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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/06/1988 A-+. COUNCIL WORK SESSION MINUTES September 6, 1988 5: 00 p.m. Large Conference Room Members present: Mayor McKinley, Angel, Buck, Fox, Wright, Budak, Brown and Dell. Discussion was heard on the school crossing guard program. Police Chief Roger Shook updated the Council by indicating that the City ended its funding of crossing guards as of May, 1988. The budget for the year beginning July 1, 1988 does not reflect monies for said program. Since the beginning of the school year, I the Waterloo schools have been employing five guards at various intersections throughout the City. Currently, the school is requesting that the City participate in one-half funding of the guards for a one-year period or $5,000 . Discussion was heard on whether the school or City should be responsible for payment of the school crossing guards. Councilperson Buck inquired who would be liable for any injuries to the guards if paid for with City funds. Councilperson Dell suggested the possibility of seeking outside funding besides City or school funding. PTAs were suggested as a possible source of funding. The use of volunteers was also discussed, but in many cases, they cannot be depended on a daily basis, particularly during adverse whether conditions. Councilperson Dell also suggested the possibility of walkways above the streets. Mayor McKinley again asked the Council to decide who is responsible for funding the school crossing guard program. The Mayor stated he felt it was the schools' responsibility. Even though the City has paid for the program over the years, the City is not in a budgetary position to continue this funding. He asked the Council where the money would come from, and in particular, which Department' s budget if the City were to fund the program. Councilperson Fox asked the budgetary status of the schools in terms of being able to fund the program. Ray Richardson indicated that over the last two years, the Waterloo Community Schools has closed nine facilities, demonstrating the financial quandary of the schools. Mr. Richardson reiterated the need for crossing guards at busy intersections and the need for our children to be protected. Councilperson Dell suggested the possibility of corporate sponsorships of the program. Councilpersons Brown and Budak each stated that they felt the program was not a function of the City. Councilperson Dell stated the importance of working with the schools in seeking funding for this program. Councilperson Budak reminded the Councilmembers that the City is presently providing financial support to the schools for the program in the form of providing painted crosswalks and push button signals. Chief Shook stated that he will be over budget for the year ending June 30, 1989 by $125,000, which is the cost of keeping on four officers and not laying them off. Mayor McKinley reiterated his support that the funding should be the responsibility of the schools. Councilperson Wright stated her support for a joint city/school effort to fund the program. Council Works Session Minues September 6, 1988 Page 2 Ray Richardson asked for clarification that if the City would eliminate funding for the public schools, this would also apply to the parochial schools. Currently, the City is funding from its Road Use Tax Fund a crossing guard for St. Edwards School located near the intersection of Kimball and Ridgeway Avenues. It was agreed that both the parochial and public schools would be treated equally. It was agreed that Councilpersons Brown and Dell would research the matter to find a method of funding to allow the school j crossing guard program to continue. They will work cooperatively with the Waterloo School Board. i With no further business before the Council, the meeting was adjourned. Larry P. Burger Clerk/Auditor