CC 2013-03-26 Items Rec'd at Mtg. v' 31z(1/3
Council Meeting 3/26/2013
Agenda Item #7 Community Comments and Suggestions
RE: Heritage Square Park Restroom
Good evening Mr. Mayor, Council Members and City Staff.
Barbara Harmon; 216 South Mason Street
I am here to provide comments and additional suggestions
regarding the location approved for the restroom at Heritage
Square Park.
Installing a 12ft by 20ft permanent structure that will reduce the
amount of open space in the park and is inconsistent with the
master plan when a public restroom is available approximately 100
yards away is still difficult to comprehend.
Does the number of people inconvenienced by this distance and the
use of the portable restrooms that are provided in close proximity
- the summer concerts justify the loss of open space?
It is a shame that the South County Historical Society, an
organization with prestige and respect, which has dedicated itself
to the beautification of the Village, has not supported the City's
efforts and proposals for a restroom that would need to utilize City
owned property currently under lease by the Society.
Alternative sites 2a and 2b were rejected by the Society because of
security concerns and it's lack of visibility to the public. However,
there are 2 cameras monitored by the police department on their
properties to address security concerns.
The Society's opposition is especially hard for me to understand
given the fact that the Society appears to be the one that will
benefit the most. The proceeds from the vendor sales at the
summer concert series are a fundraiser for the Society.
Additionally, the proposed restroom will provide the facilities
needed for their events and reduce or eliminate their costs for
portable restrooms required at these events as well as being open
during the same time frame their properties are open to the public.
Therefore, I am making the following suggestions:
• that the City opens a dialogue with the Society to propose a
lease modification that will permit the City to utilize the
Santa Manuela School parking lot;
• that the City re-considers the feasibility of locations 2a and
2b that includes mitigation of the Society's concerns
• lastly, that the size of the restroom approved for the Heritage
Park location be reduced and made as a single unit which
would lessen the impact on open space and provide a cost
savings benefit.
I am available to meet with Council members and willing to offer
my assistance as deemed appropriate by the Council.
Thank you so much for allowing me with this opportunity to be
heard.