February 26, 2025 Meeting Minutes
Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Commissioners of Northwest Georgia Housing Authority
Held February 26, 2025
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 day of February, 26 2025.
Called to Order
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Michael Taylor, and, upon roll call, those present and absent are as follows:
Present: Michael Taylor, Betty Sue Hickman, Billy Cooper, Lillie Dyar, Mary Helen Heaner, Lee Hight
Absent: Jamie Palmer
Chairperson Taylor declared a quorum request.
Others in attendance: Justin Jones, Executive Director, Lisa Massey, Deputy Executive Director, Amanda Fox, Executive Assistant, James Garvin, Chief Financial Officer, Brittany Shaw, Maintenance Administrative Assistant, Billy Pasley. IT Director, Howard Gibson, Director of Maintenance, Rand Nichols, Director of Security, Elaina Beeman, Director of Resident Services, Madonna Murphy, Director of Public Housing, Hannah Turner, Director of Tax Credit & Development
Approval of Minutes of the regular meeting held on January 22, 2025 - Chairperson Taylor asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes. Commissioner Hight made a motion to approve the
minutes. seconded by Commissioner Heaner. The motion was approved unanimously.
New Business
Approval of Resolution 06-2025 Maintenance Charge List Price Update - Mr. Justin Jones presented the Maintenance Charge List Price Update. The updated list will be posted for 30 days and go into effect April 1, 2025. Commissioner Hight made a motion to approve Resolution 06-2025, seconded by Commissioner Heaner. The motion was approved unanimously.
Reports
Finance Department Update - Mr. James Garvin presented Public Housing Cash Flow Summary. The January ending cash available was $36,075. The budget has been entered into the finance system. SOPs
have been established ill the finance department. has been a major cash infusion With liability insurance and worker's compensation. There is currently $700,000 in reserves.
Public Housing/Section 8 Update - Madonna Murphy presented the Public Housing report. occupancy is at 77% with 1 19 vacancies. The outstanding balance is $12,493.50 and 424 on the community-based
combined waitlist.
Tax Credit & Development Update - Ms. Hannah Turner reported that the tax credit properties' combined occupancy for January was 96.2%, and 21 vacancies. As of today, the combined occupancy is 97.4%. She
is continuing to work with Housing Choice Voucher to finalize Project Based Voucher waiting list responsibilities to the properties. Elm Street Apartments update - We have received US Bank's LOI this week. Reno & Cavenaugh are assisting with the closing process. The goal is to close by April 30, 2025, to mid-May at the latest. Section 811 Group Home update - a letter was sent to HUD on December 12, 2024, requesting approval to put the project on hold. Cave Spring Townhomes update - we are working with Baker Tilley to ensure a timely closing and start of construction. We are currently working to complete all documents on the RAD Resource Desk while lining up the necessary third-party reports, investor (US Bank), General Contractor, and Architect for a timely closing, hopefully by the end of 2025.
Maintenance Update - Mr. Howard Gibson reported that iPads are in full use by all employees to ensure an efficient turnaround time, and totally paperless on work orders. There were 197 emergency work orders completed in the last 30 days.
Chuck Hufstetler Park Update - Mr. Howard Gibson reported that we received the grant and wanted to start the project, but did not have civil plans to apply for a land disturbance permit. We had gone out for
quotes and awarded the contract for civil plans. Plans were submitted to the City of Rome, and everything was ready for approval until it was discovered that the Housing Authority did not officially own the
property. The City of Rome had approved the title transfer, but that action had to be approved by FEMA. It was also found that FEMA had to approve the plans and what was being installed. The process was stated with Georgia Emergency Management and then had to go to FEMA More information needs to be submitted, In discussions with the City of Rome and Wright Smith (attorney), it might be to our advantage
to see if the City of Rome can be added as a co-developer to solve the deed transfer problem. An update will be provided at the March board meeting.
Personal Care Home Update - Ms. Brittany Shaw reported there are many items needed prior to Medicaid licensure application submission, and items needed 60-90 days after submission before the initial Medicaid visit. As of today, there is no budget for the Personal Care Home.
Resident Services Update - Ms. Elaina Beeman reported that on January 29th, the EnVision Center partnered with WorkSource Georgia for a job Readiness Workshop. Public Housing FSS Coordinator has 14 total participants with escrow balances, totaling $39,644.48 in total escrow balances and $957 credits. There are 35 total participants with 14 employed. Housing Choice Voucher FSS Coordinator has 14 total participants with escrow balances, totaling $54,739.00 in total escrow balances. There are 41 total participants with 25 employed. There are 42 ROSS elderly participants and 9 ROSS families. 32 participants
received Housing Counseling Services. lastly, there are 56 SOAR participants.
Security Update - Mr. Rand Nichols reported that there was a total of 14 incidents on properties, with Highrise I reporting the most incidents.
Executive Director Comments - Justin Jones reported that he met with staff of daycares to explain transitions. A press release was run in the Rome-News Tribune. As of now, we have I proposal for leasing of the Rockmart Children's Academy. Three Rivers Board will hold a called meeting in March.
Commissioner Comments - None
Executive Session - Commissioner Cooper made a motion to enter Executive Session, seconded by Commissioner Hight. The motion passed unanimously.
Adjourn - The meeting was adjourned at 11:30 a.m.
