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
So in most rain15 gardens, you will not see standing water.16 You won't see rain in a rain garden.17
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
-- 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
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
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
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
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
Okay.14 Parking on the grass, 33rd Street, I go15 through this every year.16
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
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
Finish up.13 Are you coming back for another round?14
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
-- 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
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
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
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
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