Board approves two-year Farm and Forge contract, OKs seasonal dumpster funding

Board members approved a two-year contract for the Farm and Forge events and authorized payment for seasonal dumpster service, but deferred a decision on paying for portable restroom facilities until the fall budget cycle. The two-year contract was presented as a cost-saving alternative to a one-year agreement and approved after a motion and second and a voice vote of “Aye.”

The contract terms discussed included a $15,000 per-season cost if the board agreed to a two-year contract and a $17,500 cost for a one-year contract. “It’s $850 for the dumpster for the season. And then if we do a 2 year contract, it’s $15,000 per season, which I believe is what we’re paying now. Yes. Otherwise, if we do a 1 year contract, it’s $17,500,” said an unnamed staff member who presented the figures. The board voted to approve the two-year contract and to fund the dumpster removal for the season.

Board members and staff also discussed portable restroom (porta-potty) arrangements for Farm and Forge and other downtown events such as Stitch. Staff said they will solicit quotes for season-long restroom rental and look for sponsorships to offset cost; the restroom contracts and final funding were to be addressed in November’s budget sessions. Park department staff recommended leaving portable restrooms in place for the full season rather than having repeated pickups and drop-offs, which staff said was more efficient and less expensive.

Practical concerns were raised about restroom maintenance and public use: board members noted the need for locks or monitoring to prevent misuse and to avoid people living in the units, and that at least one accessible unit plus one or two standard units may be needed depending on event size. The board directed staff to obtain quotes for seasonal restroom rental and to coordinate with the civic center and park department; board members said they will review restroom funding when preparing the upcoming budget.

No detailed vote tally by member was recorded in the meeting minutes for the contract motion. Staff said payment for the two-year contract would be spread across each year per the contract terms rather than paid entirely up front.