July 16, 2025 Meeting Minutes
Beaufort Housing Authority
1009 Prince Street
P.O. Box 1104
Beaufort, South Carolina 29901
843.525.7059
Fax: 843.525.7090
TDD: 1.800.735.2905
www.beaufortha.com
Commissioners
- Ethan M. James, Chairman
- Marilyn J. Harris, Vice Chairman
- Linda J. Robinson, Commissioner
- William Achurch, Commissioner
- John Warley, Commissioner
- Janie Glover, Commissioner
Executive Director - Julie A. Davis
Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting
The Board of Commissioners of the Beaufort Housing Authority convened a regular meeting on Wednesday. July 16, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. at the Beaufort County Black Chamber of Commerce located at 711 Bladen Street
Beaufort, SC 29902. The meeting was also conducted virtually via Zoom. The Meeting was called to order by Chairman Ethan M. James, and upon roll call those present and absent were as follows:
Commissioners Present:
- Ethan M. James, Chair
- Marilyn J. Harris, Vice Chair
- Linda J. Robinsons Commissioner
- John Warley, Commissioner-virtual.
- William "Will" Achurch, Commissioner
- Janie Glover, Resident Commissioner
Staff and Guests attending the meeting included the following:
STAFF: Julie Davis, Executive Director
GUESTS:
- Joseph D. Dickey, Jr., Legal Counsel, Haynesworth, Sinkler, Boyd, P.A.
- Ronald T. Scott, Legal Counsel, Haynesworth, Sinkler, Boyd, P.A.
- Benjamin Quattlebaum, BJ. Quattlebaum & Associates, Inc.-virtual.
Call to Order and Roll Call
Chairman James of the Beaufort Housing Authority called the meeting to order and thanked everyone for being there. He then took roll call, and a quorum was recognized. Chairman James noted that Commissioner Robinson joined by conference call.
Freedom of Information Act Statement
Chairman James asked for confirmation that public notification of the meeting was published, posted, and distributed in compliance with the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act. Ms. Julie Davis, Executive Director, confirmed
compliance.
Adoption of Agenda
Chairman James called for a motion to adopt the agenda as presented. Vice Chair Harris made the motion and Commissioner Robinson provided the second. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.
Approval of Minutes
Commissioner Achurch made a motion to approve the minutes from the June 18, 2025, board meeting. Commissioner Robinson provided the second. Chairman James stated that he would like clarification of a Motion in the June 18, 2025, minutes relating to the submission of an application to HUD for repositioning and redevelopment. After discussion, Vice Chair Harris made a motion to table the minutes. Commissioner Achurch provided the second and all Board members voted in favor of the motion and the vote passed unanimously.
Public Comment
Minutes, July 16, 2025
None
Executive Director's Report
Financial Update. Director Davis provided an update to the Board of Commissioners that the Financial Assistant and Fee Accountant were working on monthly close and anticipate financials for May soon. BHA provided corrective action to the FY2024 audit, and a finding related to the HCV Program was cleared and closed out on June 30, 2025. BHA provided a corrective action plan for the Voucher Management System (VMS) review report and received a close out letter on July 2, 2025. No further action was needed.
General Information. Director Davis informed the board that BHA has been working with consultants on organizational structure and staffing needs. Property Management submitted annual rent approvals to SC Housing for the HOME
Investment Partnership Program homes and received approval of a rent increase subject to applicable rules and regulations published by HUD. The Physical (Capital) Needs Assessment reports are final and will be forwarded to the Board of Commissioners for review. Critical and non-critical repairs were included in the BHA 5-Year Action Plan. BHA has an NSPIRE inspection of the Yemassee AMP scheduled for July 29-31, 2025. Property Management and Maintenance are conducting pre-inspections to prepare for the event. SC Housing is conducting a final compliance monitoring and property inspection for certain NSP homes also on July 30 & 31. Lastly, BHA's Annual PHA and 5-Year Plans are due to HUD on July 18, 2025. More will be discussed regarding the plans for new business.
Resident Initiatives and Community Engagement. Director Davis provided an update on the summer lunch program. To date, BHA has administered approximately 1,785 lunches.
Old Business
Board of Commissioners Retreat and Training. Director Davis stated she would like to provide an opportunity for the Board of Commissioners to discuss their experience at the Commissioner Retreat held in Charleston, SC at the City of Charleston Housing Authority. She stated the workshop started with a meet and greet with the City of Charleston Housing Authority. Presentations were provided by the General Counsel, Director of Development, and Chief Operating Officer. Topics included development activity related to RAD Conversions. A housing tour was provided to the Board of Commissioners and training by Haynesworth, Sinkler, Boyd,.P.A. Chairman James said the retreat was very well put together, informational, eye-opening and motivational regarding the repositioning and housing that has been built for their residents. Commissioner Achurch and Robinson concurred and thanked the Executive Director and Legal Counsel for the planning and training provided.
New Business
Approval of the 2025 PHA Annual Plan and 5-Year PHA Plan. Director Davis presented the 2025 PHA Annual Plan and 5-Year PHA Plan to the Board, confirming copies were provided prior to the meeting. She reviewed the Plans, noting inclusion of required language on significant deviation/amendment for repositioning and that $200,000 was allocated in the 2024 5-Year Action Plan from the CF grant for RAD investment activity. Estimated predevelopment costs for LIHTC developments were also discussed.
Vice Chair Harris asked if the public was aware that Connelly Development was selected as Co-Developer through the RFQ process. Chairman James confirmed this was public information and noted in prior minutes. Counsel Scott explained the RFQ process, its distinction from RFP, and outlined next steps for negotiating a Master Development Agreement with the selected proposer.
Vice Chair Harris inquired about public notice for the Plans. Director Davis confirmed a public meeting was held July 14, 2025, with notice provided 45 days in advance, and copies are available at BHA offices. She also reported that no one attended the public meeting, but two resident meetings were held and comments incorporated into the Plans. Consultant Quattlebaum confirmed HUD compliance of the forms but did not advise on content. Commissioners noted the Plans weremore robust than prior years. Legal counsel requested additional time for review; Director Davis stated amendments could be made after submission if needed. Consultant Quattlebaum confirmed the Plans are due 45 days before fiscal year-end.
After discussion, Commissioner Achurch moved to approve the 2025 Annual and 5-Year PHA Plans subject to review and modifications as necessary to meet HUD deadlines. Commissioner Warley seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.
Executive Session
Chairman James called for a motion to enter a closed Executive Session. Vice Chair Harris made a motion to enter Executive Session and Commissioner Robinson provided the second. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.
- Discussion of Employment Matters - S.C. Code 30-4-70 (A)(1).
- Receipt of legal advice relating to settlement of pending, threatened, or potential legal claim(s) - S.C. Code 30-4-70 (A)(2).
Vice Chair Harris made a motion to exit Executive Session. Commissioner Robinson provided the second, The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion. The Board of Commissioners exited Executive Session.
Possible Votes as a Result of Executive Session
Commissioner Achurch moved to authorize the Chairman to enter into an agreement to release any pending or threatened claims as discussed in Executive Session, subject to the review and minor revisions by legal counsel. Vice Chair Harris provided the second. All Board members voted in favor of the motion and the vote passed unanimously.
Questions and Comments: Next Regular Meeting
The Chairman called for any questions or comments. Hearing none, Chairman James stated the next Regular Board Meeting was scheduled for August 20, 2025, and that he would entertain a motion for adjournment.
Adjournment
Commissioner Achurch made a motion for adjournment, Commissioner Robinson seconded it, the motion carried, and the meeting adjourned at approximately 5:51 p.m.