COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA2 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE3 Room 400, City Hall6 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Tuesday, April 5, 20117 10:40 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA10 COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN DARRELL CLARKE11 COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN BILL GREEN12 COUNCILMAN WILLIAM K. GREENLEE COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR.13 COUNCILMAN JAMES KENNEY COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER14 COUNCILWOMAN MARIA D. QUINONES-SANCHEZ COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN15 COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO, JR. BILLS 110135, 110136, 110137 and 110138 RESOLUTION 11016118 - - -20 2
Good2 morning, everyone. I regret the delay.3 This is a continued public4 hearing of the Committee of the Whole.5 The Chair recognizes6 Mr. McPherson.7 MR. McPHERSON: This is a8 continuation hearing on Resolution9 110161, the City's Five Year Plan; Bill10 No. 110135, the Capital Program for 201211 through 2017; Bill No. 110136, the12 Capital Budget for 2012; Bill No. 110137,13 Operating Budget for 2012; and Bill No.14 110138, the wage tax.15 Today we're continuing16 testimony on Bill No. 110137, the17 Operating Budget, and our first18 department is the Office of City19 Representative.20 (Witnesses approached witness21 table.)22
Good2 morning. Welcome. Please identify3 yourself for the record and proceed with4 your testimony.5
Good morning,6 President Verna and members of City7 Council. My name is Melanie Johnson and8 I am the City Representative.9 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:10 Please proceed.11
I am here to12 present testimony on behalf of the Office13 of the City Representative FY12 Operating14 Budget request of $907,766, which15 provides no changes over FY11 target16 obligations. In the upcoming fiscal17 year, the Office of the City18 Representative includes seven staff19 positions. 24 The Office of the City25 4/5/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 Representative is responsible for2 promoting and marketing the City of3 Philadelphia. This is achieved through4 developing and promoting events to5 attract commerce and enhance economic6 value, attract visitors and new residents7 to Philadelphia, and improve the leisure8 options and quality of life for the9 people who live here. Our office also10 works closely with various agencies such11 as Philadelphia Convention and Visitors12 Bureau and the Greater Philadelphia13 Tourism and Marketing Corporation to14 market Philadelphia and to create joint15 strategies that increase our overall16 success in this effort. 13 During this fiscal year, the14 Department of the City Representative15 reduced its budget by 33,825 through16 reductions in the Class 200 professional17 services appropriations. Notwithstanding18 these reductions, this office has been19 able to carry out some important20 accomplishments in FY11. 7 The OCR worked very closely8 with the organizers of the Dad Vail9 Regatta in order to retain their event in10 Philadelphia. In this endeavor, we11 helped secure our multi-year title12 sponsor. 2 Bringing together previously3 independent events in the first year-long4 regatta series in the United States, the5 2011 debut season of the Philadelphia6 Classic Regatta Series is expected to7 attracted over 35,000 competitors in over8 7,700 boats representing high school,9 college, club, open and masters program10 from around the country. 15 In close partnership with the16 Center City District and the Commerce17 Department, the OCR continued to18 participate in the Philadelphia Retail19 Marketing Alliance, which attracts new20 retailers and retains existing ones. The21 marketing campaign has grown, featuring22 local retail success stories and links to23 the Commerce Department's Business24 Services Portal to facilitate new25 8 4/5/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 business creation. Additional public2 relations efforts have yielded coverage3 in national publications that is both4 consumer oriented and industry/trade5 focused. 19 The goals of this effort include20 promoting citywide shopping, enhancing21 revenue for businesses, attracting new22 retailers, creating enjoyable experiences23 for visitors and residents, enhancing the24 profile of our design schools and25 9 4/5/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 students, and increasing hotel room stays2 and hospitality spending. 7 The interest from journalists and8 publishers has continued over the last9 six months. 13 In December, the newest14 attraction on Independence Mall opened15 after years of planning and construction,16 the President's House. The OCR produced17 the official ribbon-cutting attended by18 over 500 cultural leaders, historians,19 elected officials, school students and20 the general public. Through public21 relations efforts, the media attention22 was national, garnering coverage in the23 New York Times and Wall Street Journal,24 as well as locally. The photographs of25 10 4/5/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 the events also appeared nationally2 through AP and Getty Images. 8 With assistance from the9 Department of Records, the OCR initiated10 a photographic archive and digitizing11 project to preserve historic pictures,12 documenting many of Philadelphia's13 treasured moments. org, and it is16 a very efficient research tool for17 historians and scholars. 20 For Welcome America, one of the21 largest events produced by the OCR, we22 secured a new three-year title sponsor,23 Wawa, representing an increase of 4024 percent in revenue over the previous25 11 4/5/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 title sponsor.
In festival events, we2 extended our neighborhood presence by3 adding a block party event in the4 Chinatown section of Philadelphia to help5 highlight the cultural and hospitality6 resources there. Other expanded7 activities for children and families8 yielded a 30 percent estimated increase9 in attendance for the Go 4th and Learn10 series and the Philly at the Movies11 series. 17 The Philadelphia Marathon18 Weekend grew from 16,000 participants in19 2008 to 25,000 participants in 2011. com, the premier race23 industry authority. The marathon24 attracts visitors from 40 countries and25 12 4/5/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 all 50 states and is one of the strongest2 economic event drivers in the City and3 regional economy. 7 With partners PCVB and GPTMC,8 the OCR is working on hospitality9 strategies to drive demand for hotels,10 restaurants and related amenities to11 visitors and regional residents. S. Office of19 Tourism. 23 Working with the Commerce24 Department, the Consular Corps of25 13 4/5/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 Philadelphia as well as the Sister Cities2 program through the International3 Visitors Council, we are developing4 longer-term international strategies for5 increasing international visitation and6 commerce and attracting new residents to7 Philadelphia from other countries. One8 such strategy has been identifying and9 training an "ambassador" to promote10 Philadelphia in her native country. 17 We are implementing ways to18 measure outcomes and success of Welcome19 America through partnering with Temple20 University. 10 Our prospective initiatives11 planned include: The Mayor's12 5k walk/run. gov for4 visitors, tourists, residents,5 highlighting events, hotels and6 retailers, among other items. 18 The Department of the City19 Representative's budget appropriations20 request of 907,766 represents a zero21 increase in last year's allocation. 25 16 4/5/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 The Office of the City2 Representative is committed to supporting3 the Administration's goal of 25 percent4 minority, woman and disabled-owned5 business participation in City6 contracting. 10 In addition to its role in11 promoting and marketing the City of12 Philadelphia through a variety of13 strategies, the Office of the City14 Representative also serves as a managing15 conduit for a variety of stakeholder16 entities. These stakeholder entities17 engage in cultural and City-related18 activities and include the Greater19 Philadelphia Film Office and Historic20 Philadelphia, Inc. The Office of the21 City Representative produces the Welcome22 America July 4th Festival and the23 Philadelphia Marathon. The stakeholder24 entities as well as the two OCR-produced25 17 4/5/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 events participate in the M/W/DSBE goal2 through budgets that are not reflected in3 the General Fund. 10
Thank11 you very much.12 What is your office policy with13 regards to special events and parades, so14 we don't get into this issue at a later15 date?16
What19 is your policy regarding the special20 events? And you know we always have21 parades. We have the Columbus Day Parade22 and we have the St. Patrick's Day Parade,23 Odunde Parade. I could go on and on.24 What is your policy regarding25 18 4/5/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 the special events and parades?2
We work with all3 the different organizations that produce4 these events as a liaison for the Mayor's5 Office as well as the Managing Director's6 Office.7
I'm8 sorry. Could you speak more into the9 microphone, please.10
We work with all11 of the organizations that produce these12 events as a liaison for the Mayor's13 Office as well as the Managing Director's14 Office. In terms of permitting, that15 goes through the Managing Director's16 Office.17
I18 understand all about that. Are we going19 to be having the City contribute to these20 functions? You know, last year it was21 absolutely horrible, and unless22 Congressman Brady came up with the23 funding, we wouldn't have had the events24 that we had.25 19 4/5/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 What will be your policy this2 year, or don't you know or haven't you3 been told as yet by the Administration?4
Well, at this5 point, those parades are scheduled to6 happen, as you said, with the Traditions7 Fund. That happened -- that helped, but8 I can't answer that question for you at9 this moment, but I can get back to you10 with some more information.11
I12 would appreciate it if you would.13 And how do you determine what14 the City's costs for these events are and15 how do you determine the amount the16 sponsor must pay?17
For the City18 events?19 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:20 That's been changing.21
I'm23 specifically talking about the many24 parades that we have, the ethics parades.25 20 4/5/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371
They're each2 different depending on which route they3 take, and we sit down with them to look4 at exactly what City services that they5 require, and then we base that on how6 many people are out there for either7 Streets Department, L&I, Police and so8 forth, and that's how we come up with the9 amount of money for City services.10 In terms of sponsorship for11 those events, those are independently12 produced and they usually do their own13 sponsorship.14
You15 mention in your testimony that you will16 be doing a pilot study this summer in17 order to develop a festival economic18 impact data tool. Can you tell us who19 will be doing the study and how it will20 be funded?21
Temple University22 will be doing the study, and it's part of23 a sponsorship that they are doing with24 Welcome America. So there is no amount25 21 4/5/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 of money that we're paying them to do the2 study.3
Thank4 you.5 Will this study include6 community events?7
That's what it's8 for, yes, for the Welcome America events9 that we produce through the ten-day10 festival.11
No?15 Can you give us the details of16 Jazz Philadelphia for April 2011?17
Well, right now18 the Office of Arts and Culture created a19 website where we are working with the20 different venues, organizations like the21 Mann, Temple University's WRTI, as well22 as the Clef Club for them to post any23 events that are happening in April about24 jazz on this website. We also did a25 22 4/5/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 partnership with Philadelphia Fun Guide2 for them to also post events, and we've3 asked all the different organizations and4 jazz artists to populate that with5 information as to what they're doing6 throughout the month. We are then7 promoting it. We have some portal --8 banners that are going up in the portal9 with a new jazz logo. We had a press10 conference to announce Jazz Month in11 April on March 28th, and then on April12 11th, which is next week, the Mayor will13 declare it Jazz Day. So those are the14 things that we're doing for jazz in15 Philadelphia.16
Very17 well. Thank you. I have one last18 question. On of your testimony,19 you mention that you have trained an20 ambassador to promote Philadelphia in her21 native country. Can you tell us who22 you're referring to?23
Yes. Her name is24 Kanika and she's from India, and she came25 23 4/5/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 to us, Commerce Department, Office of the2 City Rep and the Sister Cities program,3 to suggest a program where she could4 promote Philadelphia in India, and she's5 had some really great results since she6 started last year.7
Eight students14 from India will be attending Drexel. If15 you look at the cost in terms of tuition,16 living expenses, it's about over four17 years, five years, depending on how long18 they stay in the program, about a $219 million impact on Philadelphia. So it's20 a great program so far.21 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:22 Great. Thank you.23 The Chair recognizes Councilman24 Goode.25 24 4/5/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371
Thank you,2 Madam President.3 Good morning, Ms. Johnson.4
I have a6 standard set of questions, which have7 been made available to you. The first8 question is, what is the largest contract9 that you will award in Fiscal Year '12?10
Does that13 firm hold the contract in this fiscal14 year?15
It's a unique22 organization. They're stakeholders, so23 there is no bid for this contract.24
What's the25 25 4/5/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 contract amount?2
Basically they8 are told to promote the City of9 Philadelphia through the Betsy Ross10 House, Franklin Square, reenactments in11 Old City. They do storytelling, "Once12 Upon A Nation" storytelling, and a13 venture tour at Independence Hall and14 visits to local treasures day and night15 with historical heroes who paved the way.16 So they promote and market the City of17 Philadelphia's history.18
Is that firm19 currently in compliance with the City's20 living wage and benefits standard?21
Lastly, with23 regard to Welcome America and the24 non-profits you're working with, you say25 26 4/5/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 that you're working with them to develop2 a Supplier Diversity Plan. What does3 that mean?4
You say7 you're working with the non-profits8 involved in Welcome America to develop a9 Supplier Diversity Plan. What does that10 mean?11
Oh, the OEO?16 Yes. Welcome America is a 501(c)(3). So17 basically to capture the information, we18 put together all of the minority and19 women-owned and disabled-owned businesses20 so that we can capture the information.21 And we're still working on how to get all22 of it that we have so that we'll have23 accurate numbers for it.24
The question25 27 4/5/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 is, it says, The Office of the City2 Representative produces the Welcome3 America July 4th Festival and the4 Philadelphia Marathon. The stakeholder5 entities as well as the two OCR-produced6 events participate in the M/W/DSBE goal7 through budgets that are not reflected in8 the General Fund. OEO is currently9 engaging these non-profits to develop a10 Supplier Diversity Plan in their11 procurement and purchasing program.12 I'm just asking what that13 means.14
That we were15 working with them so that we can capture16 that information from the suppliers, the17 people who give us supplies or provide a18 service to Welcome America. We actually19 do have that information, but that's what20 we worked on from last year to this year.21
So in the25 28 4/5/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 contract, will there be actual goals in2 the contract or how will it work?3
Thank you.9 Thank you, Madam President.10 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:11 You're welcome.12 The Chair recognizes Councilman13 Jones.14
On behalf of20 representative -- I mean Councilwoman21 Brown, I'd like to say congratulations on22 your progress in her and my colleague23 Wilson Goode's favorite question of24 inclusion. I remember last year you25 29 4/5/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 struggling with the non-profit issue. I2 remember you struggling last year with3 some of the inclusion issues, not being4 able to quantify or document. You made a5 concerted effort this year to do that.6 So good cop/bad cop I guess we'll call7 it.8
I thank you both.9 COUNCILMAN JONES:10 Congratulations on forward progress.11 Is it my understanding based on12 your budget that you are not asking for13 an increase and in fact you are14 decreasing in the consultant, Class 200,15 area?16
We did that.17 That's where most of the cuts came from18 for FY11, yes. So we're not asking for19 an increase. Thirty-three thousand did20 come out of 200 last year, or FY11.21
Some of the22 issues that I'd like to segue to are, by23 way of tourism, by way of visitors to the24 City of Philadelphia over the past couple25 30 4/5/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 of years, we've seen our way through what2 I hope to be the end of the recession. I3 don't want to say mission accomplished4 like the Bushes did, but we're beginning5 to see indicators that there is light at6 end of the tunnel. Is that reflective in7 the amount or was there a variation in8 the amount of tourism to the City of9 Philadelphia?10
No. We just get11 very creative in how we do partnerships12 and what we put money toward so that we13 can still accomplish what the Charter14 says our challenge is, and that's15 basically promoting the City.16
By way of17 that effort, there's not been an18 increase, decrease; it's been flat? Is19 that your -- are you saying that?20
Okay. By23 way of creative partnerships, one of the24 things that I think is a signature event25 31 4/5/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 is the Welcome America. Each year we2 enjoy it as Councilmembers. It's3 something we look forward to. One of the4 things that I'm promoting is a "Philly5 First" kind of performance and wanted to6 know on the record if some of that is7 going to be considered. I like the8 Philly acts better than any national draw9 we could get. Sha Na Na is nice, but10 they don't know the difference between11 Washington Avenue and Washington Lane.12 So is there any thought of all13 of the rich talent that Philadelphia has14 produced? The Dell is beginning to pick15 up on that theme and I wanted to know if16 indeed you guys were considering that.17
Well, we are18 having a press conference on April 12th19 at 10:30 on the Art Museum steps where if20 you would be our guest, I think that you21 will like some of the things we have to22 say.23
We're not24 going to get a sneak preview today?25 32 4/5/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371
We sit with3 bated breath to hear some of those4 performances, and I appreciate you guys5 taking a suggestion and running with it.6 So thank you.7 One of the things that I would8 add to your forward progress is the9 possibility of targeting different10 festivals and targeting different11 industries to try to attract to12 Philadelphia. One of the biggest selling13 points of our city is that we are one14 day's truck drive away from one-quarter15 of the United States population. So we16 have -- we're strategically located17 between the political capital and18 financial capital of the United States.19 So we're a little more cost effective20 than either one of those venues.21 I was thinking like other22 cities have attracted science festivals,23 San Diego has a science festival that is24 really nice. There's an International25 33 4/5/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 Festival of Arts similar to what we do up2 in Manayunk, the Arts Festival. I was3 wondering if we had considered4 strategically targeting these industries.5 I had a couple of years back a6 trip to High Point, North Carolina, and7 probably very few people even know where8 that is even with Google, but it's a9 place that focuses on furniture,10 American-made furniture, and it's like11 the furniture capital of the United12 States. But to attract different niche13 industries to Philadelphia as a14 distribution jump-off point for festivals15 and kind of tourism attractions, I wanted16 to know what your strategy was towards17 that.18
Well, in terms of19 the science festival, the Franklin20 Institute is doing a science festival21 actually this month that I think you'll22 really appreciate. It's the first time23 that they've done it in conjunction with24 the Ben Franklin Awards. So that's25 34 4/5/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 something that we've worked with them,2 helping them with some things -- well,3 Margaret has, Deputy City Representative.4 And we work with PCVB in terms of5 conventions. For instance, I believe the6 Comicon, they put in a bid for that.7 So we don't have a specific8 strategy to reach out. We try and come9 up with creative ideas that we think will10 have an impact on Philadelphia. For11 instance, The Philadelphia Collection12 came out of a partnership with a number13 of different organizations. That turned14 out to be very successful, and we made it15 as number six on Forbes.com list as one16 of the best shopping districts in the17 country for Philadelphia, and prior to18 that, I don't think many people were19 paying too much attention to Philadelphia20 as a fashion capital.21 So we look and see what's going22 on, and last year it seemed as if fashion23 was something that was really hot at the24 moment. So we try and take the25 35 4/5/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 temperature of what's happening, not just2 in Philadelphia but around the country,3 where we sit down with different people4 to find out whether or not they have an5 interest. And we always get inquiries6 from a number of people. Just had a7 meeting with someone who is interested in8 doing an ice carving event, and as you9 know, Manayunk did it in February, this10 February. It was very successful, and11 maybe taking that and making it citywide12 is something we're looking at.13
That is14 going to where my last question, which I15 asked last year, which in tough budget16 times, you have to be frugal about how17 you apply your resources, but one of the18 connects that I'd like to see happen is19 neighborhood. Manayunk has distinguished20 itself in art and in green, and other21 neighborhoods in the 3rd District might22 be science, in Germantown you chose to23 focus on fashion, which I thought was24 strategic, working with Ron Wilch and25 36 4/5/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 other local designers. I thought that2 was good. The connectivity to3 neighborhoods, whether it's the 9th4 Street Market in South Philadelphia, but5 to kind of give the added benefit of a6 neighborhood connect so that when7 visitors, when conventions, when tourism8 comes here, they get to experience9 neighborhoods that are somewhat unique,10 Philadelphia being a city of11 neighborhoods. So making that12 neighborhood connection as you did with13 the fashion, as you did with the ice14 sculpture is an important ingredient that15 would be something that I would hope you16 promote.17
Thank you,20 Madam President.21 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:22 You're welcome.23 The Chair recognizes24 Councilwoman Blackwell.25 37 4/5/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371
Thank2 you, Madam President.3 Thank you for your4 presentation. Certainly we are concerned5 about our venues. We're happy that Dell6 East opened, and I know that the Mann7 Center that's in Councilman Jones' area,8 but the last few years they've been9 talking about their shortage, and I was10 thinking this morning -- somebody11 mentioned them this morning, and I was12 thinking that maybe as you interact with13 them in marketing, they could get14 something not necessarily what they15 usually do. You know, you've got to draw16 entertainment that people want to see,17 and that helps financially as well. So18 they may want to come out of where they19 like to be in order to attract people.20 My suggestion.21 But I wanted to mention -- the22 President talked about it -- this new23 jazz marketing, and I wanted to ask you24 how that relates with neighborhoods. You25 38 4/5/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 know, we have jazz and we have oldies, we2 have gospel. We've worked hard to create3 these venues from the spring to October4 in West Philadelphia. And will you or5 are you interested in also informing6 others of the neighborhood venues that7 exists all summer long?8
Oh, absolutely.9 That's why we chose to have the press10 conference, I think it was, about a week11 and a half ago right outside where we had12 Philadelphia Freedom play, because we13 wanted people to know we have formed a14 Jazz Coalition, the Philadelphia Jazz15 Coalition, to start planning for 2012 and16 really blow it up, much bigger than we're17 able to this year, because we really just18 started about a month ago. We are19 reaching out through some of the jazz20 artists and where they perform to let the21 venues, some of the smaller ones, not the22 big ones like the Mann or the Clef Club,23 but to let them know that there is an24 avenue available for them to promote, the25 39 4/5/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 Philly Fun Guide and also the website2 that was created by the Office of Arts3 and Culture.4 So we're trying to be very5 inclusive, because Philadelphia has such6 a rich history of jazz that we think this7 is a really great opportunity to really8 promote it and especially declaring April9 Jazz Month and then we're going to have a10 Jazz Day. So absolutely. We're very11 interested in reaching some of those12 smaller venues.13
Some14 years ago we did a publication and we15 called it Avenue of the Arts West,16 because at that point, we were told we17 were second next to Center City in terms18 of venues. We have everything, as you19 know. We have everything from the Paul20 Robeson House to jazz venues and the Al21 Simpkins Theatre. We have a theatre22 venue. So we have a lot of art projects23 in West Philadelphia.24 Specifically with regard to25 40 4/5/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 jazz, we have the venues and then we2 bring in the artists. So some artists we3 solicit and some come every year. And so4 our -- my question is, how do we connect5 with you? Would you like the -- I can6 give you the venue. We may not have the7 agenda type, who is playing. We know,8 for example, that Glenn Bryan from Penn9 plays our first jazz show every year at10 Malcolm X Park. So we do that, and we11 know who is going to do last, but we12 recruit for the middle.13 So how do we connect with you14 in terms of our art and jazz shows?15
They can call my16 office directly. We'll be happy to sit17 and talk with them and give them18 information on what we hope to do with19 the Jazz Coalition and also give them the20 link to go up on the website and put21 their information in for the arts and22 culture website, as well as the Philly23 Fun Guide and what they need to do in24 order to complete that.25 41 4/5/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371
Thank you,5 Councilwoman.6 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:7 You're welcome.8 The Chair recognizes Councilman9 Green.10
Yesterday we16 received information from the17 Administration about the one and a half18 and three percent budget reduction19 scenarios prepared by departments. The20 reductions listed for the Office of City21 Representative didn't include any22 descriptions, so I'd just like to go over23 them briefly.24 Can you describe the $10,14225 42 4/5/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 reduction Class 100 and how it would2 impact citizens?3
In Class 100? If4 we take $10,000 out of the budget, I'd5 have to eliminate a position.6
Well, can10 you please explain why you wouldn't save11 more than $10,142 if you eliminated a12 position?13
The question16 is, when I asked what the $10,142 was17 that you provided in response to the one18 and a half and three percent budget19 reduction scenarios that was prepared by20 your department, your response was that21 to make that cut, you'd have to eliminate22 a position. What I asked you was, do you23 have a position that pays that amount of24 money. You said no. So my question then25 43 4/5/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 is, why wouldn't, if you had to make cut,2 save -- if you have to eliminate a3 position, save more than $10,142? It4 makes no sense to me to suggest you can5 save that. If it means eliminating a6 position, you save whatever the entire7 position cost is.8
Right, but if I9 have to take $10,000 out of that specific10 class, I have no money other than11 positions.12
But this is13 not what the Finance Department gave to14 you as a cut. This is what you provided15 to the Finance Department and to the16 Budget Director. And so the question is,17 you provided that cut to the Budget18 Director. You must have meant something19 by it, and if what you meant was the20 elimination of a position, the cut should21 have been far higher.22 I don't understand -- I'm23 asking you what, when you originally24 provided this information to the Budget25 44 4/5/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 Director, the $10,142 represented. Does2 it represent people not getting raises?3 Does it represent not moving people4 around in classes? It must represent5 something other than a position.6
That particular7 amount was to show the impact of what8 would happen if I did eliminate in that9 class. The only way that I could take10 money from that class would be to11 eliminate a position, because it would12 not be fully funded. So it wouldn't be13 moving people around. If I was required14 to take a one percent, two percent,15 whatever the amount out of that class,16 the only option that I would have would17 be to take that.18 I understand your question in19 that why not take it higher, but if I'm20 not required to take it higher, maybe I21 can do something else with the money that22 would be left over. I don't know, but I23 would not have that position available.24
What25 45 4/5/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 position was it?2
I don't have the6 amounts next to these, so I can't give7 you that.8
Hi. Rebecca9 Rhynhart, Budget Director.10 I don't know if she wants to11 get into specific people since the people12 have those roles, so we'd be discussing13 laying off specific individuals publicly,14 but I think to address, it looks like15 when they did the cut, they did sort of16 an across -- sort of took a percentage of17 Class 100 and a percentage of Class 200,18 300 and 400 as their one and a half and19 three percent cuts. But you're most20 likely right, Councilman Green, that if21 they were to have to lay someone off,22 that they would save more than $10,000.23 I think Melanie was, as she said,24 probably hoping that if she had to take25 46 4/5/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 that $10,000 cut, that there could be2 some sort of way to not have to lay3 someone off, but most likely there4 probably wouldn't be. If I could just5 add that.6
Okay. So7 I'm really trying to understand what the8 purpose of getting that information9 provided to the Budget Office was if it's10 a simple one and a half percent is11 $10,142, but that is not in fact what12 we'd save, because it's sort of -- what13 was the purpose of even getting that14 information if it's a not thoughtful,15 across-the-board, specific percentage16 reduction, which has no meaning in17 reality?18
Well, I think19 there is a meaning in reality. I think20 the majority, as you look through the21 list of the departments, the majority of22 the cuts actually highlight specific cuts23 that they would have to take. The City24 Rep's submission, as you've noted, took25 47 4/5/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 sort of an across-the-board cut. So we2 needed a follow-up conversation, which we3 had with them, to detail that they would4 actually have to lose a position, which5 we did not decide to do.6
I have the7 same question for the Class 200, $15,618.8 Was that just a straight percentage?9
So that's11 not a specific reduction that you've12 targeted for any particular contract?13
From the17 stakeholders, an equal amount taken from18 each stakeholder to come up with the19 15,000.20
So you would21 just pro rata reduce what you give to22 Historic Philadelphia, what you gave to23 everybody else to achieve that result?24
Okay. And2 what's the impact to citizens if you're3 to do that?4
They have less9 money for the promotion, some of the10 services that they offer, in terms of11 visitors and tourism.12
I13 understand. And just for the record at14 this point. I have no follow-up15 question. The $1,473 in Class 300?16
That would come17 out of a number of different line items.18
Basically. I21 tried to limit the impact on each item so22 that I can still manage to do the work23 that I have to do.24
Who is in25 49 4/5/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 charge of the City's -- you mention2 tourism. You mention working with GPTMC.3 Who is in charge, who directs our overall4 promotion of the City strategy?5
Well, that would6 come from my office and the Mayor's7 Office and taking our cue from there,8 working with GPTMC, PCVB. GPTMC would be9 tourism, PCVB conventions and10 international and Greater Select. So I11 work with all of the different12 organizations.13
And when14 they develop campaigns or strategies or15 other things, are we directing that or16 are we reacting to what they present to17 us and approving it or not approving it,18 or do we even do that? Do we even19 approve or not approve of specific20 campaigns?21
It's not a matter22 of really approving, as their money comes23 from a variety of different sources, but24 basically what we do is, they have25 50 4/5/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 committees that they bring in from2 different organizations to view some of3 the different ideas. That's where the4 "With Love" campaign came from. There5 was a committee formed from different6 organizations throughout the City that7 have a stake in tourism and marketing,8 and everybody looks at it and votes on9 which one they think will have the best10 impact, and the "With Love" came about11 because of that.12 So it's not -- it's a matter of13 really partnering and saying to them,14 Okay, we think this might be worthwhile15 and this might work, and listening to16 everything that everyone -- what each17 organization might need from that18 particular campaign, which is why that19 campaign has lasted as long as it has.20
Like in21 particular, do you think it's appropriate22 to use the image and likeness of an23 elected official in promoting the City,24 as obviously that's not sustainable after25 51 4/5/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 that individual is gone? And so if you2 could answer that part of the question.3 And the next part of the question is, is4 that appropriate, say, at the Airport or5 other places during an election season,6 from your perspective as City Rep?7
Well, yes. I8 think that the current commercial that9 shows our Mayor is an appropriate one10 because it was promoting the City of11 Philadelphia through the "With Love"12 campaign, and he is the Mayor. And the13 one that we have at the Airport started14 out as a campaign because of we made15 changes. When people came in, there was16 a sign that was not very friendly to17 visitors and we wanted to make it so that18 when people came, they knew that the19 Mayor welcomed them.20 And in terms of a campaign's21 length, usually it doesn't last more than22 a year. You go with different campaigns,23 because different times call for24 different campaigns. So they usually do25 52 4/5/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 have a shelf life. The fact that the2 "With Love" is continuing over a two-year3 period is because of the massive success4 that we've -- and the results.5 So I do believe that it's much6 more friendly for a Mayor to be involved7 with a campaign welcoming visitors and8 showing citizens that he cares than not9 having it at all.10
Okay. I'm11 not going to argue the point. I just12 wanted to make the point.13 Like last year, I'm asking14 departments about unfilled and new15 positions. I know that the budget detail16 is a point in time. From the budget17 detail for the Office of City18 Representative, it looks like you're19 holding steady at seven positions, but20 you're doing some internal21 reclassification of positions. Do you22 currently have seven people on staff?23
Do you25 53 4/5/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 anticipate any vacancies in FY12?2
I have no more6 positions open under the Office of the7 City Representation's fund.8
Managing9 Director Negrin testified last week that10 the Administrative Division of his office11 coordinates special events. My12 understanding is that this is done13 through a partnership with your office.14
And I know16 that because I've been in meetings with17 you and the Managing Director's Office18 with respect to several events.19 So just to clarify the20 finances, is the $65,000 transfer on Page21 6 of your budget detail a transfer from22 the MDO rather than to it?23
From, okay.25 54 4/5/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 And what's that money going to be used2 for?3
There you10 go.11 Madam Chair, those are all my12 questions. Thank you.13
Thank14 you.15 The Chair recognizes Councilman16 Greenlee.17
Thank18 you, Madam President.19 Good morning, everyone.20
First of22 all, Ms. Johnson, I just want to say, I23 think the City Rep's Office in these24 difficult economic times is doing a good25 55 4/5/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 job promoting the City, and I know it's2 difficult out there with all the3 restraints we all have. But I just4 wanted to ask one question, and I think5 it's a real basic question, back on what6 the Council President raised early on the7 whole parades and all.8 I know Councilwoman Sanchez9 sponsored a bill that dictated what could10 and couldn't be charged, and I know there11 was some disagreements obviously with the12 Administration on that. It was a veto.13 We overrode the veto.14 Is that law being adhered to?15
Okay. I17 just wanted to get on record. So they're18 not being charged for anything that's in19 that bill?20
Okay.23 Great. Thank you.24 Thank you, Madam President.25 56 4/5/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:2 You're welcome. Thank you.3 The Chair recognizes Councilman4 Rizzo.5
Madam6 President, I only have one additional7 question since many of them were answered8 by my -- asked by my colleagues and one9 that I'm not sure has been asked.10 What is the line item for11 Miscellaneous for 10,384? Forgive me if12 we've already hit on that, 10,384 listed13 as Miscellaneous.14
That's really for19 overages for the Office of the City Rep.20 If we are doing -- say for last year,21 when we did The Philadelphia Collection,22 I may have used some of that money for23 some of the services for that event.24
And also I'm7 impressed, unless there's other money,8 are you telling me that entire Historic9 Philadelphia runs on $207,000?10
Oh, no,11 absolutely not. That's just what the12 City provides to them.13
Well, depending16 on what they're doing, they received some17 capital funding for projects for the18 Lights of Liberty. So I'm not exactly19 sure of their total budget, but they did20 receive money for a project to get the21 Lights of Liberty up and running again.22 They revamped the whole thing.23
So our piece24 of it is 207, and does that fund the25 58 4/5/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 overall or just specific?2
They use it for3 operations and for the promotion of the4 City. So primarily most of that funding5 is for the hiring of some reenactors for6 "Once Upon A" storytelling and some other7 operational expenses.8
And forgive9 me. I know this was asked. And it's a10 one-year contract, but it's renewed many11 times, correct?12
No. There's not16 an organization similar to them in the17 City that handles Betsy Ross and the18 Historic Philadelphia aspect of it.19 There are a number of different20 organizations that do the promotion of21 our history, but their organization is22 charged specifically with Betsy Ross and23 the other historic aspects of24 Philadelphia.25 59 4/5/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371
Terrific.2 And the only other commentary that I have3 is that I have received e-mails and I4 think I've communicated to you. Some of5 the tours that go around the City,6 sometimes they need to stick to the7 script, some of the people that do this,8 the drivers and the carriage drivers.9 Some of the things that they say aren't10 funny, and I hope that your office and11 these tour operators instruct that making12 fun of various parts of our city is not13 what they're there to do. They're there14 to be positive and not try to be15 comedians, and I have received recently16 some complaints. A person was really put17 out by what they were told on one of18 these tour bus rides. So do you have any19 interaction with them and do you review20 what is said about our city with any of21 these operators?22
Well, I do take23 the tours myself to see exactly what's24 happening, and they're private-owned25 60 4/5/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 businesses and I have had conversations2 with some of them. Some of them take our3 suggestions and try and incorporate it4 and some do not. But I do think it has5 improved some.6
Good. Very7 good. And thank you and thanks for all8 of your -- it's only seven people that do9 all that. So that's good work. Thank10 you.11
Thank you,13 Madam Chair.14 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:15 You're welcome.16 The Chair recognizes17 Councilwoman Brown.18
Thank you,19 Madam President.20 Good morning, ladies.21
Let me23 underscore Councilman Bill Greenlee's and24 other's comments regarding the work that25 61 4/5/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 you're doing and how you continue to2 figure out how to do more with less, or3 at least hold steady, given the climate4 that we're in.5 Councilman Frank Rizzo's6 question is a great segue to my opening7 question, which was around the tour guide8 bill that was passed, oh my, three years9 ago under my leadership in Council, and10 so his question begs the question, what's11 the status of that lawsuit? Let's hear12 that answer first.13
Well, it's in14 limbo basically. We did go to court, and15 the judge did not rule one way or the16 other. Basically what he said was based17 on the information that came out in18 court, there is no funding to implement19 this program and to oversee it. So at20 this moment, it's still on appeal,21 because the other side appealed what the22 judge said, and we expect to be back in23 court again probably sometime this year24 to talk about exactly how you move25 62 4/5/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 forward. But the bill, while a really2 great bill to really regulate exactly --3
Yes. And, you6 know, we have people willing to help put7 together --8
Exactly. But the10 cost involved with having that program11 just does not exist at the moment. As12 you said, we're just kind of holding13 steady.14 So we have had discussions, not15 lately, but I will certainly look into16 conveying a meeting again to talk about17 it more, about maybe trying to find a18 creative way that we can. If we offer19 this to the judge, then it will probably20 be a decision, but at the moment, there21 is no decision. It's just kind of laying22 there.23
All right.24 So then let me put a couple of25 63 4/5/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 recommendations on the record. I see2 here that you mention involvement with3 the Greater Philadelphia Tourism and4 Marketing Corporation and the5 Philadelphia Convention Center, which are6 expected. A sit-down with the7 Multi-Cultural Affairs Congress, headed8 up by Bill Wilson and Tanya Hall, might9 be in order, because they are in the10 business of making sure that the richness11 of our city in terms of diversity is12 captured in all that they do and I am13 sure would welcome a role that speaks to14 the intention and purpose of that tour15 guide bill. That's one.16 And the second would be, Temple17 University School of Tourism, they were a18 part of those discussions in the task19 force meetings we had that led to the20 ultimate passage of that bill and21 indicated an interest then, that they22 would be willing to have a role in the23 composition of the test, the construction24 of the exam. So if they hear of the25 64 4/5/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 dilemma that's faced by the City Rep's2 Office and the ask that they help get it3 moving, they might be willing. So a4 formal request to either one of those5 organizations might be useful.6
We actually did.7 They were part of the groups that we got8 together, and Temple was very willing to9 help with the exam. The issue after that10 is the administering of that program and11 not putting it outside of a City office12 and putting it into a private entity's13 hands, which would not be a fair thing14 for the people that would then have to15 answer to a company that wasn't a City16 office.17 So we're just kind of waiting,18 but I give you my word that I will look19 into putting a meeting together to try20 and talk about a few things, along with21 the lawyers who are overseeing the case,22 and I'll give you an update.23
To the24 extent that you think it appropriate, I'd25 65 4/5/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 be more than willing to be a part of2 those meetings.3
All right.7 You state in the third paragraph of your8 testimony that the Office of the City Rep9 and all that you do is designed to10 attract commerce and enhance economic11 value. So can you cite an example or two12 where that direct link happened as a13 result of the efforts of your office that14 actually showed a tangible result in the15 commerce side?16
Well, it's still17 ongoing, but The Philadelphia Collection18 was specifically put together for that19 purpose.20
The Philadelphia23 Collection. That's the fashion umbrella24 that we created last year. Working with25 66 4/5/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 the Commerce Department's Karen Randal2 and Center City District's Michelle3 Shannon, we pulled together a number of4 different organizations that were5 producing fashion events throughout the6 City anyway and asked if they would be7 willing to put together, under the8 umbrella of this new label, events that9 we could then put up a website and a10 brochure to promote this as ten days in11 Philadelphia, which they were. We've12 used that and the PRMA Retailing13 Committee out of Center City District and14 all the community hospitality15 organizations to really work with16 Commerce to leverage interest from a17 number of different retailers to try and18 open. I can't give you any specific19 names, because they're kind of ongoing,20 but we're hoping that with time, we can21 show people that Philadelphians do shop22 and that if you come and you open up a23 shop here, you'll have those customers,24 and I think that helped. It didn't hurt25 67 4/5/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 that we got on Forbes.com's list as2 number six as the best shopping district3 either.4
Very good.5 Very good. And in the rollout and6 construction of that event, there is an7 eye on ensuring that minority-owned8 businesses and women-owned businesses are9 in the mix?10
Okay. I15 had a question here about the marathon.16 Last year I raised a question17 about the Christmas Village abiding by18 those same standards of awarding19 contracts. So what steps has your office20 taken to ensure that the companies that21 we see out there on the Christmas Village22 are honoring up to this ongoing23 expectation of MBE/WBE participation?24
They actually did25 68 4/5/11 - WHOLE - BILL 1101371 very well last year. I don't remember2 the exact percentage, but I did go back3 and check. And we actually have a4 sit-down with any organization that comes5 to our office to discuss having an event6 in the City to talk about their minority7 participation or woman-owned8 participation or disadvantaged. So we9 really insist on making sure that it's a10 very diverse event, because we're a city11 of diverse people. So that's something12 that we do, even if we didn't have the 2513 percent, that we would talk about,14 because I think it's very important that15 you show diversity in a city such as16 Philadelphia. So if you want to bring an17 event here, it's important to have that18 part of it.19