REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Discussion and Possible Action Regarding the City's Crossing Guard Program
Report
BACKGROUND
Council directed staff to prepare a report on policy options related to the City's Crossing Guard program for its consideration during the December 15, 2015 regular Council meeting. Council also directed staff to provide regular reports on the status of staffing and services; unless Council action is required, these updates will be provided via the City Manager's Bi-Weekly Report (CMBWR) to Council available on the City's Website, on the City Manager's Blog at http://sunnyvale.ca.gov/Newsroom/CityManagersBlog.aspx.
The City's Crossing Guard Program was implemented approximately 50 years ago. This General Fund program is managed by the Department of Public Safety (DPS) and provides services at 38 intersections throughout the City to offer safer crossings for students walking and biking to and from school. The Crossing Guards are classified as Casual, which means the employees do not receive the same level of benefits that permanent full-time employees receive, but do receive some benefits (e.g. Workers' Compensation and sick leave).
Over the last several years, the City has experienced a decline in applications received for the crossing guard positions, as well as an increase in turnover rates, which has resulted in the need for supplemental backfill through the use of full time DPS staff or the inability to provide services for some intersections. Staff has been working to address programmatic needs, as reported to Council in August, October and November CMBWRs, and has taken several steps to recruit and retain crossing guards, such as:
* Completed a salary survey and found that the City's compensation is in line with the current market rate;
* Evaluated and modified the salary step placement requirements allowing for quicker movement within the salary range to address retention concerns; and
* Concentrated recruitment ...
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