by Tracy McCue, Sumner Newscow — J.P. Buellesfeld, chairman of the Wellington Housing Authority, submitted his resignation to the city of Wellington this morning.

J.P. Buellesfeld

The letter came amid controversy this month between three members of the WHA and the Wheat Capital Manor Executive Director Melissa Hamlin. WCM is an independent living center with 90 residents at 400 South C Street.

In the letter, Buellesfeld writes:

“Thank you for allowing me to serve since Jan. 10, 2012 in the Important Board of Commissioners of the Housing Authority of the city of Wellington, Kans. 

I will resign my position as chairman and member of the Board of Commissioners of the Housing Authority of the City of Wellington effectively immediately.

The Wheat Capitol Manor has a very special place in my heart. I visited my grandmother every single day of the 853 days that she lived at the Wheat Capital Manor. The only intent I had on my time on the Board of the Commissioners of the Housing Authority of City of Wellington was to honor my grandmother’s memory.”

Buellesfeld said the city can start the 15-day process under resolution to make an appointment. The council will appoint someone to fill the vacancy until April 30, 2016.

The WHA is a five member board that is appointed by the council. Buellesfeld was the chairman, with Kelli McComb, Darlene Ferguson, Alois Hutchison and Dennis Guinn as members.

Three of the members: Buellesfeld, McComb and Ferguson have been accused of violating the Kansas Open Meetings act by Hamlin.

Melissa Hamlin

The issue became a public news story during the Dec. 16 Wellington City Council meeting which was extended to Dec. 23 at the manor. (see story here and here).

The manor operates under the stipulations of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and follows federal guidelines through HUD. The authority board is designated by the city council to oversee the operation. Hamlin has been executive director for 10 years.

Buellesfeld has served on several city and council advisory boards in years past. He was the impetus in the restructuring of the city council from an eight-member to a six-member, changed the terms from two years to four years and made them at large positions.

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