Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council approves contract with All City Management for school crossing guards after split debate and tie-breaking vote
Summary
After extended debate, the council approved a three-year contract with All City Management for crossing guard services; the measure passed on a mayoral tie-breaking vote following a 5-5 roll call.
The Geneva City Council voted to authorize a contract with All City Management to provide school crossing guard services, approving the measure after a 5-5 tie was broken by Mayor Burns’ vote.
The contract (Resolution 2025-87) was discussed at length. Supporters, including Chief Pasarelli and Aldermen Kasarag and Palmquist, said the contractor would reduce administrative burden on the police department and assist recruitment and coverage. Opponents, including Aldermen Paschke, Reineke and Bowering, urged exploring alternatives first—bringing crossing guards onto the city payroll, increasing the hourly wage for employees, or hiring additional backup guards—arguing those steps could be more cost effective and retain oversight within the city.
Chief Pasarelli said recruiting and coverage were both problems and that posting the job typically produced “luck if we get 1” applicant at the existing contractor rate; he also said the contractor’s model pays guards for two hours a day to improve recruiting and reliability. Alderman Malachy raised questions about the contractor’s rate structure, noting the packet shows the city's contract price and stating the contractor would be paid about $41.90 per guard hour in year one while staff indicated guards would be paid about $23.50 per hour, leaving a substantial contractor overhead.
Alderman Marks moved to approve the contract; Palmquist seconded. The roll call resulted in five ayes (Marks, Mayor Burns, Alquist, Furnish and Kasarag) and five nays (Paschke, Reineke, Bowering, Kilburn and Malachy). The tie allowed the mayor to cast the deciding vote; the mayor voted aye and the resolution passed. Council members noted the contract includes a 15-day cancellation clause and asked that staff monitor results and return with updates after the contract is in operation if needed.
The contract and debate centered on recruitment, cost, and whether privatization was the city’s best first option. Several council members said they supported paying crossing guards more if the city directly employed them; others said outsourcing would relieve police staff of administrative duties and could improve coverage.
