During a recent council meeting, discussions centered on the ongoing challenges related to crossing guard staffing in the community. Chief of Police and other officials reported on a meeting held with crossing guards and their union representative, addressing concerns about staffing levels and the appointment process for crossing guards.
Currently, the town has 14 crossing guard positions but only 10 guards available, with three others in training. The officials acknowledged the difficulty in filling these roles, a common issue faced by many small towns across the state. They emphasized that while exploring potential solutions, including the possibility of privatizing crossing guard services, no formal recommendations have been made yet.
The council reassured the public that the discussions are still in the exploratory phase, with no immediate changes planned. The focus remains on training and hiring to ensure that all crossing positions are filled adequately for the upcoming school year.
The meeting also experienced some tension as council members navigated procedural issues regarding public participation, highlighting the need for clear communication and order during discussions. Ultimately, the meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn, leaving the crossing guard situation as a priority for future meetings.