I am writing in regards to the article "Metal Building generates controversy" in the Jan. 1, 2015, edition of the Lovelock Review-Miner. There are many issues that I feel need to be clarified.
First is the type and size of the building. This is not just a 20-foot building as stated in the article. We are talking about a 6,688 square-foot metal shop. The first level is going to be used as an auto restoration shop (3,344 sf). The living space will be above that; another 3,344 sf. None of which follows the CCRs in the subdivision.
Here is a timeline of the events leading up to this dispute.
April 28, 2014: The original building permit was issued for a "Private Garage wood frame". Fees of $1,123.65 were collected.
Oct. 21, 2014: During the public input portion of the city council meeting, homeowners informed the city council that this building was going to be a residence and potential business. I also hand-delivered a copy of the CCRs to Mr. Randolph and had a phone conversation with Ms. Randolph. At that time it was apparent that we would not agree on the issue.
Oct. 22, 2014: Building permit was amended to read "This building permit is being amended to reflect the correct structure. That being a single family dwelling and garage metal frame structure". No plans were submitted nor fees changed.
In November, we asked to be placed on the December agenda. One day prior to when the agenda had to be typed and posted we were told that to be on the agenda we would need a written letter stating why. That letter was submitted. On Dec. 16, at the city council meeting, we were not on the agenda because we were told there was not enough explanation in the letter as to why we wanted to be on the agenda. We presented a well-organized outline of the reasons with supporting NRS laws as to why we did not think this building should be in our subdivision. We understood that they could not enforce the CCRs, however, we asked the city council, building department, legal counsel to pull the permit until a thorough review of the plans was made and an educated decision given. Please understand, no engineered plans were available at this time. We asked for and received only very basic drawings of the building. NRS 278.610 states, "the building official shall not issue any permit unless the plans of and for the proposed erection, construction ... use fully: conform to all building code and zoning regulations then in effect"...
No engineered plans were furnished until Dec. 22, 2014. This subdivision is zoned single family residence. Even if the CCRs were not complied with or enforced, this building does not fit or belong in the subdivision. Anyone with any common sense can see that. It states in the CCRs that "private garages shall be for not more than three vehicles." There are many other issues in the CCRs which do not apply. However, no where do I find anything stating a "large metal structure on corner lots is allowed" as Ms. Randolph declares. If I missed that I would like to be corrected.
On Monday, Dec. 29, 2014, I again hand delivered a letter to the city office requesting we be on the agenda for the Jan. 6 meeting. The following day - too late to make changes - I was sent an email from the mayor stating we would not be allowed on the agenda because I had not signed the letter and had not taken ownership. That will hopefully be discussed at the meeting on the 6th.
We have gotten no response from the city or the Randolphs. And Randolphs have not attended any of the public meetings.
There is more to this than can be discussed in this letter. And it is far more than the CCRs. I would like to close by saying what I told the city council at the December meeting: We are not trying to cast judgment or blame. We work together in our community. We are friends. We feel an injustice has occurred and are asking for support of the city in solving this. If action had been taken once the issue was brought to the attention of the city council at the October meeting, we would not be where we are now. They continue to deny letting us be on the agenda so that no action has to be taken. It is only prolonging the issue and giving the Randolphs more time to build. Now, we are asking the entire community to support us by signing our petition and calling your mayor and council members.
I am signing and taking ownership of this letter. Thanks for listening.
Valorie Santos
Lovelock
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