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Committee reviews parks contracts: portable toilets, tree removal, plumbing and $190,000 security contract
Summary
Parks department staff said portable restrooms remain necessary at some park sites while permanent restrooms are repaired; the committee also reviewed contracts for tree removal (crane work), plumbing services and a $190,000 park security contract covering daytime and after‑hours coverage.
City parks staff told the Finance Committee they plan to continue using portable restrooms at certain park sites until permanent facilities are repaired, citing incidents that made residents reluctant to use the in‑park restrooms.
"We are utilizing the Port‑A‑Johns just because they're in disrepair... a lot of the constituents didn't want their kids in there, so we've set it down for now," Clement Franklin, Executive Director of Parks & Rec, told the committee. Franklin said restroom repairs are planned at various locations but will take time, and portable units provide an interim public‑health and safety measure.
The committee also reviewed contracts for landscaping and larger tree removal that require cranes and stump grinding the city cannot provide with existing equipment; staff said the work covers whole‑tree removals and stump grinding and that the contractor has been used before. A plumbing, heating and cooling contract for parks (about $35,000) and a contract for park management at municipal golf facilities were discussed; staff said the golf program produced roughly $196,000 in offsetting revenue last year.
On park security, staff described a roughly $190,000 contract with Signal 88 to provide general deterrent and patrol coverage during park hours and after hours depending on events and rentals. Staff said some rental events require additional security provided and paid for by the renter, and private events often hire sheriff deputies for on‑site security.
Committee members had follow‑up questions about jurisdiction for repairs at specific parks and asked for coordination with other departments on scheduling and security for events. The committee advanced the procurement items to full Council for consideration.
