HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-01-09 - Minutes - ArchiveMinutes
Special Meeting
Fayetteville Housing Authority
Board of Commissioners
January 9, 2004
City of Fayetteville Engineering Conference Room
Called by Commissioners Nancy Bolin and Randy Coleman
Commissioners present: Gary Garton, Pat Watson, Janet Richardson, Randy Coleman,
Nancy Bolin
Visitors: Yolanda Fields, Hugh Ernest, Charlie Moreash
Commissioner Bolin called the Commissioner election held at the December meeting
"null and void" for numerous reasons. Commissioner Richardson requested the election
of officers held at the December meeting also be dismissed. Upon obtaining further
clarification from HUD, Bolin realized she had not been fully informed of the
requirements of the position. Fayetteville Housing Authority, being a small Authority
under HUD definitions, is not required to have a tenant representative on the Board of
• Commissioners. However, it is recommended. If a tenant position is on the Board it
must be open to both Public Housing tenants and Section 8 participants. Commissioner
Bolin deemed the election discriminatory because Section 8 participants were not
recruited along with Public Housing residents. Chairman Garton called for a vote, four
votes in favor of dismissing the vote for Commissioner, with Commissioner Watson in
opposition. All Commissioners were in favor of dismissing the vote for officers.
Commissioner Bolin stated the by-laws do not provide adequate clarification of the
nomination process. She recommended the Housing Authority follow the process as
defined by the City of Fayetteville and amend the by-laws accordingly. Commissioners
Coleman and Richardson volunteered to form a committee for this purpose and will
report at the February meeting. This committee will make recommendations for the
requirements of the Commissioner position, clarify by-laws, and develop a process for
the annual nomination of Commissioner and selection of officers.
Hugh Ernest announced changes in HOPE VI funding that could benefit the Housing
Authority.
The Commissioners adjourned to Executive Session to discuss personnel issues.
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To whom it may concern:
In reference to the newspaper article in the Northwest Arkansas times on January 21 st,
2004, my comments to Mr. Morasch were taken out of context and quoted wrong.
I quoted to Mr. Morasch that in the past the position was open to residents of specific
HUD operated facilities, and not Section 8 housing residents. I also quoted that at the
time of this position opening, it was created to give a voice to HUD facility residents who
were involved in a tenant's organization. I also stated that at this time Section 8 residents
do not have a tenant's organization but that it was a future goal and that I knew of other
Housing Authority's who have accomplished this and have a Section 8 person on the
Board of Commissioners.
I did mention that due to the process of applications and interviews, it was a decision that
would not occur for some time and would linger for several months.
At the time of this interview with Mr. Morasch, I was involved in the tenants meeting for
Hillcrest Towers and due to confusion and noise I can see how the comments I made
could be misquoted. However, I did have an employee next to me when he approached
me with these questions. She is signing this as my witness as to my responses to him.
Also, please understand that I spoke to this reporter separately from Ms. Watson and was
not aware of what had already been quoted to him.
-�T,/O
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Fredia Sawin Kyra ViCown (Witness)
January 23, 2004
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