MINNORA CENTER BOARD DIVIDED - "We Need Broad-Based Support"

(02/28/2001)
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