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Resident tells council code enforcement has targeted his property; city manager declines staff meeting during litigation
Summary
At public comment, resident Carlos Chavez said code enforcement has targeted him at 1336 West Phillips Street and described ongoing civil litigation; the city manager said, given active litigation, staff will not meet separately with him and recommended letting the legal process proceed.
Carlos Chavez addressed the council during public comment about sustained code‑enforcement actions at his agriculturally zoned property at 1336 West Phillips Street. Chavez said he has occupied the property since 1995, that he believes he is covered by a grandfathering determination, and that planning officials previously indicated allowances for uses on the lot. He told the council he has faced multiple court challenges and is currently involved in a civil case related to maintaining animals on the property. At one point Chavez said of enforcement staff, “they're coming in like thugs,” and expressed concern that older or more vulnerable residents were being targeted.
When the mayor asked whether staff could respond, the City Manager stated that because the litigation with Mr. Chavez is ongoing and in a progressed state, staff should not meet separately with him and recommended allowing the legal process to run its course rather than staff intervening while the case is pending.
The council did not take formal action on the matter at this meeting. Chavez requested council attention to his enforcement situation; the manager’s office indicated the matter is currently subject to litigation and that staff will not provide a separate operational response while the case proceeds.
