Council approves purchase of permanent restroom units and MOU with school for septic work; park trail design tied to MOU

Council adopted a resolution to purchase permanently mounted restroom units for Syslar Park and approved a memorandum of understanding with the Manchester local school district to share costs for required septic work that must be completed before the units can be brought online.

Restroom procurement and cost - Council approved buying four permanently mounted restroom units that will provide six stalls total. Staff reported the vendor proposal includes tax, which raises an estimated gross price to about $28,000; the pre‑tax quoted figure discussed in committee was $25,007.38. - The parks staff said the units are intended as long‑lived, plugged‑in installations with running water and insulated walls; staff estimated an operational life of roughly 10–15 years and said they expect site installation next summer, though timing depends on septic and installation schedule.

Septic work and memorandum of understanding with school - The school district agreed to share 50% of the immediate package‑plan upgrade cost with a 10% overrun provision on either side if costs exceed estimates; after the package and pump station work are complete, the school district will assume maintenance responsibility for the school’s septic system. - Staff discussed a project total in the ballpark of $92,000 for units plus installation and site work. The council discussed detailed cost breakdowns presented by staff: concrete base and materials, electric labor and materials, plumbing labor and materials and sewer line work; line‑item figures were discussed in committee and staff said the balance of funds and specific exhibits will return to council with firm numbers.

Trail design connection - Council also discussed a related agreement (item in the MOU) clarifying that the southernmost end of a planned half‑mile trail immediately behind the tennis courts will cross district property; the school district agreed to allow that encroachment and the city agreed to maintain the trail. Staff said that provision clears a path to proceed with the OHM trail design contract if council approves design work.

Votes and next steps - Council adopted the purchase resolution and the MOU with unanimous votes in committee and on the council floor. Staff said the larger hard costs beyond the initial unit purchase will return to council with firm bids and that the broader installation work is a parks budget item and likely a 2026 project.

Ending: Council approved the purchase of restroom units and an MOU to share septic upgrade costs with the school district and directed staff to return with final costs and installation schedule for council approval.