May3,2023
BoardofAthensAllianceCoalition,Inc.
C/OBrentTemple 15HeraldDrive
Bethlehem,GA30620
VIAFIRSTCLASSMAILANDEMAIL: Bdtemple@hotmail.com, sammydfree31@gmail.com, nikared94@yahoo.com, teresamhsmith@yahoo.com, E1949faust@bellsouth.net, and fsmithathens@gmail.com
RE:ContinuityofOperationsPlanImplementation
On the evening of Monday, August 29, 2022, Charles Hardy and former First Step resident, Jada Prothro,werearrestedforaphysicalaltercationoccurringonthe1st StepEncampmentsitelocated at 1000 Barber Street. Section 9.1 of the project contract states “ACCGOV may suspend or terminate this Agreement immediately upon delivery of written notice to the Subrecipient if ACCGovlosesfundingordiscoversany illegalconductorallegationof illegalconductonthepart of Subrecipient,” and for Mr. Hardy to the opportunity to utilize the due process of the judicial systemtodemonstratehisinnocence,noactionwastakenregardingthestatusofthecontract.
When this incident first happened, at my request, the Athens Alliance Coalition conducted an internal investigation and developed a Continuity of Operations Plan for the encampment. The board investigation reported no findings of wrongdoing, and on September 29, 2022, the board submittedaContinuityofOperationsPlanfortheencampmenttoAthens-ClarkeCounty.
OnTuesday,May2,2023,Mr.Hardywasconvictedofonecountofbattery,twocountsofsimple battery,andonecountofdisorderlyconduct;resultinginasentenceof24monthsofprobation,72 hoursinconfinement,$1,000fine+surcharges,arequirementtoparticipateinangermanagement training,arequirementforabehavioralhealthassessment,andnofurthercontactwiththevictims. As a result, the Athens Alliance Coalition is no longer meeting the contractual obligations of its projectscope,whichstates: “AAC will provide service delivery across the encampment programs that accentuate the importance of treating persons experiencing homelessness with respect, displaying sensitivity, acknowledging the trauma and state of crisis being experienced by those who are homeless.” (Section 4.0.B) and “AAC will establish and maintain a professional work environment amongst staff and residents that promotes mutually respectful interactions between staff membersandresidents.”(Section4.1.A.10). Sincetheconceptwasfirstenvisioned,thegoals for this project were that it be safe, sanitary, and supportive. As such, I am requesting that the AthensAllianceCoalitionimplementthefollowingriskmitigatingmeasures:
(1) On or before the close of business on May 5, 2023, and in order to remain in contract compliance and for the safety of the camp residents, Mr. Hardy should no longer be associatedwiththeencampmentandnotallowedtoreturntothesiteat1000BarberStreet. As a result, Mr. Hardy will no longer be eligible for compensation by Athens-Clarke Countythroughtheprojectcontract.
(2) On or before the close of business on May 5, 2023, implement your Continuity of OperationsPlan(“COOP”)tofilltherolevacatedbyMr.Hardy,whichstates “Wepropose that, in the absence of Mr. Hardy, Mr. Mincey and Ms. Smith are well positioned and able to run day to day functions of the camp with direct, unpaid, support from the Board as needed.” Athens-Clarke County will need to remain informed of any staff changes implemented through the COOP to ensure project communication and coordination is uninterrupted.
(3) OnorbeforethecloseofbusinessonMay5,2023,Mr.Hardyshouldnolongerhaveaccess to any financial accounts, vendor accounts, communication, IT, and payroll systems associatedwiththeencampment.
(4) AnyresultingexecutivestaffvacanciesshouldbefilledbyJuly31,2023.
YourACCGov staffpointofcontactwillneedto beregularlyupdated onthestatusoftheseriskmitigating measures. Immediate action is required by close of business on Friday, May 5, 2023, andIwouldrequestthatyourespondinwritingtomebythattime.Werecognizethatthistransition can be a challenging time, and, as your partner, we are here to support you in the success of the First StepEncampment. Ifyou wish to follow upwith an in-person meeting, please let me know, andI’llprioritizeoneinmyschedule.
Respectfully,
BlaineWilliams Manager
cc: JuddDrake,CountyAttorney,Attorney’sOffice
SherrieHines,DeputyChiefAttorney,Attorney’sOffice
NikiJones,AssistantManager,Manager’sOffice
JoshEdwards,AssistantManager,Manager’sOffice
JeanSpratlin,ClerkofCommission
RoderickWallace,Director,HousingandCommunityDev.
MelindaLord,AssistantDirector,HousingandCommunityDev.
AlejandraCalva,CommunityImpactAdministrator,HousingandCommunityDev.
CoralRogers,ARPAComplianceAnalyst,HousingandCommunityDev.
AndrewSaunders,Director,CentralServices
SukiJanssen,Director,SolidWaste
JerrySaulters,Chief,Police