Because of a massive basement, the Highland Park Town Council is giving builder Matt Cain 32 months, instead of the usual 24, to construct a home at 3705 Gillion Ave.
The basement nearly matches the 4,000-square-foot footprint of the Tatum Custom Homes house, Cain told council members on Tuesday.
While the builder’s explanations satisfied town leaders about his project, the implications of basements remained on council members’ minds as they met in study session after the main meeting.
“I do think we need to look into that in more depth,” Councilman Marc Myers said. “The implications of doing it wrong or not knowing what’s going on in those basements is a long-term issue.”
Myers suggested the town may need a study group of its engineers and area homebuilders to research the issues and help the council make better decisions on construction ordinances.
“Any time you go to that depth you’re effecting the flow of the water,” he added. “It effects the roots of trees. There are six or eight implications here, and we’re only doing it ad-hoc.”
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Members also reviewed the town’s Backflow Prevention Program, including inspections of backflow prevention assemblies and retrofitting older homes with the device. This is to prevent the water system from molds, bacteria, pesticides, and other contaminants which can occur with pressure changes due to broken water valves, emergency water usage, or main breaks.
“This whole program is mandated by the State of Texas,” town administrator Tobin Maples clarified. “We’re in compliance with the codes that require them, but testing them on an annual basis is where we’ve been lacking.”
And estimated 6,000 units will need to be tested, with a $75 test fee for domestic and irrigation units and $85 per fire suppression unit added to the property owner’s water bill.
In other action, the Town Council voted to:
- Schedule a General Municipal Election for May 2 to elect the mayor and five council members.
- Establish an all-way stop at the intersection of Douglas and Lorraine avenues.
- Designate the city secretary as the town’s records management officer and amend the Records Management Program Ordinance to incorporate recommended language from the Texas State Library and Archives Commission.
