8/3/2019 Second letter from Burlington Mayor Bob Kiss to the
general assembly of the Occupy Burlington
1/2
Office ofthe MayorBurl ington,
Bob K issMayorRoom 34, City Hall
Burlington, VT05401Tel: (802) 865-7272Fax: (802) 865-7270TOO:
(802)865.-7142
November 1,2011To: General AssemblyOccupy Vermont =Burlingtoac/o
Matt Cropp and Frank GeierRe: City Hall ParkGeneral Assembly
Members:As lindicated in my letter of October 28, the City of
Burlington supports your right-to-speakfreely, gather in public,
demonstrate, and otherwise express your views in a non-violent way.
Ialso noted that the City must protect the public's health, safety
and welfare by enforcing Cityordinances and other laws.Although
camping is not permitted in City Hall Park and the park is closed
between midnightand ..6 am, the City continues to take a ..wai].
and see approach regarding enforcement, The Citycontinues to
reserve the right to enforce any and all laws in order to insure
health, safety andrights of all citizens. We continue to monitor
the situation and have identified the followingissuesthat we expect
you will address immediately:
Use of tentstakes. As outlined in my letter of October 28,
werequestedthat no stakes 01;other implements be driven into the
ground due to potential damage to undergroundirrigation and
electrical lines. Contrary to this rule, tent stakes ..are-being
used throughoutthe encampment.
Use of ropes on trees and parkfixtures. Ropes tied to trees and
park fixtures are beingused to hold up tents and tarps. Ropes tied
for this purpose can damage trees as well asaffect the proper
functioning of fixtures such as lamp posts. Use of ropesin this way
isprohibited.
Alcohol use. and obscene language. We have received reports of
alcohol use andobscene language directed at other park users. This
is prohibited by ordinance and parkrules at all times.
Chained bicycles. Park fixtures are not bike racks. Several
bicycles have been chainedto park fixtures such as light poles,
which fulfill an essential use in the park. For safe andappropriate
maintenance and. operation of the park, bicycles cannot be chained
to lightpoles or other fixtures. There are bike racks nearby that
can be used.
8/3/2019 Second letter from Burlington Mayor Bob Kiss to the
general assembly of the Occupy Burlington
2/2
Noise. We've received reports of bullhorn noise and drumming
which is disturbingresidents around the park and appears to.be in
violation of the City's noise ordinance.We appreciate that
complaints were responded to.immediately and expect there will beno
future issues.in this.regard,
Tent occupancy. We have received reports that tents have been
left unoccupied forsignificant periods of time overnight and during
the day. We would request thatunoccupied tents be broken down and
stored. This will prevent empty tents from. takingup space and
allow the non-demonstrating public's access to the park.
Public urination. Officers have witnessed public urination in
the alley between CityHall and City Arts overnight. This behavior
causes health issues and is in violation of theordinance.
Alternatives must be found.
Disorderly behavior. Officers have intervened in verbal disputes
between some of theoccupiers of City Hall Park. There have also.
been-instances.of.occupiers impedingtraffic. These behaviors border
disorderly conduct and this is prohibited by ordinance andother
laws.
In addition to theabove, and in light of the recent snowfall in
Central and Southern Vermontand as cold weather approaches, please
be advised that the Parks and Recreation Departmentmust plow the
sidewalks in CityFIall Park to preserve public access. Currently,
many of thetents in the park would interfere with Sl10W removal
and/or.be affected by snow plowing.Again, we expect
your.cooperation regarding these matters ....Ifyou wish to discuss
these or anyissues related to the use of City Hall Park (or any
other public space within the City ofBurlington), please contact
Burlington Police Deputy ChiefAndi Higbee at 658-2700.Yjtlrl prds,\
)\\\Bob
