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Port restroom on grant‑encumbered land flagged for RCO compliance after safety incidents
Summary
An RCO inspector noted the port restroom sits on grant‑encumbered land requiring public access; port staff described safety incidents, an overdose in the restroom, and outlined options to keep the facility compliant while protecting public safety.
Port and city staff reviewed the status of a restroom building within Liberty Bay Park that is encumbered by historic grant obligations from the Interagency Committee (IAC) / RCO program. Staff said the grant agreement requires that facilities on encumbered land be kept reasonably safe and be open for public use at reasonable hours unless closed for nondiscriminatory safety or maintenance reasons.
"The facility shall be kept open for public use at reasonable hours and times of the year according to the type of area of facility," a port staff member read from the contract language referenced in the meeting (section numbers were cited). Port staff explained the building had been closed intermittently following misuse and an overdose incident in the men’s room; staff described prior attempts to pro‑actively manage access (propping doors during the day, temporary closures for safety) while seeking guidance from the grant compliance officer.
Port parks staff and RCO representatives discussed acceptable management approaches: posting public access instructions, providing daytime key pickup at the port office, or limited closures for public safety and maintenance so long as closures are applied to all members of the public (not selectively). Staff agreed to connect the port’s new manager and the grant compliance officer to identify compliant operational procedures, and the port said it will provide updated contact information for grant administration.
