Monday, April 29, 2024
Six months after the Gatesville City Council addressed concerns about a substandard structure at 2006 Bridge St., the council gave its owner until Nov. 15 to make substantial progress of making repairs or face the prospect that the house will be demolished.
Owner Josiah Wilson talked about his plans and reasons for delays during an Oct. 11 council meeting, and although he did receive some sympathy and understanding from Council members – and the possibility of an extension of 90 days (until Jan. 10) to complete repairs – he was also informed the council's patience on the matter is not unlimited.
Wilson, who resides in Buda, Texas – about 17 miles south of Austin – gave a recap of work done and an explanation for why rehab of the house is taking so long.
"We did get started on the property; the roof is completely redone and there have been electrical updates," he said. "There have been some delays with a contractor. I have been involved in other things in my business trying to put out fires."
Wilson, who also owns properties in other communities, said he prioritized other projects because they were costing him more, "but we have not backed down from this project, and we are going to get it done. We are two to three weeks away on another project before we can come back. 2006 Bridge St. is a large project, and we were down to the studs. It was dilapidated. I don't want to put someone I don't have experience with on a project like this."
Councilwoman Barbara Burrow said she has heard that Wilson has indicated there are not local contractors available for his project.
"I have not found anybody at a cost I am willing to pay," Wilson said, explaining in one case there was a $5,000 savings by not using a local contractor.
Councilwoman Meredith Rainer expressed disappointment that Wilson did not prioritize the Bridge St. property.
"We first saw you over 180 days ago. Personally, I would have put this project at the forefront," she said.
Wilson explained he has another property elsewhere that was "costing $4,000 per month. This one is $600 a month, so I can float this one."
Meredith asked Wilson how many other properties he owned in Gatesville.
"A few; I have to go back and look at my sheet," he said.
City Manager Bill Parry later told the council that Wilson owns four properties in Gatesville and that three of them are on the substandard structure list.
"The one at 312 State School Road is next on the list," Parry said. “Drive by it, and it will take your breath away. Yes, you will probably be hearing from him again."
Wilson said he hoped to "wrap up other projects and bring those contractors here. I do like Gatesville and would like to get this done. I did not know it was on the city's dilapidated list when I bought it."
Mayor Gary Chumley asked Wilson, "When can we expect to see some progress?"
"My goal is November 1," Wilson said.
Burrow asked Wilson what's the worst-case scenario regarding time to fix the house.
"If you guys decide to demolish it," Wilson said, adding that once he sells other properties, it will help him move forward on the Bridge St. house.
"The fundamental issue is that Mr. Wilson appeared before you on April 12, and you gave him 90 days," Parry said. "By government code, you can only give him 90 days. We need a date when this will be done. You need to make a decision whether you're going to allow him to continue to remodel the house and how long you'll give him and the repercussions if it's not done."
Wilson said he has installed a new roof and had the electrical box upgraded but has not run new wires yet.
"We had to reframe because someone took out a load-bearing wall in the middle and the roof collapsed in," he said. "I went by there today; it's not the most friendly, but there are ones that are worse. We'll have a fresh paint job, new flooring and a new bathroom."
Councilman Claude Williams asked Wilson when he thinks the work will be done.
"With the contractor I have in mind, I hope by the end of the year," Wilson said.
Burrow noted with the holidays coming up, that could have an impact on the timeline.
"It could potentially be the end of January to be finished," Wilson said.
"I think that's where we're in a pickle not getting things done," Rainer said.
"We've allowed you to invest the money by allowing the process to go on, and we're in a bind, too," Burrow said.
Parry said Jan. 11 was the maximum amount of time the council can give and adhere to government code.
"If it's not done in January, we have to decide whether to allow this to go on," Rainer said.
"I have no doubt I will get the project done; Jan. 10 is 90 days," Wilson said.
Rainer said she would like an update sooner and did not want to wait until January for an update.
"I'd personally like to know by Nov. 1 if you have a contractor," she said. "If not, there's no way you can get it done. If he doesn't have a contractor, January is not even possible.”
Mayor Chumley suggested getting an update at the Nov. 15 meeting.
"There's been a lack of information," Burrow said.
Wilson said he could "do a better job updating you with emails and photos."
Councilman Greg Casey said another 90 days was "fine. I would make this your priority, or it's going to be a hole in the ground." He added that significant progress needs to be made, and city code inspector Robert Featherston or an expert should offer their feedback on work done.
"I want to see a good-faith effort he's going to get it done," Casey said.
Wilson said electrical work "will definitely be done by then; we'll get windows ordered. There's broken glass, and that needs to be resolved." He added that framing on windows and exterior doors would be done by the time he updates the council in November.
"Are we going to feel bad he's put money into it and give him more time?" Rainer asked. "How long do we draw this out?"
Burrow said she would like to hold Wilson to the 90-day time frame, contingent on significant progress being made by Nov. 15.
"If (Wilson) doesn't show up by Nov. 15, I think Jan. 10 is out the window," Burrow said. "Any improvement is better than none. I would like to see that in a timely manner.
Parry said the council has twice asked for a plan "and you still don’t have a plan. A contractor needs to present that by Nov. 15.”
Councilman Billy Sinyard said that Nov. 15 deadline will be crucial in determining the next step.
"If no progress is made by Nov. 15, I think you're done," Sinyard said. "By the 15th, if you're not rocking and rolling, there's no more time to waste."
