Committee Hearing, April 21, 2009

COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA2 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE3 - - -4 Room 400, City Hall5 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Tuesday, April 21, 20096 11:00 a.m. 7 - - - 8 9 PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA10 COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN DARRELL L. CLARKE11 COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN BILL GREEN12 COUNCILMAN WILLIAM GREENLEE COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR.13 COUNCILWOMAN JOAN L. KRAJEWSKI COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL14 COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN15 COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO16 17 BILLS 090212, 090213, 090214, 090215, 090218, 090219, 090220, 09022118 RESOLUTION 090226 19 20 - - -21 22 V A R A L L O Incorporated Litigation Support Services23 Eleven Penn Center 1835 Market Street, Suite 60024 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103 215.561.2220 215.567.267025 2 1

Good2 morning. We apologize for being late,3 and trust it won't happen again, except4 for a Tuesday.5 We're going to continue our6 hearings on the Operating Budget, and7 we'd like to now call before the Council8 the Fairmount Park.9 (Witness approached witness10 table.)11

Good12 morning.13

Good morning.14

Would you15 please identify yourself and proceed with16 your testimony.17

Good morning. I'm18 Mark Focht, the Executive Director of19 Fairmount Park. I am pleased to appear20 before City Council to testify on behalf21 of our Fiscal Year 2010 operating budget.22 Our proposed operating budget is23 $12,590,512 for the Fiscal Year 2010.24 I would also like to note that25 3 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 joining me today are several members of2 the Fairmount Park senior staff,3 Fairmount Park Commissioner Phil Price,4 Jr., and up in front of the railing with5 me is Barry Bessler, the Chief of Staff6 for Fairmount Park, and Michael7 DiBerardinis, the new Commissioner of8 Parks and Recreation for the City of9 Philadelphia.10

Thank you.11 Welcome, Michael DiBerardinis. It's good12 to see you back in the Chambers again.13

The Park's proposed14 operating budget is consistent with our15 revised and current Fiscal Year 200916 budget. The Class 100 request of17 $8,733,525 sustains the Park's authorized18 level of 171 positions. 1 percent reduction to the Park's original2 Fiscal Year '09 operating budget. 6 This funding level, therefore, remains7 consistent for Fiscal Year '10. As you8 may recall, Mayor Nutter and this City9 Council increased the Park's budget by10 two and a half million from last fiscal11 year, '08, to the current fiscal year,12 '09. 16 The mission of Fairmount Park17 is to preserve, protect and maintain the18 open space, trees, natural and cultural19 resources of Philadelphia's parks for the20 recreation and enjoyment of both citizens21 and visitors. 9 Fairmount Park remains10 committed to fulfilling our mission while11 striving to attain the goal of Mayor12 Nutter's Philadelphia plan. Our daily13 work helps Philadelphia grow as a green14 city. The Park's involvement on both the15 Schuylkill and North Delaware16 riverfronts, as well as our work in17 neighborhood and watershed parks,18 supports the region's economy and19 enhances the City's sustainability and20 livability. 1 field programs. The pending merger of2 Fairmount Park and the Department of3 Recreation will support the Mayor's goal4 of reforming government. 21 Fairmount Park is pursuing22 several opportunities that will improve23 services for park users and increase24 revenue to the General Fund. 1 include food and beverage vending2 opportunities at heavily used places3 throughout the park system,4 professionally managed parking at5 selected sites and special events, and6 the sale of high-quality organic material7 such as compost and mulch. 12 I am pleased to report on the13 status of the Park's MBE/WBE/DBE14 participation. In aggregate, the Park's15 Fiscal Year '09 participation in16 contracts is 25 percent. This includes17 five prime and five subcontracts18 totalling over $860,000. Between Fiscal19 Year '08 last year and the current Fiscal20 Year '09, the Park recorded an increase21 in the number of minority contracts,22 combined both prime and sub, from eight23 to ten. 4 I would like to highlight5 several of our contracts. As many of you6 are aware, one of the Park's largest7 groups of contracts is our turf8 management. Five geographic contracts9 were bid this spring for the Park by the10 Procurement Department. The City's11 Office of Economic Opportunity, OEO, set12 the participation range for this bundle13 of contracts at 15 to 20 percent. I am14 pleased to report that when the contracts15 were awarded, they included 51 percent16 participation. 19 Minority Services will maintain turf at20 Fairmount Park sites in three of our five21 geographic areas. 1 Similarly, the Park utilizes2 several contractors for tree removal. A3 woman-owned business, Edens Corporation,4 serves as prime for 23 percent of the5 total amount of tree removal work done by6 the Park. Additionally, another tree7 removal contractor, Independence8 Constructors, utilizes Minority Services,9 Inc. as a subcontractor for 12 percent of10 their contract. 15 Davey Tree Experts utilizes Still Man16 Tree Services as a subcontractor for 1017 percent of the work. The other tree18 pruning prime contractor, Bustleton19 Services, utilizes Academy Recycling as a20 subcontractor for 15 percent of their21 work. 4 In the event that the City5 needs to enact the Plan B budget, the6 Park would sustain a two percent7 reduction to our proposed Plan A8 $12,590,512 Operating Budget. This9 reduction amounts to $257,550. To10 achieve the Plan B reduction, the Park11 will have no reductions of filled or12 unfilled Class 100 full-time, part-time13 or seasonal positions. However, to14 achieve the Plan B reduction, the Park15 would undertake the following three16 initiatives:17 First of all, we would have to18 eliminate $92,000 in Class 200 funds for19 our functional requirements contract for20 an asset management system.

1 respond to constituent requests,2 including those coming from both City3 Council, 3-1-1 and individuals. The Park4 currently manages information using Excel5 spreadsheets and an interim rudimentary6 database. 11 The second thing we would have12 to undertake to achieve the B budget is13 the elimination of one turf mowing cycle,14 which would save about $82,000 in Class15 200 funds. One mowing cycle will be16 eliminated either during the warmer,17 dryer summer months or at the end of the18 mowing cycle in mid October, depending on19 weather conditions. This would reduce20 the Park's contractual mowing from 14 to21 13 cycles annually. 1 the trash from the turf areas prior to2 each mowing. 5 And the final thing we would do6 to meet our Plan B budget is, we would be7 charged with generating additional8 revenue amounting to about $84,000. Park9 staff would look to identify additional10 revenue opportunities which would also11 ideally provide additional amenities for12 park users. 1

Thank you2 very much.3 Let me just ask a question4 here. The $2.5 million that we5 appropriated last year, what impact has6 that had on your budget in terms of7 operation? What were you going to use8 those funds for and what's the impact of9 not having those dollars?10

The two and a half11 million dollars were broken out as12 follows: A million dollars was13 specifically intended for tree plantings14 throughout the City. We actually did15 expend about 430,000 of that last fall16 before the budget readjustment occurred.17 So about 430,000 of that million dollars18 was spent and those trees are gracing the19 City.20 Additionally, in the other21 million and a half dollars, we were to22 fund 21 new staff positions at the Park.23 Of those, only one position was funded24 prior to the rebalancing plan. So the25 14 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 other 20 positions have been put on hold.2

What were3 those?4

They were5 principally front-line men and women in6 both our grounds maintenance operations7 and our facilities maintenance8 operations, the skill trades, like9 plumbers, carpenters, electricians. And10 then the grounds maintenance workers are11 those folks that maintain our ball12 fields, pick up the trash, maintain the13 trails. That's where the vast majority14 of those 20 positions were, to fill in15 front-line needs. And then additionally,16 some of the money was to be spent on the17 purchasing of some new equipment to18 support those 20 additional new19 positions. So when those 20 positions20 were put on hold, as was obviously the21 purchase of the equipment to support22 them.23

In the24 merger of Fairmount Park and the25 15 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 Department of Recreation, has that come2 about yet in terms of merging those two3 departments in terms of providing service4 or even staffing?5

Some functions even6 prior to the ballot question had been7 realigned at both Fairmount Park and8 Recreation. For example, in 2005, the9 administrative cluster was formed for10 Fairmount Park and Recreation. So all11 finance, human resources, technology was12 all done out of one administrative13 cluster that serves both departments. So14 there's no duplication between the15 departments anymore.16

Did you17 have a savings as a result of that?18

Yes. There was a19 calculated savings of about a half a20 million dollars annually from forming the21 cluster.22 Subsequent to the ballot23 passing last November, we've been working24 on looking at both departments and our25 16 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 operations and better understanding each2 other and looking at how components might3 merge. We've not actually4 operationalized any of that yet, and I5 would look to Commissioner DiBerardinis,6 if he would like to add any additional7 comments about the merger process.8

Sure.9 (Witness approached witness10 table.)11 COMMISSIONER DiBERARDINIS:12 Thanks, Mark.13 Councilwoman, it's our -- I14 think to meet the deadline in the15 legislation, which essentially says --16

First17 identify yourself.18 COMMISSIONER DiBERARDINIS: I'm19 sorry. Michael DiBerardinis. I'm the20 Commissioner of Parks and Recreation, or21 at least soon to be formed single22 organization.23 But the legislation dictates24 that we have a combined agency in place25 17 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 by not this July but next July, July of2 '10, July 1st of '10. But in order to do3 that, we need to have most of the answers4 and most of the work done by this5 December, this coming December, before6 Christmas, because then we'll have to7 propose a combined budget for the two8 agencies.9 So we hope that by the end of10 this calendar year, we will have, in11 addition to a very strong and12 aspirational mission and vision and goals13 for the combined organization, we will14 have management structures in place,15 we'll have geographic districts in place,16 we will know what the units, the17 Maintenance Unit, the Program Unit, the18 Cultural Unit, what they all look like19 and how they will be structured for next20 year's operating budget. So we're21 working on that calendar, and we hope to22 engage citizens, staff, this body, the23 organized groups all over the City who24 have an interest in either one of these25 18 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 agencies in helping us think how the best2 way to do that is.3 So we're very excited about4 that process and completely excited about5 the enthusiasm of folks wanting to serve6 on the newly formed Parks and Recreation7 Advisory Commission. That to us is8 emblematic of the support that these two9 agencies have, when over 200 people10 applied to serve on that newly formed11 Commission. So we're very excited about12 it and really are anxious to get started13 on the merger process.14

Thank you15 very much.16 The Chair recognizes Councilman17 Greenlee.18 You may want to stay at the19 table, Commissioner.20

Thank21 you, Madam Chair.22 Good morning.23 COMMISSIONER DiBERARDINIS:24 Good morning.25 19 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1

A couple2 of questions particularly on street3 trees. First on pruning, I think you4 had -- before the goal was always roughly5 every seven to ten years. Is that still6 your target times?7

Right. The target8 has always been a seven- to eight-year9 cycle ideally, is what we would get to.10 Currently we're probably on a ten- to11 11-year cycle with the funding we have12 and the number of trees we have.13

Sure.14 Okay. On tree removal, particularly on15 curbside trees, I'm never quite sure16 exactly the process. Is there an17 actual -- because the owner has some18 responsibility too, right?19

Correct.20

Is there21 a notice given to the owner first before22 Fairmount Park comes in? I'm never --23

Yes. Actually,24 many of our tree removals are prompted by25 20 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 the property owner themselves who have a2 concern about the tree.3 The way the process works is4 that when we receive a call from a5 constituent, normally a property owner,6 we dispatch a Fairmount Park arborist to7 go out and look at the tree, assess the8 tree. There's a number of categories9 that we rank the tree, from imminently10 dangerous to healthy, on a sliding scale.11 The arborist makes a determination on if12 the tree should be removed and how soon13 the tree should be removed. That14 information is conveyed back to the15 property owner, and then either we do it16 via our contracts or our own staff,17 depending on the level of emergency.18 There's a lot of factors that go into19 that decision.20 The property owner always has21 the opportunity to have the tree removed22 using a private contractor at their own23 expense if they feel that they want it24 removed sooner and we agree it should be25 21 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 removed. So there's two options.2

Is there3 any cost put on the homeowner when4 Fairmount Park does it?5

None.6

That's7 what I thought. Okay. Thank you.8 One last question. You talk9 about the food and beverage vending10 opportunities. These are new things11 you're trying to set up, right?12

Correct.13

Are we14 talking about like structures or just --15

No, Councilman.16 These would be mobile carts, and they17 would be at select locations for defined18 periods of time. And we're looking that19 this is a pilot program that would start20 on June 1st and only last through October21 31st of this year to see how it's22 received by the park constituents and23 also what it is like to manage it as a24 staff.25 22 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1

Okay. So2 areas where they're heavily used, like3 Lemon Hill?4

Like perhaps Lemon5 Hill, yes.6

Okay.7

Pennypack on the8 Delaware is another example, yes.9

And this10 would be like a private contractor that11 would do it?12

Yes.13

One14 contractor?15

No. Actually,16 Procurement today is posting the bid on17 eContract Philly, and vendors will have18 the opportunity to respond to one site,19 to all the sites, to any combination of20 sites. We will evaluate each bid on a21 site-by-site basis. So it's not a master22 concession agreement, no.23

Do you24 have any rough idea how many sites you're25 23 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 looking at yet or is that still in the --2

We're looking at3 only about 16 to 18 sites throughout the4 whole Park system just to start it as a5 pilot project.6

See how7 it works.8

Because it will9 take some responsibility of Park staff to10 monitor it to make sure everything is11 being done in compliance and being done12 appropriately.13

Got you.14 Okay. Sounds like a good idea. Good15 luck with it.16

We hope that it17 will provide additional services to the18 park users.19

And thank20 you for all you've helped us with over21 these years.22

Certainly. Thank23 you.24

The25 24 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.2

Thank you,3 Madam President. It is good to see you.4

Thank5 you.6 COUNCILMAN JONES:7 Commissioner, Commissioner, how are you8 both?9

Very good. Thank10 you.11 COMMISSIONER DiBERARDINIS:12 Good.13

It is so14 very good to see you two sitting at the15 table. It inspires all of us on Parks16 and Recreation. My Chairwoman gets17 tickled pink when she thinks about the18 possibilities.19 I'd like to ask a couple of20 questions, and one is a hard one, but I21 need to ask it first and then we can get22 to the good stuff.23 The closing of the 92nd Police24 Unit within the Park, which had the25 25 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 responsibility for touring the Park, can2 you give me some feedback on how that3 transition has happened, what impacts4 have occurred since that closing of that5 unit.6

Certainly. For7 those of you that are not familiar, the8 92nd closed, but the police officers in9 the 92nd were assigned to adjacent police10 districts that buffer both Fairmount Park11 East and West and Wissahickon Valley12 Parks. Some officers were assigned to13 the Traffic Division for special events.14 Councilman, I think much to all15 of our pleasure, it's been a very smooth16 transition. We have received very good17 coverage from the adjacent police18 districts. Most of our tenants in the19 Park, which were understandably concerned20 about the abolition of the 92nd, have21 expressed to us that they've been very22 pleased with the level of just physical23 patrols they've seen, police cars in the24 park from the adjacent districts,25 26 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 outreach that has been done. I'll cite2 one example. Nancy Kolb, our foster at3 Please Touch Museum at Memorial Hall, has4 been very pleased with the outreach from5 the 16th Police District, which now6 covers that section of West Park. The7 police officers stop there regularly.8 They check in on the special events.9 They check in on the parking lot. And10 we've heard this almost uniformly from11 our tenants, and also our own staff has12 observed very good police coverage in the13 park.14

Any time15 that we make a shift, I want to gauge16 what the reaction is in the parks. They17 are vulnerable areas and have been used18 often as crime scenes, and we want to19 make sure that is a thing of the past and20 that in our efforts to try to save money,21 that we don't throw the baby out with the22 bath water when it comes to this valuable23 asset.24 Quickly moving along, I am25 27 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 concerned about our plan to market a lot2 of our assets. We have, as you've3 exposed me to, some valuable mansions,4 some sites within the Park that I5 consider hidden treasures. If I were to6 advise someone that was coming to the7 City of Philadelphia in the future8 tense -- this is maybe five years from9 now -- I would say if you were standing10 there with your family and you wanted to11 have adult entertainment and you were12 standing in front of the Marriott, I13 would suggest they go east, go east to14 the waterfront, go east to the gambling15 casinos, go east to some of the more16 provocative clubs that are down on the17 waterfront. But if you wanted wholesome18 family entertainment, I would urge them19 to go west, west through Logan Circle,20 west up into the Park, anchoring on the21 Zoo and so forth.22 How are we marketing that kind23 of two different experiences of24 Philadelphia and highlighting our parks25 28 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 in the process and some of the mansions,2 such as Benedict Arnold's mansion and3 Smith Playground, which they've just4 opened up? How are we promoting those5 assets?6

Actually,7 Councilman, there's three very positive8 things happening right now. The Park9 recently received a grant to do a10 marketing study specifically for our11 historic mansions, so Mount Pleasant that12 you mentioned and others. We are just --13 we literally just issued a request for14 proposals to marketing firms to begin15 that process. But that's a federal grant16 that came through the Preserve America17 Program. So that's specifically for our18 historic assets in East and West Park.19 Separately and second, our20 partners at the Fairmount Park21 Conservancy, our non-profit, have22 retained a marketing consultant to do an23 overall brand study, imaging study of the24 Fairmount Park brand, Fairmount Park25 29 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 system, our 63 parks, and figure out how2 to promote that widely. Again, we're at3 about the first phase of that study, and4 that's much larger than just the historic5 assets.6 And then, thirdly, the greatest7 concentration of those family-focused8 assets are, of course, in the Centennial9 District, with the Zoo, the Mann, Please10 Touch, our Horticultural Center, Japanese11 House and Garden, et cetera. We are12 working very closely -- I personally am13 working very closely with Please Touch,14 Mann, Zoo leadership to look at an15 overall marketing campaign, branding16 campaign. We've actually developed a17 logo, a visual identity, for the18 Centennial District in West Park,19 specifically to have all the institutions20 use it to start to bring people out, get21 brand recognition. We have new signage22 we put up that identifies the area as the23 Centennial District. So that's a very24 targeted, specific thing for that area.25 30 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1

You could2 actually spend two or three days with3 your family and still not experience all4 there is to experience within our mansion5 system. Rittenhouse, for example, is the6 first place paper was manufactured in the7 United States, and for those of us who8 have become historic buffs because of our9 experience in the park, we can appreciate10 that. So I would be interested in11 providing to this Council how we mature12 that marketing effort and how it's going13 to be promoted to visitors.14 In concert with that, I'm also15 interested in the Schuylkill River Trail16 connection and how we take advantage of17 that particular pathway of both visitors18 to the City of Philadelphia but also19 consumers as they stop in places like20 Manayunk and East Falls along the way to21 experience some of the commercial benefit22 of being right adjacent to that trail.23 How are we connecting with that?24

There's actually25 31 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 three projects we have going on right now2 to serve the trail users to both provide3 them with amenities and for economic4 generation. One I've already mentioned,5 the mobile vending carts, which will be6 out there to provide a bottle of water, a7 soft pretzel, something like that, to8 someone that's biking in from Montgomery9 County. But specifically, we're working10 with, as I believe you're aware being on11 the Board of the Fairmount Park Historic12 Preservation Trust, renovation of the13 Bathey House, which is the small brick14 building off of Kelly Drive in East15 Falls. That will be renovated as a cafe,16 restrooms, bike rental, blade rental.17 (Bell rung.)18

So, again,19 providing that amenity, most notably20 restrooms and bottled water, to folks21 that are on the recreation trail. And22 then farther up in Manayunk, working with23 your office last year, approved the24 expansion, the deck expansion, of Bourbon25 32 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 Blue to provide that amenity to users in2 the Manayunk Canal Towpath section of the3 Schuylkill River Trail. So there's a4 number of initiatives sprinkled in each5 section that we're doing.6

I'm going to7 allow my colleagues to get an opportunity8 to ask some questions, but I will say9 last year we challenged you on the10 affirmative action minority participation11 contracting goals and I'm pleased to hear12 that you met that challenge, exceeded13 that challenge, and particularly under14 the grass-cutting contract that we15 mentioned, that every 17-day cycle, that16 you've cut it up into five different17 areas, and I'm truly appreciative. We18 tend to sit over here and we give it to19 you real hard when you don't do20 something, but when you hear us and then21 make adjustments for the affirmative, I22 have to go on the record and say thank23 you for that as well.24

Thank you very25 33 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 much.2

Thank you,3 Madam President.4 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:5 You're welcome.6 The Chair recognizes7 Councilwoman Brown.8

Thank you,9 Madam President.10 Good morning, gentlemen.11

Good morning.12

Let me13 also acknowledge and underscore14 Councilman Jones' comments regarding the15 improvement and huge progress with16 MBE/WBE participation. It's very much17 appreciated.18

Certainly.19

Revisit20 Councilwoman Tasco's opening questions.21 With the deadline being July '10, we then22 can assume that come -- can we assume23 that next year at this time there will be24 one flow chart, one budget, one set of25 34 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 testimony, unless the Commissioner2 decides that he wants to spread that3 across the leadership in this team?4 COMMISSIONER DiBERARDINIS:5 Absolutely. We are prepared to --6 preparing to, like I said earlier, to7 have most of the thinking and planning8 and internal structuring complete by the9 end of this calendar year in order to10 present the budget. And the presentation11 of the budget, budget -- respond to the12 budget call, we would be putting13 ourselves on that schedule. So we will14 be very aggressive in the next six or15 eight months to move this process forward16 and to be here roughly this time next17 year presenting a single budget.18

Okay. All19 right, then.20 In addition to -- I'll ask that21 on the next go-around. Let me get this22 round of questions in. I was going to23 ask about the strategic plan, but I'll do24 that on the next round. On this round I25 35 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 want to ask about the Fairmount Park2 trust funds that are left to Fairmount3 Park with varying levels of mandate.4 Some are very specific mandating the5 exact patch of land, type of foliage that6 must be planted, and some are more7 loosely mandated. How much money8 currently does the Fairmount Park have in9 its trust funds?10

The trust funds'11 total, including the investments, are12 about $11 million. That's 38 different13 funds.14

Can you15 please provide to Council President a16 listing of those trust fund dollars to17 the Chair?18

Of course.19

If you had20 an extra $5 million in funding -- that's21 the ball we like to look into -- what22 would be the most effective way you will23 spend it so that citizens could actually24 see it?25 36 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1

I think it would be2 part of what I talked about in my opening3 remarks as to how we were initially going4 to use the two and a half million dollar5 increase, which is to increase the number6 of front-line personnel, getting the men7 and women in both our landscape8 operations and our facilities maintenance9 group. They're the individuals that on a10 day-to-day basis provide the upkeep and11 maintenance of the Park and its assets,12 and that is what I think is most visible13 to the citizens day in and day out.14

What about15 the Fairmount Park Rangers? Where are16 they in the life of the Park right now?17

The Fairmount Park18 Rangers are funded by this -- through our19 operating budget at $850,000 a year in20 Class 500 money. That goes to the21 non-profit Fairmount Park Ranger Corps.22 It's blended with a little bit of other23 money that we have in an endowment. So24 we have an operating budget of about25 37 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 $925,000 a year for the Rangers, which2 employ 21 full-time Rangers and eight3 seasonal Rangers.4

And that5 has decreased steadily over the years?6

No. That's been7 actually very constant for the last six8 years or so. If you go back a decade or9 more, it was much larger, but in the last10 six to eight years, it's been around that11 same level of funding and that same12 number of employees.13 I will add, we actually have14 added several Rangers recently through15 some, I'd like to think, innovative16 partnerships. The Philadelphia Water17 Department, for example, now funds two18 full-time Rangers at the Fairmount19 Waterworks, so that complex behind the20 Art Museum specifically to provide21 security and visitor interpretation to22 that site. And those are funded in23 addition to the 21 I mentioned that are24 funded through this budget.25 38 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1

What is2 the Department's involvement and3 interaction with the Office of4 Sustainability?5

Our involvement is6 extensive. I serve, in addition to my7 role at Fairmount Park, I serve as Chair8 for GreenPlan Philadelphia, the City's9 comprehensive open space plan, and as10 part of that, I and a number of my11 colleagues serve on the Sustainability12 Working Group that's helping guiding the13 development of Greenworks, the City's14 sustainability plan that will be launched15 next week.16

Yes. I'm17 aware of that announcement.18 With the procurement that is19 being posted today for the vendors, just20 discuss, walk through that process,21 because it appears to vary from22 department to department, but you don't23 know unless you ask.24

I'm sorry. Which25 39 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 process?2

You said3 there's a bid being posted today, a4 procurement bid that's being posted5 today -- Procurement is posting a bid6 today with regard to the vendors.7

Right. This is an8 eContract process, and the way it works9 is for us at Fairmount Park, we identify10 something we want to do, in this case the11 mobile vending. We work with Procurement12 on developing the proper forms. It goes13 to the Office of Economic Opportunity,14 and they assign the participation ranges.15 And then it's posted by Procurement16 through the eContract process, and as I17 noted, that's coincidentally being posted18 today.19

Okay.20

And then21 Procurement handles the process for us --22

I see.23

-- as an operating24 department. They get the bids. We25 40 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 evaluate the bids with them. They award2 the contract. It's a City procurement3 process.4

But it's a5 collaborative process at the point that6 prospective candidates have been7 identified and then the department head,8 plus Procurement sits down -- or is it9 the department head and OEO? Who is it?10

It's all three:11 Department head, Procurement and OEO.12

Okay. So13 the legislation has happened last14 November. Where are we with the15 strategic plan, with the other16 recommendations cited in the strategic17 plan?18

The Fairmount Park19 strategic plan completed in 2005 has 8220 major recommendations in it. As of the21 last status report, which I sent to22 Council late last fall --23

Yes. I24 remember that.25 41 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1

-- we have2 achieved -- we have completed or are in3 progress on about, if I remember the4 number correctly, Councilwoman, 42 of the5 81 or so. It's right about the 506 percent mark, are either done or in7 progress, and the balance are either just8 beginning or we haven't begun them yet.9 So remembering that the strategic plan is10 a ten-year strategic plan. We're at the11 end of year four. So we're pretty much12 on target, having accomplished over 5013 percent of the recommendations and about14 40 percent of the ten-year horizon.15

I commend16 you on that.17 That's no longer relevant,18 because our new Commissioner is here.19 That's it for this round.20 Thank you, Madam Chair.21

Thank22 you.23 The Chair recognizes Councilman24 Green.25 42 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1

Thank you,2 Madam Chair.3 Good morning. I think it's4 still morning.5

Good morning.6

I have a7 general question and it's sort of been8 touched on, but I was hoping you'd be9 able to be specific about it, and, that10 is, we're all very glad to see Mr.11 DiBerardinis take responsibility for this12 area, and I assume he'll have some people13 working directly for him that aren't in14 the departments, but I am wondering if15 instead of saving money through a16 combination by creating another level17 above the Commission heads, yourself and18 Ms. Slawson, we are costing the taxpayers19 half a million more or so dollars a year,20 and I just wonder what the plan is to21 have savings in the departments to pay22 for that. Do we need a head of Fairmount23 Park and a Rec Commissioner when we have24 Mr. DiBerardinis? You know what I mean?25 43 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 Like something has to give to pay for2 this, and I'm just wondering how we're3 going to pay for it.4 COMMISSIONER DiBERARDINIS:5 Well, let me just say, first of all, that6 I won't be hiring anybody, so there won't7 be any additional cost. The legislation,8 as far as I understand it, calls for all9 three positions. So the legislation -- I10 don't know how bound we are to this, but11 certainly it calls for the Commissioner12 and then the two Directors underneath,13 and so it keeps that the same. So I14 don't -- besides what I'm getting paid,15 that's the only, as far as I can tell,16 the only new money that's in play here.17

And are18 there synergies that are going to be19 created in the building management aspect20 in terms of -- each department currently21 has, the Commission and the Rec22 Department, currently have people who are23 in charge of maintaining buildings. They24 currently have -- is that going to be25 44 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 combined?2 COMMISSIONER DiBERARDINIS:3 Yes. Absolutely.4

How much5 does that save us?6 COMMISSIONER DiBERARDINIS:7 Right now -- let me just be straight8 about this. There will be some savings,9 but I don't think it's going to be10 astronomical. I think a lot of the11 efficiencies around the Administration12 and operation of the two departments, a13 lot of that has been instituted over the14 last few years, and some meaningful15 savings have been accrued in that16 process. I suspect that there will be17 some more efficiencies that we can meet18 as we operate under a combined agency.19 What they are right now, quite20 frankly, we don't know, but I think to21 assume that this is the reason why the22 agencies are put together, is about23 money, I think it's about the quality of24 service to the citizens. We're not going25 45 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 to cost more. We probably will cost2 less, but the payoff here is that we have3 two powerful systems working together to4 serve the citizens of the City, to take5 care of these facilities in a way that is6 at the highest quality and to program for7 children and families throughout the City8 in a way that we haven't been able to do9 in the past, either with the same or with10 less money. I think that's the -- and in11 a way to engage citizens directly in that12 work.13

No, no. I14 completely subscribe to that, but part of15 the selling process and every single16 editorial and every single speech17 promoting this was synergies.18 COMMISSIONER DiBERARDINIS:19 Yeah.20

So people do21 expect some synergies as a result of this22 or they expect to know exactly how23 service is going to be improved.24 COMMISSIONER DiBERARDINIS:25 46 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 Exactly.2

So what I3 want to say is, next year when you come4 back, I'd like you to be able to answer5 one or the other of those questions: How6 are citizens going to get more service7 for the same money or what are our8 savings going to be.9 COMMISSIONER DiBERARDINIS: I10 agree. If I can't come in here to answer11 those questions to some degree, you12 should be mad at me. You should be --13 you should take --14

I'd never be15 mad.16 COMMISSIONER DiBERARDINIS: But17 it's true. We have to perform. I mean,18 my point is, we have to perform and we19 have to meet the demands of the20 legislation and the expectations of the21 citizens.22

I'd love23 to -- if there was some plan that's24 currently in operation -- I mean, when25 47 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 you come back before us next year for2 additional funds, how will we have judged3 whether or not this year has been a4 success? What are the goals of the5 Department in terms of where you're6 going? In other words, we were supposed7 to have budgeting for outcomes this year8 or zero-based budgeting. I wrote a paper9 on it in 2007, which was how we measure10 the effect of different programs.11 Could you provide to the12 Chair -- and I'm not asking you to go13 through it right now -- how we should, in14 your view, measure the success of one15 year to another in terms of the different16 programs and services provided by both17 departments.18 COMMISSIONER DiBERARDINIS:19 Yes. And I think again --20

Thank you.21 COMMISSIONER DiBERARDINIS: --22 that's a challenge that I put out before23 to staffs and the leadership both in and24 outside the departments. That's a25 48 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 challenge that I think we have to meet.2 I'd be happy to over time share that with3 this body, how the process is going, what4 are the outcomes and how are we going to5 know we met them.6

Before the7 budget process I'd like to have something8 to the Chair.9 COMMISSIONER DiBERARDINIS:10 Sure.11

Okay. I12 want to commend you and one of my13 favorite Council staffers, who is not on14 my staff, for getting out to Fernhill15 Park with a bunch of people and16 leveraging a lot of different resources,17 different community groups, different18 things to clean that up, and I want to19 ask you, is there going to be a proactive20 plan in the future for leveraging21 resources like this?22 COMMISSIONER DiBERARDINIS:23 Well, I think it goes back to your early24 point, Councilman. When you know what it25 49 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 is you want to accomplish, then you know2 who it is you're going to do it with and3 what are the resources, what are the4 aligned interests, who are all the5 partners. So I always struggle when I am6 sort of in a position sort of as a public7 administrator. I think they have to8 struggle for what is the product, how do9 we communicate that, how do we engage10 people, staff and others, in delivering11 that product and how do we measure12 success. When you can do that, then your13 relationships and who you work with14 become very clear. And then that's15 really when I found anyway new resources16 come into play, new connections come into17 play, greater connection and contact with18 community.19 So I think that the challenge20 for both departments at this moment is to21 answer that question that you asked me22 just a minute ago and then to proceed23 with the structure and the budget and the24 relationships and the collaborations from25 50 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 there.2

Thank you.3 We talked during last year's4 budget hearings about the need for the5 Park to implement a modern asset6 management system. There are members of7 the Commission that have been pushing8 this strongly for the last couple of9 years, and last year you testified that10 you had an interim rudimentary database11 and that you were going to be changing12 that. Where are you with that?13

We're still working14 with the interim database. The funding15 for the -- to move into a larger -- to do16 the function services requirement for the17 larger asset management system was18 contained in the two and a half million19 dollar increase which we had received and20 then was part of the budget rebalancing.21 So we don't have the funding in Class 20022 to take on the larger study. So we23 continue to manage what we do with paper24 forms, Excel spreadsheets and this25 51 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 database.2

Have you3 looked at commercial off-the-shelf4 property management systems?5

We have. We've6 actually been looking specifically for7 our street tree, which is the largest8 component of our asset management,9 managing all of our street tree work, at10 some commercial software that some other11 cities have been using. You still need12 the money to purchase that software and13 to have the annual license, which can run14 well into the six figures, and it's15 simply funding we don't have right now.16

Okay. I17 would suggest that there are property18 management systems that other people use19 that would cost you far less than $50,00020 a year and also have the ability to21 GPS -- take GPS data, which you could use22 for your street tree program, and that23 you ought to maybe go back to Allan24 Frank, talk to him about this, and also25 52 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 maybe combine your efforts with the RDA,2 which is also putting together a property3 asset management database. They've --4 not this Administration, but millions5 have been wasted on a proprietary system,6 and hopefully they'll be soon considering7 going to a commercial off-the-shelf8 system as well. And the City itself,9 Public Property, has assets that we don't10 manage in anything but rudimentary11 databases. So maybe by combining the12 Class 200 funds of three departments we13 can actually accomplish something rather14 than having each department trying to15 create its own solution.16 I would like to know -- next17 year hopefully we won't be talking about18 a rudimentary database. I certainly will19 be judging your success over this past20 year by whether or not you have got a21 property management system.22 You testified that if Plan B23 was implemented, the Park would eliminate24 92,000 in Class 200 funds for functional25 53 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 requirements contracts for the asset2 management system.3 (Bell rung.)4

Correct. That's5 what we were just discussing.6

So we're7 continuing to spend money on the8 rudimentary system or is this on a new9 system?10

This is on the new11 system we were just discussing. The12 functional requirements contract is the13 first phase to determining the extent of14 the system to be purchased in your case15 or developed.16

You could17 pay for a commercial off-the-shelf system18 for the amount of money we're talking19 about here, $92,000.20 Who is doing the functional21 requirements? Are you hiring a22 consultant for that?23

That's what I'm24 saying. We are not moving ahead on that25 54 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 because we don't have the funding to2 implement the system. About ten years --3

Well, you do4 in the original plan. Only if Plan B5 comes will you not spend this.6

No, Councilman. We7 have the money to do the functional8 requirements, but we don't have the money9 to implement the system and --10

Can you --11

If I may, about ten12 years ago, we did a functional13 requirements contract that defined what14 type of system we should have, and then15 we never received the money to actually16 purchase the system to manage our assets.17 So we don't want to spend the money doing18 the functional services requirement --19

You should20 never spend money doing. It is a waste21 of money. It is a boondoggle for22 departments to do this. There's23 commercial software that does it. It is24 very simple. Issue a request for25 55 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 information to the private sector, tell2 them what your needs are, and you will3 get 15 proposals from 15 different4 softwares from all over this country that5 are going to tell you that you can pay6 for what you're looking for for less than7 $92,000. There's no need to do a study.8 You know what you need.9 Who is getting that consulting10 contract? Have you done an RFP for it?11

No. I'm saying, we12 have not done an RFP for that. We have13 not started any process to expend those14 funds.15

Okay. My16 time is up, Madam Chair. Thank you.17

Thank18 you.19 The Chair recognizes Councilman20 Jones.21

Thank you,22 Madam President.23 My colleague, Bill Green, asked24 how you measure success from one year to25 56 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 the next, and I would only weigh in to2 say that I measure it in part by the3 minority participation that you brought4 before us. I measure it in part by the5 number of permits that I hear are6 increasing every year for use of Park7 facilities. I measure it by simple8 things like the grass being cut on a9 regular basis. I measure it by the10 number of suburbanites that now want to11 participate in joint ventures with the12 City of Philadelphia on the Manayunk13 Bridge and how we connect suburbs to14 urbs. And so I believe that we are15 making progress. Sometimes baby steps,16 sometimes giant steps, but we are making17 progress, and I look forward to measuring18 it every year as we go forward.19 I would also want to know in20 that regard that early on we talked about21 the growing problem of events being on22 the Parkway between the Art Museum and23 the impact it has on a lot of the24 museums. I believe a figure of 3025 57 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 weekends a year we shut down the Parkway,2 which stops vehicular traffic from3 getting to some of those institutions,4 and I wanted to know in your planning,5 are you moving some of those events to6 other locations inclusive of the7 Concourse and Centennial areas in my8 district, and, if so, how do you blend9 that and how do you make that10 logistically make sense?11

Thank you,12 Councilman. I would like to address the13 often cited 30 weekends a year, because14 that's actually not an accurate number,15 and we will supply to the Council16 President the list of the weekends that17 are programmed for 2009. Because we18 frequently hear that and it actually has19 not been 30 weekends in many years,20 because we've been very cognizant. I21 will tell you that in the last ten years,22 we have only permitted three new events23 on the Parkway, because we're very24 cognizant of the impact of those events25 58 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 on our partners.2

So that's a3 total of?4

It's about 16 days,5 so it could be a Saturday or a Sunday and6 sometimes it's a Saturday and a Sunday,7 so that's one weekend. About 16 days in8 the year.9 I sit on the Board of Parkway10 Council Foundation. Of all the11 institutions on the Parkway, that is a12 frequent point of conversation. So we'll13 get you updated numbers on those.14 But to the second portion of15 your question, yes, we have been --16 everyone that comes to Fairmount Park17 that wants to do a first-time special18 event wants to do it on the Parkway,19 because it is the quintessential20 Philadelphia setting. Everyone wants a21 backdrop of the Art Museum and City Hall.22 We steer all first-time special events23 away from the Parkway, largely because24 they're not large enough to justify going25 59 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 on the Parkway. And if they're not2 specific to a Parkway institution -- for3 example, one of the three new events on4 the Parkway in the last ten years is in5 fact the Free Library's Book Festival,6 which happened last weekend for the third7 year. So that's obviously appropriate to8 be on the Parkway -- (continued) we9 direct them to a number of places. We've10 been directing some athletic-focused11 events up to Pennypack on the Delaware in12 Pennypack in the Northeast. Most of our13 benefit walks and runs we've been14 redirecting to Martin Luther King, Jr.15 Drive, since that's closed for16 recreational activity anyway on Saturdays17 and Sundays, and into the Centennial18 District in West Park. And in the19 Centennial District, we've developed a20 new five kilometer course that does not21 impact the operations of Please Touch,22 and, in fact, just last night I got an23 e-mail from the Director of Operations at24 Please Touch praising Park staff for this25 60 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 past weekend, beautiful weekend, lots of2 folks, lots of activities in the Park,3 and Please Touch was able to open and4 function while still special events5 occurred on their front door.6

I would like7 to follow that up with are we still8 anticipating the approximate $45 million9 from the federal government for that10 particular area, and how does that impact11 specific projects that may be identified12 in that area? And one near and dear to13 me would be Centennial Lake and Concourse14 Lakes, which are the first15 concrete-bedded manmade lakes in the16 country, which hasn't seen a dredging in17 20 years. So I'm saying all this not for18 you, because you already know where they19 are. I'm saying it for future purposes,20 and that wouldn't those lakes be a21 wonderful outdoor environmental classroom22 for kids and wouldn't those lakes be a23 wonderful urban fishing experience for24 youth from around the City to take a pole25 61 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 to be right in an urban environment,2 actually catch a trout or something like3 that? And these aren't really expensive4 kinds of capital improvements. These5 are -- and if we're talking about all of6 this prosperity in a one-mile area, we7 can't just leapfrog over those two lakes.8 So I wanted to know what the status of9 those projects were.10

The Centennial11 District Authorization Act, which died in12 the last Congress with the election, has13 been reintroduced by Congressman Fattah.14 It's been reintroduced in the House. It15 is to be reintroduced this week in the16 Senate by Senator Casey. Both Senator17 Casey and Congressman Fattah are very18 positive on its future passage. They're19 both committed to working on it.20 As you're aware, Councilman,21 that's an authorization act that does not22 give us money, but that gives us the23 right to apply through the National Park24 Service in the federal authorization25 62 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 process for money.2 So the authorization process is3 moving very well. Separately, though, on4 the lakes, we have worked -- Joan5 Blaustein on my staff, Director of6 Environmental Resources for the Park, has7 worked with the Water Department on a8 dredging plan that we'll be implementing9 late summer, early fall to dredge10 Concourse Lake.11

I'm excited.12 And are the red-bellied turtles -- I13 learned about them.14

You have lots of15 them in your district.16

The17 red-bellied turtles, are they going to be18 okay?19

They'll be good.20 In fact, the dredging plan -- and we've21 encountered them both on the Manayunk22 Canal and at the lake. So they're all23 over your district. They will be -- the24 dredging plan is around -- separate from25 63 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 the mating season for the red-bellied2 turtles so we don't disturb their habitat3 during their critical spring season.4 That's why the dredging is summer, early5 fall.6

Just one7 other comment on that. Within the8 Concourse Lake, there is a little island9 and one of the things that I thought that10 Commissioner DiBerardinis would11 appreciate is that there are 80 different12 species of hardwood which are indigenous13 to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It14 would be nice to be able to have those15 species represented on that island and16 markers, placards or signage be able to17 have young people identify the difference18 between an oak and the difference between19 pine and know those kinds of species as a20 part of their outdoor experience.21 Thank you, Madam President --22 or Madam Chair.23

Thank you24 very much.25 64 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 The Chair recognizes2 Councilwoman Brown.3

Thank you4 very much.5 I would be very remiss to let6 these hearings go this year and not7 acknowledge the work of Bob Allen, who8 worked very, very, very, very, very9 closely over a long extended period of10 time with Councilman Clarke and I as we11 looked to see how we could find12 efficiencies long before the issue went13 before the voters, and this was the14 earliest time since then that I've had a15 chance to make that acknowledgment.16 I'm pleased to hear not that17 the number of events have been reduced,18 but to know exactly what the number is,19 number one.20 Number two, there may be a role21 for us to help in getting the word out22 that the events are on the Parkway so23 that citizens and visitors alike can24 rearrange their lives when it comes to25 65 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 the traffic issues that we have to2 confront on the Parkway. So is that a3 consideration when -- what is your4 strategy for getting the word out that,5 A, they're happening and, B, you need to6 be aware of this because lives have to be7 moved around because of the traffic8 issues?9

All of the10 information on events on both King Drive,11 Kelly Drive and the Parkway are posted on12 our website, right on the home page at13 fairmountpark.org. There's a link to the14 complete event listings for all three and15 the hours of either closure or detour,16 depending on the situation. So that's17 publicly posted mid-March every year. So18 that's there for the whole event season,19 updated as need be. And then20 specifically on the Parkway, we actually21 work fairly extensively with the Parkway22 Council Foundation. We use that23 organization as the vehicle to get out to24 the CEOs of the leadership of each, and25 66 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 as recently as yesterday, I was2 corresponding with the leadership at the3 Philadelphia Condominium right on the4 Parkway. They had a question about one5 specific special event. But all the6 information for all three venues, King,7 Kelly and the Parkway, are posted right8 on our home page.9

Is there10 some connection with the neighborhood11 residents for the --12

Logan Square13 neighbors and the Fairmount Civic14 Association both, yes. They both receive15 all these lists.16

Give us an17 update on Dell East just for this record.18

That's actually a19 Recreation Department facility, so20 Commissioner Slawson will be able to --21

I just22 read that. I should know that.23

That's okay.24

I believe25 67 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 that that's it, Madam Chair.2

Thank you3 very much.4 The Chair recognizes Councilman5 Clarke.6

Thank you,7 Madam Chair.8 Good morning.9

Good morning.10

Real quick,11 I just want to briefly kind of -- some12 earlier conversations around the13 basis/purpose, the intent on the merger14 as a co-sponsor of the bill, along with15 Councilwoman Brown, I just wanted to say16 one of the issues that came up in that17 discussion was in fact the realization of18 potential cost savings, and I want to say19 that there were actually a significant20 amount of cost savings realized during21 the course of the operational mergers22 that did not require any legislation, and23 hopefully that more than pays for24 Commissioner DiBerardinis' salary. I25 68 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 think we're okay in the Five-Year Plan2 also with respect to that.3 But there were actually a4 number of other issues that I think were5 if not equally, maybe even more6 important. This whole issue of7 transparency in terms of the selection8 process was very high up as it related to9 how we select the Commissioners of the10 newly formed entity, and as earlier11 referenced by the Commissioner, that12 caused more people to apply for the13 Commission of Parks and Recreation I14 think more than any other commission in15 the City of Philadelphia has ever, and16 the qualifications of those people caused17 us to try to come up with a strategy to18 figure out how we keep those people19 engaged. So I say if nothing else, it20 achieved that goal of getting people21 engaged in the parks.22 The other issue related to the23 level of responsibility, because at the24 end of the day, during the course of the25 69 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 old park system, in particular it was2 never clear who was responsible and who3 had jurisdiction over the Park. It was4 an issue about Park Commissioners at the5 end of the day, and I know, Mark, you6 won't say it today, but, frankly7 speaking, the lines of communication as8 to who was your supervisor was quite9 difficult, because you'd get calls from10 the Park Commissioners, and there were a11 number of them. You'd get calls from12 Councilmembers and you'd get calls from13 state reps and you'd get calls from14 friends groups, and at the end of the15 day, it's like who did you really answer16 to. I think this sets up the lines of17 responsibility quite clearly. And then18 this whole issue about funding.19 (Bell rung.)20

And I'll21 wrap up. It was never really clear at22 end of the day from the general public23 who was responsible for funding the Park,24 because it's kind of -- and I don't think25 70 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 that the elected officials were pressured2 enough to fund parks in the appropriate3 way because of that whole confusion4 around funding. So this pretty much set5 it quite clear who is responsible, who6 has jurisdiction over what, and has a7 significant transparency issue as it8 relates to making sure that those people9 who make those decisions.10 And one last thing. With11 respect to the newly formed Commission, I12 think that newly formed Commission will13 give us a clear vision on Park policy.14 Unlike before, there was kind of every15 time you had a Park meeting, depending on16 what committee that the issue went to,17 the kind of -- and I'm not being critical18 of the former Park Commissioners, because19 they were really hard-working people, but20 there was no real guidelines as it21 relates to Park disposition, acquisition,22 watershed management, things of those23 nature, and I believe that this newly24 formed Commission will clearly establish25 71 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 those guidelines for us to enact in the2 City of Philadelphia.3 So I just wanted to just put4 that out there as one of the sponsors why5 we did what we did, and I'm sure6 Councilwoman will probably add some7 things when her turn comes up.8 Thank you, Madam Chair.9

Thank you10 very much.11 The Chair recognizes Councilman12 O'Neill.13

Thank you,14 Madam Chair.15 Commissioner, welcome back.16 COMMISSIONER DiBERARDINIS:17 Thanks.18

Good to19 have you, and I think we're fortunate20 that what would have been in an RFP21 nationally and may not have existed other22 than your unique combination of city and23 state, not just having the jobs, but24 having excelled at both of them is our25 72 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 good fortune. So welcome back. And I2 just wanted to ask you, as I was sitting3 here listening to the talk about4 consolidation, one of the major things I5 remember as reasons that the Parks6 Alliance and others wanted the7 consolidation, wanted a change in8 governance was that the -- what was at9 that time the new Park Commission that10 came after some reform that people11 thought was going to happen, new people12 were put on, there was sort of a citywide13 movement, including the Alliance, to get14 new blood in the Commission. They did a15 strategic plan. The Commission engaged a16 strategic plan and then didn't follow it.17 At least that's what I remember. And one18 of the things was, there were key areas19 they didn't follow, and I've sat next to20 my colleague, Councilman Clarke, who told21 me he moved into a new area a few years22 back in Northwood and he has a23 three-block park, except it looks like a24 park, it acts like a park, but it's the25 73 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 Department of Recreation. And then2 there's examples of that elsewhere, but I3 just remember that one conversation,4 because it was frustrating. And then we5 have rec centers that look like rec6 centers, but they're Fairmount Park7 facilities. And it seemed like one of8 the simplest things that would help9 citizens and help the government and let10 people know if it's Fairmount Park, if11 it's a rec center, it never got done, for12 whatever reason. Is there a chance we13 can see that under the new consolidation?14 COMMISSIONER DiBERARDINIS:15 Yes. We have to do that. I mean, that's16 where those programmatic or structural17 alliances are. We have to do that quick18 and early. I mean, that has to be19 something we get right, and, in fact, I20 think that will be one of the easier21 tasks --22

Okay.23 COMMISSIONER DiBERARDINIS: --24 in the process. But certainly that has25 74 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 to happen.2

Thank you.3 COMMISSIONER DiBERARDINIS: And4 then the management has to -- we have to5 improve the quality of the services and6 the management as we identify them as a7 responsibility of the single entity.8

Is that9 strategic plan still relevant to the new10 consolidated --11 COMMISSIONER DiBERARDINIS: I'd12 have to defer to Mark on that.13

Yes, Councilman.14 The strategic plan done in 2005 had,15 again, 82 major recommendations. About16 41 of them have been implemented, have17 been completed or in progress, and it was18 a ten-year plan. And one of the19 recommendations in that plan was this20 possible merger with Recreation. So the21 process that the Commissioner is about to22 lead us through is actually continuing23 the implementation of that strategic24 plan, which does address the issues you25 75 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 raise about the transfer of facilities2 and land.3

Okay.4 Well, thank you very much, both of you.5 Good luck.6

Thank you.7

Thank you.8 Moving along. Let me just9 announce that we are not going to take a10 break. We are going to continue on with11 the hearing. After Fairmount Park we12 will have Recreation Department, the13 Atwater Kent and then the Art Museum. So14 thank you.15 The Chair recognizes Councilman16 Green.17

Thank you,18 Madam Chair.19 So if you could just,20 Mr. Focht, if you could provide the Chair21 with the functional requirements that22 were discovered that you needed ten years23 ago. Because I can't imagine they've24 changed.25 76 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 So the operating budget summary2 indicates a 37.5 percent reduction from3 320 to 200 between FY09 and FY10 and4 other revenues to Fairmount Park. What5 are these other revenues?6

I'm sorry.7

And why are8 they dropping?9

I'm sorry,10 Councilman. Could you repeat again,11 please.12

Budget13 summary, , there's a 37 and a half14 percent reduction in, quote/unquote,15 "other revenues" to the Park. Why are16 they dropping and what are they?17 If you don't have the answer18 now, you can provide it to the Chair.19

We will.20

In your21 testimony you noted that if Plan B was22 implemented, the Park would generate23 additional revenue amounting to 83,550.24 Park staff would work to identify25 77 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 additional revenue-generating2 opportunities which would also ideally3 provide amenities for park users.4 I appreciate that the Park5 staff is stretched thin, but why would we6 wait for Plan B?7

Well, as I said in8 my testimony, we're not waiting for Plan9 B. At the top of of my testimony,10 I said that we are pursuing additional11 revenue-generating, on the third12 paragraph on , additional13 revenue-generating opportunities such as14 the food and vending, the professional --15 the parking, the organic material. We're16 doing all that now.17

Right, but18 your --19

To within the20 capacity of the staff we have, which is21 one and a half people to administer all22 the contracts and agreements in Fairmount23 Park. If Plan B is implemented -- we're24 already taking it to a certain level,25 78 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 pushing ourselves. If Plan B is2 implemented, we'd simply have to push3 ourselves further. I don't know the4 details of how we'll accomplish that5 right now.6

But what7 you're testifying to is, you can generate8 an additional $83,550 and you're not9 going to do it unless Plan B is needed.10 It doesn't make sense to me. I mean, you11 should be able to do it, and the way12 maybe we can motivate you to generate the13 additional $83,550 is to appropriate you14 $83,550 less and then maybe the15 motivation will be there to get that16 done.17

I understand.18

I mean, you19 say you can do it. I'm going to take you20 at your word.21 I have more questions, Madam22 Chair.23

I think24 you have a couple more minutes. I didn't25 79 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 set the clock right. About three2 minutes, I think.3

Thank you.4 The Majority Leader of this5 Council has tasked me with finding $25 to6 $50 million in savings in different7 departments, so I'm working on it.8 Okay. So you're going from 1589 people to 171 people, or another way to10 describe what's happening when you look11 at the two departments is that there's a12 2.5 million increase in Class 100 funding13 from FY10 to '11 in the Five-Year Plan,14 and then the Recreation Department is15 going down 1.3 million in Class 10016 funding. So essentially there's a net17 increase of 1.2 million overall. How18 were those decisions made?19

Let me, if I may --20

Can you talk21 about that in context or do we need Mr.22 DiBerardinis?23

Well, if I could24 address your first comment, the 158 and25 80 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 the 171. The 158 is the number of filled2 funded positions as of the date the3 budget was submitted. We are actually4 funded for 170 positions, so we're 185 positions -- excuse me; 12 positions6 unfunded -- excuse me; 12 positions7 funded but unfilled as of the date of8 when this budget was submitted. So we're9 not -- we're increasing the staff at10 Fairmount Park for next fiscal year by11 one position, from 170 to 171.12

Right, but13 if you're getting by with 158 people now14 in this budget crisis, the way I would15 look at that is that you're spending16 money for 13 positions that currently17 aren't filled and I haven't seen any sort18 of disastrous impact on citizens, when19 our other alternatives, like tax20 increases and other things, are far more21 severe. I think people want us to run22 government as efficiently as possible.23 So what would be the impact if you24 weren't able to hire those 13 people25 81 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 until 2011?2

Continued3 deterioration of the assets that we have.4 Some of those positions, as I've said5 several times so far this morning, are6 all of our front-line personnel, our7 skilled trades, the fact that we have 4608 structures in Fairmount Park and have one9 or two roofers. We simply don't have10 enough staff and we historically have not11 had enough staff to sustain the assets12 that we're charged with sustaining.13 (Bell rung.)14

And as I believe15 most folks are aware, if we don't make a16 maintenance investment in those assets,17 they become larger and more burdensome on18 the Capital Budget, because eventually19 they pass from Operating to Capital20 for -- if a roof falls in, it becomes a21 capital issue, not a maintenance issue.22

Sure. So if23 we appropriate the money for these24 positions, how much will you save in25 82 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 terms of maintenance in capital costs?2

Well, we'd be3 catching up on our backlog. We have4 about $70 million in deferred maintenance5 on our facilities that's a substantial6 backlog to catch up on. That would be7 done -- we would begin to chip away at it8 with these employees.9

So --10

Time's up.11

Okay.12

The Chair13 recognizes Councilman Jones.14

Thank you,15 Madam Chair.16 Sometimes when we start to17 compare the federal government's edict to18 stimulate economic development and then19 our own local burden of deficits, they're20 at cross purposes. We say, Let's get21 shovel-ready projects ready to go, and22 you tell me you have $70 million worth,23 but for 13 people, we could be actually24 shovel-ready seems to me that we should25 83 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 hire those 13 people and start to do2 those projects to start to preserve our3 assets and not put ourselves in a4 situation where we're looking at valuable5 mansions, valuable historic mansions,6 that can't be replaced, and they are7 Philadelphia treasures. But I'll save8 that for another time.9 What I'd like to focus on in my10 time is to talk about as we start to look11 at that museum connection to the12 Schuylkill, connection to the Centennial13 District connection, are we considering14 alternate forms of transportation such as15 trains, such as some type of shuttle16 buses, and dare I even say some petty17 cabs? Would that be the kind of thing18 that might be useful along those19 particular stretches of park?20

Yes, Councilman,21 they would be beneficial. Our colleagues22 in the Centennial District, Please Touch23 and -- particularly Please Touch and the24 Zoo, have worked extensively this season25 84 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 or over the winter with the Center City2 District and SEPTA to expand the Phlash3 route. So the seasonal Phlash route when4 it starts on May 1st will, for the first5 time, go to the Zoo and Please Touch out6 in the Centennial District to provide7 that tourist connection.8

So how far9 west will they go?10

They'll go to -- on11 the regular route, they'll go to Please12 Touch and then on Mann events, they'll go13 to the Mann and then they'll loop back in14 down the Parkway.15

So will they16 hit the Horticultural Center, Japanese17 House, Ohio House?18

Not directly, no.19

Couldn't we20 look at the possibility of extending it21 to them? Because those are valuable22 institutions out there as well.23

Absolutely, yes.24

And take a25 85 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 look at how and whether or not it would2 warrant doing so if the demand could be3 increased by people knowing coming into4 the City of Philadelphia and there's a5 piece of material on promotions that I6 can go out to the Horticultural Society7 or the Japanese House and those things8 are available to me through that mode of9 transportation.10 The other thing is, I heard11 about the trains. Is that a train that12 would be a part of a loop that would go13 that far west?14

I know there's been15 some discussion amongst the Mann and16 Please Touch with SEPTA about reopening17 the SEPTA Regional Rail stop at 52nd18 Street right there at the commercial19 development. I've not been part of those20 conversations. I don't know their21 status.22

Okay. Let23 me shift gears real quick with the time24 allotted. Can you tell me what your25 86 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 goals are for street tree pruning,2 planting? And particularly, last year3 you talked about changing up on the types4 of species based on disease prevention5 plans you had. Could you touch on that a6 little bit?7

Sure. We're8 constantly reviewing -- the professional9 arborists at Fairmount Park are10 constantly reviewing the list of accepted11 street trees, staying on top of12 arboriculture practices, and if there's a13 particular blight on a particular14 species, we'll remove it from the list so15 that we're not planting that species and16 propagating that blight. So that's a17 constant process we go through. It's18 constantly evaluated. And the approved19 street tree list is again available on20 our website at fairmountpark.org.21 Specifically to your question22 about -- I can give you some numbers as23 far as tree planting. This past fall we24 planted 1,166 trees. This spring we'll25 87 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 be planting 415 more. So that's about2 1,600 trees planted in the two seasons.3 That's a substantial uptick last fall4 because we had a portion of the million5 dollars in additional money that we spent6 before the budget rebalancing.7 We currently have about 5,007,8 to be exact, 5,007 prunings scheduled for9 the remainder of the fiscal year between10 now and June 30th and 1,656 removals11 scheduled between now and the end of the12 fiscal year.13

Finally, as14 the Water Department moves forward on its15 plan to institute what are called rain16 gardens to deal with rainwater runoff, is17 there any collaboration, cooperation18 between Fairmount Park and the Water19 Department to install, maintain these20 types of rain gardens?21 (Bell rung.)22

Yes. Actually,23 very extensive cooperation. We're24 working on several projects together on25 88 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 both our capital budgets and grant2 funding to do innovative storm water3 management and storm water treatment on4 Fairmount Park land, and also the5 Philadelphia Water Department is now6 funding the Park's environmental7 education staff, six full-time employees8 that are really now focused on advancing9 the Water Department's mission and10 message to the public about storm water11 management and combined sewer overflows12 and the things that have been discussed13 in this Council.14

So my15 further question would be, is that a16 cottage industry about to blossom in17 Philadelphia, rain garden maintenance,18 installation and that kind of stuff, and,19 if so, how are we preparing for the job20 growth in that regard and kind of a21 feeder track into that profession, which22 is not a profession of the future, but a23 profession that we need to get ready for24 right now?25 89 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1

I'm aware of2 several partnerships, one being with the3 Pennsylvania Horticulture Society and the4 Water Department around both the5 implementation of rainwater infiltration6 gardens on vacant lots throughout the7 City and then working with community8 groups to provide job training for that9 green skill set to maintain those sites10 through grants from the Water Department11 or PHS. There's great potential.12

And I'm13 going to end now, but by way of -- my14 only concern about a rain garden, are we15 looking at mosquitos, West Nile, things16 like that? Because obviously that17 moisture area is probably a breeding18 ground for that kind of insect, and are19 we thinking ahead of the curve on how to20 prevent that?21

Yes, absolutely.22 There's two ways to address that. One is23 the type of vegetation you put in the24 infiltration bed or the rain garden, and25 90 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 the other idea is to keep in mind that2 these rain gardens are really about3 getting rainwater into the ground, not4 having it be standing water. Standing5 water is what breeds mosquitoes and then,6 by your inference, West Nile. The idea7 of rain gardens is not to have standing8 water. It's the exact opposite of that.9 It's to get the water into the ground10 through the root systems of the plant11 material to get that water back into the12 water table.13

Thank you.14

So in most rain15 gardens, you will not see standing water.16 You won't see rain in a rain garden.17

I count on18 you.19 Thank you, Madam Chair.20

Thank you21 very much.22 The Chair recognizes Councilman23 Clarke.24

Thank you,25 91 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 Madam Chair.2 Good morning again. A couple3 of quick questions. One, in terms of4 truck traffic, is that prohibited in the5 Park?6

On most roads in7 Fairmount Park it's prohibited, except8 for those that are state highways, like9 Belmont Avenue in West Park. So there10 are specific roads that truck traffic is11 allowed or bus traffic, like SEPTA buses.12 Most roads -- Kelly Drive, it's13 prohibited.14

Because15 Kelly Drive and Martin Luther King16 Drive --17

Both prohibited.18

-- because19 I frequent those considerably, there are20 so many trucks traveling down those roads21 and one actually there's not - I don't22 think there's adequate signage, because23 it's basically just a sign at the24 beginning of Kelly Drive that's near the25 92 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 Parkway. But how do we enforce that?2 Because it is like to the point of3 getting ridiculous, and the problem with4 these trucks, these people, they like use5 it -- I mean, most people in cars use it6 like the Indianapolis 500, but when a7 truck is traveling that fast, it is8 really -- it makes it very difficult to9 navigate with the curves.10 Is there a way that we can11 either increase the signage or talk to12 somebody about enforcement? And I know13 now with the closure of the 92nd Police14 District, we don't have a dedicated15 police department for the Park.16

Right. Correct.17

Can you18 look into that?19

Sure. We can20 certainly look into the signage. The21 enforcement of the responsibility is the22 police. It had been the 92nd. It's now23 the Traffic Division of the Police24 Department, and we periodically, back25 93 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 when it was the 92nd, we would2 periodically meet with them and remind3 them --4

I think5 it's like maybe a two-week period6 aggressive enforcement on truck traffic7 will probably send a signal.8

Yeah.9

Point of10 information, please, Madam Chair.11

Point of12 information.13

I think in14 all fairness for the record, Director,15 you've got to define what a truck is.16 It's a very loose definition. It's a17 pretty -- trucks are allowed on Kelly and18 Martin Luther King, but it's a certain19 gross vehicle weight, and I think that I20 saw it's pretty -- it's a fairly sized21 truck that is allowed.22

It's actually23 defined, Councilman, as commercial24 vehicles. So a pick-up truck that is a25 94 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 commercial landscape contractor or a2 residential contractor is actually not3 allowed on Kelly or King or Lincoln4 Drive. It's not related to the size of5 the vehicle. It's related to the use of6 the vehicle. The signage is specifically7 posted "no commercial vehicles."8

But a truck9 with no language on it, no writing or a10 box truck is allowed. Because I talked11 to a traffic officer that told me he12 cannot enforce truck traffic on Kelly and13 Lincoln Drive because of the fact there14 are certain trucks that are allowed. So15 I don't want to take Councilman Clarke's16 time, but I think we really need to get a17 real definition of what a truck is.18

You already19 did.20

Again, that's not21 our understanding of the regulation.22 We'll confirm that with the police.23 Clearly, obviously City vehicles, a box24 truck for Fairmount Park or Water25 95 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 Department vehicle is clearly allowed.2 So that's why it's defined as commercial,3 not by the weight or the type of vehicle.4 We'll certainly confirm that with the5 police.6

And if it7 says "truck" on the tag, that doesn't8 matter?9

It depends on its10 use literally.11

So it's not12 truck; it's more the commercial use?13

Correct, commercial14 use.15

Is that16 something that's governed by Park regs or17 City regs?18

By both, actually.19 It's ensconced within the Fairmount Park20 regulations going back decades, but the21 enforcement authority, the definition of22 a commercial vehicle doesn't rest with23 the Park Commission. It rests with the24 police and the state, and then the25 96 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 enforcement is through the Philadelphia2 Police.3

So wait a4 minute. Let me understand this. The5 policy with respect to Fairmount Park6 determines where you can and cannot have7 these type of vehicles, but the type of8 vehicles are -- the actual type of9 vehicle that is prohibited is designated10 by state regs?11

Yes, the12 Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Code.13

Okay.14 Parking on the grass, 33rd Street, I go15 through this every year.16

Prohibited.17

And18 nobody -- I mean, I lived on 33rd Street19 for ten years, and I understand the need20 to -- when you picnic, you want to have21 your car as close as possible, but it is22 out of control. Folks picnic along 33rd23 Street and they think the car has to be24 next to the picnic table, and then that25 97 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 one person sees the car, so everybody,2 Oh, I want my car to be next to the3 picnic. So there's like a virtual4 parking lot on the grass along 33rd and5 other places in the Park. Again, who6 enforces that?7

It can either be8 the police or the Fairmount Park Rangers.9 It's very frustrating to us. I mean, we10 dispatch the Rangers, particularly during11 busy seasons, this past weekend when it12 was beautiful in the Park. They're13 patrolling East and West Park, Pennypack,14 Wissahickon, the big parks. They will15 regularly write citations for people16 parking on the grass. Unfortunately,17 most of the reactions that the Rangers18 get are not welcoming and friendly, but19 they will regularly cite folks for20 parking on the grass. And the21 Philadelphia Police can, too. Obviously22 our Rangers are focused just on the Park.23

Are we24 going to -- and I know because I've been25 98 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 talking to you about this for a while.2 Are we going to have like a renewed3 effort on some of these enforcement4 issues since the Park is now in terms of5 level of interest --6

Sure. We will7 certainly do that.8

Because9 it's like ridiculous.10

The way we've11 also -- at some locations, the way to12 keep it from happening is to put up13 physical barricades, guide rails, large14 boulders. We don't want to do that.15 That's a capital cost, a maintenance16 cost. It really has to be through17 enforcement and education. It's just on18 a particularly nice day it can be a real19 tough audience out there.20

Yeah, I21 know.22 One last thing. I guess this23 is a general question with respect to24 marketing.25 99 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 (Bell rung.)2

One of the3 concerns that I've always had about the4 Park is that we didn't adequately market5 our Park, and I bring that whole thing6 about everybody knows where Central Park7 is, but if I'm five miles outside of8 Philadelphia, nobody knows where9 Fairmount Park is, but yet Fairmount Park10 is significantly larger than Central11 Park.12 As we move forward as a part of13 this merger process, are we going to14 develop a broader strategy as it relates15 to marketing our parks in a way that will16 increase usage, particularly relating to17 tourism? And I know we have the one park18 trolley that kind of goes to a couple of19 historical houses, but beyond that, we20 really don't promote it in a way that21 enhances our tours, because I think, as I22 said earlier in the earlier hearing, I23 talked about taking the third markets,24 the Old City model where the people put25 100 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 the earphones, they have like narrated2 tours of the Wissahickon and things like3 that that are relatively low cost, but I4 think are --5

Yeah, if I could6 address that. Two things. The Fairmount7 Park Conservancy, our non-profit partner,8 has received some funding and has just9 retained a marketing firm to look at the10 overall umbrella imaging of Fairmount11 Park, how it fits in with the merged12 department and what are the assets that13 we want to promote in the way you just14 mentioned.15 And, second, we have a grant16 from the federal government to do an17 audio tour that you mentioned18 specifically. This is specifically19 initially for the sculptures along the20 Parkway and out into East and West Park.21 We also got money to do interpretive22 signage for all the sculptures, and it's23 going to be a digital audio tour that you24 can call in on your cell phone and take25 101 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 that tour. So we're just -- we have both2 those grants. We're in the process of3 developing that content right now.4

Good.5 Good. Good. I'm going to sneak in one6 last one since the point of order took a7 little bit of my time.8

I gave you9 extra time.10

You gave me11 extra time? All right.12

Finish up.13 Are you coming back for another round?14

Okay.15

Are you16 going to be back for another round?17

No, I'm18 actually not.19

Go ahead.20

Thank you,21 Madam Chair.22 Real briefly, I just want to23 say as it relates to this merger process,24 are we going to set up a mechanism to be25 102 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 proactive in involving the various2 communities since it's now beyond just3 Parks, it's Rec?4 Commissioner, if you can kind5 of just briefly tell me about if you have6 some idea, and I know you've only been on7 the job nine days, but I know you've been8 thinking about your study.9 COMMISSIONER DiBERARDINIS:10 I've been thinking about it, yeah. I11 actually think that the engagement that12 you talked about is imperative for the13 success of the merger. If we don't take14 the time to listen to the people who15 volunteer their time, who live near the16 Park, who use the Park regularly, the17 same goes for the Recreation Department18 who are involved in the advisory council19 and athletic associations, who raise20 money in support of the programs, if we21 can't -- we have to spend the time to22 listen and to take that information about23 their hopes and their desires and their24 needs relative to the merger, we're not25 103 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 going to succeed. So we have a very2 aggressive timetable that we put together3 from now until late October, mid-November4 to talk to citizens directly, to take5 that input and information seriously and6 to use it to develop this plan. And it7 may sound like, Well, what do they know?8 They know a lot. They know what their9 problems are and they know what they10 need. So we have to respond to that.11 They may not understand the policy or the12 budget or sort of the operational13 questions, but we need to respond to that14 and put their needs into those bigger15 policy, operational budget questions.16 So we hope to share that with17 you in some pretty short order. We're18 working on it right now. We're already19 meeting with the staff of both agencies20 to plot out the course, and I'd say21 within weeks we should be able to talk22 more clearly and more directly with you23 about that.24

Thank you.25 104 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 Thank you, Madam Chair.2

Thank you3 very much.4 I appreciate your whole5 philosophy of inclusion and early6 inclusion.7 COMMISSIONER DiBERARDINIS:8 Thank you.9

But you've10 been here before, right?11 Councilman Green.12

Thank you,13 Madam Chair.14 I just wanted to turn you to15 of the budget detail, Section 49.16 So this is the section called Building17 and Construction where you were talking18 about the need for roofers, et cetera?19

Correct.20

Could you go21 to Line 11 and tell me how many roofers22 are currently as of the increment run23 budgeted and how many are budgeted for24 2010.25 105 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1

Two in the2 increment run and two are budgeted.3

I thought4 the point you were making was we were5 adding roofers for the 13 positions.6

I used roofer. I7 apologize. A roofer was not an exact8 example. It's the type of skill trades9 that are represented on here. As you10 see, Carpenter Group Leader II, other11 positions.12

Yeah, I see13 that. So five of the 13 positions are14 added in the area for deferred15 maintenance?16

Correct, in17 facilities maintenance.18

In19 facilities maintenance.20

Landscape21 operations.22

Right. So23 let's turn to . Can you tell me24 what -- I'm sorry; not . I think25 106 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 the title I'm looking for is Park2 District Manager. What does a Park3 District Manager do?4

That's in our5 Landscape and Operations group. The Park6 is divided into five geographic7 districts, and a Park District Manager is8 the top manager in that district. He or9 she is physically located in that10 district and runs the operations of that11 district on a daily basis.12

And is that13 something that is a necessary position in14 every district? There can't be one15 manager for landscape operations citywide16 or two?17

Well, again, we18 feel it's necessary to have a manager on19 site. This is 64 parks divided into five20 geographic districts, and we feel it's21 important to have a manager within a22 geographic district, such as all of23 Northeast Philadelphia or all of West24 Philadelphia, to manage the operations of25 107 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 that district.2

So3 Operations Division administration, can4 you tell me what the Park District5 Manager does there?6

I'm sorry. What7 page are you on?8

I'm on Page9 20.10

And your question11 again was?12

It's Line 4.13

Right. I'm sorry.14 Your question is -- we're down one15 district manager.16

Well, this17 is the administration level. This is not18 a specific district. So Line 4 you have19 Park District Manager, but it appears to20 be not assigned to any of the five.21

Correct. I will22 get you the exact responsibilities of23 that position.24

You don't25 108 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 have it?2

I don't recall it.3

Do the other4 district managers report to this person?5

No. The other6 district managers report to the Director7 of Operations and Landscape Management.8

And I notice9 that there are District Grounds10 Maintenance Supervisors and there's one11 at the administrative level.12

Mm-hmm.13

What do14 those people do?15

Again, I'll get you16 their full job descriptions.17

Okay. Do18 you feel your division staff are19 competent, perform their job function20 well?21

I take great pride22 in the competency and the high-caliber23 performance of all Fairmount Park staff.24

So do you25 109 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 need another level of bureaucracy above2 them other than yourself?3

I'm not sure I4 understand your question.5

Are you --6

Everyone that works7 for Fairmount Park has a role in8 operating this district, this9 organization that's responsible for 1110 percent of the land in the City of11 Philadelphia with 170 employees. It's an12 incredible value for the investment the13 City makes in --14

I'm not15 disagreeing with you, Mr. Focht.16

I'm just offering17 that I feel everyone that works for18 Fairmount Park has a highly valuable role19 and works very hard on a day-to-day basis20 to provide to the citizens the very21 valuable and landscape and parks and22 recreation that we provide.23

I'm just24 trying to find money in the budget and it25 110 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 appears to me that there are some2 positions that are at the division level3 and then also at the top administrative4 level and perhaps they're redundant in5 this environment, is my only suggestion.6 So if you could get back to me with job7 descriptions --8

We will.9

-- I would10 appreciate it. Certainly I would agree11 that you need the people in Building and12 Construction in order to maintain our13 infrastructure.14 I think that's it for my15 questions, Madam Chair.16

Great.17

Yes. Thank18 you.19

Well,20 thank you very much, Councilman.21 Councilman O'Neill.22

Thank you,23 Madam Chair.24 Gentlemen -- and this is25 111 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 obviously directed more towards Director2 Focht. The Burholme Park, which got a3 lot of publicity because of the Cancer4 Center, is truly a beautiful urban park5 where there's a large athletic program,6 sledding hill, picnic pavilion, walking7 paths, play equipment area. My first8 term, the Northeast Optimists, which have9 been there for many years, didn't play10 there nor did anyone else because the11 fields were unplayable, and the Northeast12 Optimists used a very large area where13 there were two ball fields on Dungan Road14 behind a corporation that allowed them to15 be there. A new corporation came in,16 said, Get off, we have other plans.17 They said, We want to use18 Burholme Park, but it needs to be fixed.19 These fields aren't even20 playable. Pete Hoskins and Bill Mifflin21 were young guys at that time. They said,22 Look, you've got problems with your23 fields. We've got a park that is fairly24 useless and run down and not very25 112 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 presentable. So they said, We'll design2 your stuff if you can help us with your3 capital budget and help us with our4 stuff. And parking all over the place5 was one of the problems they had,6 couldn't grow grass, trees that were7 dead, things with the museum, the8 perimeter of the museum, and at that9 time, probably a little under $400,00010 seemed like 4 million. But we planted11 hundreds of trees, took out hundreds of12 trees, but one of the things they did and13 they recommended -- I think it was the14 first time Fairmount Park ever did15 this -- they put in a ten-foot -- a16 ten-inch curb around the entire facility17 where the roads are to accomplish two18 things. One, it has kept cars off there19 for more than 25 years, and your20 equipment is able to use it as a guide,21 your cutting equipment, and it just cuts22 right up to the curb. I don't know if it23 will work anywhere else, but that has24 worked magic for a long time at Burholme25 113 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 Park.2 And while I'm on the subject of3 Burholme Park -- that was just sort of4 reference to Councilman Clarke's issue.5 The Northeast Optimists occupies,6 volunteers that facility a good portion7 of the time. There's a road, Park Road8 Drive, that comes in off of Cottman9 Avenue and they have asked repeatedly,10 I've asked repeatedly could you make it11 one way in. Because there's all kinds of12 accidents that occur, particularly with13 visiting teams coming, not knowing the14 local customs of just getting out in the15 street and waiting to get hit kind of.16 And it seems like that's an intractable17 problem with the current commission form18 of government that we have, because I19 can -- I'm advisory, and so are they.20 But I was just up there again on Saturday21 and watching a real mess out on the22 street.23 When does the consolidation24 occur for the purpose that that will be25 114 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 under the City with nothing in between,2 like the Park Commission saying, Well, we3 control that road, unlike other4 situations? When does that end and when5 does it all become the same?6 COMMISSIONER DiBERARDINIS: I'm7 not sure what we'd do in this particular8 situation, but --9

I hope we10 don't have to wait until then, but it's a11 really easy solution. There's two other12 ways out.13 COMMISSIONER DiBERARDINIS: I14 think the legislation, if you go strictly15 by the legislation, it's July 1st of16 2010.17

Okay.18 COMMISSIONER DiBERARDINIS:19 That's when there has to be a fully20 formed single agency that's operational.21 Now, I suspect, and my hope is, we'll be22 operating before then --23

Okay.24 COMMISSIONER DiBERARDINIS: --25 115 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 in some significant way. But if you have2 to know the drop-dead date, it's July 1st3 of the next calendar year.4

Okay.5 Because it's a public safety issue as6 well as a park issue. There are two7 other ways out of that park if you come8 in off of Cottman only, and maybe this is9 the right time, as we're preparing and10 gearing up for this, to take another look11 at that, because we're going to be doing12 it eventually. I hate to see something13 happen that we could have prevented.14 Thank you.15

Certainly.16

Thank you17 so very much for your testimony and we18 appreciate your being here and listening19 to it.20 Welcome back, Mike. It's good21 to see you.22

Thank you very23 much.24 COMMISSIONER DiBERARDINIS:25 116 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 Thank you.2

We'll now3 call on the Recreation Department to come4 forward. I think they're next.5

Madam Chair,6 could you bring for just one minute the7 Fairmount Park back. We have some8 information to provide them for the9 record.10

Mr. Focht,11 Councilman Rizzo has some information for12 you for the record.13 Don't leave, Rec Department.14 Just sit on the side.15 Come back, Commissioner.16 What is this in reference to?17

We just want18 to make sure for the record that we get19 this regulation correct on trucks, and,20 Director, you can read the note from the21 Streets Department in reference to22 Fairmount Park. Could you comment on23 that?24

Yes. This is an25 117 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 e-mail, I guess, to the Councilman from2 Mark Washington, the Streets Department.3 It says in the highlighted area, it says,4 In reference to the prohibition of trucks5 on Fairmount Park roadways, the6 regulation is tied to trucks in which7 their gross weight is over 23,000 pounds.8 Again, we'll confirm this,9 Councilman. I think it's the difference10 between trucks and commercial vehicles,11 because commercial vehicles are what are12 banned on Fairmount Park roads.13

But the14 signs, don't they say trucks?15

No. They say16 commercial vehicles.17

So a truck18 under 23,000 pounds can negotiate19 Fairmount Park roadways?20

No. If it's a21 commercial vehicle, it's banned from22 Fairmount Park roadways.23

Really, I24 think I have to go look at the signs25 118 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 again, because like my colleague, we see2 a tremendous amount of truck traffic on3 those roadways and I think there's some4 confusion.5

I understand.6 Thank you.7

Thank you.8

Thank you9 very much.10

Thank you,11 Madam Chair.12

You're13 welcome.14 We now call on the Recreation15 Department.16 (Witnesses approached witness17 table.)18

Good19 afternoon and welcome.20 COMMISSIONER SLAWSON: Good21 afternoon.22 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:23 Kindly identify yourself for the record24 and proceed with your testimony.25 119 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 COMMISSIONER SLAWSON: Good2 afternoon, Council President Verna,3 members of City Council. My name is4 Susan Slawson, Commissioner for the City5 of Philadelphia Department of Recreation.6 I would like to introduce my executive7 management staff. To my left is Leo8 Dignam, Deputy Commissioner for Programs.9 To my right is Marissa Washington, Deputy10 Commissioner for Administration, and11 sitting in the back with the new Park and12 Rec Commissioner is Michael Johnson, the13 Deputy Commissioner for Operations.14 Given the economic conditions15 we're facing, I believe the Mayor's16 proposed budget allows us to maintain our17 vital role in the City by focusing on our18 core services that support youth and19 families, engage communities and create20 partnerships today and into the future.21 In November of 2008 when we made the22 initial budget reductions due to the23 economic crisis, the Department closed24 the following: Three of the five ice25 120 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 rinks we operate, four of the eight2 indoor pools. We also reduced the number3 of seasonal maintenance attendant4 positions and a number of seasonal staff5 that would service our pools, and vacant6 and full-time positions. This budget we7 present today will assist in serving and8 supporting the citizens of Philadelphia9 as we navigate through difficult times.10 The Recreation Department is11 requesting -- this is for our William12 Camp Fund. As we know, I sat before you13 a few months ago for the sale of William14 Penn, but one of the things that I talked15 about during that testimony was that we16 would ensure that we maintain additional17 funding to ensure that our young people18 had summer camp opportunities to go19 overnight and stay.20

Is21 that being sold? Do we have a22 prospective buyer? What is the status of23 the sale?24 COMMISSIONER SLAWSON: The25 121 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 state has a 180-day due diligence,2 President Verna, and they're in that 1803 due diligence phase right now.4 Settlement has not yet occurred, but it's5 expected to take place sometime in the6 fall.7

Thank8 you. 16 Although Camp William Penn will17 not be open and will not be operational,18 the Department of Recreation requests the19 appropriations be used to contract with20 Outward Bound Philadelphia and the21 Salvation Army to provide camping22 experiences for youth. 2 The budget request for the3 Department of Recreation: The Recreation4 Department is requesting $33,119,244 in5 the General Fund. 32 percent are contained in Classes9 2, 3, 4 and 500. 82 percent14 of the total Department budget. 1 after-school programs in the City. , which is the most6 vulnerable time for children out of7 school. 11 These core programs will become12 even more important to families in the13 coming year as they seek out affordable,14 quality programs that will engage15 children in positive skill-building16 activities. 1 community and safer neighborhoods. A2 core principle of the Department of3 Recreation is to maintain a presence of4 active recreational opportunities and5 equal access in all Philadelphia6 neighborhoods. 12 This preferred budget provides13 the funding for the Department of14 Recreation to preserve 150 staffed15 facilities across the City and continue16 to serve over 600,000 participants in a17 variety of programs. These programs have18 a vital impact on healthy and stable19 neighborhoods. 1 recreation facilities. 8 This summer, the Department9 will operate 46 outdoor pools and four10 indoor pools. The 46 pools were chosen11 based on access, location, capacity, age12 and condition. In an effort to minimize13 the impact of the budget reductions, we14 began the three-year pool campaign called15 the Mayor's Splash Fund. We are able to16 open these pools with increased City17 funding and public and private donations18 to the Mayor's Splash Fund. Our goal19 this summer is to raise $500,000. To20 date we have raised 414,141 already21 pledged for this year and an additional22 142,000 pledged for Year and Year 3,23 for the total of $556,141. The Department of Recreation4 has proudly taken the lead in creating5 and sustaining partnerships with6 community groups, businesses and other7 organizations. The Play Ball Initiative8 was sponsored by the Phillies and Pitch9 In for Baseball, a non-profit10 organization that donates team uniforms11 and sports equipment to needy12 communities. 15 The Youth Environmental Stewardship Camp16 is a partnership between the Department17 of Recreation and the Philadelphia18 Horticultural Society. 1 Start, a partnership involving2 Philadelphia area businesses and the3 community at large to revitalize4 community recreation centers. 8 Some of our partners have been City Year,9 Philadelphia Cares, neighboring10 university students and neighborhood11 church groups. The Department continues12 to address poor lighting, faulty benches13 and bleachers, inadequate or unsightly14 fencing, poor or missing signage in our15 facilities. 20 We are continuing our partnership with21 the Mural Arts Program as well. 2 A new partnership with3 Resources for Human Development, RHD, and4 Pennsylvania Academic and Career5 Technical Training Alliance will provide6 summer apprenticeship opportunities for7 youth. We are partnering with RHD by8 participating in job training and work9 apprenticeship programs. This project10 will meet two critical needs at once. 16 The Department of Recreation17 understands that the implementation of18 the above budget depends highly on19 increased City revenue. 1 initial $8,079,146 we cut in November of2 2008. The Fiscal Year 2010 Contingency3 Plan, if it's implemented, this would4 hurt the citizens, because we could only5 provide minimal services. All recreation6 facilities would operate at four hours a7 day, six days a week. m. , we preserve9 after-school programs, but hundreds of10 athletic and cultural programs will be11 lost. m. 1 most vulnerable.

This budget reflects2 the Recreation Department's goal of3 protecting and providing the core4 services that the public depends on to5 maintain and improve their quality of6 life. 17 This is the final budget testimony for18 the Department of Recreation as we know19 it. 23 Thank you for allowing me to24 present testimony. 2

Thank3 you.4 Commissioner, what was the FY095 adopted Recreation Activity Fund amount6 for '09?7 COMMISSIONER SLAWSON: It was8 2.2 million, President Verna.9

What10 is their proposed budget for FY10?11 COMMISSIONER SLAWSON: That's12 going to be restored, President Verna.13 It will be restored back to 2.2.14 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:15 That's good to hear.16 Commissioner, do we have17 sufficient maintenance staff to maintain18 our facilities?19 COMMISSIONER SLAWSON: With the20 current economic issues that we're having21 right now, we've been able to be22 creative, as you know, with our Operation23 Clean Start. We have been able to24 solicit the help of community members,25 132 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 other organizations as City Year to2 assist us in maintaining our facilities.3 We have -- we do have some openings in4 maintenance and we are in the process of5 trying to get them filled. Do we need to6 ensure that our facilities are maintained7 better? Absolutely. And if that8 happens, we have to hire additional9 maintenance staff.10

Well,11 how many vacancies do you have in the12 Maintenance Department?13 COMMISSIONER SLAWSON: I have14 18 vacancies in the Maintenance15 Department.16 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:17 Eighteen vacancies?18 COMMISSIONER SLAWSON: Eighteen19 vacancies.20

How21 many do we have on staff presently?22 COMMISSIONER SLAWSON: I have23 231. I'm sorry. Minus that 18. The 23124 is my budgeted number.25 133 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1

I beg2 your pardon?3 COMMISSIONER SLAWSON: The 2314 is my budgeted number. So I have 2135 currently.6

Are7 you going to be able to hire the 18?8 COMMISSIONER SLAWSON: We have9 been in conversation with Budget as well10 as the Human Resource Department and we11 believe we will be able to hire.12

Okay.13 I see Steve is up there and he's nodding14 his head yes, we will be able to hire.15

Madam16 President, I have a point of information.17 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:18 Certainly.19

Are those20 vacancies -- how long have they been21 vacant?22 COMMISSIONER SLAWSON: Some of23 those positions have been vacant over a24 year. They're difficult to hire, some of25 134 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 the positions, because they're skilled2 trade positions, and we don't often have3 people -- because of the salaries, we4 don't often have people running to the5 Department of Recreation to fill these6 positions.7

Okay. All8 right. Thank you.9 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:10 Commissioner, you are requesting an11 increase of $313,000 in Object Code 399.12 That's on -39. Can you tell us13 how these funds will be used?14 COMMISSIONER SLAWSON: That's15 the total that was placed to restore the16 pools so we could have the 46 pools open.17 And that will be to hire -- we'll be18 hiring staff. We need to purchase19 chlorine for our pools.20

So21 that would be to hire lifeguards and --22 COMMISSIONER SLAWSON: PMAs,23 pool maintenance assistants, and24 supplies.25 135 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1

In2 your testimony you indicate that the3 Department will operate 46 outdoor pools4 and four indoor pools. How many pools do5 we have and are they all going to be6 open?7 COMMISSIONER SLAWSON: No. We8 have 73 outdoor pools. We have eight9 indoor pools. Forty-six of the outdoor10 pools will be open and four of the indoor11 pools are open.12

How13 many indoor pools did you say we have?14 COMMISSIONER SLAWSON: Eight.15

Thank16 you.17 What Recovery Act funding is18 your department requesting?19 COMMISSIONER SLAWSON: I'm20 sorry, President Verna. I didn't hear21 you.22

What23 Recovery Act funding is your department24 asking?25 136 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 COMMISSIONER SLAWSON: We've2 requested -- we put in five different3 proposals for stimulus funding and we --4 different types so we could try to be5 picked for one, and we will not be6 receiving any funding from the stimulus,7 from the Recovery --8

I'm9 sorry. I'm having difficulty hearing10 you. Can you pull the microphone closer,11 please.12 COMMISSIONER SLAWSON: We will13 not -- we put in for the Recovery Act.14

You15 applied?16 COMMISSIONER SLAWSON: We17 applied.18

And?19 COMMISSIONER SLAWSON: As of20 yet, we haven't been told whether or not21 we are going to receive any funding.22

Can23 you tell us what projects they were for?24 COMMISSIONER SLAWSON: I can25 137 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 get that for you, President Verna. I2 don't have them in front of me.3 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:4 Please do so I can circulate them.5 Thank you.6 At this time, the Chair7 recognizes Councilman Jones.8

Thank you,9 Madam President.10 Commissioner Slawson, I just11 want to go on the record thanking you for12 you and your staff's diligence both at13 Shepard Recreation and at Rose14 Playground. The people from the15 Overbrook Civic Association were tickled16 pink to see a center that had been in a17 state of disrepair for years be18 transformed in a matter of a week by19 internal maintenance staff and really put20 a center, a village square, if you would,21 in the middle of an area that but for22 that recreation facility would not have23 an active place for kids to go and24 after-school programs to run. So I want25 138 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 to thank you for that. Shepard looks2 great as well with the partnership with3 the Eagles organization and that playroom4 which you demonstrated your athletic5 ability in. So thank you for that.6 COMMISSIONER SLAWSON: Thank7 you, sir.8

As one of9 the people that sat through almost 10010 interviews with the Fairmount Park new11 constituted board that's dealing with the12 merger, one of the things that jumped out13 at me, I was happy about the level of14 enthusiasm that Councilman Clarke spoke15 of and Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds16 Brown spoke about, but what I was a17 little bit cautious and reserved about is18 the slant towards the Park half of the19 merger and not the Rec side of the20 merger, and it seemed as though that the21 overwhelming number of applicants were22 more familiar with Fairmount Park than23 actual ever been to Rose Playground or24 Shepard Playground or playgrounds like25 139 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 Kendrick in my district.2 So I am concerned as we go3 forward to make sure that that healthy,4 healthy balance exists between Parks and5 Recreation, and I just want to go on the6 record saying that I will be looking for7 that healthy balance from you and all of8 the new managers and Board members that9 we solicit. That's number one.10 And with that, I want to go11 into some specific questions, and my12 number one question is, how are we doing13 with the Dell and the renovations? And I14 want to thank my colleagues for stepping15 up to the plate with some renovation16 dollars to support that effort.17 COMMISSIONER SLAWSON: If it's18 okay with you, I'll give you a timeline19 that we have currently. But prior to20 that, I'd like to just comment also and21 thank you, Councilman Jones, Councilman22 Clarke, Councilman Tasco and Councilman23 Miller, because I approached all of you24 and asked for additional funding when we25 140 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 were running short for the Dell, and2 Councilwoman Blackwell, and all of you3 agreed to support this project. So I4 just wanted to take this opportunity to5 say thank you.6 Currently, we have, with all7 the struggles that we had trying to have8 enough money, we have $6,475,000 for the9 Dell project. The breakdown is as10 follows: The state is 3 million; the11 Cultural Bond is 1.5 million; City12 Council, 1.25 million; and the capital13 funds is $725,000. And I can make this14 available for anyone that would like a15 copy.16 The renovation timeline, the17 project for the amphitheater18 reconstruction was bid on in November of19 '08. The bid tabulations were received20 and bid recommendations made December of21 '08. The award recommendation was22 released January the 10th of '09. The23 notice to proceed was issued on February24 the 18th of '09. The storm water permit25 141 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 plans were approved April the 3rd of '09.2 And the physical work is scheduled to3 begin May the 1st.4

That's the5 part I was listening for.6 COMMISSIONER SLAWSON: And the7 project is expected to be completed by8 October the 1st of 2009 and with us being9 able to have a schedule for the Dell in10 2010.11

Thank you12 for that update.13 You mentioned that you deal14 with in your testimony 3,000 children a15 day for after-school programs, and that's16 an impressive number. And I guess this17 is not just directed to you but to the18 Administration and possibly even19 Mr. Agostini in the back. It would be20 helpful to me as a Councilperson to get a21 complete matrix of all of the available22 options for youth after-school supportive23 services, from Recreation, from the24 School District and others, so that we25 142 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 could look at a complete menu of both2 types and locations of those particular3 after-school homework assistance,4 recreational activities. Because it's5 kind of a little cloudy as to who is on6 first and what's on second and who covers7 what areas.8 (Bell rung.)9

So I'm going10 to ask for that from -- and if it does11 exist, feel free, Mr. Agostini, to come12 up and explain that to me.13 (Witness approached witness14 table.)15

Madam President,16 Councilmember, Steve Agostini.17 We will put that together for18 you. It's a very reasonable request.19

Man of few20 words. Thank you.21 And I will yield to my22 colleagues for questioning, but I do have23 some other things, Madam President.24

Thank25 143 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 you.2 The Chair recognizes3 Councilwoman Brown.4

Thank you,5 Madam President.6 Good morning -- or afternoon.7 Let me thank you for the timetable8 rollout. Could you please speak to who9 ultimately is responsible and will be10 held accountable for these dates as11 you've stipulated? Because that was12 unclear to us last year during budget13 testimony. It's certainly unclear during14 the capital hearings.15 COMMISSIONER SLAWSON: Who is16 going to be --17

With the18 timetables that you stipulated regarding19 the Dell, who is responsible?20 COMMISSIONER SLAWSON: Public21 Property. But we have been meeting with22 Public Property consistently about the23 Robin Hood Dell. So the two of us24 working together, we're going to make25 144 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 sure that these dates are -- we're2 staying on top of these dates.3

Okay. So4 you've indicated that the contractors5 have been selected. So there are no6 remaining hurdles now since work is7 scheduled to start 5/1. So any potential8 impediments or wrinkles have been ironed9 out for an effective start on May 1st?10 COMMISSIONER SLAWSON: Yes,11 they have.12

Okay,13 then.14 Anticipating the merger, in15 your testimony you do make mention of the16 merger. However, it is in your last17 paragraph. Share with us what types of18 internal efficiencies the Department has19 taken care of as you anticipate the20 merger happening.21 COMMISSIONER SLAWSON: Well, as22 Mark Focht, the Director of Fairmount23 Park, mentioned, there has been a major24 piece of this that has already taken25 145 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 place as far as Deputy Commissioner2 Washington. She's in charge of3 administration and she's responsible for4 the cluster which is responsible for5 Fairmount Park and Recreation. So that's6 a big piece that has been done since for7 years. And what we're doing now, we're8 looking to see if there are any9 additional efficiencies, and that will10 all come out as Commissioner DiBerardinis11 puts together this program and this12 leadership program and the meetings that13 we're going to have in reaching out to14 the community and getting feedback from15 Council as well to make some decisions.16 It's kind of early on for us to really17 decide, especially with some of these18 budget reductions, it's pretty early for19 us to talk about additional efficiencies.20 COUNCILWOMAN BROWN:21 Playgrounds, what priority criteria do22 you consider when you are moving to23 refurbish playgrounds? And that comes as24 a result also of Capital Budget hearings25 146 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 where we learned that it costs2 approximately $250,000 to build one3 playground, which -- so just discuss4 briefly what is the criteria and how do5 those playgrounds become the lucky few6 that end up on the refurbishing list.7 COMMISSIONER SLAWSON: Well,8 I'm going to ask for Deputy Commissioner9 Johnson to come and answer that question.10 (Witness approached witness11 table.)12 DEPUTY COMMISSIONER JOHNSON:13 Michael Johnson, Deputy Commissioner of14 Operations, Department of Recreation.15 If it's a general maintenance16 repair, typically if it's replacing17 swings, if it's replacing anything under18 $15,000, our department would replace it.19

What was20 that figure again?21 DEPUTY COMMISSIONER JOHNSON:22 Fifteen thousand. Anything over that is23 considered a capital expenditure and we24 would refer that to Public Property.25 147 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1

Okay. And2 is that figure a true figure, $250,000 to3 build one playground?4 COMMISSIONER SLAWSON:5 Depending on the size, that is a6 figure -- it's a tot lot. That's not a7 full-size playground that you would8 probably be talking about. That 250,0009 figure that you're talking about is a tot10 lot.11

Wow.12 Which conceivably is smaller; is it not?13 COMMISSIONER SLAWSON: It's14 smaller and it's for younger kids, yes.15

I see. I16 guess it was about two, three years ago17 there was a lot of discussion and debate18 in Council about our city going from19 full-blown pools to spray pools, for a20 number of different reasons, budget,21 lower maintenance and the like. Is there22 any type of facsimile of a playground23 that allows you to -- that's low24 maintenance, but still gives the play25 148 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 experience that parents want for their2 children, using the pool going to spray3 pool as an analogy or as an example?4 COMMISSIONER SLAWSON: If I'm5 understanding correctly, is there a6 possibility for a spray ground and a tot7 lot to work together and provide the8 necessary environment without having a9 pool there?10

Yes.11 COMMISSIONER SLAWSON: It is.12 Yes, absolutely.13

So on your14 plan going forward and looking forward --15 and this may be premature --16 programmatically do you anticipate or17 what are some of the changes you18 anticipate changing and/or making new19 going forward within the Department?20 COMMISSIONER SLAWSON: If we're21 talking about tot lots and we're talking22 about spray grounds -- are we talking23 specifically about spray grounds?24

For25 149 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 children, period.2 COMMISSIONER SLAWSON: Yeah.3 The one thing that I have looked into are4 the spray grounds, and I have a package5 of information that I could actually6 e-mail you that I got from Public7 Property, because I wanted to see what8 the cost difference was with a spray9 ground as opposed to the pool since we10 are having these economic situations11 right now, this crisis right now. And so12 I have some information, and if you'd13 like, I can share some of that with you,14 as well as e-mail you this information so15 you can get an idea of the different16 sizes of our spray parks and the cost of17 our spray parks and what it saves us18 having a spray park compared to a pool.19

That was20 actually why we began to look at that as21 an alternative, because it offers the22 cooling that children want, but not the23 high maintenance that comes with a pool.24 Talk to me about the Operation25 150 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 Clean Start, a partnership with City2 Year.3 DEPUTY COMMISSIONER JOHNSON:4 That's an initiative that we started -- I5 think we had an announcement back in6 June, and it's a phenomenal program.7 Basically the attempt is to reach out,8 canvas the neighborhood, get all of our9 stakeholders that are involved in our rec10 center to come and help us revitalize our11 recreation center over a two- or12 three-day period. So we partner with13 City Year. We partner with local14 universities, local communities of faith15 to come in at a recreation center, help16 us revitalize it. And in some cases, I17 know we had a kick-off at -- the first18 one was at Martin Luther King where you19 were at the announcement, and that was a20 center that was somewhat dark and a21 little bit gloomy, and once those three22 or four hundred volunteers came in over23 that two- or three-day period, it went24 from a dark, gloomy center to a well-lit,25 151 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 vibrant facility.2 So I'm excited about this3 initiative. So far we have had close to4 4,000 volunteers. And if you look at the5 national volunteer rate of 19.61 cents an6 hour, that contributes to about $322,0007 of in-kind resources that was supported8 in our recreation centers.9

What does10 that equal in terms of facilities that11 benefited from that volunteer12 partnership?13 DEPUTY COMMISSIONER JOHNSON: I14 think it helps us when you bring in15 people from the community. One of the16 things that we address when we go into a17 designated Operation Clean Start site, we18 look at all of the open work orders in a19 particular rec center. So, for example,20 when we had the kick-off at Martin Luther21 King, we had work orders dating back to22 2001. And so we went in and, for the23 most part, closed out all of those24 backlog work orders so we could bring25 152 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 that facility up to par. And then I2 think the most critical piece is when you3 bring in people from that community to4 partner with our staff and students from5 local schools to take a sense of pride6 and ownership of that particular7 recreation center.8

And the9 total number of facilities that have10 benefited from that experience is what?11 COMMISSIONER SLAWSON: Eleven12 to date, and we've started again this13 spring going through another round of14 Operation Clean Start facility movements.15 And the other thing that I16 think it's critical with Operation Clean17 Start, for each one of our Operation18 Clean Start initiatives, depending on19 which Council district we were in, we had20 meetings with the Council President, with21 Councilman Clarke and as well as22 Councilman Jones, and we go and we take23 photos of what needs to be done, and24 because we don't have the necessary25 153 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 capital funding to make the renovations2 and do the upkeep in the facilities, we3 have already identified what needs to be4 done and how much it would cost, and we5 present that to them, and everyone thus6 far has agreed. And so we're making7 progress in facilities that have just8 been gloomy.9 It is important that the10 community members recognize that we want11 to come in and we want to change, because12 if we can start changing what's going on13 in the facilities, I believe we can start14 changing what's going on in the15 communities.16

Lastly, we17 know that Fairmount Park is intimately18 involved with the Office of19 Sustainability. Is Recreation at the20 table and what are you doing in working21 with the Office of Sustainability and22 their efforts citywide?23 COMMISSIONER SLAWSON: At24 present we don't have anyone that -- they25 154 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 have a team right now, and currently no2 one from Recreation is on that board.3

Okay. And4 is --5 COMMISSIONER SLAWSON: That is6 something that I will look into,7 Councilwoman Brown.8

Okay.9 Because given the world that you10 represent and given the mission and11 vision of the Office of Sustainability,12 it makes sense to me that there be some13 complementary activity across the14 universe in what they're doing, and in15 many ways that underscores Councilman16 Jones' observation during the listening17 of those 184 applicants for the18 Commissioners, Fairmount Park19 Commissioners. The talent is rich.20 Every demographic was represented, but21 overwhelmingly there was stronger22 interest, if you will, or presence of23 Park advocates than there were Recreation24 advocates. So it's our expectation that25 155 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 there's some leveling in the interest2 level.3 COMMISSIONER SLAWSON: Yes.4

Thank you5 for your testimony.6 COMMISSIONER SLAWSON: Thank7 you.8

Thank you,9 Madam President.10 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:11 You're welcome.12 Is Councilman Green here? Oh,13 I didn't see you.14

Thank you,15 Madam Chair.16 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:17 You're welcome.18

Good19 afternoon.20 COMMISSIONER SLAWSON: Good21 afternoon.22

Could you23 please -- I know you said you were going24 to provide your current spray versus pool25 156 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 analysis to the Chair. If you could also2 provide the plan that was proposed by the3 Street Administration that was put4 together for this exact purpose that was5 never implemented, in addition to your6 own plan.7 COMMISSIONER SLAWSON: I'm not8 familiar with what you're talking about,9 but I will find out.10

Mayor Street11 had a proposal to do exactly that, and I12 think people currently in the13 Administration may have been very opposed14 to it, but I just would like to see that15 plan, because they did a lot of work on16 it and it went pretty far, and if you're17 not using that as a baseline, it may be18 useful to you to take a look at it also.19 The other thing is, is there20 any money in the Capital Budget proposed?21 You were just talking about the inability22 to pay for the new spray pools. Is there23 any money in the Capital Budget for those24 to go in in the future?25 157 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 COMMISSIONER SLAWSON: For2 our --3

For spray4 versus pool.5 COMMISSIONER SLAWSON: For6 spray parks versus pools?7

Spray parks,8 yeah. Is there any money for spray parks9 in the Capital Budget?10 COMMISSIONER SLAWSON: I have11 in front of me what we've designated for12 our facilities, and there's always -- I13 don't have the exact number. There's14 always money set for pools, but there's15 nothing set in our budget for spray16 pools.17

Nothing for18 spray pools?19 COMMISSIONER SLAWSON: Nothing20 for spray pools.21

And there's22 nothing in the proposed capital plan for23 spray pools for the Rec Department?24 COMMISSIONER SLAWSON: No,25 158 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 there's not.2

Well, you3 are suggesting that there's significant4 savings involved. So personally I'd like5 to see an amendment to the capital plan6 where you want to have them to put those7 in in at least some areas so we can begin8 that discussion. If we're going to save9 money by doing it, let's not put it off10 another year. Let's get it in the11 capital plan and save the money.12 COMMISSIONER SLAWSON: Okay.13

Okay. If14 you could provide that to the Chair,15 please.16 I'm fascinated by a number of17 things in the budget itself, but if you18 look at FY08 versus FY09, there were 60419 employees in the Rec Department, 490 full20 time and 114 part time, and the total21 Class 100 spending was 33.8 million.22 In FY09, there were 65823 budgeted positions, an increase of 54,24 and accordingly, Class 100 appropriation25 159 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 increased to $36 million. As of January2 '09, only 585 of these 658 positions were3 filled, 474 full time of the 517 and 1114 of the 141 part time. Presently the5 Class 100 obligation for FY09 has dropped6 down to $35.1 million. And I think I7 know the answer to this question, but so8 as of January 2009 we're down 199 positions, but the Class 100 estimated10 spend is up still over $1.2 million. And11 so can you describe to us why we're12 spending more with fewer people, 54 fewer13 positions, we're spending 1.2 million14 more?15 COMMISSIONER SLAWSON: Some of16 that, the union bonus is in there. That17 was about 500,000, a little over18 $500,000.19

The what?20 COMMISSIONER SLAWSON: The21 union bonuses.22

Okay. So23 there's a non-recurring item there?24 COMMISSIONER SLAWSON: Yes.25 160 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1

Okay. Well,2 then if you look at FY09 versus FY10, the3 budget includes 622 positions even though4 there's only 585 right now, which is an5 increase of 37 from the January increment6 run, and the requested Class 1007 appropriation is decreasing by 4.58 million from the FY09 estimated9 obligation. About 2.5 million of this10 reduction appears to be a drop in11 temporary and seasonal expenses. Can you12 explain the rest of the reduction and how13 you get there?14 COMMISSIONER SLAWSON: Some of15 what you're seeing is, we've transferred16 grant funding money into our Class 100.17 Well, some of the positions into the18 Class 100.19

So you have20 grant funds paying for Class 10021 positions?22 COMMISSIONER SLAWSON: We use23 grant funding -- well, the grant funding,24 some of the grant funding is for25 161 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 positions, and some of it we use for our2 staff. It's transferred into that, yes.3

Could you4 actually just provide the Chair with a5 complete breakdown of that $4.5 million6 reduction rather than --7 COMMISSIONER SLAWSON: Yes.8

Another 1.19 million of the reduction is a drop in10 Class 100 salaries for full-time11 employees. Other than bonus-related12 savings, can you, if you don't know right13 now, provide the Chair with how the Rec14 Department is achieving this reduction?15 COMMISSIONER SLAWSON: Yeah,16 I'll provide that to the Chair.17

Thank you.18 And also provide the Chair exactly what19 the 1.575 million reduction in overall20 Class 100 funding is between FY10 and21 FY11.22 On of the detail, the23 Rec Department has 658 budgeted positions24 for FY09. I'm just going over some of25 162 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 the background again.2 COMMISSIONER SLAWSON: I'm3 sorry. I didn't hear which page you're4 referencing.5

So I'm on6 Section 48, . As compared to June7 2008 and as of January 2009, you were8 down 16 full-time positions and three9 part-time positions. Why are so many10 positions unfilled as of January?11 COMMISSIONER SLAWSON: Could12 you repeat your question, please?13

Why are so14 many positions unfilled as of January?15 COMMISSIONER SLAWSON: We are16 in the process of filling some of those17 positions now, but as a result of the18 economic situation that's going on here,19 we've just been unsuccessful at filling20 positions.21

What impact22 is the unfilled positions having on your23 overtime expenditures?24 COMMISSIONER SLAWSON: With the25 163 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 Operation Clean Start, with the2 additional community involvement that3 we've been able to pull in, we've been4 able to manage our overtime and keep it5 pretty low.6

Okay. So do7 you think it's appropriate in this8 environment to be hiring more people,9 significantly more people as compared to10 FY08 and, in fact, more people than11 exists in the Department today in terms12 of the January increment run?13 COMMISSIONER SLAWSON: Well, we14 definitely need additional maintenance15 staff, because in our initial cut, we16 reduced our Seasonal Maintenance17 Assistants and we also eliminated some18 vacant positions, which were maintenance19 positions, and one of the things that20 we're concerned about is the presentation21 of our facilities. In order to ensure22 that our facilities are clean, we have to23 have the necessary maintenance staff in24 those facilities, not just, you know, one25 164 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 doing two or three facilities, but we2 need to ensure that our A and our B3 facilities are staffed with full-time4 maintenance staff.5

Okay. I6 don't think any of us would disagree with7 that. What about non-maintenance8 positions?9 COMMISSIONER SLAWSON: Our10 non-maintenance positions, the two11 positions that I have, two are in program12 and there are -- I have four in13 administration that are vacant, and14 because our administration cluster is15 responsible for Fairmount Park and the16 Department of Recreation, over17 600-some-odd people, all of the seasonal18 staff that we hire during the summer,19 we're down accountants, we're down clerk20 typists, and these are people that we21 need to assist us in ensuring that we're22 responding in a timely manner, in an23 efficient manner. And so we're looking24 for positions that are crucial, that are25 165 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 critical to us being effective and2 efficient.3

Would you4 please provide a job description of every5 single vacant position in the Department.6 Looking specifically at of the Rec Department budget detail,8 please walk us through the changes in the9 number of temporary and seasonal10 employees. You don't have to do it now,11 unless you would like to. And Class 10012 spending from these employees from FY0813 through FY09 and in the proposed FY1014 budget. For instance, who are these15 employees, what do they do, when during16 the year are they hired, et cetera. And17 how is the Department going to achieve18 the 3 million reduction in spending19 category in FY10? Are these mostly pools20 and things like that?21 COMMISSIONER SLAWSON: They're22 mostly pools, sir.23

Okay.24 COMMISSIONER SLAWSON: And I'll25 166 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 provide that to the Chair.2

Thank you.3 If you look at -- Madam Chair,4 those are my detail budget questions. I5 have a few other very specific things,6 and I'll just get them to you for7 response.8 Thank you, Madam Chair.9 COMMISSIONER SLAWSON: Thank10 you.11 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:12 You're welcome.13 The Chair recognizes Councilman14 Jones.15

Thank you,16 Madam President.17 I wanted to go on a line and18 continue on the line of the matrix of19 services that are available, particularly20 for that client population of after21 school. One of the things that we22 noticed in our travels was that there are23 a lot of excellent opportunities here,24 there and around the City that are both25 167 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 public and also private kinds of2 recreational activities, and I wanted to3 know to what degree we're coordinating4 with entities like Arthur Ashe. I5 understand they want to do an intense6 summer tennis program in recreation7 departments, and I wanted to know if8 we're capitalizing on that type of9 synergy that is available.10 And, B, during the year, is11 there a way to work on, either through12 some additional -- going after additional13 funding or working with the School Board14 to provide transportation from the school15 buses to particular after-school16 facilities directly, thus allowing17 parents a greater latitude of where their18 kids can participate in recreational and19 after-school activities? I hope you got20 all that. I'll repeat it if you --21 COMMISSIONER SLAWSON: Well,22 Councilman Jones, if I could start here23 real quick. The Chief Education Officer,24 Dr. Shorr, has pulled a group of --25 168 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 pulled together a number of people,2 including the School District of3 Philadelphia, one, so we can get a handle4 on duplicating services; two, so we can5 start supporting one another in what we6 do. And so I'll know what they're doing,7 they'll know what I'm doing, and we can8 ensure that we're funneling kids to the9 right resources. And so the School10 District is a big part of what the11 Department of Recreation does.12 Arthur Ashe has been a part of13 the Department of Recreation for a number14 of years. We host tennis at just about15 every last one of our tennis sites during16 the summer, and the Arthur Ashe staff,17 they are providing the -- operating the18 programs for our young people that attend19 our teen camps, that attend our summer20 camps. And so we do have a partnership21 and a relationship with Arthur Ashe22 currently and it has been going on.23

I mean, as24 we start to develop this matrix that I25 169 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 requested from Mr. Agostini, it would be2 helpful to Councilmembers but, more3 importantly, to the end users such as4 parents to be able to look at a matrix5 and say, Here's where my kid can get a6 wonderful tennis experience. My interest7 may be in swimming pools, and over here8 they have a world-class pool over at the9 Crock Center on Wissahickon Avenue and10 over here there's a soccer experience,11 and down the line football is my thing.12 Shepard does a wonderful football13 program. But the point of it is that14 they have a menu of options and then15 means to get to those options, and by16 working with the School District, if we17 work to coordinate transportation18 efforts, they could be dropped off19 directly at a rec center that has a20 participating program. If we could just21 put our minds around the coordination of22 that or, dare I say, independently if the23 Rec Department had a transportation24 system that kind of had bus routes and25 170 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 opportunity routes. And I know that's an2 expensive proposition. I know we're in a3 recession. I know we have a budget4 deficit, but we should not plan our way5 in today, but plan our way to a better6 tomorrow, and one of those better7 tomorrows is giving parents an option to8 all of the things that you do have, but9 they just can't find out where and how to10 get there.11 COMMISSIONER SLAWSON: One of12 the things that was done last year as a13 direct result of PhillyStat, a huge14 manual was put together of just what15 you're talking about, and that manual16 identified all of the summer programs17 that were offered throughout the City.18 And if I'm not mistaken, I believe that19 they're in the process of trying to put20 that out again. And we ensured that that21 was distributed to the School District,22 to the library, to all of our recreation23 facilities, and it not only listed the24 Department of Recreation, it listed every25 171 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 after-school, every summer program that2 was offered throughout the City.3

As we look4 at the prospect of pool closings -- and5 that's a reality that we have to deal6 with, but one of those things as I7 mentioned is where is Plan B for my child8 this summer, where is the pool that is9 open to them, but also we have to be10 cognizant -- and I know you're aware of11 this based on the Powell experience that12 you had -- is that when you cross a13 boundary line that as a planner and as a14 City representative of Recreation, you15 don't recognize that that's the16 difference between one community versus17 another, and often there is youth18 conflict that follows crossing that19 boundary. So to close one pool and say20 let's just go down two miles to the next21 one often can be a life and death kind of22 challenge for a young person.23 So we have to, in my opinion,24 kind of plan for some of these things,25 172 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 plan for them both by way of security but2 by way of safe transportation. So as we3 start to evolve -- and this is new for4 you by way of closings and having to5 navigate through this, and it's new for6 us by way of elected officials getting7 these requests. We have to put our heads8 together to figure out better ways to get9 kids to and from opportunities that are10 still available to them.11 So as we develop this matrix,12 it's not just a logistics of where things13 are, but it also should be a logistics of14 how do we get there and how do real world15 crossing of boundaries work, and is it16 better for me to send my children from17 the 4th District maybe skip a recreation18 center and go down to one in Councilwoman19 Blackwell's district where there is a20 little more -- a little less friction21 that might be going on between the two22 communities.23 So we really shouldn't have to24 plan our way around these things, but at25 173 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 the end of the day, it is far better that2 we give a little prevention and thought3 to this process versus figuring out why4 we're standing at a funeral. And so I5 just want to urge us to kind of take into6 account those kinds of logistical7 barriers that we face.8 COMMISSIONER SLAWSON: Thank9 you, Councilman Jones.10

One last11 thing -- and the time clock is working in12 my favor. I see Charlie McPherson is not13 there. I'll get one more question in and14 I'll yield.15 Particularly, Abbotsford and16 working with Philadelphia Housing17 Authority is another kind of cooperative18 joint venture that I think we should19 continue -- and I know we do -- but20 continue to explore. I went up21 Abbotsford, and we have a beautiful22 facility that is a multi-purpose center23 there. It has a beautiful stage,24 electronic screen. It is pristine in25 174 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 every way. When I walked in there, it2 was a first-class facility, but we don't3 have programs out of there. So I'm4 looking to see if there's peanut butter,5 jelly that we can bring together to make6 a sandwich by way of recreational7 opportunities in Abbotsford.8 There are 250-plus families9 there, everything from young people to10 senior citizens, who would love to deal11 with exercise such as tai chi, but12 there's not a lot of activities, a lot of13 programming, and that was one of the14 complaints that I got from the residents15 there. I wanted to figure out where can16 we, how do we make those connect the dots17 to the resources that may be available to18 people in that area. Because they're a19 little outside of East Falls. They're a20 little outside of Hunting Park. So21 they're kind of in between.22 COMMISSIONER SLAWSON: The one23 thing I could suggest, being mindful of24 our own budget constraints, it is always25 175 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 a lot easier to bring the staff from2 Abbotsford over to the Department of3 Recreation, allow us to do some training4 in programming, maybe they shadow some of5 our facility rec leaders for a week or a6 month, because we are not in a position7 to provide programming for other8 facilities, but I do believe that you9 could gain a lot if you shadow some of10 our rec leaders, and they pick up the11 necessary tools that they need to take12 back and run those same programs at their13 facilities.14

I appreciate15 that invitation, but if you know16 Abbotsford, it's like a self-contained17 community. And I'm going to take you up18 on that, but it seems as though we could19 go after RFPs from other places such as20 the state maybe.21 COMMISSIONER DiBERARDINIS: If22 you don't mind, I think you hit,23 Councilman, on a very interesting point.24 If you look at the data, the research25 176 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 data, the most success in working with2 young people is when there's combined3 services or combined interventions or4 combined programs. It's rare when a5 single institution or a single agency can6 have a positive, meaningful, long-term7 impact on children and young people,8 whether you're keeping them safe, whether9 you're helping them become better ready10 to learn or healthier.11 So in order to hit those marks,12 it's the kind of seamless collaborative13 approaches that you're talking about with14 the Housing Authority or other members15 were talking about with the School16 District or with the libraries or even17 with the combined agencies.18 So I think there is something19 very important in your question, and,20 that is, how do we provide like the21 density and the level of service that22 works with families and communities and23 young people in a way that you can really24 measure your impact over the long term.25 177 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 So your question I take very2 serious about how do we build those3 relationships, how do we align program4 interests, how do we make sure that we're5 hitting the quality mark to get the6 impact, and what are those impacts that7 we're looking for. So I just want to --8 I welcome that question, and hope that --9 and I know the Mayor cares deeply about10 this and I know I have his support in11 trying to move forward and think of how12 we do that with our sister agencies and13 our large non-profit organizations and14 with neighborhood groups.15

Thank you16 for that comment, and that's right on the17 line of what I was thinking.18 Commissioner Slawson has worked a great19 deal of time to manage her way through20 some of the crisis that she found as a21 new Commissioner, and one of them was22 space realignment, whether or not the23 School District's facility or the24 Recreation Department's facility or in25 178 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 this case PHA's facility was the best2 facility to house a program that actually3 gets to the end user.4 So I don't want us -- and even5 though the library was the worst case of6 engagement processes that we may have7 went through, but I think both Council8 and the Administration learned from it,9 and as we move forward with the pools, as10 we move forward with other11 consolidations, that we will take and use12 the good out of that by saying what is13 the inventory of buildings, physical14 plant that we have, what's the best one,15 and do we want to run this program, that16 program out of which facility. And I17 think that deserves the best of our18 planning, and if we can do that and19 maximize our resources in these tough20 times, it will go a lot further than it21 has in the past.22 Thank you.23 COMMISSIONER SLAWSON: Thank24 you.25 179 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1

Thank2 you.3 The Chair recognizes4 Councilwoman Brown.5

Thank you,6 Madam President.7 This discussion triggered for8 me everything that the Commissioner just9 mentioned. And so with all due respect10 to what PhillyStat, the important work11 that they have done, the previous12 Administration did as much work in making13 sure that DHS, who is an important matrix14 in this wheel, the Art Museum has15 beautiful after-school programming, the16 libraries, the Rec Department and also17 the schools, and what has been lacking is18 a willingness by professionals to reach19 across systems and pull this world of20 out-of-school programming together under21 one matrix, as Councilman Jones has22 spoken of.23 So I'm delighted to hear that24 the Commissioner gets it, and when you25 180 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 say "seamless collaborative approaches"2 where we -- where parents have options3 and many choices, because they're out4 there but they have been -- not a5 continuing, not a thread, but runs6 through all of those different systems7 and departments.8 So a couple of points I needed9 to make. PhillyStat is doing great work.10 DHS has had a document about that thick11 for the last six or seven years that12 lists any and every out-of-school program13 you could think of across the City. It14 grew exponentially -- I mean,15 incrementally over the years by making it16 better and more user friendly. So it's17 great to know that that work is18 continuing. And the challenge19 continues around us as a city pulling20 together all those worlds that are doing21 the best they can to make life different22 for children. And so it behooves us to23 remember them all: DHS, the Art Museum24 of Philadelphia, the libraries, the Rec25 181 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 Department and now -- and the School2 District has always done it, but my3 experience in the time that I've been4 here is that for reasons I don't5 understand and won't go into, there was6 some resistance to pulling those worlds7 together, including the School District.8 Do you follow me?9 COMMISSIONER SLAWSON: I do.10

So thank11 you, Commissioner, for recognizing that12 we still have work to do in that area.13 Thank you, Madam Chair.14 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:15 You're welcome.16 The Chair recognizes Councilman17 Green.18

Thank you.19 Just a couple of quick20 questions. The first is, do you have a21 property management system?22 COMMISSIONER SLAWSON: Our23 operations deputy, maintenance.24

I'm sorry.25 182 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 COMMISSIONER SLAWSON: Property2 maintenance is managed by our Maintenance3 Department.4

Do you have5 a property management system so you know6 where each property is in the City, what7 maintenance has to be done there, a8 regular maintenance schedule?9 COMMISSIONER SLAWSON: We have10 a work order system that we've just11 actually gotten up and running in the12 past eight months. The Department has13 had it for some time, but we've been14 using it, and that's how we've been able15 to track our work orders and how many we16 were behind and how many we've been able17 to close out and how many we currently18 have now. Yes, we do have a work order19 system.20

A work order21 system would be one aspect of a property22 management system. Do you have like a23 property management system?24 COMMISSIONER SLAWSON: To25 183 4/21/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 identify where all of our property is?2 I'm not sure.3

One system4 that identifies your properties, knows5 what maintenance needs to be done.6 COMMISSIONER SLAWSON: We don't7 have one system that does that, sir. We8 do not.9

Okay. Thank10 you.11 I had one more question, but12 I've lost it, Madam Chair. I'll send it13 to them.14

Thank15 you.16 The Chair recognizes17 Councilwoman Blackwell.18