DEMHRA Report for DMHOA Sept. 10 Meetings

Information from September 5th DEMHRA Meeting and July 25th Minutes 

Chair's Report:

Nothing of concern was discussed by the Board Chair.

Executive Director's Report: 

Nothing of concern was discussed by the Executive Director.

Legal Counsel Report: (information from September meeting)

• Countryside Hamlet - Q4, 2022, Q1-4 2023, Q1 2024 - we heard from owner Matthew Davis yesterday. He has been advised that he needs to submit the payment coupons and payments.
• Dackerg MP - Q4 2023, Q1 2024 - no response.
• J&J - Q4 2022, Q1 2024 - owner Robert Coleman claims he has paid. He has been connected with Christine Hambleton at the DOF.
• Kelly's Trailer Court – Q3 2022 – The owner has agreed to send the payment.
• Naaman's - Q1, Q3 2024 - per Christine Hambleton this park is current.
• Sussex Manor – Q2 2019 - the former owner failed to pay the last quarter of assessments before selling the park. The new owner has not paid this quarter. The Board is considering voiding the amount due.
• The Crossings at Oak Orchard – Q4 2023, Q1 2024 -The owner has indicated that payment was just mailed and not yet reflected on Christine's reports.

Arbitration (Update on Status of Open Dockets):

• Docket 04-2019 - Wild Meadows HOA vs. Wild Meadows LLC - Mr. Cahall – Arbitration - As of 8/29/2024, parties have apparently resolved their differences with an agreement in principle. He is waiting for definitive confirmation. I presume there will not be any further need for me to arbitrate any remaining disputes.
• Docket 02-2021 Ridgewood Manor vs Ridgewood Manor II LLC - Mr. Sharp- Arbitration - As of 8/27/2024, Mr. Sharp conferred with attorneys last month to be sure he had the entire record and transcript. At this time, he is still waiting for the complete record.
• Docket 03-2021 - Canterbury Crossing HOA vs. Canterbury Crossing MHP - Mr. Panicoia -  As of 8/27/2024, case is still in Superior Court.

Delinquent Parks Report:

Emails were sent to all communities that have not sent in payment for Quarter 2 2024, reminding them they are now one quarter late and they should send in payment at their earliest convenience. 

These parks that have not paid Quarter 1, 2024 are now two quarters late and are being referred for legal action:

• Country Acres MHP
• Countryside Mobile Estates
• Forest Park
• Lakeside Homes
• Martita Court
• Spring Creek Rentals
• Sylvelinc Management
• THP Inc

Rent Increase Certification Requests:

There were 73 violation letters confirmed and rent certifications sent out in August. See § 7051A. Rent increase; health or safety violations in Title 25 for additional information.

Update on Parks for Sale:

• Country Acres and Dalton’s MHP: As of 8/29/24, these parks are still for sale.
• Hedgerow Hollow 8/27/24 - Per Mr. Larry Raniere the sale of the park was finalized. The new owner is Michael O'Connor of Park Partners. He was reminded to contact Christine Hambleton to set up new account.
• Mt. Pleasant MHP- As of 8/23/24 park is still for sale. 

Update on Parks Going Through Change in Use:

• Lazypine Retreat- New on the list.
• Pine Haven – There were no new applications. 
• Timberlane: - There were no new applications. 

Financial Matters: (as of July 2024)

• The Trust Fund assessments collected during July totaled $231,076.00, plus interest of $61,567.00. and paid out $6500.00 in relocation assistance.
• The Trust Fund as of July 30th is $13,929,594.00
• The 2024 Legal Fund Year-to-Date is $91,371.00
• The June CPI/U is 3.363%, effective July 14th, which is a decrease of 1.044% over April’s. This would equate to an increase of 5.18% for one-year leases beginning on November and December. The next CPI-U is due out September 14th.

A few questions were brought up about the Affordable Housing Production Task Force. Within the Task Force there is a Manufactured Housing Sub-Committee. This committee includes representatives form DEMHRA, DMHOA, and the First State Manufactured Housing Association. It was agreed upon that neither Andy Strine or myself would represent DEMHRA due to conflicts of interest. Greg Sutton agreed that he would represent DEMHRA. 

It was confirmed that the $1.00 reduction in the Trust Fund Assessment will begin for ALL homeowners and landowners beginning January 1st, 2025. Please click the PDF link below to view the letter by DEMHRA explaining this.

Our next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 17th , 2024 at 1:30. Our address is 1979 S. State Street in Dover and is open to the public.

Please visit our website for additional information at demhra.delaware.gov.