Board approves year‑long trial for Seminary Park portable restroom amid cost and vandalism concerns

The Bloomington Board of Park Commissioners voted to approve a year‑long service agreement with A and A Quick Pump to service a portable restroom at Seminary Park, authorizing an annual cap of $39,960 and directing staff to monitor performance and revisit the arrangement in spring.

Tim Street, director of Bloomington Parks and Recreation, told the board the portable restroom was installed late in 2025 at the park’s northwest corner with screening and additional lighting. He said the Department originally cleaned the unit with in‑house custodial staff, but the workload proved burdensome and the city arranged a contracted trial instead. Street said $24,960 will come from Parks funding and $15,000 will be provided by the Economic and Sustainable Development (ESD) department to help mitigate homelessness impacts on nearby businesses.

Several board members questioned the cost and durability of a single portable restroom at that location. One member said, "it's a lot of money to dedicate to 1 porta potty in 1 location," and suggested options including cameras, relocation, signage or seasonal frequency changes to reduce vandalism and costs. Street acknowledged the concerns, said there is at least one camera in Seminary Park and that staff will check Bloomington Police Department access to the view, and noted contract flexibility to adjust service days and per‑visit frequency.

The motion to approve the agreement passed by voice vote. The board directed staff to: - Check camera coverage and report back with what surveillance captures and any privacy limitations; and - Monitor utilization, vandalism and costs during the trial and return to the board in spring (April–May) with recommended adjustments ahead of 2027 budget discussions.

Staff described the contract as a trial rather than a permanent solution and said they will consider alternatives as part of broader downtown restroom and homelessness discussions.