Meeting with Todd Klein Yields Results

Tech Terrace UNIT neighbor Kelly Pratas and I met with District 3 City Councilman Todd Klein on May 2nd to discuss codes enforcement and graffiti in the neighborhood.  Codes Enforcement officials Stuart Walker and George Torres joined us.  We discussed the various methods of reporting codes violations and how the reporting system functions.  Mr. Walker informed us that currently a codes inspector from another part of town is covering Tech Terrace and Heart of Lubbock due to the transfer of Dian Taylor to the Storm Water Department.  Mr. Walker is confident that he will be able to hire her replacement soon.  Mr. Walker also explained that due to the way the codes reporting system is structured, it is next to impossible for a citizen to receive follow up unless he or she calls the codes office.  Mr. Walker reported that reports of more that two unrelated individuals living together are down this year, but that party bus calls are up.  He also reminded us that the process for determining if a house is violation can be lengthy.  Mr. Walker reiterated that the biggest enforcement challenge is multiple out of town Tech Student Parents purchasing a home and loading it up with kids.  He encourages residents to report codes violation of any type to his office or to the 311. 

Mr. Pratas asked if property owners are notified when police are called to a residence. Councilman Klein said he would consult with the police department to verify that they are.  Mr. Klein also urges residents to call his office (775-2023) to report graffiti.  The defaced school crosswalk sign at 20th and Flint was remedied within 24 hours of our meeting.

We also discussed Wagner Park and the problematic issue of vehicles driving on the grass.  Mr. Klein expressed interest in having some Park Police but was not optimistic due to budgetary constraints.  He also suggested adding trees to the perimeter of Wagner Park to discourage unwelcome vehicles. 

We certainly appreciate the time Councilman Klein took to meet with us.  He remains a friend of Tech Terrace.