Council authorizes up to $20,000 to install locking doors at Freedom Plaza bathrooms

The Twentynine Palms City Council voted 5–0 to authorize the city manager to negotiate and execute a contract to purchase and install two locking metal doors at Freedom Plaza for a cost not to exceed $20,000.

City staff told council the bathrooms that serve the gym and community center open onto an exterior hallway that is accessible 24/7 and has become a gathering place for “undesirable behavior.” The presenting staff member said the most effective, cost‑efficient fix is to frame and install locking doors at the north and east entrances so that bathroom access would be routed through a secured indoor hallway and users would pass the facility front desk to check in. “The most effective solution to securing those bathrooms is to put a door where you see the two red circles,” the presenter said.

Council members asked how the change would affect regular events, particularly the Saturday farmers market. The presenter said staff will develop an operational plan—options discussed included providing a key to the event operator or having staff open the doors at market times—and said the work should not impede market operations. Council also discussed adding a contingency for unforeseen costs; one councilmember proposed a not‑to‑exceed figure of $20,000 to avoid delays if expenses rose slightly.

A member of the public, Eric Menendez, voiced support for the door project and urged the city to use the installation as an opportunity to connect people experiencing homelessness to outreach services ahead of an upcoming point‑in‑time count.

The motion to authorize the purchase and contract for two metal doors, with a not‑to‑exceed budget of $20,000, was moved and seconded and passed unanimously.

The council directed staff to proceed with contracting and to return with scheduling and implementation details; staff estimated the work could be completed within roughly 90 days depending on contractor availability.