October 15, 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, October 15, 2025, at 5:08 p.m. in the Beaufort Housing Authority Conference Room. 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:
- Aris Hanchard Ferguson, Interim Executive Director
Guests:
- Ronald T. Scott, Legal Counsel, Haynesworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A.;
- Ben Quattlebaum, Consultant (via Zoom)
Call to Order and Roll Call
Chairman James called the meeting to order, took roll, and a quorum was recognized. Chairman James noted that Vice Chair Harris arrived prior to the Executive Director's Report.
Freedom oflnformation 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 lnformation Act. Ms. Aris Hanchard-Ferguson, Interim Executive Director, confirmed compliance.
Adoption of Agenda
Chairman James called for a motion to adopt the agenda as presented. Commissioner Achurch made the motion and Commissioner Warley provided the second. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.
Public Comment
The Board temporarily deferred public comment and resumed it later in the meeting. Once resumed, residents Wendy Conroy and Kevin Conroy of 505 Euhaw Street provided comments regarding 504 Euhaw Street, including concerns about demolition timing, debris, pest activity, and site maintenance. Staff thanked the speakers, provided updates as summarized above, and committed to follow-up on pest control, site maintenance, and demolition scheduling.
Executive Director's Report
Financials and HUD Communications. August 2025 financial dashboards and the monthly financial overview were circulated to the Board; the September credit card statement is available. Communication with the local HUD field office is impacted by the federal shutdown, delaying certain routine approvals and contact updates. Required submissions for this month have been made; approvals may be delayed. Upcoming deadlines: PSS grant due at month's end; CMAP submission next month; ROSS grant due early December.
South Carolina Public Housing Capital Fund Program. Work due by September 30 has been completed; closeout reporting is in progress.
Staffing-Financial Operations Administrator. Recruitment is ongoing. Two candidates are being actively considered; additional interviews and checks are in progress.
Fee Accountant. Rector, Reeder & Lofton has given notice of withdrawal from ongoing services but will complete year end/fiscal close services. BHA will procure a new fee accountant for future services (anticipated RFP).
504 Euhaw Street-Fire Loss I Demolition. BHA is assisting the displaced family with housing options and human services resources. Two demolition quotes received: Low Country Land Improvements at $19,750 (able to begin almost immediately) and Divine Work Express, LLC at $13,150 (earliest start approximately November 10). Staff will reconcile scope differences-particularly hauling/disposal-and attempt to negotiate pricing and/or start dates. Neighborhood concerns were noted regarding light, debris, pest activity, and maintenance. Demolition is expected to take approximately 4-5 workdays once started; the lot will be cleared and regularly maintained by BHA thereafter. Staff will assess pest control needs prior to demolition and ensure grounds maintenance. Insurance: An initial indication of total value loss was approximately $168,500. Staff will confirm valuation basis and proof-of-loss status with the carrier and outgoing staff.
Other Property/Claims. Sandalwood Terrace Unit 130: working with the !RF-appointed adjuster; preliminary contractor estimate has been received; the unit will need to be taken offline with HUD pending repairs.
Inspections. NSPIRE/REAC inspection for AMP 1 is currently scheduled for October 31, 2025. Preparations are underway; staff will verify whether the inspection proceeds during the shutdown and will conduct a pre-inspection.
Capital Funds-Award Adjustment. The S.C. Public Housing Capital Fund award increased from $587,673.77 to $611,981.68; closeout and disbursements are being coordinated.
PHAS Appeal. Communication with HUD regarding the FY2023 PHAS appeal continues; status updates will follow.
Resident Communication-Repositioning/RAD. In response to resident calls tied to media coverage of potential redevelopment, staff recommended holding an initial high-level resident meeting to review the RAD process and anticipated timelines, followed by a brief media factsheet to ensure accurate public information.
Old Business
None.
Executive Session
Chairman James called for a motion to enter a closed Executive Session. Commissioner Warley made a motion to enter Executive Session and Vice Chair Harris provided the second. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.
- Discussion of personnel matters related to staff and Executive Director search- S.C. Code 30-4-70(a)(l).
Commissioner Achurch made a motion to exit Executive Session. Commissioner Warley 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
- Intergovernmental Agreement. Commissioner Achurch moved to approve the intergovernmental agreement with the Charleston Housing Authority. Commissioner Warley provided the second. The motion passed unanimously.
- Executive Director Recruitment. Commissioner Achurch moved to authorize (a) the immediate posting of the Executive Director position and (b) the Board Chair and Legal Counsel to negotiate an amendment to the professional
services agreement with consultant Ben Quattlebaum to include assistance with the Executive Director search. Vice Chair Harris provided the second. The motion passed unanimously.
Questions and Comments; Next Regular Meeting
The Chairman called for any questions or comments. Hearing no further questions or comments, Chairman James announced the next Regular Board Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at 5:00 p.m., and that he would entertain a motion for adjournment.
Adjournment
Vice Chair Harris made a motion to adjourn; Commissioner Warley provided the second. The motion carried, and the meeting adjourned at approximately 6:15 p.m.