Karuk Tribe – Health Board Meeting

Meeting Minutes – July 14, 2011

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

Roll Call:
Present:

Arch Super, Chairman

Michael Thom, Vice-Chairman

Florrine Super, Secretary / Treasurer

Alvis “Bud” Johnson, Member at Large

Charron “Sonny” Davis, Member at Large

Wilverna “Verna” Reece, Member at Large

Dora Bernal, Member at Large

Crispen McAllister, Member at Large

Absent:

Florence Conrad, Member at Large (travel / excused)

Dora Bernal read the mission statement aloud for the audience. A prayer was done by Sonny Davis.

Agenda:

Sonny Davis motioned and Crispen McAllister seconded to approve the agenda with changes, 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Minutes:

Dora Bernal motioned and Florrine Super seconded to approve the minutes, 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Guests:

1.) Mercedes Deacosta, Tribal Member

Not present.

2.) Jodi Henderson, Happy Camp Clinic Employee:

Jodi is present tonight to provide information on her paramedic course completion. She thanked the Tribe for the assistance during her education and provided copies of her certification. The Tribal Council was thankful for the additional staff trained to serve the community.

Director Reports:

1.) Daniel Pratt, TANF Director:

Daniel is present to review his report with the Board. He did not send out the individual site monthly reports as there is some confusion on the data that is being extracted.

He continues to work with families and outreach for services to be provided by the TANF program. It is a collective effort between the Karuk Tribe and the Hoopa Tribe to bring further training to the TANF clients and staff. 

He continues to meet with Quartz Valley and during negotiations of the Karuk Tribe, it was noted that it excluded 5 Quartz Valley cases. Now, with Quartz Valley’s estimate of 18 cases it appears that the Karuk Tribe was being paid for the 14 cases of theirs and he would recommend that those additional five be accepted.

He requested permission to order three xoom’s and to upgrade staff phones to droids. This would be for the site supervisors.

Florrine Super motioned and Bud Johnson seconded to allow the ordering of three xoom’s for the TANF staff, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 1 pupitihara (Michael Thom). The droids will be tabled to closed session for Council discussion.

Michael Thom motioned and Bud Johnson seconded to approve Daniel’s report, 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

2.) Mike Edwards, Director of Children and Family Services:

Not present, written report provided.

Dora Bernal motioned and Sonny Davis seconded to approve Mike’s report, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 1 pupitihara (Florrine Super).

3.) Eric Cutright, IT Director:

Eric is present to provide his written report to the Board. He was on leave for a family emergency so his report was not provided on time.

Eric noted that due to the power outages it caused some errors to the phone system and it is up to Verizon to complete the fixes. He will follow their progress and hopes that the repairs will be completed soon.

He continues to work on the fiber optic project which is working great so far.

A couple months ago the Tribe worked with COS on telemedicine proposal. The grant was funded and it appears that the Tribe will receive funding for some equipment and faster internet lines. He will bring that final paperwork back to the next Council meeting.

Gerry Canning has a cell phone and is eligible for an upgrade; at this time Eric would like to get permission for an upgrade to a Droid. He feels that the droid allows for faster and more efficient connection to his staff when they are out of the office. Arch would like the Council to discuss this at a later time.

Florrine Super motioned and Bud Johnson seconded to approve Eric’s report, 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

4.) Vickie Walden, Dental Office Manager:

Vickie is present to review her written report. She is discussing budget cuts in the State Medicaid program that did not take place, which the dental department is thankful for. She will continue to monitor the budgets to ensure the dental program is prepared for any budget cuts that do come through.  

She provided an update on outreach and prevention in the communities, explaining how those clients identified are brought into the clinic for follow up visits when needed. Prevention services identify clients that possibly would be missed if staff wasn’t getting out in the field and providing care.

The dental department is obtaining more patients. Michael inquired about the provider child no shows possibly being a misprint. Vickie noted that the provider only works a couple days a week, so the low number may be an actual number. Michael inquired why she has so many no shows. Vickie is unsure but she will find out, but a possibility could be because of school being out and other summer activities that the children spend their time on rather than their regular dental visits. Vickie noted that with no shows it isn’t noted if there is follow up that is done. She noted that they may need to work on that, but the dentists enjoy the break because their schedules are generally very full. Yreka is booked into December and Happy Camp booked until September. She will make an inquiry on the no show rate. Florrine asked that Vickie forward her the flyers on the dental outreach services so that she can forward that information as well. Vickie explained that Donita does that but she may have a copy she can forward.

Florrine Super motioned and Crispen McAllister seconded to approve Vickie’s report, 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

5.) Lessie Aubrey, EDHHS

Lessie is present to review her written report.

Lessie has policy approvals that need finalized. The policies coincide with the HRSA application. She would like to seek approval as is with no revisions but she will continue another revision in the next couple of months and present them back to the Tribal Council. The policies are the Laboratory Services policy and the Organizational Performance Improvement plan.

Michael Thom motioned and Bud Johnson seconded to approve the Lab Services policy, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 1 pupitihara (Florrine Super).

Florrine Super motioned and Crispen McAllister seconded to approve the Organizational plan policy, 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Lessie then went on to note that she attended a meeting with the family and children services staff. The group found the meeting to be successful and have discussed ideas on how to move forward. They will be implementing ideas on a possible position in the future but there were just discussions and brain storming so far.

She noted her other meetings including an annual audit on the pharmacy on 340B drugs. Raley’s appears to be passing or not participating with the reduced payments and it seems that there is an organization that may be able to assist in this avenue. The Pharmacy consultant at CRIHB has made the recommendation to contact the pharmacy company to ensure that the Tribe is receiving the 340B discounts. She will discuss this further with the consultant when she attends the next CRIHB meeting.

She continues to monitor compliance in the facilities. There is new staff and they will need to maintain compliance by ensuring they are familiar with polices and procedures.

She attended the Indian Health Services Summit. It was a recommendation under Dr. Rebidioux, that there be the capability of information that can be shared without traveling so much. She noted that Arch was present in photographs but not at this meeting.

She went on to cover the rest of her information that was obtained on funding as identified by Congress to Native American health services. She noted that the Summit is a good avenue to receive information and she was afforded the information on budgets and increases. She noted that there are funding needs from across Indian Country and the consultation process seems to be working toward better services for Native Americans and the Government to honor their treaties that extend services to Native Americans.

Lessie noted that there is ACF consultation coming and there is going to be a summit. She would like to know if there is an interested Tribal Leader that is going to attend or if thee Council would like to provide a letter or comments. The Tribal Council will discuss this at a later time.

Florrine Super motioned and Crispen McAllister seconded to approve Lessie’s report, 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

6.) Annie Smith, PHN:
Annie is present to review her written report with the Board.

Annie has two action items. She requested permission to travel to Albuquerque August 15-19, 2011 for a Nursing Conference. She then would like to attend a Native Fitness Seminar in Beaverton Oregon on August 8, 2011 to attempt the focus on how to inspire people to become more physically active.

She then also requested a Droid phone. Eric noted that there are health applications available on the droid that are not available on the blackberry. Also, due to the amount of time that Annie works away from her office and in the field, she will be able to access her calendar and seek additional needed information rather than traveling back to her office to research answers.

Crispen McAllister motioned and Sonny Davis seconded to approve out of state travel for Annie to Albuquerque NM August 5-19, 2011, 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Her request to attend the Seminar in Beaverton OR does not require Council approval but can be approved according to policy by her supervisor.

The Droid upgrade will be discussed in closed session, with the other requests.

Se provided an update on the “Zumba” dancing that is done in each of the areas. It is such a great success and the staff is reviewing the option to continue the exercise program.

There has been exercising equipment ordered for Happy Camp. It will be housed at the KTHA office for the residents. KTHA Board Members were concerned on how that was going to be housed and she discussed that with the staff which they felt it would work.

She noted that her office has been moved in Yreka to the clinic. This assists her to review the scheduling so that she can provide case management on patients regarding their diabetes.

Annie then introduced Flo Lopez. Flo announced that she is conducting the mattress races for the Tribal Reunion and upon reviewing compliance she has found that the Tribe must apply for a permit to have the Highway closed for the event. Apparently the town does not have one and events previously were held out of compliance. A part of the requirements to seek the permit is insurance coverage. She will need to request this from the Siskiyou County Board of Supervisors when she meets the permit requirements.

Crispen McAllister motioned and Michael Thom seconded to approve providing insurance coverage for the event at the Reunion, 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Crispen McAllister motioned and Sonny Davis seconded to approve Annie’s report, 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

6.) Vickie Simmons, DQMCH:

Vickie is present to review her report. She had no action items but reviewed her meetings that she attended and attached her monthly ACQI meeting minutes with the staff performance improvement reports.

Michael Thom motioned and Sonny Davis seconded to approve Vickie’s report, 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

7.) Chad Tiraterra, Database Administrator:

Not present, no report provided.

Guests: Non-Health Employees:

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

Helene was approached for a letter of support for a grant proposal that the Phoebe A. Hearst Museum of Anthropology is applying for. This will assist in researching items of interest.

Erin reviewed the letter and sought additional information to be included and clarifying language that the staff will not have time provided or any financial obligation of support.

Helene noted the deadline is today so if she revises by close of business today, the Tribal Council will approve and sign it.

2.) Jaclyn Goodwin, Grant Writer:

Jaclyn is present to seek approval of a grant proposal to cover costs of basetweaving in Happy Camp and Orleans.

Dora Bernal motioned and Crispen McAllister seconded to approve resolution 11-R-078, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 1 pupitihara (Verna Reece).

3.) April Attebury, Tribal Court:

April is present to seek approval of a sub-licensing agreement.

Florrine Super motioned and Crispen McAllister seconded to approve agreement 11-A-050, 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

April then provided information on a grant to CTAS that she submitted that was not approved through the internal process nor by the Tribal Council. She is now requesting that this be reviewed internally. She is asking for time to meet with the Council to meet and discuss this. She drafted the proposal for the Youth and OJP and this funding will coincide with that. Internally there is the requirement to have the resolution approved. Erin would like to meet with April on the budget and Michael would like April to obtain the necessary signatures. She then provided a resolution for the Council to review and approve at a later time, after internal review and the Council have adequate time to review the proposal.

4.) Babbie Peterson, Senior Nutrition Program:

Carly is present to provide a copy of a grant proposal and seek approval by phone vote next week. The proposal has not been signed off internally yet, but with the Council reviewing it at the same time as Laura and Erin may speed up the process. The Tribal Council will allow for a phone vote next week.

5.) Laura Mayton, CFO:
Laura is present tonight to request approval to purchase a modular that will be used for housing at the RV Park and then also rent it out once the Managers move to another location. Michael would like to set up the purchase through Ishpook Leasing.

Michael Thom motioned and Florrine Super seconded to allow the purchase not to exceed $53,000, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 1 pupitihara (Crispen McAllister).

6.) Laura Olivas, KCDC:

Laura is present tonight to seek approval of a position description of the Head Start Bus Monitor/Aide. The KCDC Board approved the position description and Laura would like to post the vacancy ASAP.

Florrine Super motioned and Bud Johnson seconded to approve the position description, 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Closed Session:

Dora Bernal motioned and Michael Thom seconded to approve resolution 11-R-081, 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Crispen McAllister motioned and Sonny Davis seconded to uphold the CHS denial and pay the $1,227.74 from third party for CHS Case #210, 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Consensus: Tribal Member #3001 is present to request a time extension on his agreement between his family and the Karuk Tribe. The Tribe will consider the August 15, 2011 request and report back to him at a later time.

Dora Bernal motioned and Crispen McAllister seconded to approve the 2012 IHP, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 1 pupitihara (Verna Reece).

Michael Thom motioned and Dora Bernal seconded to accept the recommendations and not rehire employee # JG, 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Consensus: for the EDHHS to draft a letter allowing Tribal Member #744 to access the clinics again and remove the suspension on file. .

Informational: the EDHHS informed the Tribal Council of complaints received regarding employee # 1017.

Consensus: for the EDHHS to discuss a complaint that occurred at the Yreka Clinic.

Crispen McAllister motioned and Dora Bernal seconded to approve travel for Florrine Super to Hoopa CA. July 15, 2011 for TANF, 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Consensus: to review July and September ACF meetings and if the agendas are the same then Florrine will attend the meeting in September, if not, then the Council will evaluate her attending the meeting in July.

Informational: announcement that the Tribal Council Members that have concerns should be discussed with each other or upfront and not involve staff or Directors.

Michael Thom motioned and Verna Reece seconded to approve the agreements 11-A-051 top 11-A-073 for NCIDC youth workers, 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Bud Johnson motioned and Florrine Super seconded to purchase flags for Orleans and Yreka Council Chambers from Council Discretionary, 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Consensus: to table the loan request from Tribal Member #11 until a monthly budget is reviewed.

Consensus: to increase the Tribal Council stipend amount $50 per meeting (Planning, Health Board, Council) effective June 17, 2011.

Dora Bernal motioned and Verna Reece seconded to provide a $1 per hour pay increase to employee # 0506, 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Dora Bernal motioned and Verna Reece seconded to approve travel for Michael Thom to Sacramento for the Tribal LLC meeting, August 15, 2011, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 1 pupitihara (Michael Thom).

Florrine Super motioned and Michael Thom seconded to approve seating Crispen McAllister to the TERO Commission and remove Dora effective July 22, 2011, 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Michael Thom motioned and Verna Reece seconded to approve the purchase of 5 Droids from TANF for Florrine, Dora, Alphonso, Daniel, Michelle, 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Sonny Davis motioned and Michael Thom seconded to approve Dora’s travel for Tribal LLC (August 15, 2011) and CNIGA (August 18, 2011), 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Crispen McAllister motioned and Verna Reece seconded to issue Barbara Snider a VISA card with a $3,000 limit, 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Michael Thom motioned and Sonny Davis seconded to approve increasing Tanya Busby’s credit limit to $3,000 on her tribal VISA, 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Florrine Super motioned and Sonny Davis seconded to approve a full page advertisement in the SDN for $625 from Council Discretionary (advertisement will focus on youth), 7 haa, 1 puuhara (Verna Reece), 0 pupitihara.

Next Meeting: August 11, 2011 at 3pm in YREKA, CA.

Bud Johnson motioned and Dora Bernal seconded to adjourn at 7:27PM, 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Respectfully Submitted,

____________________________

Arch Super, Chairman

Recording Secretary, Barbara Snider