THE PHA TEAM LET’S DON’T FORGET TO DO OUR JOB Mickey McInnish AAHRA Spring Workshop
Dec 16, 2015
A Public Official
• Appointed by and elected official• Ethics issues• Fiduciary issues• Removal from office ??
Now I Have Been Appointed
• What is a housing authority?• Who are the other members of the board?• Why all of the rules. • Why orientation?• What are the dynamics of the board? Roles,
Leaders, Followers, Critics, Supporters?
What Are My Basic Needs
• Bylaws• Budgets• Audits• Major Policies: ACOP, Admin Plan, Personnel,
Procurement, etc.
The Team
• Only the team has the power and authority to act.
• The Executive Director is a member of the team.
• The Director works for the “Board”, not a member of the “Board”.
Team Building
• Retreats• Self Evaluations• Listening skills• Explaining positions on issues• Being friends with other members• Be honest: tell other members when you
agree as well as when you disagree. AND WHY!!
Problem Areas
• Disagreements: don’t carry over to next issue• Respect for all members and employees• Voting Blocks, Cliques• There will be split votes: unanimous not
always the best.• Accept majority or work to negotiate and
change: leave disagreements at the table.
Role of the Board
• Sets policy• Hires director to manage the organization• Achieving the balance of leading and
delegating• Monitoring, receiving reports, asking
questions• Fiduciary duty to HUD
Monitoring and Evaluating
• Short/Long term plans: measurable indicators• Finances: bottom line• Vacancies• Executive Director• Health of the authority• What will make us better?• Become an advocate for the agency
Policies
• How do we develop?• Need for action. Broad or narrow? Policy or
procedure? • Facts gathered• Issues deliberated• Policy written• Reviewed regularly• Watch for unintentional consequences
MOTOR VEHICLES
• Do we have a policy?• What are some problems with private use of
vehicles?• Liability issues• IRS issues and reporting
CREDIT CARDS
• Do we have a policy?• Who tracks?• What paperwork is required?• Who monitors and reports?• Personal use: ok to just repay?
The Director
• Helps the board do its job• Implements policies and reports• Responsible for day-to-day operations• Represents the organization• Hires, disciplines, supervises, educates,
evaluates and promotes/demotes employees• Manages the finances• REPORTS TO BOARD: ACCURATE REPORTS
Board and ED Relationship
• ED duty to Board• Part of the board team• Reports: not only reports as requested, but
anything he/she thinks relevant to overall operation of authority
ED has one boss: the full board.
Relationship Continued
• Board has only one employee: the ED• Watch for trouble in getting involved with
management• Reports from residents, other employees• What do I do to stay out of trouble?• But what if serious allegation made about the
ED?
Staff Relationships
• Chain of Command• Don’t allow staff to “short circuit” the chain• Remind staff about proper channels for
making complaints or grievances• Watch out for “witch hunts”
Grievances/Complaints
• Have a policy for reporting• Have a policy for discrimination, retaliation,
protected communications• Investigation and disposition: ED responsible
except for allegations against him/her• Let the ED know about any concerns or
complaints that come directly to you other than against him/her
• Let ED handle the problem !!!
Staff Recognition
• Board should be concerned about the staff• And give recognition to the staff: attaboys
Board Meetings
• Team is responsible for good meetings• Prepare• Attend• Be on time• Take part• Work together• Work toward compromise
The Meeting
• Begin on time• Let someone know if you will not be there• Stick to the agenda• Don’t use the meeting as a soapbox• Staff present?• Attorney present?• Open Meetings Law
Staff Involvement
• Who do we need?• Ask for reports in advance• Consider a cut-off for questions: noon on
Friday, etc???• Issues: overtime, preparation, etc.
The Agenda
• How generated?• Add-on items, deletions• What do we do about public comments?• What action should the chair take?• Look in Bylaws
Public Comments
• Have on agenda• Sign up sheet• Action taken• Time limit• Why wait until board meeting to talk about
grass cutting and weeds?
Becoming and Remaining Successful
• Know your policies• Be ethical• Make other members successful• Check legal papers: cooperation agreement,
Bylaws, Incorporation, ACC, Proof of Insurance
Planning with Staff
• Board retreat• Budget planning• Ideas• Policy needs• Getting input and LISTEN• Five year and Annual Plans
Who is the Official Spokesperson?
• Who is it?
• What do I say?
• Who do I notify?
• What is the “chain”
Staying Informed
• Legal reports: executive sessions?• Insurance issues: working with the company• Know your strategy• Let ED know what you really do need to be
successful