07-29-09 Personnel and Finance Committee Minutes

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Personnel and Finance Committee Meeting July 29, 2009 Page 3 Mr. Pinckert stated that the crossing guard program is being kept. Some previous crossing guards have applied and interviews are taking place this week. The program is proposed at $25 per day per crossing -guard without benefits. Formerly it was $41 per day with benefits. Twenty (20) crossing guards are proposed. The cost savings projected with these changes is $250,000. The Police Department has stayed within the guidelines proposed by the City Administration. Council Member Kirsits inquired about the E911 fees and was advised by the Controller that they are deposited into the General Fund. In response to questions from Council Member White, City Controller Fanello noted that the Police Department had cut approximately $3.5 million to meet the Administration's guidelines. She suggested that they re-work their numbers in light of the federal grant and come back to the Committee in about two (2) weeks. She added that the new program proposed for the crossing guards will reflect a savings of 68%. In response to questions from Council President Dieter, City Controller Fanello stated that she has spoken with Pam Meyer and that the Weed & Seed Grant should be about $43,000. Extra monies from "Operation Pull Over" are also anticipated. In response to inquires from Council Member White with regard to the process and parameters utilized, Mr. Pinckert stated that they were given dollar amounts by the City Administration. Keeping sworn officers was their top priority followed by determining critical positions on the civilian side to be re-instated. Police Chief Boykins added that three (3) additional police officers are anticipated to leave the department by the end of this year which would bring the department down by ten (10) police officers. He noted that it takes at least six (6) months of training before an officer could be added. Council Member Rouse asked if the crossing guard program was re-examined in light of LOIT and the federal grant. Mr. Pinckert stated that it is the same program. Chief Boykins noted that surveys have been conducted on what intersections should have guards. Discussions with the school corporation began this week. Division Chief Gary Horvath noted that the costs for the crossing guard program are equivalent to funding five (5) sworn police officers. In response to questions from Council Member LaFountain, Division Chief Horvath stated that the federal grant monies would fund entry level officers and some fringes but would not cover costs for uniforms, patrol vehicles, equipment, etc.