Jackson council appoints Cheryl Newton to Housing Authority Board after interviews

Jackson Town Council on Feb. 8 appointed Cheryl Newton to the town's three‑person Housing Authority Board following a series of short public interviews and an executive session deliberation.

The council interviewed five candidates earlier in the workshop: Arishka (Eliska) Garcia, Tim Koski, Megan Lance, Cheryl Newton and Brian (Richard) Tavi. After the interviews councilmembers moved into executive session under Wyoming statute 16-4-405 to deliberate volunteer board appointments, then returned to the public meeting and voted to appoint Newton to a five‑year term ending Feb. 1, 2030.

The Housing Authority Board hears appeals of housing management decisions, makes recommendations on rules and regulations that govern town housing programs, and may hold property and debt. As April Norton, the town's housing director, explained in the meeting, "The housing authority is 1 of 2 housing boards we have. It is a 3 person board. 1 person is appointed by the county. 1 person is appointed by the town, and then the county and town appointees appoint the third person." Norton said the board meets monthly for about an hour and can provide appellate review and recommendations on rules that are updated every two years.

Applicants emphasized lived experience in restricted housing, professional backgrounds and a desire to serve. Arishka Garcia told the council she has firsthand experience using local affordable rentals and said, "I just want to give back to the community." Tim Koski, who said he lives in a town workforce unit and works in construction accounting, said he could represent unit residents and small business perspectives. Megan Lance, a local realtor, and the other applicants spoke about interest in supporting local housing options and learning the board's procedures.

Council discussion before the vote highlighted selection criteria posted in the job ad: real estate, banking or finance experience, residence in deed‑restricted housing, and experience working with underserved populations. Councilmembers said they were impressed by the pooled strength of the applicant group and that the chosen candidate fit the board's existing composition and needs. Councilwoman Veman noted she valued applicants who had experience with deed‑restricted housing and could collaborate on a decision‑making body.

Motion & outcome: Councilwoman Beeman moved to appoint Cheryl Newton to the Housing Authority Board for a five‑year term through 02/01/2030; Councilman Schechter seconded. The motion passed unanimously (recorded in the meeting as "aye" by all present). The staff report accompanying the appointment included the suggested five‑year term; council asked staff to confirm whether the term length was set in the enabling resolution or another document.

What happens next: Staff said they will follow up with the new appointee and will confirm term details and any outstanding questions about the board's enabling resolution. Newton will join the existing two board members and begin attending the board's monthly meetings.

Votes at a glance

- Appointment: Cheryl Newton to Housing Authority Board (term to 02/01/2030) — Motion: appoint Cheryl Newton; Mover: Councilwoman Beeman; Second: Councilman Schechter; Outcome: approved unanimously (all in favor; roll‑call names not read into record).