Council approves design contract for downtown trash enclosures; staff to study public restrooms

The City Council voted unanimously to award a professional services contract to Plansman Incorporated to design a downtown trash enclosure renovation project covering five enclosures between Bran Avenue and San Fernando Mission Boulevard.

Public Works staff outlined the project scope: renovation of three enclosures, demolition of two, lighting inside enclosures, covers, restricted access, and provision for water and sewer connections to prevent storm drain contamination. Public Works described the design fee as about $49,900 with an option for a second public engagement meeting and a 14 percent contingency, bringing the design phase total to roughly $60,000.

During council discussion, Councilmember Victoria Garcia asked whether self‑cleaning public restrooms could be incorporated into the project or provided elsewhere in the downtown mall. Public Works said staff is researching self‑cleaning restroom vendors and cost structures and will return with an informational item in coming months. Staff also said reopening existing restrooms (for example at Lopez Adobe) or partnering with private property owners to open privately owned restrooms would be explored; using private property would require agreements on maintenance.

Councilmember Patty Lopez and others supported moving forward with design work and asked staff to pursue restroom options in parallel. The council approved the design services contract and directed staff to continue outreach on restroom alternatives and report back.

The contract award begins the design phase; construction funding and timelines will depend on the final design, public engagement results and available capital funds.