Batavia approves seasonal crossing-guard contract for Quarry Beach; council debates Park District role

Batavia city staff recommended renewing a seasonal crossing‑guard contract at the Quarry Beach crossing (Union Avenue and South Batavia Avenue) to assist pedestrians during beach hours; council approved the contract after discussion and a roll‑call vote.

Laura, a city staff presenter, said the city spent $9,744.93 for crossing‑guard services in 2025 and that the contractor (Andy Fra) had modest rate increases this year. She estimated the coming summer’s total cost at roughly $12,000 to $13,000. “That is under the amount that I'm authorized to make contracts for, but I just wanted to bring it back to you to make sure that everyone was supportive,” Laura said.

Alderman Sulfa asked for ridership statistics and suggested the Park District should share responsibility; staff responded that the Park District’s legal counsel advised the district not to provide crossing‑guard services. Sulfa said, “So it's okay for the city to provide that service and take the liability risk but not the park district.” Supporters noted average counts of about 50 pedestrians per day during measured periods and said the crossing guard provides a legally enforceable stop (stop sign/guard) compared with a flashing yield signal.

Regan Bull (Active Transportation Advisory Commission) and other council members urged better pedestrian counts and suggested portable counters or camera analytics; staff said they would pursue additional counts. Council also discussed longer‑term safety engineering options being advanced with consultants to IDOT.

Council approved the contract by roll call (recorded as 12 yes, 0 no; two absent). The contract is described as a short‑term, seasonal safety measure pending longer engineering changes at the intersection.