Karina, a resident who spoke during public comment, told the Humboldt County Parks & Recreation Committee that a porta‑potty placed near the Gymkhana and arena flooded and backwashed into her property during storms, most notably in January 2024. "I ended up calling environmental health, and they're like, 'oh, that shouldn't be there,'" she said, asking the commission to consider removal or a temporary elevated platform for the unit during the winter rainy season.

Karina described attempts by public works to mitigate the risk — laying about six inches of gravel and tying the unit to reduce tipping — but said compaction, low ground and high water levels could still displace it. "It's a public safety hazard," she said, and asked the commission to monitor the situation and consider solutions such as trailer mounts, portable stairs to raise the unit three feet, or coordinated removal before incoming storms.

Committee members and other attendees confirmed the porta‑potty serves multiple users (horse arena events, basketball, tennis, pickleball and walking paths) and acknowledged the dilemma between cost savings and environmental risk. A member said staff have been directed to reduce nonessential spending, and that expense considerations factor into seasonal placement decisions.

Members suggested residents who rely on the unit discuss cost‑sharing with nearby user groups; one attendee proposed asking organized user groups whether they would contribute to seasonal placement or elevation costs. Karina said she had discussed the issue with city staff (identified in the meeting as Jill) and that Environmental Health advised the unit should not be located in a flood area.

The committee did not adopt a formal motion on the porta‑potty during the meeting. Next steps recorded in the meeting: the unit will be removed for the coming winter and staff were urged to investigate longer‑term flood‑safe placement options and coordinate with public works and Environmental Health. The item may be revisited when staff report back with alternatives.