Following its recent decision to accept bid scores for administrative services related to the FY 2018 HOME Investment Partnerships Program, the Indianola city aldermen took a further step last Thursday evening by approving a contract with Brown & Associates, Inc.
The special called meeting was led by Mayor Ken Featherstone, with attendance from four aldermen, City Clerk Stephanie Washington, and special attorney Chad Mask via telephone. The sole agenda item was the approval of the contract for administrative services concerning the continuation of the HOME program project, designated as #1230-M18-SG-280-216.
Mayor Featherstone opened the meeting by requesting a motion to approve the agenda, which was made by Ward 4 Alderman Marvin Elder and seconded by Ward 5 Alderman Sam Brock. The motion passed unanimously, setting the stage for detailed discussions about the contract.
Dr. Adrian Brown of Brown and Associates explained that the contract closely mirrors the prior HOME Grant contract with Mississippi Home Corporation, with the current extension covering five homes at a total of $231,085. He clarified that the original grant, for eight homes at $392,336, had been scaled back to focus on five properties due to the passing of one homeowner and other procedural considerations. Brown also provided updates on the involved properties and addressed questions about project benchmarks and funding.
Regarding the homeowners involved, Brown detailed the current status:
One homeowner recently put a new roof on her house. $10,000 had been allotted for roof repairs in the original grant.
One homeowner passed away; proof of her passing, including her obituary, had been provided. No proof of her income was included in the documentation.
One home had work completed by Spencer Construction in 2023, and income verification had been submitted.
One homeowner did not supply proof of income in the last documentation.
One homeowner’s current address is unknown; efforts are ongoing to locate her.
In response to inquiries about the project’s progress, Brown indicated that Mississippi Home Corporation officials are reviewing whether remaining funds from the deceased homeowner could be reallocated, but no new homeowners could be added at this stage. The council discussed the necessity of meeting certain benchmarks, such as homeowner-contract agreements, income verification, and contractor listings, which Brown confirmed were being addressed.
Alderman Gary Fratesi raised concerns about rising costs and the city’s financial role. Brown stated he did not require assistance from the city for the project.
A motion to approve the contract was made by Alderman Marvin Elder and seconded by Alderman Sam Brock. The vote was split: Ward 1 Alderman Gary Fratesi voted against the measure, while Ward 3 Alderman Ruben Woods, Elder, and Brock voted in favor.
Alderman Darrell Simpson was not present.
