Title
Report and Discussion on Downtown Restrooms
Body
Issue:
The General Government Committee will discuss the issue of 24-hour accessible restrooms in Downtown Olympia.
City Manager's Recommendation:
Receive and discuss report.
Staff Contact:
Brian Wilson, Downtown Liaison, Community Planning & Development, 360.570.3798
Presenter(s):
Brian Wilson, Downtown Liaison, Community Planning & Development
Background and Analysis:
Community and Councilmembers have expressed a need for 24-hour access to public restrooms in Downtown Olympia. In late 2012, Council allocated $5,000 toward expanding restroom availability in downtown.
Currently, there are several public restroom facilities in downtown located at Heritage Park (managed by the State), two at Percival Landing (managed by the City), East Bay Plaza (managed by LOTT), the Downtown Transit Center (managed by Intercity Transit), and the Public Library. All of these facilities close at either 5:00 p.m. or dusk.
In April, 2013, staff presented the Finance Committee with a matrix of possible solutions to addressing the 24-hour restroom problem. The Finance Committee suggested that General Government and Land Use and Environment Committees get involved in the dialogue. In addition, staff has recently met with County and State representatives to begin identifying possible future steps.
Staff will provide current staffing demands to address cleanup of human waste in Downtown Olympia. A financial matrix of restroom possibilities including pros and cons of each option will be presented.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Expanding restroom availability can reduce exposure to health risks associated with public urination and defecation.
Options:
N/A
Financial Impact:
To be discussed.