Title
Resolution to Replace the Ann Arbor Housing Commission Board of Commissioners
Body
Whereas, The Ann Arbor Housing Commission is a public body corporate, which is separate from the City of Ann Arbor, but the Mayor and City Council maintain the authority to appoint the Ann Arbor Housing Commission Board of Commissioners;
Whereas, City Council remains fully committed to providing quality affordable housing to the citizens of Ann Arbor and has been concerned with the long-term sustainability of the Ann Arbor Housing Commission;
Whereas, In May, 2009 City Council approved R-09-197 to fund an Operational Needs Assessment in order for the Ann Arbor Housing Commission to develop a strategic plan to ensure the future viability and sustainability of the organization;
Whereas, The Operational Needs Assessment, which provides recommendations regarding operations, finances, staffing, best practices, governance and other issues, was completed in February 2010, but has not been completely reviewed and considered by the Board;
Whereas, At this time City Council desires to immediately address significant issues regarding Board effectiveness and commitment, including:
· Lack of urgency related to consideration and implementation of the Operational Needs Assessment
· Failure to address time-sensitive staffing needs including the appointment of a non-interim Executive Director, and failure to prepare for filling vacant positions prior to expiration of Memorandums of Understandings with employee unions regarding the temporary staffing of positions
· Concerns with the Board of Commissioner's compliance with their Bylaws
· Lack of action taken regarding continuing financial challenges of the Commission, as well as addressing the finances of subsidiary nonprofits
· Lack of board engagement and proactivity
Whereas, Section 1:209(1) of Ann Arbor City Code and MCL 125.654(3) authorizes members of the Ann Arbor Housing Commission to be removed from office by the Mayor with the approval of the City Council; and
Whereas, City Council desires to replace the current Board of Commissioners with new leadership to transform the governance of the organization and immediately implement plans to ensure the future viability and sustainability of the organization;
RESOLVED, That the Mayor, with the approval of City Council, remove the five existing commissioners from office, effective immediately;
RESOLVED, That the Mayor, with the approval of the City Council, appoint the following individuals to serve on the Ann Arbor Housing Commission to fill remaining Board of Commissioner terms as indicated:
· Person One Term expires 4-30-11
· Mark McDonald Term expires 4-30-12
· Jayne Miller Term expires 4-30-13
· Marta Manildi Term expires 4-30-14
RESOLVED, That the Mayor, with the approval of the City Council, reappoint Deborah Gibson, a resident commissioner, to the Term expiring 4-30-10;
RESOLVED, That Tony Derezinski continue in the role of City Council Member Liaison to the Commission, and that Kevin McDonald from the City Attorney's Office be appointed to serve as staff liaison to the Commission.
Sponsor: Councilmember Derezinski