10-27-08 Common Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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REGULAR MEETING OCTOBER 27, 2008 Councilmember LaFountain advised that there will be a joint meeting of the Health and Public Safety Committee and the Personnel & Finance Committee, on Wednesday, November 5, 2008 at 4:00 p.m. to continue discussion on Crossing Guards. Councilmember LaFountain advised that there will be a Personnel & Finance Committee Meeting on Thursday, November 6, 2008 at 5:00 p.m. to continue discussion on the 2009 Budget. PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR COMMENTS CONCERNING CROSSING GUARDS Sandy Dreibelbeis, 203 E. Eckman, South Bend, Indiana, stated that the LaSalle Center has started mailing post cards to their Council Representative Henry Davis to keep all crossing guards in the City of South Bend. She encouraged the Councilmember’s to find the resources needed to keep all the crossing guards. Nancy Metz, 51515 Mayflower Rd., South Bend, Indiana, stated that she called in sick one day last week to the number that was given to them by their Captain Karen Dreibelbeis and Lt. Goen from the South Bend Police Department. She noted that she was told the next day that no one showed up to fill in. She stated that the children were scared because they didn’t know what to do. They walked a couple of block down to the next crossing guard. She stated that she had heard that a father walking his baby in a stroller, the stroller was sideswiped by a jeep. She stated that when she hears stories like this, she just cannot fathom the City getting rid of the Crossing Guards. Marlene Lowe, 59670 Thornberry Ct., South Bend, Indiana, stated that she was the crossing guard that had to do double duty that day. The children did not know what to do. They were crying because they stood on a corner in the rain crying because they didn’t know how to cross the street or when. She questioned the Council “Would you want that to be your grandchild.” She stated that it blew her away, her heart broke to have little babies coming up to her and she had to do double duty in the middle of the road running back and forth in between her on children on her corner and on another corner. She said that the children were all crying asking where their crossing guard was. She stated what are they going to tell the children in January? That the City is out of money! She reiterated that a Red Jeep Liberty sideswiped a stroller. Melissa Machowiak, 56830 Elmer Avenue, South Bend, Indiana, stated that she also called in sick approximately a week and half ago and a police officer that came by her intersection the next day questioned where she was. She stated that her children were sick and had doctor’s appointments and that she called the number that they were given to call if they were unable to be at work. The children told her the next day that they were scared to cross the street by themselves, but did very hesitantly. Ms. Machowiak also questioned when will they be told whether or not they have a job. She stated that she has attended the meetings regarding the crossing guards and would like to know how and when they will be notified either one way or the other. She stated that they were presented a power point presentation by the Controller Catherine Fanello and Chief Boykins cutting their pay in half and removing all benefits. She stated that is hard to swallow after twelve (12) years of services. Sharon Howse, 2013 Gertrude, South Bend, Indiana, introduced Ms. Verlis Love, 1653 Riverside, who walks her grandson everyday down to the crossing guard. She stated that the crossing guards provide a valuable service. They keep the children safe on their way to and from school. She stated that eliminating the crossing guards will create more pedestrian automobile accidents and amber alerts. Ms. Howse stated there are ways to generate more money. She stated the city could enforce jaywalking tickets, seat belt tickets, etc. Ms. Howse noted that they are little things that could add up and provide a revenue stream to keep the crossing guards. She stated that the Crossing Guards provide a service like no other, they keep our youth safe to and from school. 37