St. Albans looks at crossing guards

St. Albans City Council members are trying to get funds for much-needed school crossing guards.

Councilman Tom McKeny brought a motion before council Mondaynightrequesting school crossing guards be considered in the upcomingbudget.

He placed special emphasis on getting a crossing guard to patrolHighlawn Elementary at Kanawha Terrace and Walnut Street.Councilwoman Patty Chandler said while council should try to findmoney for one crossing guard, it also should being seeking money topay for crossing guards to patrol other local schools.Councilwoman Sandra Ashley said, "I don't think anyone is againstit."Councilman Jerry Cogar agreed that there is a need for crossingguards, but said the council's finance committee was concerned aboutthe fairness of funding just one position."To be fair for all, I think that needs to be taken intoconsideration," he said.Councilman Bob Barnette said crossing guards would be in uniformand the police department would be in charge of the training.City Attorney Charles Riffee said the money may not be in thebudget. A finance committee meeting will be held at 9 a.m. Jan. 14to discuss the situation, Councilman John Caudill announced.A public hearing will be held at 7 p.m. Jan. 11 to discuss arecreation center in St. Albans. State Sen. Martha Walker presentedthe mayor with a check for $25,000 for the center."It's only $25,000," Walker said, "but it's a beginning and if Ihave my way, I'll have another check."In other business, Councilman Bill Powell said the Festival ofLights made $51,212 this year, which was about $8,000 less than lastyear. Powell said attendance may have decreased because peopleattended other festivals in the area. He said unseasonably warmweather also may have affected attendance.