Council moves to forward $150,000 supplemental request to pursue ADA-capable portable restroom trailer for events and emergencies

The Moraine City Council committee of the whole voted to forward legislation seeking a $150,000 supplemental appropriation to pursue purchase of an ADA-capable portable restroom trailer for events and emergency situations.

Parks and operations staff presented multiple unit layouts and vendor comparisons, describing ADA/family stalls, winterization (heater in the waste tank), year-round insulation, floor drains and heavier-duty cabinetry as distinguishing features of higher-end, longer-lasting units. Staff cited sample units used by neighboring municipalities and said a full, ADA-capable all-in-one unit (with multiple stalls, family/ADA stall and climate control) is priced in the neighborhood of the proposed $150,000 supplement. Staff also reported that smaller 19-foot economy units can cost roughly $80,000 and that purchasing two separate trailers (one to achieve ADA capacity) could push costs into the $155,000–$160,000 range when both units are considered.

Staff provided rental comparators and said a rental trailer can cost about $2,500–$3,000 per day; based on recurring event rental costs, staff estimated a purchase could pay for itself in roughly six to seven years. Staff also reported that some manufacturers do not offer an ADA all-in-one option; for that reason the city collected three quotes from vendors that will supply an ADA all-in-one unit. The vendor staff identified in the presentation was named in the transcript as "American [Manufacturing]" (transcribed), and staff said that vendor indicated it would try to have a custom-built unit ready before the Fourth of July or supply a loaner if a delivery date could not be met.

Staff told council the purchase was not budgeted and recommended a supplemental appropriation; staff said the procurement would rely on multiple quotes (the city reported three vendor quotes) and would not be treated as sole-source. Council moved to forward legislation for the $150,000 supplemental request so the city can begin the procurement process and, if appropriate, place an order to meet summer event needs.

Staff noted additional follow-up: confirm final quotes and specifications, evaluate storage and maintenance plans (city expects to store units indoors when not in use to extend service life), and investigate grant funding options (a councilor suggested staff explore FEMA or other grant sources to offset the local share). The committee recorded a roll-call vote in which members present voted yes to forward the supplemental request.

Next steps: staff will finalize vendor quotes and specifications, prepare supplemental-appropriation legislation and related procurement documents, and report back when the legislation is introduced.