Another skirmish between builders and City Council may be on tap

Wichita Falls Record

Local homebuilders may skirmish with city leaders again Tuesday, this time over proposed changes to the city's electrical code. City staff wants to adopt a 2017 version of the National Electric Code rather than continue to operate under a 2005 version.

When the matter came up for discussion at a May 17 meeting, Michael Grassi of the North Texas Homebuilder’s Association said his group is not in favor of the change. They want the matter to go before the Construction Board of Adjustment and others in the construction industry before councilors approve it. Grassi also said housing affordability should also be a consideration.

More:City electrical code sparks debate at City Council session

Councilor Larry Nelson said electricians have told him there would be an approximate $3,500 increase on a 1,200 square-foot home if the 2017 NEC code is adopted.

Architect Phillip Townsend also opposed adoption of the ordinance, claiming it opened the city to “complicity in violating the law," which would be subject to a class action lawsuit by the citizens. He and Mayor Stephen Santellana engaged in a sometimes contentious exchange. 

Councilors are scheduled to vote on the matter Tuesday.

Homebuilders sparred with the council earlier this year over a change in rules governing private trash haulers, who builders use extensively. The council voted to limit the private operators and allow the city to take more of the business.

More:Council tables trash-hauling measure in light of court injunction

The exchanges between builders and others comes against the backdrop of a newly released study that indicates unfriendly relations between the city and the business community is one factor hampering Wichita Falls' well-being and growth.

More:Study: Wichita Falls faces challenges moving into future

Councilors will also consider annexing about 12 acres to accommodate the building of a 216-unit apartment complex. The apartments would be built on Southwest Parkway south of Seymour Highway.

The developer, GVD Brook Hollow, LLC, has requested the annexation so the complex could qualify for city utilities. The proposed complex would consist of nine buildings, a clubhouse, dog park, pool/cabana area and playground. The apartments would have one- and two-bedroom units.

In other business, councilors will:

• Study a request from Oncor Electric for a change in rates charged to city residents.
• Award a bid to Freeman Paving, LLC for $355,198 for the city's alley rehabilitation project.
• Pay Mead & Hunt $85,220 for an odor control study for Lift Station 25.
• Sign off on a  grant of up to $57,462 from the Wichita Falls Economic Development Corporation to Howmet Aerospace for purchase of a new water filtration system. The grant is in exchange for retention of 609 employees.
• Award bids to various vendors for bulk chemicals for water and wastewater treatment.
• Spend $34,965 for a law enforcement vehicle at the Wichita Falls Regional Airport.