Mr. Anderson –
Thanks for raising this issue.
As you may know, effective the beginning of this year the County terminated the interlocal agreement that for nearly 20 years had governed what was intended to be a consolidated park system with Clark County. Though in some ways frustrating, the advantage of this change is that it allows the City to focus exclusively on managing the Vancouver park system in the most effective way possible given the resources we have available, this will include establishing standards for maintenance of all of our parks, as well as looking at what appropriate facilitates are for each park.
We will add this concern to the list of issues we consider as we look to manage the City’s parks and trails system in the most effective way possible.
Regards -
Eric J. Holmes| City Manager
CITY OF VANCOUVER
P: 360.487.8640
www.cityofvancouver.usThis message, in whole or in part, may be subject to public disclosure, including routine disclosure to the media.
From: Shea Michael Anderson [mailto:sheaside@gmail.com]
Sent: Monday, March 10, 2014 8:22 PM
To: sheaside.imonik@blogger.com
Cc: Holmes, Eric; City Attorney Emails; sheaside@facebook.com
Subject: Vancouver Park Restrooms - A Civilized Idea
Im not sure why Vancouver, alone among major cities in the area and behind more "livable" towns like Camas, which provides Honey Buckets at minimum at all its parks.
Ive heard tell from folks that the City considers it a "liability issue". Well, I see it as a "livability issue" from here, given folks are peeing in the bushes at my local park - John Ball. Im assuming the City isnt interested in prosecuting public peeing, guessing homeless and others dislike the indignity of peeing and pooping in the shrubs, and Lawd knows no one likes to see someone doing either out of doors.
Im cc'ing Eric Holmes and the City Attorney's Office on this one, given Council has shown in its responses to me on issues they are truly part of a "weak mayor" city. Eric, please get Porta-Potties for John Ball, Arnada, and Carter Parks. Its a health and life quality issue.
Semi-regular musings, rants, and occasional raves, as well as constructive critique, about politico-economic goings-on and needs in Vancouver, USA and surrounding area. O Vancouvria! seeks to point out problems that need redress, bear witness to issues otherwise ignored, and start dialogue that brings the ear of public needs and wants back to movers & shakers in our community.
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Re: Vancouver Park Restrooms - A Civilized Idea
Mr. Holmes - THANK YOU for quickly responding to my concerns on this one. I trust that the City will proceed with careful due diligence to ensure that our parks have the appropriate facilities as needed - whether they be Honey Buckets or not. I'd prefer actual toilets if we can afford them (and esp if less liability concerns), but will be pleased with a solution that ensures folks aren't using the shrubbery here at John Ball, Carter, and Arnada parks as an outdoor latrine. Which is what's going on now. I only suggest Porta-Potties because Portland seems to use them in their parks to no ill effect - other than a lack of hand sanitizer in most of them.
I'm glad to hear that you, as well as Julie Hannon (which is why I'm assuming you cc'ed her) are on top of this as part of your revamp of City-only parks resources. I trust the City will establish consensus with stakeholders in parks in need - such as neighborhood groups like ours - while moving to ensure this important issue of hygiene and lack of privacy for one's business is resolved. Should I assume from the tone of your email that the City will perhaps have more monies available to focus on parks needs exclusive to Vancouver itself?
Along those lines, John Ball, and I'm guessing other City parks, could use a drinking fountain and perhaps another wastebasket.
Finally, THANK YOU for taking the time to respond to my post with real information that shows the City isn't ignoring this pressing need, but rather has an outline of an overall comprehensive parks management "conversation" and solution in place. I trust that those under you will be just as responsive going forward.
Best,
Shea
On Wed, Mar 12, 2014 at 4:29 PM, Holmes, Eric <Eric.Holmes@cityofvancouver.us> wrote:
Shea Michael Anderson
1923 Harney St, Vancouver WA 98660
360 991 5206, 360 852 7414 (msgs)
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