TITLE
Recommendation to receive and file the Pedestrian Safety Advisory Committee's report on Crossing Guard Deployment for the 2007-2008 School Year and concur with their recommendations. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The School Crossing Guard Program has undergone extensive review over the last several years to ensure efficiency and effectiveness. These reviews have occurred as part of a Citywide effort to optimize many City programs as directed by the City's Financial Strategic Plan.
The reviews have included a thorough evaluation of the cost and status of the program, a collaborative effort to address issues such as busing and crossing guard staffing options, and the development of a Crossing Guard Deployment Plan. The attached City Council letter dated June 20,2006 elaborates on these reviews and directions.
On May 10, 2005, recommendations to the Mayor and City Council included developing a Crossing Guard Deployment Plan to review existing crossing guard locations to affirm continued need. City staff recommended a re-evaluation of 15 percent of approved crossing locations every year to ensure appropriate allocation of resources. This reevaluation enables the redeployment or elimination of crossing locations that no longer meet the Municipal Code criteria. City staff also recommended that additional locations be brought annually to the City Council for consideration.
The attached recommendations from the Pedestrian Safety Advisory Committee (PSAC) are part of staff's commitment to continue their annual evaluation of crossing locations. Also included are reviews and recommendations of requests for new crossing locations.
In summary, PSAC reviewed ten existing locations. Of these locations, they reaffirmed the need, based on meeting the minimum requirements of the Long Beach Municipal Code (LBMC) Ordinance 10.68.010, to continue staffing seven locations with school crossing guards. They also recommended the removal of school guards from two locations and a relocation of one crossing guard to better align the crossing with the entrance of the school and to improve motorist visibility of pedestrians.
PSAC also received four new requests from the public for the assignment of crossing guards. Of these four, three locations were denied by PSAC because the locations did not meet the minimum requirements of the LBMC. One location was approved by PSAC in that the intersection met the ordinance thresholds.
Deputy City Attorney Lori A. Conway reviewed this matter on April 30, 2007.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council concurrence is requested on May 22, 2007 to ensure that parent notifications can occur before the end of the current school year in preparation for the new school year.
FISCAL IMPACT
Although there is a net reduction of one location, there will be minimal savings since personnel will be reassigned to other crossing locations.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
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APPROVED: |
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GERALD R. MILLER |
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CITY MANAGER |