Developer says easements secured, aims to finish drainage work to lift decade-long stop-work orders at Phillips Estates

William Martinek, managing member of JC and W Family LLC, told the council during the public‑comment period that his firm and partners — including Randy Myers and Brownstone Homes — have acquired easements needed to build the final off‑site phase of the drainage system for Phillips Estates, phase 2. "We've been working pretty hard this summer to bring final resolution to a decades old issue between JCNW and the city of Staton," Martinek said, and added that the system would convey stormwater to Mill Creek and could be completed this fall.

The claim matters because several lots in the development remain under stop‑work orders, blocking construction and further subdivision. Staff later told council members that applicants had submitted additional technical materials now under review and that the city is considering hiring a third‑party reviewer to examine the complex drainage data. "We're trying to help them move forward as quickly as they can," a city staff member said, adding that an outside reviewer could help ensure accuracy while avoiding the backlog of institutional memory with in‑house reviewers.

City staff did not set a firm timeline for lifting any stop‑work orders and cautioned that reviews must follow required processes so new problems are not created. The council did not take formal action on the development at the meeting; staff said they would coordinate a more formal response with engineering staff and advise council as needed.

The developer offered to answer questions and supply documentation to staff and council. The city indicated it would continue reviewing materials and pursue the third‑party review option to expedite a technically sound determination.