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Aldermen urge Park and Rec to make Riverside Park restrooms available for Riverfest to avoid porta-potty costs
Summary
Alderman Berg and others pressed the council on June 17 to have the city use Riverside Park restrooms for the upcoming Riverfest rather than renting porta-potties; council discussion cited contractor problems and staffing as factors affecting restroom availability.
Alderman Berg told the Watertown City Council on June 17 that Riverside Park restrooms should be made available for the upcoming Riverfest rather than relying on rented porta-potties, arguing it would show the city’s investment and save the event money.
Berg noted that park minutes indicated the restrooms would not be made available for Riverfest because of staffing and cleaning concerns; he said the facilities have been paid for and asked Park and Recreation to reconsider. “Why farm it out to a cost through a porta potty, which doesn't really reflect well on our city, when we have an amenity that we’ve spent money on?” Berg said.
Alderman Smith responded that the city had experienced problems with a contractor and subsequent legal issues, but said the city had made “a tremendous effort” to make the restrooms available and reported positive feedback from people who had used the restrooms. Smith urged Park and Rec to try to ensure restroom availability for Riverfest.
Council members noted they would seek clarification at a public works meeting set for June 24 and asked Park and Recreation to revisit the matter before the event. No formal council vote or directive to expend funds was taken on June 17; the discussion was a request that the Park and Recreation Commission clarify availability and staffing plans.
