Festus council approves $50,000 for mobile restroom at Redbone Red Barn project

The Festus City Council voted to approve up to $50,000 for the purchase and setup of a mobile restroom facility for the Redbone Red Barn project.

The purchase, approved by roll call, covers the unit, delivery and setup; city staff said ongoing pumping and routine maintenance would be contracted separately. "Delivery and setup was included in that pricing," a Parks Department staff member told the council, and recommended setting a $50,000 authorization "just for anything that may come up."

Council members asked whether the unit would meet ADA requirements and how maintenance would be handled; the staff member said the facility would be accessible via ADA-compliant sidewalks across the drive to the barn and that the city would contract out pumping services. The staff member also said the city intends to standardize portable restroom providers across parks and events rather than rely on multiple vendors.

The motion to approve the $50,000 authorization was made and seconded and passed by roll call; multiple council members voted "aye." The council did not record a named mover or seconder in the transcript.

The council directed staff to pursue a separate bid or contract for ongoing pumping and cleaning services and to return any contract recommendations to the council as appropriate. The city will incorporate the restroom work into the overall Redbone Red Barn event and venue plan.

Council action on the purchase came during the meeting's bids section, after introductory remarks about the barn project and before two ordinances the council read and approved on first and second reading.