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CONSENT CALENDAR
City of San Bernardino
Request for Council Action
Date: July 16, 2025
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
From: Bill Gallardo, Interim City Manager
Department: City Manager’s Office
Subject: Proposed Strategy for Park Restroom Operations (All Wards)
Recommendation:
It is proposed that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California:
1. Approve the allocation of $63,000 for 23 minor restroom rehabilitation efforts; and
2. Authorize staff to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) for ongoing maintenance of the City’s Park restroom facilities.
Executive Summary
This report outlines a proposed strategy to support the rehabilitation and maintenance of the City’s Park restroom facilities. Staff recommend allocating funding for necessary improvements and issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) to secure contracted maintenance services, ensuring clean and accessible restrooms for public use.
Background
At the June 4, 2025, Council meeting staff was directed to conduct further analysis and return with a comprehensive maintenance plan for the City’s Park restrooms. This plan was to include both operational strategies for upkeep and identification of potential funding sources to support long-term maintenance and service.
The City of San Bernardino has 36 public parks, 20 of which are equipped with public restrooms. These 20 parks collectively contain 33 individual restroom facilities, each consisting of separate male and female units. Of the 33 facilities, 23 are considered operational; however, only a limited number are currently open to the public, and primarily during permitted special events.
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Separately, the City maintains male/female restroom facilities at sports fields, designated exclusively for youth sports groups under the City's field allocation program.
Field use is granted in six-month terms (February–July and August–January) to long- standing nonprofit organizations such as Little League and Pony Baseball. Each group enters into a Recreational Use Permit and is responsible for cleaning and restocking the restrooms during their assigned use.
Discussion
In response to Council direction at the June 4, 2025, Mayor and City Council meeting, staff conducted an assessment to evaluate the feasibility of maintaining 23 park restroom facilities citywide. The assessment was informed by input from internal staff and outreach to surrounding jurisdictions. Of the cities contacted, only one provided cost data that closely aligned with the scope of services the City of San Bernardino is seeking to implement.
Staff explored multiple funding options but found significant limitations. Development Impact Fees (DIFs), including Quimby Act and AB 1600 funds, are limited to capital projects that expand service capacity and are tied to new development. To be eligible, a project must meet the following: it must qualify as a capital improvement, enhance the level of service, and be directly associated with new or anticipated development. Staff consulted with the City’s Budget and Legal Team regarding the potential use of DIFs for this project. Based on the current scope described as “minor routine renovations” and “ongoing maintenance of restrooms,” the proposed work does not meet any of these thresholds and therefore is not eligible for DIF funding.
The Cultural Impact Fund was also reviewed, but it is limited to projects that promote arts and community identity, which the current scope does not meet. While grant opportunities were also considered, no applicable funding sources are currently available. However, the City’s Grants Team has added park restroom maintenance to its watch list and will continue to monitor for future opportunities.
In a positive development, the Public Works Department has identified and can reallocate $300,000 in Measure S funds, originally designated for the Ruben Campos Center demolition project, to support park restroom maintenance.
Operational feasibility was also evaluated. While staff considered the option of maintaining the restrooms using in-house resources, the City currently lacks the staffing capacity to support the required service level. The six-month hiring deferral further restricts the City's ability to add personnel.
Based on the analysis conducted, staff recommend issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) to secure a qualified contractor or contractors to manage the maintenance and cleaning of park restrooms. Contracting this service will ensure consistent standards, operational efficiency, and reliable public access to clean and safe restroom facilities throughout the City’s parks. The cost figures provided are preliminary estimates. A more detailed and accurate cost proposal will be presented to the City Council following the completion of the competitive bidding process through formal RFP. 2 7
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Of the City’s 33 total park restrooms, 23 are considered operational and require only minor rehabilitation due to extended closure. The remaining 10 park restrooms are currently non-operational. Of these, six are already under renovation—specifically at Seccombe Lake Park and La Plaza Park. The other four, located at Fred Spellacy Park, Horine Park, Pioneer Park, and Littlefield/Shultis Park require extensive rehabilitation due to significant deterioration and are not included in the current maintenance strategy. These sites will be considered separately as part of a future capital improvement effort
Strategic Targets and Goals
This initiative supports the City’s strategic priorities by improving access to clean, safe restrooms and enhancing the overall park experience for residents and visitors. It strengthens public health and safety efforts while addressing operational challenges in a cost-effective manner. Contracting maintenance services enables the City to meet community needs without overextending internal resources.
Fiscal Impact
The estimated cost for minor rehabilitation of 23 park restroom facilities is approximately $63,000. These costs account for lighting repairs, plumbing fixtures, replacement of damaged partitions, and staff labor associated with preparing the restrooms for reopening following extended closure.
Funding for this work will be covered by $300,000 in Measure S funds reallocated by the Public Works Department. This allocation will also support initial contracted maintenance services as the City reactivates park restroom operations. No additional General Fund impact is anticipated at this time.
Conclusion
It is proposed that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California, review and consider staff recommendations, which include the following actions:
1. Approve the allocation of $63,000 for 23 minor restroom rehabilitation efforts; and
2. Authorize staff to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the ongoing maintenance of the City’s park restroom facilities.
Attachments
Attachment 1 - Park Map of Operable Restroom Facilities by Ward Attachment 2 - Estimate Summary & Cost Breakdown: Public Restroom Maintenance Attachment 3 - Public Restroom Maintenance Schedule – City Parks Attachment 4 - Chapter 15.57: Cultural Development Construction Tax Attachment 5 - 3.27.070 Quimby Act Parkland and Open Space Acquisition and Park Improvement Impact Fee
Attachment 6 - 3.27.075 AB 1600 Parkland and Open Space Acquisition and Park Improvement Impact Fee
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Attachment 7 - Cost Estimate for Minor Restroom Rehabilitation Efforts Ward
All Wards