December 9, 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
Interim Executive Director - Aris Hanchard Ferguson
Board of Commissioners Special Meeting
The Board of Commissioners of the Beaufort Housing Authority convened a special meeting on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at 5:12 p.m., in person at the Beaufort Housing Authority Conference Room. The meeting was called to order by Chair 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 (via Zoom)
- Linda J. Robinson, Commissioner
- John Warley, Commissioner
- Janie Glover, Resident Commissioner
- William "Will" Achurch, Commissioner (arrived shortly after Roll Call)
Commissioners Not Present:
None
Staff and Guests attending the meeting included the following:
Staff:
- Aris Hanchard Ferguson, Interim Executive Director
- Sarah Rivers, Properties Administrator
- Tammy Doe, Financial Operations Administrator
Guests:
- Ronald T. Scott, Legal Counsel, Haynesworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A. (via Zoom);
- 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. Vice Chair Harris participated via Zoom. Chairman James noted that Commissioner Achurch arrived shortly after roll call and was noted for the record.
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 lnformation Act. Mrs. Aris Hanchard Ferguson, Interim Executive Director, confirmed compliance.
Adoption of Agenda
Vice Chair Harris made a motion to adopt the agenda. Commissioner Warley seconded. Prior to the vote, Interim Executive Director Ferguson requested a correction to the agenda heading to reflect that the meeting was a special meeting (as it was held outside the regular meeting date set forth in the bylaws) and noted that this meeting was held in place of the regular monthly meeting. The Board voted unanimously to adopt the agenda as amended.
Approval of Minutes
Commissioner Robinson made a motion to approve the minutes of the Wednesday, November 19, 2025, meeting. Commissioner Glover seconded. The Board approved the minutes, with Commissioner Warley abstaining due to not being present at that meeting.
Public Comment
Chair James opened the floor for public comment and reminded attendees to state their name and address for the record, with comments limited to three minutes. Ms. Shannon Rice, 412 B Ribaut Road, addressed the Board regarding deteriorated flooring and subfloor conditions in her unit and raised safety and communication concerns. Interim Executive Director Ferguson and Properties Administrator Rivers provided an update on the evaluation completed by the Authority's contractor and staff, including moisture testing and observations that did not identify a building-system leak near the affected area. Staff reported that materials had been ordered for the repair work and committed to improved communication and timely follow-up regarding next steps and scheduling.
Executive Director's Report
Interim Executive Director Ferguson reported that Tammy Doe, Financial Operations Administrator, had begun her second week and was progressing quickly through onboarding and key operational responsibilities, including payroll transition support, banking permissions, and management system access.
Ms. Ferguson also provided an update on final documentation and drawdowns for the South Carolina Public Housing Capital Fund Program. With respect to repositioning, Ms. Ferguson reported that resident meetings were scheduled for the following days at Marsh Point and Sandalwood, with proper notice distributed, to support required steps in the RAD process. Ms. Ferguson further reported that the 504 Euhaw Street site had been cleared and stabilized, and staff had verified that appropriate measures were taken to address prior concerns regarding runoff. Ms. Ferguson provided a staffing update regarding recruitment for key positions and discussed plans to update the Authority's ACOP and Housing Choice Voucher Administrative Plan through assistance from Charleston School of Law students completing pro bono hours. Finally, Ms. Ferguson reported ongoing coordination regarding the Hilton Head vacancy process and follow-up efforts concerning Ms. Idel Myers from the prior meeting.
Old Business
The Board considered the resolution authorizing submission of applications and documents necessary for the repositioning and conversion of certain Authority projects. Interim Executive Director Ferguson reported that a finalized resolution document was not yet available for Board action and requested that the item be tabled. No action was taken.
New Business
There was no new business requiring approval. Interim Executive Director Ferguson provided an update regarding the appointment process for Dr. Natassia Allen and noted that the City of Beaufort Council meeting was scheduled for January 13, 2026, at which the appointment may be considered.
Executive Session
Chairman James called for a motion to enter a closed Executive Session. Commissioner Achurch made a motion to enter Executive Session and Commissioner Warley 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).
- Discussion of negotiations incident to contractual arrangements regarding repositioning - S.C. Code 30-4-70(a)(2).
Commissioner Achurch 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 at approximately 6:40 p.m. Chair James noted for the record that Vice Chair Harris and Commissioner Warley departed during Executive Session and were no longer present.
Possible Votes as a Result of Executive Session
None.
Questions and Comments: Next Regular Meeting
Chairman James announced the next Regular Board Meeting would be held on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at the Beaufort Housing Authority Conference Room. The Board discussed recognizing Commissioner Warley's service upon his departure from the Board and suggested presenting a small commemorative token and recognizing him at a future staff/annual gathering.
Adjournment
Commissioner Achurch made a motion for adjournment, Commissioner Robinson seconded it, the motion carried, and the meeting adjourned at approximately 6:45 p.m.