Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/260020
"And I'm having some huge heartburn over HUD not answering questions," Vice Chairwoman Christine Robinson said. "If our staffs have questions, how dare they not answer them." Commissioner Nora Patterson told Hadsell that what he was doing sounded reasonable, "but it could be better documented in some way, so that we can make the case more firmly that we're put in such a bad position because HUD hasn't given us the rules." Finally, Patterson added, "I don't agree with doing nothing, but I do agree with the caution you're exercising." "At this point," Hadsell said, "I don't see an answer to solving this." Barbetta then announced he had just visited HUD's website, which indicated the afford- able housing down payment program is active. He added that he could find no recommenda- tion of caution because new guidelines would be issued. "It certainly is active," Hadsell replied of the website. "It's at your risk." Robinson said she disagreed with Hadsell's recommendation that the board wait on the guidelines. She made a motion direct- ing then-Interim County Administrator Tom Harmer to coordinate communications with Congressman Buchanan's office to get any questions clarified. Barbetta said he would second the motion if she allowed a friendly amendment calling for communication to HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan as well. "I'll add that," Robinson told him. "This needs some action," she continued. "I'm not comfortable just sitting on my hands and waiting." % Commissioner Joe Barbetta listens to comments during the Jan. 28 board meeting. Photo by Norman Schimmel Vice Chairwoman Christine Robinson contemplates a board matter. File photo Sarasota News Leader February 14, 2014 Page 12