Karuk Tribe - Council Meeting Minutes

April 23, 2009 - Orleans, California

 

The meeting was called to order at 5:09 PM by Arch Super, Chairman.

 

Present

Arch Super, Chairman

Florrine Super, Secretary

Leeon Hillman, Treasurer

Roy Arwood, Member

Florence Conrad, Member – late

Alvis Johnson, Member

Wilverna Reece, Member

 

Absent

Leaf Hillman, Vice Chairman

 

Verna Reece read the mission statement of the Karuk Tribe aloud.

 

Approval of the Agenda for April 23, 2009

 

Alvis Johnson moved and Florrine Super seconded to approve the Agenda for April 23, 2009.  5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

1)  Approval of the Minutes for April 2, 2009

 

Florrine Super moved and Leeon Hillman seconded to approve the minutes for April 2, 2009.  5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

2)  Suzanna Hardenburger

Erin presented Resolution 09-R-057 to California Department of Health Care Services for EAPC funds of approximately $70,000 on Suzanna’s behalf.  The one thing she pointed out is that there are separate applications for each of the clinics and the name is required to remain Karuk Tribe of California until the IRS updates the Tribe’s name for Medi-cal billing purposes.

 

Alvis Johnson moved and Leeon Hillman seconded to approve Resolution 09-R-057 authorizing submission of the grant application.  5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

3)  California Indian Basketweavers Association

Deborah McConnell was present on behalf of CIBA to request sponsorship for this year’s gathering which will be held in Hoopa at Tish-Tang Campground.  Arch asked about the status of the tent rental.  Jennifer states they will rent them both for a fee of $2,000 for Tribal Staff to deliver, setup, and take down the tent.  She said they have received donations ranging from $500 to $2,000 from other local Tribes.

She states that if they would like their logo included on the advertisements for the gathering, they will need to know by May 1, 2009 if they will donate for the event.  Arch states they will need to discuss that further before making a decision.

 

4)  April Attebury, Tribal Court

Not present, no report submitted.

 

5)  Jim Berry, KCDC

Written report only, not present.

 

Florrine Super moved and Alvis Johnson seconded to approve Jim’s report.  5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

6)  Robert Attebery, LIAP

Robert is present to review his written report.

There was discussion regarding environmental assessment requirements for HUD homes based on the data that was submitted for economic stimulus funds recently as there were families which were income eligible for the assistance.

 

Verna Reece moved and Leeon Hillman seconded to approve Robert’s report.  5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

7)  Jennifer Goodwin, Education

Jennifer was present to distribute and review her written report.  Pihneftuuf distributed the written reports to the Council.  She apologized for not submitting her written report prior to the deadline.  She reviewed the contents and states she does not have any action items at this time.  They are in between semesters at this time.

 

She states they will be receiving funding for the coming school year and are hoping to mail those applications soon as the deadline this year will be July 31, 2009.  There will be approximately $1,000 available per student and the rent voucher amounts will be determined based on the number of applications received.

 

She states she has been spending the majority of her time in the office working on necessary reports and not attending as many meetings unless necessary.

 

She expects to have a higher than average amount of applications as many people are preparing to attend college in the coming year.

 

She states they received two letters for the open seat on the Education Committee which will be reviewed and returned at the May Council Meeting with a recommendation to the Council on appointment.

 

She was invited to Southern Oregon University in Ashland to attend a round-table discussion to create a cultural curriculum that involves the local Tribes to gather cultural education information that extends beyond what is currently found in books.  The Tribal Council is invited to attend that meeting as well and she can get the information to them.

 

The Klamath-Trinity Unified School District is holding a pre-discussion for their school district wide strategic planning on May 1, 2009 and she will not be able to attend.  She has only received responses from 2 of the 7 Committee Members that they will not be able to attend; if she cannot get representation from her Committee she feels that the other Education Coordinators will ensure that the school district does not attempt to implement anything detrimental.

 

She states the basetweavers gathering was last weekend and there was a good turnout and they had a good time.

 

Verna Reece moved and Leeon Hillman seconded to approve Jennifer’s report.  5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

8)  Robert Goodwin, Self Governance

He was present to review his written report.

 

He just returned from Salt Lake City, UT and the Plenary Meeting regarding dam removal.  He is working with DNR to resolve some funding issues that have arisen; however, everything is continuing to move forward.

 

He states he just met with a representative and DNR regarding the matter that was discussed at the last Forest Service Summit Meeting regarding a contract which was awarded by the Forest Service in the Tribe’s Territory to NCIDC.  A meeting has been requested with the Forest Service Leadership regarding this matter and an email to that effect was distributed from Merv George.

 

He states that he may be required to testify regarding AB 544 and Suction Dredge Mining in Sacramento on Tuesday while he is there.  Terry Supahan will be in Sacramento at the same time and he would like approval of Resolution 09-R-058 authorizing Terry to speak in support of AB544 on behalf of the Karuk Language Restoration Committee and the Karuk Tribe.  The Committee is in favor of him speaking on their behalf.  The Bill will allow native speakers to be credentialed to teach the languages in the school systems.

 

Leeon Hillman moved and Florrine Super seconded to approve Resolution 09-R-058.  5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

Arch asked what date Merv George is requesting for the Forest Service Meeting.  Bob states he also has another meeting date he will need during the first week of May.  Bob states that there needs to be some further meetings to discuss an entity that is interested in doing further studies regarding dam removal.  The meeting was scheduled for 10am on Tuesday, May 4, 2009 in Orleans.  Roy will attend.

 

Arch asked if a Council Member needs to attend the testimony for Tuesday-Wednesday next week in Sacramento regarding the suction dredge mining issue and AB 544.  He states if they are available that would be helpful.  Earl states that it is much more powerful for a Council Member to testify at the hearings rather than an employee; he has been advised that is more helpful.  They will leave on Monday and the SB 670 testimony will be Tuesday.  Roy will testify and attend the meeting at DNR.

 

The Forest Service Meeting will be scheduled at a later time for Happy Camp according to everyone’s schedules.

 

Leeon Hillman moved and Verna Reece seconded to approve Bob’s report.  5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

9)  Erin Hillman, Administrative Programs/Compliance

She was present to review her written report.

 

She will be attending the interviews for the High School Construction Contractors on Monday as requested.

 

Pim Allen is honored to attend the NAGPRA Training on behalf of the Tribe and will be coordinating with Erin on that.

 

The People’s Center Coordinator position RFQ has been distributed to as many places as possible through networking at the basketweavers gathering.

 

The CSD Action Plan Surveys were distributed with the last payroll to all Native Americans and also through the LIAP Program, Behavioral Health, and TANF programs.

 

She states they are still awaiting the TANF Funding from the State.

 

They have submitted for basketweavers funding to support their future gatherings.

 

She recently attended a meeting at Siskiyou County regarding Emergency Preparedness with several representatives.

 

Verna Reece moved and Roy Arwood seconded to approve Erin’s report.  5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

She states there were about 100 participants at the basketweavers gathering last weekend.  The boats worked out wonderfully and she thanked them for use of those boats and the drivers.  There were some comments from the gathering that will be discussed in the future with the Council in closed session.  She thanked everyone for all of their help on the gathering.  Jennifer states that having the septic issues addressed at the gym was amazing.  Paula states they earned slightly more than $900 on the raffle and they sold nearly all of their t-shirts for almost $600.  That is the most they have ever made on shirt sales, they were beautiful this year.

 

Paula stated they had over 30 prizes for the raffle; she will start gathering donations in November and December for the next Spring gathering as they will not have a Fall gathering this year.

 

Florence Conrad arrived at 6:02 pm.

 

10)  Dion Wood, TERO

Dion distributed an updated written report.  He states there are not many changes.

 

He states they have received their final allocation for the child care program and it looks like they may have a carryover at the end of the year.  They have received their award letter for the stimulus funding which he has proposed to use for implementing a toy library.  He opened it up to the community for any input they might have on what the funds could be used for.  The items could be large items purchased with the funds for things such as telescopes, microscopes, etc.

 

Erin suggested that they waive the co-pay that parents pay for a year due to the economic situation to help the families.  He would like to ensure that the program continues into the future and sustains itself rather then having the families get used to no out-of-pocket expense.  She states it would be a way to pass the stimulus benefit along to the parents.

 

He states that he has been working with Patty Brown to do the home visits for the program and it has been very helpful to have her working with him on that.

 

Florence suggests that Dion speak to Molli regarding Orleans Head Start because she is very actively involved in working with that group prior to making contact with them directly.

 

He has been working to get the State of California to work directly with the Tribes and listening to their concerns and input that is provided.  The counties do not work cooperatively with the Tribes either.  The problem does not exist for other states; it is rather specific and common in California.  The Hoopa, Karuk, Yurok, and Smith River Tribes have been meeting to discuss services and coordination of services for childcare as their service areas overlap and that funding is scrutinized by the government.

 

Their regional specialist will come at a later date.  He is drafting the upcoming two year plan and is using this meeting as a forum for the required public hearing; he brought copies of the plan with him.

 

He states they are receiving many requests for AVT assistance as individuals are being laid off and hoping to find alternate employment.  The $1,000 grant they offer is such a small amount to contribute toward their schooling.  He states it is very discouraging for the Tribal Members.  He is hopeful that he can work with NCIDC and the computer center to locate alternate funding.

 

He has requested the Directors contact him for summer youth which will be hired through NCIDC for 16-24 year old youth this summer.  He has eleven obligated so far.

 

He is working with the Yreka Amkuuf Smoke Shop to help make their grand opening on May 1 a great success.  TERO will sponsor a live radio broadcast and other contributions to make it nice.

 

He requested approval of Resolution 09-R-056 authorizing the Karuk Tribe to withdraw from the California Indian Manpower Consortium (CIMC) as discussed at the planning meeting.  They would then be eligible to apply for the WIA funds themselves rather than CIMC receiving funding on their behalf.

 

Roy Arwood moved and Verna Reece seconded to approve Resolution 09-R-056.  6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

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

 

11)  Sami Difuntorum

Sami reviewed her written report and provided updates on the information contained in the report.

 

The funds have been released for the Peters home.  The Brown home is moving forward.  The work on the Graham, Salstrom, and Orleans Bar property continues to move forward as well.  The Evans property has closed escrow; there is no Tribal funding available for the project so they will move forward with the Housing portions of the project.

 

They have begun the Yreka Apartment Heating project to remove the monitors and install an HVAC system with a solar component.  They are almost ready to begin painting the exteriors of the Orleans homes.  The Shivshaneen homeowner project to install a communal geothermal system is moving forward; income eligible families are currently able to apply for one of these homes.  They are replacing aluminum windows with vinyl in several locations.

 

She has forwarded a draft press release related to what they are using the funding from the ARRA for which was requested from the White House several times.

 

They plan to apply for NAHASDA competitive funding to reroof the homes in Happy Camp, install tankless water heaters, and potentially replace the roof mounted HVAC units in Orleans with energy efficient heat pumps.

 

There will be changes to the requirements for the Energy Grant recently applied for; they have secured support from their congressional representatives waiving the 50% non-federal match and also removing the requirement that the project be at least 1 MW.

 

Housing has met with the other Tribes regarding the formula; she has not heard anything regarding the BIA Labor Force Report and if those numbers were addressed.  Arch is unsure if that has been addressed.

 

AMERIND would like to do an article on their construction processes for the home Jeanerette recently moved in to.

 

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

 

12)  Rick Hill

Rick was present to review their written report.  He has one action item for their approval tonight.

 

He presented Resolution 09-R-039 authorizing submission of a grant in support of the “Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Deployment Within the Karuk Ancestral Territory Project” to the Department of Energy in the amount of $3,337,000.  The funds will be to install solar power on housing units and a renewable energy project at the Forks of Salmon.

 

Leeon Hillman moved and Verna Reece seconded to approve Resolution 09-R-039.  6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

In addition to this energy grant which Hester primarily focused on he worked on a RAC grant for equipment at the computer center which will be ready next week.  He worked with Toni for IHS funding in the amount of $17,000.  He worked to develop a list of current projects for the Council’s review which was discussed on April 16th.

 

He states that they have been reviewing the funding opportunities that could assist the behavioral health program and working with them to determine what types of assistance could best help them.

 

They assisted April with her grant to the Department of Justice, Office of Violence Against Women and helped Rosie with the Learn and Serve grant.

 

They have been working to identify what is the best way to utilize the data from the community surveys to assist them in obtaining ICDBG grant funding for this fiscal year to expand the Administration Complex.

 

He has identified a Rural Business Opportunity Grant that should also be completed by next week to assist KCDC with funding.  He will require a phone vote because it must be received in Davis, CA by April 30.  It can assist with 8(a) status for Tribal Members and develop a forest stewardship plan for KCDC to obtain forest service contracting projects.

 

Verna Reece moved and Leeon Hillman seconded to approve Rick’s report.  6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

13)  Ruth Rouvier

Ruth is present to review her written report.  This year’s word is chantirih (wood tick).

 

She provided some updates.  The main issue is the teacher credentialing legislation that Bob spoke of earlier this evening.  That bill will be heard next week and she has been working with Bob to put together the Resolution language and prepare for testimony next week.  She had a conference call with the sponsors of the bill and their attorneys today.  The bill will support credentialing for teaching the classes and allowing them to earn college credit, however; it does not provide language that will allow the language class to be considered a core language class that would apply toward degree credits.  They plan to approach the Board of Education to pursue making the class count as a core credit class equivalent to other foreign languages taught currently.  She has additional information for anyone that would like more information.  The credential would come through the bill language allowing the Tribes to certify the teachers.  For the classes to count will need to come from a ruling at the State Level through the Board of Education.  They seem receptive to making that change.  She continues to work with COS to have the Karuk Language Class added as a course to be taken by students.

 

She states that unfortunately there were not many speakers at the basketweavers gathering over the weekend but several participants in the language Master Apprentice were there and many, many of the weavers were interested in attending and listening in on the speakers circle and enjoyed participating and listening to the conversations.  She states they will continue with the speakers circle on a monthly basis.  She is open to any suggestions anyone may have to get more people involved.

 

Florrine asked about the training that she has not set a date for as of yet and who that is up to.  Ruth states that she just needs to coordinate with everyone to determine what their schedules allow for; she wants to do more equipment training with the teams.

 

Verna Reece moved and Roy Arwood seconded to approve Ruth’s report.  6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

14)  Laura Mayton

Written report only, not present; she is on vacation this week.

 

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

 

15)  Earl Crosby

Earl was present to review the written report.

 

He has one action items which is approval for travel for Arch Super, Craig Tucker, Bryan Colegrove, Molli White, and Kathy McCovey to travel to Omaha, NE for the Berkshire Hathaway Stockholder’s Meeting.  They can cover all of Arch’s travel since Florence is not attending.  April 30-May 3, 2009 are the travel dates.  They will travel on staggered dates.

 

Florrine Super moved and Leeon Hillman seconded to approve the Omaha travel.  5 haa, 0 puuhara, 1 pupitihara (Florrine Super).

 

He states that he and Bob met with Terry Coltra to discuss adding Karuk Tribal Members to the NCIDC crew which will be doing brushing work in their area to help address their concerns with the work to be done.  That would result in 8-9 of their members being hired on a 12 person crew to do the work.  They will pursue the Forest Service for lack of consultation but have remedied the issue with NCIDC regarding the matter.

 

Leeon Hillman moved and Alvis Johnson seconded to approve Earl’s report.  6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

16)  Scott Quinn

Written report only, not present, on travel.

 

Roy Arwood moved and Verna Reece seconded to approve Scott’s report.  6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

He requested approval of a letter of support for the North Coast Unified Air Quality Management District’s application for EPA Region 9 ARRA funds to assist in the implementation of the District’s regional Clean Diesel Campaign.  Arch has already signed the letter and submitted it.

 

17)  Fred Burcell

Written report only, not present, no action items.

 

Florence Conrad moved and Florrine Super seconded to approve Fred’s report.  6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

18)  Sara Spence

Her written report was included in the packets and she reviewed the information.

 

She states she continues to work on the insurance transition that was approved last week.  The agents were disappointed but understand the reason for the decision being made.  Employee meetings have been scheduled for next week to discuss the transfers, the medical plan changes discussed will be finalized in late summer for introduction in the fall with a revised open enrollment period to coincide with the fiscal year.

 

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

19)  Requests

None at this time.

 

20)  Phone Votes

  1. Request approval for out of state travel for Robert Super Albuquerque NM April 3-10, 2009. Passed.
  2. Request approval of resolution 09-R-042 authorizing ICW intervention. Passed.
  3. Request approval of resolution 09-R-044 authorizing submission of a grant proposal to the California Council. Passed.
  4. Request approval to provide assistance to the Rose family for funeral services and related costs in the amount of $500 from Council Discretionary. Passed.
  5. Request approval of agreement 09-A-020 between the Department of Natural Resources and KTHA for removal of mobile home project. Passed.
  6. Request approval of resolution 09-R-038 authorizing submission of a grant application to PSA 2 Area on Aging. Passed.
  7. Request approval of resolution 09-R-051 authorizing submission of a grant proposal to the 2009 Office of Violence Against Women Recovery Act. Passed.
  8. Request approval to pay $1,000 for burial costs for X0173. Passed.
  9. Request approval of resolution 09-R-040 authorizing submission to the California Department of Transportation. Passed.
  10. Request approval of resolution 09-R-053 authorizing submission of a grant proposal to ANA. Passed.
  11. Request approval of resolution 09-R-054 authorizing submission of a grant proposal to the Endangered Language Fund. Passed.
  12. Request approval of resolution 09-R-052 authorizing submission of a grant proposal to the Corporation for National and Community Service’s Learn and Serve Program. Passed.
  13. Request approval of a letter to the Secretary of the Department of Energy requesting a waiver of three grant application requirements. Passed.
  14. Request approval of a letter to Tyrone Kelley expressing opposition. Passed.
  15. Request approval to close all offices in honor of full blooded Tribal Member. Passed.

 

21)  Informational

The NCIDC Meeting Minutes were included in the packets for their review.

 

Closed Session from 8:06 pm to 10:20 pm.

 

Consensus:  To review the information presented by Tribal Member #1421 at the Planning Meeting.

 

Florence Conrad moved and Wilverna Reece seconded to proceed with UDS on Employee #9798 due to discrepancies.  6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

LIAP Committee Vote:  Consensus:  To approve $500 from the LIAP line item for Tribal Member #1773.

 

Leeon Hillman excused himself at 8:49 pm.

 

Consensus:  To review the request from Tribal Member #1302 further at the Planning Meeting.

 

Leeon Hillman returned to the meeting at 9:12 pm.

 

Consensus:  To discuss the language issues with the Contract regarding copyrights further at the Planning Meeting.

 

Consensus:  To have programs and family again research alternative funding sources for care of Tribal Member #1666.

 

Florrine Super moved and Leeon Hillman seconded to pay both David Goodwin and Bryan Colegrove to teach culture classes from the Museum Grant.  6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

Consensus:  To allow Tribal Employee to transport Tribal Member #736 for funeral services.

Directive:  To advise Contractor that actions are unacceptable and outline restrictions on access to staff and offices for remainder of the Contract term.

 

Florence Conrad moved and Leeon Hillman seconded to accept Verna Reece’s resignation from the TERO Commission and appoint Roy Arwood to fill the Council representative seat.  6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

Florence Conrad moved and Leeon Hillman seconded to approve $250 donation to Kauffman and Associates for the National Title 6 Training for Technical Assistance.  6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

Consensus:  To again deny the request from Tribal Member #2645 to place a trailer on the Somes Bar property, it would be too great of a liability to take on in accordance with the Forest Service’s terms.

 

Florence Conrad moved and Florrine Super seconded to move forward with one week suspension without pay and six months probation for Employee #0009.  4 haa, 1 puuhara (Verna Reece), 1 pupitihara (Roy Arwood).

 

Next Meeting Date:  May 28, 2009 at 5pm in Yreka.

 

Meeting adjourned at 10:24 pm.

 

Submitted by,

 

 

_______________________________________________________

Arch Super, Chairman

 

Recording Secretary, Sara Spence