Park board approves year‑long porta‑potty contract at Seminary Park after debate over cost and oversight

The Bloomington Board of Park Commissioners voted to approve a contract with A & A Quick Pump to service and clean a porta‑potty at Seminary Park for a maximum of $39,960 for the year, with $24,960 charged to parks/general funds and $15,000 from the city’s Economic & Sustainable Development (ESD) business safety, security and cleanliness funds.

Director of Parks and Recreation Tim Street said the porta‑potty was installed in 2025 in the northwest corner of Seminary Park and that initial in‑house cleaning proved burdensome for custodial staff. He said an outside contractor was funded late last year by the mayor’s office to ease staff workload and reduce human waste in the park and surrounding downtown businesses, and staff reported both positive and some negative public feedback about the unit.

The board’s discussion focused on cost, operational details and oversight. Commissioner Jim Whitlatch said he supports restroom access but questioned committing nearly $40,000 to one porta‑potty and asked whether the city can negotiate per‑service rates or reduce the number of service days during low use. "It's a lot of money to dedicate to one porta‑let in one location for us," Whitlatch said. Tim Street responded that the vendor quote includes per‑service pricing in the original quote and that staff will pursue flexible schedules and credits if usage drops.

Board members raised privacy and vandalism concerns and suggested installing cameras in the area to deter damage and identify repeat offenders. Street said a camera already exists in Seminary Park and staff will check with Bloomington Police Department on its current use and feasibility for additional monitoring.

The motion to approve the A & A Quick Pump agreement was moved, seconded and carried on a voice vote. Commissioners asked staff to revisit the contract after several months of data collection — particularly in spring as usage changes — and to explore options to reduce service days, negotiate per‑use credits and assess alternative restroom solutions.

The vote followed public‑safety and business‑impact arguments offered by staff and by board members who said the service benefits nearby businesses and helps keep the park cleaner. The contract approval authorizes staff to proceed under the terms presented; termination or suspension clauses in the agreement allow the city to adjust service if needed.