06 - MINUTES OF VARIOUS BOARDS, COMMITTEES, COMMISSIONSItem No. 6
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MINUTES
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
107 E. KAUFMAN STREET
PARIS, TEXAS
MONDAY, AUGUST 7, 2017
5:30 O'CLOCK P.M.
The meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by
John Lee, Secretary.
A. The following members were present: Chad Lindsey, John Lee, Rick Hundley,
Keith Flowers, James O'Bryan, Mihir "Mark" Pankaj, and Mustafa Hashmi
B. Also present were Carla Easton, City Engineer; Steve Clifford, Council Liaison;
Clyde Crews, Fire Marshal; Stephanie Harris, City Attorney, and Triniti Fraizer,
City Staff
Election of Officers:
A. Chairman — Motion was made by John Lee, seconded by Chad Lindsey to
nominate Keith Flowers as Chairman. Motion carried 7-0.
Keith Flowers called for nominations for Vice -Chairman
B. Vice -Chairman —Motion was made by Keith Flowers, seconded by Chad Lindsey
to nominate Mustafa Hashmi as Vice -Chairman. Motion carried 7-0.
C. Secretary — Motion was made by Chad Lindsey, seconded by Keith Flowers to
nominate John Lee as secretary. Motion carried 7-0.
Approval of minutes from previous meetings. (June 5, 2017)
Motion was made by Chad Lindsey, seconded by John Lee to approve minutes for the June
5, 2017 meeting. Motion carried 7-0.
4. Public hearing to consider and take action regarding the petition of the City of Paris for a
change in zoning from an Agriculture District (A) to a Single -Family Dwelling District No.
2 (SF -2), for The Hills Subdivision within the City Limits to the northwest side of FM 195.
Public hearing was declared open.
A. No one spoke in favor.
B. No one spoke in opposition.
Public hearing was declared closed.
Motion was made by Chad Lindsey, seconded by John Lee to approve the petition. Motion
carried 7-0.
S. Public hearing to consider and take action regarding the petition of Lawrence Thompson
for a change in zoning from Single -Family Dwelling District No. 2 (SF -2) to a
Single -Family Dwelling District No. 2 (SF -2) with a Specific Use Permit #46 (Recreational
Facility- Private), on Sperry's 1 S` Addition, Block 2, Lot North PT 1, being located at 2815
West Campbell Street.
Public hearing was declared open.
A. No one spoke in favor.
B. Two individuals spoke in opposition.
Caroline Briley, 2510 W. Campbell Street, Paris, Texas, spoke in opposition. Ms.
Briley stated she had concerns that it would not stay maintained like other
recreation facilities close to the area.
Alice Hearn, 795 28th Street N.W. Paris, Texas, spoke in opposition. Ms. Hearn
stated she had concerns about the noise and maintenance.
Public hearing was declared closed.
Motion was made by Keith Flowers, seconded by John Lee to table the petition. Motion
carried 6-1, with James O'Bryan casting the dissenting vote.
6. Public hearing to consider the Site Plan for Liberty National Bank on Lot 4-B, City Block
286, being located at 140 North Collegiate Drive.
Alan Efrussy, Planning Manager reviewed the Site Plan with the commissioners. Motion
was made by Chad Lindsey, seconded by John Lee to approve the Site Plan with
recommendations. Motion carried 7-0.
7. Consideration of and action on the Preliminary Plat of Lot 1, Block A, Advantage Storage
Addition, located in the 3100 Block of FM 1497 (3'd Street S.E.).
Carla Easton reviewed the preliminary plat with commissioners. Motion was made by
Keith Flowers, seconded by John Lee to approve the preliminary plat with
recommendations. Motion carried 7-0.
8. Consideration of and action on the Final Plat Lot 1, 2 & 3, Block A, Pecan Place Ph. IV,
located in the 4300 Block of Pine Mill Road.
Carla Easton reviewed the final plat with commissioners. Motion was made by John Lee,
seconded by Chad Lindsey to approve the final plat with recommendations. Motion carried
7-0.
9. Discussion Regarding The Potential Restriction of Parking Recreational Vehicles
(Including Other "Special Vehicles", As Defined In The Code Of Ordinances, Ch. 22) of
Certain Dimensions Within Residential Areas.
Alan Efrussy, Planning Manager stated recently, Mayor Clifford inquired to staff as to how
we can address the issue of lager RVs as stored/parked in Paris residential neighborhoods.
As a response to these inquires, the city staff is suggesting several draft amendments to
Chapter 22: Manufactured Homes and Manufactured Home Park" within the Paris Code of
Ordinances, which includes regulations for recreational and other special vehicles. Alan
Efrussy and Stephanie Harris, City Attorney addressed the commission on these changes:
(1) All "special vehicles" as defined in the City of Paris Code of Ordinances, Ch. 22
"Manufactured Homes and Manufactured Home Parks, "Article II". "Regulations for
Special Vehicles" (which includes recreational vehicles) that exceed thirty—two (32') feet
in length or nine (9') feet in height shall not be parked or stored within any City of Paris
Zoning District wherein residential lots or uses are permitted. This includes Planned
Development Zoning Districts that allow residential uses. (2) Text that defines the
measurement for "vehicle height" and "vehicle length" is now stated in Sec. 22-21.
"Definitions". (3)(a) If approved by the City Council, said amendments shall not go into
effect/be enforced until one—hundred eighty (180) days from the date of council adoption.
(3)(b) To enhance as soon as possible the opportunity to visually enhance the character and
integrity of said residential neighborhoods, after adoption by the city council, all existing
parked/stored special vehicles exceeding said dimensions at the time of council adoption
shall not be considered legal non—conforming uses, and therefore shall also be removed
after said 180 days. Therefore, Section 15: "Nonconforming Uses and Structures" within
the Paris Zoning Ordinance shall not apply. The Planning and Zoning Commission had
several concerns in regards to these changes to the ordinance. Mr. Efrussy stated he would
address the concerns and submit it to the commission at a later date.
10. Meeting adjourned at 6:37 p.m.
APPROVED THIS 7TH DAY OF SEPTEMBER, 2017
Chairman
Ashle S pf, Secre
Planning and Zoning Commission
Meeting Minutes of the Main Street Advisory Board
107 Kaufman St
Paris Texas
City Council Chambers
Present:
Glee Emmite
Frances Reed
Laurie Redus
Cody Kelly
April Coward
Cheri Bedford, Main Street Manager
Cleonne Drake — City Council Liaison
ZU1/
Absent:
Shelley McDowell
Becky Semple, Chamber Liaison
Devin Blalock
1. Call meeting to order- Glee Emmite at 4:33 pm
2. Citizens Forum- None
3. Approval of minutes of last meeting — the date of the meeting was corrected, and updated minutes were approved. April
Coward made the motion, Laurie Redus seconded
Main Street Managers updates -
a. Market Square has had a very successful season. The last Saturday in October will be the final day.
b. There will also be a special Small Business Saturday market on November 25, 2017.
c. Hatch Chile Day will be Sept. 2, 2017. Last year we purchased 2,000 pounds of chiles for roasting and had only a few
leftover. There will be a mariachi band for entertainment. We will need volunteers from the Board to cook and serve sliders at the
event.
d. Market Square Affair — ticket sales have begun. The market will be turned into a "rustic cafd." Market vendors are providing
the food, downtown eateries will prepare it. We need volunteers from the Board to serve at the event.
e. Festival of Pumpkins will be October 28, 2017. We will man the Main Street booth all day (in shifts).
f. Mannequin Night is October 21, 2017.
g. Cheri reported on the July 26th training conducted by the National Alliance of Preservation Commissions. 29 people attended
from places such as Plano, Denton, and Ennis.
h. Cheri told about the August 9`b webinar "Operation Increase Occupancy" conducted by Donna Dow from Denison. She
invited anyone who can to attend, and also said we would view the recorded webinar at an upcoming Board meeting.
i. Texas Downtown Association President's Award nominees from Paris are A Parisian Affair/Le Salon a Paris for Best
Commercial Interior, and the Spirit of Downtown Centennial Committee for their work on the observation year of the 1916 Paris
Fire. Cheri mentioned the need to start a spreadsheet of some sort so that we can keep track of who has been nominated from year
to year.
j. Board discussed the upcoming Painted Rocks event at Market Square. Also Cheri and Glee mentioned that Reno Trails are
bringing 20-25 people by bicycle to Market Square each week, with the additional money that they spend while there.
5. Main Street Board updates and work plan review -
a. Movies in the Park — Cody reported the season ended and was very successful, with an average of 200-250 each time. Ghost
and Mr. Chicken was the most popular movie. Committee is planning to reduce the number of movies to four, and schedule
them all in June. July attendance was down, probably due mostly to hot weather. Next year will feature more adult/kid
friendly movies, such as Star Wars. Concessions — we'll keep snow cones, bring back hot dogs, and eliminate nachos. April
mentioned working at the Grand Theater and how they had every 100 or so popcorn boxes marked with a star, and those
people won prizes of some sort — movie tickets, popcorn, etc. Other ideas were discussed that might help increase attendance
from week to week.
b. Cheri began the review of our Work Plan. She explained the format, required by the state Main Street Commission. The
Transformation Strategy has four main components: Economic Vitality, Design, Promotion, and Organization. Cheri and
Laurie Redus will work on simplifying the existing spreadsheet to more of a list/action item format, which will be presented
at the next meeting. At that time, we'll begin making assignments.
6. Committee Liaison Reports -
a. HPC -Design Glee reported HPC is looking at residences and commercial building in the Historic District that are
behind on taxes, or in need of demolition.
b. PDA — Glee reported PDA meets on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 8:15 am. The Board discussed ideas to
assist PDA with events, such as an after -Christmas salelbring your returns and shop with us style event, also the need for
events in the first quarter of each year to help bring shoppers downtown.
b. Chamber & VCC -Becky Semple wasn't present.
7. Future Agenda Items- work plan and assignments will be on the next agenda
8. Motion to adjourn — Cody moved to adjourn, Laurie seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 5:25 pm.
Approved this day of N 17.
Glee Emmite, Board Chair
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF PARIS HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
107 EAST KAUFMAN
PARIS, TEXAS
WEDNESDAY, August 9, 2017
4:00 P.M.
PRESENT
ABSENT
Clu-is Dux, Chairman
Sarah Barbee
Skipper Steely, Vice Chair
Randy Hider, Secretary
GUEST:
Glee Emmite
Richard Ford
Linda Vandiver
John Norman
David Alarid
Ish Arebalos
Cheri Bedford HPO
Holly North
Chief Larry Wright, FD
Brad Archer
Paul Denney
Barbara Wilson
1. Commissioner Dux called the meeting to order at 4:00 p. m.
2. Motion was made to accept the July 12, 2017 meeting by acclamation
3. Chief Larry Wright, Paris Fire Dept. gave a presentation as an effort to dispel myths/rumors
about fire safety and requirements that are circulating in and around the downtown
community.
4. Discussion and Possible Action on the following Certificates of Appropriateness:
a. COA # 2017-19: 205 E. Houston: Richard Ford presented the Certificate of
Appropriateness on behalf of Lyle Edwards for the doors to cover the fireplace. Mr. Ford
explained to the commission that that the doors are going to be built to match existing
doors. Mr. Ford explained that the doors will be painted with a faux finish that comes in a
kit that will make the white doors look like wood grain. Mr. Ford explained the doors will
look like the existing doors and fit the opening proportionally. Commissioner Dux
reminded the members of the commission that they should keep historic preservation as a
top priority and keep thing as accurate as possible, but this is a compromise that will work
to improve the appearance of the building based on the building owner's preferences.
A motion was made to approve the doors as presented by Commissioner Steely, seconded
by Commissioner Hider, motion carried 6-0
b. COA #2017-20:1033 Bonham -Demolition Old City Sanitarium Children's Wing. Mr.
John Norman distribution manager, spoke on behalf of Coca-Cola South West Beverages
gave the commission a presentation on the building. Mr. Norman explained that
Coca-Cola had been in Paris for 111 years supporting the community and they planned on
continuing the support and staying within the community. A presentation was brought up
on the screen and presented to the commissioners. Mr. Norman said that there was a
legacy within the building in that some of the past Coca-Cola employees were either born
in or worked in the Children's wing of the City Sanitarium. However, Mr. Norman
explained that ADA accessibility and plumbing and electrical code requirements were just
too cost prohibitive for renovation. Mr. Norman had received quotes in excess of 2 million
dollars. The building hasn't been in use for many years due to water infiltration. He said
that is sits right in the middle of the property. Commissioner Vandiver asked if the building
could be moved, and the answer was that was too cost prohibitive as well. Commissioner
Dux asked what the plans were for the site in the event of demolition of the structure, and
Mr. Norman said the area would be first grass, and then turned into parking.
Commissioners Dux asked if they had researched state and federal tax credits as an
incentive for restoration. Commissioner Dux reviewed details of when the structure was
appointed by council as a local landmark, and that the intentions at the time were to make
a medical museum. He said there was evidence of discussions between Coca-Cola and Dr.
Hayden at the time and there was no evidence of objection on behalf of Coca-Cola.
Commissioner Hider asked if there would be any alternate use for the building, because it
was not practical to keep the building if it would keep deteriorating. Mr. Norman stated
there was no alternate use. He also said that Coca cola plans that they added geography.
Commissioner Steely asked if there were anything that could be salvaged. Mr. Brad Archer
talked about the building construction and explained that it was mostly structural concrete
and mortar. The floors are terrazzo, but the rest of the structure was nothing historically
significant other than old fire glass with chicken wire inside and brick. There was some
discussion on the historic windows, and glass bricks in the building. Commissioner Dux
requested that Coca-Cola do some more research on deconstruction of historic property in
an appropriate way. Commissioner Vandiver made the motion to not approve the COA for
demolition and defer for 90 days, and the Commission will request feedbackfrom Texas
Historical Commission to meet with Coca-Cola and survey the building and discuss
appropriate deconstruction procedure or restoration. Seconded by Commissioner Steely,
Motion carried 6-0
5. The commission discussed the draft resolution 208 S. Main Street, Belford Apartments. After
discussion in depth on the issue, a motion was made by Commissioner Steely to scrap the
resolution because the commission felt it didn't meet the desired objectives for the property,
and appointed Commissioner Dux to visit with the City Attorney in Paris to discuss other
alternatives. Seconded by Linda Vandiver, Motion carried 6-0
6. There was discussion and consideration regarding the following structures considered by code
inspectors to be in violation of Article III of Chapter 7 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of
Paris, Paris, Texas
A. 1036 NW 13`x'
B. 2207 W Austin (shed)
C. 1153 SE 16`h
D. 1445 W Sherman
E. 623 6`h SE
Commissioner Vandiver asked to pull items E for discussion. Commissioner Steely asked to
remove B & D for discussion. Commissioner Steely made the motion to leave A and C
remained on the consent agenda, seconded by Commissioner Vandiver, motions carried 6
—0
Commissioner Vandiver asked if anything else could be done to save the property 623 6`h
SE for its historical value to the community. The deconstruction policy was reviewed.
After much discussion a motion was made to send the property to Building and Standards
Commission by Commissioner Steely because the structure cannot be rehabilitated, and
the commission has not been able to secure a purchaser, or come up with a plan for
restoration. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Alarid, motion carried 6-0
After reviewing the pictures of the shed that was up for consideration to demolish,
Commissioner Steely made a motion to add item B. back to the consent agenda. Seconded
by Commissioner Hider, Motion carried 6-0
After some discussion on dilapidation of structures in the city of Paris and reviewing the
history of the property in question, a motion was made by Commissioner Vandiver add
item D. 1445 W Sherman back on the agenda for demolition, seconded by Commissioner
Emmite, Motion carried 4-0 Commissioner Steely and Commissioner Alarid abstained
from the vote.
7. HPO gave updated reports on the following; COA#2017-21, COA#2017-18, COA#2017-17
Commissioner Alarid reported to the commission that the trim of the house located at 1025
Church Street has been painted.
8. Commissioner Hider requested the discussion of alternative materials for new construction is
added to the September agenda, Commissioner Dux requested changes to the design standards
be reviewed.
9. A motion was made to adjourn at 6:04 p.m. motion carried 6-0
2�166',`Q017
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE
BUILDING AND STANDARDS COMMISSION
MONDAY, AUGUST 21, 2017
3:30 P.M.
1. Johnny Norris called the Building and Standards Commission Meeting to order at
3:30 P.M.
Roll was called.
A. The following members were present:
Johnny Norris
Ben Vaughan
Mike Folmar
Ken Kohls
B. Staff present:
Robert Talley
Larry Wright
Debra Burge
C. Others present:
Manuel Darnell, Sr.
Gary Waite, Attorney
2. Approval of minutes from previous meeting. (July 17, 2017)
2"d page 2"d line reads trainer, should be trailer.
Motion made by Ben Vaughan, seconded by Mike Folmar to approve minutes.
Motion carried unanimously. 4-0
3. Public Hearing to consider presentations by City of Paris Code Inspectors and
owner(s) and/or lien holder(s) of the below properties who have been given notice of
a violation of Article III of Chapter 7 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Paris,
Paris, Texas, entitled "Substandard and Dangerous Buildings and Structures;"
Article II of Chapter 17, entitled "Control of Weeds, Junk, and Other
Objectionable, Unsightly, or Unsanitary Matter of Private Premises;" Chapter 1-6
of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Paris, Paris, TX:
C. 988 W Sherman; City Block 131, Lot 25
Owner: M E Darnell Sr, 961 W Sherman, Paris TX 75460
Robert Talley stated 4 properties (3.C.,D.,E., and F.) being brought back to BSC.
Owner was given 90 days to clean up property, which has not happened.
Looking at pictures taken today, same junk and rubbish is on property.
Robert Talley's recommendation: No action; let order stand which will
allow the city to clean up.
Gary Waite, Attorney for Mr. Darnell — Is the zoning light or heavy industrial?
Robert — Believe it's always been light industrial.
Mr. Waite — Mr. Darnell has worked on some of the other properties. Brush has
been removed from this property. Due to the amount of rain we've received, he
hasn't been able to make much progress.
D. 943 W Sherman; City Block 133, Lot 3
Owner: M E Darnell Sr, 961 W Sherman, Paris TX 75460
E. 951 W Sherman; City Block 133, Lot 2
Owner: M E Darnell Sr, 961 W Sherman, Paris TX 75460
Robert Talley stated pictures taken today do show work has been done on this
property; still some junk and rubbish remaining.
F. 961 W Sherman; City Block 133, Lot 1
Owner: M E Darnell Sr, 961 W Sherman, Paris TX 75460
Robert Talley stated junk and rubbish removed from other properties have been
placed on city leased property adjacent to this address.
Robert Talley's recommendation: Allow previous order to stand, which
will give city the right to remove. City can also remove items placed on its
leased property. This has already begun, at the cost of $30,000 to the city to
date.
Mr. Waite — Stated items that have been moved to date. Items on railroad
property were placed there temporarily until owner could get them removed
permanently. Due to rain, has gotten forklift stuck several times. Railroad
property is in dispute due to a quit claim deed.
Commission questions.
Q — How long has property been in dispute?
A — Since about 1995.
Q — When did the city lease this property?
A — About 5 or 6 years ago.
Q — And it pays a lease to the railroad?
A — Yes.
BSC — For the purpose of this meeting, let's address the properties listed here and
not the railroad property in dispute.
Mr. Waite — We're respectfully asking for more time due to the unusual amount
of rain we've received.
Q — Is that something this commission can do?
A — Yes.
Q — How much time are you looking at? 90 days is the maximum we can allow.
A — 90 days then.
Mr. Talley — Would like to add the leased property is off the table, but would like
to point out the "progress" made is just moving the items from 1 place to another.
Q — Is there any regulation stating what has to be done with these items?
A — It can be moved to another property in the county, except for toxic items that
must be properly disposed of.
Ken Kohls — Recommend we accept Robert's recommendation and let the
existing order stand.
Q — If we extend the orders 90 days, the city would not remove any items from
these properties?
A — Correct.
Mr. Waite — Mail notice to Gary Waite at 104 Lamar, Paris TX 75460.
Motion was made by Ken Kohls, seconded by Mike Folmar to accept
Robert's recommendation to let the existing orders stand. Motion carried
unanimously. 4-0
A. 14027 th NW; City Block 243, Lot 12
Owner: Ma Maison, 15732 Ranchita Dr, Dallas TX 75248
Robert Talley stated no contact with owner. Unsecure; broken window. Called
in by neighbors. Appears some work has been started.
Robert Talley's recommendation: Secure order only. Secure within 30
days, or city has right to do so.
Motion was made by Johnny Norris, seconded by Ken Kohls to accept
Robert's recommendation. Motion carried. 4-0
B. 226 W Washington; City Block 149, Lot 17
Owner: Mary Tisdell & Victor Bringle, 994 Amherst, Paris TX 75460
Robert Talley stated no contact with owners, but believe they will be in touch.
Have dealt with them in the past on other properties. Order sent to secure, and
some work has been done. Call from neighbors regarding odor; appears animal
crawled under house and died. Limbs on roof. Chimney appears to have
collapsed.
Robert Talley's recommendation: Repair orders, not demo. Repair
within 60 days; if not, will come back to BSC.
Motion made by Mike Folmar, seconded by Ken Kohls to accept Robert's
recommendation. Motion carried unanimously. 4-0
G. 2207 W Austin; City Block 211, Lot 5
Owner: Rocio Araceli Silva & Ernesto Hotra, 2207 W Austin, Paris TX 75460
Robert Talley stated collapsed shed. Owner came in at beginning of meeting
and stated has been torn down. Have removed about 50%. Said 30 days would
be enough time to complete removal.
Robert Talley's recommendation: Declare nuisance, demo within 30 days,
or city has right to do so.
Motion was made by Johnny Norris, seconded by Ben Vaughan to accept
Robert's recommendation. Motion carried unanimously. 4-0
H. 1445 W Sherman; City Block 229, Lot 13
Owner: Ardis Head, c/o Jeannette Castillo, 549 1St NW, Paris TX 75460
Robert Talley stated no contact with owner. Believe someone lived in the
property up until about 6 months ago. Turned in by Code Enforcement officer.
Front porch has been removed. Unsecure. Evidence of roof leaking. Hole in
floor from leak in roof.
Robert Talley's recommendation: Declare nuisance, demo within 30 days,
or city has right to do so.
Motion was made by Ben Vaughan, seconded by Mike Folmar to accept
Robert's recommendation. Motion carried unanimously. 4-0
I. 103613 th NW; Fuller-Dohoney Addition Block 1, Lot PT 1-2
Owner: Donald & Stephanie Huff, 10995 FM 137, Paris TX 75462
Robert Talley stated turned in by Code Enforcement officer. Door was open.
Porch collapsing. Evidence of hole in roof/leaking. House is abandoned.
Floor rotted out from leaking roof. Siding beginning to buckle due to house
sinking.
Robert Talley's recommendation: Declare nuisance, demo within 30 days,
or city has right to do so.
Motion was made by Ken Kohls, seconded by Ben Vaughan to accept
Robert's recommendation. Motion carried unanimously. 4-0
4. Code Enforcement update.
4 houses demoed last month at a cost of $15,072.83.
5. Future agenda items.
Update on rubbish orders from last month.
Election of BSC officers once we have the position vacated by Mr. Richards replaced.
6. Adjournment.
Motion was made by Johnny Norris, seconded by Ben Vaughan to adjourn the
meeting at 4:34 pm. Motion carried unanimously. 4-0
APPROVED THIS 18" DAY OF SEPTEMBER, 2017.
airma
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PARIS
REGULAR MEETING
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING
100 GEORGE WRIGHT HOMES
MINUTES OF August 15, 2017
Present at the Meeting:
Gary Savage — Chairman of the Board of Commissioners
TK Haynes — Vice Chairman of the Board of Commissioners
Dewayne Dangerfield — Commissioner of the Board of Commissioners
Brenda Cherry - Chairman of the Board of Commissioners
Sally Ruthart — Executive Director
Kim Snow — PHA Inspector
Patricia Pridemore — PHA Program Manager
Tiffany Cherry
Shaquanda Cotton
1. Meeting Called to order at 12:40 pm on Tuesday, August 15, 2017 by Chairman of the
Board of Commissioners, Gary Savage.
2. Having four Board Members present, a quorum, Mr. Savage thanked and welcomed
everyone to the meeting.
3. Election of Chairman and Vice Chairman -
Chairman - Ms. Cherry nominated Gary Savage for Chairman which was
seconded by Mr. Dangerfield. Passed 4-0.
Vice Chairman - Ms. Cherry nominated TK Haynes for Vice Chairman which
was seconded by Dewayne Dangerfield. Passed 4-0.
4. Citizens' Forum Opened — Tiffany Cherry read a letter she wrote regarding the way
Shaquanda Cotton and herself were treated by PHA staff on July 6, 2017. (All Board
Members were given a copy of the letter)
S. Minutes from the June 20, 2017 —Minutes were approved with a motion made by Mr.
Haynes and seconded by Mr. Savage. Passed 4-0. ,
6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
a. Ms. Ruthart reported to the Board regarding a question that Mr. Savage had
about a raccoon problem at George Wright Homes at the last Board meeting. Ms.
Ruthart explained that she talked to the tenant and the tenant said there was a very
large raccoon that came out every day and went into the dumpster. She also told
Ms. Ruthart that they throw their scraps out to feed him and her children enjoy
watching the animal. Mr. Savage suggested the PHA call the City to put out a trap
to catch the animal to prevent possible injuries from the raccoon. Ms. Ruthart said
she would call them.
b. Ms. Ruthart explained to the Board that the PHA is updating our information
regarding Public Housing flat rents that were raised to 80% of Fair Market Rents
before PHA sends a letter to the Director of HUD Fort Worth and Washington DC
HUD.
7. NEW BUSINESS:
A.a. Occupancy Report — 18 vacancies in Public Housing. 1 moving in today and 5 are
offered and the rest are in make ready status. Section 8 Program had 293 vouchers leased
and made it to 100% lease up and will try to stay at 100%.
b. Financial Report — presented bank statements and charts from the accountant for PH
and Section 8. 2017 CFP should be available this month.
c. Laundries at George Wright and Booker T Washington were opened on Monday,
August 14, 2017. PHA hired all that applied for the attendant position. 9 tenants are
working at the George Wright Laundry and 3 are working at the Booker T Washington
Laundry. Prices are $1 per wash and 75 cents for a 45 minute dryer. Resident Council
picked the hours of operation. Washers and dryers are operated with a card that is
purchased at the George Wright Office there will be no money in the machines.
B.a. Ms. Cherry talked about the mold report from July 21, 2016 regarding a plan of
action from an inspection of all units regarding mold/mildew. "The PHA was going to
instruct the painters not to paint over any mold and mildew but to eradicate the problem
by removing sheetrock or treating areas. The second week of February we were given the
whole report for each unit. On that report it was supose to have what was found in every
single unit. In apartment 406, on about February 20` , I received a call regarding a 90 year
old man in apartment 406 and he was complaining of headaches and breathing problems
and he thought it was because of mold in his apartment. I did go talk to him. There was
mold, there was rats and extreme amount of roaches and he didn't have anything
covering his windows. His apartment was not filthy or anything except for the roaches
and mold. I took pictures that day on my cell phone and they are date stamped. When I
got home, I looked at the mold report and on that report you claimed that the Housing
Authority replaced the sheetrock, removed and replaced caulk, cleaned under kitchen
sink with Biochem and had done complete rehab of the shower/bathroom. None of that
was done. So that means a government document was falsified. And his is not the only
unit like that and I want to know who is responsible for that report."
Ms. Ruthart: I put that report together.
Ms. Cherry: I want to know who was responsible for making the claims that all of that
stuff was done.
Ms. Ruthart: The Maintenance Department.
Ms. Cherry: And you know that because you saw that apartment.
Ms. Ruthart: No I did not.
Ms. Cherry: You moved the man.
Ms. Ruthart: I did move the man but I did not go into the apartment. We had the Mold
Inspector come and inspect that unit and there was no mold in the apartment.
2
Ms. Cherry: I took these pictures.
Ms. Ruthart & Ms. Snow (Simultaneously): That's mildew.
Ms. Cherry: How do you know what it is?
Ms. Ruthart: Because we had it tested, it was at the last meeting that you missed.
Ms. Cherry: The report says that they saw nothing onsite.
Ms. Ruthart: No, that's not what it says. They took tape samples and it was not mold.
There were more mold spores outside than there was in the unit.
Ms. Cherry: But on that report, they said they saw nothing, they did a visual, I don't
have to debate that because I have the report at home. Regardless of that, whatever this is
they did not do what they claimed they did in that apartment.
Ms. Ruthart: In November, yes they did.
Ms. Cherry: No, that's not when that report was made. I'm talking about the report. If
it was done in November then the report should have reflected that. The report indicated
February.
Mr. Savage: What meeting was it that you received that report, was it in February?
Ms. Cherry: It was in February. So if it was done in November, I don't know why we
didn't receive the report until February. I can go back through all the agendas and see
what was written about it, cause regardless they did not do to this apartment what this
report claims. They did not remove sheetrock or anything like that, that's what this says.
And it says that they completely redone the bathroom, nothing was done to the bathroom.
This is a falsified report and that's easily proved. I'm just letting you know.
Mr. Savage: Can I just ask a question on that? When did you see that, when you went
into the apartment, the guy was complaining, and you took pictures, when was that?
Ms. Cherry: That was February 201h.
Mr. Savage: So when that happened, did anybody come and bring that to Sally's
attention?
Ms. Cherry: Yeh, I talked to her and she actually moved the man to Jackson Court.
And I have pictures, I don't know why deny it. The roach infestation was horrifying.
Mr. Savage: Why was he moved?
Ms. Ruthart: Because they asked. He did not complain to us, he complained to her.
Mr. Savage: We've brought this up before, why aren't they or you come and make a
complaint to the office so it's on record that you made a complaint.
Ms. Cherry: I did.
Ms. Ruthart: They did. Her and Sharon did. We moved him and 2 months later he
moved out and went into a nursing home.
Mr. Savage: So let me ask this question, so you did make this complaint?
Ms. Ruthart: Sharon wrote a letter.
Mr. Savage: So did we investigate that further to make sure to see that all that work
was done on the report?
Ms. Ruthart: That was not on the report, that had nothing to do with this report.
Ms. Cherry: She has the report in the office.
Ms. Ruthart: He's talking about was it brought up in February about these not being
done.
Ms. Cherry: It happened in February.
Mr. Savage: We got the report that said it was done in February, that's when we
received the report, I don't know when it was done. When we heard about the issue, that
we doubt that it was done, did we further investigate to see, hey, was it really done.
Ms. Ruthart: No, I haven't had a complaint until now that it wasn't done.
Ms. Cherry: I would've done it last month but we didn't have a meeting, ya know. And
I don't think that that's really a big issue but the fact is that there was a report made that
stuff was done and that's a false report.
Mr. Savage: We need that report, I don't have it.
Ms. Ruthart: Do you want me to go get it?
Mr. Haynes: I have it. What's the number?
Ms. Cherry: 406
Ms. Pridemore: He did not complain and then his family came and wanted to know
why we were moving him.
Ms. Cherry: I don't think it matters who complains about something if it's a problem it
shouldn't matter who let you know about the problem. He's a old man who couldn't even
walk out of his apartment.
Ms. Ruthart: (reading) We replaced the vents, removed the A/C unit and replaced the
sheetrock in the A/C closet. Did you take pictures of that?
4
Ms. Cherry: I took pictures of the kitchen sink, the bathroom and all of that. I did not
open the A/C closet.
Ms. Ruthart: That's where we replaced the sheetrock.
Ms. Cherry: Could 1 see it?
Ms. Pridemore: I wasn't say it matters who complains, as soon as you told her
about the problem, she moved him. Its not...
Ms. Cherry: My issue is not that he wasn't moved. My issue is that a false report was
created regarding, and it's not the only one, I got pictures of other units that on the report
it's claiming that stuff was done that was not done. That's the issue. Ya know, you gonna
make a report, it needs to be accurate.
Mr. Savage: So let's make sure that a false report was made and you are looking at the
paper there. Is that what its saying?
Ms. Cherry: It says "kitchen cabinet under sink and A/C closet behind unit and
bedroom and A/C vent, window sill and walls and baseboards, flooring and A/C vent in
bedroom 43.
Mr. Savage: What did it say they did to that one?
Ms. Cherry: It said the replaced vents, removed air condition unit and replaced
sheetrock and removed and replaced caulk, cleaned under kitchen sink with Biochem
complete rehab of shower and bathroom. That was not done. Ya know, we can argue
back and forth, but I got pictures, got the report,...
Mr. Savage: You got pictures of all those spots? except the A/C closet.
Ms. Cherry: Yes, I've got pictures of all of that. Nothing was done.
Mr. Savage: The A/C unit wasn't replaced?
Ms. Cherry: I don't know about the A/C unit.
Mr. Savage: What wasn't done on that report that ...
Ms. Cherry: The bathroom was not redone. They went and searched for, the report said
they searched for mildew and mold, that's what it says at the top of there, Mildew and
mold. Ok let's say this is mildew, let's say its mildew, then the report is a lie. They did
not put this in the report, it's horrible, do you wanna see it? I want you to see at least one
picture.
Mr. Haynes: The report is from that Company.
Ms. Cherry: No it's not.
5
Mr. Haynes: Not this report, I'm talking about the one ...
Ms. Ruthart: From Abacus.
Mr. Haynes: They inspected this unit, tested it, after he moved out.
Ms. Cherry: And I got that report and they said there was nothing. They did a visual
and saw nothing. Visual, and this had to have been there or covered up one or the other.
This should have been in the report if they actually did anything.
Mr. Haynes: When did we get that report?
Ms. Ruthart: That was in the June Meeting.
Mr. Savage: I might be wrong but I thought they said they found mildew.
Ms. Ruthart: They took tape samples of the mildew in the window sills.
Ms. Cherry: Regardless, of what they found, the Housing Authority report is false.
Mr. Savage: So you are saying that the complete rehab of the bathroom was not done.
Ms. Cherry: It was not. I took pictures of the shower in the bathroom and the sink
because they claimed they redid all of that. (Showing pictures) Nothing was done in that
bathroom. After someone goes in and checks for mildew and mold, that should not be
there either. There are more apartments which people say that theirs was just painted over
which the action plan said that was not to be done anymore.
Mr. Savage: Over mold.
Ms. Cherry: What looks like mold or mildew or whatever it is because it's supposed to
be tested to see what the appropriate action is. What is Biochem and where is it
purchased?
Ms. Snow: It's not harmful.
Ms. Cherry: But where is it purchased?
Ms. Ruthart: Probably Share.
Mr. Haynes: I remember what the report said.
Ms. Ruthart: They tested the HVAC ducts, the window sill and the kitchen.
Ms. Pridemore: And that's the report from the mold...
Ms. Ruthart: Abacus, yes.
Mr. Savage: That was after our repairs had been made?
Z
Ms. Ruthart: No.
Mr. Savage: What month was that?
Ms. Ruthart: This is the one from June. I told them not to touch that unit after we
moved him out and I sent Abacus over there to get samples.
Mr. Savage: Yes, that's what I'm saying, so this mold test came after our repairs were
made?
Ms. Ruthart: Yes after the ones that she is talking about from a year ago.
Ms. Cherry: No what I'm talking about is not from a year ago. The report is from
February and the pictures are from February of this year.
Mr. Haynes: That when the report was made is that from the same time the report was
made?
Ms. Cherry: I took the pictures about a week after the report was made.
Ms. Ruthart: She's talking about a different report. She's talking about the report that
was made when we went and did and inspection on every unit. In 2016, when we went to
every apartment, that's the report she's talking about.
Ms. Cherry: No, I'm not. On the report it mentions one specific apartment that they are
going to do a few days later because the tenant wanted them to wait til she was there and
that was in February.
Ms. Ruthart: That's right, but all those repairs were not done in February. You can't do
234 units in February. It's from process when we started the inspections in November or
October even, I don't remember when it was, we started doing repairs then.
Ms. Cherry: Ok. Fine, let's say it was done in November, by February, it shouldn't be
like that.
Ms. Ruthart: No, if the tenant is taking care of it, it shouldn't be.
Ms. Cherry: Don't blame the tenant for this empty room. The room was empty, at least
this one was. And this was a 90 year old handicapped Veteran and his apartment actually
was in good condition considering his disability. So to blame the tenant for this is
unacceptable, it's just unacceptable. The Housing Authority needs to take responsibility
when they don't do what they are supposed to do.
Ms. Ruthart: So we have to go over and dry his window sill every time it sweats?
Ms. Cherry: Yes.
Ms. Ruthart: Really? Seriously?
7
Ms. Cherry: Yes, if the problem is bad window sills and he's not doing anything
wrong, why should he be responsible for bad window sills?
Ms. Ruthart: I lived in a house that was 5 years old and the windows sweat.
Ms. Cherry: Here's my point. That's a problem that can either be taken care of or
excuses can be made and it can continue on and then the Housing Authority will have to
deal with it...
Ms. Ruthart: It was not mold.
Ms. Cherry: Whatever it was, that report was false. The bathroom was not completely
overhauled.
Ms. Pridemore: But it seems like you are just trying to find a problem.
Ms. Cherry: There is a problem and I'm gonna talk about it if I'm trying to find it then
so be it, but there is a problem whether I'm trying to find it, I just happen to be on it or
what, there is a problem.
Ms. Pridemore: And you don't know how hard we have been working to try to
make sure that stuff is done right.
Ms. Cherry: This is unacceptable. I don't know how hard you've been working but
from November until February this should not be.
Mr. Savage: I think what you are trying to say is that they said on the report that it was
done and it didn't get done and that it never was done.
Ms. Cherry: It never was done.
Mr. Savage: That's where we need to go from here, we just need to look into that. Was
it done, was it not done. You might need to email the pictures.
Ms. Cherry: I can email the pictures and everything I've got. But I think ...
Mr. Savage: You got any comments, Dewayne, Mr. Haynes? I don't know if we are
even suppose to be discussing it here.
Ms. Cherry: We're the Board. Where else would we discuss it? There is no other place
to discuss it. When it's discussed all of the Board Members are supposed to be present.
Mr. Savage: So your complaint, because there is no action going to be taken on this
today it's not an action item. But the complaint is that, in your opinion that the staff is
saying that they did work that they didn't do.
Ms. Cherry: On that report, that's what happened. I don't know what they usually do,
but this report, not only that but in several units that I've seen, the reports are falsified.
That is just that. Rather than making excuses, ya know, fix the problem. Ya know, I've
been complaining about mold issues and stuff since I got on the Board in 2015 and it's
8
always this reaction, it's the tenant, we didn't do it, you're wrong. This shouldn't even
be..
Mr. Savage: I know what you're saying, but my reaction would be, just like with the
raccoon situation, I heard about that, so I brought it to their attention immediately and she
got right on it. So to me, I don't understand why we are not bringing it to them you know
instead of waiting til later to pull it up.
Ms. Cherry: I brought it when 1 was told about it.
Mr. Savage: The deal is you want it resolved. That's the point, we want it resolved. We
want the rooms cleaned up. We want mold gone and we want the problem fixed. That's
the bottom line. So the only way we are going to do that is the tenants have to come up
and make their complaints.
Ms. Cherry: Listen.
Mr. Savage: Wait let me finish. The tenants need to come up and make their
complaints, if your there with them and they have enough trust in you or another Board
Member or whoever, or just an average Joe, that should be our advice to them, hey, go to
the office, I'm your witness.
Ms. Cherry: I'm not going to advise a 90 year old man that can't even hardly walk to
go take care of it, I'll be your witness. There is no reason for that when I, he lived right
there, there's nothing wrong with me saying hey this man has an issue he wants me to tell
you about. There's nothing wrong with that and we shouldn't even be say that it has to be
done like that, cuz it doesn't have to be done like that. Anybody can report a problem, if I
saw a infestation of snakes outside, I don't have to wait for the tenant to come tell you.
Mr. Haynes: Was there a written report made?
Ms. Ruthart: No, she went to Lone Star Legal Aide first, she didn't come to us.
Ms. Cherry: I didn't go to anybody, I didn't go to anybody.
Mr. Savage: Did the 90 year old man go?
Ms. Cherry: No, he had a friend that went.
Mr. Savage: My question is his family was wondering why they were moving him so
why didn't he call his family about the issue? That's what I'm wondering why.
Ms. Cherry: Ya know, I, maybe he did.
Mr. Savage: And then,
Mr. Haynes: They didn't know anything about.
Ms. Cherry: I don't really know this man, but I was told about this woman that she go
over and helps him and gets him food and stuff cause he doesn't have anybody doing a
9
lot of things he needs done. She's the one that actually called me and said would you
come over and look at this and she's the one that complained.
Mr. Haynes: She asked you to come look at it?
Ms. Cherry: Yes she did.
Mr. Haynes: And so you went over and looked at it?
Ms. Cherry: Yes I did.
Mr. Haynes: And that's when you saw what you took a picture of?
Ms. Cherry: Um huh.
Mr. Haynes: And that was before the Company did the testing as to what was in that
unit, correct? Are you taking issues with what the Company said was there?
Ms. Cherry: No.
Mr. Haynes: If the Company says there is no mold there, what are we talking about?
I'm missing the point somewhere.
Ms. Cherry: I am too. Because, what I'm saying is the report that the Housing
Authority did was falsified. It was not accurate, they did not do the work on it. Before the
mold people even came, that's what the Housing Authority had done. I don't know what
happened after that. What I'm saying is there was suppose to be a crew went out and
tested looked at all the apartments for mold and they fixed any problems, but it was a lie.
Mr. Haynes: Here's what we don't know. We don't know how long a time from the
time the correction was made until the time it was reported, til the time you were there
and took pictures.
Ms. Cherry: She said that the corrections were made in February and the report...
Ms. Ruthart: It does not say they were made in February.
Ms. Cherry: I meant to say November and then the report was in February.
Mr. Savage: I guess what we need to do here and let me make this plain, and this is not
what anybody's thinking but we do not address employee discipline. We don't. Now the
Executive Director, we do, but we don't govern the employees or supervise the
employees. We don't address those complaints here at this Board Meeting.
Ms. Cherry: I understand that, I am addressing because she is over making sure that the
mold and the inspectors and everybody is doing their job.
Mr. Savage: So I got one more question, so what is your main complaint or what action
are you asking for?
10
Ms. Cherry: Ya know, I'm making the problem known. I've been doing this since 2015
and the same reaction. I'm not gonna suggest anything cause it's not being listened to,
everything is denied. So the Housing Authority can do whatever they want to do, we're
the Board, but ya know, like you said, we're not the micromanagers but this is not being
done. And tenants have a right to complain to anyone they want to and I have a right, if a
tenant shows me something within the Housing Authority that is a problem, I have a right
to talk about it and that's that. Now, what can happen, there's nothing more that I can do.
I brought the problem, I've discussed the problem for two years and so it's all one
problem so..
Mr. Savage: So I guess what I'm saying is, so you brought the problem for two and a
half years. We've done different things as far as out of this Board, like ordering the
Housing Authority to get mold reports, this is documentation, I think that's what Mr.
Haynes is saying, that's documentation, but then you are saying that the tenants are
calling you, but where's the documentation? I know you showed us pictures, but where is
the proof of this stuff. They need to come to the office and complain to substantiate
themselves.
Ms. Cherry: She could've went over there and said hey is Brenda Cherry lying? Let me
step out of the office right next door and see if she is lying.
Ms. Ruthart: I didn't, I moved him just like you requested.
Ms. Cherry: I didn't request anything, he requested that. I assume. He told me he
wanted to move. What I'm saying is if there's an issue of whether or not I'm telling the
truth and did this mold whatever it is exists and all the Housing Authority has to do is
look.
Ms. Ruthart: We moved him, we didn't have to look, we took your word for it, we
moved him.
Ms. Cherry: But, but he's saying why doesn't the tenant come...
Ms. Ruthart: It's their responsibility, in the lease, not only do they have rights, they
have responsibilities to report problems to the Housing Authority.
Ms. Cherry: There's lots of ways to report something. You can get on the phone and
call,
Ms. Ruthart: That's right.
Ms. Cherry: You can walk over, you can tell a relative or a friend, they can come and
report for ya, however you want to do it.
Ms. Ruthart: But the first report doesn't have to come from Lone Star Legal Aide.
Ms. Cherry: You know I did it, that report came from Lone Star Legal Aide.
Ms. Ruthart: Yes it did.
Ms. Cherry: Well, if his family chose, friend chose to do it that way then so be it. But
what my issue isn't how you report it, my issue with this is there was a false report done
by the Housing Authority. Now, handle it however, but...
Mr. Savage: Now, you're saying that but that's you saying that. You have not
substantiated that there was a false report so I don't know why you keep saying that, but
where is the substantiation of that?
Ms. Cherry: For me not to substantiate it, so it's possible, you're saying that these
pictures that are time stamped on my phone are a lie.
Mr. Savage: No, I'm saying we have official mold reports and documentation, we've
all gotten it and we have paid people to come in and do this work, so I'm not saying
nothing, I'm just saying that these, whoever it is, have to come in and make a complaint
just like everybody else.
Ms. Cherry: Like I said, it's been recorded, I've talked about it today, I'm done with
that part. It is whatever it is.
b. Ms. Cherry reported that in April of this year the Office of the Inspector General of
the United States from the Housing Urban Development completed an investigation of
the Jasper, Texas Housing Authority and they found that they were misusing funds and
equipment. And one of the things listed was keeping Housing Authority vehicles for
personal use and using them outside of the Housing Authority hours. According to Ms.
Ruthart and I think she put it in everybody's package, the HA has 8 vehicles. The most
expensive is a Chevy Traverse purchased in 2012 in which Ms. Ruthart keeps for her
personal use and does not have the HA logo on it. Ms. Snow, the inspector, also keeps a
vehicle for personal use and it also does not have the HA logo on it. Mr. Scott keeps a
vehicle at his home and it does have the HA logo on it.
Ms. Ruthart: No it does not have a logo on it. All the Maintenance trucks do except his.
Ms. Cherry: Ok. The three that are kept at people's homes do not have the logo on it.
And a on call maintenance man takes a truck home for emergencies. Keeping vehicles for
personal use not only goes against HUD policies, it goes against the Paris HA policy. The
vehicles need to have logos on them and they need to be used for Housing Authority
business only. I'm putting that out there.
Ms. Ruthart: May I respond?
Ms. Cherry: Have I tried to stop you?
Ms. Ruthart: They are not used for personal use. They are driven home at night because
we get called out here in the morning and at night all during the night. Kim had to go out
when PRV flooded. She had to go all weekend and pick people up and take them to
hotels and home and take them from their home and back. Scott gets called out all night
long. About the logo, you go to any training for Section 8 or any of that, they say do not
put a logo on any vehicle that goes to a Section 8 home because you don't want to
embarrass the tenant and let everyone in the neighbor hood know that they are on
12
government assistance. That's from the training of HUD officials. Scott does Section 8
inspections as well. I hand out notices with Liz. I'm not trying to embarrass people, I'm
just trying to do my job. And I'm going by what HUD training people tell us to do.
Ms. Cherry: Are you through?
Ms. Ruthart: Yes, I am through.
Ms. Cherry: Most of the Housing Authorities out there have a logo on all their vehicles
and they go place to place with the logo on it. I'm just telling you what has happened and
has happened in a number of Housing Authorities. Do with it what you want. But you
know if there's a complaint to the Inspector General then you'll have to deal with it then.
So what. I'm done with that.
Ms. Ruthart: I, as well, have read the Inspector General rules and that's why I buy
ya'll's lunches, which has not been done in the past. I buy the coffee for the employees. I
buy that out of my personal account.
Ms. Cherry: What about gas for the car?
Ms. Ruthart: No, I do not, because I am on call 24/7 for this place.
Mr. Haynes: I think if we are complying with what HUD policy is, then I think we are
ok.
Ms. Ruthart: That's what the HUD trainers tell us to do. Anybody that goes to Section 8
units out in the community, you don't want the whole neighborhood to know that they are
on government assistance. You don't want to embarrass them. It's not an embarrassing
thing, but you don't want everybody to know that.
Mr. Savage: Nobody wants everyone to know their business. Maybe just monitor the
vehicles and make sure we are not misusing them. As far as the ones on this list, I have
absolutely no problem with them taking them home as long as they are doing their job.
Ms. Ruthart: If you want logos on them, we will put logos on them. That's fine with
me, it doesn't bother me.
Mr. Savage: I don't think everybody needs to know everybody else's business. There's
no shame to it, its...
Ms. Snow: I wouldn't feel comfortable pulling up to someone's house with the logo
on the truck, it's nobody's business, next door or across the street that this person is on
assistance.
Ms. Cherry: I'm just putting this out for you to know and for the record, do with it
what you want, but if you don't believe me look it up. Look up what happened to the
Jasper Housing Authority. I'm done with it. Look it up.
13
C. Ms. Cherry - This is regarding the issue that happened with the police man called.
When, through that visit Shaquanda Cotton, who's a tenant, was not allowed to have a
copy of a paper in her file. She was told instead to file a grievance before she can get it.
By law tenants can view their housing authority file and get a copy of anything in it. The
HA can charge a reasonable fee if they choose and tenants do not have to file a grievance
to get it. If they choose to file a grievance, they still have a right to have a copy of
whatever they need before then.
Mr. Haynes - Is that the rules for the tenants that you are reading from?
Ms. Cherry - No, I wrote this out.
Ms. Ruthart - That's the Open Records Act.
Ms. Cherry - That is from the Open Records Act that they can have a copy. The front
office secretary, I don't know her name, they told me Althea, called the police on my
daughter, Tiffany Cherry, for no logical reason. Shaquanda Cotton was told by Cathy
Sims that she could not get a copy of the child support figures that Ms. Sims had showed
her earlier in the day that was used to calculate her rent amount and she could get it at the
Attorney General's office. Ms. Sims told Shaquanda to put it in a grievance if she wanted
it. Tiffany asked what the name of the paper was so she could put it in the grievance. Ms.
Sims told Tiffany Cherry that she didn't have to answer any questions for her because she
is not a tenant. Althea became agitated and came to the window and shouted at Tiffany,
shutup, sit down. Shaquanda told Althea not to talk to Tiffany like that. Althea also said
they didn't have to answer questions to people who aren't tenants. Althea told Tiffany
Cherry she was not, I'm calling her Althea cause I don't know her last name, not trying to
be disrespectful to her, Althea told Tiffany Cherry she was going to have her removed
and proceeded to call the police. Shaquanda Cotton continued to write out her form.
Tiffany called me and said the police were being called on her for asking a question. The
police came and Althea told them she wanted them both removed, Shaquanda tried to
turn in her paper but Althea told her she was not gonna wait on her and the police
removed them both. Tiffany doesn't live in housing she most likely will never need to but
right now Shaquanda does. Tenants can be evicted over claims they violated a staff
member, such thing can result in an arrest. Instances such as this are also intimidating and
gives a tenant a reason to be reluctant to complain about anything or ask questions. The
Housing Authority should not call the police on tenants unless there's a valid reason. I
don't like you. I don't want you asking questions or you did not sit down when told to are
not valid reasons. It's in the best interest of the HA to resolve simple issues without a
tenant having to file a complaint to get it done. It's in the best interest of the HA to not
instigate problems. The Paris Housing Authority has a notice posted on the front office
window. It says if you are disrespectful to staff don't expect service here. Respect works
both ways. The HA is not running a plantation, a grade school where people are not
allowed to question anything. The HA code of ethics standards of conduct states the
maintenance of unusually high standards, of honesty, integrity, impartiality and conduct
of employees is essential to assure the proper performance of HA business and the
maintenance of confidence by citizens of the community. It also says the HA requires
that each employee shall conduct himself/herself in a manner that facilitates the
accomplishment of the work of the HA, observing at all times the requirements of
courtesy, consideration, and promptness in dealing with the public and with persons or
14
organizations having business with the HA and with fellow employees. I don't think that
was done here. I think the HA, they were out of line.
Mr. Haynes: Were both of the people you are talking about tenants?
Ms. Cherry: One was a tenant, one wasn't.
Mr. Savage: I'm not good with names, what did you say your name was?
Ms. Tiffany Cherry: Tiffany Cherry
Mr. Savage: The two that are here with us today. I wanted to make sure of that. What
direction are you wanting to go with this, cause it's discussion only.
Ms. Cherry: I mean, that should be just common courtesy. You don't sit and call the
police on people for asking a question. Nobody was rowdy, nobody was threatening,
none of that. And, since the HA always denies everything, the whole thing is recorded,
the entire thing. Now, ordinarily would 1, if I was not on the Board and something like
that happened and I had a recording of it, the news people would be down here cause I
think that's outrageous. But because I'm on the Board, you know, I think it should be
handled in a different way. I think that the HA is a public entity, it's not anybody's
private business and you handle people with respect and that's just that.
Mr. Savage: So you said you think it should be handled in a different way, what way?
Ms. Cherry: What way would you think?
Mr. Savage: You said not going to the news paper, so what way should that be done?
Ms. Cherry: I'm just saying that's what I would do if I wasn't on the Board. I'm not
saying that's what the HA should do.
Mr. Savage: I know what you're saying, I'm asking you what is the different way that
you think it should be handled now?
Ms. Cherry: I think the HA should come up with, I mean no matter what I say people
just oh well you just, I don't wanta suggest anything, I want the HA to follow their own
policy in the treatment of people.
Mr. Savage: Alright then, anymore discussion on that? Mr. Dangerfield? Anything
else? OK, we will move on to item 8 Resolutions.
8. RESOLUTIONS:
2017-001. SEMAP Motion to approve made by Mr. Haynes and seconded by Mr.
Dangerfield, passed 3-1. Ms. Cherry voted against the motion because of #6 on SEMAP
Report (HQS Enforcement) she wanted it on the record regarding inspections and
corrections.
9. Board Questions or comments: Ms. Ruthart told Ms. Tiffany Cherry that no one was
trespassed.
15
9. No further business or questions, a motion for adjournment was made by Mr. Savage
and seconded by Mr. Dangerfield. Motion passed 4-0. The meeting was adjourned at 1:51
pm.
g�
APPROVED THIS / / day of _ - '2017.
Sally Ruthart, Secretary
t'
G av , Chai an
16