City Shuts Down Neighborhood Cat House

From the KCBD website:

LUBBOCK, TX (KCBD) - A house in the 3200 block of 20th Street was deemed "Unlawful to Occupy" by the city this week after the smell of cats became too much for neighbors to handle.

Crews have been cleaning the house for the past two days, but the smell is still very strong.

It got so bad, neighbors called and complained to City Councilman Todd Klein, who brought in city inspectors.

Crews dressed in haz-mat suits are on scene trying to clean up the animal waste that is responsible for the smell.

Councilman Klein went personally to visit the house and speak with neighbors.

"I'd gotten a letter on it," Klein said. "We've since met with some very concerned citizens that live on the block. I actually went that Friday after learning about it and met with some people across the street."

"As soon as I got out of my vehicle, I immediately got belted by that smell," Klein said. "It's an unfortunate circumstance for all parties involved."

Klein said neighbors feared for their health and had actually stopped going outside their homes because of the smell.

It's not clear if any humans were living in the house, but city officials have removed two dogs from the property.

Neighbors believe the cats, as many as 30 cats, were moved to another location before city representatives got there. The cats may have already been fostered or euthanized. We'll let you know more once we receive confirmation from the Humane Society.

The owner has been cited for an odor issue and having unsanitary conditions in the house.

Klein says the city is doing everything they can to make sure neighbors don't get sick. He says this is the first time anything like this has happened in his memory and he hopes the problem can be resolved quickly.

"We've got a serious situation that we're doing everything we can to get addressed as quickly as possible," Klein said.

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.

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.

Becky Garza, Quincy White, Todd Klein and Roger Ellis

City Manager Leigh Ann Dumbauld

UNIT Neighborhood Association President Susan Tomlinson expresses her enthusiasm for the 34th Street Project.  

Town Hall Meeting in Neighborhood

District Three City Council Member Todd Klein will host a public forum on March 8th for residents to discuss the budget, strategic planning and stormwater fees.

Residents could also discuss 34th Street road construction, Klein said.

The meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Roscoe Wilson Elementary Library, at 2807 25th St.

Todd Klein to host "Coffee with Citizens" this Saturday at Market Street

District Three City Councilman Todd Klein will host "Coffee with Citizens" on this Saturday.  The meeting will run from 11:00 AM to Noon at United Market Street at 50th and Indiana.  All District Three residents (especially those in the Tech Terrace/UNIT Neighborhood) are invited to share their concerns and suggestions.

UNIT on the Todd Klein Show

UNIT residents will be guests during the 5:00 hour of the Todd Klein radio show on KRFE AM 580 to discuss recent events in the neighborhood. Residents are encouraged to call in show to share their thoughts and opinions. The call in number is 745-5800. Make sure your voice is heard.

Todd Klein Hosting A Town Hall Meeting

Sorry for the short notice. District 3 City Councilman Todd Klein will be hosting a Town Hall Meeting tonight at The Roy Roberts Elementary School Cafeteria from 6 to 7.

7901 Avenue P-please park on the east side.

Coffee with Citizens Hosted by Todd Klein

District Three City Councilman Todd Klein is hosting a Coffee with Citizens meeting this Saturday morning at Market Street on 50th & Indiana. Topics to be discussed include crime, codes, streets and the potential formation of a Central Lubbock Coalition.