City of Dover
Delaware
Delaware
SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING
An Emergency Council Meeting, to discuss the City’s role in furnishing school crossing guards for the Capital School District, was held on September 3, 1980 at 3:30 p.m. with Mayor McDonough presiding. Members present were Messrs. Boaman, Hardcastle, Carey, Witt Carson and Richter.
Reviewing the events and correspondence related to crossing guards, Mr. Mogan stated that he had written Dr. Edward Powell in May of 1979, requesting that he consider the City’s expense in maintaining crossing guards. There was no direct response to this correspondence. Discussions on the matter had taken place in June of 1978. The School Board was considering gradual assumption of the responsibility.
On April 3rd, Mr. Mogan wrote to the School Board advising them of the Council’s position on the School Crossing Guard Program. A letter was received from Dr. Goate’ on April 7th, stating that he would be in touch. Dr. Goate’ returned correspondence on April 10th requesting that Mr. Mogan set up a meeting with members of Council and School Board members. A joint meeting was held on May 27th, with no real accomplishments other than a proposed future meeting. On June 4th, Councilmen Carson and Boaman, Mr. Moga, Dr. Goate’ and Father Jennings met with the School Board and at this time, the City’s hard position on the matter was presented.
The Legislative and Finance Committee, on June 10th, considered a letter from the School Board that proposed a $14,000 contribution by the City and something less than $6,000 by the School District to maintain the crossing guards.
On June 10th, the Legislative and Finance Committee recommended that the City subsidize the School District in the amount of $10,000 for the year 1980/81, $5,000 for the year 1981/82 and abandon the program at that point. It was also recommended that the City of Dover join the Capital School District and Holy Cross in requesting that the State install traffic signals at Walker Road and Pear Street and on South State Street in the vicinity of Holy Cross. The City Manager was authorized to go on record for the installation of the signals.
A June 19th addition of a local newspaper stated that the School Board quoted that the City’s offer was unacceptable.
On July 9th, Councilman Boaman and Mr. Mogan met with Dr. Goate’ to discuss an informal proposal that needed additional information before presentation to Council.
On July 15th, Mr. Mogan was informed by Dr. Goate’ of his efforts to obtain CETA workers for the crossing guard program.
On July 24th, Dr. Goate’ informed Mr. Mogan of discussions with the School Board but had no further information or final decisions to relay.
On August 25th, Mr. Mogan received a copy of correspondence to Dr. Goate’ from CETA confirming three available workers to act as crossing guards. Mr. Mogan stated that this was the first information that was received from Dr. Goate’ where an evaluation of cost could be initiated. In addition, on August 25th, during the Regular Council meeting, Council reaffirmed their position on phasing out the program.
Through second-hand information, on August 27th, Mr. Mogan was informed that the School Board was seeking an opinion from the Attorney General relating to the responsibility of maintaining a crossing guard program. A poll of Council members commenced on August 28th, which resulted in the present meeting of September 3rd.
In his opinion, Mr. Boaman stated that the City of Dover never received a direct response from the School Board relating to their proposal. Rejection of the City’s plan was quoted through the news media.
Mr. Boaman reported that during discussions with Dr. Goate’ it was proposed that the School District would furnish a certain portion of school crossing guards through CETA workers. If this plan had matured, it is conceivable that the City’s portion of financing for the year would be below the $10,000 allocated by Council.
In reviewing the situation as it now stands, Mr. Mogan stated that the City has allocated $10,000 towards financing crossing guards. By notice of the School Board, three CETA workers will be available but have not been hired by the School Board to date.
Chief Klenoski stated that there are four former guards that are willing to return to duty. Two positions have been filled for Caesar Rodney School District, to be paid for by the district. The location at Holy Cross will be manned by a student, furnished by the school. This would leave two unmanned positions, one at Delaware Avenue and State Street and East Dover Elementary School on the South Little Creek Road. Chief Klenoski stated that Delaware Avenue and State Street is no different from Governors Avenue, both being main arteries. The Governors Avenue intersection is unmanned; therefore, he could see no reason why State Street should be covered by a crossing guard. He emphasized that the East Dover Elementary School, located on the South Little Creek Road, only involves approximately four students.
Mr. Carey felt that all unmanned locations should be covered temporarily by a policeman.
Chief Klenoski reminded those present that only seven uniformed policemen are on duty due to budget cuts. In the past, filling unmanned crossings has interfered with routine and emergency duties of his force.
It was the general consensus of opinion, by a majority of those present, that uniformed police will not be used to fill unmanned locations.
Questioned by members of Council, Chief Klenoski stated that he would have three policemen available to train the available CETA workers if the School Board is prepared to furnish same on the first day of school. This will necessitate only one day. Students will be walked across the intersections rather than require the crossing guards to direct traffic.
In summary, Council, during emergency session, agreed that the City will administer four crossing guards engaged by Chief Klenoski until November 1, 1980, keeping in mind that only $10,000 is available as allocated. After this date, the four guards will be transferred as a responsibility of the School District. Unmanned positions, due to absence, will be the responsibility of the School District.
Mayor McDonough, Councilman Boaman and Chief Klenoski will represent the City during a School Board meeting at 4:30 p.m. this date, conveying these facts.
It was agreed that Council will be available for future discussions on any problems incurred by the Board.
Meeting Adjourned at 4:30 P.M.
WILLIAM H. WILLIS
CITY CLERK
JOSEPH M. MCDONOUGH
MAYOR
September 5, 1980
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