Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-06-25 EHA MINUTESENGLEWOOD HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Regular Meeting June 25, 1997 I. CALL TO ORDER The Regular Meeting of the Englewood Housing Authority Board of Commissioners was called to order at 5 :55 p .m. on Wednesday, June 25, 1997, at 3460 South Sherman Street, Suite 101 , Englewood, Colorado, 80110, by Vice Chair Norleen Norden . II. ROLL CALL Members Present: Members Absent : Also Present : Norleen Norden, Vice Chair Matt Innes, Commissioner Debi Medlock, Commissioner Thomas J. Bums, Chairman one vacant position Mary A. Ryan-Ozburn, Acting Executive Director, EHA Janet M . Grimmett, Acting Exec. Dir., Housing Division Lee Applegate, Wagenlander & Assoc. (arrived at 6 :30 p .m.) NOTE: The minutes will reflect the order of the agenda and not the actual order of the meeting . ill. STUDY SESSION Interviews for EHA Commissioner position held with two prospective applicants . MOTION COMMISSIONER MEDLOCK MOVED TO ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 6:43 P.M. TO DISCUSS PERSONNEL AND LEGAL MA TIERS. COMMISSIONER INNES SECONDED THE MOTION. Ayes: Nays: Abstained: Norden, Innes, Medlock None None The Vice Chair declared the motion carried. EHA BOC Regular Meeting 06/25/97 MOTION COMMISSIONER MEDLOCK MOVED TO LEA VE EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 7:15 P.M. TO DISCUSS PERSONNEL AND LEGAL MATTERS. COMMISSIONER INNES SECONDED THE MOTION. Ayes: Norden, Innes, Medlock Nays: None Abstained: None The Vice Chair declared the motion carried. MOTION COMMISSIONER MEDLOCK MOVED TO RECOMMEND DON E. BOBEDA TO THE MAYOR FOR APPOINTMENT AS COMMISSIONER TO THE ENGLEWOOD HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD COMMISSIONERS. COMMISSIONER INNES SECONDED THE MOTION. Ayes: Norden, Innes, Medlock Nays: None Abstained: None The Vice Chair declared the motion carried. MOTION COMMISSIONER MEDLOCK MOVED TO RECESS THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE ENGLEWOOD HOUSING AUTHORITY AT 7:16 P.M. IN ORDER TO MOVE THE MEETING TO THE MALLEY SENIOR RECREATION CENTER, 3380 S. LINCOLN ST, ROOM #1, TO ALLOW FOR PRE-SCHEDULED VISITORS. Ayes: Nays: Norden, Innes, Medlock None Abstained: None The Vice Chair declared the motion carried. RECONVENING OF MEETING The Regular Meeting of the Englewood Housing Authority Board of Commissioners was reconvened and recalled to order at 7:25 p.m. on Wednesday, June 25, 1997, at 3380 South Lincoln Street, Room 1, Englewood, Colorado, 80110, by Vice Chair Norleen Norden. 2 c :\windows \062S97jg.doc EHA BOC Regular Meeting 06/25/97 ROLL CALL Members Present: Members Absent: Also Present : Norleen Norden, Vice Chair Matt Innes, .Commissioner Debi Medlock, Commissioner Thomas J. Bums, Chairman one vacant position Mary A. Ryan-Ozburn, Acting Executive Director, EHA Janet M. Grimmett, Acting Exec. Dir ., Housing Division Lee Applegate, Wagenlander & Associates IV. MINUTES A. Regular Meeting held May 28 , 1997 MOTION COMMISSIONER INNES MOVED TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF THE ENGLEWOOD HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS' REGULAR MEETING HELD MAY 28, 1997, AS PRESENTED. COMMISSIONER MEDLOCK SECONDED THE MOTION. Ayes: Nays: Norden, Innes, Medlock None Abstained: None V. The Vice Chair declared the motion carried. PRE-SCHEDULED VISITORS Vice Chair Norden addressed the pre-scheduled visitors announcing that one hour had been set aside to hear from all groups and interested parties. She stressed that the Board of Commissioners were on a fact finding mission and that this meeting was the first of many meetings that would be scheduled to gather and evaluate the tenants concerns. She informed the audience that there were cards available for those persons who did not wish to speak that evening or who might not get a chance to speak. She stressed the importance that each person completing a card list their name and address so each could be contacted at a later time. Vice Chair Norden suggested that a spokesperson be appointed to represent each group of tenants addressing similar issues . Individual persons would be able to make their comments at the enct 3 c:\windows \062S97jg.doc EHA BOC Regular Meeting 06/25/97 of the meeting if time allowed . She stated that the Board wanted to be able to identify the overall major concerns of the tenants. Commissioner Innes was requested by Vice Chair Norden to keep track of the time so each group was assured of having the opportunity to speak. Three separate groups were identified and twenty minutes per group was allocated. Lee Applegate, Waganlander Associates, addressed the audience stating that a separate committee of three to five persons was currently being organized that would be responsible for hearing all issues and working towards resolving those issues at Orchard Place. The new committee would include the new executive director, at least one housing authority commissioner, and the possibility of one representative ofWagenlander & Associates. Orchard Place tenant, Anne Burris, was invited to make her statement. She read a prepared statement to the Board of Commissioners that summarized various incidents that primarily involved the building attendants, Stan and Betty Phillips. She stated that the Phillips were singling out two tenants, Sherrie Dillon and Ernie Maes, for special treatment because they were personal fiiends . She stated that Ernie Maes was given master keys to open the common rooms and to take out trash bins. A group known as "Stan Fans" sit in the lobby or the library and watch other residents. This is making the residents feel unwelcome. She also stated that the Phillips tried to influence how the tenant council was run by badgering and harassing the officers until a new set was elected. Ms. Burris' presentation included a personal statement from resident Helen Lujin and a letter from Helen Evans (Helen Lujin's daughter) detailing an incident with Stan Phillips that embarrassed Ms. Lujin causing her stress. The statement accused Mr. Phillips of telling Ms. Lujin that she "did a lousy job (as tenant council president) and he wants me out" so he could control it (the tenant council). Ms. Burris stated that the Phillips organized two barbecues when entertainment was the business of the tenant council. She also stated that a chili dinner was organized by them to raise funds for a pool table that was not discussed or voted on by the council. She opined that this expenditure was paid for by a grant provided by the Burger Fund that did not cover capital expenditures. ' • Ms. Burris read another personal statement from resident Mark Klaess stating that he had been removed as president of the tenant council for no stated reason. His statement accused Ms. Mary Ryan-Ozburn ofremoving him from office "in concert with Stan Phillips and the 'Stan Fans' in order to take control of our council". Mr. Klaess' statement also opined that Ms. Jacqui Pickett never asked for both sides of an issue nor gathered all the facts before making a decision. His statement accused Mr. Stan Phillips of destroying the only emergency wheelchair and breaking every rule. Ms. Burris also read a personal statement from resident Diana Jenevein that stated that Betty Phillips was afraid of her husband's drinking one night and went over to the their daughter's home. Ms. Jenevein was also fiightened because Betty was fiightened and she blocked her - 4 c :lwindows 1062597jg.doc EHA BOC Regular Meeting 06/25/97 front door. She also stated that beer was found in an old refrigerator that reportedly belonged to Stan Phillips . • Ms. Burris stated that the 20 minutes currently allotted was not enough time to present their entire presentation. She opined that this was in breach of an agreement she had with Ms. Ryan-Ozburn that allowed for a total of 50 minutes for ten speakers to present their concerns. Vice Chair Norden stated that the concerned residents would get as much time as needed at a future meeting. Orchard Place tenant Annette Carter spoke next . She stated that she did not have an opportunity to review the prepared statement presented by Anne Burris. She stated that she had been a resident at Orchard Place since February, 1997. She related a conversation she had with Mark Klaess remembering that he said he would be made president of the tenant council "tomorrow". She said she expressed confusion as to how he would know in advance that he would be president. She also remembered that he said that there had been problems with the building attendants and he wanted them out of there. She again expressed confusion as to how a tenant council president could get rid of building attendants. Ms. Carter stated that she would like to defend the Housing Authority. She stated that the EHA did not have a part in the petition to ask for the resignation of Mark Klaess as the president of the tenant council. The EHA did not organize any of the proceedings involving the council. She stated that the EHA was invited to attend the tenant council meeting by Mark Klaess. Some of the residents of OP asked the police department for a civil stand-by because of past problems. The Housing Authority did not request the police be present. The police and the EHA were present at the meeting to help any way they could without interfering and being part of the tenant council. Ms. Carter stated that Mark Klaess did resigned as president after the petition was presented. She also said she was aware that he refused .to tum over keys to the kitchen and a storage cabinet that contained council property. The EHA had to change the locks in order to gain access. She ended with a statement that to her knowledge Ernie did not have keys to any part of the building. Sherrie Dillon presented a letter of support for the Phillips to the EHA Commissioners from residents who could not attend the meeting. Ms. Dillon stated that she had been accused of getting special treatment from the Phillips because she was a friend of theirs . She stated that the Phillips have not done everything they have been accused of She opined that the Phillips have been professional and very helpful to the residents even on their own time off. Ms. Dillon stated that Betty Phillips did not go over to her daughter's home because she was afraid of Stan's drinking. She stated that Betty went over to her daughter's home because her daughter was sick and could not take care of Betty's grand daughter. That's why Betty Phillips asked Leo Miller to cover the building not because she was afraid of Stan. She stated that she had been a resident of Orchard Place for four years and the Phillips have made OP a real good place. She stated that Jacqui Pickett does not only address one side of a story. Ms. Pickett addresses both sides. She also stated that Mary Ryan-Ozburn did not have anything to do with the petition to request Mark Klaess to resign because she was one of the first residents with the petition. s c :\windows \062597jg.doc EHA BOC Regular Meeting 06/25/97 Ashley McKimmey stated that she wanted to speak on behalf of the Phillips. She stated that she is beginning her second year at OP . She stated that Stan Phillips on his day off drove her to Sam's Place in order to purchase an air conditioner and then took five hours helping her to install that air conditioner according to code. She stated that she has heard Leo Miller in the lobby state things against Stan Phillips which she thinks is unprofessional. She thinks that Betty and Stan Phillips are wonderful people . They are soft spoken and that is not the case for some of the men in the building. John Hornung stated that he has been at Orchard Place for four months. Stan and Betty Phillips seem to be very nice and he has no problems with them. He opined that Mark Klaess was jealous because he lost the election for president. He believes that Annette Carter is a good president. He stated that he has seen Stan and Betty Phillips do things for people. He believes that Jacqui is a good manager . Mary J. Sierra stated that she's not the oldest resident of Orchard Place nor is she the newest; she's in the middle . She opined that residents who have been there since the beginning run the place. They do not want any improvements . She stated that it used to be so nice when she first moved into OP and everybody helped everybody. Ms. Sierra stated that Stan and Betty have been super. She stated that they offered help after she had been in the hospital twice. She stated that Helen Lujin had her words to say to Stan Phillips, too . She opined that it's one sided against Betty and Stan. William Lefler stated that he had lived at OP since 1990. He opined that during the last couple of years a power group had come in . He stated that this needs to be nipped in the bud. He accused Mark Klaess of wanting to kick people out that do not agree with him . He stated that the building is being divided into "us and them" and this needs to be stopped. Polly O'Connell stated that she represented a third opinion . She has friends on both sides of the situation. She feels caught in the middle and she knows that there are others like herself that feel the same way . Gary Wygan (sp) stated that he was speaking on behalf of resident Vesta Frank. He opined that OP was a house divided and something needed to be done in the building so everyone can live in harmony. He stated that he believed the meeting should have been held in the larger room. Norman Ferber stated that he considered himself on the middle ground. He stated he was aware that Mark Klaess was angry with Stan Phillips for denying his request to have Mark Klaess' name put on a specific parking space. Mr. Ferber stated that after that incident Mark Klaess stated that he would clean house . Vice Chair Norden restated that the Board was interested in hearing from all sides. She thanked the audience and acknowledged that people were disappointed about not being able to meet in the larger room. She reassured them that the Board would look into every allegation - 6 c:\windows \062597jg.doc EHA BOC Regular Meeting 06/25/97 and would read every statement and card presented to them and, in addition, encouraged them to call the new executive director and staff She stated that she wanted every resident to feel safe in their apartments and to enjoy where they lived. Vice Chair Norden requested cooperation from the residents to help facilitate the investigation process and restated that this would not be the only opportunity to express their opinions, feelings, and suggestions. Commissioner Innes stated he was saddened by the hurt and pain expressed by the residents of OP and he wants to help in any way. He reassured to audience that the Board would investigate the complaints made and stated that he appreciated them coming out to the meeting . Vice Chair Norden stated that the Board will suggest to the new executive director that a committee be formed of three to five people. She stated that there is no closure date established because the Board wants to allow sufficient time to investigate all issues. This is a high priority. Commissioner Medlock stated that she is interested in looking into the real issues of the building not just the personality issues . Annette Carter requested copies of the letters presented to City Council. Mark Klaess stated that he would make copies for her. MOTION COMMISSIONER INNES MOVED TO ESTABLISH A COMMI'ITEE TO INVESTIGATE THE ISSUES THAT WERE BROUGHT FORTH BY THE RESIDENTS OF ORCHARD PLACE AND THAT COMMI'ITEE WILL BE STAFFED BY THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR WHO WILL DETERMINE THE BALANCE OF THE COMMI'ITEE. THE COMMI'ITEE WILL BE REPORT REGULARLY TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. COMMISSIONER MEDLOCK SECONDED THE MOTION. It was suggested from the audience that the building attendants not be part of the committee. Ayes: Nays: Norden, Innes, Medlock None Abstained: None The Vice Chair declared the motion carried. Vice Chair Norden conveyed apologies from Board Chairman Tom Bums for being out of town and unable to attend the meeting. Vice Chair Norden recessed the meeting at 8:45 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 9:00 p.m. with all members present. VI. DIRECTOR'S REPORT 7 c:\windows \062S97jg.doc EHA BOC Regular Meeting 06/25/97 A. Narrative Report Noted. Vice Chair Norden and requested that the Train Depot be added to agenda for the next regular meeting. B . Program Reports Noted without discussion. VII. DISCUSSION ITEMS A. Increase Rehab Program Loan Limits Ms. Janet Grimmett explained that the cost of new construction has increased since the loan limits were reviewed in March, 1995 . She cited some examples of the costs for room additions including pop-top additions. A general discussion ensued. MOTION COMMISSIONER INNES MOVED TO INCREASE THE LOAN LIMITS EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY AS RECOMMENDED WITH THE MAXIMUM LOAN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $60,000 FOR OWNER/OCCUPIED UNITS. COMMISSIONER MEDLOCK SECONDED THE MOTION. Ayes: Nays: Abstained: Norden, Innes, Medlock None None The Vice Chair declared the motion carried. VIII. FINANCIAL REPORTS Noted without discussion. IX. CONSENT AGENDA Noted without discussion. X. GENERAL DISCUSSION 8 c:lwindows 1062.597jg.doc . • EHA BOC Regular Meeting 06/25/97 A. Commissioners' Choice Commissioner Norden requested that a list of the board members be prepared for distribution to the pre-scheduled visitors. The addresses listed will be in care of the Englewood Housing Authority with instructions to call the Executive Director with questions and concerns. MOTION COMMISSIONER MEDLOCK MOVED TO REAFFIRM THE HIRING OF CHERYL ST. CLAIR AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR EFFECTIVE JUNE 30, 1997. COMMISSIONER INNES SECONDED THE MOTION. Ayes: Nays: Abstained: Norden, Innes, Medlock None None The Vice Chair declared the motion carried. B. Director's Choice Mary Ryan-Ozburn thanked the Board for the their support. XI. ADJOURNMENT MOTION COMMISSIONER INNES MOVED TO ADJOURN THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE ENGLEWOOD HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS HELD JUNE 25, 1997, AT 9:10 P.M. ~_/ Norleen Norden, Vice Chair 9 c:\windows \062S97jg.doc