Council Meeting – Karuk Tribe

August 25, 2011 - Meeting Minutes

Yreka, CA.

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

Present:

Arch Super, Chairman

Michael Thom, Vice-Chairman

Florrine Super, Secretary

Dora Bernal, Member at Large

Bud Johnson, Member at Large

Florence Conrad, Member at Large

Sonny Davis, Member at Large

Crispen McAllister (late-4:02pm)

Prayer was done by Sonny Davis, Member at Large

Florence Conrad read the Mission Statement aloud for the audience.

Agenda:

Florrine Super motioned and Dora Bernal seconded to approve the agenda with changes, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Minutes of July 28, 2011:

Change to the minutes to reflect Reno not Las Vegas NV for TERO Commissioner training.

Bud Johnson motioned and Verna Reece seconded to approve the minutes with change, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 1 pupitihara (Florrine Super).

Guests:

1.) Gretta Brown, Montague School Principal:

Gretta is present to discuss the enrollment of the Montague School, specifically the Native American students. She noted that the Montague School is hoping to strengthen the relationship of Native American children and the connection between the Tribe and the youth with their school.

Arch inquired if they have been meeting with Duke Arwood, Karuk Tribe’s Education Coordinator. Gretta noted that she has spoken with Mike Edwards and Roxanne and most recently met with Duke Arwood. She is glad to have this introduction. She noted that KTHA is outside of the Montague District and the children that do arrive there must receive a inter district transfer so she is happy that the children from KTHA have chosen Montague.

Arch noted that it is Florrine and the Booster Club that has been doing the basketball tournament in the past at the Montague Elementary School gymnasium and they thanked the school for allowing it.

2.) Clarence White, Tribal Member

Clarence is present to discuss a private issue regarding his employment status. He has been told by staff to wait for further evaluations and moving his status to full time to receive better benefits but he is concerned over receiving health insurance.

Arch questioned Sara regarding the status. She suggested setting a meeting between herself and his supervisor to discuss options.

He had another item that he would like to bring forward. His brother was just released from prison and is on Oregon parole. He has discussed options with his brother’s parole officer and is asking for Court recordings and/or orders. His brother has asked the Tribe for assistance and possibly an attorney if there is one on staff. Arch, Michael and Clarence will meet regarding this and discuss some possible options.

Director Reports:

1.) Sandi Tripp, Land Department

Sandi is present tonight to seek approval of a contract modification. It is for contract 11-C-066 between the Karuk Tribe and Walt Morton. Walt will continue to provide water truck services that are needed on another project.

She noted that the amount is $1,700 for additional hours of work. Sonny announced that the department doesn’t have to take the lowest bidder but the best qualified.

Sonny Davis motioned and Bud Johnson seconded to approve the modification to contact 11-C-066, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Sandi then went on to present approval for Anavkaam repairs. It is contract 11-C-085 between the Karuk Tribe and Cash’s Construction.

It will be to repair the standing water in the parking lot and repair the paving near the bathrooms. She will bring back further contracts for the Happy Camp Head Start paving at a later time.

Michael Thom motioned and Sonny Davis seconded to approve contract 11-C-085 between the Karuk Tribe and Cash’s Construction, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Sandi provided an update on the bus services to Orleans. This project shall be in place within a month. She is hoping to have it prepared to take it to the Board of Supervisors meeting on the 6^th of September. She is anticipating that it will become effective October 1^st. The service will be to Somes Bar and she will provide more information at a Planning Meeting.

Florrine Super motioned and Michael Thom seconded to approve Sandi’s report, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

2.) Leaf Hillman, DNR:

Not present, written report provided.

Michael Thom motioned and Verna Reece seconded to approve Leaf’s report, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Florence announced that Leaf is at ceremonies.

3.) Scott Quinn, Land Department:

Scott is present to review his report and seek approval of his action items. His first action item is to seek approval to purchase a semi truck, lowboy and end dump. The total cost is $25,000 and is a purchase directly from a private individual. Scott noted that the equipment is older and can be used on projects that the Tribe has. Florence asked how many people are qualified to operate this equipment. Scott noted that he and Bucky Lantz are going to obtain the license necessary to drive the equipment. It would be purchased through Ishpook Leasing with IRR making the payments.

Sonny Davis motioned and Florence Conrad seconded to approve the purchase of the equipment in the amount of $25,000, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Scott then sought approval for to travel to Washington DC, September 12-16, 2011. The BIA will pay his travel and he will attempt to set some legislative appointments while he is there.

Sonny Davis motioned and Michael Thom seconded to approve out of state travel for Scott Quinn to Washington DC, September 12-16, 2011, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

His last item is informational regarding a land transfer between KTHA and the Tribe. It is agreement 11-A-083. He is providing it for the Council to review it and will seek formal approval at another meeting.

Bob interjected that he provided written comments to Erin and she was incorporating them into the agreement. Bob noted that the thought process is that KTHA doesn’t own land but manages land. Looking at what he and Erin are suggesting on incorporating, KTHA providing a land deed to the Tribe. Scott noted that this would be an internal deed transfer not recorded at the County. This would also include 77 acres of the Delaney property which will facilitate gravel crushing to hopefully get a project going on Red Cap. Bob noted that in the revisions he had asked for, there were changes related to the Tribe obtaining written permission from KTHA regarding changes on the property. Bob felt that once the transfer took place then the Tribe should not have to get KTHA’s permission for changes to or regarding the property. He noted that the management authority is changed then the Tribe should not have to go back to KTHA.

Verna inquired about the staff not going back to KTHA and the reasoning why that would be difficult. The original purchase would be from KTHA and transferred to the Tribe for its requested purpose. This was tabled to Thursday. Bob then went on to note his position on this explaining that KTHA can go out and purchase land and KTHA manages the property for purposes of low income housing, then they shouldn’t have to go back and get KTHA to obtain their concurrence when there was a transfer done. He will forward the notes to the Tribal Council that he has. Arch noted that Robert and Michel will discuss this with Bob at a later time.

Scott would like permission to have a tribal auction on vehicles that are stored at the Ranch. He would like to obtain a list and have it reviewed on Thursday including the vehicles that are not used, and their potential value. He would like a process of sealed bids on those items. The Tribal Council was agreeable to the auction and would like to review the list and then the project may move forward.

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

4.) April Attebury, Tribal Court:

April is present to provide her report to the Tribal Council. She has no action items but wanted to review her written report. She provided an update on her departmental page on the Tribes website.  

The Circles of Care staff recently went to Rockville MD and provided a presentation on the Tribe’s project.

She went on to explain her vision moving forward in providing a wrap around project. A cultural project was chosen and will include partnering with the Naa Vura Ye Shiip program operated by OES, KCDC. Florence traveled with them and the staff was thankful for her attendance.

Roxanne’s report is attached to April’s. With school back in session she will be very busy and she and Tanya continue to work with the Court system working out the details of the program.

She had a visit from the Seventh Generation mentorship program. They provided technical assistance.

Florence noted that April and the staff did a good presentation and the Tribal Council would have been proud of her and the program.

Florence Conrad motioned and Sonny Davis seconded to approve April’s report, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

5.) Sara Spence, HR Manager:

Sara does not have any action items but provided an overview of the staffing updates and pending interviews.

She has been spending a lot of time on insurance premiums and possible upcoming changes to the Tribes insurance. She will provide that information at the Planning Meeting.

Verna Reece motioned and Dora Bernal seconded to approve Sara’s report, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

6.) Dion Wood, TERO:

Not present, written report provided.

Michael Thom motioned and Sonny Davis seconded to approve Dion’s report, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

7.) Duke Arwood, Education Coordinator:

Duke is present to review his report. He has been working with the local schools and has determined that he may be able to attend advisory meetings with YHS and they are looking at reimbursing some of the costs for his travel. The principal will be working on an MOU for that.

Arch inquired about tutoring that is provided. TERO provides tutoring services as well and that list of persons should be provided to Duke so that he can access some of their services along with the education department. This would maximize the services for Tribal Members.

This year the Education Committee decided to provide $1,200 per student for higher education, and there are 43 students. There may be half scholarships provided for Spring Semester students that sign up later or missed the original deadline for applications.

He has one action item. It is the Higher Education Policy that he provided a month ago. This will be tabled to Thursday’s Planning Meeting. Duke will email the policies to the Council for them to review them again.

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

8.) Robert Attebery, LIHEAP:

Robert is present to review his report. He thanked the Council for allowing his attendance to ceremonies and his travel to MD for Circles of Care.

He emailed an application for next years funding and provided the documents to the Tribal Council yesterday. The funding is continual funding. The only difference is an assessment on the program. Bob included changes that are being done based on the Tribe’s changes and implementation into the program.  Last year the integrity assessment wasn’t as thorough as this year’s. Both Erin and Laura have signed off on the application.

Michael asked what the percentage of assistance is done for Native American families. Robert was unsure but he does provide a monthly count on services to families. Michael noted that there are a lot of Tribal Member employees, and if Robert is demonstrating a need then maybe they will increase services, capturing employees for services even if they work.

Crispen McAllister arrived at 4:02pm

Robert has some spending to do by September 30^th  the end of the fiscal year. The expected reduction in funding and then the increase of funding received ended up making the department have further services and expenditures to be done adjusting to the confusion.

Verna inquired about adult services on his report asking for a clarification of what services those are. Bob noted that it is an adult that may need in-home care or someone to assist an older person to cook meals or assist them. There is an application for this process to be paid but it is beneficial to the client.

Verna motioned and Florrine seconded to approve Robert’s report, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 1 pupitihara (Crispen McAllister).

Dora Bernal motioned and Crispen McAllister seconded to approve the resolution for the LIHEAP application, 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

9.) Jaclyn Goodwin, Grant Writer:

Jaclyn is present to review her written report. She has no action items.

They are having strategic planning meetings with departments to identify what the programs need and how they will move forward in planning. Official notice has been received that the ANA grant was not funded for the Language Program but she will be signing up for foundations and seeking resources to continue the Language Program. She is planning on meeting with Craig and the DNR staff to provide information and work with them on what their programs may need assistance with.

The diabetes team meetings have begun with Annie and it is interesting identifying what programs will overlap in providing services to Head Start and other programs to reduce diabetes.

Jaclyn explained the HRSA program and the services provided by the $700k grant.

Florence Conrad motioned and Bud Johnson seconded to approve Jaclyn’s report, 8 haa, 0 puuhara 0 pupitihara.

10.) Helene Rouvier, People’s Center:

Helene is present to review her report and seek approval of one action item; 11-R-098.

Verna Reece motioned and Florrine Super seconded to approve resolution 11-R-098 for the NAGPRA Claim, 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

She continued to review her report including highlights of what her program is doing and upcoming events. She will be gone for 3 weeks in September for various conferences and meetings. Arch reminded Helene to provide Bob with a copy of the resolution.

Bob then mentioned that there is a USFS conference call tomorrow and if the Council is available to attend then they may via teleconference in Happy Camp and Orleans.

Florence Conrad motioned and Bud Johnson seconded to approve Helene’s report, 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

11.) Laura Mayton, CFO:

Laura is present to provide her report. She noted that the Tribe has been leasing an excavator for several years. She would like to make the recommendation to purchase the excavator from Ishpook Leasing and then charge the program that uses it. Once this is paid off in a year at that point she would recommend switching it to a new program (DNR Leasing) and this would be done to lease the equipment to decommission roads, but the payments made could be used for other “discretionary” type items at DNR. She would like to have Ishpook leasing pay it off and then the payments made directly to the Tribe until paid in full and then at the end of that time it will be moved to DNR under another Leasing Fund.

Laura then provided contracts for TANF Sobriety Camp 2010. The paperwork contains a group of contracts for services rendered at the Camp. There are several different people that TANF is attempting to contract with. Laura noted that normally these types of contracts are approved prior to the event and not after. She would like the Council to determine what the course of action item will be regarding the outstanding owed amounts. The Council will discuss this in closed session.  

Laura then requested a credit card for the RV Park Managers to order supplies. The limit should be $3k to $5k. The park managers generally use petty cash which Laura doesn’t recommend.

Michael Thom motioned and Florence Conrad seconded to provide a VISA card to Shirley McAllister in the amount of $5,000, 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Laura noted that there were some issues with Palm Harbor and the installations of the park model. They are hoping to provide a discount and accept the $1,000 for the refrigerator and $500 for markings on the floor. She needs consensus for accepting those offers.

Consensus: to accept the compensation from Palm Harbor for damages to the park model.

Sonny Davis motioned and Crispen McAllister seconded to purchase the excavator and follow the guidelines as outlined in Laura’s recommendation, 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Verna Reece motioned and Michael Thom to approve Laura’s report, 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

12.) Ruth Rouvier, Language Program:

Ruth is present to review her written report with the Council. She reviewed the word (suffix) of the month. She has been completing the last month of a three year ANA project. She will be finalizing the recording and documentation on the language program.

Sonny did not understand why the program wasn’t funded because the language is so important to the Tribe. Bud noted that the Tribe must understand the funder. Bob Goodwin explained that when he attended a meeting in DC with Council Member Bernal he found that ANA was looking to fund Tribes that have not had ANA funding previously. The Karuk Tribe has been funded for a couple years and that is no longer appealing to ANA.

The good thing is that there are good things happening in the community so it won’t be like the language will stop.

Florrine Super motioned and Michael Thom seconded to approve Ruth’s report, 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

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

Not present, written report provided.

Verna Reece motioned and Florrine Super seconded to approve Erin’s report, 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

14.) Daniel Goodwin, Maintenance Supervisor:

Report provided, will be reviewed on Thursday.

15.) Bob Goodwin, Self-Governance Coordinator:

Bob is present to review his report. He noted that he presented verbal and written comments at the ACF consultation in DC this year. He, Daniel Pratt and Dora Bernal attended this conference. Of 500 Tribes very few submit statements and of a 10 page commenting section, the Karuk Tribe had 6 pages of those 10 as comments regarding and specific to the Karuk Tribe.

The meeting that is scheduled for tomorrow had information provided directly to the Council. This is in regards to the Orleans Community Fuels Reduction Project and the USFS allowing ground disturbance done near and on ceremonial grounds in Orleans. The fixes to the area that the USFS have done do not suffice and the meeting tomorrow is to cover the Tribes disagreement on the services.

Bob would like to meet with the staff that will be affected by the ANA funding that was not received. He would like to ensure comments as submitted to ACF cover what the program needs. Dora suggested that Bob work more closely with Dion to determine how to fund a daycare in Orleans. Bob noted that he did bring this up while consultation to determine if there was funding. He will discuss this with Dion when he returns.

He is requesting a XOOM tablet. Bob feels that this would benefit him during his travel.

Michael will donate his to Bob and allow him to use it.

Verna Reece motioned and Crispen McAllister seconded to approve Bob’s report, 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

16.) Jim Berry, KTHA Director:

Jim is present to provide his report to the Council.

Jim went on to explain the Computer Center funding and the services that are provided. He noted that the positions as the computer centers will be greatly effected by the reduction of funding to tenants and programs. This will be discussed at length at the joint meeting will be September 9^th between the Council and KTHA.

Verna Reece motioned and Crispen McAllister seconded to approve Jim’s report, 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Requests:

None at this time.

Phone Votes:

a. Request approval to provide a loan to Tribal Member # 1013 in the amount of $1,000 with full repayment in 30 days. Passed.

b. Request approval to provide Tribal Member #3237 $300 for school clothing and as agreed upon by the Tribe and her family. Passed.

c. Request approval to provide a loan to employee #1647 in the amount of $2,200 with full repayment in 30 days. Passed.

Committee Reports:

NCIDC Committee Meeting Minutes were provided.

Closed Session:

Resolution 11-R-092 was approved. Florence Conrad motioned and Bud Johnson seconded to approve resolution 11-R-092, 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Consensus: to table request from Tribal Member #1141 to Thursday’s Planning Meeting.

Consensus: to table request from Tribal Member #4111 to Thursday’s Planning Meeting.

Consensus: for Tribal Member # 506 to discuss his request directly with the Tribal Council.

Consensus: to table request from Tribal Member # 2035 to Thursday’s Planning Meeting.

Florence Conrad motioned and Dora Bernal seconded to authorize the purchase of $50 of items at the People’s Center for Big Foot Days raffle from discretionary, 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Dora Bernal motioned and Florence Conrad seconded to approve resolutions 11-R-095 and 11-R-094, 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Consensus: for Florence Conrad and Crispen McAllister to meeting with employee # 6868 to determine non-compliance with contracting and following policies.

Consensus: to table the loan request from Tribal Member # 3539 to Thursday’s Planning Meeting.

Consensus: to review the issues regarding hiring status of Tribal Member # 744.

Consensus: to table the request for Thanksgiving turkeys to determine how much is budgeted and then a final determination will be made at a later time.

Informational: once it is known when the CASA training is, it shall be forward to Tribal Member #744.

Consensus: for Arch Super and Michael Thom to review why the xoom’s have not been provided to the TANF Department as ordered.

Michael Thom motioned and Crispen McAllister seconded to nominate Dora Bernal to the NIGC Board, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 2 pupitihara (Florrine Super and Dora Bernal).

Consensus: for Michael Thom to speak with KTHA Director and Tribal Court Administrator regarding process of Tribal Court activities and options.

Michael Thom motioned and Crispen McAllister seconded to approve up to $300 for Barbara Norman to assist Tribal Member #1700 in having his record expunged, 6 haa, 0, 2 pupitihara (Florence Conrad and Verna Reece).

Dora Bernal motioned and Sonny Davis seconded to send a letter regarding consultation and lack thereof to Dr. Rubidoux, 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Consensus: to table request from Tribal Member #113 to determine options of payment for services, and then re-discuss at Thursday’s Planning Meeting.

Michael Thom motioned and Florrine Super seconded to cover one nights lodging and regular room fees for Dora Bernal, 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Verna Reece motioned and Florrine Super seconded to pay delinquency from Tribal Member # 3853 in the amount of $275 and allow 2 month payments plus interest to re-pay the Tribe, 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Next Meeting Date: September 22, 2011 at 3pm in Happy Camp, CA.

Crispen McAllister motioned and Dora Bernal seconded to adjourn meetings at 7:46 pm 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Respectfully Submitted,

________________________________

Arch Super, Chairman

Recording Secretary, Barbara Snider