Karuk Tribe of California - Health Board Meeting  

February 14, 2008 - Meeting Minutes

 

Meeting called to order at 3:11 PM, by Arch Super, Chairman

 

Present:

Arch Super, Chairman

Alvis Johnson, Member at Large

Roy Arwood, Member at Large

Sonny Davis, Member at Large

Florence Conrad, Member at Large

Robert Goodwin, Member at Large (3:14 PM)

Leeon Hillman, Treasurer (3:30 PM)

 

Absent:

Florrine Super, Secretary

Leaf Hillman, Vice-Chairman

 

The mission statement was read aloud by Arch Super

 

Agenda:

Florence Conrad motioned and Alvis Johnson seconded to approve the agenda with changes, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

Minutes from January 10, 2008:

Sonny Davis motioned and Florence Conrad seconded to approve the minutes of, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

Guests:

1.) Rick Hill, Grant Writer:

Rick is present tonight to seek approval of a proposal that he has drafted. The resolution is 08-R-018 to authorize submission to the stewardship council for a youth program. It would be for an outdoor camping activities including after school activities.

 

Roy Arwood motioned and Robert Goodwin seconded to approve resolution 08-R-018, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

 2.) Kayla Super, CASA:

Kayla distributed information on a proposal to national CASA. Kayla explained that the program is looking to coordinate with the Siskiyou CASA. The need from the Tribal CASA would include collaboration with Siskiyou CASA. The funding opportunity would be to fund Kayla’s positions. Funding Kayla’s position would be funded under Siskiyou County CASA or discuss other options. She is informing the Tribal Council of what is best for the fiscal year, by including Kayla under County CASA. The daft proposal should be ready by the next Council meeting. Kayla is seeking clarification on if this is in agreement. The opportunity to apply on behalf of Tribal Court is fine but it may not be funded.

April explained that the option would be to work collaboratively under an operational agreement. Tribal CASA still wants to keep the tribal component up and running, but the stats are present to seek funding on their own, but only under collaboration with Siskiyou County. The proposal would be that the County would hire Kayla to do the outreach and collaboration and she would be shared still representing tribal CASA.

Judge Henry believes collaboration with Siskiyou County and the Tribe would work with a strong agreement. There are other tribal governments that have done something similar to this.  

Arch questioned how this would maintain tribal CASA. April explained that there would have to be creativity seeking further funding through national CASA. There may be other resources out there as well. The position would only be 50% and the tribe would have to come up with an additional 50% for the tribal side as well.

April continues explaining that there will be further information forth coming.

 

Kayla would also like to request tribal CASA training paid for by National CASA in March 20-21, 2008 in Denver CO.

 

Florence Conrad motioned and Robert Goodwin seconded to approve out of state travel to Denver CO for Kayla Super March 20-21, 2008, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

3.) Earl Crosby, Interim DNR Director:

Earl presented a position description for the Eco-Cultural Restoration Specialist position. It is a current position that has been revised to better represent what Bill Tripp does for the Tribe and specifically for DNR.

Earl presented vehicle repairs for the fisheries vehicle that was fixed for a price beyond what was quoted. Earl believes that what needs to be done is the approval internally before work is done.

 

Robert Goodwin motioned and Roy Arwood seconded to approve resolution 08-R-017, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

The position description will be held to Wednesday for clarification on wording in duty number one.

 

Robert Goodwin motioned and Roy Arwood seconded to approve travel for Harold Tripp and Bill Tripp to Albuquerque NM March 3-7, 2008 for fire training, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

Earl explained that a fisheries vehicle was in the need of repair. When a quote was made it was estimated at $800. Upon invoicing a verbal approval was given and the vehicle released. Now that the invoice has arrived the actual cost is near $3200. Earl will need to reinforce internal policy, but will now need approval to pay the invoice as the work is done and the vehicle is back with the department. The Council will table this request to their Wednesday meeting for final decision.

 

Earl then presented a request for support of SB562 reinstating restoration funding from Fish and Game. They are requesting that the Tribe sign in support and by consensus the Council may note their support of the bill. Earl provided a summary of the bill, and it is understood that it isn’t applied for that the USFS goes after the funding. The funding assists DNR directly, as the USFS pays toward some of the work being done.

 

Consensus: for the Karuk Tribe of California to support SB562.

 

4.) Dion Wood, TERO/TANF/Childcare:

Dion reported that he just spoke with the Regional representative and the Humboldt State representative. He is hoping to re-submit to the state the numbers and time frame with new data collected to hopefully receive a higher number of clients. Dion is working on a scope of work and procurement for Humboldt State to perform the data analysis. Dion and Daniel are traveling to San Francisco next week to finalize the TANF plan. Dion believes that in five weeks he can re-submit new data numbers, and Dion believes that the numbers would be different. The cost for the data collection is approximately $9,500. This will be tabled to the Wednesday planning meeting.

 

Director Reports:

1.) David Eisenberg, PHN:

David announced that the maintenance crew did an excellent job in snow removal for the clinic. There were concerns over the snow removal for patients during the heavy snow season, but the staff did a very good job.

 

Mrs. Vickie Simmons is the new GPRA coordinator in a job share part time with the former full time position. David introduced the Elder’s workers, Michelle Charlesworth, Flo Lopez and Melodee Brewington. David explained as a part of the Tribal Council’s intent to be informed of the needs of the Elders in the communities he will be bringing in the staff that works one on one with the Elders in the field.

 

Michelle introduced herself to the Council and explained that she began her position in September. In her four months she has learned a lot from the Elders, and enjoys hearing their stories. She takes Elder’s shopping for food and clothing, social service appointments, MediCal appointments, medical and dental appointments and other activities that they may have. She also handles some of their business such as clinic appointments including making them and assisting the Elders in completing their paperwork. There are no major complaints form the Elders, but there are some concerns regarding phone calls that aren’t being returned when they call. Michelle has shoveled a lot of snow recently, and it isn’t too bad; the hazard being removed is well worth it to her and the Elders. Maintenance and landscaping along with home repairs are main concerns for the Elder’s. They have some concerns about the younger people not respecting the Elders so Michelle has thought of taking younger adults with her to assist her and in that they will be exposed to their Elders and the Elders of the Tribe.  

 

Melodee Brewington introduced herself to the group. She does paperwork for her area a lot. She does a lot of Social Security paperwork and healthcare paperwork. The Elder’s are concerned mainly about their weather troubles. The snow and the ice removal is a big problem as the Elders do not want to ask for help, but the work needs done. That was her biggest response from Elders in her area. She does a lot of transporting for medical appointments. She doesn’t do a lot of clients shopping, because the Elders will coordinate their shopping with their appointment times and those are completed along with the appointment days. Melodee noted that sometimes she receives calls on the nights or weekends, but she is available for her clients. She makes time for them and assists them as much as possible. She ensures that there paperwork is followed up on and that they are receiving services where there is availability.

 

Flo Lopez explained that she has been employed by the Tribe since 1979. The overall goal for the Elders program is to improve their system to keep Elders in their homes as long as possible. The snow removal is a work comp issue for staff, but shopping and keeping appointments is necessary. Flo went on to explain that all three communities of elders used to get together and the Tribe provided one dinner / day out time together and they could gather at this time bringing together the three communities. Flo will present this information back at a Wednesday meeting to seek funding from the Council for this.

Flo went on to explain that the referral forms need to be used for services. Flo provided the release of information forms and the enrollment forms for her program and asked that all entities of the Tribe begin using the forms because they are necessary and assist in communicating what the Elders needs are.

 

Flo is doing income taxes currently. For individuals that need tax help in Orleans and Yreka David asked what happens. Flo does assist them periodically, but does not advertise that otherwise she would be spending majority of her time traveling. Barbara Norman may assist with drafting legal documents as well and that information should be distributed to the Elders so they are well informed of their options as they age.

Flo asked that if the Council hears of complaints that they provide a referral to her for her to know there is in fact an issue. Bob agrees that as long as the elders workers do their work, and communicate effectively then things should be on track. Communication is working well inter-departmentally, but with someone who brings a problem directly to the Council without going through the process then it needs handled right away.

 

Patti explained that IHS provided a package in RPMS for the Elders workers. Information on the system use in regards to their clients needs done to bring the staff up to speed on data collection along with reporting.

 

Leeon asked if the elders workers work on contacting a physician in the event of a person needing assistance when the facilities are closed. David believes that the clients can go to Orleans or Yreka if the Happy Camp clinic is closed. Leeon questioned what the Elders are supposed to do if they need help and all the clinics are closed. Flo takes a lot of home calls and after hours care, but overall no staff required to be “on call” and it is in the best interest of the clients to seek assistance from 911 in the event of an emergency. Melodee explained that in Orleans she can call Dr. Willett if it was an absolute emergency or the volunteer ambulance. Melodee explained that Dr. Willett and the outreach staff will get the family involved in checking on the patients when it is necessary to have someone checking on them. Dr. Willett coordinates assistance well with the families and the staff along with friends of the families. Of course there are instances when the clients just need to know they are no alone and there is assistance if needed, but if it comes to calls when the facilities are closed the staff and facilities work well together.

 

Michelle explained that she provides a list of numbers to the Elder’s including everyone that they can call in case of an emergency.  The list is laminated and near their phone always reachable to family members, the Elder directly or emergency staff.

 

The Council thanked the Elders for their hard work and being out in the field to provide assistance to the Elders.

 

David did provide his written report for the Health Board which contains his usual visit counts.

 

Leeon Hillman motioned and Alvis Johnson seconded to approve David’s report, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

2.) Patti White, Database Administrator:

Patti is present to provide her report to the Health Board. She distributed her workload report, budget report and clinic classification reports. She also provided her training report from her recent training.

Data entry and coding are up to date. RPMS has no new issues other than power outages with the snow that were impossible to prevent. All packages are loaded minus the pharmacy package in order to move to EHR. Chris announced that the work is almost done to begin several components.

HRS and HIPSA are still in the discussion phases to bring the numbers up. Patti does have good news. Amy Coapman nominated the Karuk Tribe for an OIT meeting, three six tribes total were acknowledged and the Karuk Tribe was one of the three tribe’s that received honorable mention for there IT advancements.

 

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

 

3.) Chris Kleeman, IT Manager:

Chris explained that he has been working for the last month and a ½ to the phone system in Orleans. He believes that most of the error is on the end of Verizon. Now that the OR clinic seems to up and running, the Fisheries department seems to be operating poorly. Chris is working with the phone companies on these issues, but Chris demanded that he switch to non digital lines and that seemed to work well. Chris has some projects coming up, but he isn’t prepared to work on yet. He has been working with Fred for fiber optic connection to KTHA to assist in accessing RPMS. To link offices together needs to happen and to get this going with materials it may cost up to $2,000. He is working with Sam and Fred on those requests. He is working with Fred on getting lines running through Fisheries and a green trailer. While Scott’s office is getting running, then the upgrade to Fisheries may work best as well. Chris continues to work with Fred including IT in discussions when building and connectively needs to take place.

Chris needs to seek contract approval for satellite service for EHR it would be $700 per site to install and another $80 a month fee. If the phones go out then the satellite could be used for emergency services. Chris would like to use an offsite location for housing the lines.  Gerry has been working on quotes for desktop computers and he is hoping to order at the same time to receive a discount.

Chris has been working with Rosie with logistics to training staff at the HC center. This would minimize down time, and assist in training the medical staff.

The HAM radios require training and certification of staff in order to reach someone in case of an emergency.

 

Arch questioned the phone and internet service for the YR building. Chris believes that hit took CalNor cable a long time to lay line, however Gerry and Chris haven’t been able to get back out to YR to get there and complete it. A computer needs to be out there, they have functionality but it definitely needs improvement. Chris believes that there was no option but to take as long due to having to work with outside agencies.

 

Chris believes that the new IT Director will be employed in March. He will be coming this weekend to look at land or home options over the weekend.

 

Robert Goodwin motioned and Leeon Hillman seconded to approve Chris’ report, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

5.) Lessie Aubrey, DQMCH:

Lessie does not have any action items. She reviewed her written report with the Council. Lessie explained how time consuming the HRSA information gathering was. She explained how difficult it was. She provided her training report, and believes that it was the best training she has attended.

Bob asked if it would be too much to take the entire C&P file and put it on a read only zip drive for the Council to review electronically. Dr. Burns announced that the files are confidential, and Barbara will assist Lessie on attempting it one time, to try it out.

 

She then presented them with a copy of an article on eagles. The information was interesting that she cc’d the Council on the article that they may read in their time.

 

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

 

6.) Martha Schrock, EDHHS:

Martha reviewed her written report with the Council. There is work on the strategic plan, and is communicating well.

 

Dr. Wood has requested to take down as Dental Director and is stepping down into interim director. There is another dentist who seems interested and she is hopeful for the director position.

 

Martha would like to seek permission to reimburse mileage and two nights motel stay for Dr. Bartol (dentist) for his interview.

 

Robert Goodwin motioned and Florence Conrad seconded to authorize mileage and two nights lodging for interview candidate not to exceed $500, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

POV travel policy changes are attached to her report.

 

Florence Conrad motioned and Robert Goodwin seconded to approve the change to the KTOC travel policies, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

Martha highlighted sections from every report attached to her report. Mike met with Behavioral Health and they are on board with strengthening the collaboration with the Tribe and begin referring services to the Tribe especially with our children.

 

Martha distributed information on the health plan and business plan objectives. The health board is to perform an annual self assessment tool. She would like to have them completed and returned. She would like to have them back by February 28, 2008. and they can be sent to either Martha or Norlyn

 

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

 

7.) Vickie Walden, Dental Manager:

Vickie has a request from Arron Peters for the purchase of dental chairs for the YR clinic. She is not sure if she can find someone to appraise them, but she is still evaluating the option of cost. He did not provide an offer. Laura would like to either sell them or dispose of them because keeping them in storage is not sensible. Laura does recommend recouping costs for doing the work to donate them, so maybe the cost of wages or transportation is needed as the price to sell the old dental chairs.

 

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

 

8.) Joe Snapp, Substance and Alcohol Abuse:

Joe is present to review his written report. He provided an update on the DUI program. Barbara has been working on it and is now drafting the fee schedule. Barbara forwarded the electronic version and has received feedback and it working on their comments.

 

The Oak Knoll property zoning. The planning department denying the zoning, he is not sure who to appeal to. It would be the Board of Supervisors. Bob believes that to do anything agricultural is not sensible. The property is not currently in trust so if Barbara can draft an argument to take to the Board of Supervisors then that would be good. Joe will talk to her about it.

 

The Youth Tribal program will begin the 1st of July. Joe will talk to Fred about having his crew put the septic system in ground at Oak Knoll. Joe will check the costs and work with Fred on it.

 

Sonny Davis motioned and Roy Arwood seconded to approve Joe’s report, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

Committee Reports:

None at this time.

 

Closed Session:

Robert Goodwin and Roy Arwood left the room.

 

Florence Conrad motioned and Leeon Hillman seconded to approve the Election Committee’s recommendation and seat Elsa Goodwin and Daniel McNeal for four year terms on the Election Committee 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

Robert Goodwin and Roy Arwood returned to the meeting.

 

Robert Goodwin motioned and Florence Conrad seconded to approve $970.52 from third party for CHS case # 176, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

Consensus: to table CHS case # 187 to Wednesday. Anna shall contact client to ask if a loan option is possible.

 

Leeon Hillman motioned and Robert Goodwin seconded to approve $358.95 from discretionary for the purchase of flowers $58.95 and $300 in Wal-Mart gift card purchases to cover unallowable purchases; However if found to be allowable with receipts then the funding shall be moved to grant, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

Roy Arwood motioned and Sonny Davis seconded to approve authorizing the use of CalWORKs for treatment according to Joe’s program for SH; however both client and wife shall enter into agreement to begin treatment in substance and alcohol abuse, NA, AA, social services, and anger management courses, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

Consensus: to table request for payment of services for non-tribal member to the Wednesday planning meeting.

 

Consensus: for employee’s # 1653, 5138 and 0506 to meet and review denial to support the Equest proposal.

 

Roy Arwood motioned and Robert Goodwin seconded to allow the write off of un-collectable medical bills due to age of collection process; however the list shall be maintained to provide reference, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

Florence Conrad motioned and Robert Goodwin seconded to approve credentialing and privileging, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

Consensus: to have 1976 and 9000 brainstorm ideas on care for Tribal Elders when there are no health facilities open.

 

Consensus: for EDHHS to meet with Tribal Member # SH and employee # 1017 to clarify complaint. If unresolved then the meeting outcome shall be presented back to the Council for their review Wednesday.  

 

Consensus: to table request for travel to the Wednesday meeting.  

 

Consensus: to allow the Health Board meetings to begin at 3 PM until further notice.

 

Leeon Hillman motioned and Alvis Johnson seconded to approve paying Tribal Member # 11 the stipend as submitted for meeting attendance. It is to be clear that when Council go to meetings or trainings they provide some high points or overview to the other Council members as a means to keep each other in the loop of things.

 

Next meeting date: March 13, 2008 at 3 PM in Happy Camp.

 

Sonny Davis motioned and Alvis Johnson seconded to adjourn meeting at 8:58 PM, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

 

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

________________________________

Arch Super, Chairman

 

Recording Secretary, Barbara Snider