(a) Definitions. For the purposes of this section, the following terms, phrases, words and their derivatives shall have the meaning given herein. When not inconsistent with the context words used in the present tense include the future, words in the plural number include the singular number and words in the singular number include the plural number. The word "shall" is mandatory and not directory.
(1) "Chief of Police" means the Chief of Police of the City of St. Marys.
(2) "City" means the City of St. Marys.
(3) "Guard" means a male or female adult school crossing guard appointed under the authority of this section.
(b) Established. There is hereby established in and for the City an Adult School Crossing Guard.
(c) Appointment. The Chief of Police shall have the authority and is hereby authorized to appoint male or female persons to be known as Adult School Crossing Guards in such number as may be determined from time to time by Council.
(d) Application Blanks. The Chief of Police shall make available application blanks designed to require the information necessary to a determination of eligibility for appointment as a guard under this section.
(e) Qualifications. To be eligible for appointment to the Adult School Crossing Guard a person shall:
(1) Be a resident of this City.
(2) Be a citizen of the United States, of good moral character and able to read and write the English language understandably.
(3) Be at least five feet, two inches in height and of a weight in proportion to height.
(4) Be in good health, sound in body and mind and certified by a competent physician of the City as being physically capable of performing the required duties.
(f) Oath of Office. Each appointee to the Adult School Crossing Guard shall be sworn to faithful performance of the required duties.
(g) Pre-Assignment Instruction and Training. The Chief of Police shall conduct, and guard appointees shall present themselves for a period of pre-assignment instruction and training as the Chief of Police shall deem necessary to the performance of the required duties.
(h) Assignment to Localities. The Chief of Police shall have the authority to assign guards to such localities as shall be best suited to afford protection to those attending school.
(i) Hours. Guards shall perform their duties during hours designated by the Chief of Police.
(j) Duties. Guards, at their assigned localities, shall maintain the orderly movement of children consistent with their safety and shall escort such children over, upon and across the public streets and street intersections while attending schools in the City.
(k) Supervision. The Chief of Police shall familiarize each guard with the duties to be performed and the Chief of Police shall be the supervisor of the duties of the guards.
(l) Official Status of Guards. Guards shall not be a part of, nor affiliated or connected in an official capacity with, the City Police Department. Guards shall not exercise supervision or control of traffic and shall not assume or exercise police powers or acquire any rights under the civil service laws and rules and the pension laws and rules of the State or the City. Guards shall comply with all applicable ordinances, rules and regulations adopted by Council.
(m) Compensation. Guards shall be paid by the City at a rate as may be determined from time to time by Council.
(n) Dismissal. The Chief of Police shall have the authority to dismiss guards where he finds such dismissal to be in the best interests of the City. Council shall have the authority to summarily dismiss any guard for any reason it deems sufficient. Vacancies shall be filled in the manner of original appointment.
(o) Right of Way of Guards and School Children.
(1) The driver of a vehicle shall yield the right of way, slowing down or stopping if there be a need so to yield, to a guard on duty, or to school children while attending school in the City, whether unattended or attended and escorted by a guard while in or crossing a public street or street intersection. Whenever any vehicle yields the right of way, by slowing down, stopping or otherwise, the driver of any other vehicle approaching from the rear shall not overtake and pass such vehicle.
(2) The driver of a vehicle shall yield the right of way by stopping to a guard on duty and to school children while attending school in the City whether unattended or attended and escorted by a guard while in or crossing a public street or street intersection where there is upon such street or street intersection a crosswalk and where there is in place a sign designating such crosswalk as a school crossing. Whenever any vehicle yields the right of way by stopping, the driver of any other vehicle approaching from the rear shall not overtake and pass such stopped vehicle. (Passed 4-2-74. )