SR 05:057 - Laserfiche WebLink

Staff and the project architects reviewed the proposed public restroom with representatiYes from the local Veterans organizations on June 23, 2004. The representatives stated that they understood the lack of available public restrooms in the Downtown area, but indicated that the proposed solution was unacceptable to them. They questioned facility security and probable impacts to their programs if a public restroom were included in the facility plan. They also questioned how public access into the building and the use of internal restrooms would be managed. Since the exterior doors are generally unlocked/open while the facility is in use, concern was expressed for their property/supplies and personal safety while in meeting rooms. It was noted that during large events, such as dinners/receptions or weddings, monitoring access would be nearly impossible. Custodial/maintenance services were another concern, particularly through long weekends/holidays. Staff understands the Veterans' concerns and feels that the issues they have identified have been or can be resolved. The public restroom would be accessible only from the outside, and there would be no access from the restroom to the rest of the building, so that users of the restroom would not be able to enter the building proper from inside the restroom. In addition, the City would be responsible for maintenance and security. Hours during which the restroom would be locked can also be established. One option would be to proceed with the restroom as designed and, if after a period of time it is determined that the Veterans' issues have not been resolved, public access to the restroom can be eliminated. Another option is to expedite construction of a public restroom at Delucchi Park or Lions Wayside Park, which would help satisfy the need for a restroom at this end of town, and, therefore, not include the public restroom within the Veterans Building. Regarding Delucchi Park or Lions Wayside Park, the Master Plan for the Downtown Parks and Trail System shows public restrooms located towards the W. Angela Street side of Delucchi Park. The thought with this location was that it would be convenient to users of the Farmers Market. However, this plan is conceptual, and the restrooms could be located closer to Neal Street, either in Delucchi Park or Lions Wayside Park, which would be a more central location and would be more convenient for the Concerts in the Park. If it is decided to construct public restrooms in either Delucchi or Lions Wayside Parks, construction of the restrooms could be expedited by adding them as a change order to the existing consultant contract for the Firehouse Arts Center project. While a decision on the exact location of the restrooms does not have to be made at this time, staff wanted to present this information to the Council for its consideration of whether or not it supports placing a public restroom at the Veterans Building. Staff realizes that there are benefits as well as concerns with the plan to add restrooms to the Veterans Building. Providing restrooms on Main Street was a priority during the Downtown Specific Plan process; although the restroom does not necessarily have to be located in the Veterans Building, it would be a reasonable location since the building is owned by the City and since the facility is being renovated. However, expediting construction of a restroom at Delucchi Park or Lions Wayside Park may satisfy the requirement for a restroom in this part of SR:05:057 4