Council Meeting – Orleans California

Meeting Minutes – July 26, 2007

Meeting called to order at 5:12 pm by Arch Super, Chairman

Present:

Arch Super, Chairman

Leaf Hillman, Vice-Chairman

Leeon Hillman, Treasurer

Robert Goodwin, Member at Large

Florence Conrad, Member at Large (5:26 pm)

Sonny Davis, Member at Large

Absent:

Florrine Super, Secretary, excused/travel

Roy Arwood, Member at Large

Alvis Johnson, Member at Large, excused/travel

Agenda:

Robert motioned and Leaf seconded to approve the agenda with changes, 4 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Minutes of June 28, 2007:

Leeon motioned and Sonny seconded to approve the minutes, 2 haa, 0 puuhara, 2 pupitihara (Robert Goodwin and Leaf Hillman).

Laverne Glaze:

She is present tonight to address concerns on behalf of her daughter’s home. There are concerns regarding the housing unit’s roofing and its ability to maintain stability. There is a hazardous condition present and Laverne would like to request that the Housing department be notified and maintenance to check it out.

The landscaping concerns on KTHA property vs. private property will be referred to Steve Mitchell for him to clarify who is going to rectify the fire hazard of over growth of weeds and grass.

Leaf will have the questions sent to KTHA for further discussion.

Verna Reece, Tribal Member:

Verna explained that she is a member of Take off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS). The meetings last about two hours and this allows the group to weigh in and have support services with each other. This will take place every week, but she is seeking permission to use the facility for those meetings.

Consensus: to allow Verna Reece to use the People’s Center room for TOPS classes.

Paula McCarthy, Tribal Member:

Paula would like to seek donations for a raffle to go toward the Basketweavers Gathering this September. The proceeds will go toward assisting financially in the Basketweavers Gatherings either fall or spring if there is enough funding, but definitely towards the fall gathering. She would specifically like cultural items that the Basketweavers would be very glad to win and appreciate.

Update on TANF: Dion Wood and Daniel Pratt:

Daniel explained that the State has failed to negotiate efficiently with the Tribe so the case load numbers have been sent on to the Federal level for their determination.

Meetings have taken place with the State, but they were still unsuccessful leaving no other option but to forward for the federal determination. Once the feds determine the case load for Siskiyou County, then that will be the actual funding received by KTOC for the beginning of the TANF program. Once the Siskiyou County Funds are received then they will pursue Humboldt County to incorporate the Native Americans in that area, and complete the TANF case loads.

Dion would like to have a TANF retreat in which all planning will take place on how TANF will be folded into the Tribe. The position descriptions need to be reviewed, and ready to hit the ground with the infrastructure including office space, supplies and staffing.

Meeting set: August 7, 2007 at 1:30 will be set for TANF planning with the Council.

Directors Reports:

1.) April Attebery, Tribal Court Administrator:

No report submitted, not present

2.) Jim Berry, KCDC CFO:

Jim is present to review his report. Jim thought that Chuck was going to be present to seek approval for the Naa Vura Yee Shiip proposal, however Chuck is not present.

Jim explained that there were two revised RFA’s sent to OES, however they were denied both times. The revisions had cultural therapy only taking place quarterly and OES would not like that as they didn’t feel it met their objectives.

Laura questioned the set aside of $10,000 to HealTherapy and there is no attachment to how that will be paid to them. Laura commented that if the lack of paying the cultural therapists is going to take place and paying HealTherapy then that needs to be explained in the narrative. Erin concluded that the volunteer staff from KTOC was not named in the actual proposal with permission as well. Jim explained that Chuck was hoping to have employees of the Tribe meet the cultural needs to OES.

Leaf has questions on paying HealTherapy for therapy as opposed tribal cultural therapy in which is best. And he would like to know who determined that the cultural therapy was less effective and less of a priority. Jim explained that OES stated that a quarterly event is not a true therapeutic program and they explained that it needs to be more frequent and classes that are tied to the Karuk culture.

Jim explained that the $10,000 to HealTherapy is for sessions for two tribal children referred to HealTherapy.

This is confusing to internal staff as the mention of the set aside funding is not explained or included in the narrative of the OES proposal leaving a disconnection in the proposal to the budget. This will need clarified.

Florence would like to know when services will come down river and there has been no visibility from the Naa Vura Yee Shiip on that incorporation.

Leeon explained that the KCDC board is attempting to bring services to Orleans, but the hard part is getting children into the program from someone who is not familiar with the director of the program. Leeon explained that he asked Corina to discuss this issue with Florence so that she may assist her in identifying the persons available for the program or assist her on connecting with the local community.

Leeon would like to seek further funding to ensure there is enough to adequately assist all areas with services. Florence explained that it is the Council’s responsibility to seek further funding but the only way that is going to happen is to get the clientele up and that isn’t going to happen unless there are increased clients.

There was a plan of action submitted to OES on recruiting numbers for the program, but OES kept imposing their will on how to treat the children according to their guidelines which isn’t working for the Naa Vura Yee Shiip program.

Robert would like to send a representative to California OES offices to seek clarification on the restraints of the program and it is apparent to Robert that they are making it hard for the programs to succeed. Robert would like tribal representatives to travel to OES and determine why the Karuk Tribe is getting the run around, and demand their policies explaining the situation that they are putting the Tribe in. With possible TANF funding that may help augment this program, but there needs to be discussions on how to effectively assist the Tribe’s own children.

The proposal will be tabled to Wednesday. Dion added that the children are eligible for CCDF for these services. Dion would like the opportunity to work with this program. He has offered assistance previously but was never contacted will work with Jim and Corina on this and bring it back to the Council on Wednesday.

Leeon motioned and Leaf seconded to approve Jim’s report, 4 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Jim Berry, Chuck Lent and Corina Alexander will be put on the upcoming Wednesday planning meeting agenda for proposal approval.

3.) Hector Garcia, Self Governance Director:

Hector is present to review his report with the Council. He provided confirmation that Carl Artman will be present from 10 am to 1 pm. At 11:30 there will be discussion with the Council and himself.

Hector would like to seek permission to attend the next CNIGA meeting in Palm Springs. He would like to attend for a couple reasons. There is a Chairman interested in funding a project under economic development, with Rick creating the report; he would like to present this to him. Also, he would like to attend to hear the issues on 1.1 million dollars which is a hot issue for the gaming and non-gaming tribe’s. Hector stated that there are 25 non gaming tribe’s working on obtaining that funding. According to the State auditors office they are expected to run out of the funding. The diagram Hector presented to the Council explained how the tribe’s contribute to the gaming revenues, which includes trust fund, distribution fund, and the general fund.

There are two California statues in place right now that clarify there is a compacting agreement. The problem that Hector sees is that 105 million dollars from running the casinos was used to pay for California services. This funding must be paid back by law. There is no statue that requires this to be paid back, and the obligation of the State is to repay transportation funds back, meaning that the Karuk Tribe will not be distributed. CIGNA would like to work on getting law followed to have the funding paid back to the distribution fund.

Laura explained that Tribe’s want more machines, and the State is having the non-gaming Tribe’s fight with the gaming Tribe’s. In 1999 all Tribe’s were together and fighting to keep gaming funding within each other, but at the last meeting there were Tribe’s leaving the organization and there is discussion leaving the Tribe’s questioning CIGNA’s goals and remaining in collaboration or disbanding.

Hector would like to know what to do. This decision will be final in three years.

Carrie prepared letters to the non-gaming Tribe’s (25) to distribute and begin moving forward on this.

Anna Kimberly, lobbyist, is proposing legislation on this issue. Leaf asked if there are any legislatures introducing SB60. Anna is working on getting the waiver to keep this bill running. CIGNA is not taking a position on the bill as it isn’t an issue for CIGNA but an issue for non-gaming Tribe’s. Leaf asked if the lobbyist person believes that the legislation is moving. Hector understands that the bill isn’t currently moving but there are hurdles to overcome. Hector will email the bill to the Council as a refresher. Hector has arranged a meeting with Anna Kimberly at the upcoming CIGNA meeting which is August 16, 2007.

Leaf will send the bill to the entire Council once he receives it.

The Head Start legislation was worked on and there was some email correspondence moving to attain further funding. Hector is staying in touch with Gregory Smith who is trying to push the funding to the Head Start program.

Hector explained that Head Start is trying to get a general increase in the amount of funding that they receive.

Florence motioned and Sonny seconded to approve travel for Hector August 16, 2007 to Morongo, CA. 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Leaf motioned and Leeon seconded to approve Hector’s report, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

4.) Erin Hillman, Director of Administrative Compliance and Programs:

Erin provided an update on the Orleans building. She discussed the updated information on the Orleans project with the engineer today.

Release of funds has taken place from HUD. HUD didn’t receive it, so another release of funds was sought and signed.

The Yreka project is almost complete, and a final walk through may be done August 6^th. Due to funding saved on the project as a whole, there will be a parking lot built and they are looking toward possibilities.

Signs, garbage enclosure, solar powered lights, handicapped parking, and other ways to spend out the funding to meet additional needs have been taking place.

Erin drafted a letter to Kent Lightfoot the director of Phoebe Hearts Museum which she distributed to the Council. Also, Barbara drafted the resolution and the letters of opposition to the Chancellor and senators, congressman and Governor representatives for approval later.

Erin would like someone from the Council or the staff to attend a meeting in September 13, 2007 in Klamath as she will be on travel status. Erin will bring that information back to the Council at the upcoming Wednesday meeting.

Erin provided Leaf an article on the trip to Omaha that staff and Council went to.

Florence motioned and Sonny seconded to approve Erin’s report, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

5.) Sami Difuntorum, KTHA:

Not present, written report provided.

Florence motioned and Leeon seconded to approve Sami’s written report, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

6.) Laura Mayton, CFO:

Laura reminded the Council that the audit report was received, and if the Council does not want the report then they should return it so she could send the copies to outside agencies upon request.

She reported that she will have a draft indirect cost rate ready for approval at the upcoming Wednesday meeting. Laura reported the fiscal audit was very successful in that KCDC and KTOC did not have findings this year. KTHA received one finding for one incomplete I-9 but that was it. She appreciated the staffs support in preparing for the audit and the hard work to ensure the audit was successful.

Leeon announced his appreciation for the staff to complete hard work all year ensuring the audit came out clear and free of findings.

Leaf motioned and Florence seconded to approve Laura’s report, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

7.) Lisa Aubrey, LIAP Administrator:

Lisa distributed her report for the Council to review. Lisa has no action items, but she is present to answer any questions that the Council may have.

Florence motioned and Sonny seconded to approve Lisa’s report, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

8.) Dion Wood, TERO Director:

Dion thanked the Council for hearing his TANF update earlier. He would like to establish a Karuk Tribe early childhood education team. He believes that bringing a team together to bring staff and departments with their resources together to assist with the deficit that the Head Start program has would benefit the children. Dion believes that by having this team it would assist in creating collaboration and he would like to seek approval to create this committee. Dion believes that this goes along with uniting our programs. Arch explained that the Yav Pa Anav wellness program already works on these types of things. Dion believes that the mission of the wellness group is too broad to ensure incorporation with all departments, and not specific to young children, so he would still recommend this group. The identified group he has will work toward early education specifically.

Dion explained that there were federal reviewers in 1998 that recommended this, but it was never done.

Leeon motioned and Leaf seconded to approve the creation of the Karuk Tribe early childhood education team, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

There were 35 certified cultural monitors two years ago, but certificates are now expired. Sandi believes that more time spent on training would be good if Dion is going to begin trainings again. Dion would like to begin trainings again to ensure tribal people are having the same opportunity to obtain work locally as everyone else.

Robert reported that the fire crew is seeking further training to become more trained. The BIA does not require the training, so they will not pay for it. There should be a surplus from equipment which could pay for training and paying the crew to receive the training. This would be similar to engine training, but the crew will just need pumps.

A days wage for the whole crew is what Robert is looking for. Florence explained that it would be nice for the fire crew to go to their supervisor when asking for things as they are not ignored, but this isn’t the correct approach to obtain requests.

Leaf motioned and Leeon seconded to approve Dion’s report, 4 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

9.) Jennifer Goodwin, Education Coordinator:

Jennifer is present to seek out of state approval for herself and Joyce Jones to Minnesota, September 12-13, 2007. It will be to the Education / Self Governance training. She will be going to represent the Johnson O’mally funding.

Jennifer explained that there is funding in the education committee budget for one travel, but she will need approval to send the other from discretionary. Laura explained that she would like to use

Leaf motioned and Leeon seconded to approve out of state travel to Minnesota September 12-13, 2007 for Joyce Jones and Jennifer Goodwin for Education training, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

The National Indian Education Conference is coming up and Jennifer would like to request travel approval for the Committee Chairman to attend and another committee along with herself. This funding would come from next years training budget line item.

Florence explained that she attends her meetings that she sits on, when Council members are on committees they should attend. Florence explained that business cannot be conducted when there is no quorum. Leeon would like this request tabled to Wednesday with a break out of the cost per person at that time.

Jennifer would like to request the education committee to sponsor the happy camp all-start basketball day camp with the line item special activities in the education budget. Jennifer explained that it is in Happy Camp as it is the central location for Yreka children, Orleans children and the Happy Camp children. The camp lasts for four hours. This ties into education as the all stars complete a presentation on staying in school and moving on to college linking it to sports, to encourage the children to stay in school. This will be tabled to Wednesday planning meeting agenda.

Jennifer attended a meeting in Hoopa and she heard about a charter school that is held in Klamath. They are looking to expand their program to other areas. The director of the school is Sue Maston and they would like to be present on Wednesday to provide more information and seek support on their program.

Jennifer received comments on the recent training from UC Davis with collaboration between the Karuk Tribe. They had very good feedback from the staff that were present including teachers and the local principals. She will be forwarding the comments to the Council for their review.

Jennifer explained that the last two years the Council has set aside $4,000 for high school graduates that will go right into college for scholarships. Jennifer would like to request the obligation of the $4,000 for the upcoming school year.

Leaf motioned and Leeon seconded to approve up to eight scholarships in the amount totaling $4,000 for the 2007-2008 school year, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Jennifer received a response from the letter received to the US department of education regarding the Superintendent. This resulted in feedback of the Superintendent explaining that they did not understand there was a complaint. This will be followed up on and tracked for completion.

Robert asked if there was a time frame policy on responding to complaints on the school. Jennifer believes there was, but she isn’t sure of the time lines right now.

At the last Council meeting there was discussion on the JOM program. The plan was to write letters and make phone calls demonstrating the dissatisfaction with the cut of the JOM program.

The Council appreciated Jennifer’s dedication to her program and following through on budgeting concerns.

Leaf motioned and Leeon seconded to approve Jennifer’s report, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

10.) Rick Hill, Grant Writer:

Rick is present to review the grant writer report with the Council.

There is a fairly large transit grant that is being worked on and is going to be submitted next week.

Leeon motioned and Leaf seconded to approve Hester Miller and Rick Hill’s report, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

11.) Scott Quinn, Land Manager:

Not present, written report provided.

Florence motioned and Sonny seconded to approve Scott’s report, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

12.) Susan Gehr, Language Program:

Susan has one action item it is a mini grant to NCIDC for the second addition for the Karuk Dictionary. This is an audio component to the dictionary and has been approved internally.

Robert motioned and Leaf seconded to approve resolution 07-R-113 authorizing submission of a $10,000 grant to NCIDC, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Susan will be traveling to Boulder Colorado next week to retrieve Bill Bright’s belongings on behalf of the Tribe.

Leaf thanked the Susan for her dedication to Bill and his family and also the relationship between him and the language program. Susan has attended services for Bill and had several remarkable things to say which touched the hearts of many.

Leaf motioned and Leeon seconded to approve Susan’s report, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

13.) Sandi Tripp, DNR Director:

Present, written report provided. Sandi has several action items to present for approval.

Leaf motioned and Leeon seconded to approve resolution 07-R-112 authorizing submission to 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Leaf motioned and Leeon seconded to approve resolution 07-R-013 authorizing submission of a $50,000 proposal to USFW for bluff creek decommissioning, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Leeon motioned and Leaf seconded to approve resolution 07-R-105 authorizing submission of a $14,500 grant to USFW, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Florence motioned and Leaf seconded to approve resolution 07-R-104 authorizing submission to USFW in the amount of $28,244 for fuels reduction on Ish Kayish Ranch, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Florence motioned and Leeon seconded to approve resolution 07-R-016 authorizing submission to Fish and Wildlife in the amount of $25,000 for outreach on the Klamath River, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Florence motioned and Sonny seconded to approve resolution 07-R-109 authorizing submission of $9,500 grant for work with the fall Chinook, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Florence motioned and Leaf seconded to approve resolution 07-R-108 to the USFWS in the amount of $30,000 for bride at fort Goff creek, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Sandi is doing a remodel to the inside of the office space at the DNR office. Fred has been working with her on this and the project looks to be successful. They will be creating office space allowing for staff to work more efficiently.

Leaf motioned and Leeon seconded to approve Sandi’s report, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

14.) Davey Davis, Maintenance Supervisor:

Not present, written report provided.

Florence motioned and Sonny seconded to approve Davey’s report, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Davey shall provide follow up at the Wednesday meeting regarding items 8 & 9 of his written report.

15.) Fred Burcell, Construction Manager:

Not present, written report provided.

Leaf would like clarification on the minutes of page five under Scott’s report. Fred is working on a sprinkler system and a FEMA crew will be doing the work. Leaf questioned why maintenance staff needs to be used for upkeep. A tribal cemetery is the Tribe’s responsibility to maintain. If there is a staff member in the area (Orleans) then it is their duty to maintain the sprinkler system at the cemetery.

Robert motioned and Leeon seconded to approve Fred’s report, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

16.) Sara Spence, Human Resource Manager:

Not present, no report provided emergency leave.

Closed Session:

Consensus: for Barbara Norman to review request from Tribal Member # 3928 and provider her recommendation.

Consensus: to table request from Tribal Member # 2570 to Wednesday.

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

Consensus: to offer contractor the same rate already set and offer leave for re-grouping.

Directive: issued to KTHA that all employees working at the Tribal Reunion were to be compensated with one day off during the same pay period. Also, Tribal Members who attended Karuk ceremonies shall be allotted leave according to current policy and practice.

Leaf motioned and Robert seconded to approve burial assistance for Tribal Member # X00365, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Florence motioned and Leaf seconded to approve resolution 07-R-111 opposing UC Berkeley Phoebe Hearst Museum, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Consensus: to approve letters drafted regarding OES and have them sent.

Florence motioned and Sonny seconded to approve travel for Hector Garcia June 11, 2007 for CIGNA, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Leaf motioned and Robert seconded to contribute $300 for NCIDC Elders dinner, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Leaf motioned and Leeon seconded to approve procurement and allow repairs to tribal vehicle; however supervisor shall report to the Wednesday planning meeting with explanation and recommendation on personnel issue, 4 haa, 0 puuhara, 1 pupitihara (Florence Conrad).

Tribal Member # 393 updated the Tribal Council on Karuk Diversified Enterprises and the application for 8(a) status.

Tribal Member # 1013 would like to remind Council that their seats on committees are valuable and their participation is key on certain issues, if they are no longer committed to attending they should be removed from voting positions or removed from the committee.

Robert motioned and Leeon seconded to evict people living or residing at/on the Katimin premises without permission, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Next Meeting date: August 26, 2007 in Yreka, CA. (new building)

Leeon motioned and Robert seconded to adjourn meeting at 10:37 pm, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Respectfully Submitted,

________________________________

Arch Super, Chairman

Recording Secretary, Barbara Snider