Karuk Tribe – Health Board Meeting
January 12, 2012 – Meeting Minutes
Called to order at 3:00pm by Chairman, Russell “Buster” Attebery.
Present:
Russell “Buster” Attebery, Chairman
Michael Thom, Vice-Chairman
Joseph “Jody” Waddell, Secretary / Treasurer
Wilverna “Verna” Reece, Member at Large
Crispen McAllister, Member at Large
Alvis “Bud” Johnson, Member at Large
Florence Conrad, Member at Large (late)
Charron “Sonny” Davis, Member at Large
Absent:
Dora Bernal, Member at Large
Prayer was done by Sonny Davis, Member at Large and the Mission Statement was read aloud by Michael Thom.
Announcement:
Florence Conrad asked to address the Council and audience. She announced her resignation on the Council and thanked the Membership for supporting her over the years and allowing her to represent them. She has severe health concerns and she will be spending time focusing on her family.
Michael thanked Florence for her service and Buster noted that the Council and the Tribe is supportive of her and appreciative of the time she has spent being on the Council.
Agenda:
Bud Johnson motioned and Michael Thom seconded to approve the agenda, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
Minutes of December 15, 2011:
Michael Thom motioned and Crispen McAllister seconded to approve the minutes of December 15, 2011 with changes, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
Guests:
1.) Rick Crocker, Tribal Member:
Rick is present to ask some questions. He inquired why non Tribal Members continue to get hired over Tribal Members. He also inquired if Leaf Hillman is still on the Tribes payroll. Michael noted that personnel matters are closed session and if he would like to discuss anything relating to that he may be added to closed session. For the matter of hiring of Native Americans, the Tribe has a TERO Commission to ensure that there are rights for the Tribal People and they continue to work toward employing Tribal Members.
Rick noted that he is concerned over sustaining the Tribal employee’s salaries and the ongoing costs of retirement. Laura explained that the Tribe has a different retirement plan and there is no future obligation to pay but only as long as they are employed by the Tribe or contribute to their own retirement if they leave. There is no obligation for the Tribe to pay retirement benefits.
Rick noted that the Forest Service is and has to be ruining the lands. They have planted willow trees everywhere. With the complaints of no water and low water then he is concerned over the planting of willow trees. The Forest Service pays one group of people to plant invasive species to the area and then they pay another agency to pull invasive species from the area that they had planted. He feels that the Tribe needs to continue to be involved and make the Forest Service accountable for their actions.
He noted that the Forest Service blew up the falls at Indian Creek and he is concerned over this and the comparison of how he remembered the area to be and how it is now, is catastrophic.
2.) Franklin Thom, Tribal Member:
Franklin is present to introduce himself to the Tribal Council and thanked the Tribe for the great dental program. He asked for some education to be provided during severe dental care such as dentures and to educate patients on what is taking place so they understand what is happening to them and how it may affect the patient’s life. An educational packet should be provided to patients regarding several issues that arise during dental treatment and the care that is necessary at that time.
3.) Jill Phillips, Community Services Council:
Jill is the Director of the Community Services Council and she brought with her Toby Ruez. They are working on a grant that they are applying to for support additional alcohol services in the communities. They are requesting to have the Tribe support their grant and they are interested in working on this grant together. Toby then provided information to the Council regarding the grant. The grant is a federal grant, they are looking at about 2-3 million each year, which will be a partnership with health clinics and their goal is to ensure that the needs are met. She noted that the timeline is to have the grant submitted by January 16, 2012. They are only requesting that the Tribe submit support and per the letter Toby provided notes staff time in the clinic and transportation services.
Jody asked if this could work with the health clinics and they noted yes, that their intention is to support each other and collaborators.
Mike announced that he, Lessie, Mike Lynch and Jill had met and the staff noted that they did not want to support the program unless the Tribe received some sort of financial assistance. Mike noted that they have agreed to pay towards some outpatient services which will assist in the area since the costs were cut in the County.
Mike will bring the additional paperwork to the Thursday Planning Meeting with proper paperwork completed.
4.) Mike Lynch, Yreka Clinic Manager:
Mike is present to introduce himself. He is the Clinic Manager of the Yreka Clinic. He noted that his wife and he are new to California. He has 25 years of experience or more in the non profit field. His wife is a FNP and she will be employed in Yreka. He is excited to begin his position and noted that there is a good staff.
Old Business:
None.
Director Reports:
1.) Daniel Pratt, TANF
Director
Daniel is not present, Alphonso is
out of the area working. Written report provided.
Verna Reece motioned and Crispen McAllister seconded to approve Daniel’s report, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
2.) Mike Edwards, Family and Children Services:
Mike is present to review his written report. The Tribe developed a new resolution template and he is seeking approval of for customary adoptions moving forward.
Verna Reece motioned and Crispen McAllister seconded to approve the resolution template, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
Mike noted that he then wanted to seek approval of a resolution to approve adoption which he noted was in the packet, but it is not. Flo announced that he is to not do this in open session. ICW issues are confidential and are handled in closed session.
The quality improvement report is appointment cancellations or no shows and he will continue to do this project for another year as patient satisfaction is important to them.
There is concerns moving forward with the LCSW for the Happy Camp and Orleans area but the department continues to discuss options including revising the position. Buster inquired if hiring a marriage and family therapist meets the Tribes needs. Mike noted that it may but for billing purposes it will not be feasible. The position has been flown at least three times, there have been interviews but the position has yet to be filled. The staff continues to evaluate what will work and how they can move forward with getting services to the areas.
Verna Reece motioned and Crispen McAllister seconded to approve Mike’s report, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
3.) Lessie Aubrey, EDHHS:
Lessie is present and would like to seek approval for renewal of the Tribes CRIHB Membership for one year. The cost is $12,000. Laura noted that in addition to this fee they request a contribution to the Darrell Hostler Fund which is another $10,000. The Membership fee is generally $10,000 and is budgeted however it has a $2,000 increase this year, which will be paid from Third Party.
Lessie noted that there was a time that the Tribe was contracted under CRIHB and the Tribe is now with Indian Health Services, which has the Tribe being Associate Members.
Vickie also noted that CRIHB provides training for the staff so that is a benefit of the Associate Membership.
Jody Waddell motioned and Crispen McAllister seconded to pay the dues to CRIHB in the amount of $12,000, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
She then noted that here is one day training on February 23, 2012 in Arizona, which will create a collaborative effort. Lessie would like to request out of state travel.
Michael Thom motioned and Sonny Davis seconded to approve Lessie’s travel to Arizona for epidemiology training, February 23, 2012, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
Lessie then noted that her remainder of her report is written.
Verna Reece motioned and Crispen McAllister seconded to approve Lessie’s report, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
Dr. Shook was introduced to the Tribal Council. The Council welcomed her and inquired if she was comfortable. She noted that it is good to finally be here. She is from Tennessee and has a variety of dental experience. She is excited to begin working.
4.) Annie Smith, Community Health Outreach:
Annie is present to review her report. She has no action items this month. The diabetes program is moving forward. She is not pleased with the immunization reports from the clinics. They have seen some improvements but some other areas are still low. She noted that to continually monitor the children’s immunizations is a community issue and everyone should remind the parents and grandparents to get their immunizations.
Flo continues to work on safety issues. The staff is really doing a good job checking on the Elders and they have increased visits. She is following through on the needs.
Vickie asked if the Elders could leave a card because the Elders have no memory of who have visited. Annie and the outreach staff will brainstorm some ideas.
Crispen McAllister motioned and Michael Thom seconded to approve Annie’s report, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
5.) Vickie Simmons:
Vickie is present to seek approval of her action items and to review her written report.
Verna Reece motioned and Crispen McAllister seconded to approve 12-A-027 with Pitney Bowes, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
She noted that on 12/28 there were policies sent out for the Council to review and she is looking for approval of those tonight.
Michael Thom motioned and Sonny Davis seconded to approve the (9) policies that were provided to the Tribal Council (04-001-166, 06-000-250, 06-000-251, 06-001-262, 06-001-263, 06-002-280, 06-003-275, 11-009-626, 21-000-770), 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
She then went on to review her report. She did have some complaints she thought were coming but only one was actually received in December. Her budgets are fine and the remainder of her report is informational.
Verna Reece motioned and Sonny Davis seconded to approve Vickie’s report, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
6.) Chad Tiraterra, Database Administrator:
Chad is present to review his report. He noted that he has been in touch with the Dentrix Company to install the EHR for dental and he is going to move to training the staff and ensuring they are prepared to go live.
Verna Reece motioned and Michael Thom seconded to approve Chad’s report, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
7.) Eric Cutright, IT Director:
Eric is present to review his report and present his action items. He would first like to seek approval of a contract which is for the Orleans Broadband project. The first contract is with intertribe in the amount of $30,000 under contract 12-C-044 which will be paid for out of the broadband project grant funds.
Michael Thom motioned and Crispen McAllister seconded to approve contract 12-C-044, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
His second request is for another contract which is with Native Link Communications, 12-C-043. This is a Native American owned company and they viewed the project all along. The contract is for engineering services with the expertise in phone company development and fiber optics to Happy Camp if needed and at that time they will determine if a construction contract needs to be done. As of right now the engineering needs to be done in the amount of $40,000.
Verna Reece motioned and Crispen McAllister seconded to approve 12-C-043, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
Eric then noted that December was a slow month for IT and that is because of the amount of time that staff was on leave.
Eric then wanted to discuss cell phones. He would like to request a new cell phone for Kelly Worchester and Gerry Canning. He then noted that the Tribe may need to consider the insurance, and these new additions will be covered. He can only add insurance as new devices are purchased.
Verna inquired why the staff cannot use Blackberry’s as opposed to the Droids. Eric then went on to provide several instances where a Droid would be beneficial. Jody also noted that he has a basic cell phone which works for him as a Council Member.
Michael Thom motioned and Bud Johnson seconded to approve upgraded phones for Kelly and Gerry, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 1 pupitihara (Verna Reece).
Verna Reece motioned and Sonny Davis seconded to approve Eric’s report, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
8.) Vickie Walden, Dental Office Manager:
Vickie noted that she provided her written report.
Buster asked if there was any news on the dental license for the new dentist. Vickie noted that yes; it is ready to go as of Monday.
Jody Waddell motioned and Verna Reece seconded to approve Vickie’s report, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
Non Health Employees:
1.) Sandi Tripp, Transportation Department:
Sandi is present to seek approval of resolution 11-R-151 authorizing the Karuk Tribal Transportation Improvement Plan for FY 12-16. The proposal is for annual funding through Federal Highways which provides the ability to fund a planning document.
Michael Thom motioned and Jody Waddell seconded to approve resolution 11-R-151, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
2.) Tanya Busby, Pikyav Administrative Assistant:
Tanya is present to seek approval for Mercedes Deacosta to attend the Honoring The Sacred training February 6-10, 2012 in Sacramento CA. for a 40-hour course on domestic violence training. April noted that an employee will attend as well and it was written in the grant proposal for the committee members to receive this training.
Michael Thom motioned and Crispen McAllister seconded to approve travel for Mercedes Deacosta, February 6-10, 2012 to Sacramento, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
Then April sought approval for the Tribal Youth Resource Specialist. Michael asked to receive a final version copy to see what it looks like when presenting them to the Council. This is a current position description for Roxanne Strangefield but accurately reflects what Roxanne does currently.
Michael Thom motioned and Crispen McAllister seconded to approve the revised Tribal Youth Resource Specialist position description, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
3.) Rick Hill, KCDC Grant Writer:
Rick is present to seek approval of an AmeriCorps Program grant proposal. He noted that it is a good program and it has been done in the past here with the Forest Service.
The deadline is January 18, 2012 and Monday is a Holiday so he is seeking approval tonight. April inquired how many AmeriCorps positions will be available. Rick is unsure; it will depend on the planning grant.
Michael Thom motioned and Crispen McAllister seconded to approve resolution 11-R-148, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
Rick then also briefed the Council on a vocational rehabilitation facility. He would like to apply for a program director, assistant, counselor and accounts payable person. He would like a main office in HC and offer satellite services. For five years they would seek a 1.5 dollar grant. It is an intensive program and seems to look fundable. He noted that the census shows the ability to sustain this type of service for the area. He is collaborating with other departments and will be bringing this idea forward once it’s more defined.
4.) Sara Spence, HR Manager:
Sara noted that she has prepared procurement for the Council vehicle and when it was sent out there was one Council Member that requested to have this discussed further.
Michael Thom motioned and Crispen McAllister seconded to approve the procurement and allow the purchase of a Council vehicle from Kendall Subaru in the amount of $24,980.00, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
Michael Thom motioned and Verna Reece seconded to accept Florence Conrad’s resignation, declare the seat vacant, and to set forth notice to the Election Committee to hold a Special Election, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
Closed Session:
Informational: Tribal Member #1342 was present to notify the Tribal Council that employee #BN did not do a good job in providing services.
Michael Thom motioned and Crispen McAllister seconded to uphold the CHS department denial and pay the $117 from Discretionary for Tribal Member # 746 and issue her a loan agreement to be repaid within 3 months, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
Michael Thom motioned and Bud Johnson seconded to approve the burial assistance from the Council discretionary burial assistance fund for Tribal Descendant #DD in the amount of $795, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
Michael Thom motioned and Crispen McAllister seconded to provide $490 to Tribal Member #2851 for food during emergency from Third Party, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
Verna Reece motioned and Michael Thom seconded to seat employees #AK, 0976, 1647 and Council representatives Buster and Crispen to the LIAP Committee, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 1 pupitihara (Crispen McAllister).
Verna Reece motioned and Jody Waddell seconded to approve agreement 12-A-029 between the Karuk Tribe and Siskiyou Golden Fair, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
Michael Thom motioned and Bud Johnson seconded to approve out of state travel for Dion Wood to Washington DC March 5-10, 2012, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
Consensus: to issue Mandatory Training attendance for staff February 14-15, 2012.
Consensus: to issue reminders to all staff regarding audit completion, communication of being out of the office and office closures and office coverage during leave.
Bud Johnson motioned and Michael Thom seconded to approve an appreciation potluck for former Council Member, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
Consensus: Council Meeting will stay in Orleans.
Michael Thom motioned and Crispen McAllister seconded to approve resolution 12-R-002, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
Michael Thom motioned and Verna Reece seconded to approve resolution 12-R-003 with the “staff contact” changed, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
Michael Thom motioned and Jody Waddell seconded to approve travel to Sacramento, CA. February 27-March 2, 2012 for IRRP for Sonny Davis, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 1 pupitihara (Sonny Davis).
Michael Thom motioned and Crispen McAllister seconded to approve travel January 23, 2012 for Buster and Sonny for Law and Order meeting, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
Michael Thom motioned and Crispen McAllister seconded to approve credentialing and privileging for Dr. Shook and Dr. Ash, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
Next Meeting Date: February 9, 2012 at 3pm in Happy Camp
Bud Johnson motioned and Crispen McAllister seconded to adjourn at 7:20pm, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.
Respectfully Submitted,
______________________________
Russell “Buster” Attebery, Chairman
Recording Secretary, Barbara Snider