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t <br /> MEMORANDUM <br /> Date: April 20, 1995 <br /> From: Bob Hammitt, Maintenance Director <br /> To: Chris Andersen, Director of Public Works <br /> Subject: Washington/Jefferson Park Picnic Tables <br /> Unfortunately the three people that have been dealing with this issue are all <br /> out of town until next week. This is what I know about it. <br /> The three picnic tables under the shelter at First & Jefferson are removed <br /> some time during the winter months each year to refurbish. As in past years, <br /> this project is currently taking place. Dee Grissell received a call from a <br /> person (I think it was Carol Bruhl ) that was very upset because the tables had <br /> been removed. She was very belligerent and called Dee all sorts of names. He <br /> apparently tried to explain to her that we were not moving them on a permanent <br /> basis, only to refurbish them. She continued to call Dee names and be <br /> belligerent and he told her that if she continued doing that he would hang up <br /> on her. It did not slow her down, so he hung up. <br /> Dick Morgan then received a call from the same person. Apparently at this <br /> point, she was a little more rational and Dick explained to her again that we <br /> were in the process of refurbishing the tables and that if she felt it <br /> important, he would have a temporary table placed there for her use. She <br /> wanted the temporary table and we had it placed there within an hour. <br /> She apparently was still not satisfied with the action and, as I understand <br /> it, tried to contact Mike Gleason. It is my understanding that Phil Weiler <br /> took this call and has talked to her and again explained what was occurring. <br /> Phil is one of the people that is out of town and not back until next <br /> Wednesday, so I have not had the opportunity to discuss the issue with him. <br /> I did manage to contact Dick Morgan at home this morning. He told me that <br /> there was an associated issue with this problem and that a group called "Make <br /> Food Not Bombs" shows up at these picnic tables every day with food to <br /> distribute to the homeless. Apparently after the food is eaten, the garbage <br /> is thrown all over the ground, including bread, peelings from fruit, and <br /> whatever else is left over. Dick has been trying to contact this group to <br /> find out if they have the appropriate licenses to distribute food. He has <br /> been unable to reach them. We have also apparently received some complaints <br /> from the neighborhood regarding the problems this is causing. Seems they are <br /> creating a mission atmosphere in the park. It does attract a number of <br /> homeless people to the area which is right near some of the park amenities <br /> such as the horseshoe pits. Dick also told me he had discussed the table <br /> refurbish issue with Ramone and Jan from the Whiteaker Community Council . <br /> Thus, the Community Council has been notified of the action and the reasons <br /> for it. <br />