August 27, 2026 Meeting Minutes

Minutes of a meeting of the Board of Commissioners, Thursday, August 27, 2026

The meeting was called to order by Chairman Howe at 12:07 with the following members present:

Harry Howe, Chairman
Carol Edmiston
James McNeil
Regina Roberts
Kenny Edwards
Charles P. Harrington, Sect/Treas.

The Chairman declared a quorum present.

There were no individuals present for citizen's time.

A motion to approve the minutes of the regular meeting held on June 18, 2026, were presented. Commissioner Edmiston moved, followed by a second from Commissioner Roberts, that the minutes be approved. Motion passed.

Old Business:
Mr. Harrington reported that occupancy for the Public Housing Program is slightly down but remains in the 95% range. The Voucher program is rapidly filling, new landlords have been active in participating in the program, and both programs are running smoothly.

The Hamlet Street repairs consisting of tree removal and the installation of new roofs on all of the buildings in our Hamlet Street inventory is nearing completion, and the properties look very nice.

Al McIntosh presented the financial report and stated the overall financial condition of the Authority is very good He also suggested that the MRHA consider merit pay for the employees before the end of the fiscal year, possibly to be made in November. After discussion of the financial matters, Commissioner Edwards moved, and Commissioner Roberts seconded a motion to approve the financial report as presented. Motion passed.

New Business:
Replacement of the elevator at Orchard Towers will be started as soon as the vendor receives all necessary materials. The elevator will be out of service for a period of 30 days. Plans are being finalized for the hiring of an individual to provide support services to the residents, and Mr. Harrington will be advising Fire/EMS of the situation so that plans can be made for any need for services during the project.

Brian Reed, Vice Chairman has resigned his position as a member of the Board of Commissioners. Brian has served as a commissioner since 2016, spending most of his tenure as Vice-Chairman.

Mr. Harrington stated that Mason Gragg, with Mt. Rogers PDC, has expressed an interest in filling Brian's slot as a commissioner. Mr. Gragg is highly recommended both by Mr. Reed, and also by Commissioner McNeil.

After some discussion, it was the consensus of the Board that Mr. Gragg be asked to serve as a member of the MRHA Board of Commissioners.

Commissioner Edmiston made a motion to elect James McNeil as the Vice-Chairman of MRHA. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Roberts.
Upon vote, the motion was passed.

A resolution of appreciation will be written and presented to Mr. Reed in the near future.

Mr. Harrington explained the new regulations regarding the public information required for all government entities as it relates to meetings.

The vehicle for the HCV program is 14 years old, and in need of replacement. Mr. Harrington requested authorization to sell the vehicle and purchase a replacement through the State vehicle purchase program. Motion to proceed was made by Commissioner Edmiston and seconded by Commissioner Roberts, motion passed.

The annual SERC meeting will be held in Biloxi MS. In November. All Commissioners are invited to attend.

A discussion was held regarding constructing a new maintenance facility. Further information will be presented after some planning and design are investigated.

Resolution 2027-3, approval of bad debts to be charged off was presented. Commissioner Edmiston moved, followed by a second from Commissioner Roberts that the resolution be passed. The motion was passed by a unanimous vote.

With no further business to be presented, Commissioner McNeil moved, seconded by Commissioner Roberts, that the meeting be adjourned, motion passed.