La Conner’s public restrooms faced repeated vandalism over a two-week span, leading to temporary closures and reduced access.
Public Works Director Brian Lease said the Morris Street restrooms were targeted daily, prompting the town’s contracted cleaners to refuse service. The facility was closed for two days while crews completed deep cleaning and repairs. All public restrooms have since reopened but are now locked at 5 p.m. each day until further notice.
Mayor Marna Hanneman and Town Public Works Director Brian Lease have heard complaints about the earlier closures of the Town’s public restrooms. They and Thomas told Town Council Tuesday night that the vandalism forced the issue.
“The vandalism of the restrooms has been fairly significant,” Thomas confirmed. “It’s been so bad that our contracted cleaners refuse to work there.”
Lease said that vandals have pulled soap dispensers off restroom walls and spread the contents on floors and walls. He said they have also thrown wet toilet paper onto walls and ceilings.
“It more than doubles the time it takes the cleaners to do their jobs,” Lease said.
In addition, someone has torn the door off the port-a-potty at La Conner Waterfront Park. Another port-a-potty there was previously destroyed by fire.
“We have no idea who is the cause,” conceded Thomas. “We’re looking at taking some steps, like adding sheriff’s patrols, but they can’t be here all at once.”
The Council formally agreed on Tuesday to open the Morris Street restrooms between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. only. First Street and Pioneer Park restrooms will be on a 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. schedule. Signage will be posted to alert the public of the new hours.
The Morris Street restroom schedule is shorter because it has greater potential for further vandalism, Town Finance Director Maria DeGoede said.
“At one point,” Hanneman reminded, “we didn’t have any public restrooms. I would hate to not have public restrooms, but our current contracted cleaners don’t want to go in and clean. They’re fed up with it. And Public Works doesn’t have the time to go in and clean them.”
Bill Reynolds: bill@laconnercommunitynews.org. Bill is a general assignment reporter who covers Town government, schools, and spot news.
