Council approves All City Management crossing‑guard contract after vendor presentation and public testimony

The City Council approved Resolution 81 authorizing an agreement with All City Management Services (ACMS) to provide school crossing‑guard services for the 2025–26 school year.

The resolution, introduced by Councilwoman Aquina Washington, was moved and seconded and followed by a presentation from ACMS Vice President of Operations Patricia Pohl and local supervisors. Pohl outlined the company's 40‑year history of providing crossing guards, its local supervisory staffing model (two area supervisors who live in York), and the company’s recruitment, training, and promotion practices. She said ACMS had previously transitioned the program from public to private and noted the company currently staffs 36 contracted locations in York.

"We are committed to safety," Patricia Pohl said, describing the company’s local supervisors and training programs. Pohl acknowledged staffing challenges that can occur seasonally and said ACMS used signing bonuses when necessary to retain staff during clearance delays.

Council members expressed concerns about operational issues raised by residents, citing an incident where a guard parked in a place that impaired drivers' sightlines and noting broader concerns about attendance, supervision, and the performance‑to‑paper discrepancy in vendor materials. Council members asked for clearer channels for residents to report problems.

ACMS provided a local contact for complaints and follow‑up: Shelby Schafer, area manager, at (717) 650‑7232 and shelby@thecrossingguardcompany.com. Pohl said the company can incorporate drug testing if the city requests it through contract terms and described child‑abuse background checks and third‑party clearance delays as a hiring challenge.

Several crossing guards and supervisors offered public testimony about operational realities and community interactions. Donnell Pride, a crossing guard, described difficult on‑the‑job encounters and urged patience and community support. Supervisor Tracy Hill Hetchepeth described a hands‑on approach to training and said management needs to work more closely with field supervisors.

Richard Dingling, a crossing‑guard employee, said he is a recovering addict with more than eight years of sobriety and supported including drug testing in the contract. Community members described inconsistent public awareness about how to report guard problems and urged better communication.

After discussion and public testimony, the council conducted a roll call and approved the agreement by majority vote. Council members also encouraged improved communication so residents know how to contact supervisors and report safety or performance issues.

Provenance: vendor presentation and public testimony are recorded in the meeting transcript.