SS9701-CS 970513 (2)Mr. Jim Witt, City Manager
City of Coppell
P. O. Box 478
Coppell, Texas 75019
Dear Mr. Witt:
MCCOLL & MCCOLLOCH
DALLAS, TEXAS 75~01-~718
May 13, 1997
FAX TO: (817) 273-5256
CONFIRM: (817) 273-5249
AND U. S. MAIL
I am writing on behalf of my clients, Chadie and Dianne Seraphin, and pursuant to your
correspondence dated May 2, 1997. The Seraphins have asked that I intervene on their behalf in
order to bring this matter to an amicable solution. As you know, Mr. and Mrs. Seraphin have
endured considerable hardship as a result of the Grapevine Creek Sewer Project. During the
construction of the sewer line on City of Coppell property immediately adjacent to the S eraphin's
property, trees were removed, and a large hole was dug to repair drilling equipment. In your own
words, "we messed with Mother Nature, and now we're paying the price."
During your conversations with the Seraphins over the past couple of years, you have heard,
first hand, of the problems they have experienced as a result of this construction. Dirt from the
project has filtered into their home and pool; construction noise has blasted their home for months;
landslides have threatened their property and the safety of their family; construction workers, city
officials, and curious onlookers have invaded their privacy; and both the value of their property and
their quality of life have been adversely affected.
Through it all, the Seraphins have remained friendly, courteous, patient and understanding
toward you and your staff.
The most recent landslide was reported to your office in October, 1996. It was not until the
slide had taken several trees on the Seraphin property this spring that the City responded. The
Seraphins were told that the work to repair the damage would take 30 days fi-om start to finish. Your
most recent correspondence now states that the repairs will take from 30 to 45 working days, with
completion of the project estimated to be mid-June. Your representatives said the pool would be
covered during this phase of construction. The pool was not covered and rust spots have appeared.
Here are several reasonable requests to which we must ask your agreement in order to settle
this matter:
At the conclusion ofconstruaion and repairs in mid-$une, the City of Coppell should
provide a professional inspection of the foundation of the Seraphin home and repair
any and all foundation problems associated with the landslide and subsequent
IV~COLL & McCOLLOCh
ATTOrneYS ~ COUnSeLOrS A~ ~,W
Mr. Jim Witt, City Manager
Page 2
construction behind their home. The City should also provide a professional
inspection of their pool and pool deck and perform any repairs made necessary by the
construction project. (Iron particles from the soll are causing rust spots on the
plaster.)
The City of Coppell will either complete the retaining wall and brick fence project,
including clean fill and ground cover (halted by the most recent activity behind the
Seraphin home), or pay for the completion of the project by a contractor mutually
acceptable to the Seraphins and the City of Coppell.
Upon completion of the project, the City of Coppell will return the Seraphin property
to its original state, including sod, sprinklers and landscaping.
The Seraphim feel that their requests are minimal, considering the damages they have already
suffered as a result of the Grapevine Creek Sewer Improvement Project.
Thank you for your consideration of this matter.
Sincerely,
AGREED:
JIM WITT, City Manager
City of Coppell
ACM/jb