April 22, 2026 Meeting Minutes
Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Commissioners of Northwest Georgia Housing Authority
Held April 22, 2026
The Board of Commissioners of Northwest Georgia Housing Authority met at its regular meeting at 326 W 9th St. Rome, Georgia, 8:30 a.m., on the 22nd day of April 2026.
Called to Order
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Betty Sue Hickman, and, upon roll call, those present and absent are as follows:
Present: Betty Sue Hickman, Billy Cooper, Brian Bojo, Mary Clark (tardy), Corey Townsend
Absent: Ronnie Wallace
Chairperson Hickman declared a quorum present.
Others in attendance: Justin Jones, Chief Executive Officer, Hannah Turner, Chief Operations Officer, Amanda Fox, Chief of Staff, James Garvin, Chief Financial Officer, Billy Pasley, Director of IT, Rand Nichols, Director of Security & YouthBuild, Le Shay Denton, Director of Housing, Madonna Murphy, Director of Compliance, Howard Gibson, Director of Maintenance, Jojo Garrett, Assistant Director of Maintenance, William Richardson, Attorney, Harry Brock, City of Rome, Tom Couch, General Public
Approval of Minutes of regular meeting held on March 25, 2026 - Chairperson Hickman asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes. Commissioner Cooper made a motion to approve the minutes, seconded by Commissioner Bojo. The motion was approved unanimously.
Yes: Bojo, Cooper, Townsend
No: None
Old Business - None
New Business
Approval of Resolution 21-2026: Approval of Turn-Key Contract for Hannah's Place (25 Units) - Ms. Madonna Murphy presented the recommended turn-key contract to Community Construction Group, LLC, in the total amount of $256,347.50. The proposed contract includes a 90-day completion timeline. The project objective is to ensure that all units are fully leased by November 2026. Commissioner Townsend made a motion to approve Resolution 21-2026, seconded by Commissioner Cooper. The motion was approved unanimously.
Yes: Clark, Cooper, Townsend
No: None
Approval of Resolution 22-2026: Approval of Elevator Modernization HR1 Contract - Madonna Murphy presented the recommended modernization contract to Metro Elevator for Highrise 1, which includes two elevators in the total amount of $368,893.00. Commissioner Townsend made a motion to approve Resolution 22-2026, seconded by Commissioner Cooper. The motion was approved unanimously.
Yes: Clark, Cooper, Townsend
No: None
Approval of Resolution 23-2026: Approval of Garrard Park Contractor Award - Madonna Murphy presented the resolution regarding the construction of Garrard Park. NWGHA has partnered with the City of Rome to facilitate improvements associated with this project. NWGHA recommends entering into a contract with Pennant Construction Management, Inc. for design-build services. The proposal and
the expenditure of funds in an amount not to exceed $1,600,000, with the contract to be executed with Pennant Construction Management, Inc. As part of the project, a plaque will be placed in honor of Chuck Hufstetler at the new playground. Construction is scheduled to begin on May 1, 2026, with the project required to be completed by October 2026. Commissioner Townsend made a motion to approve Resolution 23-2026, seconded by Commissioner Cooper. The motion was approved unanimously.
Yes: Bojo, Clark, Cooper, Townsend
No: None
Approval of Resolution 24-2026: Approval of Revisions to Procurement Policies - Madonna Murphy presented the resolution regarding revisions to the organization's procurement policies. She explained that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has updated its procurement handbook, requiring housing authorities to incorporate these revised standards into their internal policies and procedures. The proposed revisions ensure NWGHA remains compliant with current HUD regulations and procurement requirements. Commissioner Townsend made a motion to approve Resolution 24-2026, seconded by Commissioner Bojo. The motion was approved unanimously.
Yes: Bojo, Clark, Cooper, Townsend
No: None
Approval of Resolution 25-2026: Approval of Terms of Back-Up Offer for Purchase and Sale of Bill Collins Village at Summerville Park - Mr. Justin Jones presented the resolution regarding the sale of Bill Collins Village at Summerville Park, consisting of ten (10) duplex apartments (one- and two-bedroom units), which are not subsidized through HUD or any other housing program. Mr. Jones noted that the Board previously approved the sale of Summerville Park on August 27, 2025. NWGHA has since received a written offer in the amount of $1,750,000 from Jay and Dan Stephenson, which was approved by the Board through Resolution 20-2026 on March 25, 2026. Additionally, the Board received a back-up written cash offer from DuRob Properties, LLC in the amount of $1,800,000. This offer is a back-up, to be exercised in the event that Jay and Dan Stephenson fail or refuse to close timely. During discussion, Commissioner Bojo raised a concern regarding the backup offer, specifically questioning whether the NWGHA Board would want to proceed with the sale should the purchaser be a sitting City Commissioner. Commissioner Bojo made a motion to approve Resolution 25-2026, seconded by Commissioner Cooper. The motion was approved by majority vote.
Yes: Bojo, Clark, Cooper
No: Townsend - "I have nothing against Mr. Robinson"
Approval of Resolution 26-2026: Private Enterprise Agreement - Justin Jones presented a resolution for a proposed Private Enterprise Agreement (PEA) with Woda Cooper Companies, Inc. for a 52-unit affordable housing project, "Augustus Crossing," in Rome, Georgia. Woda Cooper plans to deed the land to NWGHA, which would lease it back for development. NWGHA is considering serving as a co-developer and co-owner of the project. The project supports NWGHA's mission to provide affordable housing. NWGHA is willing to enter into the PEA to support Woda Cooper's Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) application. However, NWGHA reserves the right to withdraw support if its share of the developer fee is not expected within about 24 months of closing, especially if large portions are deferred. Commissioner Townsend made a motion to approve Resolution 26-2026, seconded by Commissioner Bojo. The motion was approved unanimously.
Yes: Bojo, Clark, Cooper, Townsend
No: None
Approval of Resolution 27-2026: Approval of Chief Executive Officer Contract - Commissioner Townsend made a motion to approve Resolution 27-2026, seconded by Commissioner Bojo. The motion was approved unanimously.
Yes: Bojo, Clark, Cooper, Townsend
No: None
Reports
Finance Department Update - James Garvin reported January 2026 ending cash available is $803,168. The total Operating Expenses for January 2026 are $908,365. Total Operation Revenues are $1,050,646. Additionally, James Garvin reported February 2026 ending cash available is $3,272,738. The total Operating Expenses for February 2026 are $1,947,172. Total Operation Revenues are $2,102,767. Approval of NWGHA Financial Statements for January & February 2026:
Yes: Bojo, Clark, Cooper, Townsend, Wallace
No: None
Chief Executive Officer Comments
Justin Jones presented the CEO report, which included a summary of current operational updates. Secondly, the Cave Spring closing has been delayed to mid-June. Lastly, a meeting has been set for June to discuss the affordable/tax credit properties.
Commissioner Comments - None
Executive Session
Chairperson Hickman asked for a motion to enter into Executive Session for the purpose of real estate and personnel matters. Commissioner Townsend made a motion to adjourn Regular Session, seconded by Commissioner Cooper. The motion passed unanimously. No action was taken during the Executive Session. Commissioner Bojo made a motion to return to Regular Session, seconded by Commissioner Townsend. The motion was approved unanimously.
Yes: Bojo, Clark, Townsend, Wallace
No: None
Adjourn
Commissioner Townsend made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Commissioner Bojo. The meeting was adjourned at 11:00 AM.
