Yes. I mean,11 you mentioned specifically the 2 million12 for Stadium Revenue Bonds, but what other13 bonds are you worried about the swaps or14 hedges or derivatives not giving us the15 protection that we expected?16
In the General17 Fund budget, there's only -- right now18 one series -- other series of bonds,19 which is variable rate debt with the20 swap. We do plan to fix those bonds out21 so that -- in the General Fund Sinking22 Fund Budget, that's the only -- in the23 Fiscal '10 year, the paid Stadium Bonds24 are the only bonds that have the swap25 130 4/15/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 moving forward that we have that built2 in.3
So when we4 hear about sort of us making interest5 payments for the Eagles, is that these6 bonds?7
So when we21 hear about us giving money to the Eagles22 for interest payments, what is that?23
We may be giving24 -- it's not interest -- it's not debt25 131 4/15/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 service, but we could find out. I don't2 know offhand what it is.3
How much do7 we annually give them for maintenance?8 (Mr. McPherson answers this9 question off-mic.)10
It's 7 to11 $9 million for maintenance?12 Let me ask a question. We have13 sued the Eagles, saying that they owe us14 $8 million.15
It's our17 belief that they owe us $8 million 'cause18 we've sued them. Every year we give the19 Eagles $8 million roughly.20 Can you explain to me -- you're21 the Treasurer; you have to sign that22 check. Can you explain to me why we just23 simply don't send them the money and let24 them sue us?25 132 4/15/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1
I think that's2 outside the scope of the Sinking Fund3 Budget, which handles the debt service on4 the bonds.5 (Off-mic. discussion.)6
Let them sue7 us.8 Okay. I'm sorry. All right.9 Back to the -- I just -- so there is10 $2 million in the Sinking Fund Budget11 that you may not need. I mean, this is12 a -- it's -- you could come back to13 Council if you need 2 million bucks for14 another appropriation if the swap doesn't15 do its job; is that correct?16
I think that it's17 prudent budgeting to have a little bit of18 room in case of an interest rate19 fluctuation. I mean, these bonds, the20 interest rate went up very high this21 year, to 8 percent, before we22 restructured them.23 So having that cushion, which is24 a much lower amount than what we25 133 4/15/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 experienced over the last year, before we2 restructured these bonds, you know, I3 don't think that it's --4
Are there any9 other cushions in the Sinking Fund10 Budget?11
Are there any12 other cushions in the budget? In the13 General Fund Budget, there's no other14 cushions for variable rate15 (indiscernible).16
Okay. So17 this -- okay, perfect.18 So it's your testimony that if19 we cut 2 million out of the Sinking Fund20 Budget that you don't need the money21 today. This is just in case -- and, you22 know, that's what Council's for, you can23 come back to us for an appropriation --24
Mm-hmm.25 134 4/15/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1
-- if you2 need it. I mean, why should we authorize3 this now if we don't know if you're going4 to need it and it will just end up in the5 General Fund at the end of next year?6
I think we need7 to make an assumption on Variable Rate8 Bonds and then --9
Well, I think15 we've seen over the last year that the16 swaps aren't perfect hedges in any which17 way.18
Okay. So can19 you live with, you know, a $ 1 million20 cushion instead of a $2 million cushion?21 I mean, we're trying the finds money22 everywhere.23
Mm-hmm. No, I24 fully understand that.25 135 4/15/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1
Okay. So --5 but right now, you don't need the money;6 this is just insurance. Is that a good7 way to describe it?8
Okay. Thank13 you.14 We've found another $2 million,15 Madam President.16 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:17 Wonderful. Thank you very much.18 This committee will stand in19 recess until 12:45. Thank you.20 (Short break taken.)21 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:22 Mr. McPherson, would you please call the23 next department.24 MR. McPHERSON: The Civil25 136 4/15/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 Service Commission.2 (Witnesses come forward.)3
Good4 afternoon. Welcome. Please identify5 yourself for the record and proceed with6 your testimony.7
Good afternoon,8 Council President Verna and members of9 Council. I am Doris Smith, Chair of the10 Civil Service Commission. I am pleased11 to testify on behalf of myself and Civil12 Service Commissioners Linda Orfanelli and13 Roberta Santiago in support of the14 Commission's budget request for Fiscal15 Year 2010.16 Our total budget request of17 $170,309 consists of: $143,743 in Class18 100, $24,500 in Class 200, and $2,062 in19 Classes 300 and 400. This requests no20 change over our Fiscal Year '09 estimated21 obligations, and we anticipate no22 budgetary increases through Fiscal Year23 2014.24 Under the Home Rule Charter, the25 137 4/15/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 commissioners are charged with ensuring2 the application of merit principles to3 public employment; and carrying on that4 mandate, the Commission approves or5 disapproves a large variety of actions6 affecting Civil Service employees. These7 include the establishment of job classes,8 position, and pre-classifications,9 residency waivers, personal-service10 contracts, Civil Service regulations, and11 exemptions from the Civil Service.12 Currently, there are 104 active13 residency waivers. Of those 104 waivers,14 9 are indefinite or permanent waivers for15 highly-specialized medical and health16 care-related jobs. The rest are17 temporary class waivers, which we allow a18 candidate up to one year from date of19 hire to move into the City. This is a20 helpful tool to support the recruitment21 and retention of college students who are22 studying in Philadelphia as well as23 candidates for hard-to-fill jobs that24 necessitate using a wider recruitment25 138 4/15/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 area.2 The Commission periodically3 reviews the list of waivers, eliminating4 those that are no longer required. Over5 the last 10 years, 87 waivers have been6 rescinded. The Commission will be7 resending another 12 waivers in the next8 months due to recent class abolitions.9 Significant time is also10 required to carry out another major role11 of the Civil Service Commission: That of12 an appellate body which hears and decides13 on Civil Service employees' appeals of14 personal decisions. Most appeals are15 regarding dismissals, suspensions of more16 than ten days, demotions, failures on17 oral examinations, denials of requests18 for leaves of absence, and claims19 regarding injured-on-duty time.20 At the beginning of Fiscal Year21 '09, there were 35 appeals pending. In22 the first six months of Fiscal Year '09,23 the commissioners received 80 new appeals24 and issued 61 opinions and orders25 139 4/15/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 resolving appeals. Presently, 54 appeals2 are pending resolution.3 This year, mindful of the impact4 that barriers to employment may have on5 many of Philadelphia's most vulnerable6 citizens, we worked with Councilperson7 Blackwell to repeal application8 processing fees established prior to our9 appointment. With this budget, President10 Verna and members of Council, the11 Commission can continue its important12 work of assuring the preservation of the13 Philadelphia merit system, as mandated by14 the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter.15 This concludes my testimony. I16 would be happy to answer any questions17 you may have at this time.18
Thank19 you very much.20 The Chair recognizes Councilman21 Greenlee.22
Thank you,23 Madam President.24 Good afternoon to you both.25 140 4/15/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 First, on the processing fees2 for employment, are there none now? Were3 they all taken away? Or is it based on4 income or -- I'm not clear on that. To5 apply for jobs.6
My name is7 Albert D'Atillio. I'm the Director of8 Human Resources.9 The fees are no longer in10 existence.11
No longer12 at all, okay. I thought that was the13 case, but I wasn't sure. Okay, thank14 you.15 When it comes to the waivers, I16 have a question on it. It says nine are17 indefinite or permanent. What would18 constitute -- so, in other words, they19 may never have to move into the City; is20 that correct?21
How do you23 determine that? I mean, what is the24 general guidelines for that? I mean, I25 141 4/15/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 could certainly understand, you know,2 time-related ones -- six months a year or3 whatever -- but how do you determine,4 like, some people that would never have5 to move into the City?6
There are many7 people in the medical profession that the8 jobs are hard to fill.9
And the recruitment11 process doesn't allow for us to hire12 people that do not have the13 qualifications. And then there's an14 income problem. So, therefore, there are15 times when we give out indefinite16 waivers.17
Yeah, I18 didn't really -- I certainly knew about19 the timeframe issue, but I didn't know20 there were people who never have to --21 and they get -- they're City employees --22 I mean, they get City paychecks, right,23 obviously? And they never have to live24 in the City, they may never have to live25 142 4/15/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 in the City; is that true?2
Hmm, hmm,4 okay.5 And then the last thing: On6 appeals, are -- and I know you've only7 been there a certain amount of time, but8 have the appeals gone up over the years?9 Maybe, Mr. D'Atillio, do you know? Or10 have they gone down, stayed about the11 same? I'm just...12
I don't know off13 the top of my head. We can get that14 information to you.15
If you16 could. I'm just wondering, you know,17 kind of what factors might play into18 that, you know.19 Okay. Thank you both.20 Thank you, Madam Chair.21
You're22 welcome.23 The Chair recognizes Councilman24 Jones.25 143 4/15/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1
Thank you,2 Madam President.3 Good afternoon, first of all.4 Just as a point on Councilman5 Greenlee's inquiry, doesn't the 84 or so6 exemptions heavily find themselves in the7 Health Department based on doctors that8 we've kind of hired that are hard to get?9 This was one of my understandings as to10 why I wanted one of the classifications11 became exempt.12
That's true. People13 in the medical profession that's hard to14 get. There are other people other than15 physicians that sometimes get permanent16 waivers.17
So these are18 highly-specialized kind of job19 classifications that, but for these20 waivers, we might find hard to fill.21
Okay. The23 rule that was passed by this body that24 allowed a six-month wait before the25 144 4/15/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 residency required -- requirement kicked2 in, how has that affected your ability to3 fill positions since last year's passage4 of that ordinance?5
We have seen a6 positive trend in the number of7 applicants who are applying for positions8 who live outside of the City. We do not9 know yet whether those applicants are10 successful enough in the examination11 process to be offered employment partly12 because hiring has almost ceased to exist13 since --14
But there are15 specialized categories that we still are16 --17
We're seeing --18 on the elimination of the one-year pre-19 employment requirement, we are seeing a20 positive influence on correctional21 officers, forensic scientists, youth22 retention counselors. So it's not only23 on the highly-specialized medical24 positions in which there has been a25 145 4/15/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 residency waiver in existence.2
And at the3 point that they do and are successful in4 getting a job, they have six months to5 establish residency; and if not, we can6 actually find them in violation of our7 employment contract, correct?8
And may I -- I'm13 sorry. I -- Commissioner Orfanelli has14 whispered if my ear that we have looked15 at appellate trends over the years, and16 we are not finding any difference in the17 trends, but we will provide you with the18 actual numbers.19
Just another20 point of information, Madam President,21 since he commented.22 How have we changed our23 marketing? Or have we changed, I guess24 we should say. Have we changed our25 146 4/15/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 marketing to try to let people know about2 these positions' availability? Have we3 gone to our local universities and other4 universities to kind of let people know5 that, in a difficult job market, to say6 the least, that thee opportunities exist?7
When we announce8 for one of these titles, particularly in9 the Health Department, we work with the10 Health Department and their recruitment11 staff in creating marketing materials and12 targeting those marketing materials to13 specific classes.14 So if we're looking for15 pharmacists, we would target people with16 a license in pharmacy and that sort of17 thing.18
Just as a19 friendly suggestion, you might want to20 get to the local universities, get on21 their website, and let upcoming22 graduating classes kind of know about23 these things so that they consider them24 in their career options.25 147 4/15/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1
And that's a3 low-hanging, no-cost way of kind of4 expanding the net of potential employees5 to the City of Philadelphia.6
Thank11 you.12 The Chair recognizes Councilman13 Green.14
Thank you,15 Madam Chair.16 I understand that the Office of17 Human Resources is trying to achieve18 savings by reducing the number of19 classes. What role does the Civil20 Service Commission play in that effort?21 Are you aware of that?22
Would you be25 148 4/15/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 involved if Human Relations was trying to2 achieve savings by reducing the number of3 classes?4
Okay. So how12 many classes are there within the City's13 Civil Service system?14
Currently,15 there's a little under 1100 classes. We16 had a high of 1600 classes going back to17 the '80s, and we are slowly but18 methodically identifying classes that we19 can eliminate, and I --20
Sorry. How21 many of these classes were added in the22 last five years?23
Were added in24 the last five years? I would have to get25 149 4/15/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 that number for you.2
Probably I'm3 going to ask a bunch of questions, if you4 could provide the information to the5 Chair. Provide a list of all6 classifications, including:7 When the classification was8 created and how many positions there are9 within it.10 The pay range for the position.11 How many of those positions are12 filled.13 And what departments those14 positions are in.15
Do you have17 any sense of how many classes currently18 are unfilled?19
I'd like to24 know how many are unfilled and the length25 150 4/15/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 of time they've been unfilled as well.2
All right.3 Michael Niconelli, the Deputy Director of4 Human Resources, might have that5 information.6 MR. McANALLY: We have7 approximately 150 classes that are vacant8 right now.9
The entire10 class is vacant --11 MR. McANALLY: The entire class.12 There are no employees in the entire13 class.14
Okay. I15 assume those are high on the list of16 classes to eliminate?17 MR. McANALLY: Yes, they are.18
Okay. Do you19 ever eject a recommendation by the HR20 Department to eliminate a class?21 MR. McANALLY: It's very rare22 that the Commission would reject it. We23 will occasionally have requests from an24 operating department that we not abolish25 151 4/15/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 a class because they have some hopes to2 fill it in the future. In that case, the3 Office of Human Resources will usually4 not send that recommendation to the5 Commission.6
Okay. I'll7 give you a copy of this just so you have8 what I'm looking for.9 So if -- are you -- is it -- and10 I apologize for -- is it your department11 that, if an employee believes there was12 some violation of Civil Service rules,13 they'll come to you for an adjudication14 of some kind of complaint? Is that --15
Yes. They will file16 an appeal, and it will come to the17 Commission for a hearing.18
And how often19 does that appeal sort of overlap the20 collective-bargaining agreement?21 In other words, it seems like22 there's a lot of rules in place in the23 collective-bargaining agreements and24 there's also a lot of rules in the Civil25 152 4/15/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 Service Commission. Has there ever been2 an attempt to, you know -- I guess my3 question is: Other than exempt4 employees, who do you really protect?5
Well, we have weekly6 meetings where union personnel is there,7 and some of the problems are ironed out8 at that time.9
And so, are10 most of the things that you deal with a11 subject of collective-bargaining12 agreements in addition to being potential13 Civil Service rule violations?14
And23 non-represented -- unrepresented24 employees, okay.25 153 4/15/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 All right. I won't bore us now,2 but I'm very curious about the interplay3 of that, and I'll get in contact with you4 about it.5
Thank9 you very much.10 Are there any other questions11 from members of the committee?12
Madam Chair.13 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:14 Councilman Green.15
I'm finished16 with these people, but I understand that17 today is your 39th birthday.18
And the21 freshman, on behalf of all of Council,22 have gotten you a little gift that we'd23 like to give you.24
Oh,25 154 4/15/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 my. Oh, my.2 (Birthday cake is presented to3 Council President Verna.)4
That's5 nice. I'm impressed. Thank you. Thank6 you very much. Thank you. That's very7 sweet.8
Is this9 called buttering up the teacher or what?10 (Laughter.)11
Thank12 you all very much.?13 Are there any other questions?14
Thank16 you all very much.17 MR. McPHERSON: The next18 department is the Personnel Department.19
You could24 have went anywhere today; you chose to25 155 4/15/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 spend your birthday in City Council.2 Thank you, Madam President.3 (Laughter.)4
13 My name is Albert D'Atillio, and I am the14 City's Director of Human Resources. I am15 here to present testimony in support of16 the Department's Fiscal Year 201017 operating budget request. 2 Our FY '10 budget represents a3 decrease of $193,107 from our FY '084 estimated obligations. 14 A fourth division, known as the15 Organizational Development Division, has16 been added to the Office of Human17 Resources. 5 The mission of the Office of6 Human Resources is to work with all City7 agencies to recruit, select, develop, and8 retain an effective qualified and diverse9 workforce. 21 The Civil Service Commission and22 the Office of Human Resources are23 responsible for implementing employment24 laws and regulations enacted at the25 158 4/15/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 federal, state, and local level. Over2 the past year, we have enacted Civil3 Service regulations, implementing the4 City ordinance governing leave due to5 domestic or sexual violence and the6 elimination of the pre-employment7 residence requirement. 2 Online applications. As you3 know, the Civil Service Commission and4 the Office of Human Resources has worked5 together in the past -- in the past year6 with Councilmember Blackwell to eliminate7 the application fee. 12 Councilmembers Blackwell, Goode,13 and others of City Council have pointed14 out that the fee had an adverse impact on15 low-income applicants. 23
Thank24 you.25 160 4/15/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1
When fully2 implemented in the beginning of Fiscal3 Year 2010, the system will increase the4 reach of recruiting efforts the Office of5 Human Resources services. 12 The Department will also be able13 to communicate with applicants via14 e-mail, providing faster feedback,15 enabling more rapid scheduling of job16 interviews. 21 The Office of Human Resources22 and the Division of Technology continue23 to collaborate in the implementation of a24 new human resources information system,25 161 4/15/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 otherwise known as an HIRS, to replace2 the existing system that was purchased in3 1976. 24 The rapidly rising cost of25 162 4/15/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 health benefits is an increasing2 challenge. The Office of Human Resources3 supports prudent use of scarce benefit4 dollars by negotiating rigorously with5 insurance providers. 6 million9 reduction in reduced costs for10 prescription drugs, and $250,000 in11 savings from rate reductions in the12 dental and vision plans. 15 Additionally, the City changed16 from an overall composite rate per17 covered employee to a tiered rate; for18 example, rates based on employee-only,19 employee- plus-one-dependent, of family20 coverage. This change ensures that the21 City pays for only what is required to22 provide quality benefits to our employees23 and their families. 5 The change to tiered rates was6 enabled by the implementation of the HIRS7 systems benefit software, which was8 approved by City Council in September of9 2006. 16 It also enabled four17 departments -- the Finance Department,18 the Office of Human Resources, the Law19 Department, and the Health Department --20 to conduct the annual benefit open21 enrollment via self-service last22 November. That's a paperless option that23 allows employees to make their own24 elections and obtain an immediate25 164 4/15/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 confirmation document. 5 In Fiscal Year 2010, the Office6 of Human Resources will release a request7 for proposal for our medical,8 prescription, dental, and vision9 insurance benefit packages. 14 The number of job15 classifications, as previously discussed,16 have been reduced significantly during17 the past twenty years. In 1989, there18 were 1600 classes; at the beginning of19 Fiscal Year 2009, the City of20 Philadelphia had 11,027 Civil Service21 classes. 4 The Office of Human Resources no5 longer has the staff available to support6 excess overly-specialized classes. In7 2009, we implemented several initiatives8 to reduce the number of classes. 20 This initiative should produce a21 significant process improvement, and it22 will eliminate the need to administer23 multiple examinations that test for the24 same competencies. 7 Layoffs. 15 A total of 121 Civil Service16 employees was scheduled for layoff17 effective January 16, 2009. Of those 12118 employees, 106 were full-time employees19 and 15 were part-time employees. 6 The Office of Human Resources is7 part of the Administration and Technology8 Reform Team working to review the9 administrative processes and implement10 efficiencies to reduce resources consumed11 and improve services. 18 This concludes my prepared19 testimony. 21
Can25 169 4/15/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 you tell us if we're still having2 difficulty in filling the EMS positions?3
Yes, we are. I4 assume you're talking about the paramedic5 positions?6
Yes.7 MR. McANALLY: Yes. We're still8 having difficulty because there's just an9 absolute shortage of employees qualified10 to perform that work. We are having some11 increased success partially because of12 the elimination of the preemployment13 residency requirement. And this fiscal14 year alone, we've placed eight employees15 on the eligible list for that class.16
So how17 many vacancies presently exist; do you18 know?19 MR. McANALLY: I don't know how20 many vacancies there are.21
Please.24 Councilwoman Miller was unable25 170 4/15/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 to be with us this afternoon; however,2 she wanted me to ask several questions on3 her behalf.4 What is the process that the5 City uses when the City selects its6 health-care providers?7
We issue a8 formal RFP. We solicit proposals from9 the major vendors, we evaluate those10 proposals. Again, this is for the11 City-administered plans. And we choose12 the provider who, you know, gives us the13 most value. It's a competitive process14 for the City- administered plans.15
Thank16 you.17 Can you explain why some benefit18 packages cost more and provide less? It19 is hard to accept the fact that smaller20 businesses can negotiate more services21 and better rates than the City of22 Philadelphia, with such a large pool of23 employees.24
I think there's25 171 4/15/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 a number of factors involved in the rates2 that insurance carriers charge the City3 of Philadelphia. A big determining4 factor is utilization. So if our5 utilization rates are higher because we6 have an older workforce or because we7 have a workforce with more medical8 problems, that will cause our rates to9 increase.10 We were very competitive in11 negotiating with the carriers this year,12 and if you compare FY -- if you compare13 Plan Year '08 to '09, you will see that14 we realized a 1.2 percent increase in15 benefits overall, which is pretty good in16 this market.17
The18 Councilwoman is asking if you would19 provide a chart of all City health plans,20 with details such as: Who receives the21 plan, what the plan costs the City and22 the employee with the benefits and the23 copays that the employees receive,24 including, I guess it says, medical,25 172 4/15/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 dental, prescription.2 Can you provide us with that3 kind of a chart, please?4
Thank6 you.7 The Chair recognizes Green8 Greenlee.9
Thank you,10 Madam President.11 Just quickly. I can't help but12 ask this question. Under legislation,13 you mentioned about the bill, the14 domestic violence leave bill --15
-- which17 you and I had, you know, somewhat of a18 agreement on the effects it would have.19 I know it's a little early to have any20 determination yet, but have you21 experienced any problem with that?22 Anybody trying to abuse the abuse leave23 at this point? I know it's only been a24 few months, but...25 173 4/15/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1
Okay. You4 won't be surprised I predict you won't5 have any, but okay. And that is a bill6 we have to do permanently 'cause it's a7 sunset bill.8 So, all right. That's all I9 have. Thank you. Thank you very much.10
Thank you,14 Madam President.15 My question is of a similar16 type, curiosity. Since the voters17 approved the tie-breaker preference for18 City residents, have there been any tests19 given at this point, Civil Service exams?20
And do we23 know whether there were ties or how many24 ties there were between City residents25 174 4/15/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 and non-City residents?2 MR. McANALLY: I'm not aware3 that there have been any ties between4 residents and nonresidents yet.5
Is that6 information that we can determine?7 MR. McANALLY: Yes, yes. I can8 give you a precise answer.9
Can you10 provide that information to the Chair?11 MR. McANALLY: Yes.12
You're16 welcome.17 The Chair recognizes Councilman18 Jones.19
Thank you,20 Madam President. And, once again, happy21 birthday.22
How many25 175 4/15/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 suits have been filed based on2 discrimination or sexual harassment to3 the City of Philadelphia? Or have been4 registered with your department?5
I can tell you6 that our department has investigated, in7 FY '08, 22 cases of allegations of that8 sort. I cannot answer whether those --9 any of those cases actually went to10 litigation. I think that question would11 be better posed to the Law Department.12
And my13 question becomes: Over the last, let's14 say three or four years, have they15 increased, decreased, remained the same?16
Our internal17 complaints have roughly remained the18 same. They were 22 in FY '06, 23 in FY19 '07, 22 in FY '08. This year we have20 nine investigations to date.21
Of those22 investigations, can you tell me the23 status of any of them that have come to24 conclusion?25 176 4/15/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1
How many on3 average get resolved in a given year?4 The complaint is filed; how many of 'em5 come to resolution within a year, and6 what have been some of the dispositions7 of those cases?8
Thank12 you.13 The Chair recognizes14 Councilwoman Blackwell.15
Thank16 you, Madam President.17 Good afternoon, Mr. Director.18 And I want to thank you for your work on19 the jobs bill. You were always very20 cordial, and your department very21 helpful. Thank you.22
Let me24 ask you a question. Someone mentioned25 177 4/15/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 something about the Health Department2 that causes me to ask a question, because3 when we've been meeting with some of the4 people in the unions that go around, they5 were saying that if we had people in the6 health centers, from doctors on down,7 that were in-house, it would be a lot8 cheaper than the hiring that we do to9 break people in and do bids, and we hire10 so many other people, that maybe there11 are only about three -- three doctors in12 the system that we put out RFPs and we13 bid in all services at health centers.14 Do you know anything about that?15
All17 right. We'll ask the Health Department.18 Thank you.19 Thank you Madam, President.20
You're21 welcome.22 The Chair recognizes23 Councilwoman Sanchez.24
Thank you,25 178 4/15/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 Madam President.2 Just a brief question on health3 benefits. Approximately how much do we4 pay per employee for health benefits?5
... it's roughly9 $1,000 per subscriber per month for10 active and retired employees.11
And how15 much -- we have many City employees who16 have spouses that have coverage, whether17 the spouse works for the City or for18 another entity. How much do we entice a19 City employee to waive their coverage20 with what's the enticement amount based21 on us saving the balance of the $12,000?22
Per pay.25 179 4/15/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1
It's $36 per4 pay, and I think it roughly comes out to5 $780 or --6
So for the7 City saving the balance of $12,000, we8 offer somebody $700, which is taxable, so9 they make a decision whether to keep the10 double coverage or give us the benefit11 overwhelmingly of the $12,000 that we're12 paying.13 What is the sense of that in14 terms of -- just in an arm's length15 transaction, if you had sat down with me16 and said, "Well, look, it's costing us17 $12,000. I know your spouse works18 somewhere and has benefits. We'd like19 for you to waive it 'cause we'll save a20 lot of money."21 The average person, I believe,22 just -- this is just logical common23 sense -- when you tell them that you're24 going to keep $11, 300, you'll give us25 180 4/15/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 700, on which we'll have to pay taxes,2 unless we flex it -- we can always flex3 it. But pay taxes, so maybe we're around4 4 or 500 by then. You've now reached5 somewhere around 90 percent of the pot6 going to the City.7 It just seems to me -- I talk to8 an awful lot of people that say it's not9 worth it. And it seems to me when it was10 $4,000, maybe a $1,000 was the right11 number. We're still doing -- or 700.12 We're still doing basically the same13 number we did when these benefits were 314 and $4,000.15 I know that the Budget Director16 is here. I hope somebody can look at17 this before this budget. You know,18 everything is a little piece of it, but19 it's really no incentive for someone to20 give up and waive their health benefits21 and tag on with their spouse if they're22 getting 5 to 10 percent of the benefit23 and the City's getting 90 to 95 percent24 of the benefit.25 181 4/15/09 - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '10 BUDGET1 I don't know what the right2 number is, but I know that it's way out3 of whack compared to when these benefits4 were a lot lower and we were doing the5 same offer.6 (Witness comes forward.)7
Councilmember --8 Steve Agostini, Budget Director -- you're9 right. And given the math that you just10 did here, we should go back and look at11 it and bring something 'cause there's --12 sort of in economist lingo, there's room13 for a detail there.14