Lake trailer park will continue operation 'as is'
Staff reporter
Marion County Commission got off the fence Monday regarding the future of the trailer/camping park at Marion County Lake.
For the past several weeks, the commission had discussed options regarding the zoning of that area.
When the county had adopted zoning regulations more than 10 years ago, the trailer park was not included. Therefore, it is considered to be for agriculture use. Prior to that revelation, the commission was considering changing the policy that would allow only those mobile homes that passed the HUD inspection and met the county's standard for compliance.
But on Monday, when a current camping trailer owner and the potential buyer addressed the commission, it was time to make a decision.
Karen Spinden of McPherson addressed the commission about her desire to purchase a 1991 fifth-wheel camper, located in the court.
"I have spent the past 10 days trying to purchase this camper at the lake," Spinden said. "I was really excited about getting the site and camper." She said she had no problem paying the $1,000 lot fee to the county.
This past weekend, on her way out of town, she purchased a Marion County Record and read about the commission meeting in regards to the trailer park.
"The last thing that I want is to invest thousands of dollars (in a camper) and not be allowed to use it," Spinden said. She was buying the camper because it was located at Marion County Lake.
Commission chairman Randy Dallke said the issue of insurance had been raised and wondered if it should be a future requirement.
Spinden said she planned to insure the camper and was willing to provide proof of insurance. She then asked if cabins were going to be built in that area.
"I was the one who brought up the idea of cabins," said commissioner Dan Holub, "but not in the trailer park."
It was explained that the older mobile homes and campers had been grandfathered but if moved or they became dilapidated the grandfather clause would end.
"Who's to say I may want to buy a new camper and replace this one. Will that be allowed?" Spinden asked.
"Yes," said Dallke.
He continued that lot rent had been raised because costs had increased and money needed to be set aside to cover other potential increases. Dallke said the county needed to look to the future and develop larger lots for more space.
Holub suggested the costs to provide utilities be reviewed annually. He said he still was concerned about the close proximity of the trailers to each other and the risk of fire.
"People need to be insured," Holub said, at least with liability insurance.
Park superintendent Dale Snelling said most are insured but it was not a requirement.
The current policy allows visitors to stay at the trailers or campers for three days and two nights at a time or two to three weeks. Those 65 and older can stay one month, Snelling said.
The policy sets out the camping season to be March 15 through Oct. 31.
"I can't see changing what's been there for more than 50 years," Dallke said.
Since electricity was the major expense for the county, Christy Hensley of McPherson, who was selling her camper to Spinden, suggested the county charge different electrical rates. Those with larger campers and trailers would pay more.
Snelling said it would be simple to split the electricity for billing purposes.
The motion then was made by Dallke to keep the trailer park as is with the annual review of lot fees and require a minimum of liability insurance until such time there was a need to reorganize and update the policy. Hein seconded the motion and it passed, 3-0.
