MEMORANDUM

DATE: July 24, 2006

TO: Eliseo Garza FROM: Karin Uhlich

Council Member, Ward III

SUBJECT: Graffiti Abatement

I am extremely concerned about the status of graffiti abatement services in Ward III. In my meeting with DNR regarding the transition of the program I was assured that the City and DNR were committed to sustaining the quality and timeliness of this service to residents. Indeed that commitment would be in-keeping with the department’s broader effort to consolidate activities (e.g. inspections) to enhance the quality and timeliness of the City’s responses to a host of neighborhood concerns. However, we are receiving complaints regarding the graffiti abatement program already.

I would like staff to update me on the status of the transition. I also want to reemphasize that I will not be satisfied with any effort that shifts the burden of service on to neighborhoods and/or property owners for the actual abatement of graffiti. In the long run I believe any delays that could result from such an approach will result in an escalation of the graffiti problem. That, as we all know, can spark other problems in neighborhoods. The end result, I believe, would be greater a cost burden on taxpayers (due to associated crime and neighborhood deterioration) and diminishing quality of life in the neighborhoods we are working so hard to serve and improve.

I look forward to an update on the status of this vital program.

KU:bgl

cc: City Manager

Mayor and Council