HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-05-08 Health and Public Safety & Personnel and FinanceHEALTH 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.
Karen opened the meeting to comment from others.
Sandy Dreibelbeis spokesperson for the guards thanked all for their work to assure current
funding continues. She also reiterated previous concerns expressed regarding apparent
confusion and misinformation perceived by both the guards and the administration as to the
management of the program.
Chief Boykins promised to do a better job.
Stating this meeting was not a final solution but only a beginning; Councilmember White thanked
everyone and pledged the Council would continue the investigation to find a long term solution.
There being no further business to come before the committee, Chairperson White, adjourned the
meeting at 4:47 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
~~
Karen L. White, Chairperson
Health and Public Safety