Consider Full Service Restroom for The Draw
 

In 2008 the city installed a concrete full service restroom at Emerald Pond Park. The facility was a dramatic improvement for park patrons over the plastic, portable toilet, that was sited at the park previously.  In the fall of 2013, another concrete restroom was added to Riverdale Park.  These facilities have demonstrated to be relatively easy to clean, and have a utility room (separate from the public portion) where cleaning supplies and equipment can be stored.
Over time, and as funding allows, staff recommends adding this type of facility to those developed parks that have municipal sewer and water available; as the maintenance cost of cleaning the restrooms is probably not much more than the $48 dollar monthly rental cost for the portable plastic units - and the quality of the experience is vastly improved for the public.

One of the frequently heard observations from the public at The Draw Summer Events Series is that "the city should have a 'nice' restroom at the park instead of the outhouse".  This  may be somewhat of an understatement, especially in light of the fact that 400 person concerts are evermore frequent, and food is served at the events.

In addition to the concerts and Farmers' Market, The Draw is used by walkers throughout the day, PACT Charter School and Anoka Ramsey Athletic Association use the athletic fields in the Spring, Summer and into the Fall. The amphitheater area also hosts the occasional wedding, or special events like the second annual Bark For Life fundraiser this past April.

While a concrete restroom was not forecast within the 2014 Parks Capital Improvement Plan, staff is recommending moving forward for City Council approval for the Summer installation of a restroom at The Draw.  The following represents some of the opportunity associated with this proposal:

• Sewer and water were previously stubbed out in a centralized location east of the parking lot - and electricity is already there.
• The plan had been to add a restroom at the above location - and while a larger pavilion (with restroom)  will be placed there in the future, the 2014 restroom proposed may be relocated to another city park at that time.
• A CTX manufactured restroom of exact specification of the one purchased for Riverdale Park is at CTX's plant - as another municipality backed out of an agreed to purchase.
• Due to the point above, Ramsey could take delivery of this restroom as soon as June - normally a lengthy lead time for manufacturing.  Conceivably, the restroom could be in service for some of the first concerts of this year.
• The Lawful Gambling Fund, a logical funding source for this project has a project fund balance (after the Elmcrest Park playground and site improvements) of $69,000 dollars.

In addition to the above rationale, Ramsey Rotary has approved $1,500 dollars for a community project that meets with their Service Areas, and will be applying for a matching grant of another $1,500 for this same project. As the Rotary Club maintains a prominent presence at concerts, a collaborative project at this same venue is good fit, and a noteworthy contribution for the same community Rotary serves.

The following is a draft budget for the proposed 2014 restroom facility:
~ Concrete Restroom with delivery, crane and hook up....................................... $37,720
~ Electric Service.....................................................................................................$1,275
~ Sanitary Sewer line...............................................................................................$2,000
~ Water Line............................................................................................................$3,000
~ Sewer Access Charge (SAC)...............................................................................$2,485
~ Concrete Sidewalk...............................................................................................$1,750
~ Restoration (sod)....................................................................................................$200
~ Contingency..........................................................................................................$1,570
                                                                                                                   Total    $50,000
 

Funding would be from the Lawful Gambling Fund #270 in the not-to-exceed amount of $50,000.

Additionally, up to $3,000 may be credited to this account by Ramsey Rotary.

Staff recommends proceeding with the proposed restroom to be funded from the Lawful Gambling Fund #270 in the not-to-exceed amount of $50,000.
 

Motion to recommend to City Council that $50,000 from the Lawful Gambling Fund be allocated for a full service restroom for The Draw.