Special Use Permit OK’d Despite Angry Opposition

Before Dale Call, Planning and Zoning, had an opportunity to make a presentation, Richard Oaks interrupted and asked to be heard. When asked to wait to speak until the appropriate time, he responded, “That’s not the point; I would like it to be up to the council.” Oaks was adamant that he be heard before the information was presented to the council, accusing the Telfords of threatening him and threatening to file a defamation of character lawsuit.

“That’s out of order at this point,” said Call, who proceeded with his presentation.

“Accusations mentioned at this point, I haven’t been able to verify,” said Call, adding that Oaks’ accusations were refuted by the Telfords.

Call said that the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting was very lengthy, then stated, “At this point, I would like to publicly apologize to the Telfords for the hateful and despicable things that were said to the Telfords by the people in this area.

“I would hope the council will be able to conduct a meeting in a more civilized manner.

“In every way I have found that the request complies with the town code. The request, again in every respect, is similar to those that have been approved by council,” said Call, noting that the commission and staff recommended approval of the special use request.

The Telfords’ property is on Sundown Lane in the Snowflake Heights area, and there is sufficient room to place the accessory residential structure on it.

Opposition was voiced at the commission hearing by area residents, including constructing without a permit, an open sewer health hazard and parents living in the garage. The Telfords responded to each of these complaints.

All permits and inspections were obtained, according to backup material provided to the council.

Call said that there was concern that the apartment would be rented out in the future, so the commission reiterated the fact that this could not be used by anyone but family members.

It was pointed out that this will be a new mobile home permitted through Navajo County and inspected.

Oaks said that the bylaws state one house on an acre of land, and went on to say that his request to put a bathroom in his garage was denied. “Dale Call told me I wasn’t allowed to do that,” he said. Oaks gave the mayor a list of people who opposed the special use permit.

“Call did not tell you they want to operate two businesses out there,” said Oaks.

“Mr. Telford has threatened me; he is not a citizen of the United States,” Oaks continued, then turned to Telford and asked, “Do you pack a gun, Mr. Telford?”

“Yes,” replied Telford.

“That’s against the law; he’s threatened me, made comments that Americans are stupid,” said Oaks. “He’s made threats to other people in my neighborhood.”

Oaks then began using profanity and saying that he would never invite anyone to move to Snowflake. “It’s a lawless town,” he said.

Oaks said he called the pound on the Schneblys regarding dog problems; that a dog with no hair and with maggots was on his property, and that the Schneblys showed no concern for him or the dog.

“They don’t care about people in the community; they only care about themselves,” said Oaks, noting that he had worked many years in law enforcement and, “I’ve worked with scum.”

“The only concern I would have is why you weren’t given permission to have a bathroom in your garage,” said Councilman Terril Kay.

Kathleen Oaks asked to speak and asked how they got a septic tank permit, stating, “You’re allowed one permit by the county.” She said when they called that was confirmed and when they asked to speak with the boss, he was never available.

“Dale Call tells people they can do things that are against the bylaws,” said Kathleen. “We have to abide by them and no one else does. Why are they so special that they get special permits and no one else does?”

Dennis Fisher said that his bishop asked the high priests if they would contribute time to build this house for the Schneblys, but they didn’t think it would take a year to get through the permitting process.

Charles Foote and Gooke Seymore said that they visit the family at least once a month, and both said they had not witnessed any of the violent tendencies the Telfords have been accused of.

Foote went on to say, “I know Dale Call to be honorable and follow the code. I hope that these people can learn to live together in harmony, and I would encourage the council to grant this request.”

“The Schneblys did not prevent you from getting your bathroom,” said Seymore.

Mayor Tom Poscharsky asked for a motion to approve a special use permit in accordance and subject to the stipulation of the Planning and Zoning Commission that the home be for family members only.

Councilman Johnson moved to approve the special use permit, and the motion passed unanimously.