Karuk Tribe of California – Health Board Meeting
September 13, 2007 Meeting Minutes
Meeting called to order at 5:52 pm by Florrine Super, Council Secretary
Present:
Florrine Super, Secretary
Leeon Hillman, Treasurer
Florence Conrad, Member at Large (5:49 pm)
Alvis Johnson, Member at Large
Sonny Davis, Member at Large
Robert Goodwin, Member at Large (5:59)
Absent:
Arch Super, Chairman (travel/excused)
Leaf Hillman, Vice-Chairman
Roy Arwood, Member at Large
Florence Conrad read the health mission statement aloud for the Health Board and attendees.
Agenda:
Leeon motioned and Florence seconded to approve the agenda with changes, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara
Meeting minutes of August 16, 2007:
Florence motioned and Alvis seconded to approve the minutes of August 16, 2007 with change, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
Guests: Alan Vandiver & Chris Grove, USFS
Alan explained that after the fires in the Happy Camp area they would like to present some ideas for treatments of those fires. Chris Grove traveled for the presentation to be shown to the Council tonight and will be working with the community on presenting the concepts derived by the Forest Service.
Chris presented a slide show for the Council and the attendees outlining the Titus Fires and others in the area. There were a lot of variations and three main questions in looking for treatments of this area were considered. There are areas of salvage and there was identification of areas of mortality. The USFS would like to perform planting and salvage possibility. The window for salvage would be recent and not the summer after next as that would be too late. Next summer is what they are shooting for and really the only feasible option. There is also a sell that is planned for roadside hazard. There has already been analyzing to that area, and with the additional zones that would be beneficial for the community and entities that use the roads.
The reforestation map is large and may increase. The high volume mortality may diminish as they identify the areas more closely and the maps done are only arial concluding only 80% accuracy. There are some hydrology problems that need to be dealt with in regards to wash outs and slides. There are areas that need culvert repair as they are susceptible to flooding.
There are constraints in the areas. The China fire has the same mapping. The China Back fire has approximately five constraints that are minimally close to the River. The main objectives would be to utilize dead and dying trees to produce wood and re-plant to begin.
Some fires are beneficial, but there a percentage that needs salvaged. Chris explained that there are approximately 1,100 acres that needs replanting of 18,000 acres. It is roughly 10% or 11%.
Alan would need from the Tribal Council to receive the Tribe’s initial thoughts and feedback on the presentation and intention. Alan questioned if this is the right thing to do and questioned with who they would recommend that the USFS work with. He will be working near Inam and cover bases on ideas on the front end as possible. Alan does not want to be in areas that they are not supposed to be in. the USFS is not in the position to do this, but is in the discussion phases to collaborate with the necessary entities. Sonny suggested talking to Norman Goodwin regarding the sensitive areas and issues as he is familiar with the sites and locations.
Joe asked if the intention is to salvage log, then there may be the possibility of issues with environmentalists. There are concerns that the USFS would do anything of this nature but they are preparing for that discussion as well. Alan is having a balanced discussion at this time. The timber industry would appreciate it and DNR would like to remove the logs if it was done correctly as they have provided the same presentation to DNR.
Alan would like to get the most information up front because if halted in two years this discussion is no longer worth it. The decision will be the first part of October on this.
David asked if there would be the need to build more roads. Alan was not sure to date of the specifics just the preliminaries. Alan agrees that although this needs to be done roads may need to be built and also in the end it will still remain controversial to some individuals.
David asked if there would have to be more burning in the re-planting phase. Don Hall explained that the USFS has learned a lot of prepping for plantations and will exercise the best practices.
David questioned the culvert issues wondering if there is a lot of debris uphill. The USFS explained that there may be culvert control, temporarily removing the culvert or a debris dam. There are things that need review and this may be an area. Don Hall explained that there is funding for storm control this winter, but long term there is some serious discussions that need to take place.
There is a lift of closures on both roads to fire areas for woodcutting and deer hunting or general use. When people do go into these areas they need to be aware that there are stump holes and there are concerns regarding the stability of some roads. There are small road closures, but the other fire areas are being opened up as safety allows.
Chris invited the Council to go visit his office and he will provide more information and or maps if needed. There was a suggestion to have the Forest Service provide maps to the Tribe so that they may be posted and viewed by visitors.
The ceremonial sites are very important, and Leeon explained that Norman and others may be interested in viewing the work that they would like to do. Don explained that they have been working with Norman and they have some areas and or projects already being worked on together. There have been discussions using the KTOC crews and also take down trees that need to be removed.
Leeon asked about how to discuss with the Tribal community on areas of interest to Native Americans. This would create open discussions for all tribal community members. There are sensitive areas with trails but there are also gatherers and different aspects that the Tribe would be concerned with. Don explained that there hasn’t been a time sent out describing specifics, but it may be a good idea to open up the lines of communication on areas that are of interest on gathering and areas of concern. Don explained that anyone is welcome to come into the office to receive an update on areas of closures and areas of concern. He is available and information would be shared if the USFS was contacted.
Chris is willing to work with the Council on maps and areas of concerns and welcomed individuals to come into the office for further information. Chris believes that the trick for this to work would be no surprises and as non controversial as possible. Alan would prefer to receive information upfront rather than later and hinder the overall process.
Alan will provide a map of the burned areas and a map that is side by side of treatment areas. Also when there are updates they will supply those to the Tribe as necessary.
Old Business: none at this time.
Directors Reports:
1.) Patti White, Database Administrator:
Patti announced that RPMS has been down but will be worked on within the next week.
There is an inter-departmental agreement with HIS for security. She provided it as informational until next Wednesday for approval at that time. This allows access to the HIS network and allows connection to their network. The deadline is September 14, 2007. Patti explained this to Robert Gemmell but she will follow up on that. There will be copying from one server to another, so there are technical questions that need to be submitted to Chris.
Alvis motioned and Leeon seconded to approve Patti’s report, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 1 pupitihara (Robert Goodwin).
2.) Vickie Walden, RDA / Dental Office Manager:
Vickie distributed a policy for approve which is for the dental program. It is to establish guidelines for dental services offered under HRSA and or EAPC. Vickie explained that most of the limitations are close to MediCal guidelines for reimbursement. The patients will be moved to the 25% poverty income level if the funding ends as opposed to the 0% poverty level for payment. This allows the program to receive funding however minimal cost due to the patient’s poverty status.
Florence motioned and Sonny seconded to approve dental policy 10-011-500, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
Robert motioned and Florence seconded to approve Vickie’s report, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
3.) Lessie Aubrey, DQMCH:
Lessie is was present to review her written report with the Health Board however she had to leave by 6 pm so she has to excuse herself.
Her written report was provided, and she has two action items.
Florence motioned and Leeon seconded to approve contract with Margaret Lawson, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
Robert Goodwin motioned and Florence seconded to approve contract with Alice Brandon, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
Lessie shall provide the council a time frame of what she needs and a date will be set at that time.
The maintenance crew has changed the door and there has been some fixes for the new clinic site, but there is a notation in Lessie’s report on license hold up. David explained that the fire inspection had corrections and the license will be held until the findings are cleared. Another fire inspection can be done again, and David will check with the fire inspector to determine if there could be a finding report sent so that the clinic license can be released.
Florence motioned and Robert seconded to approve Lessie’s report, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
4.) Joe Snapp, Substance and Alcohol Abuse:
Joe is present to review his written report with the Health Board. There will be a camp out for the youth. This will be October 5-7, 2007 at the Equest ranch in Cecilville.
Equest is paying for the camp but Joe will assist with $1,990. The funding will come from an unknown source. Bob would like to use third party and possibly State IHP. This will be tabled to Wednesday to determine if there is another funding source other than third party.
Florence motioned and Robert seconded to approve providing $2,000 for equestrian services through Joe Snapp, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
Joe explained that he did speak with an engineer to complete some work on Oak Knoll the cost coming to $1,999.
Sonny motioned and Florence seconded to approve Joe’s report, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
5.) Martha Schrock, EDHHS:
Martha is not present.
Sonny motioned and Alvis seconded to approve Martha’s report, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
6.) Chris Kleeman, IT Manager:
Not present, no written report.
7.) David Eisenberg, PHN:
David is present to review his written report with the Council. An Elder’s worker was selected to fill the position vacancy in the Yreka clinic.
The clinic remodel is underway for Happy Camp. The federal law mandates that there are handicapped parking of one reserved space for every twenty-five spaces. There will be eight spaces for clinical parking only and the required handicapped parking. Florence is thinking that the parking is a concern during the winter months. David agrees that there is maintenance that needs to be done in the parking areas and specifically maintenance care during the winter months for patient safety. Vickie would like to move employee parking into the back area during stormy months.
David will conduct a public meeting along with Dr. Burns on pandemic flu. A drill will be done for a drive through flu clinic as this will create a testing of immunizations or vaccines in a small amount of time, concluding a practice drill similar to the one held in Yreka. The tribal supply of flu vaccine has arrived today and clinics will be set up soon.
Leeon questioned why the site of the flu vaccine practice is not being done on Tribal property. David explained that the flow of traffic was a consideration in finding a location for the exercise and it was deemed that the HCHC building was the site best suited for the event. The three considered locations are HCHS, Elementary School parking lot, or the Fire Hall. This will be done when the flu vaccine arrives to the County. The County is the entity doing this as they like the publicity and David allows it as this to best to use their vaccine instead of our limited supply. David is doing this in coordination with the fire department so they would need to provide a walk thru to determine the feasibility. David anticipates this taking place after the next Council meeting so he has time to look into it further.
Leeon motioned and Alvis seconded to approve David’s report, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
Requests:
Dion Wood, Ya Pa Anav Wellness Forum:
Dion believes that there are legal issues with the “form”. The KTHA attorney has reviewed the form and provided his opinion and made his recommendations. The group created the forms for internal communication and referrals for services. There was a referral and a resource manual for internal and membership communication.
The NAHSDA law is close to passing. Dion provided information to the Council. Sami provided information on the bill and the house version and senate version on a bill that will be passed. Dion noted that it does not say that KTHA isn’t supposed to collaborate. Sami explained that she was not notified of the Ya Pa Anav meetings. Florence noted that it is imperative for KTHA and others to work together for the benefit of the people. She would really like everyone to work together to do the best job possible.
Closed Session:
Consensus: The KTHA attorney shall draft some new language on the Tribal Court ordinance to protect the Tribe and also Stephanie shall review it. Barbara will distribute all information to the Council for their review.
Florence motioned and Leeon seconded to approve increase up to $600 increase to the Election Budget, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
Consensus: to table the FCC discussion to Wednesday for further clarification.
Robert motioned and Sonny seconded to provide loan to Tribal Member # 3098 with collateral and $200 monthly payments, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
Robert motioned and Florence seconded to approve the 07-M-007 between IHS and KTOC allowing for $31,000 to assist Tribal Members, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
Robert motioned and Florence seconded to approve 07-R-131 authorizing grant submission, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
Florence motioned and Sonny seconded to approve cost of business cards for employee # 0808 in the amount of $89 from discretionary, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
Florence motioned Leeon seconded to allow a member of the Executive Council to sign spending up to $100 of council discretionary independently removing the phone vote requirement and re-visit in two months, 5 haa, 1 (Robert Goodwin) puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
Consensus: to contribute assistance to Tribal Member # 531 for evaluations.
Robert motioned and Alvis seconded to reduce Tribal Member # 531 loan from $200 to $100 monthly, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
Robert motioned and Alvis seconded to deny loan request for patient seeking loan program, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
Consensus: to refer Tribal Member # 295 to Anthony Ballard and have him provide his recommendation back to the Council.
Consensus: to notify finance that Florrine Super has been authorized to complete the mileage as requested and the hotel fee shall be paid where she’s booking her room.
Florence motioned and Sonny seconded to approve travel for Florrine Super to Redding September 18-19, 2007 for fostering children, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
Consensus: for employee # 2267 to draft letter regarding OES to employee’s # 740 and # 6606
Consensus: the Council authorizes approval for the Council Secretary to conduct KIDE interview regarding the Third Annual Youth Conference.
Informational: meeting shall be set with Tribal Member # 2960 regarding his suggestions.
Next meeting date: October 11, 2007 in Happy Camp, CA.
Alvis motioned and Sonny seconded to adjourn meeting at 10:28 pm, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
Respectfully Submitted,
_______________________________
Florrine Super, Council Secretary
Recording Secretary, Barbara Snider