HIPC discusses the definition of 'storage'

The Holiday Island Planning Commission (HIPC) had a difficult time coming up with a clear definition of "storage" of RVs and boats Friday when Dale and Jeannie Mitchell came to the meeting in response to a complaint letter.

The Mitchells, who live at 4 Country Club Lane, responded to a letter they had received from HIPC via their landlord about a boat and popup camper stored at their address.

The complaint form was filled out by commission member and District Manager Kevin Crosson after he received an anonymous complaint from another property owner in their unit.

The Mitchells were very accommodating to the request in the letter.

"We've already moved the boat and will move the camper," Dale began by saying. "We'll comply with this - that's no problem. The popup is back in the trees and you can't really see it. We thought it was hidden from view."

He asked for a copy of the complaint form that had generated the letter, and asked if he could know who made the complaint.

Crosson explained the complaint was made anonymously, so the district, as a property owner in every unit, filled out the form as the complainant. HIPC changed its policy last year to allow property owners who wish to remain anonymous to request a complaint be generated by the district on their behalf.

Commissioners noted they do not patrol Holiday Island for covenant violations, but only send out letters when there has been a written complaint.

"I have somewhat of a problem, as we're all neighbors," Mitchell said. "I wish someone would have come to us, as we would go to our neighbors if there were a problem. Without knowing who it is, how do we know who to apologize to?"

Commissioner Frank Smith pointed out the meeting is reported on in the newspaper.

"We would prefer people go to their neighbors, too," said Commissioner Myrna Peterson.

"Believe me, it's no fun for us," said Building Inspector Red Perkins.

Mitchell asked what the rule is about storage of boats and RVs. He said he and his wife use the boat once a week during the summer. They keep it in the driveway and take it out on weekends.

"We keep it covered, so people must think it is stored there," he said.

During the winter, he said, the boat is stored in a local storage yard.

Smith said there is a 72-hour limit on RVs parked in a driveway, but he couldn't remember where it was written.

"Most people won't complain if it's for a week," Peterson said.

"I think you raise some very valid points, and we need to address them," Crosson said.

Mitchell then discussed the possibility of erecting privacy fencing to be able to keep the popup camper at the house.

The commission expressed its appreciation for the Mitchells responding promptly to the letter and told them to bring a plot plan when they are ready to construct a fence.

In other business, HIPC:

The commission meets every Friday morning at 8:30 a.m. at its office in the Park Shopping Center at 1 Parkcliff Drive, Suite D. Requests are considered on a first-come, first-served basis.