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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes October 11, 2016 Page 8 find anyone that would move his mobile home. He was approached to stay in Lowry Grove, built 1 a workshop and a porch, and his mobile home is paid for. Mr. Storic stated if he has to move he 2 will lose over $12,000 for the buildings he has built. 3 4 A Lowry Grove resident stated she has lived in Lowry Grove for three years. She has a 10-year-5 old daughter. She asked Council for their help so Lowry Grove does not close and she can 6 remain in her home as she does not have the resources to live elsewhere. She noted that many 7 seniors live in Lowry Grove and asked Council to think of the families. She stated she takes the 8 bus to work, the school is close for her daughter, and asked Council to please not close the Park. 9 10 Ms. Lordes Hernandez stated she moved to Lowry Grove last year and they worked hard to get 11 the $6 million to buy the Park. They have knocked on doors and asked neighbors for help to save 12 the land. She stated her son is happy at school now, is getting a good education, good grades, and 13 has friends. Ms. Hernandez stated she does not drive, she rides the bus. She asked if they have 14 the money, why can’t the residents buy the land and stated she hopes the Council can help. 15 16 Mr. Cann stated the administrator of the MH Trust Fund has no knowledge of the agreement 17 referred to by the City Attorney. 18 19 Ms. Traci Tomas stated the point was made that Lowry Grove is a cheap place to live but the 20 increased real estate taxes would not be possible without raising the rent substantially for the 21 residents. Ms. Tomas stated concerns were raised about demolishing the homes in the Park. She 22 reviewed the process for removal, noting most of the homes contained asbestos. Residents were 23 encouraged to remove whatever they wished from the mobile home prior to it being demolished. 24 The rental agreement includes that 9 month’s written notice is required prior to the Park being 25 sold. Ms. Tomas stated false hopes limited communication with the residents. Valuations on the 26 homes that were moved were based on NADA guides and with negotiation with the residents. 27 She stated no other renters receive this type of compensation. 28 29 Mayor Faust asked about the RVs. Ms. Thomas stated the police reports were received on the 30 incidents with the RVs and management was told to evict them immediately. There is no notice 31 for eviction for illegal activity. 32 33 Mayor Faust closed the public hearing at 8:55 p.m. 34 35 City Attorney Steger reviewed the legal right of first refusal. The Statute provides for a 45-day 36 right of first refusal before the Park is closed. There is not a second right of first refusal 37 following the sale of the Park. He advised the City does not have the right to prevent the closure. 38 The City does not own the Park. The City does not have the authority to prevent the Park from 39 closing. He advised the District Court dismissed the claim and if the sale violated the Statute, the 40 Court does not have authority to invalidate the sale. The only recourse for the residents was to 41 sue for damages. This was the big change. 42 43 City Attorney Steger stated the only thing that could prevent the closing of the Park was a Court 44 Order. No such order has been received by the City Council. He stated HUD could request a 45 restraining order from the Attorney General. If the hearing closes tonight, after the 60-day period 46 the owner could begin forcing the relocation of the residents. The City Attorney Steger noted the 47 Attorney General is already involved in the State litigation and would take the request seriously 48 8