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Memorandum To: Ric Raynor From: Bob Hammitt Date: December 14, 1995 Subject: McDonalds Tree Removal Incident In response to your questions regarding the McDonalds tree removal, I did the following: I talked to Chris Andersen, Executive Director of Public Works and Dave Reinhard, Transportation Division Manager regarding the alignment of the Ferry Street bridge project and the potential of conflict with the McDonalds tree. They have both been involved with the project. At this time, staff have only completed preliminary drawings for the south bank street alignment. Preliminary drawings indicate a potential conflict between the street project and the McDonalds tree. In addition, another historic tree exists near the location of the McDonalds tree, and has not been removed. Staff have been discussing design possibilities for realignment of the project to save this historic tree. If the McDonalds tree still existed, we would also have been attempting to save it. Only when the final design begins, will we know the exact alignment. Thus, cutting of the McDonalds tree is really a non -issue for the Ferry Street bridge project vote. I also talked to Johnny Medlin, Scott Plamondon, and Mike Bellmore, regarding the incident. Junior Robertson contacted Johnny, wanting to know specifically who made the mistakes and who the person was that actually cut the tree down. Johnny refused to give him names saying that he would take responsibility. Johnny told him if he wanted the name of the person that actually cut the tree, he would need to contact the contractor. Scott Plamondon was contacted by both Tom Lester and Junior Robertson. They wanted to know who was specifically responsible, and did make conspiracy accusations stating that the city was trying to cover -up this tree removal when it was really a ploy to make the Ferry Street bridge job happen. Mike Bellmore was also contacted by both Tom Lester and Junior Robertson. They were requesting copies of the records of the McDonald tree removal. Mike told them that the records were damaged during the fire and were currently being cleaned and restored. He told them they would have to contact him later to gain access to the records. They were also told that all of the permit records, including the contract construction plans were at the permit center. The type of records we would have would be, our investigation into the incident after we were notified that the tree removal was taking place. At this time, our cleaning contractor has not returned all of the records to us so we will not know their exact condition until that happens. Junior and Tom are certainly welcome to review the records when they are returned to us. Hope the adequately answers your questions. Please contact me if you need some additional information.