| By Bob Weaver
"One or two people are making the decisions" at the Minnora Center,
according to
board member Larry Cottrell. Cottrell made his comments at a public
meeting last
night which attracted about forty people. He said "We need broad-based
support for
this center...There is a danger of corruption...The by-laws haven't
always been
followed."
Larry Cottrell expresses concerns
The public meeting was to explore a vision for the future, covering a
number of
agenda items. Several agencies and officials supported the need for
the center,
located in the old Minnora Elementary School.
Board member Donna Jordan, who chaired the meeting, said "We need more
input and
involvement from the community to improve the center." She reviewed
the progress
that has been made, but acknowledged there is a deep division on the
board. She
asked for suggestions from those attending.
Chairperson Jordon asks for "visions"
President Wanda Richards, who Jordan said was invited, did not attend
and chose not
to comment after she was contacted by The Herald. Jordan reported
Richards said "If
we had this meeting she would have the law toss us out." She said some
board
members were not advised of a February meeting, although Richards told
The Hur
Herald efforts were made to contact them by phone. "We are not
required to publish
the meeting notice in advance," she said.
Several people spoke regarding the need for the various parties to
settle their
differences and mediate their problems for the good of the center and
the community.
A non-board member David Corson says depositions will be taken next
month in a civil
suit he filed over two years ago against the center. He said it was
over a violation of a
lease he had with Richards for a nutrition program. Corson expressed
concern about
how board members were elected and the ignoring of by-laws.
Much of the meeting was spent reviewing accomplishments at the center.
A
supporter for Richards said "That must speak well for Wanda."
Mike Ritchie, speaking on behalf of the CCCOA, said the new nutrition
program is
doing well after only four days. "We served 32 people today and we
need more
space," he said. Ritchie said he didn't come to fight, just serve
seniors. Minnie
Hamilton Health Care said the utilization of their primary health
center has been up,
and they are pleased.
Donna Jordan said she was concerned legal documents were not signed by
the
President and Secretary as required by the by-laws, and the board does
not have a
treasurer.
Donna Jordon chairs the forum
The election of Herchel Yost to the board is in contention. Richards
said Cottrell, who
was the Secretary, "Did not keep accurate minutes" and Yost was not a
member of
the board. She said an official board meeting will be held at the
center on Wednesday,
March 7th at 6 p.m. "Everyone is welcome," she concluded.
Board members attending Tuesday evenings meeting: Mary Juanita Boggs,
Larry
Cottrell, Dormal Ewing, Donna Jordan, Phil Stevens, Freda Whytsell and
Herchel Yost
(contested).
Absent members: President Wanda Richards, Gene Hicks and Rose
Jarvis.
About 40 people attend meeting
People came to support center
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