HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Report - November 4, 1992 (66)AGENDA TITLE: Communications (October 15, 1992 through October 28, 1992)
MEETING DATE: November 4, 1992
QRIPARED BY: City Clerk
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
AGENDA ITEM
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
RECOMMENDATION
That the City Council receive letter Prom
Thomas C. Hoffman expressing concerns regarding
items sold by out-of-town vendors along the
Grape and Wine Festival parade route and take
action as deemed necessary.
The following communication was received
between the dates of October 15, 1992 and
October 28, 1992.
Attached, marked Exhibit "A', is a letter
received from Thomas C. Hoffman expressing t,is
concern regarding items sold by out-of-town
vendurs along the Grape and Wine Festival
parade route which are being thrown at parade
participants.
Mr. Hoffman indicates he will be in attendance at the November 4, 1992
City Council meeting to address the City Council regarding his concerns.
FUNDING: None required.
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Alice M. R�i e
City Clerk
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APPROVED
THOMAS A PETERSON
n•cv .led Date.
City Manager
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October 16, 1992
Lodi City Council
Attention: Alice Reimche
P.O. Box 3006
Lodi, CA 95241-1910
Dear Mrs. Reimche,
As a participant in the 1992 Grape Festival parade, I
would like to address the City Council during the meeting
scheduled for November 4, 1992. My concern deals with two
items sold by out-of-town vendor along the parade route, and
I am asking the Council to consider restricting their sale
during this event.
These items, one being small, explosive, but harmless
caps, detonate by throwing against a hard surface, the other
a spray foam which is projected from an aerosol can in the form
of string, are purc-used by the parade spectators as a source
of amusement. Unfortunately, the parade's participants soon
become targets.
As I marched along the parade route with my troop of
Boy Scouts, I was continually bombarded by the caps, thrown
not only at my feet but at my body as well. I could see the
squad of pom-pom girls immediately ahead- of us were having
a similar experience, and my imagination led me to wonder what
the poor tuba players in the high school bands must have been
going through.
The bottom line is, for myself at least, instead of having
a positive experience, marching in the parade was a humili-
ating and degrading one. I do not enjoy being the target of
thrown objects. It is an act of disrespect, void of all consider-
ation and decency. And if T feel this way, T an certain there
are many others who feel the same.
I have discussed this problem with the manager of the
Grape Festival and have addressed my concerns to the Parade
Committee. All of those involved with the Festival empathize
with me. In fact, Graeme Stewart cited instances in which he
too was the target of thrown caps while leading the parade in
the Grand Marshall's car. Unfortunately, Mr. Stewart and the
Committee claim to have no jurisdiction over any sale, except
when the sale takes place on Festival premises. It was explained
to nr that if the vendors comply with City regulations by securing
a sales license, there is, in fact, very Little anyone can do to
resolve the situation. It is my feeling, however, that unless
the sale of these items is restricted, participation in the
parade will dwindle, and the quality of this long-standing
tradition will deteriorate.
Mrs. Reimche, it is my desire to bring this matter to
the attention of the City Council. Kindly place the subject
of restrictive sales permits for vendors during the parade
on the Council agenda for the evening of November fourth.
I plan to be in attendance and anticipate the opportunity
to discuss my concerns with the Council members.
Thank you very much.
Sincerely,
Thomas C. Hoffman
cc: G. Stewart
R. Ramsey