Title
Resolution to Approve an Agreement with Ann Arbor Public Schools for Cost Sharing of School Crossing Guard Expenditures
Memorandum
Attached for your review and consideration for approval is a resolution authorizing the City (on behalf of the Ann Arbor Police Department (“AAPD”)) to enter into a cost-sharing agreement with the AAPS as it relates to expenditures incurred during the school year for Crossing Guards.
The Ann Arbor Police Department and the Ann Arbor Public Schools have been engaged in a verbal agreement indicating that, while the cost to employ and deploy Crossing Guards to elementary and secondary schools falls upon the City by law, that the Ann Arbor Public Schools would pay exactly half of that expenditure. The attached agreement memorializes that oral agreement and sets forth mutually agreeable terms for both the City and the AAPS.
Those mutually agreeable terms indicate that the AAPS will be billed in arrears no later than June 30th following the applicable school year for 50 percent of the costs the City incurs in employing the crossing guards. Additionally, any compensation increases given to school Crossing Guards will be communicated to the AAPS in advance of the increase taking place. Both parties will continue to communicate effectively to ensure that the City places crossing guards where there is the greatest need.
This agreement will continue from school year to school year unless it is terminated in advance of a given school year by either Party giving written notice to the other Party.
Budget/Fiscal Impact: The cost for Crossing Guards is budgeted in the Ann Arbor Police Department budget. Ann Arbor Public Schools will reimburse the City in arrears for the money spent.
Staff
Prepared by: Aimee Metzer, Deputy Chief of Police
Reviewed by: Michael Cox, Police Chief
Approved by: Tom Crawford, Interim City Administrator
Body
Whereas, The Ann Arbor Police Department and the Ann Arbor Public Schools have an interest in ensuring that elementary and secondary education students cross City streets safely to access AAPS school sites;
Whereas, The City employs approximately 21 individuals to serve as crossing guards near certain AAPS sites that are within the City’s jurisdiction;
Whereas, Pursuant to MCL 257.613c, such crossing guards are the responsibility of the City’s police department;
Whereas, Both parties have an interest in ensuring that the crossing guards are well trained so that they can protect student safety;
Whereas, Both parties have an interest in retaining qualified Crossing Guards, which includes providing sufficient compensation;
Whereas, In reflection of these interests, AAPS has historically contributed half of the City’s total cost to compensate and train the Crossing Guards;
Whereas, The parties wish to continue such compensation and training arrangement, as it is currently in effect and make an agreement for how future changes will be made; and
Whereas, The Parties desire to memorialize this cost-sharing arrangement;
RESOLVED, That City Council approve the attached agreement between with Ann Arbor Public Schools (“AAPS”) for cost sharing of crossing guard expenditures, which shall renew annually unless terminated by either party;
RESOLVED, That the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized and directed to execute said agreement after approval as to substance by the City Administrator and approval as to form by the City Attorney; and
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator be authorized to take all necessary administrative actions to implement this resolution including execution of any changes, amendments, or non-renewal notices if the City Administrator determines terminating the relationship is in the City’s best interest.