11-05-08 Health and Public Safety & Personnel and Finance

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HEALTH AND PUBLIC SAFETY PERSONNEL AND FINANCE NOVEMBER 5, 2008 Committee Members Present: Karen White, Chairperson, Health & Public Safety; David Varner; Derek Dieter; Ann Puzzello; Timothy Rouse Others Present: Mayor Steve Luecke; Catherine Fanello; Tom Brubaker; Kathleen Cekanski- Farrand; John Voorde; Jamie Loo; Chief Boykins; Bill Barnhart; Tom Bodnar; Crossing Guards: 17 signed in (see attachment) Agenda: This is the third and final meeting of the joint Health 8~ Public Safety and Personnel and Finance Committees to determine the future funding of the school crossing guard program in '09 and beyond. Karen White, Chairperson, Health and Public Safety Committee, opened the meeting by thanking everyone for their attendance and participation in the series of meetings called by the City Council. She expressed appreciation to the crossing guards for their engagement and articulation of their concerns. They were assured their services are respected and their safety as well as that of the children is paramount. Karen recounted having met with the administration resulting in a short term funding solution. The crossing guards were assured their jobs, wages, and benefits would be kept unchanged through the '08 '09 school year. Other options would continue to be explored for'09 '10. Dave Varner asked if perhaps additional LOIT money could be used. Fanello promised to look into additional LOIT proceeds. Karen White asked about the possibility of using the rainy day fund. Fanello said while it was an eligible use it should only be used as a last resort. Tim Rouse proposed using the rainy day fund to assure continuance of the program through '08- '09. He stated keeping the current status of the guards was of paramount importance. Karen agreed restating it was the Council's responsibility and challenge to find dollars fora long- term solution. The Mayor apologized for an earlier statement in which he said the crossing guards were not in the '09 baseline budget. He voiced support for the Council's position keeping the program "basis" for'08-'09. Ann Puzzello with Tim Rouse advocated a complete review of the program to clearly identify, duties, responsibilities, compensation and benefits of the guards currently employed. To date these items evidenced considerable confusion. Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand suggested meeting with our legislative delegation to seek alternative funding possibilities. Derek Dieter echoed the need for a detailed accounting of the current program. Karen White and President Tim Rouse stated the budget should reflect the Council's priorities and even though mindful of the aggregate financial state of the city, the crossing guards were seen as a top priority.