Protesters petition city over cleanings

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Occupy Austin protesters have petitioned the city to change its City Hall power washing policy to once a week during the day.

Protesters have gathered almost 200 online signatures asking for the change to the City Hall cleaning schedule.

• View the petition here.

Currently the city cleans the plaza with high pressure hoses three times a week overnight. 

The petition states that the washings are a misuse of city water and can create a health hazard for protesters sleeping at City Hall, creating "wet and miserable" conditions.

The Occupy Austin protest started on Oct. 6.

Austin police have been stationed at City Hall since the protest started.  It has cost the city an estimated $780,000 to staff the protests.

City of Austin officials on Monday said in a statement that during Stage 2 water restrictions, which are in place now, city code allows for the washing of a paved area if there is an immediate health or safety hazard. The power washings are necessary to ensure a safe and healthy environment. The washings will not happen if the outside temperature is at or below freezing.

The conditions requiring cleaning at the plaza include human feces and urine on the property, along with the health risks posed by individuals remaining in the location at all times.

City officials said the current was times were determined with input from Occupy Austin representatives.