ahandbookforhousingauthoritycommissioners w a h a（ahandbookforhousingauthoritycommissioners- w a h a）.doc

A HANDBOOK FOR HOUSING AUTHORITY COMMISSIONERS September, 2002 Information Compiled by Member Services Committee: Karen Bennett, Chair Bayfield County City of Washburn Housing Authorities Sue Boettcher Edgerton Housing Authority John Finger, Team Coordinator Department of Housing Urban Development Brad Masterson Winnebago County City of Oshkosh Housing Authorities Peggie Obst New London Clintonville Housing Authorities John Wartman Shawano County Housing Authorities Roselie Wiedow Lincoln County Housing Authority This handbook is designed to introduce Commissioners to their responsibilities as members of the Housing Authority Board. It is our hope that this will be a useful tool and reference during your tenure as a Commissioner. Additional copies of this handbook can be obtained from: Roselie Wiedow, Executive Secretary Wisconsin Association of Housing Authorities Lincoln County Housing Authority 15 Marinette Street, P.O. Box 213 Tomahawk, WI 54487-0213 rbud@ TABLE OF CONTENTS The Public Housing Agency in Wisconsin Overview 1 How Housing Authorities are Established 2 Community Development Housing Authorities 2 Functions of a Housing Authority 2 Linkage to Local Government 3 Appointment of Commissioners Appointment 4 Residents as Commissioners 4 Reimbursement for Expenses 4 When Vacancies Occur 4 Qualifications 5 Removal of Commissioners 5 The Board the Executive Director: An Effective Team Defining Responsibilities 6 Rolls of Board vs. Executive Director 7 Areas of Responsibility 7 What Makes an Effective Commissioner 7 Chairperson Responsibilities 8 Tenant Commissioners 8 Importance of a Good Working Relationship 9 Avoiding Conflict 9 Never Second Guess the Executive Director 9 What Not To Do 10 Closed Sessions 10 Board of Commissioner Meetings Duties of Comm