Villas at McCarran's Lake residents tell council of drainage, foundation and paving concerns; staff to follow up

Caitlin Barstead, a Villas at McCarran's Lake resident and HOA treasurer, told the City Council on April 14 that grading and drainage problems linked to recent development are causing damage to private property. "My house in particular now has a patio slab that is cracked, as well as we're experiencing water intrusion in our lower level," Barstead said during general public comment.

Barstead said the HOA first raised the issues with city staff in December 2024. The city issued a corrective-action letter to the builder with a March 17 deadline, she said, but the builder has provided only one of three requested items and has not yet produced an adequate corrective plan. Barstead said the builder holds two unfinished spec homes and three empty lots and filed for voluntary foreclosure in February 2025.

Residents asked the council to delay further construction — specifically citing an approved building permit for Lot 7 — until the HOA can present supporting documents and a financing plan. They also said the developer-submitted and city-approved pavement specifications are intended for a walkway rather than a road and that two paving companies told the HOA those specs will not withstand vehicle loads, including construction or emergency vehicles.

The group requested the council place the matter on a future agenda. President Rowe and city staff said they would follow up. City staff agreed to provide a status update to the residents and the council and indicated they would consult with city legal counsel. A city staff speaker said, "we'll have a response to you by the end of the week for sure and to the residents as far as what our next steps potentially could be." Staff also said if legal review shows council action is appropriate, the issue could be scheduled for the next council meeting or the first May meeting.

Council members said they did not yet know the full extent of council authority and asked staff to clarify what the city can and cannot do. Several council members emphasized the need for a prompt status report and indicated they did not want residents to expect immediate council action before staff and counsel had completed their review.

The speakers identified themselves and their association with the Villas at McCarran's Lake. The council response in the transcript is limited to direction for staff follow-up, an offer to consult city legal counsel, and the prospect of scheduling a formal agenda item if warranted by the staff review.