Security for Every One

Greetings,

The purpose of this letter is to inform you all that we have had a signed contract between Vermont Roots Reggae Fest (VRRF) and Stockton Security LLC. for the Waterfront Park event scheduled on June 20th, 2009 since the morning of Wednesday, the 10th of June.

This contract was put into place based on conversations had between myself, Wayne Gross and Nancy Bove at a meeting on Friday the 6th of June where they informed me that it was acceptable for VRRF to pursue a new security plan.

As of 8:00 AM on Wednesday June 10th, VRRF was under the impression that the event was on schedule and confirmed. A conversation between Wayne Gross and myself took place on Tuesday the 9th where he mentioned nothing about cancelling the event, and we were encouraged to move forward. A nearly identical conversation took place between myself and Mayor Kiss near that time where we were told to continue communication, and led onto believe that it was still happening.

Our contract as of today with Stockton Security now provides 4 Supervisors, and 12 Staff coming to a total of 16 officers throughout the day on June 20th, which is identical to the contract that we had previously with Green Mountain Concert Services that was approved by both the Burlington Police Department and Parks and Recreation minus 4 staff, which, if for some reason is deemed unacceptable, could certainly be accounted for by some other means.

Currently, a week before the show, we have sold only 130 tickets to the Burlington June 20th event. This is very low, and right in line with our history of small festivals. We cannot expect serious jumps in numbers, making 16 security officers plus Burlington Police and Fire more than adequate.

I'm curious as to the numbers of private security officers that are being used for other Waterfront Events of much higher magnitude.

Selling 2,000 tickets at this point is impossible considering all the current circumstances, especially the fact that the whole city thinks our show is cancelled.

I have said publicly that I will be peacefully gathering on the 20th to enjoy the Waterfront and reflect on these issues. My invitation to the city to join was heartfelt, and in no way do we plan on doing anything illegal. It is no different than anyone else going to the park and throwing an open invitation. It is meant to be a public discussion, collaboration, and peace meditation. Vermont Roots Reggae Festival will not hold a festival without explicit permission from the city of Burlington. We would hope that that amount of respect is understood.

Kevin Cheney of Green Mountain Concert Services informed us on Tuesday the 9th that he would attempt to bring his number of 20 total officers down to accomodate our lower numbers being that that much security would not be necessary for our show.

The end point is that from last Friday until the morning of the 10th, VRRF intensely pursued a legitimate security plan to satisfy the city, and we are still working on it even after being told the event is off. Security is of utmost concern to us, and the city has no reason to accuse us of neglect. We would never think of operating an event without sufficient security forces.

You would think the fact that we paid police in full $2,800 up front, which other waterfront events are NOT forced to do might be good reason to believe that we are dedicated to the security of Burlington, Vermont.

The Vermont Roots Reggae Festival asks that the city reinstate our permit no later than Monday, June 15th, and informs the state to the best of their abilities that previous media information about cancellation has been changed.

Our festival has already been hurt immensely by this situation, and so have many others involved. We never wanted for this to be a last minute situation, but it has turned into that because now, after being cancelled on publicly to the state, only five days will be between the reinstatement and the show. Had we not been cancelled on, everything would be fine and on schedule.

We maintain that we have the ability right now to pay either GMCS or Stockton Security in full prior to the show so as to ensure security for the duration of the event, and hours beyond. Had Wayne Gross and Nancy Bove told us on Friday that we must pay GMCS in full by Wednesday, June 10th then we would have made that happen. The allowed pursuit of other private security firms took the time away from what seems was the only option the city was willing to accept.

If it is decided that June 20th cannot take place due to the short amount of time between now and then, we would accept an alternative date with compensation for the losses on the 20th. This would be appreciated either way. Peace and Thanks,

Bill Ottman