Sequim city officials begin talks about hosting mobile shower unit

Facility would assist homeless population

SEQUIM — Sequim city officials have started discussions about exploring sites to host a mobile shower trailer to help the city’s homeless population.

Council member Lowell Rathbun brought it up at the Dec. 12 council meeting, saying a committee of nonprofit leaders, which has the funds for such a shower, is struggling to find a location after nearly a year of searching.

His motion for city staff to investigate city locations that could host the trailer was seconded, but the motion was not voted on by the end of the meeting. The next council meeting will be at 6 p.m. Monday.

City Manager Matt Huish said he met with Clallam County Commissioner Mark Ozias about having a joint commissioner/council meeting to discuss if they can consolidate efforts for a mobile shower.

Ozias said on Wednesday the hope is to have such a meeting scheduled in the first quarter of this year.

Rathbun said via email that the infrastructure could be similar to a shower trailer used at the Caswell-Brown Community in Port Townsend.

“The unit can be towed by a pickup truck,” Rathbun said, “but if there were a permanent location, I believe that the unit is capable of connecting up to the existing water and sewer connections.

“There will definitely not be any greywater or black water released onto the ground as some people fear.”

Rathbun suggested three possible locations for the mobile showers: on city property recently purchased just north of the Sequim Civic Center on West Spruce Street; Gerhardt Park on South Third Avenue, or the city’s former city hall annex at the northeast corner of Sequim Avenue and Spruce Street.

He said the Spruce Street property is well-fenced and features a concrete pad, while Gerhardt Park has functional utilities.

Council members nixed use of the former city hall annex building because of its proximity to Head Start and its poor infrastructure.

Council member Rachel Anderson said she’d have to research mobile showers more, but she was inclined to recommend the pad next to the civic center.

Council member William Armacost said he feels there’s a tremendous need and they must balance that with citizens’ safety while considering liability.

“Unfortunately, as a city, we have certain additional liabilities because of that role we play in the community,” he said. “We need to be mindful of that. Not that there isn’t a need. It’s not a simple, easy fix.”

Council member Vicki Lowe said, “I think we’re forgetting the liability of people who are unhoused actually being victims of crime at a way higher rate than the rest of us. So there’s also that safety precaution to remember.”

Huish recommended amending Rathbun’s motion for city staff to also investigate other properties owned by businesses and churches that could be used too.

However, city attorney Kristina Nelson-Gross said any analysis provided would be high level and not pointing at one or two non-city-owned properties.

The only other public shower facilities for adults are at the YMCA of Sequim.

YMCA of Sequim staff said they do not offer shower passes but do offer facility access to anyone with a photo ID, and if they cannot afford a day use fee or monthly fee, they are able to ask for financial assistance.

________

Matthew Nash is a reporter with the Olympic Peninsula News Group, which is composed of Sound Publishing newspapers Peninsula Daily News, Sequim Gazette and Forks Forum. Reach him at mnash@sequimgazette.com.

More in News

Kelly and Dan Freeman of Port Ludlow examine a 1958 Edsel on display during Friday evening’s 29th annual Ruddell Cruise-In at Ruddell Auto in Port Angeles. The event featured hundreds of antique and vintage automobiles from across the region as well as food, music and other activities. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
Classic show

Kelly and Dan Freeman of Port Ludlow examine a 1958 Edsel on… Continue reading

Sequim School District officials report it could take upwards of 2 1/2 years to break ground on a new elementary school. Voters approved a $146 million, 20-year construction bond in a Feb. 11 special election that includes a new elementary school, renovated high school and more. (Matthew Nash/Olympic Peninsula News Group)
Sequim schools eye bond timeline

Bigger projects may be 2 years away

Sequim volunteer Emily Westcott has led the flower basket program along Washington Street since 1996. This year she’s retired to focus on other endeavors, and the city of Sequim and the Sequim School District will continue the partnership. Westcott is still seeking donations for downtown Sequim Christmas decorations through the Sequim-Dungeness Valley Chamber of Commerce. (Matthew Nash/Olympic Peninsula News Group)
Sequim flower basket program shifts to city, school partnership

Westcott retires, plans to keep decorating downtown for Christmas

Clallam first in state to implement jail healthcare program

County eligible to apply for Medicare reimbursement for services

Writers to converge in Port Townsend to work on craft

Free readings open to the public next week

Firefighters extinguish blaze in fifth-floor hotel room

Firefighters from East Jefferson Fire Rescue and Navy Region… Continue reading

Mowing operation scheduled along Lake Crescent on Tuesday

Work crews from the state Department of Transportation will… Continue reading

EYE ON THE PENINSULA: County commissioners set to meet next week

Meetings across the North Olympic Peninsula

Peninsula Behavioral Health head discusses the fallout from federal bill

Anticipated cuts to Medicaid could devastate rural communities like Clallam County, leading… Continue reading

Tool library to open in Port Townsend

Drills, saws and more available to borrow

Fire restriction implemented on federal lands

Olympic National Forest and Olympic National Park have restricted campfires… Continue reading