Council Meeting – June 25, 2009

Meeting Minutes

Meeting called to order at 4:00 PM, by Arch Super, Chairman

Present:

Arch Super, Chairman

Florrine Super, Secretary

Leeon Hillman, Treasurer

Florence Conrad, Member at Large (late-5:08 pm)

Roy Arwood, Member at Large

Bud Johnson, Member at Large

Verna Reece, Member at Large

Sonny Davis, Member at Large

Absent:

Leaf Hillman, Vice-Chairman

Quorum is established.

Florrine Super read the Council Mission Statement aloud for the audience.

Guests:

None at this time.

Agenda:

Leeon Hillman motioned and Bud Johnson seconded to approve the agenda with changes, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Meeting Minutes of May 28, 2009:

Florrine Super motioned and Sonny Davis seconded to approve the minutes of May 28, 2009, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Director Reports:

1.) Sami Difuntorum, KTHA Director

Sami is present to review her written report with the Council. There were some issues with Humboldt County receiving mapping but things seem to be working a little smoother and they are beginning to get up to speed with completion expected in September. Under construction activities regarding KTHA; Sami has found that the wages will have to be paid at Davis Bacon wages and applies only to ARRA projects. Sami did email their legal team requesting that HUD revisit this and has found that HUD is revisiting HR2364 that will preempt other laws. She is unsure at this time, if the Orleans contract will be affected by this and the issue will have to be revisited if there will be wage changes. Roy asked if ARRA is paying for this increased cost, with their stipulation of the Davis Bacon wages. Sami explained that it was worked by a similar means used by KTHA as opposed to ARRA funding so the impact of the additional wages will affect the Orleans project, however, she is still anticipating a response to her request to reconsider the stipulation. Sami announced that with the two grants that she drafted earlier this month she included the stipulations from ARRA and a part of the criteria.

She has no other updates on the special requests, but she is waiting to hear if there was an update on the downriver projects. The fuels reduction project was increased at an additional 14%. For the NAHSDA competitive there was 242 million dollars this year and there were some projects selected in the Karuk area.

Florence Conrad arrived at 5:08 PM

Sami did submit a project proposal and with that funding she will designate funding for more homes. Scott suggested talking to Fred on the water heaters as there were some issues with heating the water successfully for the new homes previously. Sami did say that an engineer was going to be hired to review the options to both energy efficient and what is feasible for the homes.

The Council has tentatively scheduled a KTHA Board and Tribal Council training session, July 17-20, 2009. Sami will forward information regarding the session to the Council.

The KTHA will be donating the swamp coolers and selling the slightly used monitor stoves that will be removed from the Yreka apartments. Tribal families will receive them and the monitor stoves are priced really low. Anyone who wishes to receive information regarding these items may contact Christina Sherburn, Administrative Assistant at the Housing Authority.

Verna Reece motioned and Florence Conrad seconded to approve Sami’s report, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

2.) April Attebury, Tribal Court:

April is present to provide her report to the Council. She does not have any action items. She was out on travel for two weeks so she no action items to present. She did provide her update on the Child Support negotiations with both Humboldt and Siskiyou County’s. The County’s have received the MOU for Tribal Court Cases and Stephanie Dolan and Judge Henry attended follow up meetings regarding questions from both areas. They will report what the outcome of changes and final documents once they are received.

April has been checking the website daily for funding that has been proposed for Tribal Court but hasn’t heard anything to date.

Florence Conrad motioned and Bud Johnson seconded to approve April’s report, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

3.) Jim Berry, KCDC CFO:

Jim is not present; his written report was provided for the Council to review. Patty Brown, Head Start Director is present to seek approval of an action item. She would like to request approval of a proposal for one time funding to Head Start. There was one time funding for quality improvement dollars. With the Yreka Head Start project already having some preliminary planning, she is going to seek the funding for that project. This includes remodeling and the acquisition of buses for the students. There was an estimate for a remodel of the old KTHA building in YR and a healthy and safe play area and then two buses. The funding amounts are listed and the turnaround time was very tight but she thanked Rick, Erin, Laura and Jim for working very cooperatively with her on completing the application. The resolution is 09-R-087 for $225,139.00.

Roy Arwood motioned and Sonny Davis seconded to approve resolution 09-R-087 authorizing submission of a grant proposal, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Patty announced that in collaboration with the Happy Camp Elementary School and the Tribe’s Childcare Program; the Tribe is co-hosting a Kindercamp this coming school year. They will attempt to implement similar projects in Yreka next year due to the high success rate of the students entering elementary school from Kindercamp.

Four of Five teachers of the program have achieved early childhood development training.

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

4.) Earl Crosby, DNR Director
Earl is to review his written report with the Council and seek approval of an action item. He presented procurement for six loads of gravel and attached the required documentation of bids and selection.

Florence Conrad motioned and Bud Johnson seconded to approve procurement and allow the purchase of gravel from Hoopa Aggregate in the amount of $2,340.00, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

He then presented a follow up resolution that was first presented to the Council at their last planning meeting.

Florence Conrad motioned and Bud Johnson seconded to approve resolution 09-R-079 authorizing acceptance of funds from the BIA in the amount of $21,000, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Earl announced meeting dates for the Council to include on their schedules. Arch asked that Earl forward those meeting electronically through outlook.

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

5.) Scott Quinn, Land Manager:

Scott has a couple action items in addition to his written report. One resolution is to rescind a former resolution for inclusion in the Humboldt County transportation Committee. The new resolution is to join a new committee approving the Tribal Transit Bylaws.

Florence Conrad motioned and Bud Johnson seconded to approve agreement 09-R-088, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Florence motioned and Bud seconded to rescind resolution 05-R-032, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Sandi then present a contract between Moore and Associates. This will be for a feasibility grant to determine transit services in the area. She received four proposals, with this one being the least expensive within the needs for service.

Florence Conrad motioned and Verna Reece seconded to approve contract 09-C-056 between Moore and Associates and the Karuk Tribe, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

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

6.) Jennifer Goodwin, Education Coordinator:

Jennifer asked that Florrine step to the podium and she then presented her with a graduation certificate on behalf of the Chairman, Education Committee Chairman and herself, as the Education Coordinator for the Karuk Tribe. Jennifer congratulated Florrine on her achievement from school, graduating with her AA.

Jennifer then announced that she had a certificate for Jaclyn Goodwin, Tribal Member, for her achievement in graduating from UC Davis but she wasn’t able to attend the meeting.

She does have the higher education and student voucher applications if anyone is interested in completing those or knows of people who will need the services she asked that they contact her.

She then presented resolution 09-R-089 for the acceptance of native youth and cultures fund project funding in the amount of $2,000.

Florence Conrad motioned and Bud Johnson seconded to approve resolution 09-R-089 authorizing acceptance of, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Florence announced that she appreciates Jennifer providing certificates to people graduating from Grade School to College as the Tribe is be proud of our youth and adults who are succeeding in their education. Jennifer was pleased to do this and she has done at least 27 certificates so far; if anyone would like to have a certificate sent to a member if they forward the information she will ensure they are acknowledged in some form.

The next Education Committee Meeting is July 14, 2009 in HC.

Verna Reece motioned and Leeon Hillman seconded to approve Jennifer’s report, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

7.) Robert Attebery, LIAP:

Robert is present to provide an overview of his written report. There have been updates on the home program and he and Erin have been working cooperatively to implement them.

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

8.) Rick Hill, Grant Writer:

Rick provided an update on the grant writers report. He explained that the staff is in a scramble to attempt to gain some of the ARRA funding. He has been attending meetings in an attempt to gain funding for a new health center for Happy Camp. He has been reviewing property locations and drafting the grant application with as much information as possible. There will be approximately one hundred applicants and he would like to consolidate the health program, including the fitness center, diabetes center, behavioral health, substance abuse, and office space to make the proposal more appealing while meeting the Tribe’s needs.

He met on June 18^th with Phillip Church and some contractors to review the feasibility of installing a power sufficient HVAC system and a generator for the Administration complex. This meeting concluded with $313,000 in services and upgrades to the complex. The funding could be obligated by IHS.

He worked on a couple proposals for Ron Reed to incorporate goals for a youth cultural camp including working with TANF. The ICDBG grant was previously written to seek another administration wing and this would provide offices for TANF and the move of existing administrative staff. He will seek this funding again this year but will also be working in conjunction with the grant for a new health facility.

Laura asked if there was planning on both grants. If there is funding for both facilities then there would be too much space. There is more space needed in Orleans, it seems that maybe one of the granting agencies should be approached with that need. Erin explained that this should be discussed but not at this time. She has been collecting data for the Administration project for over a year before they knew that there was going to be ARRA funding. Erin then explained the competitive funding agencies versus the new ARRA funding. With ICDBG the grant is competitive but the Tribe is in the position now to apply with a better chance of receiving the funding, and with the ARRA funding, there is a good chance as well, but if one is denied there is data supporting the need to both agencies for funding requests. Erin then announced that the grant writers are putting in large proposals this month. Florence explained that the Orleans folks are looking for more office space and there isn’t enough space for the staff. She explained that there are people that need to work at the clinic and through the clinic and there isn’t sufficient access due to the space limitations. Erin would need to pull a meeting by August 6^th to determine if they could change projects and the focus with this short of notice. Florence explained that the staff has expressed this need for some time. Laura explained that there is the possibility to move a modular down to that area for TANF and behavioral health, if the funding is received from both funding agencies. The new administration wing and a new health facility would free up the modular that currently houses the health administrative staff. Laura would like to suggest that that modular be moved to Orleans for the staff if both grants are funded.

Rick then explained that he did complete research on acquiring a modular for the Orleans area and a change was made in priorities which became changing available funding to an IT project.

Verna Reece motioned and Bud Johnson seconded to approve Rick’s report, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

9.) Erin Hillman, Director of Administrative Programs and Compliance:

Erin distributed information on a needs assessment survey that she completed. It has the demographic information that was provided by the Enrollment department with a break out by both Siskiyou and Humboldt County. Erin reviewed her document reviewing the types of data is collected including employment, housing, children in the home, drug and alcohol abuse, and other types of information.

Sue Burcell assisted her in completing her document. This was helpful and her assistance tied the document together well. The national department indicators are cross referenced with the information and categorize the data that meets the criteria and rates it, to later report it. Erin is requesting approval for resolution 09-R-084 for authorization to submit the Karuk Tribe’s action plan to CSD for 2010 and 2011.

Florence Conrad motioned and Bud Johnson seconded to approve resolution 09-R-084, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

She has worked on an RFP for the design and building contract for the facilities. She received a scope of work from Steve Mitchell and will be developing an RFP on a HIP program project that she will be completing. She is meeting on June 30^th with Humboldt County and other Tribe’s to discuss pre-planning for potential fires and air quality issues. There was a meeting with the USFS that Earl Crosby, Bob Goodwin, she and USFS staff attended regarding the fires of last year. She will continue to work with both counties and both forest service agencies. There are fifteen air purifiers stored in Tribal buildings that are available for use if the need arises. There is a list of people that received them last year and there are larger ones for the senior nutrition sites. There is also money for more purifiers if they are needed.

Bob suggested that the purifiers that were purchased last year and distributed may need maintenance or a replacement filter. Majority of the people that received the purifiers may not remember that they need to be cleaned or maintained so he suggested maybe sending a reminder to those people.

Florence Conrad motioned and Verna Reece seconded to approve Erin’s report, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

10.) Laura Mayton, CFO:
Laura is present to review her written report and has one action item to present for approval. She has a request to pay for repairs to a vehicle which is $1,000 (approximately) and Laura would like to request that this be paid from council discretionary.

Florence Conrad motioned and Leeon Hillman seconded to approve paying the insurance deductible in the amount of $1,000 from Council Discretionary, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

The finance staff has been doing fiscal training in all three communities. There were 15 for Orleans and 6-8 for Happy Camp and they will travel to Yreka next week to complete the same training in that community.

Verna would like to have the course offered in Happy Camp again to ensure that all staff has received the training.

One of Laura’s staff is interested in obtaining her CPA license as well as another employee within the Tribe. There are five classes that can be done online and the total cost is $1,250 and she will bring that information back to seek the Tribe’s support in those educational goals.

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

11.) Robert Goodwin, Self-Governance Coordinator:

Robert is present to review his written report and also has one action item. The office of trustees wanted to see signatures from the Council Members that were going to be authorized to conduct business with the office of trustees, specifically regarding business that can be shared and conducted. (He read the letter that was sent). The OST wanted a resolution regarding this, and he drafted that for approval tonight. Laura explained that Bill and Earl are working on this and they have identified issues with this. Laura announced that Bill doesn’t want to do a resolution on this and are still reviewing the options and requirements. Laura explained that Bill is still working on this as the funding and accessing the funding can only be accessed on reservation land. The resolution will be tabled to Thursday’s planning meeting.

Bob requested out of state travel August 3-6, 2009 to attend the National Budget meeting TBAC.

He would also like out of state travel to Alaska August 18-20, 2009 to attend a NAIHC meeting regarding Housing.

Florrine Super motioned and Sonny Davis seconded to approve out of state travel for Bob Goodwin to Alaska August 3-6, 2009 and August 18-22, 2009, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Bob then announced that in a meeting with other staff members he had identified a group calling themselves Klamath Siskiyou Wild, and they have proposed instituting a national monument and wilderness area that is attempting to be implemented in the Tribe’s aboriginal territory. The group is requesting a meeting with the Council and Bob is still researching this. He will announce the meeting date once there is a time and date set.

He is asking that a reminder be sent out regarding resolutions to the staff. The Self-Governance department is supposed to receive a copy of all resolutions that are approved, and he would like the staff to follow that requirement.

He asked that the Tribal Council issue a directive to staff that permission is required prior to discussing projects or having conversations with attorneys that are contracted by the Tribe.

He met today with the special appropriations committee. They discussed a mobile emergency preparedness concept which will compliment what Erin works on. The group discussed what they thought successful projects would be and it appears that a DNR project would be ranked highest; they are now going to focus on securing funding through DNR until the appropriations bill is final. The senate committee draft came out yesterday and the house bill isn’t going to include the Tribe. In September the House and Senate will both have their bills submitted. Bob, Sami, Bill and possibly others will travel to DC to ensure other projects don’t fall off the radar. Erin announced that the wellness center was scaled down based on what was reasonable for selection.

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

12.) Dion Wood, TERO Director:

Dion attached the draft child care plan that must be submitted by July 1^st for the next two years’ funding. Dion believes that the childcare funding should be on track to be spent and may possibly have some carryover.

On the national front he returned from the National Indian Child Welfare conference and they continue to do good things in collaborating to keep childcare funding and they are the only other front that is seeking further funding for childcare. This is a huge effort and he hopes to see that they continue.

KTHA has been recently inviting Dion to construction meetings and he will be attending those meetings to ensure that the staff is following TERO regulations. There are 20 youth workers supported by NCIDC this year. There are 4 STEP workers that were provided by the County. The TERO Commission was planning their retreat and KTHA has scheduled their retreat at the same time.

His quality dollars are participating in contributing toward language classes for Happy Camp. He is seeking pictures and reports to justify the use of the funding.

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

13.) Ruth Rouvier, Language Coordinator:

Ruth is seeking out of state travel to Portland OR. It was determined that Ruth did not need out of state travel approval based on the Oregon, Nevada and California allowance under current fiscal policy.

Ruth would like to build a relationship with Berkeley California as they are interested in building a relationship with the language program. She will continue to monitor what Berkeley is requesting and will follow up with the Council as necessary.

Verna Reece motioned and Florrine Super seconded to approve Ruth’s report, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

14.) Fred Burcell, Construction, Maintenance, Mechanic Department:

Not present, written report provided.

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

15.) TJ Day, Maintenance Department:

No present, no report provided.

16.) Sara Spence, Human Resources Manager:

Not present, written report provided.

Consensus: For the Tribal Reunion to be held at the River Park in Happy Camp according to information distributed for the event.

Verna Reece motioned and Florence Conrad seconded to approve Sara’s report, 6 haa, 1 puuhara (Florrine Super), 0 pupitihara.

Closed Session:

Consensus: to table the loan request for Tribal Member #D00913 to Thursday’s Planning Meeting.

Roy Arwood motioned and Bud Johnson seconded to approve resolution 09-R-083 enrolling 12 Tribal Members, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Consensus: to table request from employee ID# 0009 to Thursday’s Planning Meeting.

Florence Conrad motioned and Bud Johnson seconded to approve resolution 09-R-082 and submit plan according to process, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Consensus: to set a meeting between TERO, KTHA and the Chairman.

Roy Arwood motioned and Verna Reece seconded to contact LJB and instruct them to dismiss case Karuk vs. US (Vunxarak Litigation) without prejudice. If the firm is willing to continue the case pro bono, under contract, on behalf of the Karuk Tribe that may be discussed at a later time 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Bud Johnson motioned and Florence Conrad seconded to approve paying $300 for port-a-potties for funeral services to be held at the Spinks Ranch July 4, 2009, 5 haa, 1 puuhara (Roy Arwood), 1 pupitihara (Florrine Super).

Roy Arwood motioned and Sonny Davis seconded to approve resolution 09-R-093 authorizing designation of employee #1988 to the Inter Tribal Fish Commission as alternate, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Florence Conrad motioned and Sonny Davis seconded to approve out of state travel for Florrine Super and Roy Arwood to Tulalip Washington, July 20-24, 2009, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 2 pupitihara (Florrine Super & Roy Arwood).

Florence Conrad motioned and Florrine Super seconded to approve up to $800 from Council Discretionary, pending other resources availability to pay for 5 people to take a Food Handler Course, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Consensus: to deny request from employee # 1988 and to provide information on the travel policies.

Consensus: to table request from employee # 5763 to Thursday’s Planning Meeting.

Consensus: to table request presented by the Chairman for Tribal Member legal assistance.

Consensus: for employee # 2267 to determine if recording of meetings is reflected according to policy or requirement.

Consensus: to deny insurance coverage request by the Happy Camp Chamber of Commerce.

Next Meeting Date: July 23, 2009 at 5 PM in Orleans CA.

Bud Johnson motioned and Roy Arwood seconded to adjourn meeting at 9:08 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,

________________________________

Arch Super, Chairman

Recording Secretary, Barbara Snider