HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Services May 19 1988WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
PUBLIC SERVICES COMMITTEE
May 19, 1988
The meeting was called to order at 5:47 p.m. by Committee
Chair Johnson with Vanderpol present. Also present were Dan
Warner, Council Member; Ed Henken, County Engineer; Randy Watts,
Council Attorney; Robert Bumford; Aileen Satushek; Lloyd Austin;
Edith Harris; David Warren; and Ramona Reeves, Bellingham Herald.
EXECUTIVE'S RECOMMENDED REAPPOINTMENT OF PHYLLIS Glj,ABAM TO A
SECOND . FULL. TERM ON THE,. BQA.RD OF . T.HE BELLINGHAM/WHATCOM,COUNTY
HOUSING AUTHORITY; TERM TO RUN THROUGH APRIL 18, 1,993
Lloyd Austin
1838 Lakeside
Discussed problems at Bellingham Housing Authority (BHA) existing
since 1980; action on the problem is long overdue; urged that the
Council clear the air on the issue and not reappoint Phyllis
Graham.
Aileen Satushek
Housing Specialist at BHA
Stated that Graham's character and reputation were not being
questioned but rather her leadership skills; lack of leadership
skills placed BHA office problems on front page of newspaper; BHA
employees demoralized and some tenants feel belittled and
threatened; problems began 11 years ago with hiring of Ralph
Rogers; 79 percent of staff identify Rogers as the problem;
Graham has been Rogers' strongest supporter, has dismissed
employee complaints as invalid; majority of BHA staff believe she
does not have leadership skills needed for the future; BHA staff
urge that she not be reappointed.
David Warren
Union Representative for Service Employees
Stated that Phyllis Graham was the most outspoken and strong -
willed member of the Board, and therefore exercised considerable
influence; has maintained unwavering support for Ralph Rogers;
refused to accept criticism of Rogers even after consultant's
report; publicly expressed support for Rogers during grievance
hearings; refused to meet with union representatives. Warren
discussed victimization of past and present BHA employees; stated
that BHA employees lack confidence in Graham; urged Council not
to reappoint her.
Public Services
May 19, 1988
Page 3
Edith Harris
BHA employee since 1978
Described mistreatment of employees by Rogers, leading to severe
stress, medical problems, and hospitalization of employees; when
incidents were discussed with Graham she defended Rogers; the
only way to turn the situation around is to not reappoint Graham.
Lori Province
Whatcom County Central Labor Council President
Labor Council was asked to investigate Graham's conduct as a
Board member; discussions with her were unproductive; would not
address issue of Rogers' behavior; Graham stated that her boss
also had emotional temper tantrums and did things which
humiliated her, and this was something employees just had to put
up with; new board member needed.
There was discussion on the issue.
VANDERPOL MOVED TO RECOMMEND CONFIRMATION OF THE
REAPPOINTMENT OF PHYLLIS GRAHAM.
Johnson stated that he could not vote in favor of the motion
and therefore the issue would go forward to the Council with no
recommendation.
•N1 s �1 -1 a_- ' • �� 1 li_ •1
VANDERPOL MOVED TO RECOMMEND ADOPTION OF THE ORDINANCE.
The motion carried.
•' '' • ' 1 •�
MUM
VANDERPOL MOVED TO RECOMMEND ADOPTION OF THE ORDINANCE.
The motion carried.
The meeting was adjourned at 6 :45 p.m.
ATTEST:
Amanda Fleming
Clerk of the Council
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
d
C.J. "Corky' Johnson, Chair
Public Services Committee