HomeMy WebLinkAboutgr00090_000042_pg279September 27, 1976 Page 11
his home of 100 %. If someone else does the work it would be about a
60% increase. Also, the park owner does not receive a decrease in
insurance costs but the home owner would have this savings so the home
owner would benefit. Another point is that if the anchoring system is
installed, the anchors would have to be repositioned in 90% of the cases
for another trailer. There is no set position for the location of the
trailer straps. If the park owner has somebody come in to install the
system, he will have to redo this again and again. Mr. Haggerty stated
they felt the cost should be bore by the home owner, not the park owner.
There is also a liability problem. If the park owner installs the
anchoring system and it does not hold, he will be involved in a law
suit. The proposal states "after October 31." Once the frost is in the
ground how will this be enforced? Mr. Haggerty suggested that this be
amended to allow the home owner or park owner a period of time after the
frost has left the ground to meet this requirement. On the building
permit fee, the State has a provision for inspection and they will come
out to inspect. Perhaps the cost of the permit could at least be reduced.
A lot of people in mobile homes can not afford normal homes and to install
a complete ground anchoring system at a cost of $600 plus the building
permit, they would probably have to borrow money. Some finance companies
would charge a 33% interest rate. Mr. Haggerty suggested that the Council
wait until the State works on this in November since the storm season will
be later. Also, the tie downs may develop a false sence of security
because they will not withstand a tornado. At the November 2 meeting the
State hopes to implement uniform regulations for the State.
Mayor Pickar questioned standards which are already set up by the State.
Mr. Haggerty stated that they have set up some requirements with the
stress they must meet and different types of soil but the engineering
aspects have not been completely proven.
Mr. Haggerty suggested leaving this up to the home owners. People moving
into the park can plan on something then because they will know that
Mounds View requires anchors. The people living here now have a set budget
and to come up with $600 they would probably have to borrow at a very high
interest rate. Mr. Haggerty stated that they do not object to the inspec-
tion because the Council may need this to maintain quality. He informed
the Council that Arden Hills, Coon Rapids and Maplewood require tie downs.
Councilmember Shelquist questioned insurance companies feelings on this.
Mr. Haggerty stated it was indicated to him that some insurance companies
refuse to issue policies to homes that are not tied down. Councilmember
Shelquist asked if this was true, wouldn't it close down the mobile home
parks? Mr. Haggerty stated that until the engineering aspects are perfected,
he did not think the Commissioner of Insurance would allow this to happen.
Councilmember Hodges stated he talked with an insurance representative and
his company will have a 10% discount if the trailer is tied down and add
10% if there are no tie downs.
Mr. Hemmes, 20454 Central Avenue, Blaine, stated he is the General Manager
for the parks owned by Mr. Togerg. He stated that there are about 10
trailers moved per month in Blaine Manor and about four or five per month
at Towns Edge. Also, the manufacturer will not maintain their warranty if
their recommendations for tie downs and blocks are not followed.