By By JESSICA SIEFF / Niles Daily Star
NILES – The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development called them "dysfunctional" and claimed two members, Georgia Boggs and Scott Clark constituted a "conflict of interest" – opening the door to possible resignations.
But it seems that calm waters may be ahead for the Niles Housing Commission -as they make a recommendation to HUD for an interim director. Juan Ganum said Monday afternoon that a meeting was held Monday morning with that candidate – City Development Manager Neil Coulston.
"[Ganum] kind of filled me in on what they were faced with," said Coulston. He added that the work he would do for the commission would be done outside of his regular work schedule. "I was proposing to him that I could help, in the short term anyway."
"You can't say enough," about Coulston, said Ganum. Crediting his 30 years in local government, Ganum said Coulston is "dependable, he's honest, he's a tireless worker… He is the perfect candidate in filling the role."
Ganum said that because Coulston is a city employee – officials at HUD have been contacted to verify whether his taking on the position is acceptable. Following the board's meeting Tuesday afternoon, Ganum said he'd been informed by a director at HUD that the request was forwarded to a special counsel and is pending approval.
That leaves the board in what Ganum termed a "holding pattern". Until Coulston is approved for interim director, there is little the board can do to move forward and get back to work. No board approval is needed for the appointment of Coulston. And Ganum hopes that the move will take place quickly.
"Time is of the essence," he said, adding that the commission has received a "second chance" to apply for a capital improvement grant – the deadline of which HUD informed the board had been missed amidst a tumultuous time for the commission last month. Ganum said Coulston is, "familiar with applying for federal funds," adding a benefit to putting him in the position of interim director of the Housing Commission board.
"I don't want there to be any conflict of interest," said Coulston – who added he is waiting for the response from HUD before "stepping foot in the office" – which he said he plans on doing for only 30 – 45 days. That time period will at least allow Coulston to work on applying for the grant funds.
"I'm certainly not applying for the job," he added. "I have no interest."
No decision has been made yet regarding Clark or Boggs. Boggs being a member of city council and Clark having removed himself from the commission only to rejoin within less than the appropriated time limit of 12 months are the reasons HUD gave for their classification as a possible conflict of interest.
The concern, officials at HUD said, was based on stipulations within a 1972 version of an Annual Contributions Contract that had been signed between the two entities. Ganum confirmed Wednesday morning that the contract – which officials couldn't locate – was indeed found. It is currently under review by city attorney Robert Landgraf. "I'm sure everyone is going to want to see that," Ganum said.
Ganum said the situation concerning the housing commission board is in need of stabilization. Asked if the controversial decision to terminate former director of the housing commission, David Martin, is final, Ganum replied, "As far as I'm concerned, it's final."
During the commission board's meeting with HUD, several residents of the commission's housing development held up signs in support of Martin – calling for him to be returned to his position. "To those people," said Ganum. "I ask for their patience."
Once the interim director stage is over, the board will be "aggressive" in looking for a permanent director. But while some sort of stability seems evident – it remains on hold until approval of Coulston. "It's a complete domino affect right now," Ganum explained. "And we're waiting for the first domino to fall."
According to Ganum, Coulston believes the position of interim director is one that he can do. "He's an excellent manager," said Ganum. "And that's what's needed right now."