Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Health Services topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission to survey rec centers, pilot contraceptive and hygiene supplies amid code questions
Summary
The commission approved launching a survey of recreation and senior centers to map existing restroom supplies and pilot contraception and menstrual-product distribution; members noted state plumbing codes and health-department rules may limit changes and asked to coordinate with DPW and the county.
Corey told commissioners the commission and city parks will send a survey to recreation and senior-center directors to assess current restroom supplies and to identify sites for a pilot to place contraceptives and, eventually, menstrual products. He said Hulane Foundation has offered to provide condoms free of charge and that the aim is to have supplies available "by the time the students go back to school."
Julia McClain reminded the group that the city previously passed legislation on hygiene products and contraceptives during Mayor O'Connor's term and said budget and departmental responsibilities must be clarified; she described the prior action as already approved but said the new work requires coordination with the health department.
Corey and other commissioners warned that state plumbing and code rules influence restroom fixture counts and that the health department and DPW play roles in what is legally and practically possible. Commissioners proposed a tiered approach: require gender-neutral or family restrooms for new construction first, then expand retrofits to city-built facilities, and finally consider broader public buildings.
Corey said the pilot will try to avoid having recreation-center staff pay out of pocket and emphasized sustainability for future replenishment. He said the survey should launch within about a week and that the commission will meet with suppliers (GlobalLinks mentioned) and county staff to coordinate support.
