City Considers Outsourcing Crossing Guard Positions

Staffing Darien’s crossing guard positions could become an outside job.

The is scheduled to discuss Thursday the possibility of contracting the staffing firm Andy Frain Services to provide crossing guards for two locations in Darien. 

The change wouldn’t be a money-saving move so much as an effort to more efficiently staff the positions, according to a city memo.

Darien employs two part-time crossing guards at the intersection of Cass and 75th Street and one guard at Adams and 75th. When one is absent, either the community service officer or a sworn police officer must then staff the corner, pulling them off other duties. 

The city paid roughly  $23,800 in crossing guard salaries during fiscal year 2012, the memo said. The city budgeted $24,000 for crossing guard salaries in 2013 and has asked Andy Frain to compile a proposal that fits within that amount. More details about the proposal will be discussed at Thursday’s meeting. 

A memo from Andy Frain said that Darien’s crossing guards would have “first right of employment.” 

Andy Frain would hire, train, schedule and supervise the crossing guards, as well as pay them and offer benefits, including dental and health insurance. 

The village of Bolingbrook , the city memo said. Deputy Police Chief Tom Ross said working with the company “saves time for the (police) department in dealing with employee issues and staffing corners when guards are out sick or on vacation,” according to the memo. Westmont Deputy Police Chief Jim Gunther told the city of Darien that his department saves in liability and workers’ comp costs by working with the company.

In addition to its school crossing guard services, Aurora-based Andy Frain provides staffing at professional sporting events. It also offers security staffing for corporations, airlines and special events.

Once the Police Committee reviews the proposal, it will appear on the agenda of an upcoming City Council meeting for full council consideration.

The Police Committee is scheduled to meet at 6 p.m. Thursday in .

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