DDA Names New Officers
The Monticello Downtown Development Authority (DDA) conducted its July business meeting Monday evening during which new officers for the fiscal year were nominated and named.
Board member Wendell Yoder addressed the authority as chairman one final time.
“It’s been quite a ride. Time for someone else to pick up the mantle,” he said referencing his tenure as chairman of the authority. “Thank the board for their support. This will be my last meeting as chair.”
Daniel Jeffries was voted as the new chairman, relinquishing his role as treasurer. Nanette Manning was named vice chairman. Towonder Dennis, leaving the role of vice chairman, will serve as treasurer. Jennifer Stanley agreed to continue her role as secretary on a month-to-month basis until her position on the authority is determined.
Mrs. Stanley was not reappointed to the authority, though requested by the authority, by a vote of the City Council last month. While not reappointing Stanley, the council voted to reappoint Shekenia Lynwood and Jeffries. Outgoing Chairman Yoder noted that according to the DDA by-laws, the secretary can remain on the authority until a replacement is appointed and approved.
Monticello Mayor Pro-tem Doug Currie, who serves as the council’s liaison to the authority, commented that authority members can select replacements to the board as well, that council will then review and approve or deny.
Additionally, the authority is without a functioning executive director currently. It was mentioned during the regular meeting of the city council last week that the DDA executive director had resigned and thus a portion of the money afforded to fund that position would be reallocated to the Get Ahead House.
Jackie Garland, previous executive director, at some point during budget negotiations accepted a part-time position with Main Street, an arm of the Chamber of Commerce (COC). To that end, Mr. Yoder said that the COC “did not steal Jackie” from the DDA and that there had been channels behind the scenes over the past weeks to create the best opportunity for the executive director as future funding for the authority is uncertain.
The Shoppes Director Wanda Cummings provided a June update. The treasurer’s update was provided and minutes from previous meetings were approved .
Authority members entered into executive session for the matters of real estate and personnel.
