Karuk Tribe – Council Meeting

July 28, 2011 – Meeting Minutes

Orleans, CA.

Meeting called to order at 3:00 pm by Arch Super, Chairman

Prayer done by Sonny Davis

Present:

Arch Super, Chairman

Florence Conrad, Member at Large

Alvis “Bud” Johnson, Member at Large

Wilverna “Verna” Reece, Member at Large

Charron “Sonny” Davis, Member at Large

Absent:

Michael Thom, Vice-Chairman (travel/excused)

Florrine Super, Secretary/Treasurer (travel/excused)

Dora Bernal, Member at Large (travel/excused)

The Mission Statement was read aloud by Verna Reece, Member at Large.

Agenda:

Bud Johnson motioned and Verna Reece seconded to approve the agenda, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Minutes of June 23, 2011:

Sonny Davis motioned and Bud Johnson seconded to approve the minutes, 4 haa, 0 puuhara, 1 pupitihara (Verna Reece).

1.) David Tripp, Tribal Member

David is present to announce that the brush dances are scheduled to be held next week at Katiimin. The group is looking at possibly having water down there or portable water. Mercedes noted that Daniel Goodwin was going to work on the water repairs but there is still no water at the site. Sonny suggests having Fred go to the site and the Orleans maintenance guy. The water tank or truck must be discussed with Fred because there are a couple options for water to be sent down. Showers aren’t possible and the restrooms are non working. The group is requesting that the Tribe provide the assistance they need for the attendees of the brush dances. 

Laura noted that if the water cannot be fixed in time there are buffalo tanks that may be used. He would like to use tabled and chairs from the other facility. The Council referred her to Molli. Two handicapped toilets and 8 regular porta potties were also requested. Mercedes would like ones with a hand washing stations. Two large dumpsters are needed as well. If they cannot get down to Katimin with the dumpsters then they will be left up top, and the group agreed to that. A portable stove was requested as well. The Council agreed to provide the assistance based on their request.

Consensus: to assist the brush dances in having porta potties, dumpsters, water where available, tables and chairs.

2.) Orleans Radio Committee, Ramona Taylor:

Ramona is present on behalf of the Orleans radio station committee. The Karuk Tribes permit expires in October 2011. She is present to move forward under the Karuk Tribe’s name and have the station go live October 9^th, 2011. Arch would like a meeting with their committee in the next couple of weeks to discuss the liabilities of the station and the responsibilities of the Tribe in allowing use of the station. Ramona provided a summary of options the committee has been discussing but would like to request a copy of the application as well. The Tribal Council will review the application and set a meeting between the committee and Council. At that meeting the Council will have had time to review the application.

3.) Nancy, Native Plant Garden:

Ramona and Nancy are present to discuss the Native Plant Garden. They have been working on the native plant garden for a long time. They have a walking trail with signs naming the plants in the garden. They would like to have a large interpretive sign. There are visual changes that are needed but they provided a copy of the text that is going to be on the sign. She asked how she would like them to proceed in obtaining the Council’s approval for the sign.

Nancy explained that in 2005 it was decided to make the park more formal. The concept has turned into an educational avenue. Several schools visit the park. Laverne Glaze participates very actively and several local entities work on the garden. The request is to put up a permanent sign. The group would like to begin working on the permanent sign very soon. Ramona offered to provide a copy of the actual sign with correct text for formal approval at the Council’s Planning Meeting.

Directors Reports:

1.) April Attebury, Tribal Court

Not present, no report provided.

2.) Ann Escobar, KTHA:

Ann is present to distribute the KTHA report and review it with the Tribal Council. There are three sites that are being worked on for FEMA trailers at this time. There is staff restructuring and this will allow for a possible position if approved by Council. HUD is attempting to do a needs assessment on KTHA needs and the Executive Director along with a Board Member are there along with other Tribes to makes statements on how that process will not work for the Tribes and the needs assessments that the Tribes collect should be accepted. Currently planned is to survey the 40 plus tribes in the region, and based on those numbers HUD will determined funding for each. A lot of the Tribes are opposing this and in place use their own assessments/survey. Jim discussed what the Karuk Tribe feels about it and submitted a letter of testimony regarding this.

She then presented an action item for a Yreka Maintenance Engineer. Laura explained that this position would be in Yreka and would be paid half by the Tribe and the other half to KTHA. This will be a trial position for 180 days and then if the funding wasn’t available or it wasn’t working then the Tribe and/or KTHA could evaluate it at that time.

Richard Black is currently the Maintenance Supervisor and this would be a Maintenance Engineer under him.

Florence Conrad motioned and Verna Reece seconded to approve the position of Maintenance Engineer for six months, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Crispen McAllister motioned and Sonny Davis seconded to approve Ann’s report, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

3.) Dion Wood, TERO:

Dion has no action items but announced that his department has been very busy. NIJC is still reviewing options of the flagger training. It seems that it may be sometime in September or October of this year.

The TERO Commission just returned from Las Vegas in which they found revisions were necessary to their workforce protection ordinance. The serious aspect of this is that there should be a Tribal OSHA and it may need to be a stand alone ordinance. In addition the implication of not having a safe environment could produce a lot of work. The survey that was provided identified a lapse in protocol on how to identify dealing with discrential visitors, as the lead concern but there were others. In the event that there needs to be a Tribal OSHA he will continue to work with a group of individuals that have volunteered to work on this group with him and Sara, as HR.

For the Childcare/TERO reunion he provided 400 shirts and that seemed well received.

TERO is funding 5 youth positions as he has not heard anything back from NCIDC.

He continues to work on the CalTrans MOU. The group that is formed to discuss this has not met to work out the particulars however there is discussion on the emergency requirements possibly being different or allowing CalTrans to move forward in an emergency. Dion will maintain his opinion that in the event of an emergency there still needs to be monitors onsite and they need to finalize a process for ensuring that.

He has not received word on the Childcare funding to date but he is anticipating hearing soon.

He is cramming for the Math / Science camp this coming week. He invited the Council to come in and visit the kids. He announced the breakfast or lunch times as well, as he thought it would be nice if the parents and Council visited during that time.

This year in Yreka the camp is being held at the Yreka High School. This is great as it is the first time it’s being offered there and demonstrates a collaborative working relationship. They will need insurance coverage though, so he would like to request insurance coverage as required by Yreka Union High School District.  

Bud Johnson motioned and Crispen McAllister seconded to approve the insurance policy coverage for the Math/Science camp in Yreka, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Dion continues to work with the National Childcare Board and works for the Tribe specifically with the benefit of Native Americans in that forum.

Verna Reece motioned and Crispen McAllister seconded to approve Dion’s report, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

4.) Sara Spence, Human Resources:

Sara is present to review her report. She provided the recent hires, updates on individual positions and current open positions with closing dates.

She attended her HR course and has obtained a lot of information on different sections of policies that the Council has had in the last couple months. She has been reviewing options of revisions with the Management Team and will bring those to the meeting with the Tribal Council with recommendations of revisions.

She has been using forms that have been developed that are provided to TERO each month so that they can see how applicants have been screened during review of application review.  She has two additional forms that she is having reviewed by the Management Team and then those will be used as they make their final revisions.

There is one Director Evaluation that is due next month, so she asked the Council to find a date in their schedules to conduct that Director review.  

Bud Johnson motioned and Crispen McAllister seconded to approve Sara’s report, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

5.) Duke Arwood, Education Coordinator:

Duke is present to review his report. He provided the Tribal Council draft revisions to the Education policies. The Committee found a few necessary revisions to the policies. He did not attach them to his report; the Council will table them to Thursday’s Planning Meeting, to allow time for review.

Duke announced that the education department is getting pretty exciting as the deadlines for college is coming up.

Duke continued to review his report announcing that he is getting out into the community and introducing himself. He went rafting with the youth and it was very educational. Kenneth Brink showed the kids how to do a refugee and the staff showed the kids how to make these which Duke found very educational and enjoyed watching as the Tribal staff inspired children in educating them in the river/creeks. Some children were actively discussing going into a biologist field after that trip.

For the Reunion he gave away sport packs which included school supplies. He thought they were well received by those that received them. He has none left.

Verna Reece motioned and Crispen McAllister seconded to approve Duke’s report, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

6.) Laura Olivas, KCDC:

Laura has position descriptions that need to be presented at the Planning Meeting, so she asked to be on that agenda.

At the Health Board Meeting they may be present to present the OES grant proposal as well, so she will need to be on that agenda too.

The California National Endowment has reviewed the request and KCDC was not funded but their letter was informal and did not include an actual proposal. It was worth it to make contact with them to ensure that it was understood that KCDC was seeking funding opportunities.

She provided the departmental reports of the programs operating under KCDC. She also provided the financial reports on credit card expenditures as required by Head Start.

Crispen McAllister motioned and Sonny Davis seconded to approve Laura’s report, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

7.) Robert Attebery, LIAP Administrator:

Not present, written report provided.

Bud Johnson motioned and Crispen McAllister seconded to approve Robert’s report, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

8.) Jaclyn Goodwin, Grant writer:

CRIHB is submitting a teen pregnancy prevention proposal and they are seeking a letter of support toward their funding. Jaclyn would like to support their grant as it will name the Karuk Tribe in it and may provide services for the patients/clients of the Tribe.

There is a proposal opportunity to the BIA for an economic plan and she feels that this may be a good opportunity to make a more comprehensive strategic plan. She will provide further information at the Planning Meeting and seek formal approval at the Health Board Meeting.

They are continuing to work toward the boys and girls club opportunity as well and are hoping to collaborate between funding agencies and departments of the Tribe to successfully fund more services to the area.

Verna Reece motioned and Bud Johnson seconded to approve Jaclyn’s report, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

9.) Helene Rouvier, People’s Center Coordinator:

Not present, written report provided.

Crispen McAllister motioned and Sonny Davis seconded to approve Helene’s report, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

10.) Laura Mayton, CFO:

Laura is present to review her report.

She first requested a budget meeting date which will review the Tribes program budgets and will require Council attendance. She will work with Barbara on a meeting date that works with the Council’s schedules.   

She received a call from an inspector regarding the Klamath RV Park and the Tribe was inspected. There were several repairs identified and that must be made. Laura is asking that the Council authorize a budget of $50,000 and that will be used to fix the identified repairs that are needed and improvements moving forward.

Bud Johnson motioned and Sonny Davis seconded to approve setting up to a $50,000 Repair fund for the Klamath RV Park, 4 haa, 0 puuhara, 1 pupitihara (Crispen McAllister).

There are several plans that are being discussed for improvements but they will include bringing the park up to code first. This will leave the current tenants to begin working on their individual trailers as well.  

She requested out of state travel for herself and Jamie for Fraud and Abuse in auditing in Michigan, September 13-14, 2011.

Verna Reece motioned and Crispen McAllister seconded to approve out of state travel for Jamie Orge and Laura Mayton to Michigan, September 13-14, 2011, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Crispen McAllister motioned and Bud Johnson seconded to approve Laura’s report, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

1.) April Attebury, Tribal Court:

April arrived with site visitors from the Tribal Mentoring Program. She announced they visited the Tribe to provide technical assistance. They originally came to the Medford Airport and April took them through Yreka and then brought them to Happy Camp and finished in their site visit in Orleans.

Arch noted that the meeting today was very informative and it seems that it will be a good program. She thanked the Council.

She then distributed her report for the Council to review, updating the Council on her planned trip to DC in August to present a final report on the Circles of Care funds that the Tribe received and how that funding was used.

Florence Conrad motioned and Sonny Davis seconded to approve April’s report, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

11.) Ruth Rouvier, Language Program:

Ruth is present to review her written report with the Council.

Ruth then provided information to the Council regarding a Smithsonian review and the ability to do research on the collections that are held there. Ruth noted that there are scholarships available as well and Arch thought it would be beneficial to access this opportunity when Council is already traveling there. Possibly not having to use scholarships but with effective planning be able to conduct an onsite review while there doing other meetings or business.

She attended language conference in Arizona which was their first one and it was very well received by the attendees.

There are two months left of the ANA grant. This is the time that the materials are getting collected and ensuring there are copies of that to distribute that information. Her funding is under spent currently and she is hoping to have another conference in August. She then noted that they are waiting for funding and depending on that funding will her program go into full planning on additional projects.

The program has received a near final draft of the programs strategic plan, and it will be sent to the participants and then they will bring it to the Council once they are prepared to present a final draft.

Ruth noted that there is a huge amount of leverage resources and that means there are a lot of partnerships in the community which is good for the Tribe.

Crispen McAllister motioned and Sonny Davis seconded to approve Ruth’s report, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

12.) Erin Hillman, Dir. Of Admin Programs & Compliance:

Erin is present to review her written report. She would like approval of MOU 11-M-009 agreeing to work together in developing a formal document of the Northern California tribal Emergency Management Association. It will cover disaster preparedness and disaster relief.

11-M-009 is a project that has been being worked on for several years. Erin then noted that a series of events have taken place that have caused this to not progress, but the staff understands how important it is and will seek a formalization of working together. It will be between Humboldt/Siskiyou/Del Norte County Tribal Governments (who choose to participate) in defining the mission, purpose and scope in emergency preparedness planning.

Florence Conrad motioned and Verna Reece seconded to approve 11-M-009, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

She noted that she attended a meeting on how Federal agencies were working with Tribes on disaster relief. She would not have known about it if Michael hadn’t come across this information and it was very beneficial. She will be preparing testimony on this regarding the Tribes experience on what had taken place since the 2008 fires and floods and how the Federal agencies work with Tribes or the non services that the Tribes receive.

She would like to seek approval of a revision to the Sanitary Deficiencies list. It has already been funded but it needs Council approval.

Verna Reece motioned and Sonny Davis seconded to approve the modification to include the revised priority to Indian Health Services, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Erin then sought a VISA card for Duke Arwood, for ordering supplies and traveling. She would like to have a $2,500 limit.

Verna Reece motioned and Crispen McAllister seconded to approve a VISA for Duke Arwood with a limit of $2,500, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Florence Conrad motioned and Crispen McAllister seconded to approve Erin’s report, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

13.) Sandi Tripp, Land Department:

Sandi is present to review her written report with the Council. She updated the Council on the roads projects that are completed and have been completed. Bucky Lantz has returned to work full time and with him working with the Yurok Tribal Roads Program, together they have made several improvements on local roads. Roads that was hazardous to both vehicles and passengers.

Sandi has an action item. Sandi would like approval to issue a VISA card for Bucky Lantz. He will use the card to order supplies or pick them up out of town.

Florence noted that it is great how they worked together with the Yurok Tribe and how that gets things accomplished in our area. The whole project was a lot of work but overall it is a wonderful collaboration.

Verna inquired about the parking lot in Happy Camp. Sandi is working on this and will bring back some plans to have the parking lot repaired so it will no longer hold water.

Bud Johnson motioned and Crispen McAllister seconded to approve a VISA card for Bucky Lantz with a limit of $2,500, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Sonny Davis motioned and Florence Conrad seconded to approve Sandi’s report, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara

14.) Leaf Hillman, DNR Director

Leaf is present to seek approval of action items and answer any questions that the Council may have regarding the DNR report. He first would like to reques out of state travel for Bill Tripp August 14-20, 2011 to attend a cohesive strategy meeting in Lakewood Colorado.

Verna Reece motioned and Bud Johnson seconded to approve out of state travel for Bill, Tripp to Lakewood CO, August 14-20, 2011, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

His second action item is out of state travel for Ron Reed to Austin TX, August 8-11, 2011. It is funded from a recent donation by an individual to further educational activities.

Crispen McAllister motioned and Sonny Davis seconded to approve out of state travel for Ron Reed August 8-11, 2011 to Austin TX, 4 haa, 0 puuhara, 1 pupitihara (Florence Conrad).

Leaf has a request for the modification of a budget. The request is for the Council to waive the indirect cost rate in the amount of $800 to accept a donation made to the DNR budget. Laura noted that it cannot be waived but will have to come from discretionary.

Florence Conrad motioned and Verna Reece seconded to pay the $800 from Council discretionary toward the indirect cost charge to accept the donation of $4,000, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

He then presented approval of a resolution to the USFW for $39,561. It will be to assist in Klamath Fish Passage Mapping of tributaries.

Florence Conrad motioned and Crispen McAllister seconded to approve resolution 11-R-084 authorizing approval to submit a proposal to USFW, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Verna Reece motioned and Crispen McAllister seconded to approve Leaf’s report, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

15.) Scott Quinn, Land Department:

Scott is present to provide his report. He noted that the official draft for the middle Klamath River plan is near complete with public meetings are scheduled in Happy Camp and Orleans. He is hoping to use some of that funding to purchase equipment. Florence inquired how often the equipment will be used. Scott provided the justification for the purchases and the use noting that the pieces will build the ability for the Tribe to conduct their own maintenance and can be used by staff.

The property that is in escrow is still discussing items that may be included in the land purchase.

Scott asked to be added to the Planning meeting agenda to provide an update of the transportation plan.

Verna Reece motioned and Crispen McAllister seconded to approve Scott’s report, 4 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

16.) Daniel Goodwin, Maintenance Report:

Not present, written report provided.

Bud Johnson motioned and Sonny Davis seconded to approve Daniel’s report, 4 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

17.) Robert Goodwin, Self Governance Coordinator:

Not included in the hard copy packets, only electronically, tabled to Thursday.

18.) Lessie Aubrey, EDHHS:

Lessie is present to seek approval of a position paper regarding MediCal billing. The paper is being recommended by CRIHB. It opposes MediCal cuts to Native American facilities because of California’s mis management. It is the billing that California is trying to reduce in reimbursing for services. This will affect the medical/dental clinics. The Council would like the letter on letterhead and prepared for Arch’s signature.

Consensus: to approve the letter and submit.

Phone Votes:

1. Request approval for Florrine Super to travel to San Francisco CA., July 27-29, 2011. Passed.

2. Request approval of resolution 11-R-083 authorizing submission of a grant proposal to Area Agency on Aging. Passed.

3. Request approval of resolution 11-R-082 authorizing submission of a grant proposal to Siskiyou Modoc community Action Agency. Passed.

4. Request approval of agreement 11-A-037 extending deadline to August 15, 2011. Passed.

5. Request approval of resolution 11-R-079 authorizing submission of a grant proposal to the Office of Head Start. Passed.

6. Request approval of resolution 11-R-076 authorizing submission of a grant proposal to the USFWS. Passed.

7. Request approval of the revised Indian Housing Plan to adjust moving $150,000 from the wellness center line item (unallowable) to the home loan program. Passed.

Closed Session:

Consensus: to refer Tribal Member #2730 to work with Mike Edwards and be placed on the KTHA Agenda August 2, 2011, findings to be reported back, August 4, 2011.

Crispen McAllister motioned and Florence Conrad seconded to provide $1,800 for treatment at Eureka facility for Tribal Member #4367, pending TANF ability to cover services, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Crispen McAllister motioned and Sonny Davis seconded to approve a loan to Tribal Member #1703 in the amount of $2,000 with $50 bi-weekly payroll deductions from KTHA, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara. When SSI is received they shall increase their payments.

Crispen McAllister motioned and Bud Johnson seconded to approve out of state approval for Bob Goodwin and Daniel Pratt to Washington, DC for ACF consultation, August 16-17, 2011, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Florence Conrad motioned and Crispen McAllister seconded to deny the request from employee #3692, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara. (Decision is final).

Florence Conrad motioned and Crispen McAllister seconded to approve a loan to Tribal Member #11 based on identified budget as laid out by the Tribes CFO, amount up to $4,000 will be provided, with $400 monthly payments, 4 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Consensus: to donate $100 to have the Karuk Tribes add ran in the Bigfoot Days advertisement from Council Discretionary.

Bud Johnson motioned and Crispen McAllister seconded to approve agreement 11-A-076 between the Karuk Tribe and Dora Bernal with a two week eviction option, 3 haa, 0 puuhara, 2 pupitihara (Florence and Sonny).

Florence Conrad motioned and Verna Reece seconded to provide up $15 a day not to exceed 10 days for employee #3755 meals for covering office duties away from her office, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Crispen McAllister motioned and Bud Johnson seconded to provide insurance coverage for the DD Softball Tournament, September 3-4, 2011, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Consensus: to table the request from Employee #4939 to Thursday’s Planning Meeting.

Consensus: to forward the Tribal Court Ordinance to the Tribal Council so they may view the appeal process.

Consensus: to have Lessie draft an Epi-Center resolution for CRIHB and present it at Thursday’s Planning Meeting.

Consensus: to donate $250 for the NCIDC Elders Dinner event from Council Discretionary.

Next meeting: August 25, 2011 in Yreka CA.

Bud Johnson motioned and Crispen McAllister seconded to adjourn meeting at 8:32 pm, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.  

Respectfully Submitted,

________________________________

Arch Super, Chairman

Recording Secretary, Barbara Snider