchase the equipment needed in a timely manner.

 

The Tribe would purchase the needed equipment and the Happy Camp High School is to reimburse the Tribe for the purchase of this equipment.

 

Leaf motioned and Roy seconded to provide assistance to the SCORE program donating $500 to meet their goal and allow the purchase of equipment not to exceed $10,000 to be reimbursed by Happy Camp High School, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

Old Business: None at this time.

 

Directors Reports:

1.) Martha Schrock, EDHHS:

Martha is present to provide her action items and allow for review of her written report. Physician recruitment is going well and CAO IHS is being worked on with our MOA.  

 

Martha has been meeting with the Yreka staff and has had peace making recently with Barbara Norman. The remodel project is moving along. Sara is putting together RFP’s for painting and shampooing of the carpets. The Wellness Forum has been meeting and they have created a change of information form and a referral form to be used internally.

 

There will be ads ran in the Siskiyou Daily News for Chuck Lent, and Jesse Drake both LCSW’s to advertise their services.

 

The orientation process if moving along and as of yesterday there are action steps put into motion to address the lack of HRSA third year carryover. The sliding fee scale used in the past will still be used and the information has been disseminated to the patients to they are aware of the loss in funding and services.

 

The first Wednesday of every month there are Yreka staff meetings beginning at 8:15 am in which she would like to invite the Tribal Council to attend. She would like to invite their regular attendance to assist in providing support to the group and staff. The next scheduled meeting is for July 4th but it will be revised due to the Holiday. There are periodic dental staff meetings and as informational the next one is July 18th and is from 9:30 am-3:30 pm at the Yreka clinic.

 

Martha clarified that the carryover lost from HRSA was believed to be carry over which was $227,000. In the first year the amounts were spent and the other years due to non expending that funding the staff believed that it would be eligible for carry over. Laura stated that the information received was completely mis-leading. And that the truth is that if the Tribe known they were ineligible for carry over they would have spent the funding out. Now it is unable to be carried forward and there will be measures taken to take the loss in funding to the Health Program. Laura expressed the hard time in working with HRSA and correspondence with them. Laura pleaded with them and asked that they explain the process to appeal this but has heard nothing.

 

Vickie commented that there was a lot of feedback requested and it wasn’t received in a timely manner. Erin stated that she hasn’t received a call back from the newly assigned representative which was a problem in that they have changed the Tribe’s representative a number of times and have failed to communicate effectively with the Tribe. She explained that she has been working with Laura on this as well, but still has not heard form the representative.

 

Laura explained that an appeal cannot be done and also that HRSA is beginning to become stricter. If the Tribe is funded again then they will know that it will have to be handled right away in the future regarding another five year grant to HRSA that was just submitted.

 

Martha continued with her report providing the CRIHB Darrell Hostler fund request. The information is attached by Jim Crouch in what has been done lately in California for the Health programs of California Tribes. This request is for fiscal year 2008. Roy would like to bring information on what CRIHB has been doing in regards to the California tribes if the Council needs further clarification.

 

Leeon would like to have Roy and Florrine provide information to Martha on the services that CRIHB provides.

 

Leaf motioned and Florence seconded to pay $10,000 to the CRIHB Darrell Hostler Fund, 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

The Plumas County Grant is ready to be presented and is available to be sent after approval. It is for $15,000 for one year. The scope of work is attached. It offsets some salaries and provides some training funds for the Yreka FNP and HIV/Aids training.

 

Robert motioned and Florrine seconded to approve resolution 07-R-088 authorizing submission of a grant between the Karuk Tribe and Plumas County, 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

The modification to OES has been sent in and a conference has been scheduled for June 29th, 2007. The revision is regarding the Naa Vura Yee Shiip program and a more detailed integration between the Social Service staff and the program.

 

The billing office prepared a report on the collection agency that was approved by the Council and information is attached on the process.

 

Robert motioned and Leaf seconded to approve Martha’s report, 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

2.) David Eisenberg, PHN:

David thanked the Council for completing the phone vote for the Round Valley Indian Rancheria letter of support. The grant to Round Valley being submitting allows for KTOC to receive in-service training, staff training and our patients to see outside services.

 

The budget is on track. He currently has no action items. He also thanked Mel and Kristen for covering the Orleans clinic while they had staff on leave.

 

Results from the diabetic audit were provided to the Council in David’s report. He thanked Dr. Burns, Claudia and the Happy Camp staff who worked so hard on it. The whole idea is to assist diabetics in working toward their goals and keeping healthy.

 

David explained that the Tribe should be included in some emergency preparedness training. The County did this via a flu clinic inseminating medication needs and they did well for the Yreka area. David will be working on this for the Happy Camp area and determine how to include them.

 

There are several staff positions funded to December 31st. The next funding application to HRSA is anticipated to hear back late August to early September.

 

Robert motioned and Leaf seconded to approve David’s report, 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

3.) Patricia White, Database Administrator:

Patti has no action items but reviewed her repot with the Council. The RPMS server going down was related to needing new servers and that is being addressed in Chris’ report. Another GUI is being implemented into the system soon in which will work better for Karen and others who work on different specifications of data tracking.

 

Patti explained the needs of the health program regarding EHR and provided recommendations on the Tribes strengths and weaknesses. Martha is reviewing the funding needs for this implementation and creating a realistic budget for the next few years. A recent consultant suggested, Clinical Application Coordinator, (CAC) positions in each clinic. She was emailed a deployment manual and is provides the tools to meet the requirements of EHR.

 

The first discussion with reviewing and planning will happen for the medical side only for now and then move to the dental side of the health program once everything is up and running.

 

Leaf motioned and Florrine seconded to approve Patti’s report, 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

4.) Vickie Walden, RDA:

The 2007 grant written to the HPDP grant program was for preventative services for school children was not funded for the year 2007. 

 

She explained that she has procurement for dental x-ray machine. It has been repaired three or four times in the last couple years. There is funding that is available in their budget to purchase a new machine. A new dentist has begun Monday June 11, 2007. He has seen a couple patients. The Credentialing and Privileging process has begun and he will work four days a week with the clinic open five days.

 

There was a blow out in the vacuum system in Yreka dental and she will be asking for a phone vote once she receives quotes.

 

Florence motioned and Robert seconded to approve procurement and the purchase of a film processor in the amount of $3,591, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

Florence motioned and Roy seconded to approve Vickie’s report, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

5.) Chris Kleeman, IT Manager:

Chris has two action items. He would like four new servers to replace the ones installed in Happy Camp. He explained that they are aged and having failure issues. The original RPMS server was repaired and moved to another location, but he would like to replace it since they are all breaking down. He would like three new servers for Happy Camp and one for Yreka. Two would be storage only which increases the capacity demands of EHR. The normal day to day operations and document management systems would be the infrastructure for use on those servers. He needs the Yreka server approved and purchases as it is being re-booted two to three times a day.

 

He would like a satellite link and this would cost $4,000 annually, but has not completed procurement on this yet.

 

Leaf asked about the four new servers. He asked if they were specific to Health needs. Chris stated no, that they will be accessed by everyone as he links them to be able to back each other up.

 

One server can be coded to the Blue Shield funding toward the document management system.

 

Robert motioned and Leaf seconded to approve procurement and allow the purchase of four servers in the amount not to exceed $17,500, the funding will come from the IT line item and Blue Shield funding, 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

The second request to have satellite link will be tabled to Wednesday for proper paperwork. Procurement must be completed.  

 

Robert motioned and Florence seconded to amend their earlier motion and allow Ish Puk leasing to purchase the server purchases over $5,000 and lease back to In-direct, 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

Florence motioned and Leeon seconded to approve Chris’ report, 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

6.) Lessie Aubrey, DQMCH:
Lessie stated that a FNP position for the Yreka clinic hasn’t been applied for and a PA has been interested in the position. There has been aggressive recruitment for an FNP, but there has been no one interested. She would like the opportunity to seek the PA’s to provide services that are applying.

 

Consensus: to obtain a position description and seek recruitment for a Physician Assistant for the Yreka Clinic.

 

Robert motioned and Florrine seconded to approve Lessie’s written report, 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

7.) Joe Snapp, Drug and Alcohol Program:

Not present on travel, written report provided.

 

Robert motioned and Sonny seconded to approve Joe’s report, 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

Informational:

1.) Susan Gehr, Language Director:

Susan has three action items for the Council to review. They are requests for contracts and travel. Her first contract is for a Curriculum specialist to review the online language curriculum.

 

Robert motioned and Leaf seconded to approve contract 07-C-052 with Lindsay Marean in the amount of $1,316.56, 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

The second contract is for a graphic artist for stories and illustrations for the language class.

 

Leaf motioned and Sonny seconded to approve the second contract, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 1 pupitihara (Alvis Johnson).

 

Her third action item is a request for out of state travel to attend Boulder Co, to receive Bill Bright’s computer files and his work with Karuk Language as well as files and related software.

 

Leaf motioned and Robert seconded to approve travel for Susan Gehr to Boulder Colorado to obtain computer files and related documents, 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

Closed Session:

Robert motioned and Roy seconded to pay patient #1224 bill the amount of $1,145.37 from third party, 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

Consensus: employee # 1379 shall attempt to provide procurement and represent at the upcoming Wednesday meeting.

 

Consensus: for employee # 2267 to work on request from Tribal Member # 1909 clearly defining eligibility and cooperation with FNP

 

Informational: employee # 1653 provided follow up on meeting with IHS engineer on water issues previously discussed with the Tribal Council. Further clarification is needed on rating system.

 

Roy motioned and Leaf seconded to approve position descriptions for health program staff revised by EDHHS , 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 1 pupitihara (Robert Goodwin).

 

Sonny motioned and Robert seconded to approve procurement and approve the flooring cost in the amount of $5,471.81 to come from renovation budget 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

Consensus: to table recommendation from employee’s # 3177 and # 3146.  

 

Roy motioned and Leaf seconded to approve the request from Tribal Elder # 191 to assist in attending the 11th Annual Reunion in the amount of $150, 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

Roy motioned and Robert seconded to approve contract 07-C-057 between contractor # 9653 and the Karuk Tribe in the amount of $2,500, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 1 pupitihara (Sonny Davis).

 

Florence motioned and Leaf seconded to approve Barbara’s assistance regarding Tribal Member # 1966, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

Consensus: to table request from Tribal Member # 7564 to Wednesday.

 

Florrine motioned and Florence seconded to approve agreement 07-A-013 between Humboldt County and the Karuk Tribe, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 2 pupitihara (Alvis Johnson & Robert Goodwin).

 

Consensus: to sign $10,000 contract form for draw down presented by employee # 3770 and agreed upon by employee # 0506.

 

Consensus: to authorize employee # 3770 to move into People’s Center Library until permanent office arrangements are made.

 

Consensus: to table request of $8,639 for contracting services to Wednesday.

 

Alvis excused himself from the meeting at 8:20 pm.

 

Roy motioned and Sonny seconded to approve travel for Florrine Super to Blue Lake June 15, 2007, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 1 pupitihara (Florrine Super).

 

Florence motioned and Sonny seconded to approve travel for Florrine Super to Fostering Success Seminar in Yreka, CA., 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 1 pupitihara (Florrine Super)

 

Florence motioned and Sonny seconded to approve travel for Roy Arwood and Florrine Super to Reno NV to the annual CRIHB meeting, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 2 pupitihara (Florrine Super & Roy Arwood).

 

Consensus: to table request from Tribal Member # 1878 to Wednesday.

 

Consensus: to table request from Yreka Softball team to Wednesday.

 

Consensus: for Arch Super and employee # 3146 to review complaint from Council member on employee conduct.

 

Consensus: to have request from Junction Elementary School, Happy Camp Elementary School and Orleans Elementary School re-visited at the Wednesday meeting. Clarification on the minutes taken and discussion on funding availability will take place.

 

Next meeting date: July 12, 2007 in Happy Camp, CA to begin at 3 PM, accommodating People’s Center Interview schedule.

 

Florence motioned and Sonny seconded to adjourn meeting at 8:46 pm, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.  

 

 

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

________________________________

Arch Super, Chairman

 

Recording Secretary, Barbara Snider