Karuk Tribe of California - Council Meeting

Orleans, California - May 24, 2007 - Meeting Minutes

Meeting called to order at 5:09 PM, by Chairman, Arch Super

Present:

Arch Super, Chairman

Leaf Hillman, Vice-Chairman

Leeon Hillman, Treasurer

Robert Goodwin, Member at Large

Florence Conrad, Member at Large

Sonny Davis, Member at Large

Alvis Johnson, Member at Large

Absent:

Florrine Super, Secretary (leave/excused)

Roy Arwood, Member at Large (absent)

Quorum is established.

Arch blessed the meeting with an opening prayer and read the mission statement of the Karuk Tribe.

Robert motioned and Leaf seconded to approve the agenda with changes, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Minutes of March 29, 2007:

Florence motioned and Alvis seconded to approve the minutes of March 29, 2007, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Guests: Jennifer Goodwin/ Andrea Crosby, Junction Elementary School.

Andy Crosby introduced herself as a teacher for Junction Elementary School. She explained that with the graduating students means a loss in revenue and the loss of a teacher and teacher aid position. The Title VII funding was lost due to a clerical error beyond her control which leaves a tremendous down fall in funding for the upcoming school year. At this time the school is trying to meet the needs of their students, but in their planning they would like to respectfully ask for the Council to fund a position of a Native American Aid position that was formally funded through Title VII. 75% of the Junction Elementary school students are Native American thus directly benefit from an aid.

The person to be employed is very skilled and eager to remain with the school. She would hope to employ this person and continue to meet the educational needs of the students.

Florence asked how much is requested. Andy clarified that her request is to have assistance of $2,000 for this position and then they have also put in a request for the remaining need of $2,000 from the Education Committee. Leaf is familiar with this issue and has kept the Council abreast of the situation. Leaf thanked Jennifer for her efforts to maintain the educational level for the tribal children at the school as well as through the Education Committee. He also thanked Andy and explained how appreciative the Council is for the school and her commitment to the Native American students.

Florence explained that Andy has recently taken one year off, and she was very missed during her leave.

Jennifer stated that she will be working with the rest of the committee to assist in finding funding for this endeavor. The total amount needed is $4,000 for the 2007-2008 school years.

Arch explained that with the CFO present this will be discussed at the upcoming Wednesday planning meeting.

Guests: Stormy Polmateer, Happy Camp Elementary School

Stormy distributed information for the Council on the Happy Camp Elementary School request. They have 17 students and are seeking assistance for an 8^th grade trip. Stormy’s daughter read the exact needs of the class for the Council. The students have been having fund raisers, but have run out of time to raise enough funding. Arch suggests having the children come as a fund raiser wash the tribal vehicles.

Guests: Stormy Polmateer, Junction Elementary School

Stormy distributed another request for 8^th grade graduation expenses for the Junction elementary school.

Robert motioned and Leaf seconded to provide assistance as requested to both the Junction Elementary School and the Happy Camp Elementary School’s 8^th grade class graduations, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Guests: Andre Cramblit, NCIDC:

Andre would like to request that the Tribal Council draft a letter opposing the use of the Native American mascot used by the Orleans little league team. It is a Cleveland Indian on their hat. Andre finds it offensive and would like a support letter from the Karuk Tribe disagreeing with the use of the logo.

He explained that with his working in education they have increased the rate of children remaining in school and not dropping out. In the past it has been closed to other agencies but this year it will be competitive. They will be applying for funding and will be providing services in all the counties. He brought a survey that he would like people to fill out and it is a requirement of the grant. The Tribe is eligible to apply for it, and if they would like to then NCIDC would back away from it. However if they choose not to then NCIDC would like to. Erin stated that this was very sincere and that Andre and the NCIDC crews have been very helpful in assisting the Karuk Tribe in getting surveys complete. The NCIDC survey is absolutely done by the end of July but he would like to have it returned as soon as possible. Andre stated that NCIDC will support the Karuk Tribe if they choose to apply for Siskiyou County.

Directors Reports:

1.) Jim Berry, KCDC CFO:

Jim provided a written report for the Council to review. There is one addition to the EDA grant. There was a verbal discussion on receiving the EDA funding. Jim stated that that is good news.

Jim Burcell, student services coordinator has set up a very strong relationship with COS and at this time COS is offering one of the biggest learning possibilities through the HCCC. He is seeking to meet with the Tribal Council on May 30, 2007 to provide the Council with further information. Robert stated that what has been created in Happy Camp with the assistance of COS, the project is looking really good and the prospect of moving more educational opportunities for the Tribal members, Tribal employees as well as the community is exciting.

Robert would like to have Sandi and Erin present. Arch asked that Jim send an email inviting the Council too.

Florence motioned and Leaf seconded to approve Jim’s report, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

2.) Hector Garcia, Self-Governance Director:

Hector provided the Council information on specific legislation that the Council had requested earlier this week. He also has information on the labor force survey which is directly from CFR and Ken Reinfield is supposed to provide suggestions on how to change the report. Hector believes that there shouldn’t be any problems but he would like to be on the Wednesday planning agenda to finalize a proposal for the Council to review. He asked if there should be a new application submitted with new numbers, but Ken had to seek approval from his supervisors prior to making this determination. Hector will provide that follow up at the upcoming Wednesday planning meeting.

Robert questioned the bills and the confusion of supporting the bills. Laura explained that currently there is funding that the gaming tribes pay into. They are two funds which are the special distribution fund and the revenue sharing fund. If there is a shortfall in the revenue sharing then it will come from the distribution fund. Laura explained that also the distribution funding pays for gambling addictions for example. Laura explained that more and more tribes are paying into the states general fund, and this is posing a problem for tribes.

Arch explained that he spoke to Laura and Erin about his briefing today. He recently attended a meeting in Washington with tribes in the region regarding building retention centers. Arch stated that the only thing the tribe could pull from is $4 million that was not spent, but he is unsure if the Tribe would attain any of this funding toward other goals.

Arch explained that they have chosen four other areas to move this money the Navajo’s spoke up and were seeking funding and it appears they may receive it. One other request was to move $2 million for the indirect cost pool. Also, $1 million to go to NTI hopefully. Arch explained that he has part of his report completed, but doesn’t believe that the Karuk Tribe will be receiving any of it. Leaf requested a copy of the disposition that was read by Arch at the meeting. Arch will also provide a follow up on the meeting at the upcoming Wednesday planning meeting. Leaf would like to know if Hector will be receiving advice prior to submitting the draft force report so he should report on that at the upcoming meeting as well.

Leaf motioned and Leeon seconded to approve the self governance report, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

3.) April Attebury, Tribal Court

April distributed her written report for the Council. On Tuesday, April was approached to assist in preparing the Title IV B subpart 2 funding application. These are new funds due to the Title IV E agreement. Another proposal is continual; which is the Title IV B subpart 3 which the tribe received.

Robert motioned and Florence seconded to approve resolution 07-R-070, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Leaf motioned and Robert seconded to approve resolution 07-R-071, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

April explained that there weren’t too many ICW committee members present at the recent Tribal Court training, but Florence Lopez stood in for the committee and it was nice to have her presence and assistance. She did an excellent job.

Florence motioned and Alvis seconded to approve April’s report, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

4.) Erin Hillman, Administrative Programs & Compliance:

Erin provided the results of a survey completed for the community services and development needs which is a requirement for, CSD. This funding obtained pays for several aspects of cultural services as well as emergency needs services.

Erin explained that on June 14, 2007 there is a water upgrade project meeting. The pre-bid meeting is scheduled and she notified Dion and Fred and she will attend if she is available. IHS is sending a representative for sanitary deficiencies and she would like to include what Lisa’s closed session item as well.

Junalynn Ward was hired as a LIAP clerk in the LIAP department.

While Erin was on vacation she and Leeon viewed the Smithsonian and viewed the artifacts that belong to the Karuk Tribe. In discussions there was the lack of representation of the Karuk Tribe and she was concerned. There is a recommendation to write a letter to the Smithsonian to request a museum rotation schedule. When Tribe’s are rotated then the coordinator could work with the museum to be included in that rotation.

Erin stated that she met with Fred Neworesky and he provided a lot of information on funding agencies that the Smithsonian applies to and also how to vamp up the museum once a person is hired as Museum Coordinator.

Erin presented a contract for peer review for Jesse Drake with Stephanie Zack, LCSW. It would be for $90 per hour, June 1, 2007 to June 15, 2007. KTOC internal staff is too busy to complete peer review for Jesse, but it is a requirement so this contract would meet the standard.

Florence motioned and Robert seconded to approve contract 07-C-051 between the KTOC and Stephanie Zack, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

A second addition is a contract with a contractor in Happy Camp who provides assistance to the Elder’s in the area. This person would like to seek a raise in order to meet the minimum necessitates of fuel and hours spent. The contract stipulates that once minimum wage increases her wages will also increase to meet that standard. Also if there is no transporter or elder’s worker available then this person shall be required to provide written documentation of the lack of availability prior to invoicing the Tribe for that service.

Leaf motioned and Robert seconded to approve contract 07-C-050 between contractor and KTOC also effective January 1, 2008 rate shall increase to minimum wage, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Florence motioned and Leaf seconded to approve Erin’s report, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

5.) Sami Difuntorum, KTHA Director:

Not present, written report provided.

Florence motioned and Leeon seconded to approve KTHA written report, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

6.) Laura Mayton, CFO:
An agreement with KTHA was drafted and she is presenting it for approval. KTOC will rent portions of old headway for office space as well as meeting space. Any space conflicts with scheduling will be resolved by the KTHA board.

Florence motioned and Robert seconded to approve agreement 07-A-??? between KTHA and KTOC, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Laura distributed a travel report for the month of April of which departments are traveling and how much funding is being spent on each travel.

Laura Olivas attended the CRIHB fiscal training in Sacramento recently and Laura Mayton will provide a report on that training on Wednesday.

Leaf motioned and Florence seconded to approve Laura’s report, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

7.) Lisa Aubrey, LIAP Program Coordinator:

Lisa commented that on the Ya Pa Anav group, which she is a member of, has been gathering information and creating a pamphlet. It is useful and will be available to those departments that would like a copy once complete.

Florence motioned and Alvis seconded to approve Lisa’s report, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

8.) Dion Wood, TERO:

Dion is present to review his report with the Council. There are still TANF negotiations with the state and the next negotiation meeting is May 31^st. If there is no agreement by then Dion would like to recommend moving to ACF to resolve the number. Dion stated that this is coming down to the wire and a position must be taken. Laura believes that Dion and Daniel are on the path to resolve this.

Robert spoke to Daniel and he feels very well about the State negotiations. He believes that this project looks very well and is being worked on successfully.

Maria Miranda, Lisa Aubrey, Daniel Pratt and Dion all attended the social services assistance training that Maria Miranda set up for the staff. Maria has a lot of influence and her assistance was very helpful during this training. Dion was appreciative of her resources and attention to process.

Dion and Daniel believe that an Executive Director should be hired to begin over seeing the development of TANF. He recommends June 28, 2007 being an interview day which would have advertisement and posting next week.

Dion believes that the MOU with the County be developed and the Executive Director needs to begin this. The planned revisions need to be approved and it will be presented next week once finalized.

Dion missed the meeting for parcel priority on a piece of land that the Tribe owns and he believes that it would be a location for TANF and including TANF the possibility of business development can take place. He understood that the meeting went well, but he wanted the Council to hear his idea too.

Dion updated the Council on the Childcare budget. The Siskiyou County office of Education, him and the local elementary schools would like to have a kindergarten camp.

His request is to allocate up to $2,500 to assist in that collaborative project. This would be to provide supplies and staffing directly related to the camps. Robert is interested in determining if this could fund other schools or other projects.

Dion will provide more information on funding the other two schools that need assistance and provide some ideas back to the Council; however this collaborative goal has already been brain stormed and flushed out.

Dion will work on the plan and he will be meeting with several entities to collaborate and determine what services childcare can offer.

Smith River has had big issues with CalTrans and this has become a national issue. Bud and Dion attended the meeting and brainstormed a template letter that will work for all entities. Dion would like to impose TERO tax to the roads program and the other tribes are hoping that this will work as well. Sandi wondered if TERO would kick in when monitors are on board, or if there would be a CalTrans job then the contractor would have to contribute to the TERO tax, as well as preference in hiring. Sandi asked if any other tribe does this. Dion stated that this is in resolve to an issue with CalTrans overlooking TERO and right now attorneys are reviewing TERO jurisdiction on tribal lands.

Smith River believes that this is a direct threat to sovereign immunity, so the legal attorney’s are willing to take the issue to the Supreme Court. Sandi stated that she and Scott are working on the MOU with CalTrans and if Dion would like any assistance then to give them a call. Dion believes that this will be the first precedence on this issue, that the Tribe’s currently working together has identified this problem and are the ones working on it.

The summer youth program is being flown and interviews will be June 18, 2007 and July 9, 2007.

Robert motioned and Leaf seconded to approve Dion’s report, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

9.) Jennifer Goodwin, Education Department:

Aja Conrad is the Chairperson for the Happy Camp Indian Club. Aja thanked the Council for supporting the clubs recent trip. She stated that the kids were thankful and they appreciated it. Jennifer noted that the kids were well behaved and Aja is a good example of leadership and responsibility. Jennifer had the children sign an agreement and it was successful for the eleven youth that attended as well as the chaperones.

Jennifer received a final letter that will go to Margaret Spellings, Department of Education. It was reviewed by Stephanie Dolan and revisions have been made.

Consensus: to send letter drafted on behalf of the Karuk Tribe to Margaret Spellings of the Department of Education.

The Northern California Writing Project is being worked on by her and a professor from UC Davis. This is the first project of this nature it was initially kept small until a later date. There are fourteen teachers interested in attending the workshop. It is being held at the People’s Center and Jennifer would like people to attend to assist in providing stories. The dates are June 27-29, 2007.

Florence motioned and Alvis seconded to approve Jennifer’s report, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

10.) Hester Dillon, Grant Writer:

Hester provided a proposal for the REACH program which is being presented for the LIHEAP program.

Robert motioned and Leaf seconded to approve resolution 07-R-069 to the REACH program, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Leaf motioned and Leeon seconded to approve Hester’s report, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

11.) Scott Quinn, Land/Transportation:

Not present, on travel, written report provided.

Robert motioned and Leaf seconded to approve Scott’s written report, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

12.) Sandi Tripp, DNR Director:

Sandi requested a modification to the Siskiyou Resource Conservation District in the amount of $25, 896. It is modification #1 to 06-C050.

Robert motioned and Leeon seconded to approve modification #1 to 06-C050, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Sandi also presented contract number 07-C-045 modification #1 with Smart Meme.

Leaf motioned and Sonny seconded to approve contract modification #1 to 07-C-045, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

She presented contract 07-C-049 with Adrienne Harling in the amount of $2,500.

Leaf motioned and Robert seconded to approve contract 07-C-049 between KTOC and Adrienne Harling in the amount of $2,500, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 1 pupitihara (Florence Conrad).

She presented a request to change financing from GMC of DNR’s GMC Yukon to Ish Puk leasing. This will be tabled to the Wednesday meeting for more information.

Sandi would like to purchase a copier for the Department of Natural Resources. This would have to be paid on a lease payment not come from indirect. It shall also be purchased through Ish Puk Leasing.

Robert motioned and Florence seconded to approve procurement and purchase a copier from Capital Business Machines in the amount of $10, 387 from Ish Puk leasing, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Tuesday, June 5, 2007 is the Summit Meeting at 10:30 am. Sandi has requested to have an MOU approved and government to government approved and also the Fire Crew agreement needs finalized at that time. She would like to take these issues further if they are not approved.

Florence motioned and Leaf seconded to approve Sandi’s report, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

13.) Susan Gehr, Language Program:

Susan has contracts for approval at the upcoming planning; however she does not have them prepared at this time.

Susan explained that she is conducting meetings and attending several other meetings. Her report is informational with no action items.

Leaf motioned and Robert seconded to approve Susan’s report, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Leaf thanked Susan for honors at William Bright’s memorial on Saturday. Susan did a good job and it was well done and professional.

14.) Davey Davis, Maintenance Department:

Not present, written report provided.

Barbara shall send notice to Davey and Fred to attend the Wednesday meeting to discuss the Somes Bar Water system. There needs to be clarification on the last two items of Davey’s report.

Leeon motioned and Florence seconded to approve Davey’s report, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

15.) Fred Burcell, Construction Manager Report:

Not present, written report provided.

Erin talked to Fred on a safety issue identified in Fred’s report and Fred reported back that it was resolved.

Florence motioned and Alvis seconded to approve Fred’s report, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

16.) Sara Spence, HR Manager:

Not present, on travel, written report provided.

The exercise policy attached to Sara’s report will be discussed at the Wednesday planning meeting due to lack of understanding on approval or informational status.

Leaf motioned and Robert seconded to approve Sara’s report, 0 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Phone Votes:

Robert read the phone votes into the record;

1. Request approval for out of state travel for Holly Hensher to Denver CO. May 22-24, 2007. Passed.
2. Request approval for resolution 07-R-063 authorizing submission of proposal to the California EPA in the amount of $20,000. Passed.
3. Request approval for resolution 07-R-047 authorizing submission of a proposal to HRSA in the amount of $3,191,605. Passed.
4. Request approval for procurement with Wilson Equipment in the amount of $7,200 for rental of Cat D6 dozer. Passed.
5. Request approval to send spring 2007 newsletter for printing. Passed.
6. Request approval for resolution 07-R-048 authorizing Scott Quinn to sign applications and accept terms of said applications to relation to the Karuk Tribe’s parking permit with Yreka City Council. Passed.

Informational: None at this time.

Requests: The audience requested that the Tribe assign someone or crew members to perform some maintenance on the Orleans Cemetery due to the extreme lack of care to the area. The information shall be sent to Leaf and he will work with Dion and others to determine availability of staff.

Closed Session:

Consensus: Lisa Aubrey, Erin Hillman and Fred Burcell shall determine information on water request for Aubrey hill.

Consensus: to table Request for Barbara Norman’s assistance to Wednesday.

Consensus: to table loan request from Tribal Member # 873 to Wednesday.

Robert motioned and Alvis seconded to approve resolution 07-R-066 enrolling six (6) Tribal Members, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Consensus: to table part time employee status request from employee # 1467 to determine hours, HR status, and feasibility to Wednesday.

Consensus: to table employee # 7651 request to receive evaluation and approval of revised position descriptions to Wednesday.

Consensus: to table loan request from Tribal Member # 2053 to Wednesday.

Update: employee # 0506 informed the Council of suspected fraud with tribal credit card and has contacted the authorities

Consensus: to deny loan request from Tribal Member # 1064.

Consensus: to table loan request from Tribal Member #3539 to Wednesday.

Consensus: to table loan request from Tribal Member #1428 to Wednesday.

Consensus: to deny Barbara Norman’s assistance request from Tribal Member #268.

Consensus: to review contractor status and finalize on Wednesday.

Leaf motioned and Bob seconded to approve sponsoring a portion of bike a thon for diabetes cure in the amount of $200 to Tribal Member # 2394, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Consensus: to table invoice from CILS to Wednesday.

Leaf motioned and Robert seconded to approval resolution 07-R-072 authorizing intervention, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Leaf motioned and Robert seconded to approve resolution 07-R-074 authorizing intervention for two children, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Consensus: to table assistance request for Headstart children to Wednesday.

Next meeting date: June 28, 2007 in Happy Camp, CA.

Robert motioned and Leeon seconded to adjourn meeting at 9:58 pm, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Respectfully Submitted,

________________________________

Arch Super, Chairman

Recording Secretary, Barbara Snider