Title
Approval to Remove the Fertile Grounds Commons Portable Restroom
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the removal of the Fertile Grounds Commons Portable Restroom located at the corner of 9th Avenue and Adams Street at the request of Fertile Grounds Commons leadership.
Report
Issue:
Whether to authorize staff to proceed with the removal of the Fertile Grounds Commons Portable Restroom located at the corner of 9th Avenue and Adams Street.
Staff Contact:
Mark Rentfrow, Downtown Liaison, CP&D, 360.570.3798
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar Item.
Background and Analysis:
The portable restroom located at the corner of 9th Avenue and Adams Street at the Fertile Grounds Commons is part of the City's Downtown Restrooms pilot program. This pilot location came about as the result of Fertile Grounds Commons leadership reaching out to City staff and indicating that they would like to play a role in helping to solve Downtown's well-known sanitation issues.
Despite efforts to create a space that is welcoming for all, the Commons has experienced persistent negative issues, such as vandalism and behavioral issues inside and outside the immediate area. This led the Commons' leadership team to request the removal of the portable restroom by the City in a formal letter (See Attachment), as well as in a follow-up text messages (See Attachment).
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The restroom was installed in March 2017. Locating a portable restroom near the Fertile Grounds Commons made sense given its natural use as a gathering space. It was outfitted with a forest green shield to help it match its surroundings and appear less obtrusive to the neighborhood. Staff has partnered with leadership at the Commons to provide a large City garbage can to accommodate the refuse that has been left in and outside the unit. Brooms and dustpans were also provided so that, if vis...
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