TX Chapter of National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials
Executive Board Meeting
Monday, October 17, 2005
11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Red Lion Hotel
Austin, Texas
1.
Roll Call
Jim Hargrove, outgoing President of the Texas Chapter of the National Association of Housing and
Redevelopment Officials, called the meeting to order. Roll Call: Richard Franco, Judy Medders, Steve
Shorts, Karen Morris, Wes Bell, Eva Shults, Jim Hargrove, Annie Botsford, Blas Cantu, Ann Lott, Barbara
Holston, Sheri McDade, Wiley Hopkins, Jim Whitaker, Leonard McGowan, Bernadine Spears, Estella
Trevino, Willie Carter, Henry Flores, Henry Alvarez, C. W. Buzz McKethan, Gary Moore, Tom Oliver,
Abraham Rodriguez, David Zappasodi, Shelli Scrogum. Valerie Williams with the Bank of America
Foundation was also in attendance.
The President declared a quorum present and business was transacted as follows:
II.
Invocation
David Zappasodi gave the invocation.
Jim Hargrove thanked everyone for the last two years. He noted that during his tenure the organization went
through two service officers, Debbie Swift and Allison Jamison. Shelli Scrogum has been hired as Service
Officer and her contract will be reviewed during this meeting.
III.
Introduction of New Slate of Officers
Jim Hargrove introduced the new President of Texas NAHRO, Richard Franco. Richard Franco thanked
Jim Hargrove for his hard work during some trying times. He stated that when things got tough, he came to
fore and took care of business, true to his training. Richard Franco added that Jim Hargrove led the
organization well through difficulties that we were able to overcome because of his leadership and
congratulated Jim for a job well done. Richard Franco said that in spite of HUD’s misgivings, we are going
to have to take command of our own ships and move forward, notwithstanding their problems. Mr. Franco
stated that because of Hurricane Katrina and Rita, we found out that we’re not an island unto ourselves.
These events brought us closer to each other in addressing the needs of the evacuees throughout the country.
He added that this is a reminder that we are but a moment away from any given crisis. The people from
Louisiana have been treated well throughout the country and that we have to be prepared in the event
something like this happens again, not necessarily a hurricane but perhaps an earthquake or some other
catastrophe. He thanked everyone that participated in the relocation of the evacuees and noted that in his
case, he found families that are here to stay and make Texas their home.
Recognition of Outgoing Officers Plaques were presented to the following outgoing officers:
Roma Lewis, Vice President of Community Relations & Development; Henry Flores, Vice President of
Commissioners; Mary Ann Cuellar, Vice President of Member Services; Judy Paciocco, Secretary; Hazel
Camp, Vice President of Housing; Mark Mayfield, Director; Sherri McDade, Director; Karen Morris,
Director; Roberta Thompson, Director; Oscar Jones, Director; Wenceslao Santiago, Vice President of
Professional Development; Richard J. Franco, Sr. Vice President; Steve Shorts, Treasurer; David Zappasodi,
Immediate Past President; Ann Lott, Director; Barbara Menzel-Gardner, Director; Judy Medders, Director;
and Wes Bell, Director. Richard Franco made a special presentation to Jim Hargrove, outgoing Texas
NAHRO President. At this time, Richard Herrington with the Texarkana Housing Authority joined the
meeting via conference call. Jim Hargrove thanked everyone and stated that when he took over as President
of the organization, he had various thoughts and ideas in wanting to move the organization further, faster and
better. He said that he found that sometimes it doesn’t move quite as quickly as he would have liked it to
move and thanked everyone for what they did for Texas NAHRO. He asked everyone to continue to keep
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their shoulder to the wheel and continue to move it forward. Mr. Hargrove noted that we’re in a good
position to move the training forward and start doing things that’s going to enhance the membership. He
added that wants to be a part of that and even though he’s outgoing President he wants to help the
organization in any way he can. He said that Henry Flores is the Chairman of his Board of Commissioners
and is assured that he has full support of Texas NAHRO in his efforts of all that we’re doing. Mr. Hargrove
encouraged everyone to contribute their training needs to the service officer and identify those that can
administer the training. He noted that Richard Herrington has the trailer in Texarkana that he hasn’t had a
chance to go up and pick up. Jim Faulk the Architect for Austin Housing Authority will design the
maintenance training trailer and Home Depot has volunteered the parts to make it all happen. Training will
be put together with resources from the San Antonio and Dallas Housing Authorities. He added that the end
beneficiary will be the people that we serve and we can’t lose sight of the only reason that we’re meeting
today is the resident that is out there. Mr. Hargrove said that he tells his staff this all the time, “do not lose
sight of what it is that we’re here for.” He thanked everyone for the privilege to be a part of Texas NAHRO.
III.
Introduction of New Slate of Officers by Shelli Scrogum (cont’d)
Incoming President, Richard Franco, Corpus Christi Housing Authority; Sr. Vice President, Steve Shorts,
Taylor Housing Authority; Vice President of Housing, Karen Morris, Bangs Housing Authority; Vice
President of Community Relations & Development, Roma Lewis, MSN Consultants; Vice President of
Member Services, Judy Medders, Eden Housing Authority; Vice President of Commissioners, Henry Flores,
Austin Housing Authority; Treasurer, Wes Bell, Kirbyville Housing Authority; Secretary, Eva Shults,
Corpus Christi Housing Authority; Immediate Past President, Jim Hargrove, Austin Housing Authority.
2005 – 2007 Directors:
Annie Botsford, Waco Housing Authority; Oscar Jones, Lubbock Housing
Authority, Sherri McDade, Denton Housing Authority; Barbara Menzel-Gardner, DeLeon Housing
Authority; Mark Mayfield, Marble Falls Housing Authority, Ann Lott, Dallas Housing Authority; Annie
Botsford, Waco Housing Authority, Jim Whitaker, Ferris Housing Authority, Henry Alvarez, San Antonio
Housing Authority, Roberta Thompson, Abilene Housing Authority; and Willie Carter, Liberty County
Housing Authority. 2004-2006 Directors: Blas Cantu, Harlingen Housing Authority; Debbie Eldredge,
Sherman Housing Authority; Richard Herrington, Texarkana Housing Authority; Barbara Holston, Fort
Worth Housing Authority; Wiley Hopkins, Travis County Housing Authority; Leonard McGowan,
McKinney Housing Authority; Vince Dodds, El Paso Housing Authority; Bernadine Spears, Odessa
Housing Authority; and Estella Trevino, Edinburg Housing Authority.
IV.
Consideration and Approval of Service Officer Contract
Richard Franco called for a motion to approve contract. Estella Trevino moved for approval of contract,
seconded by Bernadine Spear. All present voted for the contract, Richard Herrington on conference call,
voted against due to not having seen it. Motion passed by unanimous vote. Shelli Scrogum said that she
would mail Richard Herrington a Board packet.
V.
Acceptance of April 17, 2005 Executive Board Meeting Minutes
Blas Cantu moved for the approval of the minutes, seconded by Steve Shorts. The motion carries.
VI.
Bank of America Foundation Presentation
Valerie Williams representing the Bank of America Foundation presented Texas NAHRO with a check for
$25,000 for training to assist those housing authorities that can’t afford to send their staff to training. She
added that they also support National NAHRO. Richard Franco thanked Ms. Williams and accepted the
check on behalf of Texas NAHRO.
VII.
Treasurer’s Report
Steve Shorts, outgoing Treasurer, presented the financial report. Mr. Shorts reported that it was a very
successful year for Texas NAHRO. He reported that there is $90,000 in the checking account and $92,000
in a savings program. We’re carrying too much money in the checking account and it will be up to the
President and the Treasure to transfer some of the money to savings or a money market account. The
question was asked as to where our investments are with now and what the average interest rate is. Mr.
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Shorts said that they’re with Chase Bank. They have our checking account and our money market account.
The money market account earns 4% interest and the checking account is about half a percent. Mr. Shorts
reported that this year he received several thank you letters from the schools and the students receiving
scholarships. Estella Trevino asked if we have a contract with Chase Bank instead of Bank of America who
donated the $25,000. Mr. Shorts said that when he became Treasurer, TXNAHRO went to electronic
banking and a local bank was needed, so they went with Chase Bank in Round Rock. He added that with
electronic banking it’s easier to manage our accounts. Changing banks is being discussed; however, we have
to go with a bank that is close to Wes Bell and Shelli. Richard Franco added that Bank of America has
electronic banking and directed Wes Bell and Shelli to look into and take care of transferring our accounts to
Bank of America. When asked if Chase Bank made a contribution to the this year’s conference, Jim
Hargrove said that he received a call from them telling him that they were not going to contribute to anything
because TXNAHRO was not doing anything for them but Bank of America did contribute. Buzz McKethan
moved for approval of transferring TXNAHRO accounts from Chase Bank to Bank of America, seconded by
Jim Hargrove. The motion carries.
VIII. Review and Approval of 2006 Budget
Shelli presented her Profit & Loss Budget vs. Actual Report. She explained that a Budget Committee was
not in place prior to this meeting; therefore, she took the actuals from last year and estimated the coming
year’s expenses to come up with this proposed budget. Shelli explained that she wasn’t sure about the
contract TXNAHRO has with the Legislative representative so she left the budget similar to what it was last
year. She added that this year TXNAHRO was paying $5,000 a month to Gardere Sewell and that amount
was posted to the Board and Officer Expenses account; however, it didn’t have a corresponding account in
the interim so it looked like we overspent but we didn’t. She suggested that if TXNAHRO was going to
continue this expenditure it probably needs its own account. For Line item 8100, it was recommended that
this amount be increased from $35,000 to $60,000. The expenditures for 2005 were low because
TXNAHRO was not charged for several of the facilities used during the Annual Conference in Laredo. The
recommended $60,000 is based on the cost of the previous conference in Austin. To cut back on Training
Expenses, Shelli suggested using facilities that are free to us and bringing in lunches from Subway, for
example, that cost about $5 instead of spending $16 or more. Jim Hargrove added that the training trailer
would be coming to Austin and the Housing Authority has a double barrel barbeque pit that could be used to
provide lunch for this type training. Mr. Hargrove also said that he would encourage the Chairman of the
Professional Development Committee to develop a patch for Texas NAHRO to be given to participants to
identify the training they complete and send the patch with a letter to the President explaining what training
they went through and what to expect from that training. Jim Hargrove moved for approval of the 2006
Budget, seconded by Estella Trevino. The motion carries.
Sherri McDade asked what the Service Officer Expenses included. Shelli said that for the past year it was
only salary and advertisement. Barbara Holston suggested that TXNAHRO budgets for the state basket sent
to the SWNAHRO Conference yearly. Blas Cantu said that he liked the idea and agreed that it should be
included in the budget and if people want to contribute to it, they could. Bernadine Spear moved to amend
the budget to include an amount of $500 minimum for the state basket donation to the SWNAHRO
Conference, seconded by Henry Flores. The motion carries.
It was noted that if the Annual Conference expense is increased from $35,000 to $60,000, we would be
running a negative budget.
IX.
Update on Legislative Committee
Shelli reported that there is no report on this committee. Shelli suggested rejuvenating this committee and
moving forward and asked for suggestions or volunteers to share this committee. Henry Flores stated that
the only thing missing from the budget was money for the lobbying worker. He added that they had
primarily focused on the tax payer program and our ability to access that program and asked if money should
be put in the budget for that or if we’re going to do it ourselves. Richard Franco added that this would be
covered under existing contracts. Jim Hargrove reported that since the Legislatures went out of session, the
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focus has been the housing authorities’ participation in the tax credit program. All the other areas that may
have positively or negatively impacted housing authorities were monitored and they left without any negative
impact on our industry and we’re still able to apply and pursue. He added that it was a lengthy and
expensive endeavor to hire people to come in and lobby on our behalf. He suggested that we need to step
back and look at it to see if this what we want to do or how to go about doing it and how we’re going to pull
that money in. Henry Flores stated that we lost the fight and added that he wasn’t sure that the use of a
lobbyist is the right thing. He added that there were a lot of the large housing authorities that contributed
funds. Mr. Flores said that we’re probably better suited to do this lobbying effort and that the best way to
create legislative changes is at the local level. Henry Alvarez stated that he has someone in his operation
whose specific job function is to monitor the bills and when they encounter something that needs to be raised
to a higher level, they involve almost everyone in the State, if not everyone present today. He added that
they have not seen a copy of the draft plan but they will get on it right away and if there’s something in there
that raises some concern, it will be brought up. Mr. Alvarez said that he could deal with that at their cost of
doing business and if this works with everyone, everyone can be included in this process. He added that it’s
important to him and they don’t have to spend a lot of money if they don’t want to, they’ll do most of the
work for them. Henry Flores said he would send him a copy of the draft plan. Abraham Rodriguez stated
that if we could take advantage of this opportunity and we could establish a rapid response committee for us
or as a whole membership pay for expenses for materials. Henry Alvarez added that there’s not much cost if
this is done electronically but if TXNAHRO wants to distribute written materials, this would probably be the
only thing the organization would have to deal with because for the ongoing work effort he has someone for
that task. Mr. Alvarez asked if we have something in place where we go up to the Capitol and speak to our
representatives on a given day. Jim Hargrove stated that we’ve done this in the past but there has been no
routine effort and he couldn’t remember if we’ve ever put our concerns on paper and went to our legislatures.
Mr. Hargrove added that there have been efforts to get the legislators to a reception to give them our
concerns but it’s probably never been organized well enough to follow through. Mr. Alvarez stated that
they’re looking at this and he reminded those present that there would be some instances where San
Antonio’s agenda might be slightly different from TXNAHRO but to the extend that we can mutually benefit
each other and if it’s okay with everyone to go ahead and orchestrate some sort of strategy to move forward.
Jim Hargrove asked that the Service Officer coordinate this effort and notify the rest of the membership.
Richard Franco appointed Jim Hargrove to be head of the Legislative Committee since he’s right here in
Austin and Mr. Franco noted that we would work with Shelli and Henry Alvarez and his staff. Richard
Franco noted that he wants to nominate Henry Alvarez to the vacant position on the Board. He said that he’s
spoken with Henry Alvarez and he’s accepted the nomination. Gary Moore moved for approval to appoint
Jim Hargrove as V.P. of the Legislative Committee and Henry Alvarez to the Board, seconded by Henry
Flores. The motion carries.
X.
Standing Committee Reports
A. Professional Development and D. Community Relations & Development
Richard Franco noted that there are two vacancies and asked for a volunteer to be V.P./Professional
Development. He stated that the V.P./CR&D also has a vacancy; he didn’t think Roma Lewis is coming
back. Mr. Franco said that he would leave these two vacant for the time being. He further said that he
wants to make sure that we create a process where we have continuous new leadership coming in. Gary
Moore stated that he would like to be a member of the Professional Development Committee.
B. Housing
Karen Morris, Vice President of Housing, stated her committee met in conjunction with the Annual
Conference and discussed topics that were of concern to the housing industry in these days of less funds and
more demands for assistance. Ms. Morris asked for volunteers for her Committee and added that if Richard
Franco wanted to appoint people to this committee, this too would be great. Abraham Rodriguez moved for
the approval of the Housing Committee Report, seconded by Jim Hargrove. The motion carries.
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At 11:45 a.m. and at the President’s request, Jim Hargrove motioned to adjourn until 12:30 p.m. in order to
have lunch, seconded by Buzz McKethan. The motion carries.
The meeting reconvened at 12:30 p.m.
C. Member Services
Judy Medders, Vice President of Member Services, stated her committee met in conjunction with the Annual
Conference and discussed the need for a TXNAHRO brochure telling what TXNAHRO “is” and “What we
have to offer all PHA’s.” These brochures would be passed out during all area Association’s
Annual/Quarterly Meetings to reach out to as many PHA’s as possible. The possibility of the Service Officer
attending these meetings and telling the Associations what TXNAHRO is all about was also discussed.
What to do with left over items from other conferences was discussed and it was agreed that these items
would be sold at a discounted price at the Annual Conference in Laredo. The Committee also met this
morning with two members out of eight attending. The TXNAHRO brochure and what is needed to get
information out was discussed. The possibility of contacting the 156 non members by January and trying to
get them to join and maybe offer to have a drawing for a free membership was also discussed. This could be
done by splitting the list up between those present at this meeting. The education grant was also discussed in
making it more feasible for others to pay to participate in our training at a cheaper cost. Buzz McKethan
moved for the approval of the Member Services report, seconded by Bernadine Spears. The motion carries.
E. Scholarship Committee
Hazel Camp was unable to attend this meeting but did submit her report. Shelli did report that Ms. Camp did
say that out of the 25 recipients, there are five (5) outstanding. Two are from the Austin Housing Authority.
One is from the San Antonio Housing Authority and is currently registered to start in January and the one
from the Eagle Pass Housing Authority is also registered to start in January and one from the Harlingen
Housing Authority. Shelli noted that probably one of these has paid out since there are only 4 outstanding.
Blas Cantu reported that they did follow up on their scholarship recipient and she is in the Dallas area but not
sure if she’ll be attending college there or not. He asked for a little more time to pursue this. Blas Cantu
moved for approval of the Scholarship Committee report, seconded by Willie Carter. The motion carries.
F. Awards Committee
Richard Franco stated that he will be appointing someone to replace him as Vice President of this
Committee.
G. Nominating Committee
Debbie Eldredge was not present and did not submit a report.
H. Report by the Service Officer
Shelli Scrogum gave the following report. In visiting with Judy Medders we want to work to do a member
drive. In visiting with Blas Cantu, Eva Shults and Estella Trevino during lunch, there are a lot of non
members in the South Texas/Valley area and in registering for the Corpus Christi Conference there will be a
member and a non member registration fee. It would be to their advantage to join TXNAHRO and pay the
member registration fee, instead of the non member. Blas Cantu stated that he and Estella Trevino would
like to see this as an agenda item at the next meeting of the HAVE Association and have a TXNAHRO
representative speak on the Corpus Christi Annual Conference and the advantage of membership. Mr. Cantu
did agree that the Corpus Christi Annual Conference would draw a large number from the Valley.
Association dues will be mailed out the last week in November or the first week in December. All
committees are going to need new members. If interested in volunteering, call Judy Medders or Shelli. Judy
noted that the current members to TXNAHRO committees are those present today and she voiced the need to
go outside the box and bring in new members to serve on all the committees. She added that if they cannot
attend a meeting, a phone conference can take place instead. Barbara Holston nominated Riza Nolasco from
Fort Worth to the Professional Development Committee. Leonard McGowan moved for approval, seconded
by David Zappasodi. The motion carries.
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Shelli reported that she’s meeting with Blas Cantu after this meeting and if there aren’t any changes the
scholarship application would be going out within the next week and it will be posted on the website. The
scholarship invoice will be submitted to Southwest Housing Compliance Corporation once everyone has
been taken care of. Shelli reported that our new contact for Fannie Mae is Christina Harper out of the El
Paso office along with Sandra Almazan. We want to keep the contact going because Fannie Mae is a
contributor to our annual conferences. On the website, several things have been update and she’s working
on a newsletter to be posted on the website. Shelli asked that if anyone has anything they’d like posted on
the website like emails, news information or job vacancies to send them to her. On the training surveys, she
has received 24 prior to the meeting and locations suggested have been in the West Texas area. To cut down
on training costs, she suggested using housing authorities’ office space or free locations. Once she receives
more surveys, she’ll send out a questionnaire as to which training we should start out with and schedule the
first for late January or early February. Shelli reported that criteria for spending the Bank of America grant
funds need to be established. She noted that Jim Hargrove said that he would like to see the grant split
between Maintenance training and Administrative training with $12,500 each over a two year period. The
requirements are: the Housing Authority requesting grant funds must be a TXNAHRO member in Good
Standing; the Housing Authority must have less than 250 combined units; maximum grant request will be
equal to l/2 of the cost of training or seminar attending; maximum of one (1) grant request per housing
authority per training; funds will only be approved for employees or commissioners of a Housing Authority
that meets all eligibility requirements. Jim Hargrove suggested that a ceiling be put on the amount of money
that should be used per calendar year per Housing Authority. Jim Hargrove suggested that a cap of $200.00
per agency per year be placed on the training funds. Richard Franco stated that some Housing Authorities
may merit more money that some others don’t need. He said that in order to distribute these funds, criteria
should be created on merit. This should be something for the Professional Development Committee to come
up with the criteria for balance where a Housing Authority is not limited to one scholarship but based on
their need. He deferred this to the Professional Development Committee. Richard Franco said that a
conference call can take place to make a decision on this.
Eva Shults reported on dates and activities
scheduled for the Annual Conference in Corpus Christi. Shelli reported that she has scheduled a visit to
Corpus Christi to visit the hotel and off site locations and will follow up by preparing initial promotional
material to be mailed to prospective vendors, sponsors and PHA’s. She asked that suggestions for the
sessions be sent to her. Future conference sites were also discussed. Leonard McGowan moved for
approval of the Service Officer’s Report, seconded by Blas Cantu. The motion carries.
XI.
Discussion on Status of Existing Contracts
Henry Alvarez suggested that the lobbyist contract should be cancelled. Steve Shorts noted that money is
still owed. Richard Franco called for a motion to allow the contract to run its course. Blas Cantu moved for
approval to allow the contract to run its course, seconded by Henry Alvarez. All except one voted in favor.
Motion passed by majority vote.
Leonard McGowan nominated Beth Bentley of the McKinney Housing Authority to the Community
Relations and Development Committee.
XII.
Old Business
None
XIII. New Business
Richard Franco called for a motion to change the bank signature cards to include Wes Bell’s, Treasurer, and
Richard Franco’s, President, signatures. Henry Flores moved to approve this action, seconded by Jim
Whitaker. The motion carries.
Richard Franco suggested putting together a committee to visit with the Secretary another one to visit with
Fort Worth and San Antonio on a quarterly basis to share information and with the help of David Zappasodi
visit the E.D. in Houston and get him to participate.
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Richard Franco also suggested that we need to establish a Small Housing Authority Task Force at every
conference and have a set of experts ready to help them in addressing some of the general issues and
concerns they may have.
Richard Franco said that he would try to make an appointment with the Secretary of HUD and would canvas
the membership to see who could go with him. Blas Cantu suggested doing this during the Legislative
Conference. Richard Franco agreed and suggested developing an outline for discussion.
Leonard McGowan stated that we need HUD involved in the training that we are attending.
As for reaching some of the Small Housing Authorities, Richard Franco suggested calling or visiting them so
that they will get the idea that we are not standoffish.
Judy Medders suggested that the Service Officer purchase a digital camera. One can be purchased for less
than $500 and take it out of office expenses instead of buying the disposable type for these meetings.
Wes Bell revisited the budget and asked how to go about approving the amended budget. Richard Franco
said that when he’s ready to present it, this can be done on a conference call.
Richard Franco thanked Henry Flores for serving as the V.P./Commissioners Committee.
thank everyone for the trust given him and will honor that trust.
XIV. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 1:35 p.m.
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Henry Flores