Friday, March 29, 2024

Substandard structures get extra time for repairs

Posted

Two houses that the city of Gatesville identified as substandard will have until early 2023 to complete repairs following action by the Gatesville City Council.

The Council voted to allow Dennis Berry of Waco until Jan. 31 to complete repairs on the house at 308 Fennimore St. and gave Josiah Wilson of Buda until Feb. 28 to finish renovations at 2006 Bridge St. Both structures have been discussed by city leaders for several months.

"Local government code specifically states the owner of the property has 90 days to make repairs," said City Manager Bill Parry. He added that the Fennimore house "has been on the radar screen for over a year and repairs are not made at this point."

The Council does have the discretion to grant additional time for repair work.

Berry did not attend a Council meeting in October to provide an update, prompting Council members to place the Fennimore house on the Nov. 15 meeting for possible demolition.

"I apologize for not being here at the last meeting," Berry said. "I have hired Rich Dunlap to take on the challenge and I am very impressed with his plan. I don't think it would serve any purpose for the city if the house was demolished.

"He has a plan and I'm convinced he will get it done. I should have contacted him a long time ago. He said he can get it done in six weeks."

"I would prefer eight but I can get it done in six," Dunlap said.

Parry asked if that would include all the necessary inspections.

"Yes sir," Dunlap answered.

Mayor Gary Chumley told Berry and Dunlap, "We can give you six weeks and four weeks additional — that would give you 10 weeks."

Parry said Berry "needs to understand if you approve this and he doesn't get it done, the city can start issuing citations."

"You can be fined daily," Chumley said.

Mayor Pro Tem Meredith Rainer said the fines issued could be up to $1,000 per day.

Regarding the house at 2006 Bridge Street, Parry said "windows were promised to be put in and they were put in this week. I did see that."

Wilson presented photos to the Council showing progress being made on the house.

"The foundation has been worked on so we're leveling that out," he said. "Framing and plumbing is the next step. Electricity has been roughed in."

Chumley asked Wilson what timeframe he has for finishing work.

"I'd like to be finished in eight weeks but would like to give myself time in case of cold weather.

Council members decided to give Wilson until Feb. 28 — 15 weeks — to complete repairs.

"That's plenty of time," Rainer said. "This is with the same understanding you could be cited if this is not done."