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Legacy of the Commode One of the most interesting insights of the year came out of the May 1 Mission Viejo City Council Meeting. Item 21 was with regard to the Community Service Commission’s recommendation for the master plan for restrooms in our neighborhood parks. Restrooms are needed in selected parks where priorities are established and secure lockups after dark can be provided. What began as a necessary restroom for Melinda Park due to high priority needs was elevated to restrooms in many parks where they may be needed on a priority basis. What is interesting about this proposal was the cost of $500,000 per restroom advanced by city staff. At the meeting, a dedicated citizen provided a price list for prefabricated restrooms ranging up to $75,000 per unit, depending on what is required and the size of the unit. These restrooms are prefabricated units shipped to Mission Viejo, mounted on a pad at the park and hooked up. What is so interesting is the lesson provided in the cost of government. Through a citizen’s effort in using the Internet, our city could save at least $425,000 per unit on bathrooms. Why couldn’t city staff find this reasonable solution? It came from our dedicated citizens, and it represents how bloated and unimaginative our government can become. James Edward Woodin
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