City considers adding public restrooms to new Link Transit station

Leavenworth city officials are continuing their discussions about adding public restrooms to the proposed new Link Transit station near Safeway. Development Director Nate Pate briefed the council at the Feb. 27 meeting.
“This is a discussion topic for council consideration for possible future action for cost sharing and funding. We’ve had lots of conversations about the Link Park & Ride and what they’re doing out there,” Pate said.
Pate said the present plans for the station include an area for bus drivers to rest, a small mechanical room and a restroom for employees.
“The city has been talking about adding public restrooms. Link said it was not necessarily part of their funding choices, but if the city wants to approach Link to get the unisex or family restrooms in the building, that would be welcome.” Pate said. “They’ve come back with a concept plan. It’s a pretty straight forward addition. Right now, it’s identified as men’s and women’s. We’ll probably make it unsex.”
The estimated cost for the public restrooms is $95,000. Pate said he wanted to discuss this with the council prior to Link coming back with a proposal. In addition, there would be an agreement the city would maintain the public restrooms.
Another item for council consideration is the relocation of a gravel turnaround behind Safeway.
“It functions for heavy, large delivery trucks for Safeway, Marsons and anyone else. The relocation is necessary for folks who might get lost looking for the new KOA entrance. The KOA has been there for 30 plus years, so they won’t have  clear understanding of the new location for awhile. We want them to get turned around and back up the right road without getting out on the highway,” Pate said.
The turnaround benefits the city quite a bit, so Link is seeking to partner with the city, Pate said. Link is currently building the segment that connects to the highway along with other improvements.
“This additional right-of-way space adds cost to their project, just acquiring the land for use. There will be request from Link for future council consideration on sharing some of the costs for acquisition of that right-of-way. They are paying for the construction. They just don’t have the land,” Pate said.
Councilman Elmer Larsen asked if there was an estimated cost. Pate said they do not.
“It’s something we wanted to bring forward because it’s not set quite yet with the dollar amount. We know estimated cost because we just built the Lions Club restroom. We have a good understanding of it. The right-of-way stuff...we’d like to have it fair and equitable, but we wouldn’t want to disclose until such time when we have a contract signed,” Pate said.
Larsen suggested using Transportation Benefit District funding for the project. Mayor Cheri Kelley Farivar said possibly, but she didn’t think they’ve gotten far enough along to determine that.
City Administrator Joel Walinski said they will come back with some recommendations.
“When we’re talking about the restrooms, we might look at the parking fund to pay for some of that. This might be TBD. In the event, Link will go ahead and build this, it will be dedicated back to the city,” Walinski said. “At some point in time, if Mr. Linn’s (adjacent property owner) property gets developed, undoubtedly this road would be extended and this property could be vacated at some point. There is the possibility of cost recovery in the future.”
Larsen said the restrooms are a necessity, as is the turnaround.
“We ought to have them at all our parking lots. The turnaround makes real sense because people bring trailers and they’ll be looping around Safeway trying to get to the hotel or something. This way, it gives them a definitive turn around,” Larsen said.
Farivar said whenever the city has an opportunity to build restrooms, they should take it.
“This is one of those opportunities to put restrooms in an area where there are none,” Farivar said.
Councilwoman Sharon Waters suggested tapping Safeway for funding.
“Safeway, I would think would benefit from the restrooms, instead of people going into Safeway when they arrive, they go there. Link also benefits. Possibly there is tourist piece there to help pay for it,” Waters said.
“You know, interestingly, Safeway’s opinion is we like having them come inside because they buy stuff. People that use the restroom buy a drink or snack or lunch,” Farivar replied.
When there is an estimate, Walinski said they will come back and talk about funding options.
“I’m a supporter of the bathroom too because I live over there. One concern I have is that, in the past, we’ve had people camping out in that area. The potential of them having their own private bathroom is a bit of a concern,” said River Bend Drive resident Duane Goehner.
Walinski said the public works staff is looking at automatic locking systems, which would lock it up at 10 p.m. then open it in the morning.
“This is some new technology we’re anxious to try in other bathrooms,” Farivar said.
Ian Dunn can be reached at 548-5286 or editor@leavenworthecho.com.