Council discusses programmable locks and fee options for park restrooms

Parks staff updated the Mount Angel City Council on options for improving park restroom access and reducing the staffing burden for lockups.

Staff said programmable or electronic locks could allow remote scheduling of restroom access so staff and police would not have to lock and unlock facilities manually. The staff presentation included sample resident and nonresident rental rates ($20–$25 for residents; $40 for nonresidents), $10 for each additional facility booked and a typical $100 cleaning deposit that is usually returned. Staff said the city could pilot programmable locks, but upgrades such as flooring and locking hardware would increase upfront costs and may require additional maintenance.

Councilors asked whether automated locks could accidentally trap people; staff replied that programmed locks include an egress that allows users to exit and that staff would follow up with vendors and bring specific product recommendations, pricing and operational plans to the next council meeting. The council asked staff to prepare recommendations and a cost estimate for potential policy or fee changes related to park restroom access and reservations.