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County to step up checks after complaints about Cougar restrooms; north lot set for redesign
Summary
Public services staff said a private contractor cleaning restrooms near Cougar has had turnover and missed service; the county will increase spot checks. Separately, the county plans striping, more handicap stalls and new lighting for the north parking lot and will go to bid soon.
Cowlitz County public services staff told commissioners they received citizen complaints and video evidence showing poor maintenance at public restrooms near the Cougar site over the July 4 weekend. Staff said the county had contracted Sealyx as an add-on to its janitorial contract to clean the restroom five days a week, but recent contractor turnover led to lapses.
Staff apologized to the public and said the county will conduct spot checks, including one planned at 5 p.m. the same day, and asked residents to forward complaints to staff. The restroom cleaning is currently paid through the tourism department but remains within the county’s contract oversight.
On a related facilities item, staff updated the board on the north parking lot at the county administrative campus: trees and lighting were removed previously, stumps ground out, and fencing between the lot and the Wazoo building was removed to improve visibility. County staff said striping is finalized and that bids will be solicited soon for a project expected to be paid in August–September, with additional handicap stalls, van spaces and extra lighting planned.
Staff noted concerns about people camping along the back fence near the Wazoo building and said exposing the area should reduce that behavior. Staff also said the additional parking could add about 20 spaces and that they are negotiating with a church across the street for overflow parking.
Why it matters: restroom conditions have direct public health and tourism implications; parking changes affect public access, ADA accommodations and nearby property use.
Next steps: staff will increase monitoring of restroom cleaning, continue to accept public complaints, and proceed with going out to bid on the north lot improvements.
