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MINUTES OF THE UNTF BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING UNTF Board of Trustees MeetingFriday, February 19, 202110:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Teleconference – Anchor Location350 N State Street Capitol ComplexSalt Lake City, UT Zoom Mtg orBy phone 669-900-6833 PIN 417907# Meeting ID 952 9739 2966 A.CALL MEETING TO ORDER: David Damschen., Chair, called the meeting to order at 10:15 a.m. All three board members were in attendance, which constituted a quorum. Mr. Damschen recommended to have UNTF sign a form for Zoom meetings without an anchor location due to Covid-19 at the next meeting. Brittany Griffin was at the anchor location (State Treasurer’s office) for today’s meeting.1.Roll Call: XDavid Damschen, ChairState TreasurerXJanica Gines, MemberActing State Finance Division DirectorXTaylor Kauffman, MemberGovernor’s Office of Mgmt & Budget 2. Moment of Silence for Jerrica Maryboy, Dine’ Advisory Committee, Mexican Water (1980-2021)3.Recognition of Guests & Staff1. Brook McCarrick, Legal Counsel, Office of the Attorney General2. Jamie Harvey, DAC Member 3.Ryan Benally, DAC Member3. Tony Dayish, UNTF Administrator 4. Maury Bergman, UNTF Finance Manager5. Dorothy Phillips, UNTF Education Specialist 6. John Nakai, UNTF Project Manager7. Melinda Blackhorse, UNTF8. Darlene Pino, Naatsis’Aan Chapter Vice-President10. Ron Nielsen, Superintendent, San Juan School District11. Marrisa Sittler, Office of the State Treasurer12. Rebecca Benally, Red Mesa Chapter resident13. Malyssa Egge, ACLU Utah14. Zac Podmore, Reporter, SL Tribune15. Nicole MowersB.REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. October 23, 2020 UNTF BOT Meeting, TeleconferenceThe minutes from the Board of Trustees meeting held October 23, 2020 were reviewed and no changes were made.Taylor Kauffman moved to approve the minutes as presented. Janica Gines seconded and all board members voted in favor of the motion, none opposed, vote: 3-0.C.DINE’ ADVISORY COMMITTEE (DAC) MINUTESThe DAC minutes are included to provide information on business items that the DAC recommended for approval.D. FUNDING ARRANGEMENT WITH SAN JUAN SCHOOL DISTRICTTo enable Utah Navajos to earn Administrative Endorsements and Amendment of R661-6 UNTF Higher Education RuleRon Nielson, Superintendent of the San Juan School District, requested UNTF funding for and presented a new program that would allow Utah Navajo teachers to participate in a paid administrative endorsement program that would enable these teachers to apply for administrative positions within the district. He reported that currently only 11% of administrative positions are staffed by Navajos in a 59% Native American student populace. Their proposal is to secure funding from the school district’s budget along with match funding sources to fund two SJSD Native American Indian teachers per year for a five-year period. Each teacher would have to complete a three-year program to obtain an Administrator’s License. This would significantly increase the pool of Native Americans to draw from when an administrative position becomes available within the school district. The school district’s plan is to fund a few teachers every year to participate in three-year program to obtain an Administrator’s endorsement. In the first year, there would be just a few participants. Then, they would add several more each year so the number of participants would increase every year over a five-year time schedule. The cost is estimated at $9,338.53 per participant per year. The total cost would fluctuate depending on the number of participants per year but Mr. Nielson presented a probable schedule of possible participants per year in which each funding partner would provide an average of $13,118.04 per year over a five year time frame for a total of $65,590.20. Mr. Nielson reported that the School District and Utah State University-Blanding have committed funding and their participation in this program, they are requesting UNTF for funding and other sources to lessen the funding requirement for each funding partner. UNTF stated that they could only assist with those Native Americans that meet the UNTF Residency Requirement as eligible Utah Navajos. The board discussed the plan and was in support of the UNTF participating in the funding of the program but only for Utah Navajos that meet the UNTF Residency Policy. To comply with legislative statute, the UNTF would have to adopt a new Rule that would enable this new funding program. Mr. Nielson said that the School District and Utah State University-Blanding has already committed to funding this program and the district is reaching out to other funding sources such as the Sorenson Foundation and other sources.Ryan Benally reported that this program was discussed and approved in the Dine’ Advisory Committee meeting and he met with the Red Mesa chapter. The feedback he got at the Chapter was that more information is needed and they would like the school district to make a presentation at the Chapter. Without that, the Chapter was at a lost on their support.Ron Nielson also mentioned that the district would be meeting with the Utah Chapters to announce the program and obtain their support. On a side note, he mentioned that the internet access network was initiated that would allow students on the Reservation to access the school’s internet for online classes. This network will be fast enough that it would be like the student was in school using the school’s internet. David Damschen said it makes all the sense in the world to support this program but there is also a need to inform the chapters about this new use of UNTF funds. He said he realizes that because of Covid-19, it is hard for the chapters to gather, have discussions like this, and to obtain the necessary resolutions. He said UNTF always has to proceed carefully but he is comfortable with moving forward because of the great need for this program. Taylor Kauffman asked if the board has to wait until the chapters approve. Mr. Damschen said that we would be entertaining the amendments to the rule to enable this program to move forward and the budgeted amount will be approved later on when the annual operating budget is approved. Mr. Nielson stated that the school district has not met with the chapters yet but they will be meeting with the Navajo Utah Commission (NUC) Board of Directors, which is comprised of all the chapter presidents.David Damschen asked about the projected timing for this program. Ron Nielson responded that they would like to start during the fall of 2021, so they would like the funding commitment by June 2021 in order to execute their plan.Darlene Pino, Naatsis’Aan Chapter Vice-President commented that she likes what she is hearing and she asked if this program is open to anyone or just those in education. Ron Nielson responded that the school district would select from among the current San Juan School District teachers for this program; however, the pathway for a non-school district employee might be to be hired as a teacher in the alternative program, then later for other positions. Taylor Kauffman commented that he felt that this program fits squarely with the UNTF mission and he asked about the current level of Native American teachers. Mr. Nielson responded the current level is at 35%. He added that the school district participated in a rural teaching program several years back where they partnered with College of Eastern Utah-Blanding, Utah State University-Logan, and Weber State University to develop Native American teachers and now some of those same teachers would be candidates for the administrative endorsements. The school district has invested in leadership development and some of them now hold administrative positions. Mr. Neilson added that when they currently advertise for administrative positions, they don’t get any Native American applicants to apply and the school district needs to study that problem. Rebecca Benally, Red Mesa Chapter resident and a former SJSD administrator recommended that the superintendent should go to the Utah Navajo chapters to educate them on this program and gain their support. She gave her support of this program; however, she felt that the school district need to adopt policy changes that would actually hire Native Americans for these administrative positions otherwise there will continue to be the same situation. She said there is a systemic problem of inadequate consideration for Native American applicants. She that you can continue to throw money at it, but it won’t change until you develop a program to ensure Native Americans are placed into these leadership positions. She said she supported the goal of hiring homegrown teacher and there used to be an alternative route for hiring applicants with a non-education degree then developing them to become teachers in the school district. I don’t know if that alternative is still available. Part of the problem is that the qualified Native American teachers and administrators are being hired by the Federal Bureau of Indian Education and their pay scale is way more than the San Juan School District; however, Ms. Benally said that she is in of support of Mr. Nielson’s plan so we can have a starting point. Ron Nielson responded that yes there is still an alternative route available for teachers and also for administrative positions but it is an easier process if the applicant has a Utah teachers license.A participant asked if the UNTF rules can be amended so that it is broad enough in order to fund other education programs and not specifically for this program. Mr. Damschen responded that because of the Pelt lawsuit, any UNTF monies that are to be used does require the language to be specific to the proposed expense. The State of Utah does not want to get back into litigation.Taylor Kauffman stated that UNTF already has a current college financial aid rule and asked could we use that rule for this new proposed program. Tony Dayish responded that the current structure is geared towards young students and very dependent on the FAFSA application, which takes income into account as a major component in the determination of award of scholarship awards. He said if we applied the same rule under the current program, these teachers would not qualify, so there needs to be specific language for this program. Mr. Kauffman said that he likes it that there is pathway that is being established for these teachers.David Damschen added that the long term effect of this program is huge, at some point way in the future, the school district might reach the goal of the 59% students to 59% administrators ratio but for now, we would be making progress that would take the district in that direction.A draft amendment to Rule 661-6, UNTF Higher Education was presented that outlined how the new program would be funded, which included a paragraph where the funding amount will be approved in the UNTF annual budget each year by the committee and the board. Taylor Kauffman moved to approve an amendment to the UNTF Higher Education rule that would provide funding for eligible Utah Navajo teachers to receive their administrative endorsements. Janica Gines seconded and all board members voted in favor of the motion, none opposed, vote: 3-0.E. NEW BUSINESS1. Aneth / Ernest Johnson, Self-Help Housing / Chapter Projects / $11,000.00The Aneth Chapter is requesting $11,000.00 from their Chapter Projects allocation for Ernest Johnson to purchase building materials to continue the work on his self-help house. Mr. Johnson has already built the walls, roof, doors, and windows and needs this funding to build the interior walls. All documentation is in place and the UNTF staff recommends approval.Taylor Kauffman moved to approve $11,000 for the Ernest Johnson self-help housing project as presented. Janica Gines seconded and all board members voted in favor of the motion, none opposed, vote: 3-0.2. Aneth / Warehouse-Bus Barn Project / Chapter Projects / $250,000The Aneth Chapter is requesting $250,000 from their Chapter Projects allocation to use towards the construction of a new Chapter Warehouse-Bus Barn. The Aneth Chapter requested UNTF and the State of Utah-Division of Facilities Construction & Management (DFCM) to oversee this project. DFCM obtained the services of Curtis Miner Architecture (Pleasant Grove, Utah) and they have been coordinating with the Chapter for the past two years on the drawings. DFCM bid the construction in October of 2019 and the bids came in about double of the Architect’s estimate. The remote location and the increase in building materials due to supply chain problems caused by COVID-19 was the reason for the increase in price. The Chapter is requesting $250,000 from UNTF and also $250,000 from NRF to have enough funding in place for the construction work. All documentation is in place and the UNTF staff recommends approval.David Damschen reported that he received a letter from some members of the Aneth Chapter claiming they did not know about the project and they did not support the Chapter resolution for the request for additional funds for the project. They recommended that all Aneth project approvals be suspended until the COVID-19 crisis is over and the Chapter can resume regular, in-person, Chapter meetings. A letter was drafted in response to their concerns explaining that the project had been in the planning stages for nearly nine years and that a delay would most likely result in the project costing even more in the future. There is a great need for the warehouse and this warehouse will be of great help in storing Covid-19 assistance items. The Chapter leadership was in still in support of this project and recommended moving forward. Jamie Harvey, Aneth Chapter DAC member, said that this topic was not mentioned in the last two Chapter meetings.Taylor Kauffman moved to approve $250,000.00 for the Aneth Chapter Warehouse Project as presented. Janica Gines seconded and all board members voted in favor of the motion, none opposed, vote: 3-0.3. Mexican Water / Elizabeth Yellowman Warren / New House 28x42 / Chapter Projects / $53,400.00The Mexican Water Chapter is requesting $53,400.00 from their Chapter Projects allocation to be used to construct a new house for Elizabeth Yellowman Warren. A match funding proposal will be submitted to NRF as well. All documentation is in place and the UNTF staff recommends approval.Janica Gines motioned to approve $53,400.00 for the Elizabeth Yellowman Warren new house project as presented. Taylor Kauffman seconded the motion and all board members voted in favor of the motion, none opposed, vote: 3-0.4. BMDC / Westwater Powerline Project / Chapter Projects / $200,000.00The Blue Mountain Dine’ Community is requesting $200,000.00 from their Chapter Projects allocation for the Westwater Powerline Project. A number of various organizations have been assisting the Westwater community for several years to bring electric power and water lines to that area. This project is a big project and a phased approach is being used. Phase 1 of the project involves either Plan A, which is to build a powerline from the Shirttail Junction (south of Blanding) 4.28 miles to Westwater at a cost of $905,000 or Plan B, which is to run the powerline from the City of Blanding 1,700 feet to Westwater. The Navajo Tribal Utility Authority (NTUA) had been working on the engineering, surveying, cost, etc. for the Plan A route for some time now. A recent development occurred in which the City of Blanding is now willing to allow NTUA to tap into their city electric powerline grid (Plan B). NTUA is negotiating with the City of Blanding on the agreement and the outcome is not known yet at this point. This funding will be used for either the Plan A or Plan B route and the expenses associated with the engineering work for the Plan A route. This funding will be leveraged with other sources such as the State of Utah Legislative appropriation, NTUA, NRF, Navajo tribe, Indian Health Services, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), and other sources. The documentation is in place for the current plans and the UNTF staff recommends approval.David Damschen commented on the status of the $500,000 request to the State Legislature. He had overheard that there was a great demand this year for one-time funding requests. It was inconclusive what that legislator was meaning; however, it was assumed that there was a great deal of competition for funding during this session and there was a reasonable probability that the request may not be honored. Taylor Kauffman moved to approve $200,000.00 from the BMDC Chapter Projects allocation to be used for the Powerline to Westwater Project as presented. Janica Gines seconded and all board members voted in favor of the motion, none opposed, vote: 3-0.F. PROPOSED UNTF FOOD INSECURITY (FOOD BANK) OPERATIONS Tony Dayish presented information that the UNTF staff had a brainstorming session on UNTF providing food bank services. The staff comments from this session were then shared with the Dine’ Advisory Committee. The comments included comments that this food bank service is much needed, that UNTF could assist with the equipment, buildings, and possibly staffing funds. The committee recommended that the Sewing Plant building in Montezuma Creek could be used as a food distribution center. The biggest obstacle was the UNTF Residency issue where any food bank services would have to be limited to eligible Utah Navajos only. If UNTF were to assist with just the building improvements and equipment such as commercial refrigerator and freezers along with extra shelving space and to leave the food bank services to the current providers that would be more acceptable. The committee members agreed with the staff comments and added a couple of recommendations. One was to add a food bank at Navajo Mountain because it is an isolated satellite community and the other recommendation is to have meetings with other providers to determine their services and perhaps to have report done. Tony Dayish informed the committee that David Damschen’s office did a report on all the food bank service providers in San Juan County and said he emailed this report to the committee members.This information was reported to the Dine’ Advisory Committee and they agreed with all the comments that were made by staff and they added the recommendation to prepare a report that identifies all organizations that are providing food bank services in San Juan County. Mr. Dayish let the committee know that David Damschen’s office prepared such a report and he will email the report to the DAC members. The committee also recommended adding Navajo Mountain to the program since they are an isolated community. The nearest regional food bank would be in Monument Valley, which is a two-hour drive. They said that expecting recipients of the food services to drive from Navajo Mountain to Monument Valleys would cause an undue hardship on community members.David Damschen presented the concept of the UNTF assisting the food bank operations in San Juan County, Utah. There are currently three food bank distribution centers in the county: Blanding, Montezuma Creek, and Monument Valley. All three facilities are being run by volunteer organizations or individuals. All are in need of help, primarily with facility upgrades and staffing funds. He reported that he and Maury Bergman toured the food bank buildings and operations in Moab, Price, and Castledale. Mr. Damschen stated that the best food bank should be in San Juan County because of the chronic need in this part of the state. The UNTF is evaluating what efforts they can contribute to help reduce food insecurity for Utah Navajos. Ideas were discussed including new buildings, utilizing the sewing plant, hiring staff, purchasing equipment and how to address the residency issue. No board action was taken, but the board was in favor of proceeding.G. REPORTS1. Dine’ Advisory Committee Report2. Report on the Disposal of the Sewing Machines (John Nakai & Maury Bergman)3. UNTF Education Program Report (Written) Dorothy Phillips4. UNTF Financial Manger’s Report (Written) Maury Bergman5. UNTF Projects Specialist Report (Written) Melinda Blackhorse6. UNTF Housing Report (Written) Frank Warren & Alfred Myerson7. UNTF Administrator’s Report (written) Tony DayishDorothy Phillips reported that 93 students were awarded for fall semester 2020, 65 were paid from Trust Fund proceeds and 28 were paid from the endowment fund. The total amount awarded was $223,231.00. Maury Bergman reported that the current assets of the fund as of December 31, 2020 were $85,368,836. The PTIF Investment Fund balance was $45,216,254 and the Long Term Investment fund was $32,841,068. Income for the month was $484,868.00The other reports were assigned to be reviewed individually. H. ANNOUNCEMENTS1. Board Members. 2. UNTF AdministrationNo announcements were made.I. NEXT MEETING 1. March 19, 2021 TeleconferenceJ. ADJOURNMENTTaylor Kauffman motioned to adjourn the meeting at 1:29 p.m. Janica Gines seconded the motion and all board members voted in favor of the motion, none opposed, vote: 3-0. ................
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