Council accepts elevator status report for four apartment complexes; staff outlines complaint process
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Summary
City staff reported Oct. 13 that elevators at four Balch Springs apartment complexes are largely operational; one elevator at Peachtree Senior Living required parts and repeated inspections, and staff directed residents to file complaints through the city permits and inspections portal.
The Balch Springs City Council accepted a staff report Oct. 13 on elevator status at four apartment complexes, and staff described the state's inspection and certification process residents must follow to file complaints.
Staff told the council the three elevators at 3 Springs Apartments were all operational as of a city inspection on Oct. 6. At Peachtree Senior Living, staff reported two of three elevators were working; Elevator 2 had been out since Sept. 26 and parts had been ordered and were expected to arrive Oct. 13. At Paramore Arcadia Trails and Forestwood Apartments, staff reported both elevators and all three elevators, respectively, were operational as of Oct. 6.
The report noted outstanding Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) inspection and payment issues at some properties. Staff reminded council that the state licenses elevators; the municipality must have the TDLR certification in hand for the city's multifamily inspection program to be complete. Staff described the TDLR reinspection and citation process when properties fail to correct license or safety issues within prescribed timeframes.
Council members asked how residents could file complaints. Staff demonstrated the process: on the city website residents should navigate to Departments → Permits and Inspections and use the "File a Complaint" link; staff said the complaint must be filed by the individual resident and that the site had experienced earlier technical issues that are now resolved.
Why it matters: outages in elevator service affect mobility for older residents at senior housing complexes and can trigger health and safety complaints; the council accepted the report and did not adopt additional compliance actions that evening.
Votes and procedure: Council accepted the report as provided by motion and second; recorded votes were yes from Council member Hill, Mayor Pro Tem Garcia, Council member Gabriel, Council member Patino, Council member Miles and Council member Salah.
Ending: Staff said they will continue to monitor repairs, coordinate with TDLR inspections and schedule reinspection when required; council did not vote to impose citations or other penalties during the Oct. 13 meeting.