Ely council revokes White Pine Mobile Park license, cites prolonged sanitary violations; council pledges assistance

The Ely City Council voted unanimously May 22 to revoke the business license of White Pine Mobile Park, citing years of noncompliance with sanitary and maintenance codes and multiple condemnations for unsafe living conditions.

City Building Official Don Hendrickson told the council the revocation request followed "several years of complaints and violations throughout City Code," including recent condemnations and structures deemed unsanitary. Hendrickson said city staff have observed conditions that required condemnation and removal of unsafe structures and estimated the action could displace "approximately seven to ten families." He noted the municipal code sets a 60‑day remedy period after a condemnation order.

Residents and the property owner spoke during public comment. Tenant‑maintenance worker Christopher King said residents and on‑site maintenance make ongoing efforts to fix problems: "If people throw their trash over there, we pick it up... we do try." Owner Mark Moattar said he has invested in the park, citing nearly $40,000 spent on electrical upgrades and installation of new pedestals and that many tenants had told him they are satisfied. He said he maintains certification courses for park operations and that he hires contractors for major repairs.

Supporters of revocation said the park's recurring health and safety issues had persisted for years and that abatement was necessary. Resident Paula Carson said the site was "deplorable" and urged enforcement. Council members acknowledged the hardship revocation may cause tenants and included in the motion a commitment "with any help we can provide as a City" to assist displaced families. Councilman Trask said the pattern of past noncompliance left the city with few options.

Resolution 2025‑03 cites failures to comply with sanitation requirements (EMC 10‑1‑3‑1), abatement of trash and debris (EMC 4‑1‑3), and maintenance responsibilities (EMC 3‑11‑9). The council voted to revoke the business license and directed staff to coordinate available assistance to affected residents; the motion passed unanimously.

Next steps: the code provides a 60‑day window for compliance/relocation and city staff indicated they will explore available county and social‑service resources to help impacted families. The council did not specify a relocation fund or dollar amount. The owner and some tenants asserted they would pursue available remedies or negotiations before vacating.