A Judicial Panel was held in Seven Lakes West on August 24th. During the Panel, West Side resident Seth Clark was accused of being in violation of community rules by having a trailer in his driveway for more than the allotted time of ninety-six hours per month. His first warning took place in June of 2016.
The Panel explained that the trailer had been left in the driveway against regulations, even after warnings were issued. However, Clark had sent in a letter explaining that the trailer was his “tool box” that he used when working on projects as a subcontractor.
“[I explained] what I do and what it’s for. It’s not recreational,” he said. “That’s my rolling tool box.”
Clark’s trailer has no lettering on it, and he claims that he has been parking it in his driveway for the past six years. He takes it out of the driveway during the day when he goes to work and brings it back for the night.
“It’s gone every day. It’s not there all day long,” he said.
He also keeps the trailer at home on some weekends when working on his own home or building a project with his son.
In January, Clark began renting out a space at the West Side storage area for boats and trailers. He explained that he is unable to work on projects while the trailer is parked in storage.
There have been several complaints regarding the trailer, and the security guard confirmed it was in the driveway more than what was allowed.
Clark stated that he went to his surrounding neighbors saying that they could let him know if the trailer was bothering them.
“Why do you expect to be handled differently?” the Panel asked.
“I don’t expect to be handled differently… I talked to everyone around me. I’m willing to accommodate anybody…,” Clark explained. “It’s not about defying the rules; it’s about what I do for a living.”
“What would you like us to do?” the Panel asked.
“I think what I would like… to be allowed to do the things with [my trailer] that anybody would do… [I would like] the privilege to bring it home on weekends and work at the house,” he said.
Clark was told he could inform the office when he needed his trailer at home for a longer period of time.
“If you need more than ninety-six hours, [you can] arrange that…,” the Panel said. “It’s showing “I want to live within this rule’.”
The Panel spent time determining whether or not Clark should be fined for the continued offenses that have taken place since last year.
“He’s had his break,” said Community Advocate Mick Herdrich.
Clark was fined $300 with the understanding that he would follow the rule. Should the rule be broken again, a Judicial Panel will be arranged again without the courtesy of another warning.
