Health Board Meeting

Meeting Minutes – March 4, 2010

Meeting called to order at 3:00 PM by Council Secretary, Florrine Super.

Present:

Florrine Super, Council Secretary

Leeon Hillman, Treasurer

Alvis “Bud” Johnson, Member at Large

Roy Arwood, Member at Large

Florence Conrad, Member at Large

Wilverna “Verna” Reece, Member at Large

Charron “Sonny” Davis, Member at Large

Absent:

Arch Super, Chairman (excused-travel)

Vice-Chairman, Vacant

Quorum is established.

The Health Mission Statement was read aloud by Florence Conrad, Member at Large.

Agenda:

Verna Reece motioned and Florence Conrad seconded to approve the agenda with changes, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Minutes of February 11, 2010:

Sonny Davis motioned and Florence Conrad seconded to approve the minutes, 4 haa, 0 puuhara, 2 pupitihara (Roy Arwood and Verna Reece).

Director Reports:

1.) Mike Edwards, Family and Children services:

Mike is present to review his written report with the Board. He did identify the first Title IVE eligible client and has submitted information to the State of California. He is awaiting guidance to move forward. The department has started their quality assurance project which will be based on patient cancellations. This survey will be ongoing for a couple months to obtain a baseline and then a survey will be conducted again which shall identify a clearer picture on patient appointments and cancellations.

Sonny asked who is being transported and which elders are obtaining services in the Yreka area. Mike noted that the patients must make appointments with the staff to be put on a schedule for transporting services and this is with Elders as well. This is done by appointment, because other clients or patients may be using the services and the transporters schedule is quite busy. In order to serve the most patients appointments and scheduling must be done. Sonny is concerned over this because not all services are being offered to Elders. Mike noted that both employee’s are often busy at times and they are equally as busy, but when there is a high need, other staff members will fill in on transporting services for the Yreka area; especially for emergency situations.

The staff continues to work with TANF on ensuring their programs work together on providing services. The parenting classes that were held in Orleans were completed and were very successful. They will look at having classes in that area again.

Mike thanked the Council for approving the request from the Washoe Tribe for sharing the Tribe’s Title IVE program materials.

On Joe’s report there is an action item to seek a meeting time between the Tribal Council and a presenter. Joe attended a fetal alcohol syndrome course and he was very impressed with the speaker. There is a gentleman who has volunteered to come and provide information to the Tribe and Joe is seeking another meeting time that will work for the Tribal Council schedules. Mike would like to not schedule a separate meeting but include the presenter as a part of the Yav Pa Anav meeting and invite the Council and others to attend.

Verna Reece motioned and Sonny Davis seconded to approve Mike Edward’s report, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

2.) Daniel Pratt, TANF Director:

Daniel is out sick today but Elsa is present to seek approval of an action item. Elsa is requesting that the Council approve discretionary spending for a non allowable expense on the Tribe’s TANF program for the purchase of flowers in the amount of $53.71. This was moved to closed session for further discussion.

Florence questioned how come the staff meeting was moved from Orleans to Happy Camp. Elsa explained that this meeting was moved due to the slide in that area and staff safety.

The recommendations in Daniel’s report will be further discussed at a later time. The resolution attached will be drafted for final approval in June.

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

3.) Eric Cutright, IT Director:

Eric is present to review his written report with the Board. He first sought approval for procurement. The purchase is for laptops, a projector screen and a projector for use for departments such as water quality, watershed, senior nutrition and GPRA. The total cost is $5,829.92 from Zones, Inc. Because the GPRA program is going to complete so many outreach projects with diabetics then the purchase of a camera will be useful to document the luncheons.

Florence Conrad motioned and Verna Reece seconded to approve procurement and allow the purchases totaling $5,829.92, 6 haa, 0puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Eric has been out of the office more than being in due to his jury duty selection and being ill. He is beginning to catch up now that he has returned from other obligations. There is a large group of organizations that are working to bring internet and other broadband services to Highway 96.

Eric will be discussing this further in closed session as it requires further funding. The group of individuals is not asking the Karuk Tribe to provide money as a part of ownership, but they are seeking funding and support in their application to include Hwy. 96 but at a cost to contribute toward engineering fees. This would conclude, if successful, internet services for both Siskiyou County and Humboldt County. This would also provide voice over internet for phone services through Verizon which would alleviate the phone service issues.

The generator project is moving forward. There are plans that have been developed and he is continuing to work with Sandi since the parking lot project will be underway. The generator project should be moving forward in July which will take about 6 weeks. This will allow a month for the IHS money to be spent.

He has been spending quite a bit of time on the Data Center. It is coming along and due to some issues with the HCVAC system they stopped working but it is being looked into.

The Computer Center in Orleans is up and running to date. The Center previously had internet services with the Orleans school but that connection has been removed and are now added to the Health Network in Orleans.

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

4.) Vickie Walden, Dental Office Manager:

Vickie is present to review her written report with the Board. She provided information that Nikki and Donita have been selected for training that will advance their education and then also provide funding to offset that patient visit count that will lapse due to the dentist and hygienist being out of the office.

Vickie reviewed her entire report including information on electronic dental record. A grant application was submitted to support the switch to electronic dental records from paper charts.

Roy asked how the addition of the oral surgeon coming on is working out for the Yreka area. Vickie noted that they used to schedule two days a week but then moved to one day. Roy asked if it would be beneficial to add orthodontic services similar to the oral surgeon. Vickie noted that the orthodontic services are not medically necessary, but Vickie will look into this further and report next month on her findings. Roy commented that due to the high number of orthodontic needs and third party money spent on those requests, it seems to be beneficial to review this service for our facilities. Vickie announced that the CHS budget doesn’t allow for this service but she will review it again.

Verna Reece motioned and Bud Johnson seconded to approve Vickie’s report, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

5.) Lessie Aubrey, EDHHS:

Lessie is not present to review her report but it was submitted for the Health Board to review. Karen stood up at the request of the Board to have someone review the report with them. Karen noted the high points from Lessie’s report.

CHDP is going to complete inspection in Happy Camp similar to how Yreka was audited.

Roy asked if the nurse hotline number is being advertised widely to the patient population. Dr. Burns noted that yes; it is widely advertised and will begin working in Yreka as well.

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

6.) Karen Daniels, Director of Quality Management & Outreach Administration:

Karen is present to review her written report with the Board. She provided an overview of the meetings she has been attending. She also included the CHR and Elder Program data.

Karen would like to seek approval for Patti White to attend training to North Dakota for Safety Officer Training.

Florence Conrad motioned and Leeon Hillman seconded to approve out of state travel for Patti White to North Dakota, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Florence motioned and Bud seconded to approve the support letter to Health Alliance of Northern California funding application, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Karen updated Florence on the refrigerator purchase for the Orleans clinic, noting that they are pretty spendy but she is continuing to work on this request. She will ensure that it is followed through with.

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

7.) Chad Tiraterra, Database Administrator:

Chad is present to review his written report with the Board.

When Florrine checked Chad’s numbers for Yreka dental patient visits versus Vickie’s report, it was drastically different in the outcome. She questioned how Chad’s report on provider patient visits can be completely different from the data collected in Vickie’s report. Chad noted that he uses RPMS to provide his report. Also, Chad will document the CHR and Elders worker counts through the RPMS System and will have proper tracking and headers. Dr. Burns would like to have individual providers documented on the reports and sent to them. Chad is fine with pulling whatever reports individuals would like to see, he is familiar with the RPMS system and willing to pull data.

Sonny Davis motioned and Bud Johnson seconded to approve Chad’s report, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Non Health Employee’s:

1.) Scott Quinn, Land Department

Scott Quinn is present to seek approval of a resolution for funding.

Florence Conrad motioned and Leeon Hillman seconded to approve resolution 10-R-026, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Scott then presented a contract to update the Forest Service Management Plan. He had Leaf, Bill and Earl review the contract and they selected a company out of Arcata who completed the original Forest Service Management Plan.

Florence Conrad motioned and Bud Johnson seconded to approve contract 10-C-047, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Scott then had Sandi present an action item for the Council to review.

Sandi announced that she has an informational item but then asked for formal approval. She distributed information on a request for Indian preference in awarding contracts. Sandi then asked for final approval for Indian preference to be in place for awarding contracts to 51% Indian-owned economic enterprises so long as the bid by this enterprise does not exceed the lowest responsible bid submitted by more than 5%. Roy asked if this policy is consistent with the other policy that is being distributed. Laura was concerned that the funding agency doesn’t allow for Indian Preference and if the grantor doesn’t allow that, then the policy would hold the Council to pay for or allow the money that would need to be budgeted as the policy will state. Sandi believes that Erin is on board with this and other directors that have read it. Laura is concerned because she is still investigating this information to determine if the Land Department is allowed to do this. Leeon overheard a concept that there is a 5% allowance but understands that there are different rules by NAHADA and other grantors. Sandi noted that she would not have brought the policy forward had she thought that this wasn’t allowable. Sandi has put the bid opening out until the 22^nd because of the issues on taxation, Indian preference, litigation and other issues. She has been working on this for two years and things are not moving now that the Tribe is in the final stages. Roy understands her frustration but this needs to be reviewed with concentration on changing policy that may or may not affect other programs of the Tribe.

Laura recommends approving this policy pending what the funder allows. Scott noted that most Federal funding should allow this if one federal funding agency does. The Tribe has never allowed this type of preference and the Council feels that moving along cautiously is in the Tribes best interest. Sami then went on to explain that there is a certain amount of percentage that is allowed and the language is very vague including not expressly how to account for Indian Preference. Sami then went on to explain how the funding is set aside with the allocation of more money for Indian bids. Laura noted that the other part of this that is being debated at the Administration level, because the staff is still unclear on the 5% or the possibility of having a lower percentage rate. Sandi is more than willing to sit down to work on this with staff, and she would like to try to make it approachable for Native Americans to bid on jobs and employ Tribal Members for jobs.

Leeon noted that it is hard to discuss this as he sits on the KCDC Board also, and this situation arises, and the projects must be looked at differently reviewing the percentage and the costs and the allowances by funder.

Sandi noted that this policy is in her contract currently at 5% and it was an oversight which she can do an addendum to.

Leeon Hillman motioned and Roy Arwood seconded to approve, if allowable by funder, a 1% Tribal Preference to the Roads Anavkaam Project, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

2.) Rick Hill, Grant Writer - KCDC:

Rick is present to seek approval for 3 proposals to BIA for Hazard Fuels Reductions in Happy Camp, Yreka and Happy Camp. This is a funding request for 2011-2013 as a pass thru for the Karuk 1 crew to reduce fire hazard areas around the KTHA homes in each location. The first one is 10-R-025 for $105,341.00 to treat hazardous fuels adjacent to Happy Camp Housing on approximately 60 acres in 2011-2013.

He also presented resolution 10-R-022 for $176,175.00 to the BIA for Wildland Urban Interface Hazardous Fuels treatment for hazardous fuels adjacent to Yreka Housing for approximately 95 acres 2011-2013

He then presented resolution 10-R-024 for $104,025.00 for approximately 60 acres on the Jacobs Way Trust Land.

Roy Arwood motioned and Verna Reece seconded to approve resolutions, 10-R-022, 10-R-025 and 10-R-024 pending KCDC Board approval, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

3.) Earl Crosby, Watershed Restoration Coordinator:

Earl presented resolution 10-R-027 seeking approval to seat Bob to a committee that is being formed regarding Wildlife and hunting. Both Leaf and Earl have declined sitting on this Committee but feel that the Tribe should be represented. With no other interested staff and the discussion on who would be best suited to represent the Tribe, the proposed resolution was drafted to request approval to seat Robert Goodwin.

Roy Arwood motioned and Leeon Hillman seconded to approve appointing Robert A. Goodwin to the Wildlife Hunting Heritage Council, 4 haa, 0 puuhara, 2 pupitihara (Florence Conrad and Verna Reece).

4.) Ruth Rouvier, Language Program:

Ruth presented a letter from the language alliance. They are holding a conference on March 16-17, 2010 and they are seeking a $300 sponsorship toward that conference. There are twelve Tribal members attending with four presenting at the Conference.

Roy Arwood motioned and Florence Conrad seconded to approve contributing $300 toward the language request, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Closed Session:

Consensus: to accept donation from the DQMCH of machine and to allow Tribal Member #2304 to use it, and then he may present any further requests for financial assistance back to the Council.

Florence Conrad motioned and Bud Johnson seconded to approve a support letter for employee # 4078. to Humboldt County Board of Supervisors, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Sonny Davis motioned and Leeon Hillman seconded to approve a loan to Tribal Member #2734 in the amount of $3,071.62, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara (Roy Arwood absent for vote).

Florence Conrad motioned and Leeon Hillman seconded to approve a loan to Tribal Member #390 for $3,000, 4 haa, 1 puuhara (Verna Reece), 0 pupitihara.

Florence Conrad motioned and Bud Johnson seconded to uphold CHS denial and to pay $925.00 for Tribal Member #1053 from Third Party, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Consensus: to deny cohabitant of a Tribal Member’s request for assistance.

Roy Arwood motioned and Florence Conrad seconded to provide $10,000 for the Redwood Telephone LLC to complete the engineering adding the Hwy 96 segment to the BTOP application from Council Discretionary, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara..

Florence Conrad motioned and Leeon Hillman seconded to pay $53.71 from Chairman Discretionary for unallowable purchase made on Tribal VISA by TANF staff member, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Leeon Hillman motioned and Roy Arwood seconded to approve re-appointment of employee #1017, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Consensus: to table contract 10-C-049 for further discussion on costs.

Florence Conrad motioned and Bud Johnson seconded to allow employee# 7094 to use his sick leave prior to completion of six month probationary period, 4 haa, 0 puuhara, 1 pupitihara (Roy Arwood). (Leeon absent for vote).

Consensus: to notify the Tribal Chairman and employee # 1988 that the employee’s travel is neither approved nor necessary at the KTHA / Council Planning Session.

Consensus: for a Council Member to set a meeting with employee # 7094 to discuss affiliations and representation in public forums of detrimental associations with radical or unapproved groups while on Karuk Tribe time and while representing the Karuk Tribe.

Leeon Hillman motioned and Sonny Davis seconded to approve sending flowers to local family, with sympathy from the Karuk Tribal Council, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Roy Arwood motioned and Leeon Hillman seconded to pay mileage for Council Member for travelling to complete Booster Club business/fundraiser, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Informational: an Elders board, both men and women, will shortly be developed to provide oversight and guidance for the youth and youth cultural activities. The Council feels that providing this opportunity for growth and support from Tribal Elders to the youth will assist them.

Florence Conrad motioned and Bud Johnson seconded to adjourn meeting at 7:51 pm, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Respectfully Submitted,

________________________________

Florrine Super, Council Secretary

Recording Secretary, Barbara Snider