Tech Terrace-UNIT News: Town Hall Meeting At Roscoe Wilson

Citizens headed to Roscoe Wilson Elementary on Fat Tuesday to attend a forum hosted by District 3 City Councilman Todd Klein. City Staffers in attendance included:

City Manager Leigh Ann Dumbauld
Police Chief Roger Ellis
Fire Chief Mike Kemp
Assistant City Manager Quincy White
Chief Financial Officer Andy Burcham
Chief Operating Officer Marsha Reed
City Secretary Becky Garza
Former City Councilman T.J. Patterson

Neighborhood Cub Scouts from Pack 536 presented the colors at 7:30.

Mr. Klein introduced everyone and shared some opening comments, COO Marsha Reed gave an update on Traffic Signal Upgrades and 34th Street. She expects the 34th Street Project to go out to bid on time in January 2012. She also commented on three new fire stations and other street improvement projects.

Asst. City Manager Quincy White then discussed Animal Services. Mr. White reported that the City averages around 1,545 calls per month. He also reported a 20% reclaim rate for dogs vs. a 2% reclaim rate for cats. Adoption rates run 11% for dogs and 8% for cats.

Councilman Klein added that Animal Services needs to be included in an overall Strategic Planning Initiative. He also commented that Storm Water fees should be used for Storm Water run-off, not to fund other city operations.

Citizens were then invited to the microphone to share their questions and concerns.

Roy Gomez asked about security at the new Homeless Tent City at Broadway and Ave A. He also asked about why man-hole covers are in the tire lanes on 34th Street and expressed concern about motorcycle safety.

The next citizen advocated the opening of two new libraries along with the relocation of Godeke. She also expressed frustration at the lack of Irish Travel Guides at Mahon Library. She also said the City needs a good "Indoor Swimming Hole." The unidentified speaker then commented that 19th and University is a dangerous intersection. She ended with a comment that "the mayor hates parks, swimming pools and libraries."

The next speaker was UNIT resident Cliff Ashby who inquired about the status of the proposed traffic circle at 23rd and Flint. Mr. Klein replied that the neighborhood had opposed that project. Mr. Ashby also asked about sidewalks and code enforcement. Mr. Klein said Code Enforcement does not have the resources (people) to be proactive and remain incident oriented. He urged citizens to call Code Enforcement to report issues.

Lee Bryant from the Heart of Lubbock area reported that LISD was considered closing Ave T at Lubbock High to expand the cafeteria. She also stated that cuts in state library funding would decimate research databases.

Tech Terrace resident Darrell Vines took the microphone to express his delight with the new microsurfacing on the streets of the neighborhood.

Maurice Stanley of Jerry's Barber Shop shared a new logo for 34th Street: 34th Street- Historic Gateway to the Future. Mr. Stanley asked Chief Ellis about the status of the Police Dept reaching its goal of 2 officers per 1000 citizens. Chief Ellis replied that the department needed 460 officers to meet that goal and they were 77 short at this time.

Val Corley, neighbor of Mr. Stanley, asked why LP and L continues to advertise when they are the only electric provider in Lubbock? He also asked if the 311 System reduced the number of folks answering phones. City Manager Leigh Ann Dumbauld answered that the 311 system reduced the need for backup department receptionists and was working better than expected.

Mary Vines then urged the City to increase funding to improve quality of life in the City. She also asked about the new council districts. John Grace, a City attorney working on redistricting, reported that the census numbers are back and that the new districts will be drawn soon.

The meeting ended at approximately 8:45.