DEMHRA Report from April 24, 2023 Meeting

Information from March 30th DEMHRA Meeting

Chair's Report:

HB61 is the bill that will allow $100 compensation to the five voting board members for each meeting they attend. The funds are to come out of the state general funds. This bill also extends the Trust Fund for another five years. The Bill passed the House and Senate and is awaiting the governor’s signature.

Legal Counsel Report:

Delinquent Accounts: Six communities were referred for legal action at the last meeting. As a result:

Forest Park paid.
Hecker Properties did not respond to our letter and is still delinquent.
Minquadale will be sending a payment per their attorney.
Up Country's payment was keyed incorrectly into the system. This was corrected and payment will be applied.
Sussex Manor's new owner contacted our counsel and admitted that she has been having difficulty navigating the online process. Our counsel recommended filing suit to move this along.
The former owner of Sussex Manor is delinquent one quarter from 2019 for an amount around $300. A motion was made and seconded to file suit for Hecker Properties and the two Sussex Manor delinquencies. The motion carried 3-0.

Letters were sent to all state organizations in the three counties that were identified at the last meeting, who are responsible for issuing violations to parks, just so that we would be aware of properties to watch that are on the path to a final violation. The letter will provide a summary of who we are, what we do, and what the change to Chapter 70 means as far as violations are concerned. It also directs the organizations to notify Mr. Sutton when any violation notices are issued.

Delinquent Parks Report

An email was sent to Bon Ayre on 1/20/23 and did not respond.
Changing Fates was emailed on 1/23/23 and has not responded. A motion was made and seconded to file suit against them.

Arbitration:

Update on Status of Open Dockets:

04-2019 Wild Meadows — Oral arguments heard. Decision within the next 90 days.
04-2020 Wild Meadows — Oral arguments heard 2/24/23. Decision within the next 90 days.
01-2021 Shady Park — Arbitrator decision upheld — HOA appealing.
02-2021 Ridgewood Manor Oral arguments completed. Waiting on decision.
04-2021 Pot Nets Lakeside — Briefings are scheduled to end this summer.

Update on Parks for Sale

Bay City-No change
Country Acres-No change
Canterbury Crossing-No longer for sale
Enchanted Acres-No longer for sale
Winterset Farms-No longer for sale
Pleasant Valley-Tenants purchased the park on 1/6/23 and will continue to pay into the Trust Fund
Peachtree MHP-Sold 1/20/23 to First State Rentals. They have registered with the DOR
Silver Oaks-Email sent to attorney — no response
Pine Haven MHP-A Change in Use Letter sent out on 2/23/23. The new owner wants to make it into a seasonal property. Many of the current residents are full-time and have lived there for many years. They are having a difficult time locating other MHP that have lots available for them to move to. Also, many of the residents live in recreational vehicles that cannot be moved because of the vehicle age and condition. Some of the residents attended our last meeting to see if there was any assistance DEMHRA could provide. Mr. Crane suggested to apply for Trust Fund reimbursements by submitting an application. The Board will then come to an agreement as to how much to pay out. There is really little guidance in Policies and Procedures as to the amounts that would be available.

Update on Parks Going Through Change in Use

Timberlane — 117 affected homes, as of today 82 are complete. Eight more were approved at today’s meeting.
Lynch's MHP — No update
Ford's MHP - Four homes have been demolished. Ms. Ford provided documentation that she paid for the demolitions and requested reimbursement.

The February CPI/u is 7.130%, effective March 14th.

Trust Fund as of February 28, 2023 is $12,434,332.00

Our next meeting is scheduled for May 11, 2023 in Dover