Submitted By
Tammie Grossman, Director of Development Customer Services
Reviewed By
A.M. Zayyad
Agenda Item Title
Title
Discussion and Review of Village Staff’s Previous Recommendation to Use American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funds to Purchase Portable Public Restrooms for Downtown Oak Park and Village’s Staff Revised Recommendation to Use Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds as an Alternate Funding Source for Said Purchase and a Motion to Approve Staff’s Recommendation to Use CDBG Funds and Direct Staff to Prepare the Necessary Documents
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Overview
Overview
Staff previously recommended that the Village consider using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to purchase a self-cleaning portable bathroom in the downtown Oak Park area. After researching the matter further and discussing with the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development, staff determined that purchase and set up of the portable bathroom would be an eligible CDBG expenditure. Staff is seeking Board guidance if they would like to pursue this community bathroom and alternative funding strategy.
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Recommendation
Recommendation
Adopt the Motion.
Fiscal Impact
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic resulting in delay in certain capital expenses in 2020 and 2021, there are sufficient funds in the CDBG program budget to accommodate the purchase of a self-cleaning bathroom and installation. Staff anticipates that the expense would be approximately $250,000. The unit is self will be approximately $150,000 -180,000 and the remainder of the budget would be used to install a heated floor and costs associated with plumbing. Annual expenses of approximately $12,0000 associated with the cleaning and maintenance of the unit will be budgeted as part of the contract the Village has with Global Maintenance for maintenance services.
Background
The Village has received complaints related to the lack of public restrooms in the downtown Oak Park area especially near the Metra Station. Last spring, the Village worked with the Oak Park Homeless Coalition to place port-a-potties in the downtown area. However, there were issues with vandalism with these structures. Staff has been researching alternatives to conventional port-a-potties. We have determined that there is a non-self-cleaning version that appears to be sturdier and would withstand more wear and tear. More information can be found at www.portlandloo.com <http://www.portlandloo.com>. The Oak Park Park District has installed a Portland Loo near Rehm Park. However, we could also opt for a version that cleans between uses which may be slightly more but would still be within the total budget amount. www.exeloo.com <http://www.exeloo.com>
The need for a community bathroom was first brought up by the Community Policing Staff in the downtown area. Director Grossman discussed this idea with both Chief Reynolds and Interim Chief Johnson and both are supportive of the initiative. The facilities themselves are graffiti resistant and sturdier than traditional port-a-potties. During the pandemic, the Oak Park Homeless Coalition was able to raise private funds for the temporary installation of the port-a-potties. We are not recommending that the Village rely on private donations. We see the provision of bathroom facilities as a health and safety concern that should be funded by the Village using our CDGB funds.
If the Board would like to proceed with the purchase of such a structure, Village staff would incorporate this project into the Village’s CDBG Annual Action Plan. Once approved, staff can seek competitive bids and would bring the contract to the Village Board for further review and approval.
Alternatives
Use funding other than CDBG
Previous Board Action
N/A
Citizen Advisory Commission Action
N/A
Anticipated Future Actions/Commitments
N/A
Intergovernmental Cooperation Opportunities
N/A