COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA2 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - - - Room 400, City Hall4 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Wednesday, April 6, 2011, 10:20 a.m.5 - - - RES. 110161 - Five-Year Plan BILL 110135 - Capital Program 2012 through 2017 BILL 110136 - FY 2012 Capital Budget BILL 110137 - FY 2012 Operating Budget BILL 110138 - Wage Tax Bill 11 COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT:12 Anna C. Verna, Chair13 Marian B. Tasco, Co-Chair Jannie C. Blackwell14 Blondell Reynolds-Brown Darrell L. Clarke15 W. Wilson Goode, Jr. Bill Green16 William K. Greenlee Curtis Jones, Jr.17 Donna Reed Miller Brian J. O'Neill18 Frank Rizzo Maria Quiñones-Sanchez19 - - -20 21 22 23 24 25 2 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371
Good2 morning, everyone. This is a continued3 public hearing of the Committee of the4 Whole.5 And the Chair recognizes6 Mr. McPherson.7 MR. McPHERSON: This is a8 continued public hearing of:9 Resolution No. 110161, the10 City's Five-Year Plan;11 Bill No. 110135, the Capital12 Program for Fiscal Years 2012 through13 2017;14 Bill No. 110136, the Capital15 Budget for 2012;16 Bill No. 110137, the Operating17 Budget for 2012; and18 Bill No. 110138, the wage tax19 bill.20 Today, we're taking testimony21 on Bill No. 110137, the Operating Budget22 for 2012, and our first department is23 Parks and Rec.24 (Witnesses come forward.)25 3 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:2 Councilman Jones, would you like to3 introduce our visitors at this point?4
Yes. I have5 the honor and privilege of welcoming to6 City Council the Discovery Charter School7 from Parkside Avenue, who are here to8 witness democracy at its best and who9 have some specific interests in Parks and10 Recreation and increased funding for11 that.12 Would you all welcome Discovery13 Charter School.14
)18 DEP. 24 DEP. 11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 Good morning, Council President Verna and2 members of Council. I'm Michael3 DiBerardinis, Deputy Mayor and4 Commissioner for the Department of Parks5 and Recreation. 11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 leadership around the merger process. 20 The Department of Parks and21 Recreation is committed to supporting the22 Administration's goal of minority-,23 women-, and disabled-owned business24 participation in City contracting. 11 COMM. 14 Since I last addressed you, a15 great deal of work has progressed around16 the merger of the Department. 11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 surveys, e-mails, correspondence, and2 conversation. 11 In Fiscal Year '11, the12 departmental budget was merged for the13 first time. 11 COMM. 2 The process of populating the3 new departmental organizational chart is4 also well underway, and we expect this5 work to be completed shortly6 We take this responsibility7 seriously and continue to proceed with8 the advice of the Office of Human9 Relations, relevant labor organizations,10 our staff, and our stakeholders. 20 Even as we advance the work of21 the merger, we have continued to focus on22 the day-to-day responsibilities. 11 COMM. 11 COMM. 11 The Department has partnered12 internally and externally to make13 significant investments in department14 facilities such as city ice rinks and15 athletic fields. 21 The Department has committed to22 running a seven-day-a-week operation at23 all rinks to expand the public skating24 hours. 11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 full day of public and community skating2 at our rinks3 The Department is also4 partnering with the Philadelphia Phillies5 and major league baseball to create the6 Philadelphia Urban Youth Academy. 11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 During 2001 and through 2012,2 the Department is partnering with a3 national nonprofit, The Trust for Public4 Lands, to undertake a greening initiative5 at selected Parks and Recreation6 facilities in neighborhoods currently7 lacking green space. 19 These camps operate at a minimum of five20 days per week, six hours per day, for six21 weeks. Registration numbers indicate an22 approximate 10 percent increase over23 attendance at these camps the previous24 summer. 11 COMM. 6 This summer, as we continue to7 provide high-quality programming, we will8 also introduce new programming to connect9 communities to the outdoors such as the10 City's first youth triathlon. 15 With support from Mayor Nutter,16 various City Council members, and State17 officials, the Robin Hood Dell East was18 restored and reopened for family19 entertainment last summer. 11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 Philadelphia. 5 This upcoming summer concert6 series, we hope to double the number of7 ticket sold, and we have launched a new,8 highly interactive and responsive9 customer website. 12 The Department is working13 collaboratively to support the very14 ambitious Green Works target of15 increasing the tree canopy by 30 percent16 Citywide. 11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 addressing a current backlog of removal2 requests for the most hazardous City3 trees4 We also are introducing various5 new initiatives to encourage citizens and6 neighborhoods to green not only City7 streets but also their own front and8 backyards. )20 DEP. 11 COMM. )12 DEP. 14 Based on our preliminary view15 of Governor Corbett's budget, the Youth16 Service Development Fund has been17 completely eliminated. The Department18 traditionally received this State funding19 to support a wide variety of programming20 for children, teens, and families. 11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 In closing, we have made2 tremendous gains to date, but our work is3 not over.
We will continue to build4 collaboration, connections to citizens5 and communities, leverage resources, and6 engage internal and external partners,7 our staff, and this Council in our8 ongoing and important work9 Should any Councilmember wish10 to engage in further discussion on any of11 these matters, my staff and I are happy12 to meet with Councilmembers at their13 convenience14 Thank you for this opportunity15 to discuss these important matters with16 you today, and I look forward to your17 questions18
Your22 testimony sound wonderful.23 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: Thank24 you.25 18 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:2 However, I'd like to be the devil's3 advocate. I want to ask you a couple4 questions.5 You mentioned in your testimony6 that you will be able to sustain your7 merged departments' authorized full-time8 position level of 627 in the General9 Fund. Wasn't the Fiscal 2011 position10 level 689?11 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: Well,12 that was the proposed -- in last year's13 proposed budget, the Mayor had requested14 a $2.5 million increase in our budget.15 During the budget deliberations, that16 increase was not funded, and we17 ultimately ended up with a $1.7 million18 decrease in our operating dollars, and19 that accounted for the difference.20
But I21 believe we had passed the budget with22 your request, did we not?23 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: Well,24 I'm not -- here's what my reality was,25 19 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 Madam President.2 When the budget process3 concluded here, our budget came in at a4 hold-harmless; we were held at the same5 level as we were the previous year.6 Subsequent to Councilmatic --7 the conclusion of the budget process, a8 series of cuts were made across9 departments. And during that process, we10 were decreased by another $1.7 million.11 So that -- I think that's what12 happened, at least in terms of our13 reality and the operating department. So14 those numbers -- the discrepancy in those15 numbers are reflected in -- at least as16 we experienced it, those two -- first the17 decrease -- the elimination of the 2.518 and then the 1.7 decrease.19
With20 that being said, section 48, , for21 Fiscal 2012, the position level has been22 reduced by 62 positions.23 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: All24 right.25 20 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371
Is2 that correct?3 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: I --4 Let's find that.5
It's6 section 48, .7 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: Okay.8 Rebecca Rhynhart would want to address9 that if that's okay.10 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:11 Certainly.12
Rebecca16 Rhynhart, Budget Director.17 The reduction in the position18 count, you can see that the -- we don't19 budget by position count; we budget by20 dollars.21 So that we didn't reduce --22 from Fiscal '11 to Fiscal '12, we aren't23 reducing the dollars in the General Fund24 budget for positions, but we look at,25 21 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 what is the staffing level that the2 budget can support, and that's why we3 brought down the position count from the4 higher number to 627.5 There's still -- that's still6 above the position counts, where they are7 right now, but that's the way we look at8 it in terms of, here's the dollar value,9 we're keeping the dollar value at least10 consistent, and then how many positions11 can that support.12 And so, we are really13 right-sizing. The position count was14 higher than the dollars would actually15 allow, so we were fixing that.16
So17 are you saying, then, that there is not18 going to be a reduction of 62 positions?19
There is a20 reduction in the 62 positions that are21 listed in the budget; that doesn't22 correspond with a reduction in dollars.23 And maybe I'm not being clear on that.24
Is25 22 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 that because the Department was not able2 to fill the positions?3
No. It's tied4 to -- we have a certain -- we have given5 -- in the proposed budget, there's a6 certain amount of dollars that's proposed7 in the Parks and Rec budget, and then we8 look at how many positions that can9 support.10 And so, when we looked at it,11 you know, the position count was higher.12
These aren't --15 just for clarification, these aren't in16 any way layoffs of existing personnel;17 these are just vacancies being taken out.18
So19 are you saying that you reduced what20 Council had allocated for the Department21 of Recreation from the last budget that22 we had agreed on?23
Again, we're24 not budgeting by position level; we're25 23 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 budgeting by dollars. But there were a2 series of cuts made to address --3
Oh, vacancies?9 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: Right10 now, we're running at about a little11 above 5.5 vacancy rate, and it's a little12 higher than I would like. Generally, you13 run around 4 percent, but we want to --14
When15 you say "5 percent," how many positions?16 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: That17 translates into about 37 positions out of18 the 627 that we currently have vacant.19 Now, we're filling them;20 they're in the process of always filling21 those positions. And many of these22 positions that are currently vacant are23 people who are retiring on the DROP plan24 or retiring or moving out of service, and25 24 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 they're at the highest level in their2 class and in their series, so it takes a3 long time to fill that position, 'cause4 you have to go down sometimes three and5 four levels to fill the position.6 So if you start out with a7 leader or with a superintendent, you got8 to walk down.9 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:10 Commissioner, you say there are 37 vacant11 positions, to your knowledge.12 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: Right13 now, we are --14
Right15 now --16 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: -- we17 are carrying 37 vacant positions.18
--19 can you tell us the titles --20 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: I21 can.22
-- of23 the positions? And have any of them been24 eliminated?25 25 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: No.2
Okay.3 What are the titles of the 37.4 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS:5 There's a long list, Council President.6 I can get that to you later.7
Would8 you, please?9 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS:10 They're a range of position, and they're11 in all three of our big units: in the12 Program Division, in the Operations13 Division, and in the Administrative.14 And they're generally15 reflective of the size of those units.16 We're not way out of whack in terms of17 those vacancies being in one division of18 the Department or another.19
On20 -- and if you would send that to21 me in writing, please.22 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: Yes,23 we will.24
I25 26 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 will make sure that all of the2 Councilmembers receive a copy of it.3 On of your detail, it4 indicates that you are requesting5 $1,258,768 to fully fund your staffing6 requirements; is that correct?7 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: Yes.8
The9 next line on has a reduction of10 $602,875 for vacancy allowance; is that11 correct?12 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: Yes.13
In14 order for your department to achieve your15 vacancy allowance, how many vacancies16 must you maintain throughout the fiscal17 year?18 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: 16?19 I'll ask Susan to...20 REC. COMM. SLAWSON: We would21 need -- the answer to your question,22 Madam President, is 16.23
Can24 you tell us, how many recreation leader25 27 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 positions are you budgeted for in Fiscal2 2012?3 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: Yes.4
And5 how many vacancies do you currently have?6 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: Well,7 I can tell me you, we are budgeted for8 217 in the Program Division. Our current9 vacancies -- I don't have the exact10 number of the vacancies; I can sort of11 calculate them and get them to you first12 thing tomorrow morning.13 But my sense is that that14 number is about probably ten to15 fifteen -- I'm getting guessing but I16 think I'm pretty close, around ten to17 fifteen positions in the Program18 Division.19 And they're all in the process20 of being -- in the hiring process.21
How22 long does it take for your office take to23 fill these recreation leader vacancies?24 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: Well,25 28 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 it depends. If it's a Leader III, then2 we have to have an available list. And3 then --4
Are5 there available lists?6 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: Yes.7 And we would fill the Leader III and then8 fill the Leader II and then fill the9 Leader I behind it. So that process --10 and maybe even ARL underneath that.11 So that takes months to pick12 the Leader III, do the interviews off the13 list, hire the Leader II and then hire14 the Leader I --15 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:16 Commissioner, I understand that process.17 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: -- to18 fully fill the positions.19
I20 understand that process.21 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: Okay.22
But23 how long have these vacancies existed?24 And you say it takes months to fill them.25 29 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 We are approaching, you know, the summer2 months, when the recreation centers are3 fully utilized. I think we need some4 answers.5 REC. COMM. SLAWSON: Madam6 President, if I may.7 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:8 Please.9 REC. COMM. SLAWSON: Out of th210 37 vacancies that we currently have, 2511 of those positions were vacated between12 July and February of this year. Twelve13 of them were as a result of DROP, five14 deaths, five just resignations that we15 weren't expecting, and one was a16 rejection.17 And so, some of these 37 have18 come on us pretty quickly, and we're in19 the process of trying to fill those20 positions.21 So out of that 37, those 3722 vacancies, 25 were positions that were23 vacated July through February; they've24 been within the pretty recent.25 30 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371
Eight2 months is pretty recent?3 REC. COMM. SLAWSON: Since --4 well, Madam President, the way that5 things have been going filling positions,6 yes, ma'am.7 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: I8 will make a point here, that in my9 service, in my service in government as a10 executive in an operating department both11 on the State and the municipal level, our12 five-plus percent vacancy rate is not13 outrageously high, given the demands of14 the Civil Service system and the process15 of hiring.16 We want to do better, we want17 to do better. I think my experience has18 been -- and we can debate this point, but19 my experience has been, when you have20 hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of21 positions in many different classes, a22 vacancy rate of 4 percent is what you23 carry annually. So we are slightly above24 that, and we're going to do our best to25 31 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 bring that rate down.2 But the expectation that every3 position will be filled all the time,4 it's just not my experience where that5 has happened.6
I7 don't think that we're expecting that,8 but I think that when we talk about9 recreation leaders, we talk about the10 other vacancies, 37, and that's only in11 eight months. You've got to get real12 here.13 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: Well,14 we want to do better.15
Do16 you mind? Let me ask a question.17 How long does it take to fill a18 recreation leader's vacancy?19 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: Well,20 there's not a -- some take -- again, it21 depends.22 You could fill a Leader I very23 fast. Filling a Leader III -- like very24 fast, in a month or short -- you know,25 32 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 very quickly.2 But some of the other3 positions, where there's multiple4 interviews at multiple different levels,5 and if there's a list and if our spending6 is in line or not in line, it could take7 three, four, five months, and some could8 take as short as a month.9 It varies depending on the10 position, depending on our spending11 levels in that quarter.12 But it's not based on the13 available dollars. The available dollars14 have remained the same between this year15 and next year.16
How17 many assistant recreation leader18 positions are you budgeted for, and how19 many vacancies do you currently have?20 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: You21 know, I have the general number; I do not22 have before me the assistant rec leader23 number. I don't know if somebody else24 has that.25 33 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 Do you have that?2 REC. COMM. SLAWSON: It's 150,3 Madam President -- 115, I'm sorry, 115.4
You5 presently have 115 assistant recreation6 leaders?7 REC. COMM. SLAWSON: That's8 what we're budgeted for, Madam President.9 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:10 You're budgeted for that. And how many11 vacancies do you currently have?12 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS:13 Deputy Commissioner Dignam informed me14 there's 27 ARL vacancies.15
When16 do you anticipate those vacancies will be17 filled?18 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS:19 There's a list that is ready to come out.20 And then as soon as the list is released,21 then we can begin hiring.22
On23 of your detail, you were showing a24 Class 100 reduction of $134,224 in the25 34 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 Grants Revenue Fund. Can you tell us the2 grant and its funding source that are3 being reduced? And at the same time, can4 you tell us what the operational impact5 would be of these reductions?6 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: You7 know, I could ask Administrative Deputy8 Marrisa Washington.9 (Witness comes forward.)10
Good11 morning.12 DEP. COMM. WASHINGTON: Good13 morning.14 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:15 Please identify yourself for the record.16 DEP. COMM. WASHINGTON:17 Marissa Washington, Deputy Commissioner.18 From the Way to Work, the19 $100,000 is there, and those are one-time20 stimulus dollars.21
I'm22 sorry. You're going to have to repeat23 that.24 DEP. COMM. WASHINGTON: They25 35 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 were one-time stimulus dollars last year,2 so they were, so it was federal founding3 to hire seasonal staff. And that's what4 the $111,000 was for.5 The $22,000 is a part of the6 stimulus dollars for rebuilding, planting7 trees, and things like that. And that's8 also one-time stimulus dollars, and they9 were federally-funded.10
I'll11 get back to my questions. I see that12 every Councilmember's light is on. I13 think since everybody has their light on,14 four and five minutes.15 Okay. The first go-around will16 be five minutes.17 The Chair recognizes Councilman18 Jones.19
Thank you,20 Madam President. I appreciate you asking21 a lot of great questions, so my five22 minutes will be compact.23 I want to first thank all of24 you this morning for several things that25 36 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 you've done over the past three years2 within my district, one being the work on3 the Schuylkill River Trail, which will4 connect parts of the surrounding counties5 and run through major parts of my6 district as well as Councilwoman7 Blackwell's district and others to8 connect walkers, riders, bikers to the9 experience of our park.10 I think it is a model for the11 nation on recreational usage of an12 underappreciated asset. So thank you for13 that.14 (Applause.)15
Okay. And16 the second thing that I want to thank you17 for is the grand old lady in the park,18 which is the Dell, which several of my19 colleagues, many of them in this room --20 Councilwoman Blackwell, Councilwoman21 Tasco, Councilwoman Miller, who is not22 here -- helped and Darrell Clarke I see23 over there, put up money, significant24 dollars, to help give her a face lift.25 37 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 And we're so glad we participated and2 look forward to the summer series with3 great anticipation.4 I want to thank you for5 Centennial Lake, which is on Parkside,6 which was a lake that was the first urban7 lake, first man-made lake in the nation8 and saw better days. It was a site that9 was often used as a dumpsite.10 It has now been dredged, Madam11 President, and it is now going to receive12 an award for national reclamation of a13 urban project, which we are pleased and14 tickled about. And the members in this15 chamber from the Discovery Charter School16 could throw a rock and hit that lake, and17 so, we're glad that they are here to see18 what's going upon.19 Thank you also for Manatawna20 Farms, for working with us on the agenda21 for urban farming. Our commitment to you22 is to continue that work in the park and23 to make sure that that is a high-priority24 in making the City of Philadelphia the25 38 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 greenest city in America.2 So with all of that said, now3 here comes the questions.4 (Laughter.)5
I want to6 know, what do you anticipate with the7 State cuts and the State budget? What8 will be the impact on Philadelphia and9 its Parks and Recreation?10 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: Right11 now, I think the State budget's a moving12 target. But as things stand with the13 Governor's proposed budget, we stand to14 lose approximately $700,000, the HSDF15 Funds, which will impact on hundreds of16 seasonal works, or RSIs, rec specialty17 instructors, throughout our system. So18 those funds allow us to expend hours and19 programs at our big A centers across our20 system.21 So that's -- if that stays as22 is, we will lose those recreation23 specialty instructors throughout our24 system.25 39 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 As far as the Act 148 dollars,2 right now -- which support our3 after-school care programs, we have 984 after-school care programs five days a5 week, three hours a day throughout the6 system. If we lose -- there's about7 $500,000 at stake there.8 If there's any change and9 there's more reductions in the Department10 of Public Welfare, those fund could --11 could -- be in jeopardy. As of now,12 they're not.13 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:14 Excuse me. Councilman, do you mind?15
No.16 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:17 Would that include the lifeguards?18 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: No.19
Does that22 include the 15-day rotation for grass-23 cutting in the summer?24 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: No.25 40 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371
That doesn't2 impact any of that?3 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: No.4 They're the two -- there's some small --5 well, just the other component of that6 is, we have tot recreation programs at7 two facilities that are underwritten by8 those funds, and they will be lost if the9 HSDF funding cut remains as it is today.10 (Timer bell rings.)11
My -- I get12 a little bit because Madam President cut13 in.14 (Laughter.)15
My question16 would be: The City, the School Board are17 looking at facility consolidation; are18 you a part of that consideration?19 When we look at great20 facilities like the Crock Center right21 across the street from a rec center, are22 we working with the City, the School23 Board? As the School Board looks to24 consolidate its buildings, are we looking25 41 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 to see who's on first, who has the best2 facility, what the age of it is, and how3 to kind of merge some of those activities4 within one building?5 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: We6 are working with the School District on7 two fronts, one on potential upgrades of8 their schoolyards through 2015, really9 creating outdoor education space and10 green area and play areas, and that's11 under discussion.12 And in addition to that, we're13 looking at coordinating programs, after-14 school program that are -- and we've had15 just two meetings, so we're not to the16 end of that discussion, where we could17 support their -- their curriculum as well18 as their safety agenda and how our19 department could be in support of that20 and they could be in support of our youth21 development goals.22 So both of those are well23 underway but not to conclusion.24
We are25 42 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 anxiously anticipating that kind of2 thought process. There may be some3 economy of scale or some efficiencies4 gained by doing that that have budgetary5 impact. So we thank you for that, for6 participating in that.7 Thank you, Madam President.8 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:9 You're welcome.10 The Chair recognizes Councilman11 Goode.12
Thank you,13 Madam President.14 Good morning, Deputy Mayor.15 I'm asking each department the same16 question. In the combined budget of the17 Parks and Recreation Department, what is18 the largest contract that you will award19 in Fiscal Year '12?20 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: That21 will be a grant-funded contract to22 Marymont Corporation for roughly23 $3,600,000.24
And who --25 43 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 so they hold that contract in this fiscal2 year as well?3 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: I'm4 sorry?5
So they hold6 that contract within this fiscal year as7 well?8 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS:9 That's correct.10
And it's a11 renewable contract?12 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: Well,13 it is -- this is the last year of a14 four-year, so we will be negotiating this15 year the contract for -- we will be --16 not negotiating; we will be developing17 and releasing this contract in -- for18 2012.19
Okay. Is20 the firm a certified disadvantaged21 business?22 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: I'm23 sorry?24
Is the firm25 44 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 a certified disadvantaged business?2 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: I3 don't -- no.4
All right.5 Does the firm subcontract with6 disadvantaged businesses?7 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: Yes.8
What was the9 DBE participation goal in the RFP?10 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: It's11 to percent.12
I didn't13 hear you.14 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: I'm15 sorry. to percent.16
And what was17 the goal within the contract?18 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: Four19 percent.20
And how has21 that participation goal changed during22 your tenure?23 REC. COMM. SLAWSON: Can I --24 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: I25 45 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 will ask Susan to respond to that.2 REC. COMM. SLAWSON: We3 actually -- as a result of realizing that4 the number was requested for Marymont was5 so low, I drew up a letter, and the6 Deputy Mayor and myself and Deputy7 Dignam, we went and we had a meeting with8 the director of Marymont and pretty much9 I asked him to increase his numbers, his10 participation rate.11 And as a result of that, he's12 actually increased it by 10 percent,13 because prior to that, he was requested14 to just produce 10 percent. And so now,15 he has increased it.16
Okay, thank17 you.18 Last question: Is that firm in19 compliance with the City's living-wage-20 and-benefits standard?21 COMMISSIONER SLAWSON: No. No,22 sir. We don't have that -- let me see we23 don't have that information.24
Will they be25 46 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 required to be in compliance with that --2 COMMISSIONER SLAWSON: Yes,3 they will.4
Okay, thank5 you.6 Thank you, Madam President.7 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:8 You're welcome.9 The Chair recognizes Councilman10 Green.11
Thank you,12 Madam Chair.13 Good morning.14 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: Good15 morning.16
You17 testified that the proposed operating18 budget increases Class 100 by $180,000,19 which would support a full summer pool20 season, but the detail indicates that21 Class 100 funding is proposed to increase22 $768,000.23 I just wanted to clarify that24 the $180,000 is for the cost of the pool25 47 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 season, but the request is for a $768,0002 Class 100 increase.3 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: I4 will ask Susan to respond.5 REC. COMM. SLAWSON:6 Councilman Green, that number includes7 the funding that we've been raising for8 the pools. The private Mayor's Summer9 Splash, that number's included in that10 $700,000 that you're talking about.11
No, this is12 Class 100.13 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: Yes,14 correct.15 REC. COMM. SLAWSON: That's16 right, that's correct.17
But the --18 only $180,000 of the increase is related19 to pools; is that not correct?20 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: No.21 It's all related -- I'm sorry. It's all22 related to the pools. It's 180 plus what23 we have raised in the private sector to24 support the extension of the season. So25 48 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 it reflects our fundraising effort as2 well as the $180,000.3
So all of4 the positions related to Class 1005 increase are for pools?6 REC. COMM. SLAWSON: Yes,7 that's correct. Yes.8 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: Yes.9 So the --10
So --11 (Indiscernible; parties talking12 over each other.)13 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: So14 768,000 is related to the pools.15
Okay. So16 what that means -- if your testimony is17 correct that you just -- as you just18 stated it, that means that you are not19 filling any other vacant position in20 Class 100 because, as you know, you're21 not filling 600,000 of it but you're22 filling all of the pools.23 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: Well,24 the pool hires are -- they don't reflect25 49 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 -- they're not reflected in our2 complement 'cause they're seasonal3 workers. I don't know if that answers4 your questions.5
It's Class6 100 spending.7 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: Yeah,8 but you could -- in Class 100, we can9 have full-time, we have part-time10 permanent --11
I12 understand, but your testimony is that13 you're going to spend $700,000 Class 10014 on pools. That leaves 68 for every other15 vacant position in your department.16 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: I'm17 not sure I understand the question. I'm18 sorry.19
Well, I'm20 just responding to your testimony that21 700 is for Class 100 for pools, and22 that's -- the entire 768 is that.23 If you're going to spend 70024 Class 100 on pools, you only have, after25 50 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 you reserve for unfilled positions,2 $68,000 left for every other vacant3 position in the Recreation Department.4
If I can just5 try to clarify that. The full amount,6 768,000, is for pools. The 180,000 --7 the 768 is split between the amount that8 Parks and Rec raised through fundraising9 and the 180,000 needed from General Fund10 in addition to the private fund-raising.11 So that's the split there.12 There's certain money -- when13 fundraising money comes in to -- when14 they raise money, it comes into the15 General Fund; it doesn't directly go back16 to Parks and Rec, so we have to17 appropriate it in the Parks and Rec.18
And we're22 all familiar with how the General Fund23 works.24
-- is6 $1,258,000. You have a vacancy allowance7 of $602,875, which means your total8 increased spending in Class 100 is9 equivalent to what you're going to spend10 on pools, and there is no other money11 available for any other vacant position12 in the Parks and Rec department.13
There is funding14 available. The vacancy -- I believe the15 added amount was 600,000. To get the16 total vacancy allowance would be higher17 than that, and there's attrition18 throughout the year that is built into19 the vacancy allowance.20 So, I mean, we can go through21 the pages of the detail, but there is --22
Yeah, okay,25 52 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 okay. I mean, there is room for them to2 hire. The pools are --3
How much4 room other than pools is there -- how5 much money is available for the vacant6 positions listed in the Department, other7 than pools?8
Taking into11 account -- I understand, but it's all12 Class 100 spending.13
Right. And I14 think that Susan had said before the15 amount of -- the number of positions that16 could be filled on full-time with the17 allotted budget and she could --18
But that19 testimony can't be true because you're20 telling me you're going to spend 700,00021 of Class 100 on pools; there's no money22 left for any other position based on the23 vacancy allowance that you have here,24 unless the attrition during the course of25 53 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 the year is equivalent to another2 $600,000.3 (Timer bell rings.)4
-- to the17 5.5 percent vacancy allowance that is18 basically the constant of the attrition19 during the course of the year?20 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: All I21 would say is, here's how I operate.22 I operate to the number. I get23 a budget number, I get a 100 number, and24 I manage within that number.25 54 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 Our goal is to beat down our2 vacancy rate; I think it's a little high,3 and I would own that right now. We want4 to beat that down by a percent or a5 percent-and-a-half to get it down to6 around 4. So that would take that 377 that we're carrying, take it down a bit.8 And then the rest is the9 process. It's just -- it's just whatever10 the remainder is and however, you know,11 the vacant -- that 4 percent is pretty12 constant.13 So I don't know what the14 savings are around that 4 percent.15
I16 understand, but here's how I operate.17 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: Okay.18
You're19 asking for money for specific positions.20 You're telling us that you're going to21 spend $700,000 all on Class 100 for22 pools, which leaves you no other money23 for any of the other vacant position in24 the budget except for 5.5 percent, okay?25 55 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 And so, the question really is:2 How are you going to fill those vacant3 positions? And I have a whole bunch of4 follow-up questions about those positions5 that depend upon an accurate answer to6 this first question.7
Councilman8 Green, we're happy to provide you with a9 detail of how the funding is available in10 the budget, 'cause there is funding to11 hire. We can provide you with something12 that shows that.13
I have the14 detail, and based on the detail that is15 provided with the budget, there is not16 funding. Based on testimony from the17 Parks and Recreation Commissioner, there18 is not funding.19
He said that22 all $700,000 available was going to be23 spent on Class 100 for pools; there's no24 more money available.25 56 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371
The 768,0002 increase. We're happy to provide you3 with the information to make this clear4 'cause I don't think -- I don't think5 that this is a clear conversation right6 now, so we're happy to provide you with7 something.8
Thank you.12 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:13 You're welcome.14 The Chair recognizes15 Councilwoman Blackwell.16
Thank17 you, Madam President.18 We are grateful for the19 leadership of both certainly Commissioner20 Slawson and certainly Deputy Mayor21 DiBerardinis. They do a fine job, and22 for that, we are grateful.23 We've been concerned because we24 understand -- we were told that25 57 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 technically, there would be no negative2 impact from this merger, no financial3 impact, and that's what the issues are.4 You all are working with us in5 every way, and I appreciate it, to try to6 see what we can do to work out these 277 people who are transferred, and all of8 that goes with it.9 But had we thought during the10 -- during this whole merger discussion11 that there would be an issue, then maybe12 we'd look at it differently. That's what13 people in the neighborhood say, we14 thought we'd be okay.15 But having said that, we thank16 you, we thank Leo, and we thank your team17 for all that you do. And certainly,18 we're looking forward to our new project19 out there in Mill Creek, and we're20 looking forward to moving ahead.21 You're, you know, one of the22 best departments in terms of your23 experience and knowing what to do and24 where to go and how to get it done, and25 58 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 we appreciate it.2 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: Thank3 you.4
Thank5 you, Madam President.6 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:7 You're welcome.8 The Chair recognizes9 Councilwoman Brown.10
Thank you,11 Madam President.12 Good morning.13 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: Good14 morning.15
Let me16 start out by echoing what Councilwoman17 Blackwell has said because it was -- as18 enormous as it was after eight years of19 working with Councilman Clarke to bring20 this to pass, we knew, going in, that21 there's some hurdles to overcome,22 particularly if you're trying to line up23 this new effort based on best practices.24 So we appreciate the leadership you've25 59 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 shown.2 With regard to Councilwoman3 Blackwell's observation, is it a fair4 conclusion that the challenge around5 these vacancies is indeed linked to the6 transition that comes with change in any7 process?8 COMMISSIONER DiBERARDINIS: I9 would have to see no. Again, I -- look,10 I think there's either -- my position --11 and, again, this is the way I've managed.12 I get a budget, I get $100, I13 get my positions. Here's how many14 positions you have that this budget can15 support.16
Mm-hmm.17 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: My18 goal is to have as few vacancies as I can19 and have my complement at the fullest it20 can be --21
Based on22 budget.23 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: --24 against the dollars --25 60 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371
Sure.2 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: --3 against the available dollars.4 Again, I will say -- and we can5 talk about this offline and talk with the6 Human Resources director and other folks7 in the Administration, but there's a8 consistent vacancy rate that exists.9 And it's -- you know, and I10 think the one that I've gotten in the11 last 20 years or 25 years, I might be12 getting too comfortable, but about13 4 percent is what the norm is --14
Okay.15 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: --16 when you have hundreds or thousands of17 employees, many of them leaving and18 coming in. That's a process to manage.19
Sure.20 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: We21 can do better. I do not want to shrink22 from the criticism.23
Okay.24 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: We25 61 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 can do better, and we should do better in2 keeping that rate lower than it is today.3
Okay.4 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: Now,5 were we distracted with the merger?6 Maybe, you know, trying to get that7 right.8 But the merger itself, having9 the two departments be together, is not10 the issue. And some of it lies with me11 in insisting the quickest interviews, the12 quickest moving of the paperwork over to13 Personnel, dogging that when it's over in14 Central Personnel, and moving through15 that process.16
Okay, all17 right then.18 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: So,19 you know, we hope, and I think, we will20 do better next year.21
All right.22 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: But23 this number is not bad; it can be better.24
Okay,25 62 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 then. Thank you for that.2 Is Ready, Willing and Able3 still a part of the work that the park4 does?5
Yes, Councilwoman,6 absolutely. We still have a relationship7 with RWA.8
Okay. And9 that's a renewable contract that you have10 with Ready, Willing and Able?11
The contract is not12 actually with Parks and Recreation; it's13 with the City in general.14
And then we assign16 a crew -- for many, many years have17 assigned a crew or two crews to Fairmount18 Park, now Parks and Recreation.19
Okay,20 then. Thank you.21 Back to a follow-up on22 Councilman Goode's question with Marymont23 Corporation. You said that once you have24 the conversation with them about this25 63 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 being a priority of this administration2 and a concern of Councilmembers, they3 figured out a way to move the needle?4 REC. COMM. SLAWSON: Yes, they5 did, ma'am.6
And so,7 the short-term yield is that they improve8 their numbers. And what has been9 stipulated with them in terms of10 expectations going forward?11 REC. COMM. SLAWSON: Well, the12 expectation is for them to continue to13 increase their participation as well as14 the hiring of -- because a number of the15 work that happens, it's actually right16 here in Philadelphia. Their distribution17 offices are here, in South Philadelphia.18 And not only do we ask him to19 increase by way of vendors, we also asked20 them to increase that number by way of21 hiring the staff. So it was a twofold22 conversation, and he's agreed to do both.23 And he realizes how important24 this is, and he's going to continue to25 64 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 push those numbers forward.2
Okay.3 Ready, Willing and Able, they are4 part-time employees? I mean, they're5 assigned to Ready, Willing and Able for6 X-period of time, and then they have to7 find their own work? Is that so? Help8 me out.9
So then,15 is there a natural link and opportunity16 for those who come off of Ready, Willing17 and Able to then be filtered to companies18 like Marymont and others that hire those19 type of individuals? It's still putting20 to Philadelphians to work in21 Philadelphia, you know, folks who want to22 feed their families, and are looking for23 opportunity.24 REC. COMM. SLAWSON: Yes. We25 65 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 will definitely -- as we plan and prepare2 to renew the bid, we're going to be3 looking at doing all of that.4 (Timer bell rings.)5
Okay, wow.6 That was fast.7 Okay, Madam President. Thank8 you very much.9 Thank you for your testimony.10
Thank13 you, Madam President.14 Good morning, everyone.15 Just first join in a lot of the16 other Councilmembers in thanking you for17 a lot of the things you have done over18 the past year. Commissioner Slawson, in19 particular, those couple of rec centers20 in my home area, the work of Councilman21 Clarke, Francisville and Clemente, and I22 think Clemente particularly, that was a23 pretty major renovation, and it's a24 diverse community, and we had to work25 66 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 with everybody to kind of get that right,2 and I think that's going to be a real3 benefit to that whole neighborhood.4 Thank you.5 I just have one question,6 Mr. DiBerardinis, on your testimony7 towards the end on the street trees, and8 I know that it's something a lot of our9 offices get complaints about. And you10 talk about the current backlog and11 cutting into that.12 What's the current backlog and13 what's kind of your goals?14 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: Well,15 what we have on record -- and it comes in16 from both citizen complaints, our own17 staff's street observation, stuff we get18 from Council. It's 1700, and we plan19 to -- and I think we sent over to the20 District Councilpeople the listing, you21 know, in very close district overlay.22
Mm-hmm.23 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: So24 we'll remove in this current calendar25 67 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 year, fiscal year, 1700 dead or dangerous2 trees from the streets.3
Okay.4 And I guess -- 'cause I know some people5 call in trees that maybe aren't really6 dangerous, but they just don't like 'em7 there anymore. So I guess you have to8 make that kind of judgment on it.9 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: Yeah.10 And we have -- our arborists make the11 call.12
Sure.13 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: So if14 a call comes in --15
Mm-hmm.16 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: -- it17 doesn't necessarily mean that we will18 take that tree down.19
Right.20 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: But21 we will certainly inspect it and then act22 accordingly. But if it is in fact23 hazardous or dead, we're taking it out.24
Right,25 68 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 gotcha.2 And you reference other3 resources and partnerships. Can you be4 any more specific than that?5 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: Well,6 the Morris Arboretum is working with us7 in very select areas around the City.8
Okay.9 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: And10 they've got some grant money to support11 it.12 And we are very close to13 working something out with PECO, where we14 would -- and if it works and it -- our15 resources and their resources would work16 together, so they would get their lines17 taken care of and we would get the18 hazardous tree taken out. We're not to19 the conclusion of that discussion but20 we're pushing that forward.21
Mm-hmm.22 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: And23 that could also help support and extend24 our dollars and get the problem taken25 69 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 care of.2
Yeah,3 that's a good point 'cause I know4 oftentimes there's that sort of struggle,5 like how much do they cut --6 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS:7 Right.8
-- and9 people are complaining about --10 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS:11 That's exactly the negotiations right12 now, yeah.13
Okay, all14 right. Thank you very much.15 Thank you, Madam President.16 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:17 You're welcome.18 The Chair recognizes Councilman19 Rizzo.20
Thank you,21 Madam Chair.22 Good morning. And, again, you23 just do a great job for the people of24 Philadelphia.25 70 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 I do have a couple questions.2 Could you bring me -- maybe refresh my3 memory. Where are we with Camp William4 Penn now? And what have we done to fill5 that void?6 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: Let7 me just say that in the transfer -- and I8 think I talked to a -- when I was in9 Harrisburg, I talked to a few of the10 Council folks about that.11 And in the sale of the land,12 there was a provision to maintain for13 recreation, for youth recreation purposes14 for youth from the City, the fifty acres15 or the seventy acres where the camp was16 located and then access to the rest of17 the trails and the rest of the land that18 was accessed through trails. So that in19 the sale.20 Now I will turn it over to21 Susan to talk about the more specific22 features of that.23 REC. COMM. SLAWSON: We've24 started an outdoor activities program25 71 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 specifically to, one, get our young2 people active, healthy; and also to offer3 them -- one of the things we're doing,4 we're doing a triyouthalon. So in order5 to make up for not having some of these6 outdoor activities outside of7 Philadelphia, we've begun to start our8 own programming.9 And so, we have someone who's10 responsible now for outdoor programming11 and we're taking kids on hikes, we're12 taking kids kayaking, we're taking kids13 right here in Philadelphia and we're14 allowing them to participate in events15 that they were able to participate in at16 Camp William Penn, they're doing it right17 here with our staff.18
So am I19 hearing that in the transfer to the20 State, the facility that we know as the21 inner circle of Camp William Penn, not22 the forest, is still a camp for kids?23 And why aren't we able to participate?24 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: Well,25 72 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 in the transfer, the -- I'm trying to2 remember if I get the organization right.3 It's YMCA.4 Thank you, Pete. Pete was a5 part of it. Thank you.6 The YMCA, as a part of the7 sale, was leased the primary recreation8 area that was Camp William Penn, with the9 proviso that over time, they would10 institute programs that would involve11 Philadelphia youth in their programs at12 what was formerly Camp William Penn.13 That was a part of the deal.14
If we15 visited there this summer, what would we16 see? It's not going to just start to17 deteriorate in place, is it?18 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS:19 Right. Even when we operated it, it was20 always in need of immense capital21 investment. The facilities needed a lot22 of work.23 And I think getting that24 provision executed is very important at25 73 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 this point, but I think there will be a2 need for some significant capital3 investment to get the camp up to general4 standards.5
Okay, good.6 My last question is: Could you explain7 this process that I learned about? In8 your department, Commissioner, Slawson,9 beginning next week, the full-time10 caretaker in the recreation centers will11 be charging their payroll codes for12 maintenance codes to full-time program13 payroll codes.14 Does that mean that the money15 -- that the budget money will be16 coming -- used for maintenance instead of17 payroll?18 REC. COMM. SLAWSON: I'm not19 sure if I understand the question,20 Councilman Rizzo.21
In other22 words, there are folks -- and I'll read23 it again. In the Recreation Department24 beginning next week, the full-time25 74 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 caretakers in the recreation centers will2 be charging their payroll codes from3 maintenance codes to full-time program4 payroll codes.5 REC. COMM. SLAWSON: I know6 what it is, okay.7 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: We8 got it.9 REC. COMM. SLAWSON: Okay,10 thank you for repeating that, sir.11 What we started, what we've12 instituted as a result of the merger, we13 have X-amount of staff members that are14 going to be responsible for facilities,15 our larger facilities, and they will be16 there full-time.17 They will not have code18 changes. They will be reporting to a19 leader in the facility, but there won't20 be any code changes, none.21
So that24 doesn't mean that the money from the25 75 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 program budget is being used for2 maintenance?3 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: Right.4 REC. COMM. SLAWSON: Right.5 It's not, not at all, sir.6
Because, you7 know, the maintenance is an issue right8 now, and we don't want to see that slip9 away.10 REC. COMM. SLAWSON: Absolutely11 not.12 (Timer bell rings.)13
Well, keep17 an eye on that.18 Thank you, Madam Chair.19 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:20 You're welcome.21 The Chair recognizes Councilman22 Clarke.23
Thank you,24 Madam President.25 76 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 Good morning.2 I actually want to follow up on3 a question Councilman Rizzo asked in a4 more of a layperson's terms.5 I went to Francisville6 Recreation Center last week for an event7 with City Year. Last night, I was at8 12th and Cambria. At both of those9 sites, they were told that the10 maintenance person is going to be gone in11 its entirety.12 At the meeting last night, in13 talking to one of the district14 supervisors, the frequency of the15 maintenance is based on the new16 reclassification. As I understand it,17 we're going to reclassify a number of the18 sites. All the aides that used to be19 aides are no longer aides.20 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: No,21 they're still aides, but I can talk about22 the plans.23
All right.24 But the primary issue is the maintenance25 77 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 issue. And it was also said that there2 was going to be crews coming in and3 sweeping through twice a week.4 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: Right.5
And the6 remainder of the work in that interim7 period is going to be done by the rec8 leader. It was kind of confusing. Can9 you respond to that?10 And my second question relates11 to -- it probably may need to be answered12 by the Budget Director, as it related to13 the parking tax that we all voted for a14 couple of years ago, with the15 anticipation that that money was going to16 go to Parks and Recs -- it wasn't quite17 Parks and Recs yet, but we were in that18 process.19 And I don't see a policy20 reference to -- now that we're21 stabilizing our position fiscally in the22 City of Philadelphia, us going back to23 that -- to some degree promise to the24 residents that that money that we voted25 78 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 for in the park --2 (Applause.)3
-- and4 people continue to complain. Are we5 going to look at, from a policy6 perspective, funneling that money to the7 Parks and Recs?8 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: Okay.9 They're two very complicated questions.10 Let me take the first --11
That's why12 I got 'em out before my five minutes is13 up.14 (Laughter.)15
'Cause I'm16 assuming it's going to be a complicated17 answer.18 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: Yeah.19 Well, the first answer is, there is a20 change in the merger -- there's two21 changes.22 The first is that the23 caretakers who were assigned to specific24 sites used to report to the district25 79 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 caretaker supervisor. We've changed that2 so now they report to the recreation3 leader at the facility.4 So that's a change --5
Okay.6 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: --7 where we changed the reporting. We8 didn't change any classification, no9 money's moved, no money's been taken from10 the program from the maintenance budget11 and put in the program budget, or12 vice-versa. It's just a change of13 reporting.14 So that's the first -- I think15 that basically answers your first16 question.17 The second question is, we have18 reconfigured the deployment of the19 grounds maintenance staff. So we have 6020 centers that are the biggest that we've21 analyzed that have the most traffic, the22 most usership. We have placed 6023 custodians at those facilities.24 The remainder of the -- there's25 80 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 a large segment of the grounds2 maintenance unit that then has to be put3 into crews, who will then be responsible4 for the remainder of the rec centers and5 the neighborhood parks in the system. So6 --7
So the11 deployment is not based on the12 classification of the centers; it's based13 on the usage.14 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS:15 That's what we're --16 (Indiscernible; parties talking17 over each other.)18 So the third question is, we're19 -- what we want to do is respond to use20 and activity and begin to cluster21 facilities. That's not on the books yet,22 but I will reveal our thinking23 We've had a few centers that24 have worked the bigger center as the sort25 81 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 of the primary facility, with smaller2 centers close to it. We want to3 integrate the programming, the4 maintenance resources, and the activities5 so that we use all those facilities to6 their fullest potential. So --7
Hold --8 excuse me.9 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: So10 we're moving --11
The clock12 is ticking.13 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: And14 that will declassify the centers in a15 way.16
Who's doing17 the analysis on the usage?18 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: We19 are.20
We, who?21 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: The22 Department. We know how many --23
You know24 how many people you --25 82 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: We2 have good numbers. We count pretty good,3 so we have good numbers on usage, we do.4 So we can share that with you.5 That hasn't really moved forward. It is6 an idea and an approach that has already7 taken place in a few discrete areas in8 the system that we want to explore that9 would begin to apply our resources to the10 fullest potential.11 (Timer bell rings.)12
I'm not13 going to ask another question 'cause I'd14 like to use my lag time, and you15 responded to the second question.16 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: I'm17 sorry. And the second question is...? I18 sorry. I thought I had.19
The more20 complicated policy.21 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: I22 tried to forget that one, yeah.23
I know, I24 figured it. I saw that coming.25 83 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: That2 -- I think it is the intention of the3 Administration -- I'm speaking a little4 out of school here. As the financial5 situation of this city improves, so will6 our budget.7 Beyond that, I'm not -- I don't8 have a lot of -- I'm not involved in sort9 of the use of -- the detailed use of tax10 revenues for the support of my11 department. I'm not. So --12
Where is13 the Budget Director?14 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: Yeah,15 I think she might be able to answer that16 better than I.17
The question was18 about parking tax and if that would be19 used in what you're saying is the20 original intent?21
Yeah. I22 mean, we only voted for that parking tax23 because the belief was that it was going24 to go to the park system.25 84 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371
And we3 understood, when we had the significant4 budget challenges, that temporarily, it5 had to be used to deal with the budget6 gap. But then, as we move forward to7 some fiscal stability, the question is:8 From a policy perspective, are we going9 to revisit that parking tax being10 dedicated to the parks?11 And I think the other place was12 supposed to be resurfacing the streets.13
Right. I think14 that -- as you mentioned, a lot has15 changed from that time when the parking16 tax was passed in terms of the fiscal17 crisis that hit us. We're not --18
No, it19 wasn't passed because of that. It was20 passed, and then you reallocated it after21 the fiscal crisis.22
Well, I think we23 together passed budgets that -- I mean,24 we were in a fiscal crisis that we all25 85 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 worked together on --2