Council allocates $63,000 to reopen park restrooms, authorizes RFP for maintenance

The council approved a staff proposal to allocate $63,000 for minor rehabilitation work to reopen 14 park restrooms and authorized staff to pursue a request for proposals (RFP) for ongoing contracted maintenance and janitorial services for park restrooms.

Public Works staff reported the city has 36 parks and roughly 33 restroom facilities; 23 were considered operational and about 10 were nonoperational due to deterioration. Of the nonoperational restrooms, six are undergoing renovation and four require major repairs beyond the current scope. Staff proposed an immediate, limited‑scope rehab for 14 well‑used parks (including Bobby Vega Park, Encanto Park, Colony Park and others) to make restrooms operable and then a solicitation for contract janitorial and opening/closing services. Staff said in‑house staffing shortages and a hiring freeze make a contracted model more feasible in the near term, and that Measure S one‑time funds (an identified $300,000 allocation in Public Works) could be used for the initial work.

Council members emphasized the need for security and ongoing maintenance; several noted park rangers and existing contracted security do not substitute for regular restroom cleaning and the need to secure facilities. Council member Sanchez moved to approve the allocation and RFP authority; Council member Ortiz seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

What the action does: staff will issue procurement to identify vendors that can open, clean and lock restrooms on a schedule acceptable to the city and will use the allocated Measure S funds to perform the minor rehabilitation work required to return restrooms to service. Larger capital and ADA compliance work will require future CIP funding.