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Citizens allege code violations at Stagecoach Trails Mobile Home Court
Thelma Grimes/San Pedro Valley News-Sun
Despite protests from former councilwomen Dianne Tipton and Kathy Suagee, the Benson City Council held a closed-door meeting Monday night to discuss possible code violations at the Stagecoach Trials Mobile Home Park and other manufactured home parks in the community.
The agenda stated, "The City Council will meet in executive session to receive legal advice from its attorney regarding complaints of zoning violations occurring in or within property managed as Stagecoach Trails Mobile Home Court and possible enforcement options."
Tipton, who was recalled by citizens in November, manages the park, which is owned by her son, Jay Kendrick.
Glen Jenkins, who owns property near Stagecoach Trails, has lodged the complaints, stating the mobile home park managed by Tipton violates city set-back codes and has a number of trailers that are too big for the specifications of the lots.
During the call to the public at the beginning of the meeting, Jenkins addressed the council, stating the trailer located right next door to him is too big for the lot, and he wants the city to start addressing the issues.
Carl Haupt, also a resident of Benson, spoke up with Jenkins. Haupt, who played a key role in getting Tipton recalled last year, said the council should thoroughly study the zoning codes and in doing so will find that there are numerous safety hazards in the park managed by Tipton.
"I see many issues with electric, gas and fire," Haupt said. "I call upon the city to check into all the safety issues, not just at Stagecoach Trails, but all of them. I don't want to see my taxpayer dollars go to a needless lawsuit."
Suagee, who was also recalled in November, not only questioned the validity of the accusations, but spoke out against how the city has chosen to handle the situation.
"Since when does the City Council bypass planning and zoning," she said. "It is a mistake to put this on as an executive session."
She questioned why the council would even consider the idea of holding a "closed-door" meeting based on the complaints of two "grumpy old men."
Tipton also spoke on the park's behalf, noting there are no complaints against the park filed with the city, and that if there are problems with her park, then the city should come to her and her son and allow them to address them before holding an executive session.
Tipton questioned City Manager Glenn Nichols for putting the matter on a council agenda, noting that he is "no longer the police chief" and should not be holding "secret investigations."
Tipton said her property has been inspected by City Inspector Jeff Smith and by city staff member Sheila Perkins. Smith is currently on administrative leave, and Perkins is not qualified to conduct inspections, according to Public Works Director Brad Hamilton. Hamilton said he has no knowledge of the inspections, but will check with his staff to clarify the situation.
Going against the wishes of Suagee and Tipton, the 25-minute executive session was held. Tipton was not allowed to attend, only the City Council, City Attorney Michael Masse, Nichols, Hamilton and the deputy city clerk attended.
Following the closed-door meeting, the council gave no indication on what was discussed. Mayor Mark Fenn directed city staff and Masse to continue looking into the allegations and proceed as needed. No vote was taken.
Following the meeting, Hamilton said Tipton is right that there have been no complaints against the park until now, noting that Jenkins submitted the complaint.
Hamilton said the next step is to start pulling files, "look at the pertinent information, and look at each individual complaint separately."
Hamilton said the matter was taken before the City Council because they needed legal advice, and because a complaint has been filed, they need council direction.
City officials said Tipton's park is not being targeted, and that they will be considering code violations and concerns with all manufactured home parks in the community.
In other business, the council wrapped up some old business, officially voting to spend just over $41,000 to hire a company to remove the asbestos from the old City Hall building on Huachuca Street. Hamilton said the outside contractor should take about 12 days to remove the asbestos, which is inside the building's floors, ceiling and walls.
The city plans to remove the building entirely, leaving more space for downtown parking.
The council had agreed to the price prior to June 30, but had to officially vote on Monday as the funds were coming from the 2009-10 budget, which didn't go into effect until July 1.
The council also voted unanimously to donate $1,000 to the annual Back-to-School fair being held this Saturday. The annual event gets back-to-school supplies to about 1,000 students.
The council also voted to make the new healthcare benefits for city employees official in the new year. City Manager Nichols said there are some increased costs, noting the price has gone up between 5 and 6 percent from last year.
Nichols noted that the biggest change is co-pays for emergency room visits. Last year it cost employees $50, this year it will be $400.
The council also approved a fund that would allow some employees to be reimbursed for healthcare costs.
Councilwoman Lori McGoffin abstained from voting on employee benefits, noting her husband works for the city.
In other business, the council also approved a liquor license for the new owners of Turquoise Hills Family Golf Center and gave Nichols permission to proceed with some changes to the Mayor's Fourth of July Committee.
Despite protests from former councilwomen Dianne Tipton and Kathy Suagee, the Benson City Council held a closed-door meeting Monday night to discuss possible code violations at the Stagecoach Trials Mobile Home Park and other manufactured home parks in the community.
The agenda stated, "The City Council will meet in executive session to receive legal advice from its attorney regarding complaints of zoning violations occurring in or within property managed as Stagecoach Trails Mobile Home Court and possible enforcement options."
Tipton, who was recalled by citizens in November, manages the park, which is owned by her son, Jay Kendrick.
Glen Jenkins, who owns property near Stagecoach Trails, has lodged the complaints, stating the mobile home park managed by Tipton violates city set-back codes and has a number of trailers that are too big for the specifications of the lots.
During the call to the public at the beginning of the meeting, Jenkins addressed the council, stating the trailer located right next door to him is too big for the lot, and he wants the city to start addressing the issues.
Carl Haupt, also a resident of Benson, spoke up with Jenkins. Haupt, who played a key role in getting Tipton recalled last year, said the council should thoroughly study the zoning codes and in doing so will find that there are numerous safety hazards in the park managed by Tipton.
"I see many issues with electric, gas and fire," Haupt said. "I call upon the city to check into all the safety issues, not just at Stagecoach Trails, but all of them. I don't want to see my taxpayer dollars go to a needless lawsuit."
Suagee, who was also recalled in November, not only questioned the validity of the accusations, but spoke out against how the city has chosen to handle the situation.
"Since when does the City Council bypass planning and zoning," she said. "It is a mistake to put this on as an executive session."
She questioned why the council would even consider the idea of holding a "closed-door" meeting based on the complaints of two "grumpy old men."
Tipton also spoke on the park's behalf, noting there are no complaints against the park filed with the city, and that if there are problems with her park, then the city should come to her and her son and allow them to address them before holding an executive session.
Tipton questioned City Manager Glenn Nichols for putting the matter on a council agenda, noting that he is "no longer the police chief" and should not be holding "secret investigations."
Tipton said her property has been inspected by City Inspector Jeff Smith and by city staff member Sheila Perkins. Smith is currently on administrative leave, and Perkins is not qualified to conduct inspections, according to Public Works Director Brad Hamilton. Hamilton said he has no knowledge of the inspections, but will check with his staff to clarify the situation.
Going against the wishes of Suagee and Tipton, the 25-minute executive session was held. Tipton was not allowed to attend, only the City Council, City Attorney Michael Masse, Nichols, Hamilton and the deputy city clerk attended.
Following the closed-door meeting, the council gave no indication on what was discussed. Mayor Mark Fenn directed city staff and Masse to continue looking into the allegations and proceed as needed. No vote was taken.
Following the meeting, Hamilton said Tipton is right that there have been no complaints against the park until now, noting that Jenkins submitted the complaint.
Hamilton said the next step is to start pulling files, "look at the pertinent information, and look at each individual complaint separately."
Hamilton said the matter was taken before the City Council because they needed legal advice, and because a complaint has been filed, they need council direction.
City officials said Tipton's park is not being targeted, and that they will be considering code violations and concerns with all manufactured home parks in the community.
In other business, the council wrapped up some old business, officially voting to spend just over $41,000 to hire a company to remove the asbestos from the old City Hall building on Huachuca Street. Hamilton said the outside contractor should take about 12 days to remove the asbestos, which is inside the building's floors, ceiling and walls.
The city plans to remove the building entirely, leaving more space for downtown parking.
The council had agreed to the price prior to June 30, but had to officially vote on Monday as the funds were coming from the 2009-10 budget, which didn't go into effect until July 1.
The council also voted unanimously to donate $1,000 to the annual Back-to-School fair being held this Saturday. The annual event gets back-to-school supplies to about 1,000 students.
The council also voted to make the new healthcare benefits for city employees official in the new year. City Manager Nichols said there are some increased costs, noting the price has gone up between 5 and 6 percent from last year.
Nichols noted that the biggest change is co-pays for emergency room visits. Last year it cost employees $50, this year it will be $400.
The council also approved a fund that would allow some employees to be reimbursed for healthcare costs.
Councilwoman Lori McGoffin abstained from voting on employee benefits, noting her husband works for the city.
In other business, the council also approved a liquor license for the new owners of Turquoise Hills Family Golf Center and gave Nichols permission to proceed with some changes to the Mayor's Fourth of July Committee.
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The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of bensonnews-sun.com.
former City emp wrote on Jul 29, 2009 7:53 PM:
" I know for a fact that all site plans were approved to move every home into this park and that all permits were purchased. All approvals were made. All homes and connections were inspected by the state all set backs were inspected and approved by Jeff Smith and all homes passed. This park also has a 100% score from the health dept. All liscenses are current and almost all tenants in this park are happy there and don't appreciate the smear tactics by these miss guided old men that have nothing better to do but harrass someone they lost to in court. The News Sun should report both sides of this issue not just the side they want to print. There have never been and are not now any violations of any kind at this park. This community is lucky to have a business owner that has up graded their property as much as this park owner has. He has also maintained city streets at his cost and has eliminated all drug problems within the park. When you have to go and study whether or not there is a zoning violation you are on a fishing expidition to try to create one where one does not exist. This city council claims to be interested in economic development and yet this is how we treat our business owners.
Normal proceedure when the city gets a ligitimate complaint, they would simply notify the owner and allow them to address the problem. Thelma has neglected to report that this man Jenkins has been complaining about this for months and has been told repeatedly by the planing and zoning that there are NO violaitions at the park so the question is why has this gotton so much attention? Harrassment maybe?
This park owner and the manager have abided by all of the required criteria and have recieved their permits and passed inspections. Sooo what is this really all about? "
Normal proceedure when the city gets a ligitimate complaint, they would simply notify the owner and allow them to address the problem. Thelma has neglected to report that this man Jenkins has been complaining about this for months and has been told repeatedly by the planing and zoning that there are NO violaitions at the park so the question is why has this gotton so much attention? Harrassment maybe?
This park owner and the manager have abided by all of the required criteria and have recieved their permits and passed inspections. Sooo what is this really all about? "
Shane wrote on Jul 30, 2009 7:37 AM:
" This P&Z secret meeting is nothing more then a Witch Hunt, using two puppets to start the show. Shame on the City Council. "
Ron wrote on Jul 30, 2009 7:58 AM:
" Holding a closed door executive session on a alleged zoning violation based on the word of someone who flies their flag upside down. The same person who spread lies that got Tipton recalled. A city inspector being put on administrative leave and the P&Z Commissions pushed to the side. SOMETHING STINKS.
Will all future zoning complains brought by citizens also be handled by closed door executive session ? If so I can have a dozen by the next council meeting.
News Sun what is the other side of this story ? "
Will all future zoning complains brought by citizens also be handled by closed door executive session ? If so I can have a dozen by the next council meeting.
News Sun what is the other side of this story ? "
minnie wrote on Jul 31, 2009 9:22 AM:
" Sounds to me like a personal problem. Maybe these two guys are just lonely. "
Chris wrote on Aug 2, 2009 11:02 PM:
" This mobile home park thing sounds like a safety issue to me. I for one would hate to see people lose their lives one a zoning violation that could have been easily corrected. I don't care who brings these possible violations to the attention of the city officials as long as lives are saved in doing so. "
Dave wrote on Aug 3, 2009 7:37 AM:
" If the charges prove to be false the city should bring the two old coots up on charges of false reporting. "
froggy wrote on Aug 4, 2009 10:33 PM:
" I know Carl personally and have for 29 years. He is not a lonely grumpy old man. He just believes that people should be honest and that people should not be put in danger because someone is trying to save money by not doing things the way they should. Congrats Carl, hope you keep up the good work of looking out for the community. "
go climb a mountain wrote on Jul 29, 2009 3:41 PM:
Have you found any violations anywhere else in your career as a citizen zoning inspector? No! Just where Diane lives. Hum! "