Karuk Tribe – Health Board Meeting
November 3, 2011
Meeting Minutes
Meeting called to order at 2:56pm, by Arch Super, Chairman
Present:
Arch Super, Chairman
Verna Reece, Member at Large
Dora Bernal, Member at Large
Sonny Davis, Member at Large
Florence Conrad, Member at Large
Bud Johnson, Member at Large
Crispen McAllister, Member at Large
Absent:
Michael Thom, Vice-Chairman (travel-excused)
Florrine Super, Secretary/Treasurer (excused)
Prayer was done by Sonny Davis, Member at Large and the Mission Statement was read aloud by Dora Bernal, Member at Large.
Agenda:
Crispen McAllister motioned and Florence Conrad seconded to approve the agenda with changes, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
Minutes:
Dora Bernal motioned and Sonny Davis seconded to approve the agenda with changes, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
Guests:
1.) Flo Lopez, Elders Worker / Safety Officer:
Flo is present to present contract 12-C-027 between Advanced Security Systems Alarm Services and the Health Program for $23.50 per month; for automated burglary, fire, smoke, and police alarm. She will begin to receive training on the system once it’s approved to ensure the staff is familiar on how to use it. The alarm, when triggered, rings to the Humboldt County Sheriffs Office and their response is sporadic at best. Flo is hoping to secure a better system once the new facility in Orleans is built. Flo did note that there is a $500 fee for false calls or alarms.
Dora Bernal motioned and Verna Reece seconded to approve contract 12-C-027 between Advanced Security Systems Alarm Services and the Karuk Tribe, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
Director Reports:
1.) Daniel Pratt, TANF Director:
Daniel is not present but his written report was provided for the Council to review.
Dora Bernal motioned and Crispen McAllister seconded to approve Daniel’s report, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
2.) Mike Edwards, Children and Family Services:
Mike is present to provide additional action items to his report. He provided the clinical visit numbers for the providers, Joe Snapp and Tracie Lima. He also provided a copy of the advertisement that he developed to be widely used attempting to increase services to the Yreka Clinic.
Consensus: to accept the flyer as distributed to begin advertisement in the local media.
Mike then noted that there is one LCSW that has not seen clients in 4 months, the departments productivity has dropped significantly. He continues to meet with TANF on cases that they have in common. The DUI program is up and running and continues to be successful.
ICW is in the process of transferring another case into Tribal Court and the County had been opposing it however at this time the County has decided to no longer oppose and he will provide additional information at a later time.
Bud Johnson motioned and Sonny Davis seconded to approve Mike’s report, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
3.) Lessie Aubrey, EDHHS:
Lessie asked for Suzanna to provide a report. Suzanna is present to provide a report to the Council. She is attempting to work out a system on catching up the Yreka Clinic Data Entry which has led the Billing Office staff to begin entering the Patient Registration and have the data entry clerks focus on just data entry. She went on to note that they were previously behind but it hasn’t happened in quite some time.
Dora Bernal motioned and Crispen McAllister seconded to approve Suzanna’s written report, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
Lessie then had Dr. Burns introduce the new Physician Assistant, Chelsea Chambers who has filled the vacancy left by Judy Blind. Chelsea thanked the Council for the opportunity to work and assist the community with their health issues. She noted that she is from Happy Camp and she is happy to be back in the area. Dr. Burns noted that she is a bright provider and is already doing very well.
Lessie then went on to provide her report. She provided contract 12-C-026 between the Karuk Tribe and CRIHB. When the proposal was submitted the Tribe signed to enter into the proposal but now the contract outlines what the objectives are.
Dora Bernal motioned and Florence Conrad seconded to approve contract 12-C-026, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara
Lessie then provided information on the NIHB Program. The Tribe had entered into an agreement for REC Services and they would like a separate agreement for each facility. Orleans will be 12-A-006 and Yreka will be 12-A-007 both between the National Indian Health Board and the Karuk Tribe.
Dora Bernal motioned and Verna Reece seconded to approve agreement12-A-006, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
Dora Bernal motioned and Crispen McAllister seconded to approve agreement 12-C-007 for Yreka, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
Lessie then provided information on a letter sent to her that was addressed to Arch. The DHHS is seeking consultation on the possibility of implementing a Self-Governance demonstration project. This will lead to forming a workgroup of the US Department of Health and Human Service and they are seeking Tribal Leaders for the workgroup and it must be submitted by December 9, 2011.
She also then noted that the DHHS has announced nominations for workgroup members which would begin formal consultation with Tribes on the 2007 Contract Support Costs (CSC Policy). The meetings will be to re-coup the shortfall and attempt seek that funding. The deadline is November 15, 2011.
Both letters seeking nominations will be tabled to Thursday’s Planning Meeting to determine which Council Members can participate.
Crispen McAllister motioned and Sonny Davis seconded to approve Lessie’s report, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
4.) Annie Smith, PHN:
No report provided. Report tabled to the Planning Meeting.
5.) Vickie Simmons, Clinical Operations Administrator:
Vickie is present to review her written report. She has several action items for the Council which are policy approvals that need approved by the Council.
Dora Bernal motioned and Verna Reece seconded to approve the revised health program policies in Vickie’s report (03-001-135, 03-002-150, 04-004-190, 191, 192, 193,194, 04-005-195, 196, 06-004-279 and 19-003-104), 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara
The ACQI GPRA reports were done and the immunization clinic reports. She attended trainings on how to improve quality improvement numbers. There were no complaints, incidents and/or occurrences in the month of October.
Sonny Davis motioned and Crispen McAllister seconded to approve Vickie’s report, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
6.) Chad Tiraterra, Database Administrator
Chad is present to provide his report to the Council. He has noticed that the
Council would like more information and he provided a breakdown by providers in
the health program by visits for the Council to review. Dr. Burns asked that
the providers receive that information as well. Chad inquired if there was any additional
information that the Council would like and he can add to it.
Verna Reece motioned and Crispen McAllister seconded to approve Chad’s report, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
7.) Eric Cutright, IT Director:
No report was provided, tabled to Thursday.
8.) Vickie Walden, Dental Office Manager:
Vickie is present to provide her report. They continue to run into issues with the dental software program and it having to be certified. This means that the dental program will be delayed. The joint staff meeting in Yreka was held on October 27, 2011. They reviewed policies and general business. She is not sure if anyone was taking minutes but she will determine this and forward those if there are some.
Vickie went on to provide an overview of her report and disposal of old dental x-ray equipment.
The fiscal department made adjustments to the Indian dental labs and what is budgeted. The report in August noted that it was approximately $50k and it is funding set from Third Party revenue. At one point in time it was restricted. All other Tribes pass the lab fees to the dental patients and this Tribe does not, however that may have to be re-evaluated. Vickie noted that this must be continually monitored and there may be a request at some point in time to make this change.
Verna Reece motioned and Crispen McAllister seconded to approve Vickie’s report, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
Non health employees:
1.) Sandi Tripp, Land Department:
Sandi is present to seek approval of contract 11-C-022 modification (1) between Lumos & Associates and the Karuk Tribe. It will be to document, coordinate and advocate for priority projects identified in the Middle Klamath River Community Transportation Plan.
The extension covers funding and the extension of time. She feels confident that the company can help the program a lot.
Florence Conrad motioned and Bud Johnson seconded to approve modification (1) to contract 11-C-022, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
Verna asked if the puddles were repaired at the People’s Center parking lot. Sandi believes that some further repairs can be done but she is unsure of how soon due to the weather.
2.) Ruth Rouvier, Language Program:
Ruth is present to seek approval of six agreements with Language Program participants. It is for equipment loans. The Masters and Apprentices have been provided the option to enter into an agreement borrowing the Tribes language equipment to continue their language projects. Not all the equipment is loaned out if there are any other interested persons that would like to document the language. Loss or damage of equipment is going to happen as its older equipment so Ruth noted that the damage shouldn’t be included because of how it’s aged and fragile.
Dora and Verna would like to include language on the damage and loss of the equipment. Bob noted that the contracts are too low with no cost and the high risk then participants may not sign the agreements. Ruth does not believe that the participants would sign the agreements with such high liability when the equipment is already outdated and falling apart. Laura commented that if the equipment isn’t loan out, it will most likely sit in storage becoming obsolete.
Florence Conrad motioned and Bud Johnson seconded to approve agreements (12-A-013 -12-A-018, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 1 pupitihara (Crispen McAllister).
3.) Robert Attebery, LIAP:
Robert is present to seek approval of agreements. They were tabled to closed session.
4.) Robert Goodwin, Self Governance:
Robert is present to seek approval for travel to the Self Governance Conference May 6-10, 2011. He would recommend himself and an additional six staff to attend the Conference in New Orleans, LA. Bob would like to have the newly elected Chairperson as one of the attendees as well.
Dora Bernal motioned and Crispen McAllister seconded to approve Bob and 5 additional people to attend the conference the Self-Governance Conference, May 6-10, 2011, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
Bob then noted that in part of the recommendation of the fiscal officer and with the Tribes membership to CNIGA is that the RSTF be stabilized. Bob noted that this is important because another Tribe sued the State of California which they are now required to pay a large sum of money and the funding went to the State. All the Tribes that completed their early compacts are attempting to re-negotiate their compacts and if those Tribes do not continue to push for the RSTF to be included those compacts, the non-gaming Tribes, such as the Karuk Tribe, will lose significant funding it uses to operate the programs that serve Tribal Members. Also, they will review why the non gaming Tribes are not receiving additional funding due to the gaming Tribes not agreeing to increase the amount provided to the RSTF, such as a COLA. At a recent meeting in Colusa there were some Tribes that are willing to assist in protecting the 1.1 million RSTF but not the increase. Laura noted that the new compacts are paying into the State of California’s General Fund. Bob then went on to note that in the beginning there was work on the RSTF and now it has gotten tighter and other Tribes don’t remember any longer why that funding was set up, but Bob is hoping to stabilize the 1.1 million, ensuring that the Karuk Tribe receives that funding.
He would suggest attendance to the meeting on November 9, 2011 in Cache Creek and continue to work with CATG to attempt some sort of leverage to obtain an increase in RSTF. Bob would like to have the Council’s approval by consensus to attempt to vote on this and attempt to secure the 1.1 million and use CATG for furthering and seeking an increase.
Consensus: to support Bob Goodwin and the direction he and Dora are working in to stabilize the 1.1 million dollars in the RSTF.
5.) Jaclyn Goodwin, Grant Writer:
Jaclyn is present to distribute the narrative and budget for the HRSA facility. It is due next week on Wednesday so she is hoping to have a phone vote on Monday or Tuesday.
She also noted that the ICDBG ideas were brought to them in Yreka and she inquired if they have discussed what their priorities are. She needs the Council’s recommendations ASAP. This will be tabled to the Planning Meeting.
Closed Session:
Dora Bernal motioned and Crispen McAllister seconded to uphold CHS denial on Case #226 and approve $1,600 from Third Party, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
Verna Reece motioned and Crispen McAllister seconded to uphold CHS denial and pay $1,000 from third party for CHS case # 227, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
Dora Bernal motioned and Crispen McAllister seconded to uphold CHS denial and to pay $2,000 from third party for CHS case #228, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
Crispen McAllister motioned and Verna Reece seconded to pay the $1,404 from third party for dental treatment for Tribal Member KB, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
Consensus: to refer Tribal Member #4711 to April Attebury to receive as much timely information as possible.
Consensus: for the TANF Board to be notified of the TERO Commission’s comments regarding recent behavior.
Dora Bernal motioned and Crispen McAllister seconded to approve the over limit fee of $39 to Dion’s VISA, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
Consensus: for Dora to email the date of the next TANF Board Meeting.
Dora Bernal motioned and Florence Conrad seconded to approve agreement 12-A-001, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara (Crispen absent for vote).
Dora Bernal motioned and Verna Reece seconded to approve agreement 12-A-002, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara (Crispen absent for vote).
Consensus: to have the EDHHS conduct an evaluation on employee # 3476 and then present her request back to the Council.
Crispen McAllister motioned and Dora Bernal seconded to pay $6,000 for employee #7226 health insurance, no negotiations, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
Dora Bernal motioned and Crispen McAllister seconded to approve C & P for Nikki Hokanson and Chelsea Chambers, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
Crispen McAllister motioned and Florence Conrad seconded to approve Dora’s travel January 31, 2012 and February 2, 2012 for Western Indian Gaming Conference and CNIGA, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
Crispen McAllister motioned and Verna Reece seconded to approve Dora attending the November 9, 2011 meeting, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
Consensus: to ensure that the travel that is being done for the Tribe is productive, that people are attending all conferences and that not everyone is traveling to the same conference.
Consensus: to table employee #2267’s request for transition period.
Florence Conrad motioned and Sonny Davis seconded to approve out of state travel for Michael Thom to Washington DC for the Tribal Nations Gathering, December 2, 2011, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
Sonny Davis motioned and Bud Johnson seconded to approve Verna Reece as the NCIDC Representative and Florence Conrad as the alternate, 4 haa, 0 puuhara, 2 pupitihara (Verna and Florence).
Dora Bernal motioned and Crispen McAllister seconded to approve agreement 11-A-028 between the Karuk Tribe and YUHSD, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
Verna Reece motioned and Crispen McAllister seconded to have the Staff Banquet in Orleans this year, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
Dora Bernal motioned and Florence Conrad seconded to approve paying the flight change and Arch cover the car and fuel for his reconciliation to DC, 5 haa, 1 puuhara (Verna Reece), 0 pupitihara.
Next Meeting Date: December 8, 2011 at 3pm in Happy Camp CA.
Crispen McAllister motioned and Dora Bernal seconded to adjourn at 6:39pm, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
Respectfully Submitted,
________________________________
Arch Super, Chairman
Recording Secretary, Barbara Snider