| By Bob Weaver
Accusations and issues surfaced with personalities flaring at the
official board
meeting of the Minnora Community Center, Wednesday evening. President
Wanda
Richards read prepared comments regarding her position at the opening
of the
meeting, after board member Larry Cottrell made comments regarding the
behavior of
Richards and Gene Hicks.
Richards said "The bickering must stop. We're going to move forward."
About fifty
people attended the meeting, with the principal participants managing
to keep their
anger in check.
Board members wade through agenda, finances discussed
Dissenting community member David Corson did not appear, although he
has
announced he is moving forward with a civil suit against the center
and President
Richards.
Prior to the meeting, Larry Cottrell circulated his position in a
document which listed
six items he considers inappropriate, covering possible fraud,
drinking problems,
sexual harassment, raffle problems, bid discrepancies and the handling
of money.
Richards discussed at length the finances of the center, producing
numerous
documents about financial management. The issue of mishandling a $1000
grant from
the Family Resource Network to develop a Starting Points Program was
discussed.
Rev. Peig Schmitz told the group "This is an enormous undertaking
which needs more
commitment from community people.
Board members larry Cottrell (L) and Rev. Peig Schmitz presented
views
The board elected Donna Jordan the new treasurer, after which she
announced she
would ask for an audit before assuming the position.
Discussion regarding the election of Hershel Yost as a board member
remained
unresolved, with dissenting parties accusing each other of
misunderstandings.
Richards stuck to her sixteen item agenda, some of which addressed
past problems
and new projects for the center.
Minnie Hamilton Health Care Center CEO Barb Lay offered to redirect
some grant
funds for assisting the MCC board to overcome problems. Cottrell said
a Conflict
Resolution Workshop was scheduled at Spring Heights in Roane County
and board
members are encouraged to attend.
MHHCC CEO, Barb Lay offers assistance to board members
Richards ruled Cottrell out of order later in the meeting when he
attempted to discuss
personal concerns, stating "My personal life is none of your
business."
"We want to have tea and cookies and laugh again," said Richards, who
says she is
not enjoying the conflict. She said more people would come forward to
help with the
center if "You would stop spreading trash around," referring to
Cottrell.
Personalities flared, issues raised at MCC meeting
The meeting was quickly adjourned as board member Donna Jordan was
presenting a
"compromise proposal" which asked for the President to step aside for
six months,
allowing time for mediating problems and by-law review.
Other business details of Wednesday's meeting will continue in The
Herald.
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