Sandusky signs new restroom contract

SANDUSKY — These days, due to budget struggles caused by COVID-19, Sandusky's government isn't flush with cash. While they've cut back on many programs and services, for this one, officials simply could not. During a recent public meeting, city commissioners authorized a new three-year pact to lease out portable restrooms in city public spaces, such as at parks and piers. Aaron Klein, the city's public works director, provided some reasons for the deal: • The arrangement: "It's a new contract but very similar to the previous annual contract. We have to formally request proposals prior to expiration. This contract will run from 2021 through 2023." The old contract expires Dec. 31. • The price: The yearly contract price under the old deal, in 2020, totaled about $16,000. The annual amount from 2021 to 2023 will be about $17,000 a year. • The company: "Garner Sanitation on West Monroe has been the only company to submit a proposal for several years." • The locations: "Restroom locations and durations were adjusted according to historical and future needs based on community/recreation programming, public use, events, infrastructure/capital improvements and several other factors." • The number: "We had 17 restrooms contracted previously. We have 19 under the new contract." • The importance: "It is not economical to install permanent year-round restroom facilities at all of the city-owned properties. Staff received a cost at one location for over $200,000 for a men's and women's facility, so we did not proceed. Providing portable facilities not only saves the residents' money but can maintain flexibility as neighborhood programming changes and infrastructure improves. For example, we will be adding one at Central Park because of the expanded use and can move the one at Huron Park to a more desired spot based on the new playground location." Where are the restrooms? Here is the tentative schedule for where Sandusky officials will place portable restrooms, the type and the duration of its stay throughout 2021: • AMVETS Park: 1 restroom, May 1 to Aug. 31 • Big Island Canoe Launch, 1 handicap accessible restroom, April 1 to Nov. 15 • Central Park, 1 handicap accessible restroom, June 1 to Aug. 10 • Churchwell Park, 1 handicap accessible restroom, June 1 to Aug. 10 • Dorn Park, 1 handicap accessible restroom, March 20 to May 10 • Foxborough Park, 1 handicap accessible restroom, June 1 to Aug. 10 • Huron Park, 1 handicap accessible restroom May 1 to Sept. 20 • Jaycee South, 1 restroom, March 20 to Oct. 18 • Kiwanis Park, 1 restroom, March 20 to Nov. 15 • Mills Creek Golf Course: 1 restroom, April 1 to Nov. 15 • Oakland Cemetery: 1 handicap accessible restroom, May 29 to June 1 • Orlando Pace Park, 1 handicap accessible restroom, June 1 to Aug. 10 • Sandusky Bay Pavilion, 2 handicap accessible restroom, one from May 1 to Nov. 1, another all year • Shelby Street Public Boat Launch, 1 handicap accessible restroom, March 20 to May 10 • Sprau Park, 1 restroom, May 1 to Aug. 31 • Washington Park: 1 handicap accessible restroom, June 1 to Sept. 20 • Washington Street Pier, 1 handicap accessible restroom, May 1 to Nov. 15 • Wightman-Wieber Park, 1 handicap accessible restroom, May 1 to Oct. 18 Note: All locations, type of restroom and dates are subject to change. Source: Sandusky public works department