Karuk Tribe – Council Meeting

September 22, 2011 – Meeting Minutes

Happy Camp, CA

 

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

 

Present:

Arch Super, Chairman

Michael Thom, Vice-Chairman

Florrine Super, Secretary/Treasurer

Florence Conrad, Member at Large

Alvis Johnson, Member at Large

Sonny Davis, Member at Large

Dora Bernal, Member at Large

Verna Reece, Member at Large

 

Absent:

Crispen McAllister, Member at Large

 

The Mission Statement was read aloud by Michael Thom and the prayer was done by Sonny Davis.

 

Agenda:

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

 

Minutes:

Dora Bernal motioned and Sonny Davis seconded to approve the minutes, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

Guests:

1.) Shirley McAllister, RV Park Manager:

Shirley is present with her husband to discuss the Tribes options regarding the Klamath River RV Park and Rustic Inn Property. She has a budget for maintenance and improvements of the sites.  She has identified several repairs that are needed but would need clarification from the Tribal Council regarding their future use of the property prior to authorizing any further work and expenses. The potential to rent the cabins at the Rustic Inn is possible but they will need to be repaired slightly. She has a proposal for repairs. Arch would like Shirley to bring this information to Thursday’s planning meeting to give the Council time to review the budget and discuss what the planning for the site will be. Florence would like to view the site as well so that the entire Council is aware of the repairs necessary and the options. Shirley will contact Barbara to determine what Council Members will be available next week to meet briefly and to complete a walk-thru of the properties.

 

2.) Lessie Aubrey, EDHHS:

Lessie is present to seek approval for a Capture RX Agreement. She noted that the Tribe is a 340B program and HRSA provided information on an annual audit regarding drug pricing. The agreement will cover services meeting the requirements and reduced priced drugs. She noted that some clinics have gotten the reimbursements up to $50,000.

 

Dora Bernal motioned and Michael Thom seconded to approve agreement, 11-A-086 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

She then noted that there was funding budgeted in the HRSA grant for an RN/Business Office Manager position but it needs approved so that it can be flown. Lessie noted that there needs to be supervision of the facility and the ability to assist in the medical field. It will be a combination position. Michael believes that it is a good idea because the facility needs a supervisor and the health program can use the services.

 

Michael Thom motioned and Florrine Super seconded to approve the RN/Business Office Manager position description, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

She noted that it was a good job purchasing the property in Happy Camp but at this time she feels that there needs to be an engineer or planner retained for the site. She is concerned about the level of expertise in this field that there is on staff. With identifying a grant option through HRSA to possibly fund a new health and wellness center, she would like preparations to obtain floor plans and other necessary planning documents.

 

The Grant Writers are really busy and when there are grant opportunities available, sometimes they are unable to dedicate time to them. Erin noted that it make a big difference to have a licensed architect draw up the plans and submit to a funder. She noted that the Tribe needs someone who is an expert in the contracting field. Lessie would like to access another grant writer that has expertise in this field to ensure there isn’t a loss in funding opportunities. She will work with the new person including the current grant writers but there needs to be someone more qualified to draft the proposal.

 

Lessie announced that a dentist came through yesterday and he will be discussing it with his family. There was one other applicant but since he has visited already she wanted to know if the Council would like to interview him or allow the site visit and allow Dr. Shone select the candidate for the position. Sara noted that the other applicant does not have a California license and this candidate has been in touch with her twice. Dora asked if he completed an application and submitted a resume. Arch believes that the other person may not work so if this is her first choice then she should go with the dentist that visited.

 

She then noted that Judy Blind will be working in the Yreka facility which will work for the health program and they will actively complete marketing and advertising to build her patients.

 

3.) Patty Brown, Head Start:

Patty is present to seek approval of a refunding application to the Office of Head Start.

 

Florrine Super motioned and Florence Conrad seconded to approve resolution 11-R-087, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

She noted that the Tribe hosted along with eight other Tribes a training session held in Yreka. She thanked the Council and Administration for supporting the program.

 

4.) Eric Cutright, IT Director:

Eric is present to seek approval for out of state travel for himself and Chris Kleeman to Scottsdale, AZ, November 14-17, 2011. It will be the 12th Annual TribalNet Conference.

 

Arch inquired about having two members of the IT staff being gone at the same time. This will be discussed at a later time. Dora inquired if the filter can be fixed on the email server. Eric explained that he will discuss this in closed session or at the Planning Meeting and that the email server is still having issues with filtering of spam but he is working on it.

 

Eric then noted that the audio project in Yreka will be taking place in October to install the new sound system.

 

5.) Babbie Peterson, Senior Nutrition Program:

Babbie is present to provide a grant application that is due in October but she would like it approved next week at the planning meeting.

 

6.) Rick Crocker, Tribal Member:

Rick is present to inquire who DNR is accountable to. Arch noted that there is a DNR Board that oversees DNR and works with them with them bringing information forward to the Council.

 

Rick inquired how and why DNR has been allowed to destroy the Klamath River by planting willow trees. He stated that he along with his family grew up here and never have they seen the willows taking over like now; they are not related to the area but planted by DNR staff. They are in all the creeks and Rick is concerned over this.

 

Daniel commented from his past experience working downriver at DNR that it was not them that planted the willow, but that MKWC plants them and he would have to discuss this with them. He used to work with fisheries and in his experience they did this, and the fisheries assisted them. Rick was told differently noting that there has been willow trees put in the river that provides shade for the Coho salmon. Rick is concerned that DNR is doing this as reported to him and he would like it to stop. Arch noted that the Tribe can inquire about this further but if it is in fact MKWC they are a separate organization. Daniel noted that he can speak to the hippies down river and they will explain to Rick why and what they are planting. Arch will ask MKWC about this. Rick did announce that the Steelhead and salmon is the best run this year and he believes that this is because of the less gill netting allowed. He has heard Yurok Tribal Members brag about taking more fish than allowed. He has seen evidence that there is gill netting at night. He went on to note that this needs to be looked into and inquire the rules about this.

 

Florence stated that there are fishing rules and they are supposed to be followed. Michael believes that there is a good fish run because of the weather this year. Rick is sure that that helped but the high river helped as well. He asked if there was anything that could be done regarding the gill netting. Arch noted that the fishing and taking of fish is a constant battle between the Yuroks and the Karuk Tribe that they actively try to work on.

 

He also would like to propose that the Old Allen Ranch should be obtained by the Tribe because it is an old village site. It is currently donated to the State and Rick doesn’t see why the Tribe cannot obtain this land. Scott has not been there but he has seen it on a map. Scott noted that it would take significant lobbying efforts to obtain the land since it belongs to the State but it is an avenue that can be looked into if the Council would like him to.

 

Director Reports:

1.) Jim Berry, KTHA

Not present. Michael distributed his report to the Council and noted that Ann is busy working and there is no KTHA representative present to review the report.

 

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

 

2. April attebury, Tribal Court:

April is present to distribute her report to the Council. She provided an update on the activities of the program.

 

She has been working with Siskiyou County to collaborate on the upcoming candlelight vigil as October is Domestic Violence Awareness month. They used to have community meetings and partnerships through Domestic Violence and Crisis Center. During those collaborative meetings she had convinced them to hold a candlelight vigil. They are putting together a proclamation to submit to the Siskiyou County Board of Supervisors for their approval and the Karuk Tribe is developing theirs as well. She would like to seek approval to have a Council Member read the proclamation as they are going to have a Board Representative read the County’s.

 

Florence Conrad motioned and Florrine Super seconded to approve supporting the candlelight vigil and having a Council Member attend the event, 7 haa, 0 puuhara 0 pupitihara.

 

Tanya noted that she is partnering with the Hoopa Tribe and will be holding one there as well. April is hoping to have participation by the Council at the Hoopa event as well. She then asked if the Tribal Council would support their event further by providing hot cocoa or apple cider for the attendees.

 

Michael Thom motioned and Sonny Davis seconded to provide up to $100 of discretionary funding for supporting the event, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

April then announced that the Tribe is working on the 7th annual youth leadership conference which is going to be October 7, 2011 in Happy Camp. This year it will be done at the High School. The theme is Opportunity, Growth and Relationships.

 

Dora Bernal motioned and Michael Thom seconded to approve April’s report, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

3. Sandi Tripp, Land Department:

Not present, written report provided.

 

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

 

4. Leaf Hillman, DNR

Not present, written report provided.

 

Florrine Super motioned and Bud Johnson seconded to approve the DNR report, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

5. Scott Quinn, Land Department:

Scott is present to provide his report. He was on travel last week so he just has a verbal report. He attended a Federal IRR meeting and the Senate and House are both submitting bills and they passed an extension for 6 months on funding. Obama is going to authorize a new jobs bill and there may be additional ARRA funding available. They discussed Tiger grants, which only two tribes have gotten funded for.

 

He was able to get meetings with John McCain and Boers staffers to discuss bills that are being proposed which basically limits off reservation land into trust. He has drafted a letter and would like the Council to approve the letter and have Arch sign it. The major concerns are regarding taking land into trust, which he discussed. Then he discussed the Yreka clinic frustrations that the Tribe is having. He noted this frustration and suggested language regarding clarifying gaming and trust land off reservation such as the Yreka Clinic. The bill should be referred to a Committee for at least two years, which would give time for the Council to review the entire language in the bill.  

 

The Council inquires if this would affect the Tribes property that they in fact intend to game on, which Scott doesn’t believe it will.

 

The Tribe received $40,000 in funding for clean up at the RV Park, which will be budgeted for allotment clean up. If there is additional land that is in trust of the Tribes that needs cleaned up can be done, people should contact Scott.

 

The Sartin Property should close escrow tomorrow. Scott would like to discuss another piece of property at the Planning Meeting.

 

Florrine Super motioned and Florence Conrad seconded to approve the letter regarding bill language and the tribes position on off reservation trust status, 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.) Sara Spence, HR Manager:

Sara is present to review her written report. She also distributed information to the Council that she would like to have approved at the Planning Meeting. She then provided a copy of the newsletter for the Council to review.

 

Florence Conrad motioned and Michael Thom seconded to approve providing up to $50 from the People’s Center for a raffle prize at the upcoming HR Conference, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

Florrine Super motioned and Bud Johnson seconded to approve Sara’s report, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

7.) Dion Wood, TERO:

Not present, written report provided.

 

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

 

8.) Duke Arwood, Education Coordinator:

Duke is present to review his report. He has one addition to his report which is out of state travel to Albuquerque NM, October 26, 2011. It is the 42nd annual national Indian education association convention. Florrine inquired about the agenda. The agenda is not out yet, but Duke noted that the convention will be to show him how to utilize federal funding for Indian education.

 

Duke then went on to review his report. He purchased 70 backpacks with supplies that will be distributed to the students in each community with the goal to get as much supplies to the students as possible. The backpacks can be distributed to other areas if there are some available.

 

The tutoring situation is getting in critical mass. There is several students needing tutors but there isn’t funding available at this time. He is trying to maximize services in set locations which benefit several students at one time.

 

There is a new program coming onboard which will involve students to community’s, which will be project sites in each area and with that youth will get paid and they will be afforded the opportunity to obtain a scholarship to advance into that specific field after on site training. The goal is to jump start on the KBRA which will educate the youth now for positions that will become available at that time.

 

Verna inquired about why he is over in his supplies budget line item. Duke was going to move funding in his budget but it has not happened yet. Laura will check his budget with him.

 

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

 

9.) Robert Attebery, LIAP Office:

Robert is present to review his report. He noted that the program is operating fully and the LIHEAP funding application has been submitted. Last year the Tribe received similar funding as years passed and he is hoping for similar funding. He noted that he would like to have the same services as determined each year and keep that level of assistance throughout the year.

 

He went on to note that its best to assist as many families as possible and he hopes to continue that service.

 

Robert introduced representatives from the State and conducts an audit. They were well received and they seemed to enjoy themselves in the area.

 

The auditors stood and noted that for one, it was her first experience with a Tribal Program. She visited the food distribution program which was very nice and conducted their audit. The organization of the staff and the finance department was wonderful. She enjoyed her visit and seeing how well the agency is working. She added as well that it is refreshing to see the Board as involved as the Council is in the programs and oversight of them. Arch invited them to dinner.

 

Robert added that the audit was a very pleasant experience and he feels that they did very well.

 

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

 

10.) Carly Whitecrane, Grant Writer:

Carly is present to review her report. She noted that the ICDBG Happy Camp Clinic was not funded. HRSA did release a FOA for a capital building project to hopefully fund a clinic. They continue to work with Tribal Court, Siskiyou Domestic Violence on a home. They continue to work and collaborate on projects.

 

The People’s Center has received a grant. She and Jaclyn continue to work with the program directors. Michael announced that he is attending a NIHB meeting and if there is anything that the staff would like him to present regarding funding or the clinic options then they should provide it to him.

 

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

 

11.) Helene Rouvier, People’s Center:

Not present, written report provided.

 

Dora Bernal motioned and Florrine Super seconded to approve Helene’s report, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

12.) Laura Mayton, CFO:

Laura provided her report to the Council.

 

Her first action item is a youth resources technician scholarship fund. Years ago, there were youth that worked at DNR; they would be able to obtain a scholarship. According to the rules the unused funding could be used in a general fund. Laura is asking that the unused funding be moved to a general fund and have Duke administer the scholarships to be allocated based on the program guidelines. Florrine asked if the students that did this program know that they have some funding available. Laura believes so, but maybe Duke can contact them and they can apply through his program.

 

Dora Bernal motioned and Verna Reece seconded to approve Laura’s recommendation and move the unused funding into the general fund for Duke to administer, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

Laura then went on to discuss the Hazardous Fuels Reduction Crew. Bill had negotiated projects based on what is needed and keeps the crew working during times that it is not fire season. She needs approval of a resolution 11-R-110 for $61,641.56 leaving $1,000 in the account keeping the account open but the remainder to reimburse the program. Laura noted that KCDC still owes the Tribe $50k and she would like to keep that balance from the $61,641.56 coming in and send them the remaining balance.

 

Michael Thom motioned and Florrine Super seconded to approve resolution 11-R-110 and allow her to repay the Tribe from the revenue, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

Laura then updated the Council that Darlene was hired at the KCDC and her vacancy will be filled next week.

 

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

 

13.) Ruth Rouvier, Language Program:

Ruth is present to review her report. She will be on vacation from October 3-13, 2011 and she is hoping that the expenditures will be finalized by her return.

 

She is in the process of collecting all the materials from the ANA grant. There are still people that she needs to meet with regarding video footage. The Council will get copies of the video. Also it can be sold in the gift shop as well as distributed to schools and libraries. The grant funder only wants one copy. She is hoping to spend the budget completely by the end of the grant time.

 

The Language Conference was well attended and it was nice to learn together and hear about the new development of “teach the teacher” which assists in how to teach the language. Sonny noted that it was a good concept. She would like to have the trainers come onsite to teach the method here.

 

She is working on the equipment loans with the apprentices. Florrine noted that other people would be able to check out some equipment if there becomes an interested person. And she would suggest including the names of speakers on the websites so people can get in touch with speakers.

 

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

 

14.) Erin Hillman, Dir of Admin Programs and Compliance:

Erin is present to review her report. She has no action items for the Council but highlighted her report.  The Tribe recently had a CSD audit which the staff did very well. She reviewed her report including information on recent FEMA training she has attended and is following. She then noted that she discussed the 2008 fire emergency declaration at that meeting and will continue to monitor that declaration. For her next training, she announced that there will be sessions for Council training, and proposed legislation regarding Tribes going directly to the Whitehouse for a declaration. She noted that there would be inclusion of Tribes being allowed to access funding in this event.  

 

Indian Health Services has sent a deficiencies list and she will complete that paperwork. She has received confirmation on a couple Council Members to attend the Humboldt Area Foundation visit in Orleans at the end of October.

 

Dora inquired why the Karuk Tribe did not obtain funding similar to the Yurok and Hoopa Tribe during the 2008 fires and how that is being reviewed. Erin noted that the Government did not include the Karuk Tribe, because they were not included in the Presidents declaration of an emergency. Dora noted that the Karuk Tribe was affected if not more, and the Karuk Tribe received zero funding even though they had filed the declaration as well. This is concerning and she would like to know how this is being looked into. Erin believes that the Yurok Tribe and the Hoopa Tribe did receive 4.1 million dollars due to that disaster and it was determined to have been a shortfall based on those Tribes being affected.

 

Erin noted that the costs that the Karuk Tribe sustained to provide assistance to people in the community received funding from Indian Health Services, but no where near what the other Tribes received. She has been researching this, continues to set meetings and will ask point blank why the Karuk Tribe was not included and attempt to receive concrete information at an upcoming meeting.

 

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

 

15.) Daniel Goodwin, Maintenance Supervisor

Daniel is present to review his report. He read from his report and announced that the department has been very busy. They have several projects that are underway and have been attempting to complete the Maintenance Shop siding. In between traveling to each site they continue to work on the shop and are hoping to have it finished shortly.

 

Verna Reece motioned and Sonny Davis seconded to approve Daniel’s report, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

16.) Bob Goodwin, Self-Governance Coordinator

Not present, written report provided.

 

Michael Thom motioned and Dora Bernal seconded to approve Bob’s report, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

Committee Reports:

1.)    NCIDC Meeting Minutes were provided. Verna sits on this Committee representing the Karuk Tribe.

 

Phone Votes:

a.      Request approval of resolution 11-R-104 authorizing the purchase of the Sartin Property. Passed

b.      Request approval of procurement and allow the purchase of crack seal from Tri-American, Inc in the amount of $7,480. Passed.

c.       Request approval of one nights lodging for Florrine Super at the Forest Lodge, September 8, 2011. Passed.

d.      Request approval of a loan to employee # 2304 in the amount of $1,500 with $250 monthly payments. Passed.

e.       Request approval to provide up to $500 in third party assistance to Tribal Member #1359. Passed.

f.        Approval to purchase a 1996 CAT 436C in the amount of $25,000 from Ishpook Leasing and payments from the IRR Roads Program. Passed.

g.      Approval to loan employee #8628 $4000 with payments of $300 or in full in 30 days. Passed.

h.      Request approval for up to $5,000 of discretionary funding to be used to p8urcahse small equipment items from community member. Employees will oversee what is purchased and only items that may be useful to the Maintenance Department along with low cost. Passed.

 

Closed Session:

Dora Bernal motioned and Michael Thom seconded to approve resolution 11-R-106, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

Florence Conrad motioned and Bud Johnson seconded to approve resolution 11-R-107, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

Florence Conrad motioned and Bud Johnson seconded to approve resolution 11-R-108, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

Florence Conrad motioned and Florrine Super seconded to approve the Annual Enrollment report, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

Dora Bernal motioned and Michael Thom seconded to approve option 2 regarding new hires and temp hires, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

Michael Thom motioned and Dora Bernal seconded to approve $100 for those 5 employees that fall in between criteria already established, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

Florence Conrad motioned and Bud Johnson seconded to approve writing off $3,000 debt for employee #0762, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

Consensus: to deny employee #8310 request for counter-offer to pay increase.

 

Consensus: for the EDHHS to recruit and advertise for a physician at the Happy Camp clinic.  

 

Dora Bernal motioned and Verna Reece seconded to uphold the Election Committee’s decision, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

Florrine Conrad motioned and Sonny Davis seconded to pay $600 for remaining school from the Education funding line item for Tribal Member #2558, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 1 pupitihara (Michael Thom).

 

Education Policy final review will be taken to the Committee to clarify the Council is last level of appeal.

 

Consensus: to allow employee #3770 to review and discuss options of joining program and bringing it under that department.  

 

Consensus: facility use will be defined to not exclude possible candidates from using them based on “campaigning”.

 

Dora Bernal motioned and Sonny Davis seconded to approve travel for Verna Reece and Florrine Super to Blue Lake, October 5-6, 2011, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 2 pupitihara (Florrine and Verna).

 

Consensus: for the Chairman to clarify leave of employee #5421 with Laura Mayton.

 

Consensus: for the Chairman and Vice-Chairman to ensure employee #4811 is maintaining priority in meeting attendance and program needs.

 

Michael Thom motioned and Bud Johnson seconded to approve Florence Conrad to attend Bylaws meeting for CRIHB October 14, 2011 and Florrine to attend finance audit meeting, October 8, 2011 both in Sacramento, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 2 pupitihara (Florence and Florrine).

 

Florrine Super motioned and Bud Johnson seconded to approve out of state travel for Duke to Albuquerque NM, October 26, 2011, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

Next Meeting Date: October 20, 2011 at 3pm in Orleans, CA.

 

Michael Thom motioned and Florrine Super seconded to adjourn at 8:10pm, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

________________________________
Arch Super, Chairman

 

Recording Secretary, Barbara Snider