January 22, 2025 Meeting Minutes
Minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Commissioners of Northwest Georgia Housing Authority
Held January 22, 2025
The Board of Commissioners of Northwest Georgia Housing Authority met at its annual meeting at 326 W 9th St. Rome, Georgia, 8:30 a.m., on the day of January 22, 2025.
Called to Order
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Leo Hight and, upon roll call, those present and absent are as follows:
Present: Lee Hight, Michael Taylor, Billy Cooper, Lillie Dyar, Mary Helen Heaner, Betty Sue Hickman, Jamie Palmer
Absent: None
Chairperson Hight declared a quorum present.
Others in attendance: Justin Jones, Executive Director, Lisa Massey, Deputy Executive Director. Amanda Fox, Executive Assistant, James Garvin, Chief Financial Officer, Wayne Robinson, City of Rome Commissioner, Billy Pasley, IT Director. Stewart Duggan, Attorney, Howard Gibson, Director of Maintenance, Rand Nichols, Director of Security, Elaina Beeman, Director of Resident Services, Madonna Murphy, Director of Public Housing, Hannah firner. Director of Tar Credit & Development
Election of 2025 Officers
Attorney Duggan opened the floor for nominations for Chairperson. Commissioner Hickman nominated Commissioner Taylor for Chairperson. Commissioner Heaner seconded. There were no further nominations. The floor was then closed. Mr. Michael Taylor was approved unanimously as Chairperson.
Attorney Duggan opened the floor for nominations for Vice Chairperson. Commissioner Heaner nominated Commissioner Hickman for Vice Chairperson. Commissioner Palmer seconded. There were no further nominations. The floor was then closed. Ms. Betty Sue Hickman was approved unanimously as Vice Chairperson.
Approval of Minutes of the regular meeting held on December 18, 2024 and the called meeting held on December 31, 2024 - Chairperson Taylor asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes. Commissioner Heaner made a motion to approve the minutes, seconded by Commissioner Hight. The motion was approved unanimously.
New Business
Approval of Resolution 01-2025 Fee Accountant Contract - Mr. Justin Jones presented the BDO Fee Contract. The Contract runs through January 12, 2026. Commissioner Hight made a motion to approve Resolution 01-2025, seconded by Commissioner Heaner. The motion was approved unanimously.
Approval of Resolution 02-2025 HCV Admin Plan - Ms. Madonna Murphy presented the transition of the waiting list from HCV to tax credit. Commissioner Cooper made a motion to approve Resolution 02-2025. seconded by Commissioner Hickman. The motion approved unanimously.
Approval of Resolution 03-2025 Approval to Add James Garvin, CPA as a Signatory on all Agency Instrumentalities Bank Accounts - Commissioner Hight made a motion to approve, seconded by Commissioner Palmer. The motion was approved unanimously.
Approval of Resolution 04-2025 Organizational Restructuring Consultant Contract - Commissioner Cooper made a motion to approve, seconded by Commissioner Palmer. "Ibe motion was approved unanimously.
Approval of Resolution 05-2025 Adoption of Rome Children's Academy & Rockmart Children's Academy Exit Strategy - Commissioner Palmer made a motion to approve, seconded by Commissioner Hickman. The motion was approved unanimously.
Reports
Finance Department Update - Mr. James Garvin presented Public Housing Cash Flow Summary. The December ending cash available was $18,671. Once we lease up 50% of John Graham Homes that will generate $600k-$700k in income.
Public Housing/Section 8 Update - Madonna Murphy presented the Public Housing report. The occupancy is at 80% with 123 vacancies. The outstanding balance is $5,490 and 987 on the community-based waitlist. There is currently I vacancy in Cave Spring.
Tax Credit & Development Update - Ms. Hannah Turner reported that the tax credit properties combined occupancy for December was 95.6%, and 26 vacancies. Lastly, she reported that they maintained last month's 95% total combined occupancy.
Maintenance Update - Mr. Howard Gibson reported that iPads have been issued to all mechanics in order to help complete emergency work orders. Highrise 2 & 3 has a major issue with the alarm systems. A physical needs assessment for John Graham Homes started on January 21st. The maintenance staff have stepped up and are improving productivity. Their goal is a 7-day turnaround on average. Highrise tenants bragged about the improvement of the maintenance staff.
Resident Services Update - Ms. Elaina Beeman reported that Angel Express hosted the Annual Christmas Tea Party for the Highrise residents on December 11, 2024. Public Housing FSS Coordinator has 14 total participants with escrow balances, totaling $30,381.85 in total escrow balances. There are 37 total participants with 15 employed. Housing Choice Voucher FSS Coordinator has 13 total participants with escrow balances, totaling $51,385.00 in total escrow balances. There are 44 total participants with 20 employed. There are 41 ROSS elderly participants and 9 ROSS families. 26 participants received Housing Counseling Services. Lastly, there are 56 SOAR participants.
Security Update - Mr. Rand Nichols reported that there was a total of 20 incidents on properties, With Highrise 2 & 3 reponing the most incidents.
Executive Director Comments - Justin Jones reponed that he will be having quarterly meetings with tenants at all properties. There are lots remaining that have not sold. All lots have title problems. Justin wants to become more familiar and assess each lot, and possibly re-list each lot for sale. Appraisals may need to be done and possible title searches if needed.
Commissioner Comments - None
Executive Session - Commissioner Hickman made a motion to enter Executive Session, seconded by Commissioner Hight. The motion passed unanimously.
Adjourn - The meeting was adjourned at 10:48 a.m.
