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DDA agrees to fund six-month extension for downtown ‘throne,’ forms task force for permanent restroom
Summary
The Downtown Development Authority voted to cover the full $33,000 cost to extend the temporary downtown restroom for six months and approved forming a task force to recommend a permanent Centennial Commons facility by Oct. 31. Board members debated whether to split costs with the city before approving the measures by voice vote.
The Downtown Development Authority voted to fund a six-month extension of the temporary public restroom known colloquially as the “throne,” approving the request after debate over whether the DDA should pay half or the full $33,000 cost.
Mister Kramer, staff, told the board the throne started as a pilot and is now the only remaining unit. He said the city negotiated a six-month agreement for $33,000 and that the DDA had identified $16,500 in its budget to cover half of the cost, with the intent that the city pay the remainder. “With our commitment, of $16,500 plus an additional $16,500 for the city, we can have the throne here through December 31,” Kramer said.
Several board members argued for a permanent solution while also weighing fiscal constraints. Director Walker moved to amend the DDA’s resolution so the DDA would cover the full six-month payment; Walker said the DDA could absorb the cost and that extending the contract would give time to secure a permanent plan. Kramer told the board a budget line already held $58,500, which staff said could cover the $33,000 if necessary.
Public commenters at the start of the meeting offered mixed views. Laura Harrison, a downtown business owner, said she was “totally, totally against” putting a permanent restroom in the park and urged locating services in parking structures instead. James Wegman, another commenter, pressed officials for usage data from the pilot before committing to a permanent facility; Kramer and board members said a task force would evaluate location, number of stalls and design and report back by Oct. 31.
The board approved the amended resolution to fund the six-month contract by voice vote. The board then approved a second resolution to form a task force—including DDA staff and a representative of the city commission—to develop recommendations on a permanent restroom. Kramer said staff hopes to present a cost-effective, permanent option by the Oct. 31 target.
The board’s action is administrative—extending the existing contract and launching planning work—and does not itself authorize construction. The task force will return recommendations to the board and the city commission, and any construction or procurement would require additional approvals.
