The Ketchikan City Council will vote Thursday night on a memorandum of understanding with the Ketchikan Gateway Borough to move forward with plans for a public restroom on Stedman Street near Thomas Basin.
The need for such a facility was identified in 2008. While it’s primarily needed during the summer tourist season, it would be available year-round.
Using cruise ship head tax funds, the borough was going to pay for construction and maintenance of the facility, and the city was to provide utility and janitorial services. However, borough officials now want the city to assume ownership and maintain it once it’s built.
In a memo to the Council, City Manager Karl Amylon expresses concern about additional costs, potential vandalism, and potential use of the facility by homeless people as a shelter.
Also Thursday, the Council will consider an approximately $88,000 contract with Pool Engineering to demolish the fire-damaged buildings on the side of the downtown tunnel.
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. in Council chambers. Public comment will be heard at the start of the meeting.
