Emery council reviews park restroom design; councilors ask for durable materials, security and flexible utilities

Wyatt (presenter) updated the Emery Town Council on a proposed restroom building layout for the town park at the Jan. 8 meeting, describing options for placement, access and durable finishes.

The presentation summarized a hand sketch and preliminary conversations with architects and structural engineers. "So that's the general building. The the layout's completely up to whatever you guys want," Wyatt said, describing five-to-six-foot clearances from existing fences, the dugout and a utility shed and options to place the restroom adjacent to the pavilion so patrons could see activity in the park.

Council members and staff focused on practical design choices. Councilors asked whether five feet of separation would provide adequate pedestrian access during events such as the Fourth of July, and the presenter noted that the space could include a roll-up storage door for equipment and a gate for event access. The presenter said he was considering a roll-up door for storage, and that concessions would remain under the pavilion.

Discussion covered utilities and code implications. Barrett (staff member) was asked to check building-permit requirements for electrical capacity; the presenter and councilors raised the possibility of installing 220-volt outlets for future cooking or refrigeration needs while initially providing 110-volt outlets for small appliances. "If you do want the 2 20 in the fridge ... there's some implications of codes," the presenter said, urging councilors to weigh long-term utility needs against current costs.

Councilors and the presenter debated materials and vandalism resistance. The presenter recommended block (CMU) construction over insulated concrete forms for durability; he also proposed epoxy flooring and a small number of drains to allow hosing the facility. On finishes, the group favored a light, neutral color that would be easier to repaint after vandalism.

Security and operations were discussed. The council supported installing exterior lighting and cameras above doorways; they also asked whether the restrooms would remain locked except during events. The presenter said the restrooms would be locked for events rather than open to the public full time.

Councilors discussed heating and hand-dryer choices. The mayor asked about heating options; the presenter suggested an on-demand heater in the concessions area and draining water during off-season use. On hand-drying, one councilor said paper towels were "germ wise" preferable to electric dryers.

No formal motion or vote was recorded on the design. Staff were asked to continue coordination with architects and the building official and to return with permit implications and cost estimates for options including 220-volt service, roll-up doors, metal roofing and vandal-resistant finishes.

Less-critical items noted during the discussion included possible timing for a contractor pushback ceremony for the town's new fire truck (a separate agenda item) and the desire to match the restroom's exterior color to adjacent buildings. The council did not adopt a final plan at the meeting and directed staff to provide permit details and refined cost information at a future meeting.