COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA2 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - - -3 Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania4 Wednesday, May 6, 2009, 10:33 a.m. 5 Res. 090226 - Revised Five-Year Plan. 6 Bill 090212 - FY 2010 to '15 Capital Program. 7 Bill 090213 - Adopt FY '10 Capital Budget. 8 Bill 090214 - Adopt FY '10 Operating Budget. 9 Bill 090215 - Re increasing amount to be paid in response to certain code violation notices.10 Bill 090218 - Revising Real-Estate Tax Rate.11 Bill 090219 - Revising Rate of Sales and Use12 Tax and Hotel Occupancy Tax. 13 Bill 090220 - Re. Fees Charged by Records Dept. 14 Bill 090221 - Require waste-hauling fees for certain businesses and property owners.15 Bill 090244 - Revising Rate of Sales and Use16 Tax and Hotel Occupancy Tax. 17 COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT: Anna C. Verna, Chair Curtis Jones, Jr.18 Marian B. Tasco, Co-Chair Jack Kelly Jannie C. Blackwell James F. Kenney19 Blondell Reynolds-Brown Joan L. Krajewski Darrell L. Clarke Donna Reed Miller20 Frank DiCicco Brian J. O'Neill Wilson W. Goode, Jr. Frank Rizzo21 Bill Green Maria Q. Sanchez William K. Greenlee22 - - - V A R A L L O Incorporated23 Litigation Support Specialists 1835 Market Street, Suite 60024 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103 215.561.2220 215.567.267025 2 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441
Good2 morning, everyone. This is a continued3 public hearing of the Committee of the4 Whole. I would ask Mr. McPherson to5 please read the title of the bills that6 will be before this morning.7 MR. McPHERSON: Resolution8 090226, a resolution providing for the9 approval of the Council of the City of10 Philadelphia of a revised Five-Year11 Financial Plan for the City of12 Philadelphia covering Fiscal Years 201013 through 1014 and incorporating proposed14 changes with respect to Fiscal Year 2009,15 which is to be submitted to the Mayor and16 to the Pennsylvania Intergovernmental17 Cooperation Authority (the "Authority")18 pursuant to the intergovernmental19 cooperation agreement authorized by an20 ordinance of this Council approved by the21 Mayor on January 3, 1992 (Bill No.22 1564-A), by and between the City and the23 Authority.24 Bill No. 090212, an ordinance25 3 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 to adopt a Capital Program for the six2 Fiscal Years 2010 to 2015, inclusive.3 Bill No. 090213, an ordinance4 to adopt a Fiscal 2010 Capital Budget.5 Bill No. 090214, an ordinance6 to adopt the Operating Budget for Fiscal7 Year 2010.8 Bill No. 090215, an ordinance9 amending Chapter 10-700 of the10 Philadelphia Code, entitled "Refuse and11 Littering," to increase the amount that12 must be paid in response to certain code13 violation notices to avoid initiation of14 further proceedings, under certain terms15 and conditions.16 Bill No. 090218, an ordinance17 amending Chapter 19-1300 of the18 Philadelphia Code, entitled "Real-Estate19 Taxes," by revising the real-estate tax20 rate, under certain terms and conditions.21 Bill No. 090219, an ordinance22 amending Chapter 19-2700 of the23 Philadelphia Code, entitled "Sales and24 Use Tax and Hotel Occupancy Tax," by25 4 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 revising the rate of tax, under certain2 terms and conditions.3 Bill No. 090220, an ordinance4 amending Section 10-1001 of Title 105 ("Regulation of Individual Conduct and6 Activity") of the Philadelphia Code7 relating to the fees charged by the8 Commissioner of Records by modifying the9 amount of such fees, under certain terms10 and conditions.11 Bill No. 090221, an ordinance12 amending Chapter 10-700 of the13 Philadelphia Code, entitled "Refuse and14 Littering," to require certain businesses15 and property owners either to pay a fee16 for City waste hauling or demonstrate17 that the business or property owner has a18 private provider of waste and recycling19 disposal services, all under certain20 terms and conditions.21 Bill No. 090244, an ordinance22 amending Section 19-2700 of the23 Philadelphia Code, entitled "Sales and24 Use Tax and Hotel Occupancy Tax," by25 5 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 revising the rate of tax, under certain2 terms and conditions.3 (Witnesses come forward.)4
Good5 morning, Mr. Armbrister and Mr. Dubow.6 Good morning. Please identify yourself7 for the record.8
Good morning,9 Council President. I'm Clarence10 Armbrister, Chief of Staff to Mayor11 Nutter. And I'm here this morning to12 present testimony on behalf of the13 Administration's proposed revenue14 changes.15 As a part of the plan to16 balance the FY '10 budget and the FY '1017 through '14 Five-Year Plan, the18 Administration proposes two temporary tax19 increases. The Administration proposes a20 temporary increase of the City's portion21 of the sales tax from 1 percent to w22 percent for three fiscal years, FY '10,23 FY '11, and FY '12. The effects of the24 sales tax rate in Philadelphia will,25 6 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 therefore, rise from 7 percent to2 8 percent for those three years. And3 beginning in FY '13, the sales tax rate4 will revert back automatically to5 7 percent.6 Our revenue projections show7 that this temporary increase will8 generate $341.7 million in revenue for9 the General Fund.10 The Administration also11 proposes a temporary increase in the12 City's portion of the property tax. We13 propose a temporary increase of 16 mills14 for FY '10 and a 12 mill increase from15 the FY '09 level for FY '11. The rate16 will increase from 82.64 mills to 98.6417 mills for FY '10 and decrease to 94.6418 mills for FY '11. Beginning in FY '12,19 the property tax rate will revert back to20 82.64 mills.21 Our revenue projections show22 that this temporary increase will23 generate $271.6 million in revenue for24 the General Fund.25 7 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 The Administration also2 proposes fee increases in certain3 departments. The Streets Department4 requests a commercial trash fee.5 Currently, approximately 15,000 small6 businesses receive City trash collection7 at no cost. These businesses will pay a8 $500 fee each year, generating $7 million9 in revenue for the Streets Department.10 The Streets Department is also11 requesting an increase in the initial12 fine for a code violation notice from its13 original fine of $25 to $50 per citation.14 This original fine was enacted in 1986,15 over 20 years ago. Correcting for16 inflation, $25 in 1986 equates to about17 $13 today, which is hardly a deterrent to18 comply with the laws as stated in the19 Philadelphia Code.20 The Records Department is21 requesting a fee increase of $30 for22 every document recorded in the23 department. This $30 fee increase will24 enable the City to ensure that the25 8 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 document recording fees accurately2 reflect the City's cost of document3 recording and ongoing support. The4 Records Department estimates that this5 will generate another $2.4 million each6 year for the department.7 I'm joined at the table by8 Finance Director Robert Dubow and Budget9 Director Steve Agostini, and we'll be10 happy to answer any questions that the11 Council may have regarding my testimony.12 And I look forward to working with the13 Council on the FY '10 budget and the14 FY '10 through '14 Five-Year Plan.15 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:16 Mr. Armbrister, I see that we have17 testimony before us from Miss Tolson.18 May I suggest that she come up and read19 her testimony.20
And22 then Joan Decker.23 And then if there are any24 questions regarding any of them, then we25 9 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 could address them.2 (Witness comes forward.)3
5 COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Good6 morning. Good morning, Council President7 Verna and members of Council. I'm8 Clarena Tolson, Commissioner of the9 Streets Department, and I'm here today to10 present testimony on behalf of the11 department in support of Bill No. 12 This bill point amends Chapter13 10-700 of Philadelphia Code, "Refuse and14 Littering," to increase the fine to be15 paid for violating various City codes16 relating to the creation and17 proliferation of litter on our streets18 and sidewalks and throughout our19 neighborhoods. 24 Litter is a major threat to25 10 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 neighborhood appearance and2 sustainability. Our city must not allow3 litter to become an acceptable and4 tolerated behavior, and we must take5 proactive measures to eliminate it before6 it is allowed to grow into a more serious7 condition, leading to blight and8 neighborhood decline. 12 In FY '09, funding was13 increased for additional SWEEP officers14 to help meet these goals by increasing15 both education and enforcement of the16 laws prohibiting the behavior and17 conditions that create and spread litter18 on our streets. The Streets Department19 issued 26,746 litter-related code20 violation notices in FY '08, and 4021 percent of the total citations issued by22 the Streets Department. 24 For FY '09 through November,25 11 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 the Streets Department wrote and issued2 13,662 littering-related code violation3 notices, about 30 percent of the total4 citations issued to date. 6 The proposed amendment7 increases the initial fine from its8 original $25, enacted over 20 years ago,9 to $50 per citation. 13 The Streets Department's14 uniform enforcement unit known as SWEEP,15 which stands for Sidewalk, Education and16 Enforcement Program. 20 With a small force, SWEEP21 officers patrol the entire city and not22 enforce not only litter laws but also23 laws and regulations regarding recycling24 and rubbish collections, litter baskets25 12 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 and the use of rubbish and construction2 Dumpsters. 6 Some may disagree, but we all7 believe that our efforts are making an8 impact in the fight against the9 proliferation of litter on our streets10 and in our neighborhoods. 21 The Streets Department is also22 in the process of acquiring electronic23 handheld units for writing and issuing24 code violation notices. The devices will25 13 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 provide many benefits to the issuing2 officer, including property ownership3 information, enforcement history, and4 data-entry safeguards to prevent entry5 errors. Data entry via these devices6 will also improve upon the current manual7 system that contributes to excessive8 delays before citation recipients receive9 official notices. 16
I'm17 sorry? You have two bills?18 COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Yes.19
Would20 you testify on the other, please.21 COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Surely.22 Again, I'm here to testify with23 regard to Bill No. 090221, an ordinance24 amending Chapter 10-700 of the25 14 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 Philadelphia Code. This bill amends2 10-700 of the Philadelphia Code by3 authorizing the City to assess a fee for4 City refuse for small commercial5 establishments that qualify under the6 Streets Department regulations for refuse7 and recycling collection services.8 The Streets Department9 currently provides curbside collections10 of rubbish and recycling to approximately11 550,000 households on a weekly basis.12 The Department also collects refuse from13 commercial properties that meet the same14 residential household setup requirements15 of weights or volume, the type of waste16 generated, and the number of receptacles17 placed out for collection.18 These properties, located along19 residential collection routes as well as20 neighborhood commercial corridors, are21 typically small stores, retail22 businesses, and professional offices.23 While the fee is a departure from the24 longstanding policy of allowing25 15 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 commercial properties to receive the same2 curbside collection services as3 residential properties at no charge, we4 believe that the proposed fee represents5 only a modest charge that still offers a6 less expensive alternative to the7 private-collection services that most8 businesses in the City must secure.9 The proposed amendment would10 assess properties, housing, and small11 commercial establishments that qualify12 for City collection under the Streets13 Department regulations at an annual fee14 of $500 for the curbside collection of15 rubbish and recycling. The proposed fee16 approximates a unit cost to the City for17 providing this service.18 The Department, with the19 assistance of the Bureau of the Revision20 of Taxes, the Revenue Department, and the21 Department of Licenses and Inspections,22 has identified approximately 22,00023 properties with at least one commercial24 establishment and also meeting the25 16 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 Department's guidelines for eligibility2 for curbside collections.3 It is further estimated that4 about 15,000 of these properties are now5 being serviced with City curbside6 collection of rubbish and recycling at no7 charge.8 The total revenue generated9 from this service is estimated at10 approximately $7 million annually. The11 Department has been incurring these costs12 while providing collection services to13 commercial properties throughout the14 City.15 While the Streets Department,16 like every other City agency, has made17 significant cuts to many of its services18 during these difficult times, this is one19 service this can by sustained by20 assessing this fee, thus avoiding a major21 degradation of service to our business22 community.23 With the successful24 transformation to weekly single-stream25 17 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 recycling and such innovations as2 solar-powered litter and recycling3 receptacles and incentive-based4 recycling, the Streets Department has5 succeeded in making great strides towards6 the Healthy, Sustainable Communities7 championed by the Mayor.8 The progress is evident in both9 the residential and commercial10 communities despite the current economic11 challenges. And despite those12 challenges, approving this fee will allow13 this progress to continue and to propel14 this great city to even greater and15 greener heights.16 Thank you very much.17
Thank18 you very much.19 We will now hear from the20 Commissioner of the Department of21 Records.22 (Witnesses come forward.)23
Good24 morning welcome. Please identify25 18 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 yourself for the record.2 COMMISSIONER DECKER: Good3 morning. My name is Joan Decker, and I4 serve as the Records Commissioner.5 Well, good morning again,6 Council President Verna and members of7 Council. I'm here today to ask for your8 support for Bill No. 090220, which9 requests an increase for the recording10 fees collected by the Department of11 Records. The Department requests a fee12 increase of $30 for every document13 recorded. This $30 fee increase will14 enable the City to ensure that the15 document recording fees accurately16 reflect the City's cost of document17 recording and ongoing support.18 Recording fees are not a19 regularly-recurring charge that citizens20 will face, and the recording fee increase21 represents a very small portion of the22 total settlement and closing costs.23 Since most individuals do not submit24 deeds and mortgages and other land25 19 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 records for recording more than a handful2 of times, the financial impact of this3 fee increase on the individual is4 minimal.5 To provide an example of the6 cost impact of the requested fee7 increase, the current fee to record a8 deed is $156.50, and the cost to record a9 mortgage is $126.50. If the requested10 increase is approved, the new fee to11 record a deed will be $186.50 and the fee12 to record a mortgage will be $156.50.13 Direct and indirect recording14 costs have increased since the last15 recording fee increase, which occurred in16 2005. An accounting of the current costs17 incurred for recording documents was18 prepared, and those costs were projected19 to include over a five-year period20 resulting in a $30 increase.21 This requested fee increase22 will enable the City of Philadelphia to23 cover the cost of recording a document24 and provide for the maintenance of the25 20 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 infrastructure that supports the2 recording function.3 Thank you for your support.4
Thank5 you.6 The Chair now recognizes7 Councilman Jones.8
Thank you,14 Madam President.15 Just a question for the Streets16 Commissioner.17
Why18 don't you just sit up front here,19 commissioner. Commissioner, just sit up20 front so that you will be readily21 available.22
Thank you.23 Commissioner, your testimony24 indicates that a request is for an25 21 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 increase from $25 to $50 for code2 violation fines?3 COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Yes.4
Why are we5 going only to 50? Why aren't going to a6 rounder number of 100 or so, which would7 generate more revenue and, I think, be8 more of a deterrent for the actions of9 some of these folks that think that the10 City streets are their trash basket?11 COMMISSIONER TOLSON: I agree12 with you that these types of violations13 are very, very important, and we do need14 to deter the behavior that is at hand. I15 think that we tried to provide some16 balance for the level of the ticket.17 Certainly people don't -- if18 they proceed through a process of19 nonpayment or a processing with their20 violations, the fines are higher, but we21 thought that initial base of $50 was a22 reasonable amount to start with.23
I would24 urge you to consider it at a higher fine,25 22 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 but if that's the process you'd like to2 follow, that's fine, but I think a3 hundred dollars is a much more rounder4 figure, a much more identifiable figure,5 and may be more of a deterrent the.6 Other thing is, I would like to7 know what your SWEEPS people have written8 in the way code violations for the9 deposit of household trash in commercial10 corridor trashcans. We recently -- or11 last year raised the fine to $300 for the12 deposit of the little "presents" that13 people who live in apartments or live in14 surrounding houses like to leave in15 commercial shopping strips.16 As a matter of fact, the one17 shopping strip in South Philly had to18 recently remove their street-level19 trashcans because of the overflow of20 household trash that gets put in there on21 a daily basis.22 So could you give me, not today23 necessarily, but a report how many fine24 have been written and where they've been25 23 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 written at.2 COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Yes.3
'Cause I4 really think that that -- if we started5 down that road, that practice would stop.6 COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Yes.7
Okay?8 Thank you.9 COMMISSIONER TOLSON: And10 wanted to say I thank you and I11 appreciate your leadership relative to12 that matter because it is a big problem.13 The abuse of litter baskets is a travesty14 because where we need litter baskets,15 sometimes we can't have them because16 they're abused by residents in apartments17 or in homes. And the people who live18 near to cans have to live with the smell19 and the odors and the vermin that may20 result.21
And you can22 respond to me after the budget process is23 over. I know you're busy. So thank you.24
The25 24 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 Chair recognizes Councilman Green.2
Thank you,3 Madam Chair.4 Miss Tolson, I understand that5 CLIP people write some of these fines for6 trash and things like that; is that7 correct?8 COMMISSIONER TOLSON: We have9 SWEEP officers that work with CLIP.10
Okay.11 COMMISSIONER TOLSON: So they12 are Streets Department officers who are13 working with the CLIP Program.14
Okay. I15 just wanted to make sure, if we provide16 additional revenue, that, you know, we17 can be assured that CLIP is going to18 continue in the next fiscal year.19 COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Yes. Our20 officers continue to write tickets across21 the entire City, including the areas22 where CLIP may be providing a service as23 well, so we support them however we can.24
Okay. And25 25 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 as Councilman Kenney said, you can get2 this back to me after the budget process,3 but I'm very interested to know how much4 revenue is associated with the activities5 of CLIP in terms of fines they write, to6 get a sense of how much they're paying7 for themselves and whether there's8 something we can do to sort of help that9 flow.10 COMMISSIONER TOLSON: We can do11 that, yes. Thank you.12
Thank16 you, Madam President.17 Good morning, Commissioner.18 COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Good19 morning.20
In21 theory, I understand why we want to do22 this, but in practice, I have a serious23 concern because of our current process24 when people wants to appeal these. And25 26 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 particularly, in my district, as you2 know -- and I must thank your department3 for working with me on the equitable4 distribution of public trashcans5 throughout the City, but I'm concerned6 about people's ability, particularly7 seniors, to appeal a ticket that is given8 to them because of their neighbors or9 other folks.10 Right now, the Bureau of11 Adjudication is the only place they can12 go. And we have been very unsuccessful13 other than people taking the time to come14 down and appeal them and appealing15 particularly at bus stops, where people16 cannot control the fact that they live in17 front of a bus stop.18 So, in theory, I understand19 where we're going around changing20 behaviors. But, as you know, in my21 particular district, there's not a22 equitable distribution of public23 trashcans.24 So what are we going to do to25 27 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 ensure that when people need to appeal2 them because it's not their trash?3 COMMISSIONER TOLSON: We work4 closely with the Bureau of Administrative5 Adjudication, which handles all appeals6 and reviews of tickets.7 In our writing of tickets,8 tickets are written when people, what we9 call, abuse a litter can, and it's not10 just because there's a litter can in11 front of someone's house that has12 household rubbish, but that bag of13 household rubbish in the can has14 something that's connected to that house.15 So oftentimes, we find people16 who say that though they don't feel like17 they abuse the can, from time to time,18 they take out their trash at night and19 put it in the litter cans because they20 know the litter cans are collected daily21 versus trash being collected weekly.22 So, if a can is in front of23 somebody house and it's overflowing, that24 homeowner would not receive a violation25 28 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 for the litter or because the can's2 overflowing. However, should there be3 trash in the trashcan that is household4 rubbish, you know, they may have their5 mail in there or some other things that6 identify them, then that person would7 receive a violation.8 And anybody else who -- not9 necessarily the adjacent property owner,10 but anybody else who has materials in11 there.12
But how13 are we going to make the appeal process14 easier? We have not been successful in15 any of our appeals when we've tried to16 assist folks.17 COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Right.18 The appeal is handled through the19 finances of the agency called the Bureau20 of Administrative Adjudication, as you're21 aware, so that that portion of the22 process, I'm really not quite the best to23 answer that, and maybe our Finance24 Director can answer it.25 29 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441
Rob Dubow.2 The Commissioner's correct.3 That's handled through the Office of4 Administrative Review, which is in5 Finance.6 This issue is new to me. I'd7 be happy to sit down with you and talk8 about, you know, what the problem is and9 think about how we can try to solve it to10 make that more --11
I guess12 my problem is, I still don't have an13 equitable distribution of public14 trashcans, and I understand the issue15 around the can and stuff.16 But I'll give you -- even in my17 own home, I'm in front of a church. We18 have a wind mail, and every single day19 when I come home, I have to pick up some20 trash. It's not my trash; it's in front21 of my house. I've gotten several22 tickets, which I pay, because it's easier23 than trying to go down there.24 I'm very concerned because,25 30 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 again, in our appeals, even when we've2 done written appeals for seniors and3 stuff, we have not been successful, so4 I'm really reluctant to -- while in5 principle, I agree on this -- to support6 this because $50, in my district, is a7 lot of money.8
Right. I9 understand your issue and would like to10 be able to work with you to figure out a11 way to make that appeal process more12 meaningful so that, you know, you don't13 say "We never win."14
And, you15 know, with the recyclables -- and if16 Councilwoman Krajewski was here, she17 would give you the story. She doesn't18 have a lot of recyclables so she puts19 them in her neighbor's recycling can, and20 she gets cited, and we were having this21 discussion the other day.22 Again, we have seniors -- I23 have a lot of seniors who have very24 limited trash or are not able to take25 31 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 care of the fronts of their houses. And2 so, that's a concern when we're doing at3 50 when we haven't kind of figured out in4 some of these cases.5 And I'm all for this. I think6 we have to change behavior. You know, I7 have the largest litter index in the8 City, I have to own it. I just feel like9 doing that, without us really looking at10 all this stuff, when we're doing all the11 other fees and all the other increases,12 it's hard for me to support at this time.13
Madam17 President.18 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:19 Councilwoman Tasco.20
I think21 it's important that -- the issue about22 cleanliness and the trash is very23 important.24 And I understand where the25 32 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 Councilwoman is coming from. I live on2 the corner, and every day I come home,3 there's trash in front of my house. It's4 not my trash.5 And so, your comments about6 people changing their behavior and being7 responsible for their trash -- I pick it8 up because it's in front of my house.9 COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Yes.10
But I11 don't want to be cited because I'm not12 responsible for the trash. It comes from13 whoever is passing the house and decides14 to throw a bottle out or throw a15 McDonald's bag out or something, but I16 pick it up.17 What we need in this city --18 and I've said this before -- is a19 campaign about litter. We're fining20 people but we're not trying to change21 their behavior through a sense of, Let's22 keep Philadelphia clean.23 When Ladybird Johnson wanted to24 keep the people from littering in the25 33 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 '50s or whenever they were -- and2 planting flowers, they went on a 'Let's3 Stop Litter" campaign all across the4 country, and it really got to people5 that -- it made them think if I -- "I6 don't really want to throw this down7 'cause my thing is to help America be8 beautiful."9 So we and the Administration10 have relationships with businesses and11 maybe some companies that can help12 contribute to a massive campaign, 'cause13 you are not going to fine your way out of14 keeping the City clean; that's not going15 to happen.16 You're just going to get more17 tickets and then maybe from the tickets18 you write, you can do a publicity19 campaign about trash and litter and20 keeping Philadelphia clean. And then21 once we do that, and you try and change22 the behavior that way, but you're not23 going to change the behavior by fining24 people, 'cause you haven't done it yet.25 34 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 There's still trash.2 COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Correct.3
Thank you,7 Madam Chair.8 This is -- I have just about9 three or four questions for the Finance10 Director.11
Councilman16 Green, I've asked the Streets17 Commissioner not to leave because I have18 a question for her.19
Thank you.22 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:23 They're going to remain until the hearing24 is over.25 35 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 Councilman Green.2
Thank you,3 Madam Chair.4 By way of background of these5 questions, it's my understanding that6 we're going to try to get a budget out of7 Council not this Thursday but next8 Thursday, and we have a number of9 questions that I think are important to10 have answered prior to our doing that;11 otherwise, at least in my view, we have12 to make educated guesses on our own, and13 the Administration are really the people14 with the information that's necessary in15 order to allow us to make informed16 decisions.17 So on April 14th, President18 Verna asked, during the Finance19 Department's testimony: Of the 5820 percent of the budget the Administration21 says is non-discretionary, please provide22 a chart showing how much has been cut23 from this part of the budget since July24 '09.25 36 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 Is that chart available?2
Okay, great.5 We asked for -- I guess, on the6 7th of April, we asked for specific7 detail regarding contingency Plan B cuts,8 including cuts from savings, cuts in9 every department, what's going to be10 closed, et cetera, for every department.11 Are we expected to get that12 information shortly?13
I thought what we14 said about Plan B was -- actually, we15 gave -- yeah, we gave you -- there was16 the items that were in the Five-Year17 Plan, there was the testimony that every18 department gave, and I think that was19 what we talked about how we were going to20 handle the Plan B.21
Most22 departments came before us and said that23 they knew that they had Plan B cuts, but24 didn't know what they were. For example,25 37 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 Health didn't know what health center was2 closing; Records didn't know how they3 were saving 2.4 million. And I could go4 through every department.5 So what we're asking for is6 exactly what are the Plan B cuts,7 including savings from cuts, personnel8 impact, impact on other budget classes,9 impact on other service delivery -- for10 every department.11
We can go back and12 look at the departments that didn't13 answer those questions during their14 hearings and get you the information.15
Okay. I'm16 not aware of any department that's17 provided a full answer to that question,18 and I do think we need that prior to the19 callbacks on the 11th.20 Councilman Kenney, on the 14th21 of April, asked for a chart showing the22 number of homeowners that would be23 impacted from different alternatives with24 respect to taxes, and I'm also interested25 38 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 in that chart.2
That's5 great.6 We have sent this to your7 office. We'll send another updated copy8 today and will look forward to working9 with you on this after we get answers to10 questions.11 Thank you very much.12
Thank13 you.14 The Chair recognizes Councilman15 Clarke.16
Thank you,17 Madam President.18 I actually had a question for19 the Records Commissioner, and maybe, I20 don't know, Mr. Dubow may need to stay21 up. It's somewhat of a policy issue.22 (Commissioner Decker returns to23 witness table.)24
Good25 39 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 morning.2 COMMISSIONER DECKER: Good3 morning.4
I just had5 a question, and I actually think I6 mentioned it in earlier testimony, about7 the recording fees and the understanding8 that a portion of the recording fees was9 to go in earlier agreements,10 arrangements, or -- I don't know, I11 thought it was legislation, but12 apparently not.13 That in this particular14 increase, it's my understanding that the15 increased portion will not go to -- none16 of that will go to the Affordable Housing17 Trust Fund?18 COMMISSIONER DECKER: That's19 correct. The original legislation really20 was passed in two parts. One was a State21 legislation, then it was followed by City22 implementation and legislation, but the23 original legislation provided for the24 establishment of the fund from the25 40 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 recording fees.2
Right.3 COMMISSIONER DECKER: But that4 no further increases -- it would not be5 automatic. The legislation did not6 provided for an automatic increase in the7 portion that goes to the Housing Trust8 Fund when a recording fee is increased.9 That's correct.10
But, I14 mean, wasn't it an agreement?15 COMMISSIONER DECKER: It was16 actually formal legislation passed both17 by the General Assembly and --18
I19 understand that. And the advocates were20 essentially the primary moving force21 behind getting the legislation passed,22 and I thought this was a cooperative23 agreement that put us in a position to be24 able to provide that opportunity for the25 41 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 Affordable Housing Trust Fund.2 And now, we've going to3 increase that fee, and, to my4 understanding, there has been no5 discussion with the advocates. And we6 just essentially raise the fee, which I'm7 not opposed to.8 But if we had an earlier9 agreement that a position of that would10 go to the Trust Fund, I would think that11 any expansion of that program, since the12 advocates were the primary moving force13 in actually getting it implemented, at a14 minimum, there should have been a15 conversation. And from my perspective, a16 percentage of that increase should17 actually go to the Trust Fund, not to18 mention the fact that the amount of money19 is dwindling dramatically.20 COMMISSIONER DECKER: Yes, I21 understand, Councilman, but I --22
And that23 probably wasn't your call, I understand24 that.25 42 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 COMMISSIONER DECKER: Right.2
That's why3 I said Mr. Dubow probably should stay at4 the table.5
Right. I6 understand your point. We would need a7 change in State law to do that, to have8 a -- the State law that was passed with9 the increase --10
-- set the amount12 that would go into the Housing Trust13 Fund.14
I think it was an17 amount, wasn't it?18 COMMISSIONER DECKER: It was --19 yes, that's correct. It was equal to20 whatever the recording fee at that time21 was.22
It's a fixed rate25 43 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 in the legislation as opposed to a2 percent.3
So what's4 the rate?5 COMMISSIONER DECKER: It was6 equal to the recording fee at that point7 in time.8
Right. Yeah, so it9 was -- right, the fee that was put in10 place when that legislation was passed.11 So that's $72, I think?12 COMMISSIONER DECKER: That's13 correct.14
We did not have25 44 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 those discussions.2
You know, I7 --8 (Indiscernible; parties talking9 over each other.)10
We need11 revenue, but we also -- I mean, a part of12 what our mission is to provide affordable13 housing opportunities.14
So, if16 we're going to increase the amount, I17 would like to think that a percentage of18 that should go towards affordable19 housing.20
Our General23 Fund is important, but that can't be our24 only mission in life.25 45 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441
And we do4 have a lot of people that need to have5 some --6
Right. And if we7 did take a portion of this increase and8 move it to the Housing Trust Fund, we9 would have to find some other revenue to10 replace it or expend it through --11
Well, I12 understand that. I mean, but had that13 conversation happened early on in the14 process, we would have accounted for15 that.16
And you18 think we definitely need State19 legislation to authorize any additional20 --21
All right,23 okay. I would like to revisit that24 later, 'cause I want to, you know -- all25 46 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 right. Thanks, thanks. That answers my2 question though.3 Thank you.4
Thank7 you, Madam Chair.8 Commissioner Tolson, just9 quickly. I don't want to belabor the10 point of the trash violations, but I11 think Councilwoman Sanchez raised a good12 point, and I support this bill, and I13 think Councilman Kenney's idea of even14 making it stronger makes sense.15 But I wonder if there's any16 kind of -- Councilwoman Tasco talked17 about education of the public -- sort of18 an education of the enforcement officers19 to, in the sense of, if someone lives,20 like, right at a bus stop or maybe a21 couple doors away from a restaurant that22 has a lot of takeout, is there any23 thought to -- do the officers consider24 that when they look at -- like, if you25 47 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 live two doors from a McDonald's and2 there is -- you happen to walk down at3 2 o'clock in the afternoon and there's4 McDonald's wrappers on somebody's5 sidewalk, it seems to me that it doesn't6 take a lot of intuitive thinking to7 realize that that -- probably somebody8 dropped it on the way by, and that person9 may not have gotten home yet, you know?10 You know where I'm going with this?11 COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Yeah.12
I'm just13 wondering if there's any thought of that,14 'cause I hate to see people just get15 fined because they haven't gotten home --16 you know, they're working all day and17 they haven't gotten home in time to clean18 their pavement, if I'm making sense.19 COMMISSIONER TOLSON: We are20 sensitive to that issue, Councilman.21
Uh-huh.22 COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Our23 charge is that we also have so many24 people who are insensitive to the fact25 48 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 that they're responsible for their2 properties.3
No, I4 hear you.5 COMMISSIONER TOLSON: And most6 of us who are sweeping up litter are not7 sweeping up our own litter, we're not8 making it.9
Mm-hmm.10 COMMISSIONER TOLSON: But we do11 have those in our communities who don't12 care about the environment, who would13 choose to just throw their debris14 anywhere.15
Mm-hmm.16 COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Or people17 who have properties who choose not to18 pick up ever. You know, the newspaper19 circulars that, you know, are -- you20 know, three months' worth of circulars21 are on the sidewalk.22
Right.23 And I'm okay with all of that.24 I guess what I'm thinking of --25 49 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 and you raised it -- is something like2 the extent, if you see something, like3 the example I gave of the McDonald's bag,4 is maybe to come back the next day or two5 days later and see if it looks like the6 same kind of refuse is there, you know?7 I just hate to see people get8 fined because, you know, obviously, they9 can't be looking out their door or even10 home every waking moment, you know.11 COMMISSIONER TOLSON: You're12 actually --13
Like, if14 you see 18 pizza menus sitting on the15 step, obviously, the people haven't been16 paying attention for quite a while, but17 if you see a bag from a Chinese takeout18 restaurant or a McDonald's sitting there,19 isn't it kind of reasonable to think,20 well, maybe that person hasn't had a21 chance to get to it yet because maybe it22 was dropped today and they're working or23 something. You know what I'm --24 COMMISSIONER TOLSON: That25 50 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 level of litter would not usually warrant2 a --3
Okay.7 'Cause I do know somebody in my area who8 lives close now -- he's deceased, so9 doesn't get it anymore, and I haven't10 heard from other neighbors. But he was11 an older guy and sometimes he just12 couldn't get out in time.13 COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Mm-hmm.14
He lived15 close to a very high-volume Chinese16 restaurant. And, you know, it was a17 constant problem for him. And, you know,18 and he did clean a lot, but there were19 times -- and it didn't seem like20 sometimes -- and this is a while ago when21 the officers wrote the ticket that. You22 know, it seemed like they were not giving23 him a lot of time to clean up -- or not24 realizing his situation.25 51 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 I'm not saying they were2 supposed to know he was a senior, but3 anybody, just a homeowner.4 COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Right,5 right.6
So that's7 the only thing I'm getting at. And8 you're saying that a little bit will not9 generate a ticket anymore?10 COMMISSIONER TOLSON: That's11 correct.12
'Cause it13 did at one time, but maybe --14 COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Well, we15 will -- I will certainly take this back16 and try to look at reinforcing and17 reeducating the officers.18
Okay.19 COMMISSIONER TOLSON: 'Cause I20 think that there's always an opportunity21 to, you know, resensitize them to issues22 at hand and the job that they have at23 hand.24
Right.25 52 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 And I know -- I'm not trying to be2 critical. I think most of the violations3 are good violations, they should be4 written, but I do hear this occasionally,5 and Councilwoman Sanchez gave the example6 of living near a bus stop, and there is a7 problem for the homeowner too, you know.8 COMMISSIONER TOLSON:9 Absolutely.10
All11 right. I appreciate it.12 COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Or the13 windy side of the street.14
Pardon?15 COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Or the16 side of the street that receives the --17
Yeah,18 wherever the wind blows, right, exactly.19 All right, thank you.20 Thank you, Madam Chair.21 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:22 You're welcome.23 The Chair recognizes Councilman24 Jones.25 53 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441
Thank you,2 Madam President.3 Commissioner Tolson, I think4 it's safe to say that the reality for5 most taxpayers in the City of6 Philadelphia, when it comes to sanitation7 and pickup, has changed dramatically.8 Our policies have, based on budgetary9 constraints and realities of where we10 are, changed radically.11 What would be helpful -- and I12 don't know if you've already produced13 this, but a one-page outline of what has14 changed dealing with issues like15 commercial trash fees, bulk pickups, your16 policy for block captains, cleanups of17 blocks and lots, and how we're going to18 operate going forward.19 It would be helpful for me and20 my staff to communicate that to block21 captains, particularly every year -- and22 this year, on June 22nd, at Philadelphia23 University, we have a block captains boot24 camp, where we try to disseminate as much25 54 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 information as possible as to these kinds2 of changes.3 So if you could do a one-pager4 that kind of highlights the salient5 points, everything from leaf pickup to6 street-cleaning during snowstorms,7 plowing, and things like that. If we8 could get a better sense of how to9 educate the public, that would be helpful10 to us.11 COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Thank12 you. Very good.13
Thank you,14 Madam President.15 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:16 You're welcome.17 The Chair recognizes Councilman18 Rizzo.19
24 Commissioner, I had this25 55 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 conversation with you a couple of years2 ago, and you weren't too supportive of my3 request. Lots of communities -- and I4 don't know all -- have adopted a rigid5 container requirement to put out your6 trash. 21 Do you think there's a area, a22 pilot program we could consider? 'Cause,23 Commissioner, I think if we could24 eliminate a lot of this being put out in25 56 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 plastic bags -- in some cases, that don't2 even belong to be put out. 25 57 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 Many people have their trash collected in2 the front of their homes, which means3 that they are taking their trash out4 through the dining room, through the5 living room, to the front. And because6 of that -- and they also don't have front7 yards or breezeways. 16 COUNCILMAN RIZZO:17 Commissioner, that was one piece, but you18 actually sent me a study that was, like,19 Part B, the efficiencies of the20 collectors. 5 COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Yeah. 9 The point I wanted to make now10 is that I think we're looking at11 innovations that might even go past12 having a small can or the bag issue. 19 COUNCILMAN RIZZO:20 Commissioner, I want to add on to the21 ticket issue that I witness all the time22 contractors and other folks actually stop23 in front of a person's home that's got24 their trash out and clean out their truck25 59 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 with plastic bottles, and they don't care2 whether they put it in the recycling can3 or the trashcan. 8 And I know that's tough for9 your folks to figure out, but I think10 that you have to be sensitive that that11 really happens. I mean, I've watched it12 happen. 17 COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Yes. 19
Thank you.20 COMMISSIONER TOLSON: In part,21 that's the purpose of the Office of22 Administrative Review and what they can23 hear. We may not know that. When we see24 the condition of the sidewalk, we don't25 60 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 know if somebody cleaned out their house2 or that somebody, you know, came by in a3 construction truck and dumped it, 'cause4 I too have seen the same issue occur.5
Thank11 you. Thank you, Madam President.12 Good morning, Commissioner.13 COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Good14 morning.15
You know,16 I pretty much support most of the efforts17 to make Philadelphia a cleaner city,18 'cause when you ride around, the litter,19 the trash, the weeds, the high grass, I20 mean, it just drives me crazy, but I do21 have some questions.22 I don't think that the public23 -- I think the public pretty much knows24 that they should, of course, sweep their25 61 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 sidewalk and shovel snow and whatnot, and2 whether they do it or not, and when they3 don't do it, they should get a citation.4 But does SWEEP have a schedule,5 or do they just pop up in a neighborhood,6 because -- and I'll tell you one reason.7 A person that doesn't live far8 from me, his house is up high steps,9 so -- and he's been doing this for years.10 He has a backyard. He doesn't have,11 like, a ally way, so he has to go through12 the house. So he brings his trash to the13 top of the steps, close to the house, on14 trash day, or the morning that he can put15 the trash out, I think Wednesday -- trash16 day is Thursday.17 So he brings the trash to the18 front of the house, from the back, and19 puts it up near his house, and he's been20 doing that for years. It's in a bag,21 it's neat.22 And the other week, he got a23 SWEEP ticket. SWEEP came by and gave him24 a ticket. He wasn't littering. It's25 62 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 still up on his property. And, I mean,2 up; it's not street level.3 So I did talk to the SWEEP4 officer. And, actually, I think that may5 have been the first time SWEEP was on the6 block. And so, we're going to have a7 community meeting, 'cause other people8 got tickets too, and they called our9 office.10 So we're going to have a11 community meeting to educate people about12 the rules of trash, that it's not just a13 everyday, normal rule, 'cause she said to14 me that when he put his bags out, it15 could cause litter. It's not litter16 there, but it could cause litter. It's17 on his property, it's off the street. I18 still can't figure out why he got a19 ticket.20 So whenever we have this21 meeting, maybe we'll gain a better22 understanding. So that's why I wanted to23 know if there's -- we do -- and she's24 agreed, I mean immediately agreed, to25 63 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 come out and do a community meeting so we2 can inform the residents about SWEEP and3 what they gave you citations for and what4 you can do and can't do. I mean, we know5 the basics that they can and can't do.6 And I do think that an7 important part of any program is to make8 sure that the public is educated as to9 what they can and can't do.10 COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Yes.11
Because,12 you know, because when you talk about --13 and we do have people who live at bus14 stops, we do have people that live near15 any kind of retail establishment, like16 the example that Councilman Greenlee was17 talking about, a McDonald's.18 So if they put a trashcan on19 their sidewalk so that they can collect,20 hopefully, people will deposit it in the21 trashcan versus throwing it on the22 sidewalk, don't they get a ticket for23 that also, for having a trashcan?24 COMMISSIONER TOLSON: No. We25 64 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 at one time had that as an issue, but now2 we work with the residents who kind of3 have like an adopt-a-basket, where they4 place the can out for public use. The5 problem comes up when the -- sometimes6 residents choose to use that can for7 their household waste.8
Right,9 right. I know that, right.10 COMMISSIONER TOLSON: And then11 the problem goes awry.12
Right,13 right.14 COMMISSIONER TOLSON: So15 instead of it capturing the wrappers from16 the fast-food store, it's now capturing,17 you know, somebody's bag of fish from18 dinner last night.19
Okay.20 Now, do the SWEEP officers also go out on21 business corridors, or there's another22 that does that?23 COMMISSIONER TOLSON: There are24 SWEEP officers on business corridors as25 65 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 well.2
Okay,3 because I was on a business corridor the4 other day, and I saw somebody just take a5 whole pizza box and just throw it on the6 ground and keep walking. And, you know,7 I would hate to see the owner of the8 store fined for that because that was9 actually a pedestrian just walking done10 the street, who didn't care about using11 the trash disposal.12 COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Right.13
How they14 disposed of their trash.15 So, you know, the persons that16 called me when SWEEP was in their17 neighborhood -- and I don't think they18 came back. So is there a schedule, or do19 they just come? I mean --20 COMMISSIONER TOLSON: The SWEEP21 officers work on two bases. One, by a22 complaint because people -- a neighbor23 complains about other neighbors who have24 their trashcans out not on trash day,25 66 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 they're open and overflowing or open such2 that they're smelly and, you know, vermin3 can get in them.4 And also, we have tours and5 routes along commercial corridors and by6 communities. And we kind of cycle7 through the City and just cycle back8 around again.9 We don't have an enormous10 staff, so we don't have the opportunity11 to stay in any one place very long.12
Okay. So13 are the majority of the people paying the14 citations? Well, it said about 4015 percent of total citations. What is the16 pay rate -- percentage, rather?17 COMMISSIONER TOLSON: I think18 we're at approximately 51 percent.19
Oh, okay.20 That's good. So what happens when you21 don't pay; do they just keeping adding up22 or --23 COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Yes. The24 fines can escalate, and you may wind up25 67 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 in court, or they may be dismissed at the2 Office of Administrative Review.3
All4 right, okay. Thank you.5 Thank you, Madam President.6 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:7 You're welcome.8 The Chair recognizes Councilman9 DiCicco.10
Thank you,11 Madam President.12 And good morning, Commissioner.13 COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Good14 morning.15
How many16 SWEEP officers do we have?17 COMMISSIONER TOLSON: We18 presently have 57 budgeted.19
You and I23 have had this conversation on a couple of24 occasions. In the South Philadelphia25 68 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 part of my district, aside from the2 handbills that are left at either3 someone's doorstep, stuck in between the4 railing, or in someone's windshield,5 probably the biggest contributor to6 litter in South Philadelphia is the South7 Philadelphia Review. 12 Since it's such a prized13 commodity, our constituents just can't14 wait to see that Review. 18 And in the process, the bundle19 becomes loose, a little bit of wind20 happens to come by. And before you know21 it, literally dozens, if not hundreds, of22 newspapers are being strewn throughout23 the streets. 4 And I've talked to them for the5 last ten, twelve years about maybe they6 should put these bundles in a clear --7 and you're going to consider me crazy --8 plastic bag. 12 I don't think they've ever13 gotten any fines. They are, again, the14 biggest contributor. 21 I heard earlier testimony, or22 questions, about it's not fair for a23 homeowner to receive a citation for trash24 that was not their trash. 13 So if I come home from work14 tonight, and there's litter, at least I15 know that I should clean it before I16 leave for work tomorrow morning. 20 So, on the one hand, I'm21 suggesting that maybe we give some22 leniency to folks who may have litter on23 the sidewalk, by providing them a24 significant amount of time. I mean, on a25 71 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 slow day, it takes you five minutes to2 clean the 16-foot of curb in front of3 your house and your sidewalk. 17 So I'm trying to get some18 balance of fairness here. 20 COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Sure. We21 can certainly -- I'll start with one, the22 Review. 5 With regard to the warnings, we6 can certainly take that back and examine7 our ability to do that. 15 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: And not to16 take any work away from your department,17 but I think we might want to look at18 discussing the possibility of having the19 Parking Authority play some role in20 either notification and/or issuance of21 citations because they're out there. 10 COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Yes. 14
I thought15 we did that bill. I thought Councilman16 Mariano -- I thought we passed that.17 COMMISSIONER TOLSON: No, I18 don't know that it was passed. I think19 it was under discussion, but I don't know20 that it passed.21 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Well, I'll22 go back in the archives. For some23 reason, I thought we passed it, but I24 could be wrong.25 74 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 And the other thing is with2 trash being put out. A lot of commercial3 properties -- delis, small little4 restaurants -- and this happens in my5 neighborhood -- who have a commercial6 trash pickup, but they do put out their7 trash not only in paper bags -- plastic8 bags, but they also do cardboard boxes9 and other materials that are not bound.10 And on 11th Street, there's a11 famous hoagie shop, the guy's a friend of12 mine. On a windy day, those bread boxes13 are everywhere, they're all over the14 place, so I think we need to educate the15 business community a little bit better16 about their responsibility.17 And they, I think, should at18 least be required to put their trash in a19 container. You know, directly across the20 street is a restaurant; their trash is in21 a container. Around the corner is a22 deli; it's left out in paper bags, boxes23 half broken down, just left there. Not24 only is it unsightly, but it does pose a25 75 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 problem and exacerbates the litter2 problem that we all have to deal with.3 COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Mm-hmm.4
And some5 of that trash winds up on somebody else's6 pavement, and they may get a ticket for7 that, a citation, and that's not fair.8 So I think we need to step up9 education and enforcement with commercial10 entities as well.11 COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Very good12 point.13 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you.14 COMMISSIONER TOLSON: We will15 follow up on that.16 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you.17 Thank you, Madam President.18
Thank19 you.20 The Chair recognizes Councilman21 Clarke.22
Thanks,23 Madam President.24 Real quick. I was having25 76 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 difficulty hearing you when you were2 responding to Councilman Greenlee's, but3 I did hear this issue about people4 walking past your property and dropping5 trash.6 And I have, from a personal7 perspective -- I don't like to bring my8 personal situation into the debate, but I9 happen to live near a el stop, and all10 day long, the people go to and from the11 el, and there are, like, two stores at12 the el stop, and they just drop trash all13 day long.14 So every night, I come home, I15 got to clean the trash off my sidewalk,16 which I'm okay with.17 COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Right.18
But as it19 relates to SWEEP officers, exactly what20 are they going to do when it's obviously21 not trash from the person's property who22 lives there? I mean, how is that going23 to be handled?24 'Cause, I mean, I don't get25 77 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 home till 8, 9 o'clock at night 'cause2 I'm working.3 COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Sure.4
And I don't5 want to have to --6 COMMISSIONER TOLSON: We've7 asked the officers to be sensitive to8 people who live near conditions that9 might create extra debris on the10 sidewalk.11 But on the same hand, when it12 starts to accumulate at a level that it13 appears that the property owner is just14 ignoring it --15
I'm having16 trouble hearing you.17 COMMISSIONER TOLSON: When it18 appears that the property owner is19 ignoring conditions on their sidewalk so20 that it starts to accumulate more than a21 day's worth -- you know, circulars, two22 months' or three months' worth of23 circulars, you know, are left on the24 sidewalk, that those are conditions that25 78 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 we will be issuing the tickets for, but2 that we have to encourage our officers.3 And we will do more to encourage them to4 be sensitive to people who live near --5 on the windy side of the street, near a6 bus stop, near an entity that might drop7 materials, near schools.8 Those are the kinds of things9 that we see as being problems, and we10 will try to --11
All right.12 So they will be properly schooled in13 understanding the nature of the trash and14 its origin.15 COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Right.16
And the17 cumulative aspect of it.18 COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Right.19 Surely.20
All right.21 COMMISSIONER TOLSON: So when22 it looks like it's accumulating and23 people just aren't addressing because24 it's just --25 79 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441
All right,2 I'm okay with that. I mean, I have a3 situation on my block with a person.4 It's an industrial site, and they don't5 ever do anything. As a matter of fact,6 they have weeds on their sidewalk about7 this high (indicating).8 COMMISSIONER TOLSON: No.9
So I agree10 with you.11 One last question. How many12 departments in the City have either13 enforcement or regulatory powers with14 respects to property maintenance code?15 COMMISSIONER TOLSON: How many16 agencies, um...17 I would say there has to be at18 least three, but there may be four or19 five. Police, Streets, and L&I all have20 the ability to write that. And then we21 may be able to include something with22 regard to the Health Department; I'm not23 sure about them --24
Okay.25 80 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 COMMISSIONER TOLSON: --2 regarding property maintenance, property3 maintenance relative to certain4 establishments may be (indiscernible) as5 well.6
Thank you,11 Madam Chair.12 Commissioner Tolson, just -- I13 had one quick question, and that is, I14 think you gave us numbers when we did15 budget stat in, like, in January or16 February that showed how much we would17 save if we went to trash collection three18 days a month or two days a month.19 COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Mm-hmm.20
Are those21 numbers still good?22 COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Yes.23
Okay, thank24 you.25 81 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441
I want4 to be helpful, 'cause I realize the5 bottom line is the $7.5 million that we6 need for our budget in terms of this7 stuff.8 But I also want there to be an9 understanding, going back to what Tasco10 says, is that we really do need to do a11 campaign. And if we're going to increase12 these fees, I expect the Administration13 to do a massive campaign, and I'd like14 the Administration to review how many15 citations are being issued, who's paying16 them, and the correlation between our17 litter and our citations, because I want18 to look at my numbers to date, and I want19 to see if I'm unfairly being targeted in20 particularly the areas that are hit21 around the citation, so that we can make22 sure that in the cases, as Councilman23 Clarke mentioned, where -- and I know24 this is an issue that Deputy Mayor25 82 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 Cutler's looking at because it's a2 discussion we've had around bus stops and3 SEPTAs and all of that and doing a better4 job.5 You know, again, I'm just6 concerned about the ability to protect my7 seniors and my folks on fixed income, but8 I do want to work with you on the litter9 collection.10 And I agree with Tasco: We're11 not going to cite our way out of this.12 So, if the Administration is13 going to guarantee me that we're going to14 do a campaign around this -- as you know,15 we've been working on this as it relates16 to the store owners and everybody else --17 I'll continue to do that, but I want to18 make sure I'm not -- that my folks aren't19 paying a higher amount of money and that20 we're not working with them.21 So there has to be agreements22 by the Administration to work with me on23 that.24 COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Absolutel25 83 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 y. And we certainly agree. Education is2 the first piece of this. And though3 we're talking about enforcement tickets,4 that is not the focus for us; it's got to5 be education.6 And what I've heard here today7 is that we need to do some more of that,8 and we will we will.9
Okay.10 COMMISSIONER TOLSON: We'll11 make a major effort to focus on education12 for the coming weeks and months.13
Thank17 you.18 The Chair recognizes the19 Councilman Clarke, if he's in the room.20 (Councilman Clarke is not21 present at this time.)22
Do we23 have any other members that would like to24 be recognized?25 84 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 Councilman Kenney.2
Thank you3 very much.4 Picking up on Councilwoman5 Tasco's suggestion relative to6 educational programming. Maybe we ought7 to look at hiking the fine to 100 or 150,8 taking the balance that we would receive9 and doing some kind of educational10 campaign either on cable television or11 some other methods, and that may be a12 source of revenue for you to provide that13 or to create that type of Ladybird14 Johnson type of program she was alluding15 to, to get the message out.16 Cable TV's pretty reasonably17 inexpensive compared to network, it does18 get good penetration, and I'm just19 wondering whether or not that might be20 the way to find the money you need,21 increasing your fines from 25 to 50, but22 then doing the other 50 and putting it23 into an education program.24 COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Okay.25 85 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441
Are3 there any other comments or questions4 from members of the committee?5 The Chair recognizes6 Councilwoman Sanchez.7
I would8 suggest, going to what Councilman9 Kenney's saying, that that be a10 multilingual campaign. I think the11 importance of that --12
Thank17 you.18 Any further questions or19 comments by members of the committee?20 (No further questions.)21 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:22 Seeing none, thank you very much for your23 testimony.24 The committee will stand in25 86 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 recess until 1:30, at which time we will2 have public testimony.3 Thank you very much.4 (Lunch break taken at5 11:37 a.m.)6 (Proceedings resume.)7
Good8 afternoon, everyone. Thank you so much9 for your patience. This is a continued10 public hearing of the Committee of the11 Whole.12 I would ask Mr. McPherson to13 please call the first witnesses.14 MR. McPHERSON: Al Perry.15 (Witness comes forward.)16
I17 believe everyone was told that we have a18 time limit on the testimony because we do19 have a number of witnesses, so if you20 could speak for three minutes.21 We do have a timer, and we will22 use the timer. When you hear the bell23 ring, just try to conclude your remarks.24 Thank you.25 87 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 Good afternoon, Mr. Perry.2
Good afternoon,3 Madam President.4 Thank you for having us here5 today and giving us the forum to talk6 about this. I'm here on behalf of the7 Philadelphia Greater Philadelphia8 Association of Realtors. I serve as9 their president, and I am a real estate10 broker in the City of Philadelphia.11 And I'm here today to talk --12 it started as a position where we were in13 opposition of the real estate property-14 tax increase, when Bill No. 090218 came15 out, and what it's turned into is,16 actually, an opportunity for us to talk17 about a program called SCOPE, Selling18 City Owned Properties Efficiently.19 We've been following a lot of20 the Council hearings and a lot of21 questionings regarding the City-owned22 real estate. And just in a very quick23 opportunity I had, I printed up pages and24 pages and pages of property, public tax25 88 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 records of -- there's 36 properties on2 each one of these pages, over 5,000 owned3 in the name of the City of Philadelphia,4 over 3,000 owned in the Redevelopment5 Authority, over 5,000 owned in6 Pennsylvania Housing Authority --7 Philadelphia Housing Authority.8 And many of these properties9 are blighted and are not serving any10 common good. And I understand that a lot11 of these properties may be in functioning12 use and may also have a higher and better13 value down the road and may be worth14 land-banking, but a lot of this real15 estate is just depriving neighborhoods16 and bringing down values of streets.17 So, when I look at the City's18 budgetary problems, and our organization19 talks about, you know, where everybody's20 being looked to cut back, and many21 businesses and families have had to do22 that as well, we look at these assets and23 say, This is something the City of24 Philadelphia can bring forward now,25 89 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 presently, to get a dedicated funding2 source to the City.3 None of these properties are4 bringing positive tax rolls, I would5 assume. They're not bringing transfer6 tax, they're blighted, they're driving7 property values down.8 We're doing presently a pilot9 program with the Redevelopment Authority,10 where we actively have nine properties11 listed in the MLS that were Redevelopment12 Authority-owned properties, and we have13 four -- well, two of them presently under14 contract, and we've demonstrated quite a15 bit more power that we can bring 2516 percent over what the RDA evaluated those17 properties to be, currently under18 contract.19 So we look for City Council to20 consider giving more properties to the21 Realtors to sell.22 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:23 You've indicated that you've been24 watching the hearings, and I'm sure that25 90 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 you did hear several of the Councilpeople2 sharing the same concerns you have. And3 I see to my left is Councilman Clarke,4 and I think he did go into great detail5 about the issue at hand.6 And I really want to thank you7 for coming in. Are you going to share8 that list with us?9
I'd be more than10 happy to leave -- I was going to make11 copies of it, but I didn't want to kill12 another 30 trees, so -- but I -- you're13 more than welcome to these.14 This is not everything.15 Unfortunately, our public record database16 will only let us print out 5,000 at a17 time. So it actually exceeds 5,000 in a18 number of these ownership pieces, but19 it's a good representative start.20 And we would love to help City21 Council, as an organization, determine22 which of these properties may be23 marketable, what you might be able to do.24 And if I could just mention,25 91 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 Baltimore -- this is a program that's2 been running in Baltimore, and I have3 statistics: They've sold 242 City of4 Baltimore properties through the end of5 2008. It's generated over $6 million in6 net revenues to the city from blighted7 properties, and that's after commissions8 have been netted out, that were paid to9 the real estate community. And it's the10 highest and best value for the11 properties, the investors, the owners12 have to buy.13 It's advertised on the MLS, so14 you know you're getting market rate.15 There's no inside track to the real16 estate, so you know you're getting market17 rates on the properties. And it's18 something I would strongly suggest.19 HUD does it presently. You20 know, let it out there for everybody to21 see, let it out there to get competition.22 You know, that's something that the City23 doesn't always get. When it does sell24 real estate, it's competition to sell it.25 92 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 So I'd love to see competition 'cause2 that raises the values.3 And they have presently 714 active listings over there, with 18 of5 those pending. And they anticipate that6 the revitalized real estate -- 'cause7 they have an 18-month deed restriction in8 there that the -- whoever buys this real9 estate has to develop it within 1810 months. And there's a deed restriction11 that would revert back to the City of12 Baltimore if it doesn't work.13 And they estimate that the14 property is now worth in excess of $3615 million.16
And many of those18 properties were then resold because19 there's an owner-occupant contingency in20 there as well, has to become owner-21 occupied.22 And that money's generated23 additional transfer tax and property tax.24 And, of course, whoever's going to live25 93 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 there's got to pay wage tax and sales tax2 and so forth and so on. And so it's a --3 it's a boulder rolling downhill at that4 point.5 And that's what we'd like to6 see, is additional tax revenues, where we7 don't have to raise anybody's taxes as8 much as we can take what's already9 stagnant and bring that into productive10 use.11
Thank12 you, thank you very much. We appreciate13 your coming in.14 I see that Councilman Green has15 his light on.16
Just a quick17 question.18 Did you add up the total amount19 on all of those pages for the properties?20
What I have here is21 about 13,000 properties. I don't believe22 it's representative of the actually23 amount.24
No, no, just25 94 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 on the tax rolls, what it's worth.2
I'd love to get7 back to you with that; I could probably8 do so.9
Thank you.14 We have been talking to the15 Administration about the SCOPE Program16 since January of 2008, and we're very17 hopeful that they will adopt it.18 In questioning before Council,19 many of us have mentioned Baltimore's20 SCOPE Program specifically, and there are21 questions on the record where the22 Administration is supposed to study that23 and get back to us. Hopefully, they'll24 get back to us favorably.25 95 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 Thank you.2
Thank5 you.6 Are there any other questions7 from members of the committee?8 (No further questions.)9 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:10 Again, I thank you. And thank you for11 sharing that information with us.12
I'll leave this13 with the Sergeant-at-Arms.14 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:15 You're helping to make our job a little16 easier. Thank you.17
Money in is better18 than raising additional funds.19 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:20 Right. Thank you so much.21 MR. McPHERSON: Our next panel22 consists of Jim Heller, Mike McCrea,23 Claudia Sherrod, Ed Pereles, Tom Henry,24 Jeffrey Bond.25 96 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 (Witnesses come forward.)2
Hi,6 Claudia.7 Please identify yourself for8 the record and proceed with your9 testimony.10
Good afternoon. My11 name is Jeffrey Bond, and I'm here12 representing the Nicetown Tioga section13 of the City. I'm actually the President14 of the Community Advisory Council at Stem15 Park Playground.16 And I just want to suggest to17 City Council and to Mayor Goode -- Mayor18 Nutter, the Administration, that I was19 one of the people from the City. I20 didn't fall through the cracks; I21 actually walked through the crack and22 ended up in the state correctional23 system.24 Now that I'm home, representing25 97 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 a new type of leadership, working with2 youth, and not just at-risk youth, and at3 the recreation facilities, not just in4 the Nicetown Tioga section but throughout5 the whole city is very, very vital to the6 health and welfare of our youth in the7 City, because without the playgrounds,8 the rec centers, PAL, and those type of9 places for the youth to go and10 participate in sports activities and some11 other craft activities, there's nothing12 left for them to do but actually go out13 on the streets, where that bad element14 is, and then they become a part of that,15 you know.16 So I'm here today to really ask17 and appeal to City Council and the Mayor18 Michael Nutter Administration to please19 do not continue to cut the budget from20 the Recreation Department because that21 is, like, one of our last hopes for22 children.23 And I'm saying this out of24 experience, not out of no theory or25 98 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 nothing like that, because I grew up in2 Philadelphia all of my life, except for3 the time that I spent in the state4 correctional institution, and recreation5 was important.6 And the thing about recreation7 is that it let the youth use they energy8 in a positive way, and it really tires9 you out. So after you finish playing10 your sports and activity, you don't have11 energy enough to get involved in12 destructive things.13 So my encouragement to City14 Council is to please, please, if you can,15 do not cut the budget from the Recreation16 Department so that our youth can have17 somewhere to go and some structured18 activities with persons like myself who's19 willing to come back to the community and20 contribute to them in that light.21 And I thank you all for letting22 me speak today.23
Thank24 you very much thank for coming in to25 99 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 testify. And continue the good work.2
Good afternoon,7 Council President Verna and all of the8 City Council members. My name is Claudia9 Sherrod, and I am the treasurer of Smith10 Playground, and I would like to submit11 before I go into my testimony that12 Mr. Hellman is indisposed; he was not13 able to be present, but I have submitted14 all of his testimony.15 The budget has been a16 conversation among conversations in our17 community. The fact that Philadelphia's18 in a crisis is understood. The manner in19 which the facts have been presented20 targeting the recreation centers has21 disoriented many of the community to the22 point that they're turning way from the23 team we thought would build our beloved24 city through the communities.25 100 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 The children in our communities2 are the most precious, humble people that3 we know. To totally disrespect, limiting4 children's activities in the recreation5 centers is disrespect for the residents6 that work so hard to support this7 administration. I am glad to hear that8 more pools are opening. However, we are9 suffering with the fact that the only10 pool in Point Breeze will be eliminated11 the.12 Prior to Mayor Nutter being13 elected mayor, we did have his support14 for a recreation center at Chew15 Playground. Since his election, that has16 become null and void. Now we are told17 that the pool at Chew Playground will be18 closed. I assume the children of Point19 Breeze are expected to use the Marian20 Anderson Recreation Center.21 Children have barriers that22 they cannot cross. Likewise, summer23 programs that use two playgrounds are at24 a loss at what they are supposed to do25 101 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 for these programs. Please give us some2 answers as to how to overcome.3 Solid Rock Baptist Church is4 furious about this situation. They are5 one of the summer camps that are at a6 loss to what can be done to fulfill their7 summer camp experience for their8 children, without a pool. The youth9 depend on the community, particularly our10 recreation centers, regardless of their11 parents. The parents nurture from the12 inside; the community help with the13 outreach.14 The community knows that there15 is a need to raise taxes, which will be a16 burden. However, we are prepared to work17 with solutions that are sensible -- not18 anything that will kill the spirits,19 hopes, and dreams of our youth.20 The children and family is our21 purpose and cause. Please minimize any22 further cuts to the Recreation23 Department. The Recreation Department24 has taken a serious blow from the get-go:25 102 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 16-and-a-half percent, $6.5 million2 deducted from their budget.3 Following several town house4 meetings in January, we were informed5 that the deficit had increased by an6 additional one billion. This new crisis7 increased the Administration's need to8 take additional dollars. The Recreation9 Department cannot continue to take the10 burden of the entire city. I urge you,11 City Council, to take charge of this12 matter --13 (Timer bell rings.)14
--15 find ways to resolve this problem with16 increases, if need be, such that it will17 not stifle our young people.18 We hope Point Breeze, among all19 other communities, will not lose anything20 else that affects our children's growth.21
Thank22 you.23 The Chair recognizes Councilman24 Jones.25 103 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441
Did I hear5 you correctly say you were the Treasurer6 of Smith playground?7
I had an9 opportunity to go out there several weeks10 ago, to its reopening, and the wonderful11 things that are being done, the12 improvements that are being made, and, in13 fact, mentioned it to my colleague -- it14 might have been yesterday or today.15
It was18 today, that it's probably one of the19 best-kept secrets in my district,20 although I share it more with Councilman21 Clarke because it abuts the district, and22 he had to give me instructions on how to23 get there the other day.24
It's25 104 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 a different Smith Playground.2
No, what you said9 is true. It is one of the best kept10 secrets.11 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:12 Claudia, we listened to your testimony13 very intently. Let me ask you a14 question.15 In order to keep all of the16 pools open and make certain that there17 are no further reductions in the18 Recreation Department, needless to say, I19 think there will be reason for increasing20 some type of tax or taxes.21 In your opinion, would you22 rather see a real-estate tax increase or23 a sales tax increase?24
To be quite25 105 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 honest, I think the sales tax increase.2 But if we have to deal with the3 real-estate tax increase, if it's going4 to be temporarily, and it won't be5 changed from the temporary status, I6 could go for that, because I know once7 the sales tax go in, it's not going to8 ever change.9
I'm Ed Pereles,15 the Chair of the Seeger Playground16 Advisory Council at 10th and 11th,17 Lombard and Rodman.18 I'm here in many capacities,19 not the least of which is as a senior,20 who has been active in the playground --21 a senior now who's been active in the22 playground for nearly 20 years.23 We are classified as a C24 center, and yet, we have nearly 100,00025 106 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 users -- that is, people who cross the2 threshold of the playground -- each year.3 Our resources have been cut4 back, as have many of the C centers. And5 yet, we don't look at, as a city, how6 many people live in the area, how many7 use the playgrounds, and for what8 purpose.9 We think that the Council ought10 to at least address that. And we've11 asked the Rec Department to address that,12 and I think Commissioner Slawson has, in13 fact considered it, because the14 evaluation of whether it's an A, B, or C15 playground tends to reflect the size of a16 building located on the facility.17 Our playground has many18 activities, and it is critically19 important in Center City to support all20 of the playgrounds, and throughout the21 City, to support the playgrounds because22 of the needs of not just the children,23 but the families and the grandparents who24 are caring for the children and the25 107 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 community as a whole.2 And we ask Council to no3 longer -- to not reduce the resources to4 the Rec Department so that they may5 consider, even under the new system, a6 the combination -- a more effective use7 of City funds.8 Thank you.9
11 Mr. 12 MR. 14 See, Mr. Hellman's not sitting15 next to me, he's not nudging me. I said,16 you know, it's a tough life when he's not17 here. 19 It's been a very tumultuous first year20 under this current administration for21 almost everyone, but particularly for our22 young people. 5 There was a back-to-basics6 approach to focus on the satisfying,7 solidifying and improving the delivery of8 our core services. 14 At that time, a group of us met15 with the Mayor, and we expressed our16 expectations and concerns pertaining to17 the merger, and he assured us that it18 would have no detrimental effect on the19 level of basic maintenance and services20 that we offer, an he also made it clear21 that we would play a role in the merger22 discussions. 24 Through all of this, we25 109 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 continue to partner with the Rec2 Department and offer delivery of our3 usual large variety of necessary services4 through the summer. By the end of the5 summer, whispers of a $100 million budget6 shortfall sent flying rumors about7 closing facilities and layoffs. Through8 the fall, we continued to assist in the9 delivery of these vital services. 12 Two days after the election and13 passage of the merger referendum, Mayor14 Nutter dopped the impending bombshell on15 us that the City was in a current project16 deficit of $108 million that year and17 800 million in the Five-Year Plan. 18 It was clear to us that the19 Administration utilized that information20 while putting together the proposed21 FY '10 budget due to the fact no22 Libraries would be closed and 50 pools23 would open, with no reduction of hours at24 any facilities. )4 MR. McCREA: We've followed the5 budget hearing over the last six weeks,6 and during the process, we heard7 reference to a Scenario B on several8 occasions. After getting a copy of it,9 we noticed that it was put together in10 the case of many tax increases were not11 approved. 18 It's hard to imagine that19 anyone would propose such draconian cuts20 to a vital service to the City's youth,21 again, from our perspective, considering22 that we provide over 90 percent of the23 onsite program dollars citywide. We have24 to wonder if it's a lack of respect or25 112 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 just being taken for granted. 3 Through all the years' ups and4 downs, the Recreation Department5 continues to offer a host of programs and6 activities, and our partnership with them7 continues to thrive. It's a living8 testament to the dedicated staff and9 volunteers that continue to provide these10 vital services to every community across11 the City. 17
Thank18 you very much.19 I see that we have written20 testimony here from Mr. Hellman. Is he21 here?22 MR. McCREA: He's in the23 building, but he's indisposed at the24 moment. It was a little too hot for him25 113 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 in here, and he was a little2 uncomfortable.3
Is he4 going to return?5 MR. McCREA: He is not.6
He is7 not. Very well. Then we will give the8 stenographer a copy of his testimony, and9 it will be transcribed in full.10 MR. McCREA: Thank you I11 appreciate that.12 I actually have a question,13 Madam President, if you don't mind. May14 I? A very short one, and I don't know if15 you have an answer to it, but maybe you16 can find out.17 I was looking at the Capital18 Budget for the Department, and I noticed19 that there were a number of items in20 there going back to actually Fiscal Year21 of '95. I'm wondering how correct that22 would be and if there is a reason why23 we're still looking at items in 1995 that24 we haven't paid for yet or we still have25 114 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 money.2 And I was curious as to why3 that was 'cause I am fielding an answer4 of that, and the Capital Program Office5 no longer exists.6 (Indiscernible; parties talking7 over each other.)8 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:9 You're not asking a question that we10 haven't asked.11 MR. McCREA: Okay.12 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:13 Mr. McPherson is going to come over to14 speak to you.15 MR. McCREA: Great. Thank you.16
And17 you can give him any information you18 might have.19 MR. McCREA: Thank you very20 much.21
Our22 next witness?23 MR. McPHERSON: Andrew24 Thompson.25 115 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 (Witness comes forward.)2
Good3 afternoon. Welcome. Please identify4 yourself for the record.5
Good afternoon,6 Councilwoman Verna. My name is Andrew7 Thompson, and it's the first time I've8 testified where I just show up and I9 didn't have to wait.10
So thanks for12 the timing today.13 My testimony concerns,14 obviously, the Recreation and Parks15 Commission as well as the libraries. I'm16 here to point out that throughout my17 review of the budget presented by the18 Mayor and throughout the debate about it,19 there has been an overarching theme of20 trying to rectify the fiscal crisis we're21 in, but at the same time, it's22 (indiscernible) ambitious goals that we23 had when Mayor Nutter started, and some24 of those goals seemed to have been25 116 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 sacrificed -- rightly so, as we do face2 an economic crisis.3 However, in November, when the4 edict came down to close some of the5 libraries, one of them was my branch6 library, in my neighborhood.7 The thing that came to mind for8 me was a saying my grandmother, and I'm9 sure everybody else's grandmother, said10 was: An ounce of prevention is worth a11 ton of cure. And, unfortunately, I don't12 believe that our city invests too much in13 cure for what ails our city.14 We have a systemic level of15 violence, of non-participation in youth16 activities that is consistently17 underfunded at every level of government,18 unless a child is arrested or placed in19 DHS care.20 My children, and the children21 of probably a lot of the people who are22 testifying today, thankfully, are outside23 of this scope. And until we start24 investing a little bit more money into25 117 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 those things that those children can have2 to supplement their schooling and their3 extracurricular activities, we're going4 to see more and more kids slide into the5 cycle of violence that we're in now.6 And I say that because -- and7 I'll point to Councilman Kenney 'cause --8 and Councilman Greenlee, when you guys9 were kids -- and I'm that old, but when I10 was a kid, we all -- and the Republican11 Councilmen and Councilwoman Sanchez as12 well -- we had jackets for the youth13 activities we were involved in. I had a14 Fishtown (indiscernible) jacket, and it15 was a big deal to have a jacket, it was a16 big deal to be involved in your local17 sports organization.18 I can point to at least ten of19 these organizations that don't exist in20 the decade-and-a-half since I was playing21 ball, that aren't in existence now. I'll22 point to some of the organizations like23 the Kensington Ramblers; Simpson AA,24 which exists in a much smaller fashion25 118 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 than it used to.2 And people will say, Oh, these3 organizations have fallen by the wayside4 because parents don't want to be5 involved, but I think what this Council6 needs to recognize, and I think the7 budget needs to recognize, is that there8 is an opportunity for this body to9 appropriate funds to go and reinitiate10 these programs in these neighborhoods11 that do not have it anymore.12 And it shouldn't take a child13 getting arrested or his parents harming14 him or her to get them involved in some15 sort of state-sponsored solution for what16 they're supposed to be doing with their17 time when they're not in school.18 And I think when I say that an19 ounce of prevention is worth a ton of20 cure, a million dollars transferred --21 and this is just a -- from the budget22 that we use the on the top end to marshal23 the kids who are in trouble, spent when24 those kids are eight years old on25 119 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 positive things will -- I don't know --2 will have a tenfold investment gain ten3 years down the line.4 And I think everybody5 recognizes that, but nobody wants to say6 that, nobody wants to do it. And when we7 went through the thing with the8 libraries, the one thing that I said to9 everybody was, "These are the kids who10 are going to the library." I mean,11 that's the sentence. We're taking away12 the opportunity from the kids who are13 going to the library.14 And, you know, there's budget15 concerns --16 (Timer bell rings.)17
-- to deal with18 that, but I'll just say that again.19 These are the kids that are20 going to the library. Give them an21 opportunity and continue to do so.22 Thanks for your time.23
Thank24 you very much. Thank you.25 120 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 MR. McPHERSON: The next panel2 consists of Katherine Gomez and Michael3 Vogel.4 (Witness comes forward.)5
Good6 afternoon. Kindly identify yourself for7 the record.8
Yes. Good9 afternoon. My name is Katherine Gomez,10 and I'm the Managing Attorney of the11 Family Advocacy Unit of Community Legal12 Services.13 For over 30 years, the Family14 Advocacy Unit has provided legal advice15 and representation to hundreds of parents16 involved in Philadelphia's child welfare17 system. We essentially help parents18 preserve and reunite families where19 possible.20 You might have heard some of21 our clients testify a few -- some of our22 former clients testify a few weeks ago23 about the importance of DHS services. As24 you may know, the vast majority of our25 121 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 clients are low-income, single parents2 who love their children, and are3 committed to safely caring for them, but,4 at some point, need help.5 The type, intensiveness, and6 duration of the help they need is7 different, as families are different and8 have different strengths and needs.9 It's, therefore, important that DHS is10 able to offer a variety of different11 types of help, from prevention services12 to reunification services.13 I'm here as a family advocate.14 We're concerned that any cuts made to the15 DHS budget may compromise those very16 important preventing programs, such as17 parenting classes, as well as enhanced18 reunification services, as well as other19 programs that our most vulnerable20 families so desperately need and rely on.21 In terms of prevention, I just22 want to give you some ideas of what23 happens at these parenting classes and24 why they're so important. Many of these25 122 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 parenting class are offered on a2 voluntary basis, so you do not even need3 to be further involved with the DHS or4 court system.5 In our experience, many of our6 clients benefits -- especially from7 parenting classes that are targeted:8 Teen parents, parents of young children,9 or parents of teenagers, parents of10 medically-needy children, parents who11 themselves have mental health issues, or12 some type of specific disability.13 We have numerous clients who14 were able to take care of their children15 completely appropriately, their child16 hits adolescence and, all of a sudden,17 chaos ensues, you know, as I'm sure18 you're aware that the number of families19 seeking to place their teenager children20 is on the rise. So it's so important21 that there are parenting programs to help22 parents adjust to this change in their23 child and help parents appropriately24 parent a teenage child.25 123 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 Just as it's difficult to2 parent a teenage child, it's extremely3 difficult to be a teenage parent of an4 infant, and DHS offers specialized5 programs for those teenagers, and we have6 kind of a subspecialty at CLS, where we7 represent numerous teenagers in child8 welfare proceedings, and we find that9 these parenting classes geared towards10 teenagers are really, really important in11 helping teenagers deal with their own12 adolescence and deal with issues that are13 particular to them.14 We also have parents with15 disabilities who feel very isolated, very16 vulnerable, and very incapable, even17 though with accessible help, they can18 parent appropriately. So having19 accessible services is key.20 (Timer bell rings.)21
I'll leave you with22 the rest of my testimony, which talks23 about some of the key, really important24 reunification services that DHS provides.25 124 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 And, essentially, please don't look to2 the DHS budget to make cuts. It's so3 very important for our most vulnerable4 families.5 Thank you6
Good afternoon. My10 name is Michael Vogel, and I'm the Chief11 Executive Officer of one of the nonprofit12 organizations that delivers some of the13 prevention programs you were just hearing14 about.15 (Indiscernible) strives to16 build stronger families within the City17 of Philadelphia by focusing on vulnerable18 and underserved populations. Whether19 we're assisting teenage mothers or20 struggling families or relatives, we have21 assumed the duties -- who have assumed22 the duties of absent parents, the23 ultimate goal of our programs is to24 prevent the abuse and neglect and to25 125 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 empower children and families.2 Our clients come to learn that3 they are not alone when they find4 themselves in challenging situations that5 might have otherwise broken their family6 unit.7 As an example, I want to tell a8 story of a woman I'll call "Mrs. B.,"9 who, as a 53-year-old recovering drug10 addict, Mrs. B. found herself caring for11 her two grandchildren, at ages 8 and 10.12 Hoping to provide a more stable life for13 the children, Mrs. B. attempted to file14 for custody. The petition was denied,15 however, because Mrs. B. did not have16 adequate housing.17 This news coupled, with the18 daily struggle to maintains her sobriety,19 left her under a great stress, but she20 knew that without the custody of her21 grandchildren, her grandchildren's22 biological parents could legally come and23 take them back at anytime and put them in24 a more harmful environment. It came25 126 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 clear to her that she had neither the2 support nor the resources to handle her3 situation on her own.4 In their time of distress,5 Mrs. B. and her family turned to the FAST6 Program, which stands for Families and7 Schools Together -- some of you, I know,8 are familiar with it. There, the staff9 was able to connect Mrs. B. with housing10 assistance, child custody resources, and11 drug and alcohol support programs. She12 also received encouragement from peers in13 the program.14 Today, she acknowledges that15 the FAST Program was her rock, and16 eventually, she was able to secure17 appropriate housing, and went on to18 obtain full legal custody of her19 grandchildren. A proud graduate of the20 program, she states that the FAST Program21 was there for her in her time of need and22 never left her side.23 Because of the services that24 Mrs. B. and her family received through25 127 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 FAST, the children are now being raised2 in a stable environment and can focus on3 their educational development and growth.4 It's no secret, ladies and5 gentlemen, that people who are under6 stress tend to engage in irresponsible7 behaviors. It's also no secret that our8 economy is in the midst of a financial9 crisis. Parents or caregivers who are10 met with financial difficulties -- the11 loss of a job or other triggers -- turn12 to drugs or alcohol, putting their13 children at a greater risk for domestic14 violence and neglect.15 Abused and neglected children16 have a tendency to recycle these17 behaviors as they approach adulthood,18 costing taxpayers millions of dollars for19 drug and alcohol abuse services, more20 police officers on the street, and for21 the cost of incarceration. In22 Philadelphia, as I'm sure you're aware, a23 prisoner costs taxpayers $27,00024 annually.25 128 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 These expenses undeniably dwarf2 the cost of prevention programs like3 those offered by our organization Turning4 Points For Children. Nurturing and5 supporting vulnerable children and6 families now --7 (Timer bell rings.)8
-- instead of9 picking up the pieces later is not only a10 safe and healthy choice, it's the one11 that makes the most sense for our fragile12 economy.13 My testimony goes on to14 describe a teen parenting program, which15 my co-presenter was referring to, and I16 just want to end by saying a couple of17 things.18 I know that you have a very19 difficult situation here; I do not envy20 you. However, somebody has to deal with21 the situation, and, unfortunately, maybe22 you're the ones, sitting in the chairs23 right now.24 I am also on the Pennsylvania25 129 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 Crime and Commission Juvenile Justice and2 Delinquency Prevention Committee, and3 when I first joined, a very wise judge4 that I met from York County told me that5 part of what we should be doing is trying6 to make our children into taxpayers and7 not tax consumers, and I think these8 prevention programs that you're hearing9 so much about in the testimony this10 afternoon do just that.11 And I urge you to please12 consider resisting the temptation to make13 short-term cost cuts that will cost us14 more than in the future.15 Thank you.16
Thank17 you very much. Thank you for coming in.18 Our next witness?19 MR. McPHERSON: Helen Gym.20 (Witness comes forward.)21
23 My name is Helen Gym. I'm a24 Philadelphia public school parent. 2 And here's why we think that3 makes the most amount of sense and that4 is something that could change a lot of5 things now. There are 80 full-time6 clerks on staff at the School District of7 Philadelphia. We believe that is about a8 third to 40 percent of the number of9 people within the BRT agency. Under the10 School District, the BRT expenses have11 grown by 18 percent this year from the12 previous year, and will grow nominally13 again next year. 16 Because of City ethics laws,17 the School District is the place where18 the most political hires end up. 5 million for next year. 5 million worth of public17 school money. 20 Only in public schools, we believe,21 at this point have a Philadelphia school22 librarian, and very few of them are in23 elementary schools24 It could go towards a number of25 133 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 any other initiatives that we, as2 parents, have been fighting for years,3 but what we don't want it go for is the4 kind of stuff that's been detailed in the5 papers6 The second issue I wanted to7 address is some concern about the City's8 Five-Year Plan from an education9 perspective. 18 And that commitment is one of19 the reasons why I am here today, because20 I'm worried about that commitment being21 somewhat in jeopardy22 As you know, the total amount23 that the City of Philadelphia will24 deliver to the public schools next year25 134 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 is $10 million less than last year and is2 at its point in three years. )17
Are we committed to a18 60/40 split.19 And the reason why that's so20 important, obviously, is because property21 taxes are the bread and butter of school22 financing; there isn't a whole lot of23 other areas that we can go to get money24 for it. We beg and scrape for anything25 135 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 else, and we have to go to the State for2 it, and that's not a very friendly place3 to be.4 We also note that the best5 thing that this Mayor did was to speak6 strongly about being a regional7 cheerleader for the Philadelphia public8 schools and for public school funding in9 general. But we don't think you can be10 an effective cheerleader when the City11 itself doesn't -- or could be seen at a12 difficult time as not appearing to invest13 as much in its own team. So we hope and14 urge that you'll think about that.15 My last statement is just that16 the City of Philadelphia -- as you take a17 look at the ten-year tax abatements, that18 you consider the dramatic impact that it19 has had on school funding. According to20 the Inquirer, it's our belief that the21 City of Philadelphia at its peak, in22 2016, will have seen a decline of23 $143 million in public school funding,24 and that's according to eConsult numbers,25 136 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 which only counts one-third of the2 property taxes, assuming that two-thirds3 of the property wouldn't have even been4 built.5 So according to our studies,6 already, the School District has lost7 $108 million in property tax revenue. By8 2016, it will lose $143 million, and9 we'll only begin to see profits in 2025,10 when we'll get a first check for11 1.2 million.12 So my urgency is that I have13 three kids in the system, one of which is14 a kindergartener. I'd like to not see15 this be a lost generation for public16 school funding. As you talk about the17 tax abatements, I urge you to consider18 the impact on schools.19 Thank you.20
Thank21 you very much.22 MR. McPHERSON: Our next23 witness is Dan McElhatton.24 (Witness comes forward.)25 137 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441
Good2 afternoon, and welcome.3 MR. McELHATTON: Good4 afternoon, Madam President and members of5 Council. My name is Daniel P.6 McElhatton, M-C-E-L-H-A-T-T-O-N. And7 with the President's agreement, I would8 submit my written testimony to be9 incorporated into the record in its10 entirety.11 Is that permissible, Madam12 President?13
Yes.14 Thank you.15 MR. McELHATTON: And, Madam16 President, I would like to take the three17 minutes allotted to just make some18 remarks on the District Attorney's19 budget, as proposed by the Mayor. As you20 know, I am a candidate for Council -- for21 Council -- that was a long time ago.22
A23 long time ago.24 MR. McELHATTON: A candidate25 138 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 for District Attorney, and I come to2 Council today in that capacity.3 And it has been interesting4 over the last several months, after the5 Mayor proposed the budget. We would be6 asked at every forum we would go, What7 will you do to manage the DA's Office8 with the 22 percent budget cut? And,9 universally, I said, it will not happen,10 it cannot happen, and it won't.11 And the Council session12 yesterday was a reaffirmance of the13 position that I've been advancing. And14 that is that I knew, because of my own15 personal experience with Council and also16 knowledge of the current membership, that17 Council could not, and would, not accept18 those kinds of draconian cuts to the19 criminal justice system, because as, I20 again, have used the analogy, the system21 is one similar to an automobile.22 And if you were to say, We're23 going to cut 22 percent of an automobile,24 well what do you take? Do you take the25 139 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 engine? do you take the transmission? do2 you take the wheels? And if you take3 those systems out of a car, the car won't4 work.5 The same thing is true with the6 criminal justice system.7 And I think that what we have8 seen here is the reflection of two9 strong-willed personalities over the last10 17 years who've really not gotten along11 very well, and I think that we need to12 look behind us and then determine how13 we're going to go forward.14 And I would ask Council to use15 its judgment and use its experience and16 accept the recommendations of the17 Criminal Justice Advisory Board. I think18 that that is a clear reflection of a19 consensus, an agreement by the parties in20 interest.21 And that existed before, as you22 well know, Madam President. I happened23 to serve on the Criminal Justice Advisory24 Board, when I was a member of Council,25 140 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 and so, I know what the collaboration is,2 how it's necessary, why it's necessary,3 and I submit that that the next district4 attorney, if I am fortunate enough to be5 in that position, I commit to this6 Council and the Administration that I7 will be collaborative.8 I have called for the9 reestablishment -- and now it does10 exist -- of the Advisory Board. And the11 discussions have to be at that highest12 level. It cannot just be designees; it13 has to be the District Attorney, the14 President of City Council, the Mayor, the15 Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, and16 certainly the President Judge, the17 Sheriff, the Clerk of Quarter Sessions,18 and all of the parties in interest, so19 that we don't get into a situation where20 the Council chambers is used as a vehicle21 where there's acrimony and discord.22 I don't mind discussion, and I23 can be as engaging in a heated debate,24 and have done so on this floor, but I25 141 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 think there are times when that's2 appropriate. I think the budget for the3 criminal justice system and the DA's4 Office should start with the DA and the5 Mayor and Council in October of this year6 for next year's budget so that when the7 budget is proposed next year, the8 District Attorney -- and hopefully it9 will be me -- can come back in front of10 you and say, "Madam President, members of11 Council, if you have any questions, I12 will be glad to answer them -- "13 (Timer bell rings.)14 MR. McELHATTON: " -- but I15 recommend the adoption of the budget as16 submitted."17 That's what I hope we will18 have, in a spirit of cooperation and19 collaboration.20
Thank21 you very much. Thank you.22 MR. McELHATTON: Thank you,23 Madam President.24 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:25 142 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 You're welcome.2 MR. McPHERSON: Our next3 witness is Amy Dougherty.4 (Witness comes forward.)5
Good afternoon6 Council President Anna Verna and members7 of City Council. My name is Amy8 Dougherty, and I am not running for9 office.10 I am the Director of the11 Friends of the Free Library of12 Philadelphia, a nonprofit since 1973,13 whose mission has been to support the14 Free Library of Philadelphia through15 patron volunteers.16 Thank you for holding these17 hearings today on the 2010 General Fund18 budget.19 I know this is a really tough20 year, and my aim today is to clarify the21 Library's present General Fund allocation22 and what the Administration is proposing23 for 2010.24 As you know, the Library took a25 143 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 20 percent cut in the rebalancing of the2 2009 budget. And while all libraries3 remain open, more or less, the 20,000 --4 or $8 million reduction has created an5 enormous strain on library personnel, has6 precipitated about two unscheduled7 library closures per day, and has8 significantly reduced the number of9 programs, which is a vital branch --10 which is very vital to branch functions.11 To help clarify where we've12 been and where we are now, I just want to13 give you a brief history.14 City Council approved the 200915 Library budget of $40,245,000, which was16 a reduction of about $300,000 from 2008.17 The proposed FY 2010 General Library18 budget is $32,968,000, and this maintains19 the $8 million, or 20 percent, reduction20 to the budget that you approved.21 If this is approved, this is22 what will happen:23 Staffing. Library personnel24 will remain reduced by 85 positions and25 144 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 will remain at 628, which is down from2 713 positions in 2008.3 The materials budget has been4 cut by 25 percent, which means that no5 new purchases of children or adult books6 have been made this year and why the7 library is currently in the middle of a8 10,000 Books drive for summer reading9 materials for children. By the way,10 Friends of the Free Library donated11 $25,000 towards that book drive.12 The operating hours. The13 proposed operating hours are for five14 full-day-per-week service, instead of six15 or seven, and the Central Library will16 remain open for 65 hours in order to17 comply with State Aid to Libraries18 So what we believe about this,19 the Administration's proposed budget, is20 that it is a very good stopgap measure.21 It maintains accessibility to the Free22 Library for all communities. It is what23 we were hoping for, it is the best thing24 that we can do, and that is that all25 145 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 communities will continue to have library2 services.3 So we've come a long way since4 November 8th -- or November 6th, from the5 proposed permanent closure of libraries,6 to keeping all 54 branches open. And I7 want to thank members of Council, I want8 to thank the citizens of Philadelphia for9 once again letting it be known that we10 need and love our library11 So in the short term, five-12 days-per-week service and a $32 million13 budget for the Library is okay. So for14 the first time in the history of my eight15 years of testifying before you, I am not16 asking you for an increase to the17 Administration's budget.18 (Timer bell rings.)19
So I appreciate20 your support. And if you have any21 questions about the specifics of where22 we've been or where we're going, I'm23 happy to take them.24
Thank you25 146 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 very much.2 Any questions for the witness?3 (No questions.)4
Thank you5 for your testimony.6 MR. McPHERSON: Our next7 witness is Linda Womack.8 (Witness comes forward.)9
Good afternoon.10 My name is Linda Womack, and I am11 currently an employee at the Department12 of Licenses and Inspections, and have13 been with that department for a little14 over 28-and-a-half years. I have served15 in the capacity as a clerk typist16 trainee, a clerk typist 2, a service rep,17 an interim information officer, and a18 housing inspector 1 and 2, an enforcement19 officer 1 and 2, and now I currently hold20 the position of code administrator 1 for21 the Code Violation Unit.22 I'm here this afternoon to urge23 City Council to consider not cutting any24 money out of the budget for the25 147 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 Department of Licenses and Inspections;2 and, in fact, give them more money to do3 a job that is so needed in our city.4 In my tenure with the5 Department, I have been afforded the6 opportunity to take classes at Drexel7 University in property management and8 property maintenance with the9 Commissioner of the Upper Darby10 Department of Licenses and Inspections,11 and he was pointing out to us that the12 most -- the most that he does is all13 because he -- his county and other14 counties surrounding Philadelphia, they15 see clean neighborhoods, they see16 buildings that are maintained because of17 their efforts and enforcement.18 What I currently do for the19 Department of Licenses and Inspections20 is, I go to hearings on behalf of our21 department, representing L&I, and sit in22 as an intermediary to resolve cases23 relative to people who, for whatever24 reason, do not comply with the building25 148 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 and property and maintenance codes as2 well as the business codes in3 Philadelphia.4 What is going on at this point5 is I think that people who, like myself,6 have been in the Department for many7 years and have been a taxpayer and lived8 in the City, lived in the area where9 there's much blight, we are the best10 people who can represent the City of11 Philadelphia Department of Licenses and12 Inspections in these hearings, because we13 live in these communities, we know what14 goes on.15 And as an inspector for at16 least nine years in the Housing Unit, I17 saw from throughout the City what the18 problem really is. And we do need nor19 enforcement. And to dismantle the Code20 Violation Resolution Unit would be a21 detriment to the City because we are the22 people who make sure that people comply23 with the law.24 And if we want to see our city25 149 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 safe, buildings maintained, neighborhoods2 clean, we don't need to get rid of people3 who enforce the law relative to the codes4 as it pertains to property maintenance.5 And that's why I'm here today,6 and I'm asking you all to please find the7 money to keep our jobs stable in the Code8 Violation Unit. Our commissioner is9 doing a very great job. She's trying10 very hard to live within the budget that11 the Mayor has allotted to her, but it's12 very difficult for her to maintain a high13 level of service without the funding.14 Thank you very much for your15 time.16
Thank you17 very much for coming out to testify.18 Appreciate it very much. And thank you19 for the work you do.20 MR. McPHERSON: Our next panel21 consists of Dr. Kay Kinsey and Eudora22 Burton.23 (Witness comes forward.)24
We have a fair25 150 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 number of materials. Be prepared.2 To all the members of Council3 and to Council President Verna, thank you4 for hearing our testimony on behalf of5 young families who are participants in6 the Philadelphia Nurse Family Partnership7 Program.8 Three NFP staff are here today.9 I'm Dr. Kay Kinsey, the Nurse Family10 Partnership Administrator. I provide the11 oversight and direction to12 (indiscernible) the public nursing13 program.14 Also on the agenda is15 Miss Eudora Burton. And in the audience16 is our newest NFP nurse, Miss Jane P.17 Shore.18 The Philadelphia NFP began in19 2001 with a cadre of thirty nurses and20 support staff, and the distributed21 materials will explain further the22 program locally and nationally.23 NFP serves first-time,24 low-income pregnant and parenting mothers25 151 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 and their children until age 2 years.2 It's a evidence-based, intensive nurse3 home-visit program. The goals are to4 improve pregnancy outcomes, improve child5 development, improve families' economic6 self-sufficiency.7 The program founder, Dr. David8 Olds, began his research in 1977, and9 that's one reason why we're so committed10 today.11 Consistent program findings are12 improved prenatal health, fewer childhood13 injuries, increased intervals between14 births, increased maternal employment,15 improved child school-readiness, and less16 involvement with the juvenile and adult17 justice systems.18 And, in fact, NFP saves19 dollars.20 (Timer bell rings.)21
It is the largest22 NFP replication model in Pennsylvania.23 We serve the entire city, and there are24 some maps in your materials that you can25 152 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 look at where we serve predominantly our2 young babies at this point in time.3 In the Commonwealth, there are4 more than 40 counties that have nurse-5 family partnership programs.6 What about our families here in7 Philadelphia? We've had more than 18008 participants who have received one or9 more of the services on average upon10 enrollment.11 We have an 18-year-old unwed,12 low-income mother to be.13 Our outcomes also are14 significant. Presently, we have a15 statistically significant reduction in16 cigarette-smoking during pregnancy as17 well as reduction in marijuana use and18 domestic abuse.19 When the babies are born,20 they're born to mothers who really care21 about their babies, and 63 percent of our22 mothers begin breastfeeding, which means23 a lifelong legacy of a healthier baby and24 a healthier child.25 153 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 Our babies are tested for lead,2 and 4 percent of our babies have tested3 positive and have been treated. More4 than 90 percent of our children are fully5 immunized at age 2 years. And our moms6 can go back to the workforce earlier than7 their national counterparts, and during8 the first year of the baby's life, are9 back on the job for more than six months.10 In addition, our mothers continue in the11 workforce during the second year of the12 baby's life13 Of those mothers who enter14 without a GED or a high school education,15 we have found that 57 percent, at the16 time of graduation, are still in school17 or have completed their education. And18 we are particularly proud of the fact19 that 20 percent of our mothers in NFP20 continue on for school afterwards, and21 several of them have received full-22 college scholarships.23 But what are our challenges?24 And that's the reason that we're here25 154 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 today. We have noted that inadequate,2 substandard housing and the absence of3 affordable, safe, permanent housing in4 Philadelphia jeopardizes the health and5 well-being of our mothers and babies In6 addition, our participants move7 frequently. We call them "nearly8 homeless."9 Three years ago, I undertook an10 analysis of housing and homeless status11 of our enrolled and graduated families,12 and our documented findings validated the13 nurses' anecdotal accounts and further14 verified the challenges our families face15 About 30 to 40 percent of our16 families move at least once or twice in17 the course of two years. However, 3018 percent of our families move five or more19 times. One new mother had to move five20 times during the first week of her son's21 life.22 Close to 40 percent of our23 families do not have a stable, permanent24 address. They live in multi-generational25 155 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 households with relatives, friends,2 others, and too often, they make3 uninformed decisions about moving from4 one place to another. The housing issues5 for our families and, I suspect, many6 Philadelphians --7 (Timer bell rings.)8
-- is at a crisis9 level.10 So I will skip the next11 paragraph. I know you'll put it into the12 document.13 But in response to this evident14 need, I sought additional support for15 housing specialists/social workers to16 develop our Opening Doors Project. Miss17 Eudora Burton NFP housing specialist and18 will briefly describe our experience and19 short-term outcomes to date.20
I'd like to say21 good afternoon. My name is Eudora22 Burton. I'm the Housing Specialist/23 Social Worker for the Nurse Family24 Partnership Opening Doors Program.25 156 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 We are committed to working2 with City Council and others to reduce3 the homeless experience of our families4 and others throughout the City. Being5 homeless, with the only option of a6 shelter admission for a new mother and7 baby, can be traumatic, stressors that8 puts the family on an uncertain life9 trajectory.10 I use the definition of the11 McKinney Veto Homeless Act that is also12 used by the School District of13 Philadelphia and other organizations.14 It' is the only major federal legislation15 response to homelessness. The definition16 includes the lack of fixed, regular, and17 adequate nighttime residents sharing18 housing with others due to financial19 hardship and et cetera.20 The challenges that the Nurse21 Family Partnership nurses and I have22 found include need for enhanced life23 skills for young families, including:24 Independent living decisions.25 157 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 I must work with the Nurse Family2 Partnership nurses to address, I realize3 are, at times, unrealistic short-term4 goals.5 Lack of proof of income.6 Stressful social relationships.7 No positive role models.8 Lack of self-esteem, and9 others, including abusive environments,10 substandard and dangerous housing11 environments, limited options for housing12 placement.13 For example, a pregnant woman14 is not considered a family until the baby15 is born, and there is limited housing16 available for a single person in shelter17 or in transitional housing. There are18 long waiting lists for subsidized19 housing, unsafe neighborhoods.20 Short-term outcomes include our Nurse21 Family Partnership participants have a22 (indiscernible) appraisal conducted by23 the Nurse Family Partnership nurse, with24 referral to a housing specialist, which25 158 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 is myself.2 I have at least 140 referred3 (indiscernible) since July of 2008. I4 refer the clients to job corps5 placements, achievability programs, group6 education sessions, 101 Counseling7 sessions, School District liaisons,8 career wardrobe opportunities, housing9 resource guide, housing provider,10 connections for shelter and transitional11 housing places.12 In conclusion, our goals are to13 work together to prevent homelessness and14 shelter admission and readmission,15 dialogue with others regarding housing16 options for young families, including17 designated housing for approved Nurse18 Family Partnership, pregnant and19 parenting mothers, including the Housing20 First model, monitor the status of our21 families over time regarding health,22 social, and educational well-being, and23 citizen involvement in reference to their24 housing situation, improve the quality of25 159 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 life in Philadelphia, and to have our2 young families remain here to raise their3 children and be taxpaying citizens, have4 our city be a vibrant, attractive,5 appealing place to live and work in 20156 and beyond.7 (Timer bell rings.)8
As City Council9 makes difficult decisions during this10 time of economic uncertainty, we, on11 behalf of the Nurse Family Partnership12 families and others, urge you to consider13 that the decisions made about children's14 services and housing will be the future15 of our city.16 Thank you very much for hearing17 us and for your time.18
Thank you19 very much for your testimony. It's nice20 to know about what you do and the21 services you provide. And we appreciate22 your coming out this afternoon to23 testify.24
Thank you so much.25 160 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 Have a blessed day.2
Any3 questions?4 Do you have questions,5 Councilwoman Blackwell?6
Madam7 Chair, I wanted to say thank you as well.8 During these times when there's so much9 need for the housing, for the services10 you described, and when people are in11 such need, we thank you for taking the12 time to be here and giving your13 testimony.14 And thank you for the15 information too.16 PANEL MEMBERS: Thank you.17
Just a18 second before you leave.19 Councilman Jones?20
Don't go21 away. Sit down.22 I was here, talking to23 Councilwoman Blackwell, who is the Chair24 of Housing and Homelessness and has been25 161 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 a long-term advocate for making sure that2 people had adequate housing in all3 different sections of the City of4 Philadelphia. And I had a few questions,5 being on the committee sale.6 One, what has the economy done7 to the demand for subsidized and8 low-income housing? And what has been9 your observation?10 And I don't expect you to11 answer it as an economist, but just what12 your observations have been.13
I can tell you14 that our clients now -- we started eight15 years ago, so we have cohorts of mothers.16 Like every three years, they graduate and17 we have a new cohort come in or be18 admitted.19 They're poorer, they have less20 income over which they can negotiate any21 sort of opportunities.22 But they're also23 unsophisticated, as Eudora can explain.24
What we're trying25 162 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 to do is not just get moms to look at2 subsidized housing and PHA housing; we're3 looking to help moms establish market4 value housing as well.5 And in order to do that, I've6 connected with programs like7 Achievability Housing, where the person8 is required to have a job and go to9 college, because we don't want them to10 get stuck in a low-level paying position,11 where they can't pay rent.12 And our average rents are13 running about $650 a month for14 one-bedroom apartment. And, you know,15 they -- for a two-family, for like a16 mother and a baby, if they're on public17 assistance, they only get $316 a month.18 It's no way that they could pay that type19 of rent.20 Because these families are not21 recognized through the regular shelter22 system that we have in place, well, then23 they can't go into a program like24 Transitional Housing; they have social25 163 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 services. So that they're out of that2 loop.3 What we hope to have happen is4 that the door becomes open to these new5 moms that are really focused on improving6 their life, becoming self-sufficient, and7 obtaining affordable housing.8
One of the9 things that I would ask your group to10 take a look at is that there are two11 converging demographics coming together12 with the same need.13 What I've experienced in my14 district, in the 4th District, is a high15 number of seniors that don't want to be16 in assisted-living facilities, that could17 parent -- or partner with single parents18 that are willing to do care provisions in19 a limited way.20 But we want to try to work with21 PHFA at the state level to come up with a22 duplex, if you would, where the single23 parenty maybe lives above the elderly24 grandparent may live or non-related25 164 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 senior may live below, with a specific2 social contract to provide certain3 things, like to make sure that that4 senior ate and working with the Meals on5 Wheels program or making sure that they6 made their monthly doctor's visit or7 whatever that individual needed during8 the course of a month.9 And in a way, the savings could10 be found through not putting a senior in11 assisted facilities that cost you upwards12 of $50,000 a year and not putting a13 mother in a homeless shelter, which costs14 over, I want to say, $60 a day, trying to15 find an economy of scale, if you would,16 for the both of them that make sense.17
And we need19 to be a little more creative, I think --20
-- in trying22 to solve our more vulnerable population's23 housing needs.24 And would love to, if you would25 165 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 provide the Chair and this Council, with2 ideas to that end, all right?3
Oh, we love that5 idea. We would love to work with you6 with that.7
Thank you.12 MR. McPHERSON: Our next13 witness is Virginia Brown.14
Virginia15 Brown, are you sleeping back there?16 Don't be taking a nap.17 (Witness comes forward.)18
My name is Virginia22 Brown, and I speak to you today as a23 long-time resident of Philadelphia, a24 former Health Department worker, but,25 166 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 most importantly, a mother and2 grandmother.3 I'm an active member of the4 Philadelphia Parks Alliance, and, until5 recently, was the chairperson of the6 Board of Directors of Citizens For7 Pennsylvania Future.8 Here is what I know. I raised9 my children in West Philadelphia, and I10 was able to raise healthy children,11 thanks, in large part, to the Cobbs Creek12 Park. It's where we played, walked,13 read, had fun, and were safe.14 I live -- I still live in my15 home, but the park is no longer safe and16 welcoming. Many children now play on the17 street, and I drive to Yeadon every18 morning to exercise. And that's not19 right; we can do better.20 If we continue to neglect our21 parks, as we have for decades, do we22 expect that our children will be healthy23 and happy? We're smart and we know that24 we will pay for our supposed savings in25 167 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 other ways like increased crime, police,2 prison, medical bills, and neighborhoods3 that do not serve our basic needs.4 I know these are tough times,5 and my own blood pressure has gone up6 just watching my retirement savings go7 down. But when are we going to make the8 hard choices and the right choices?9 For many Philadelphians, our10 parks are where they vacation, recreate,11 exercise, socialize, particularly in12 these hard financial times. When13 families can't afford trips to Disney14 World or Sesame Place or to the shore,15 where will they go?16 East and west parks -- the17 Wissahickon, Pennypack, Cobbs Creek,18 Malcolm X, Cloverleaf Park, FDR, and19 Hunting Park, these are open spaces,20 playgrounds, ball fields, hiking trails,21 all the more used, more valuable, more22 essential in times like these.23 I thank Councilmembers24 Reynolds-Brown and Clarke and all of25 168 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 Council for your support of the2 much-needed park reform and for the park3 budget increase you supported for Fiscal4 Year 2009.5 Please restore that increase as6 soon as you are able. There's nothing7 left to cut.8 The citizens of Philadelphia9 need your creative thinking on how to10 increase funding for parks and11 recreation. They are so fundamental to12 our health and well-being and the future13 of our children.14 And please know that many15 citizens, the Parks Alliance, and many16 others stand ready to help.17 Thank you very much for your18 time.19
Thank you20 very much.21 Are there any questions or22 comments?23 (No questions.)24
Thank you25 169 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 very much for your testimony.2 MR. McPHERSON: Our next3 witness is James White.4 (Witness comes forward.)5
Good afternoon and6 thank you for the opportunity to testify.7 My name is James White, and I am the8 Policy Coordinator of the Philadelphia9 Association of Community Development10 Corporations.11 I would ask at this time, given12 the hour, that I will just briefly13 summarize my testimony, but get the14 entire testimony to be transcribed into15 the record.16 Today, I would like to focus my17 testimony on three issues that are18 critical to me and the needs of19 Philadelphia's residents and fostering20 successful revitalization of our21 neighborhoods.22 PACDC is pleased to come before23 you today to address issue of restoring24 funding for the Philadelphia Housing25 170 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 Trust Fund. The Trust Fund is a flexible2 funding source, providing CDCs, the City,3 and its partners with a range of4 affordable housing needs, while5 leveraging outside resources, creating6 jobs, putting vacant and blighted and7 abandoned properties back into productive8 use, and expanding the City's tax base9 Since its creation in 2005, the10 Trust Fund has assisted in the11 development of 1500 affordable homes,12 helped more than 1200 families with home13 repairs, prevented over 800 families from14 becomes homeless, while leveraging over15 $346 million in additional dollars for16 the City17 Given the City's extensive18 housing needs and budget crisis,19 investing in housing production, home20 repair, and homelessness prevention is a21 very wise investment. However, as you22 may recall, the Housing Trust Fund's23 projected revenue will only be half of24 the $15 million that it was budgeted for25 171 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 this fiscal year due to fewer deed and2 mortgage recordings, and the Mayor's3 decision in November of 2008 to cut4 7.5 million in committed funding from the5 General Fund to the Trust Fund over the6 Five-Year Plan.7 At a time when we need new8 homes, home repair, homeless prevention,9 as well as an economic stimulus to keep10 our city growing, the City should restore11 the Trust Fund for the 7.5 from the12 General Fund.13 We also support using federal14 Economic Stimulus Recovery funds that the15 City is receiving either through CDBG or16 the Energy Efficiency Block Grant to help17 fill the gap in rental developments that18 have been applied for under the Low-19 Income Housing Tax Credit Program of the20 Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency21 To maximize leveraging outside22 resources, we also encourage that the23 City look at supporting transit-oriented24 development projects that incorporate25 172 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 affordable housing as well as to upgrade2 and increase the energy efficiency of3 existing and affordable rental-housing4 development throughout the City.5 Another issue for us is the6 reform of the City's property acquisition7 and disposition system. The long-term8 challenge of assembling vacant and9 blighted and abandoned properties in10 Philadelphia in a timely manner has11 served to deter new development for too12 long. We are encouraged by steps being13 taken by the City Council --14 (Timer bell rings.)15
-- and the16 Administration to improve the property17 acquisition and disposition process.18 We encourage the City to look19 at reforming the sheriff's sale process20 that will allow the City to pull21 properties from the process designated to22 them to redevelopers for a specific23 purpose.24 In addition, reforming the25 173 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 City's property acquisition and2 disposition system will reduce the time3 and cost of development, enable efficient4 use of limited resources, expand the5 range of housing opportunities in the6 City, and advance revitalization of7 Philadelphia's low-income communities.8 Finally, we applaud the Mayor9 and City Council -- and, in particular,10 the leadership of Councilman Goode -- for11 expanding the City's CD Tax Credit12 Program from 25 to 30 partnerships which13 will leverage tens of millions of dollars14 in private and public investment to15 attract new businesses to our16 neighborhoods and create new jobs and to17 grow the City's tax base.18 Thank you for your time.19
Thank you20 very much.21 Any questions?22 Councilman Jones.23
How are you24 this afternoon?25 174 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441
Oh, I'm recovering2 from the flu, but other than that, I'm3 okay. I'm not contagious, but go ahead.4
All right.5 I mean, I'm far enough.6 And I want to thank you7 publicly for what you have done. I have8 been here only 15 months, but I must have9 seen you testifying for a wide variety of10 issues, all of them connecting back to11 affordable housing. So whether it's12 green housing or at least energy-13 efficient housing or what things that you14 may perceive as barriers to developing15 them, I've known you to be a honest16 broker for the issue, and I appreciate17 what you do.18
I wanted to21 ask you also -- we're going to rely on22 you a lot, this body, in tough times to23 kind of give us ideas about ways we can24 do innovative things like Councilman25 175 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 Goode's bill and other things. And we2 are listening and want to implement more3 resources for a population that otherwise4 are going to get priced out of housing.5 So I mentioned it to the prior6 group, I'll mention it to you. As we7 start to create, eventually we're going8 to get acquisition dollars again from the9 Redevelopment Authority; at least that's10 my prayer and wish.11 But at that point, we need to12 not just do what we've done in the past.13 We need to find creative ways to deal14 with the new poor, new aging populations15 that find themselves under-invested in16 their pensions and now need affordable17 housing.18 So we need to kind of take a19 page from the past but kind of look to20 the future, with different products that21 we can offer them.22
So I'm24 looking for your guidance is what I'm25 176 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 asking you to do.2
Well, we're always3 willing, ready, and able to serve the4 City of Philadelphia and particularly the5 Council on these issues of community6 development, affordable housing.7 I'm always impressed by your8 ability, as a group of leaders, to9 listen, learn, and act accordingly, and10 sometimes very swiftly on innovative11 issues.12 The thing that I'm always13 interested in hearing is, I hear a lot14 about what's happening in Baltimore, in15 Washington, and as somebody that goes16 there frequently, I always say that we17 can do these things and probably better.18 I do believe that part of our19 problem is getting a lot of the blighted20 properties back online, either through21 the NSP or using the funds that we will22 receive from the Federal Recovery Act in23 a strategic way.24 I believe that Dr. Ed25 177 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 Schwartz's plan, some of it works. And I2 know that some of our federal partners3 are listening, and particularly4 Congressman Fattah's office, so that5 there's opportunities to funnel more6 funds.7 I think if we stick to this8 course, we'll make it. I think we have9 to stick together, though. And that's10 the thing that concerns me, is that we11 stick together and move forward and don't12 get pulled apart. And that's Council, us13 as residents and community, and the14 Mayor.15
Well, we'll16 try as best as possible to keep us all17 together, and I think it's in our best18 interest as a city to do so.19 Thank you.20
Yes. The24 Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.25 178 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441
Thank2 you.3 Let me say that Mr. White4 really is a good person, really trying to5 do the best for low-income folks in our6 city, to try to make housing affordable.7 And I agree. When we work8 together, all things are possible; and9 when we don't, it's every man for himself10 and God for us all.11 So let me thank him for his12 commitment and let him know that I'm13 always happy to work with him.14
Thank you,15 Councilwoman. And I'm always happy to16 work with you.17
I hope so too.20 Let's go Phillies!21 MR. McPHERSON: Our next22 witness is Edward J. Tully.23 (No response.)24 MR. McPHERSON: Robert Davis?25 179 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 (No response.)2 MR. McPHERSON: Judith3 Robinson?4 (No response.)5 MR. McPHERSON: Okay. And6 Robert Forlino.7 Is there anybody else here to8 testify? Do you want to come forward?9 (Witnesses come forward.)10
Okay. Good13 afternoon, Madam Chairwoman and14 Mrs. Tasco. My name is Joshua Vincent.15 I'm the Director of the Henry George16 Foundation of America, a nonprofit17 educational foundation that has been18 working on tax policy with cities since19 1926, and we're based at 413 South Tenth20 Street, Philadelphia, 19147.21 We submitted our testimony22 earlier this morning; I hope it's been23 distributed.24 I am here because of our25 180 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 concerns about the very real budget2 gap -- and good afternoon to you, Madam3 President --4
-- and the very7 hard choices that must be made to plug8 that budget gap.9 Because of the varying10 scenarios presented by Council, the11 Administration, and others, there is12 still no clear way forward. Therefore,13 we'd like to put our idea into the mix14 and show how we think it could work.15 Wage taxes are regressive in16 Philadelphia. They should be a last17 option until more low-income protections18 are enacted at the state and local level.19 I think we all pretty much agree on that.20 Sales taxes are regressive, but21 in Philadelphia, they have the advantage22 of exempting food and clothing.23 The property tax appears24 attractive, but only on the surface, as25 181 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 it is the basis of a small percentage of2 City tax, although the main source of3 school tax, yet serious and concrete4 concerns about valuations have existed5 for decades and yesterday and the day6 before, and must be address. The new7 values, while appearing to be a vast8 improvement, are still in the rough-cut9 stage and far from a final result.10 The Foundation would suggest11 that aspects of the Council's and12 Administration's plan could be enacted13 for this year, giving municipal14 government time to establish protections15 from bad tax policy, bad property16 valuation, and too few tools to protect17 poor taxpayers.18 We're proposing a bridge19 between solutions to perhaps broker a20 compromise. That bridge could be the21 sales tax increase. The impact on22 working and poor families can be directly23 ameliorated by adopting the land value24 tax, using the current value.25 182 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 Why and how. It is the recent2 academic study -- the only recent3 academic study -- of land versus building4 values for the residential sector done by5 Drexel University's Economics Department6 in 2002. Professors McKean, Jensen, and7 Meyer demonstrated that the BRT numbers8 for residential land and building values9 were essentially accurate. And I have10 put the quote in my written testimony.11 We haven't acknowledged bad12 system, terrible system of valuation, yet13 both the City and School District have14 used these values year in and year out to15 collect property taxes. The system then16 can clearly be used. We simply want to17 remove the largest part of the equation18 of the valuations that are bad -- the19 building portion of the property tax.20 Therefore, instead of 82.6421 mills on both land and buildings --22 (Timer bell rings.)23
I'll move on24 quickly to my smash conclusion.25 183 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 We want to split the tax rates2 into land and buildings. And I created a3 template for one of the districts. I've4 done all districts to show that the land5 value tax would essentially erase the6 sales tax increase that would be enacted7 by Council to fill the budget gap, and8 I've done every -- we've done every9 district and analyzed the numbers.10 And thank you very much.11
Thank12 you. Thank you very much.13 The Chair recognizes Councilman14 Jones.15
I want to16 thank you guys for doing the analysis.17 I had a opportunity in a prior18 meeting to get a sense of what your style19 of valuation on land as opposed to20 property could mean. And if I understood21 your testimony correctly, by virtue of us22 using this system, whatever increases we23 do in the sales tax would be neutralized24 by what we do in evaluating the land as25 184 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 opposed to property; is that correct?2
Did you see5 in the Inquirer's analysis of the way6 we're doing it through the BRT, that7 there would be an increase in residential8 property tax but a decrease in values of9 commercial properties? I mean, talk10 about regressive.11
I agree that the12 new values are frightening, but I also --13 we worked with lots of cities east of the14 Mississippi.15 And what's interesting is,16 after a revaluation -- be it Lehigh17 County or New York City or Boston -- the18 residential portion goes up simply19 because so many businesses and industries20 are leaving, and the people that are left21 behind, residential, take those values.22 So the numbers that the BRT23 also provided left out 26,000 parcels.24 And once you get those 26,000 parcels25 185 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 provided to you, we would hope -- and2 we've been looking at the numbers too.3 We would hope that the commercial sector4 would increase more.5
Thank you,6 Madam President.7 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:8 You're welcome.9 Good afternoon. Please10 identify yourself for the record.11
Good afternoon,12 Madam Chairman. 17 Within the current -- the18 City's current budget crisis is an19 enormous opportunity to lay a new20 foundation for sound and stable fiscal21 policy. 20 Therefore, the property tax will thus21 depend on the current fractional22 assessment system for at least the next23 fiscal year, prolonging a system of24 equity. 11 With that said, we strongly12 urge Council and the Administration to13 consider shifting the existing property14 tax to a revenue-neutral land value tax15 for the coming fiscal year. 4 Much of the irregularities that5 exist in the current assessments are in6 the valuation of the buildings, not of7 the land. 17 Our sister organization, the18 Center for the Study of Economics, has19 already completed a full analysis on the20 impact of a land value tax for21 Philadelphia and is ready to assist the22 City in its implementation. )22
-- makes a strong23 case for adopting this solid reform,24 without further delay.25 190 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 At Council's request for a full2 hearing on the subject, we will stand3 ready to provide further testimony and4 detailed documentation on this proposal,5 and strongly urge you to consider taking6 this first, but crucial, step necessary7 to fix an inherently broken system. To8 institute nothing but temporary measures9 this year will only prolong and10 complicate the underlying problems.11 Thank you very much.12
Thank13 you.14 The Chair recognizes Councilman15 Green.16
Thank you,17 Madam Chair.18 Thank you for your testimony,19 gentlemen.20 I just have a favor to ask you21 guys, and that is, I understand you have22 the current data about BRT full value?23
And I'm25 191 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 wondering if you could run a couple of2 scenarios and provide it to the Chair. I3 very much doubt we'll be able to do4 anything this year, but I'd like to look5 at what it would mean for residence and6 commercial property owners with a 257 percent homestead exemption -- I mean a8 $25,000 homestead exemption, a $50,0009 homestead exemptions, in terms of what10 the percent rate would have to be, we'd11 have to charge to be revenue-neutral.12 And then also do that with a13 couple of land value tax scenarios,14 50/50. And, you know, your normal15 5-to-1. And, you know, break it down by16 neighborhood.17 And thank you very much.18
Yes. The data that21 we got is, as of yet, still incomplete.22 It's been documented by the BRT that they23 are still working on about 27,000 of the24 records. And so, we'd be more than happy25 192 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 to provide that as soon as we get the2 complete snapshot of the data. And we3 will work with your good offices on that.4
Sorry. What5 -- residential properties -- I missed6 your testimony, I apologize.7 Are residential properties8 missing or commercial properties missing?9 What's missing from the database?10
We believe it's11 mostly -- it looks like it's mostly12 commercial at this point or abated13 properties, ten-year tax abatements.14
It's mostly15 commercial or abated, so they didn't they16 the abatement data -- they did not17 reassess the abated properties,18 essentially?19
Okay. Thank25 193 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 you.2 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:3 Gentlemen, thank you very much.4 PANEL MEMBERS: Thank you,5 Council President.6 MR. McPHERSON: Robert Forlino.7 (Witness comes forward.)8
Thank you for9 your time. Thank you for your time and10 your attentiveness, please. Thank you.11 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:12 Please identify yourself for the record.13
My name is Robert14 Forlino. I live at the 34th Ward. I'm a15 taxpayer of the City of Philadelphia. So16 is my mother, Rita Forlino.17
I'd like to20 address, first of all, four good men who21 worked in the City -- well, three of the22 four.23 Frank Rizzo was a great man.24 Wilson Goode was good man who25 194 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 got bamboozled by the MOVE incident.2 John Street was nothing but a3 thief.4 And Michael Nutter has his5 hands full right now with the past eight6 years.7 For the first time in my life,8 I'm embarrassed to be an Italian in the9 City of Philadelphia because of this BRT10 debacle. You have a man named Enrico11 Foglia, who is not college-educated at12 all but who is taking a $100,000 of13 taxpayers' money for what? Assessing the14 values of houses in the City.15 How did he get the job, and16 what was his qualifications? as Mr. Green17 asked him. There was no answer by the18 man because I think the man is an19 incompetent imbecile, okay?20 Bob Brady's a good man, I21 guess, in some people's viewpoints, okay?22 I live in the 34th Ward. He was quoted23 saying in the paper that people with24 criminal records should have a second25 195 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 chance. I reached out to this man about2 seven times in my neighborhood.3 Some people like him, I could4 understand, 'cause he brought a lot of5 money into the City, other people want to6 spit in his face. I, myself, have not7 been able to contact this man.8 One -- I'll tell you one of the9 reasons. St. Donato's, at 65th and10 Callow Hill has a library, Haddington11 Library. I went there the other day to12 do some research. I'm a writer, okay?13 There's a sign on the door that14 says the library's closed due to lack of15 staff, okay? There is a library there16 that needs to be open because of17 educational resources and services to18 children in our city, okay?19 I will work there. I'm a20 college-educated person from Temple21 University, okay? with a degree in22 communications. I'll teach the children23 how to play chess, I'll teach 'em how to24 use the Internet, and I can sure as hell25 196 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 stack books. I don't think it's a rocket2 science job, I don't think it's a heart3 surgery job, okay? And I'd do it for4 between $15 and $20 an hour, and I'd like5 the Mayor to know that.6 Number 2. Vincent Fumo should7 go to jail until he dies for what he did8 to the City of Philadelphia taxpayers'9 money.10 Number three...11
Okay. And also,14 I don't know if this is relevant at all,15 but Comcast has a monopoly in the City of16 Philadelphia for people who would like to17 watch their home sports teams on TV. And18 I think that for the elderly people in19 this city, they need a wider variety of20 choices so they can enjoy the city that21 they built, rather than Mr. Foglia, who's22 making a $100,000 for nothing.23 I think City Council needs to24 put a question on the next ballot that25 197 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 says who is responsible for these tax2 assessments, 'cause I'm sure as hell3 going to vote for these guys to get off4 the freakin' job.5 And I think you're doing an6 slept job and I think certain members of7 Council are doing an excellent job, but8 some people are just making a lot of9 money for doing absolutely nothing.10 Thank you for your time.11
Thank12 you. We appreciate your coming in to13 testify.14 (Timer bell rings.)15
Thank you,18 Madam Chair.19 I appreciate your comments --20
I appreciate23 your comments.24 I do want to make clear that25 198 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 the discussion about the BRT is really a2 discussion about accountability and3 having the people who are coming to us4 for appropriations accountable to City5 Council and the Mayor rather than to a6 board of judges.7 In my opinion, this is no8 reflection on Chairman Brady, who is not9 really responsible for picking the people10 on the BRT. That's up to the board of11 judges.12
And it's no14 reflection on the hardworking people in15 the BRT who work 40 hours a week often16 for 23 or $30,000 a year.17
Well, I'm sure18 there are some people within the19 organization who do a heck of a job,20 working their butts off, and get paid a21 reasonable salary for their job. And22 that's all -- you know, I mean, I could23 understand that. But there's some people24 that apparently have been given these25 199 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 jobs because of who they know, not what2 they know.3 And I think the corruption in4 the City of Philadelphia, you know, it's5 well known. And right now, it's going to6 be -- Michael Nutter has his hands full,7 and it's a shame because the history of8 Philadelphia should go down as something9 that's positive, not something that was10 made in the backrooms with smoke-filled,11 alcohol-guzzling people.12 And I'm just pissed off because13 my elderly mother pays $93 and $76 a14 month for her residence, and I'd like to15 ask who assessed that? Enrico Foglia?16 And how did he do it? One night, just17 having a shot of Jack Daniels and saying,18 Hey, man, we'll put (indiscernible)19 Avenue at the value of this, while this20 other guy who lives around the corner,21 you know, but he threw some money at me,22 and I'll give him a tax rebate.23 Bullshit! I'm sorry to say that, that's24 all.25 200 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 My mother worked all her life2 to raise five kids without a man. She3 deserves a lot better than what the4 City's being offered her, and so do a lot5 of elderly other people, a lot of6 veterans in this city who deserve to be7 recognized for building the city, laying8 the tracks, gentlemen and ladies, because9 not enough people take responsibility and10 accountability, you know.11 And I know you're a friend of12 Bob Brady's, God bless ya. But I've13 tried to reach out to him. And, I'll14 tell ya, Bob Brady, in my eyes, he ain't15 nothing, because I've reached out to him16 about certain issues, and he says, you17 know, and I go back to him, and if I see18 him in the street, he ain't nothing to me19 but a punk who was a carpenter, okay?20 So I appreciate your time. Any21 other questions?22
And I'd like to25 201 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 open up that library, and I'd like2 somebody to know 'cause I refuse to fill3 out an application online and wait 154 months for a bureaucracy BS, and then5 what, get turned down? And I can wait to6 teach these kids some things that need to7 be done in their lives rather than8 selling dope on the streets?9 Any other questions? 'Cause I10 want some questions from people.11
Thank16 you.17 Do we have anyone else to18 testify?19 (No response.)20
Thank22 you. You do the same.23 Do we have anyone else to24 testify?25 202 5/6/09 - WHOLE - 090212-215, 218-221, 226, 2441 (No response.)2
We3 have until 5:30, according to our4 schedule. I don't know that we should5 wait.6 Our attorney tells us that we7 don't have to stay until 5:30, since8 people who registered have all been9 heard.10 So we can now be on recess11 until Friday, May the 8th, at 10 a.m.12 Thank you.13 (Proceedings end at 4:10 p.m.)14 * * *15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 203 C E R T I F I C A T E2 I HEREBY CERTIFY that the4 proceedings of the City of Philadelphia5 Council Committee of the Whole are contained6 fully and accurately in the stenographic notes7 taken by me on Wednesday, May 6, 2009, and8 that this is a true and correct statement of9 same.10 11 12 13 14 __________________________________ 15 JOSEPHINE CARDILLO Registered Professional Reporter16 17 18 19 (The foregoing certification of20 this transcript does not apply to any21 reproduction of the same by any means, unless22 under the direct control and/or supervision of23 the certifying reporter.)24 25