Title
Downtown Sanitation and Public Restrooms
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Both the Finance Committee and the General Government Committee have recommended moving forward to fund the installation of a permanent restroom at the Artesian Commons Park.
City Manager Recommendation:
Provide direction to staff regarding the Committee recommendations and develop consensus around any additional steps desired regarding downtown restrooms.
Report
Issue:
Whether to bring forward the Finance and General Government Committee recommendations for funding of a new permanent restroom at the Artesian Commons Park.
Staff Contact:
Mark Rentfrow, Downtown Liaison, CP&D, 360.570.3798
Steve Hall, City Manager, 360.753.8447
Rich Hoey, Director, Public Works, 360.753.8495
Paul Simmons, Director, Parks, Arts & Recreation, 360.753.8462
Leonard Bauer, Deputy Director, CP&D, 360.753.8206
Presenter(s):
Steve Hall, City Manager
Background and Analysis:
Because of problems with vandalism, graffiti, and other illegal acts, most private businesses in the Downtown do not allow public use of their restrooms. In addition, public entities including the Port, the State of Washington, LOTT and the City have curtailed public use of restrooms in the evenings and weekends. Lack of available public restrooms in downtown Olympia adds to public health and sanitation issues in the area.
The City Council and its Committees have discussed these issues numerous times over the past three years. Requests for assistance from the State through Department of Enterprise Services (DES) and from the Thurston County Board of Public Health have been denied.
In March, 2016 the City Council approved the use of 2015 year-end budget funds to address these problems and authorized a pilot program. The pilot included the early morning clean team, expansion of access for the temporary restroom at the Artesian Commons, and further exploration of additional temporary restrooms.
In June, 2016 Cou...
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