Committee Hearing, April 6, 2011

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

Thank19 you very much.20 (Applause.)21

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

Good morning.13

Good14 morning.15

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

Well,13 actually...14

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

Let's4 not go around in circles.5

Right.6

How7 many vacancies will they have?8

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

Thank20 you.21

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

Miss --19 Miss Rhynhart, that is all true.20

Okay.21

And we're22 all familiar with how the General Fund23 works.24

Okay.25 51 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371

My point is,2 all of Class 100 increased spending --3

Right. I was4 going to get to that.5

-- 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

I've got23 'em.24

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

Well, the pools9 are part-time.10

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

There is5 attrition throughout year.6

How much is7 that?8

There is --9

How much is10 that?11

We can --12

Isn't that13 equivalent --14

-- pull the15 budget detail.16

-- 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

I don't think he20 said that.21

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

Okay, all9 right.10

Okay?11

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

Oh.15

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

Correct, that's how10 the program works.11

Okay.12

That's how I13 understand the program works.14

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

The11 Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.12

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

None.22 REC. COMM. SLAWSON: No, no.23

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

Thank you.14 REC. COMM. SLAWSON: You're15 welcome.16

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

Let me8 understand.9 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: Yeah.10

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

Mm-hmm.2

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

Right.3

-- to manage it4 and to --5

It was a6 cooperative.7

-- manage8 through it.9

It was a10 cooperative effort.11

Right.12

I'm13 not absolving ourselves of any14 responsibility.15

Right. So now,16 mean, I would say that we are, as you17 know, beginning to see the signs of our18 tax revenue stabilizing. We're not out19 of the woods yet.20 So I think that, you know, as21 you know, we have to deal with some --22 the impact of the State cuts. And23 there's risks on the horizon to our24 budget.25 86 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 So that's a discussion we could2 begin to have, but it might be -- it3 could be somewhat premature, given the4 strains and the risks on our budget.5 Even though we have taken all of these6 steps to balance, there's significant7 risks, the State budget and the feds and8 the School District's budget.9 So I think that's something we10 could talk about, and I think that it's11 probably, you know, worth talking about.12 As you said, that was given the original13 intent of it, but so much has changed14 that, you know, that we have to be15 mindful of.16 But we could talk about it.17

All right,18 okay.19 Madam President, thank you so20 much for giving me latitude. One last21 quick reference to that.22 Understanding that, you know,23 there's still uncertainties, but in spite24 of that, we still have certain reductions25 87 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 in taxes in the out-years of the2 Five-Year Plan, so I guess I'm kind of3 saying that although we don't know that4 we will definitely be able to do certain5 things relating to that, we project that6 we'll be fiscally sound enough to start7 reducing -- getting back to our tax-8 reduction strategy.9 So on the other side of the10 coin, maybe we can have some thought that11 we can start investing that money where12 we originally intended it to go as a part13 of a longer term plan in writing.14

Okay. We could15 talk about that.16 (Timer bell rings.)17

Thank you,18 Madam President.19

Thank20 you.21 The Chair recognizes22 Councilwoman Sanchez.23

Thank24 you.25 88 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 Good morning.2 I too want to echo some of the3 comments of my colleagues and thank the4 Rec Department for working with us,5 particularly when we've been able to6 leverage private and other resources and7 the department's willingness to work with8 us. I think that's very important. And9 I think -- I know I've made you guys10 think out of the box many different11 times.12 And I do want to thank you on13 the record 'cause I think it's important14 that when the private sector steps up and15 wants to make contributions that we make16 it as easy and as smooth as possible for17 them to contribute. And so, we have a18 lot of great projects because of our19 willingness to work together on that, so20 I want to thank you.21 I also want to thank you22 because you're one of two departments23 that requested for the creation of a24 bilingual classification. So I wanted to25 89 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 ask you, of the openings that you have --2 and that bilingual classification was for3 the Mann Older Adult Center. Did you4 foresee, particularly as it relates to5 ARLs, creating a bilingual classification6 to help serve in those communities?7 REC. COMM. SLAWSON: I think8 one of the things that we realize, in9 order for us to get the bilingual staff10 that we're looking for, we're going to11 have to, because, as you know, we've12 offered in various places, the Mann,13 positions, and we've had people turn the14 position down for various reasons.15 And so, yes, we will be.16

Okay.17 So you will be -- for this particular --18 'cause I know there's quite a bit19 positions open; I don't want to lose the20 opportunity in the hiring that you're21 going to do, so you foresee at least for22 ARLs.23 What other position do you24 foresee adding a bilingual25 90 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 classification?2 REC. COMM. SLAWSON: Well, I'll3 have to look. I don't have the list in4 front of me, but we will definitely5 consider that, and we have been talking6 about that to ensure that our department7 represents the City of Philadelphia.8

Okay.9 Well, thank you. That's very important.10 I know earlier you were talking11 with Councilman Jones around the part-12 time seasonal funding cuts that exist. I13 don't need to tell you how important14 those seasonal positions are as it15 relates to keeping some of our community16 stakeholders engaged, people who, you17 know spend hundreds and hundreds of18 hours.19 What's our Plan B if these20 state cuts happen, and how are they going21 to impact some of our teen centers and22 some of our programming?23 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: Well,24 we will -- I think what -- if we -- let's25 91 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 assume the worst, that we lose all of the2 youth access centers and our teen3 centers, we lose all of them, which is4 the current, and then we lose our5 after-school programs.6 We will do two things. We will7 try to backfill as best we can with our8 operating dollars, 100, with seasonal9 workers and trim around the edges. So10 that's really a kind of -- it's really11 shuffling the deck. But we think -- you12 know, we're working on trying to13 understand what we can do to backfill and14 hold on to it and then cluster.15 Let's say there's an after-16 school program at two facilities maybe a17 few blocks away; we'd combine and get18 some savings there.19

Mm-hmm.20 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: And21 that's in the after-school program, and22 that's still intact. That could go, but23 that's still intact. That's what we're24 thinking.25 92 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 We also want to try to raise2 some temporary outside dollars, so we3 could go to some of the either4 corporations or local foundations. And,5 again, they're not going to be willing to6 fund us more than -- if they're willing7 to fund either one of these programs, the8 after-school or the teen centers, it will9 be for a couple of years, and then we10 have to present a credible funding11 scenario after that. So we would --12 we're assuming that we will do that as13 well.14 If we take the worst possible15 scenario, both the after-school and the16 teen and the acc. centers get eliminated,17 we will be able to backfill some, but18 there will be a significant loss in19 programs for us. No matter what -- even20 if we're successful, we will lose some21 ground.22

Yeah. I23 mean we -- obviously, I'm very concerned24 about that just 'cause of the thousands25 93 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 and thousands of kids who get served in2 that. So to the extent that we're3 talking, particularly if we are going to4 go the private sector route, we want to5 be engaged, as engaged as we've been with6 the pool fundraising.7 I notice you mention that8 there's a full pool season. Can we get9 for the record what that is? since last10 year, I know there was decisions and the11 season was cut, and we spent most of12 August in 100-degree weather with pools13 closed.14 (Timer bell rings.)15 Can you tell me what the season16 actually is?17 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: Yeah.18 Well, the term "full pool season," the19 180, we were -- based on last year's20 budget, we were going to open the pools21 later this year to make up for the22 reduction, the 1.7 reduction. This23 represents now our ability to open up in24 mid-June. That coincides with the25 94 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 closing of the schools. So that's where2 that 180 is filling in for us.3

Mm-hmm.4 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: We5 traditionally have closed mid-August. I6 mean, in the '90s, we never ran till7 September, never. We always closed8 sometime mid-August. Sometimes it would9 drift a little later, depending on the10 way things were going or even usage, and11 sometimes that would slip back a little12 bit.13 So we're kind of in the center14 of that. We suspect August 15th.15

Mm-hmm.16 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: If we17 have -- if there's -- if we have an18 ability, we'll run it a few days longer19 if our money will stretch out. We have20 not created our opening and closing21 schedule, so we'll have a clearer answer22 in a month or so.23

Let me24 encourage you, the same way we are25 95 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 looking at regionalizing some of the teen2 centers, to look at the pools,3 particularly the bigger pools, maybe not4 having them open every day, but5 alternating among a couple of centers so6 that we can extend the season.7 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: Well,8 it's a hard to save money that way, and I9 pounded these guys last year to come up10 with an alternative season, but it's hard11 to hold the staff and to operate the pool12 when you're moving around. When you look13 at the embedded costs of the chlorine and14 the overnight folks watching it, you15 know, it's hard.16 So, again, we'll look at that,17 I'll take another look at that based on18 this suggestion. And if it does save us19 money, and we can extend the season,20 we'll do it.21

And let22 me strongly again encourage you,23 especially for the very heavily utilized24 pools, to consider that. And maybe those25 96 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 get an extended a week or so and that2 different neighborhoods have access.3 You know, last summer was very4 hot, and it was very unfortunate that,5 you know, we drained those pools in early6 August and they were not available.7 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: Okay,8 thank you.9

My time10 is up. We'll come back.11 Thank you.12

Thank13 you.14 The Chair recognizes Councilman15 Green.16

Thank you,17 Madam Chair.18 Commissioner, I have three19 simple questions, and then I'll move on.20 The first is: How much of the 768 is21 part-time and seasonal workers?22 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: All23 of it.24

All of it,25 97 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 okay. Would you please turn to of2 the budget detail.3 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: Yep.4

So, if you5 look at the summary by object6 classification under C, line 3, temporary7 and seasonal, last year, you spent8 $4,849,246 estimated obligations, Fiscal9 2011.10 If you look at Fiscal 2012,11 it's $5,018,000, for a difference of12 $169,000, not $768,000.13 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: Right.14

So you see15 the disconnect. If all of the 768 is16 part-time and seasonal, this should17 increase by 768, not $169,000.18 So I don't expect you to be19 able to resolve that, sitting there.20 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: Okay.21

So if you22 could get back to us.23 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: If I24 can I'll try.25 98 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371

So that's2 why you're underfunded for every new3 position except for pools, or you are not4 reflecting last year's pool spend somehow5 in the amount of -- in the amount of6 dollars that you're saying you're7 spending on pools this year.8 So it's 768 minus what you9 spent last year, and that's not reflected10 in the budget somehow.11 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: Okay,12 all right. We'll crunch and we'll get13 back to you.14

Okay, but we15 can agree that you've only increased16 part-time and seasonal by 169 on the17 budget you presented, and the entire 76818 is supposed to be part-time and seasonal.19 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: Okay,20 I get it. We'll get it interpreted and21 get a response back to you.22

Okay, great.23 So the FY '12 Capital Program24 continues significant funding for tree25 99 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 planting, with $2 million proposed for2 FY '12. I understand we haven't used any3 of the capital dollars for tree planting4 this year because we haven't done the5 borrow.6 So what's the projected time7 frame for spending the FY '11 funds?8

Councilman, I9 understand that the borrowing -- we10 understand that the borrowing was done.11 We got the capital money on January 1st,12 which is enabling us to plant trees this13 season.14

Okay.15 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: Yeah,16 we're off a season, we're off a season.17

Right. We missed18 the fall --19 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: We20 missed one season.21

-- because we had22 no capital money in the fall, so we23 missed the fall planting season. We're24 now planting in spring. We have25 100 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 contractors out there planting trees now.2

I don't3 understand how that's true because tree4 planting for the first time was put in5 last year's Capital Budget, and the6 testimony last week by the -- by I guess7 the Treasurer or Budget Director or8 Sinking Fund person, or yesterday even,9 was that we're going to market for the10 first time for '9, '10, and '11 capital11 money for this purpose.12 So I don't understand how you13 got -- you didn't get capital dollars if14 you got dollars for tree planting.15

We've always had16 capital money in our budget for tree17 planting.18

For tree19 planting?20

Yes.21

How much was22 released January 1st?23

I believe -- I24 thought the 2.5 million was released on25 101 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 January 1st.2

But it3 wasn't from last year's Capital Budget.4

I don't know where5 it came from; I just know it was6 released.7

Councilman, I8 think this gets to the question you were9 raising the other day which we were10 responding to you on, which is that --11 well, the bonds could just be -- when we12 pass -- when you pass a capital ordinance13 and then that GO -- the question for the14 GO issuance goes to the voters, then15 after it's approved by the voters, the16 departments can spend for that.17 That's not -- we don't have to18 wait for the bonds to be issued to spend19 the money.20

Okay, great.21 So the $2.5 million is last year's22 capital funding, which became available23 January 1st to the Department.24

I think that25 102 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 would be right.2 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS:3 That's correct.4

Correct.5

Okay. So6 you're requesting 2 million for FY '127 additional capital funding. How much of8 the 2.5 million will you spend this year?9

We'll have to get10 that figure for you.11

Will you12 spend it all in this season, in the fall?13

No. We won't spend14 the full 2.5 million 'cause, again, we15 missed a planting season last fall's16 planting season. So the 2.5 million was17 meant to be spent in a fiscal year, and18 in a fiscal year, we have two planting19 seasons, fall and spring.20 (Timer bell rings.)21

And how much22 is it costing you to plant a tree this23 year?24

It's between $35025 103 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 and $400, depending on whether or not we2 need to cut the concrete. And we have3 different pit sizes, so if a sidewalk's4 wider, we can do a 4-by-4 narrow; if it's5 narrower, we can do a 3-by-3.6 So there's a range of costs we7 have with our contractors for the tree8 planting; there's not one set cost.9

Okay. I10 have a few pages of questions, but that's11 my time for now. Thank you.12

The13 Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.14

Thank15 you, thank you, Madam President. Thank16 you.17 Good afternoon -- good morning18 to Parks and Recreation. And I too just19 want to say thank you. You know, it's20 really been good over the years working21 with you guys, and we all kind of work22 together on projects.23 Susan, I think you guys did a24 wonderful job on the Dell last year, and25 104 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 I do think you still need to do something2 with the exhaust system in the ladies'3 bathroom that's behind the stage. I'd4 even be willing to put a few more dollars5 in to see if we can correct that. That6 needs help. But otherwise, everything is7 really good there.8 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: Thank9 you.10

I just11 wanted to -- I did send you an e-mail12 last week, Mike, to take you up on your13 offer to me. I don't know whether you14 received it. It's a e-mail regarding15 getting together with you and16 Commissioner Slawson.17 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: Yes.18 We're anxious to do that.19

You got20 it?21 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: Yes.22

Okay, all23 right. So we'd like to set that one up.24 And can you give me a update on25 105 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 Pleasant Playground? When are we going2 to be breaking ground on our new3 building; does anybody know that?4 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: I'm5 not sure.6 REC. COMM. SLAWSON: I don't7 know.8 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: Is9 there anyone from Capital here?10 REC. COMM. SLAWSON: We're11 going to ask someone from Capital to come12 up to give you a correct date.13

Thank14 you.15 (Witness comes forward.)16

Good morning. My17 name's Eric Gifford, with the Department18 of Public Property.19 The Pleasant Playground final20 documents should be due in next week, so21 we have some final corrections to do with22 the electrical services, moving them down23 from the old building and from the pool24 to be controlled out of the new building.25 106 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 We should be able to go out for2 bid in probably two months. It's a3 four-month bid process; we're about six4 months away from breaking ground.5

What are6 we sending out to bid? I thought we7 already did that.8

No, no, we9 didn't.10

No?11 Okay, all right. Well, we can continue12 to -- we can further discuss this in our13 meeting that we're going to arrange.14

Good.15

Okay?16 'Cause I actually thought we were closer17 to a groundbreaking that was originally18 scheduled for last September, so I'm just19 a little bit confused this morning.20 And can I get a update on tree21 removal? I know last year you talked22 about a special project to begin to23 remove dead trees from City streets. And24 in your testimony, you said that you're25 107 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 in the process of addressing the current2 backlog of removal requests.3 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: Yes,4 that's correct. It's my understanding5 that we transmitted the by-district list6 of hazardous trees to your offices last7 week. So we can do it again, we'll send8 them again.9 That has -- so in your10 district -- so I just got the sheet. So11 in your district, we will remove over 30012 dead or dying trees out of your13 Councilmatic District.14

Okay.15 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: By16 June 30th.17

Oh, okay.18 That's great. So you have the list by19 address?20 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: Yes.21

It may be22 in my office; I just haven't seen it.23 I'd like to get another copy.24 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: Good.25 108 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 We'll send it over. The problem is, we2 do these by zip codes, and it just makes3 it a little hard to be precise in the4 districts.5

Okay6 that's fine. All right. Thank you.7 Thank you, Madam Chair.8

Thank you9 very much.10 The Chair recognizes11 Councilwoman Brown.12

Thank you,13 Madam Chair.14 I would be remiss -- and we may15 have done this already, but I do want to16 say a huge thank you to the young people17 that are here. I think it's so important18 that --19 (Applause.)20

To the21 young people, we clearly recognize that22 you're going to move in and take over our23 government, our churches, our hospitals,24 and our businesses, so we do ourselves a25 109 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 favor when we pay you some attention.2 Thank you for being here.3 (Applause.)4

I have a5 follow-up question regarding contracts.6 Please tell us the largest contract --7 the work product is the cutting of our8 grass. And so, who has that contract?9 And all the normal questions that10 Councilman Goode would ask.11 I know that that's huge when it12 comes to our parks, and I'm curious to13 know what type of changes, if any, have14 happened if any with regards to that15 process.16

Councilwoman, in17 the combined Parks and Recreation, there18 are six different contracts for turf19 management, grass cutting. Again, this20 is in both and Parks and Recreation.21

Turf22 management.23

Turf management.24

Okay.25 110 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371

It's six contracts2 held by four different contractors, four3 different companies, totaling4 $1.2 million annually.5 Each of the six were bid6 separately so that we divided up the work7 to have more firms to have opportunities8 to pursue that work.9

Yes.10

And, again, we have11 four different contractors. So some12 contractors -- two contractors were13 successful getting two portions of the14 work.15

Okay. And16 of the six, how many are Philadelphia-17 based?18

Two of the four.19 Again, it's four different contractors,20 not six, four different contractors. Of21 the four, two are Philadelphia based.22

Okay. And23 of those six, are there any disadvantaged24 businesses?25 111 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371

Yes. One of the2 four contractors is a company named3 Minority Services, Inc., and they are one4 hundred percent certified owned and5 certified business.6 And they actually -- yes.7 They're one of the four contractors, and8 they actually do three of our districts,9 so they have a fairly large contract.10

Okay. So11 let's dig deeper. Of the $1.2 million,12 break down those four contracts and13 the -- can you do that?14

Sure. One of the15 contracts is with a company called16 Independence Constructors, and that's17 $325,000.18 The second one is with M&M Lawn19 Care, which is $190,000.20 The third one is with Minority21 Services, the company I just mentioned,22 which is $380,000; they have the largest23 contract.24 And then the fourth one is with25 112 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 a company called Townscapes, at 315,000.2 So those four total the3 1.2 million.4

Thank you5 very, very much.6 And, again, the subtle message7 is ensuring that we give Philadelphia-8 based companies, residents from9 Philadelphia who want to feed their10 families, et cetera, et cetera, et11 cetera.12

Absolutely.13

Okay then.14 Thank you for that.15

Thank you.16 (Applause.)17

Councilman18 Jones spoke about the work you all have19 done in Centennial Park and the beauty of20 that experience, I see, was the21 involvement of young people.22 So what other park23 environmental programming is in store to24 connect young people and either treat or25 113 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 teach or train them about environment and2 sustainability-related opportunities?3 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: In4 general, I think this is one of the quiet5 advantages of the merger, where the6 programming skill and experience of the7 Recreation Department and the natural8 land management and the park itself can9 really create wonderful program10 opportunities for the new department that11 we didn't have in the past.12 So in Cobbs Creek right now,13 we've been working for the last year with14 all of the local organizations and15 residents to attract people to the park.16 (Timer bell rings.)17 So part of that is a bike club18 that takes young people down into the19 park. Part of it will be a photography20 course, a nature photography course for21 the young people.22 Up at Mander and Gathers, we've23 linked those two centers together in24 North Philly. And we're bringing the kid25 114 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 from Strawberry Mansion deeper into the2 park.3 We've expanded the rowing4 access to the river, both working with5 the Philadelphia Youth Rowing and our own6 program, so we've radically increased the7 number of young people who weren't8 traditionally on the river.9 In addition to that, we -- and10 I don't have the details of this, but11 part of our stimulus program also had12 career-tracking around forest management13 and tree care and park -- like park14 ranger stuff, those kinds of things, and15 natural (indiscernible). And so, we've16 built it into that.17 So we're only at the beginning,18 I think, of the possibilities of the19 combined departments' programming that20 would connect young people to the21 outdoors who have traditionally not had22 that opportunity. But we have a lot of23 good practice underway.24

Okay, all25 115 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 right. That's very exciting.2 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: Yeah,3 it is.4

Your time5 is up, Councilwoman.6

My time is7 up, I'll wait until the next round.8 Thank you, Madam Chair.9

Councilman10 Clarke? Councilman Clarke's not here.11 Councilwoman Sanchez.12

Thank13 you.14 I want to have a brief15 discussion around maintenance, and I know16 that different administrations have taken17 maintenance situation and targeted it in18 different ways.19 One of the things that I find20 is that outside of our master agreement,21 we're limited in what internal capacities22 we have. Has there been a discussion,23 now that you have the merger, around24 looking at how do we build internal25 116 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 capacity to have more plumbers and some2 of these other things?3 You know, it seems to me that4 if we're going to pay -- and I don't know5 what a basketball court is costing us now6 $40,000, $50,000 to have a indoor court7 redone. Are we going to look long-term8 about how we develop the capacity9 internally to do that so that we can have10 our staff do that and come up with a11 better schedule?12 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: Yeah.13 And I have to credit the District Council14 people for their insistence that we not15 forget about how we use our existing16 roughly 100 skilled tradesmen and women17 to more efficiently use our -- your and18 our capital dollars and our skilled19 trades staff to do these bigger projects.20 We have -- we just did a little21 study, and Susan can go over that, but22 we've continued that work not at the same23 level as the last administration, but24 right now, we're asking ourselves that25 117 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 question, how do we work with you guys to2 create a set of priorities, types, and3 then individual program that we can use4 our skilled trades and your capital5 dollars to get a high-quality and way6 cheaper process. So we're in the middle7 of that.8

Mm-hmm.9 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: But10 Susan could talk a little bit if you want11 to hear about some of the projects that12 have been underway in the last year in13 that style of work.14 REC. COMM. SLAWSON: Just let15 me give you some raw numbers that really16 paint the picture about our staff, our17 skilled trades as opposed to having to18 contract some of this work out. The19 numbers are significantly different.20 Sixteen jobs our Skilled Trades21 Unit did for various Councilmembers this22 past fiscal year, or this fiscal year.23 And out of those 16 jobs, to contract24 them out, it would have been a little25 118 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 over a half a million dollars.2

Mm-hmm.3 REC. COMM. SLAWSON: It cost4 our staff a little under $100,000. And5 so, I think it's beneficial to both of6 us.7 And Deputy Mayor DeBarardinis8 has already assigned Frank Fahey to work9 with me to come up with some projects and10 to meet with some of you, or all of you11 actually, to decide together what is it12 that we can get done to build, to uplift,13 and to enhance our community.14 So our goal so to start doing15 this more; one, because we want to make16 our system look like it's just the best17 system, and the only way we can do it is18 in partnership with you, because you have19 the funding and you're concerned about20 your communities; and two, it just makes21 sense. Why would we pay a half a million22 dollars when we can pay $100,000.23 So you will be seeing us come24 around to talk with you about what we can25 119 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 do to get this going.2

Thank3 you, 'cause I'm very much interested4 in -- you know, every time we talk about5 budget issues, it's a concern. I'm very6 interested in ensuring that, you know,7 going back to the point that Councilwoman8 Blackwell made, that we're building the9 infrastructure within the Department to10 maintain its buildings so that we're not11 dependent on the outside contracting.12 So I want to look to next year13 to really see that, you know, as we do14 these pilots and we're able to prove, do15 the data that it makes more sense for us16 to hire internally, 'cause I know people17 criticize us, you know, we're hiring18 government, but I think this is one of19 those areas in particular because of the20 Mayor's goals about creating walkable21 green spaces that we need to enhance.22 So I really want to work at23 that and making sure that that's24 reflected in the budget, you know, and25 120 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 so, I'm looking forward to that2 discussion, whether it's plumbing. Many3 of the rec centers, you know, the4 bathrooms, I mean it's just stuff that we5 need to talk about.6 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: And7 you've hit it. There's certain jobs that8 beg for this attention. There's some9 that we just can't do. Big HVAC jobs,10 field lighting, we can't do that stuff.11 But there's a set, and that's12 what we're trying to look at the history13 of the work and see where it worked best14 in the areas that you just are -- some of15 those areas.16 There's mid-level plumbing17 questions, some paving -- there's things18 that we know we can do and we can do19 efficiently, and we want to figure out20 what they are, where the need is. You21 figure out where you -- share what you22 think the need is and then move forward.23 (Timer bell rings.)24

Okay.25 121 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 Thank you, Madam Chair.2

Thank you,3 Councilwoman.4 The Chair recognizes Councilman5 Green.6

Thank you,7 Madam Chair.8 I just note for the record that9 firehouses are waiting for capital10 dollars passed years ago, not in the 201111 Capital Budget, to put in safety12 equipment that will remove the smoke from13 fire engines.14 Police stations are waiting for15 mechanical and electrical work that was16 classified as a life-safety issue in PICA17 in 2007, which has been appropriated in18 many years' capital budgets. And those19 dollars from capital budgets spanning20 back to 2008 have not been made available21 for those fixes.22 And without even having23 borrowed the money, we're taking old24 capital dollars and making them available25 122 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 to the Parks and Rec Department for tree2 planting.3 And while that is a worthy4 purpose and goal -- and I don't argue5 with the premise -- when we're choosing6 between mechanical and electrical in7 police and firehouses and trees, I think8 that there's a little problem with the9 priorities of putting the capital dollars10 in one place instead of the other.11 So you don't have to point12 comment on that, but I don't want to --13 okay.14 So if you recall, we had a15 discussion about tree planting last year,16 and I can't hold you to it because,17 obviously, you didn't have the capital18 dollars available for the fall.19 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: But20 --21

What's that?22 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: We23 planted a lot of trees?24

You planted25 123 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 a lot of trees that's great? That's2 great.3 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: Yep.4

For the5 record, how many trees did we plant last6 year?7 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS:8 15,000.9

15,00010 trees?11 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: Yes.12

With City13 dollars?14 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: Well,15 we --16

No.17

The18 Department of Recreation --19 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: No,20 not out of our capital budget, but the21 City's commitment -- and this kind of22 goes back to the discussion last year.23 The City's commitment to this attracts24 money; it attracts corporate dollars, it25 124 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 helps us raise State dollars.2 For instance, this focus and3 this, I think, necessary focus on4 restoring the tree canopy and improving5 property values, you know, a number of6 things that the tree planting does in the7 ecosystem --8

We're not9 arguing over the policy goals.10 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: Okay.11 So we applied to the State, the12 Department. We received over $2 million13 to green our recreation centers and to14 help with storm water management at the15 same time. So we'll be planting16 thousands of trees in upward of 35, 4017 recreation centers based on that grant.18 If we did not have this19 priority, we wouldn't have been chasing20 that money. We've worked with University21 of Pennsylvania, where their employees22 who live in the City are planting trees23 based on the goal. So last week, we24 kicked that off, and 300 employees from25 125 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 Penn will be planting backyard trees or2 front yard trees all over the City to3 support the 300,000 tree goal.4

That's5 awesome, and I think --6 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: All7 I'm saying is that the City's commitment,8 broad commitment, attracts it.9 And then, what we're doing this10 year, and with the help or the support11 and interest of Councilman Clarke, we are12 using -- we can use capital dollars to13 remove dead trees if we replace it. So14 there's some of that 2.5 that will be15 used to remove dead trees and then16 replace it with a new tree.17 So it really -- that's how we18 got to the 15,000.19

Well, I20 commend you on getting the 15,000 without21 spending City dollars.22 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: Right.23

And I think24 you should get the 50,000 without25 126 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 spending City dollars. And that -- you2 know, it demonstrates that it can be3 done, and I commend you for it.4 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: Yeah,5 but our obligation and our6 responsibility -- and I think just what7 Councilwoman Sanchez talked about is sort8 of taking responsibility for what we have9 as a public -- sort of the public realm10 of land and recreation and parkland.11 We are responsible for street12 trees. There's nobody else in the City13 responsible for street trees but us. So14 we want to continue that commitment, but15 not stop there, and extend that16 commitment more broadly.17

Well, I18 commend you on the tree removal because19 that was part of our discussion last20 year, and the point was --21 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: You22 guys were right.23

-- let's get24 rid of the dead trees before we start25 127 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 planting new trees.2 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: Right.3

Or let's do4 it both at the same time, but not have5 dead trees falling on cars.6 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: And7 you guys were right. And that hearing --8 during that hearing, this issue laid an9 -- and all three of us left that hearing,10 understanding this issue in a new way.11

So what was12 the tree backlog last year of renewal of13 dead trees at this time?14

Yeah, it's very15 tough, Councilman, to say at any one time16 because, literally, there's trees being17 added every day to the backlog list as a18 citizen calls it in.19 What I'll say is, when we20 started this process in January,21 structured this program, the backlog was22 1700 dead and dangerous street trees to23 be removed, and that's what we've24 committed to remove by June 30th.25 128 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371

And it was2 1700 last year at this time?3 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: Yeah,4 I mean, more or less.5

How many --6 (Indiscernible; parties talking7 over each other.)8

It's probably many9 of the same 1700.10

How many11 have we removed during the course of this12 past year?13

Yeah, the contracts14 were just -- we launched the program in15 January. The contracts were just16 initiated in the middle of February or17 so. But one moment, and I'll get you the18 number.19

Have any20 trees been removed since January?21

I'm --22 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: Well,23 he's going to get you that.24

I'm looking for the25 129 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 number.2

While you're3 looking for that, how much is going to4 tree renewal, and how much does it cost5 to remove a tree and replant?6 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: Two7 questions.8

Two questions so9 far, yes.10 So far, we've removed about 20011 of the 1700 since the contracts were let12 in February, and they got started in13 March. So about a month.14

That's15 great. So how much to remove and plant16 trees?17

We'll have to get18 you that information because it's a huge19 range of costs, because if you were20 removing a tree that's a four-inch21 caliber, you know, four in diameter22 versus 36 inches in diameter, it's a very23 significant range. So we will get you24 those numbers.25 130 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371

I mean,2 generally, it's the big trees that are3 the problem, not --4

Well, no.5 Interestingly, the mortality rate for6 small trees -- oftentimes, big trees7 withstand weather conditions and disease8 better than small trees.9

Okay.10

So it's not11 necessarily the majority of big trees12 that die.13

So is the14 removal as much as the planting for a15 small tree?16

The removal for17 large trees is substantially more than18 planting.19

And the20 removal for small trees?21

Again, we'll get22 you that number. I'm thinking it's23 probably about the same as planting.24 It's a few hundred dollars to remove a25 131 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 small tree, up to about a thousand dollar2 to remove a large tree, but we'll get you3 the exact numbers off the contract.4

I'm just5 trying to figure out whether 2.5 million6 gets you through 1700 --7

It does.8

-- by doing9 the math.10

It does.11

Okay, that12 would be great.13

We agree.14

In past15 years' testimony, we've heard about how16 the merger will create efficiencies. In17 response to a question from President18 Verna last year regarding these19 efficiencies, the Commissioner said,20 "Beginning now and over time, we will be21 able to find some efficiencies, redirect22 resources, save a few dollars, and23 actually improve the services to24 citizens."25 132 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: Right.2

You3 also mentioned the concerted effort to4 identify and eliminate duplicative5 functions.6 Could you please update us on7 the specific efficiencies you've8 identified from the merger, including the9 dollar savings already achieved or10 projected?11 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: I12 could talk about very specifically a few13 things around the quality of service.14 And, again, I think we -- it's sort of am15 accurate description of what I said, and16 we'll save a few bucks; we're not going17 to save a lot of money.18 And that's what -- and, again,19 I would defend the merger about improving20 quality.21 So if you look at the diversity22 of programs that we're offering now, it's23 radically different than what we offered24 before the merger, both -- and the number25 133 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 of programs we're offering and the2 quantity and the participation rates are3 up across the system.4 So we have -- I think the5 merger has really improved our ability to6 program for all citizens.7 So -- and we have the numbers.8 I mean, I could present a range of9 numbers in terms of participation in10 programs, attendance at rec centers,11 outdoor recreation programs that we12 didn't have.13 And I think as the merged14 maintenance functions and operation15 functions proceed, it allows us, because16 we have almost a hundred skilled trades17 people, to do the very thing that we18 talked about with Councilwoman Sanchez,19 and that is moving a discrete number of20 capital projects off of the capital rolls21 and into our skilled trades and mixing22 that with allocations from Council's23 capital ITEF Funds.24 So they are the -- and we25 134 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 can -- we'll prepare a document and we2 can present that across the board.3 We've also skinnied down our4 middle management structure. We came in5 here last year, I think, with 20 -- we6 came in with 20 sort of managers in the7 Program and Maintenance Division; we've8 taken that down to 13.9 So it's not millions of dollars10 we're going to save. And I've never -- I11 would never say that.12 It's about being efficient,13 it's about better service, it's about14 better care of our facilities. And I15 think over time, we will continue to16 build on what I think is a pretty17 substantial record of improvements on18 those -- in those realms.19

Yeah. I20 mean I quoted you, so that is -- I didn't21 paraphrase; that is what you said.22 "Actually improve the service to23 citizens" is how you ended that.24 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: Yeah.25 135 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371

And so, if2 you do have a document of that that you3 could provide the Chair, I won't spend4 more time on that.5 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:6 Councilman, your time's been up.7

Oh, thank8 you, Madam Chair.9

Thank10 you.11 Councilwoman Tasco.12

A point of13 information on the tree issue. You said14 you were planting trees in backyards.15 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: No,16 no, we're not.17

No.18 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: No,19 no. We are working with major employers20 in the City. In this instance, I21 mentioned the University of Pennsylvania,22 who -- we've worked with them. So they23 paid for -- in this first round, the24 University paid for the trees.25 136 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 What we provided was the2 technical support and the operational3 support that would allow that citizen to4 plant the tree. So they were trained,5 they were oriented -- not trained but6 oriented by our staff to sort of be7 successful in the tree planting.8 So it's that kind work. We9 can't to the -- 300,000 is a10 scientifically arrived at number, but we11 can't plant 300,000 street trees. We12 just can't do it.13

I just14 wanted to clarify that because in about15 ten years, they're going to call the City16 and say --17 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: No,18 we do not plant trees on private land.19

The other20 thing is, on the street trees, when you21 remove a dead tree, you don't necessarily22 remove the root all the time, do you?23

We do, actually.24 It's actually done by two separate25 137 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 contractors.2

Okay.3

They follow each4 other. And as part of this program,5 we're going out and doing stump removal6 on trees that had previously been removed7 so we're catching up on all the stump8 removals.9 But when we cut down a tree,10 the stump is also removed.11

Okay, all12 right.13

Ideally, we'd love14 to create a place to put a tree back in15 that same spot if the property owner16 wants a tree, and then we can replace a17 dead tree with a living tree.18

Well, I19 just want to say thank you. We had a20 dead tree that was an accident, and we21 called, and they removed it. Actually, I22 had two dead trees, and they moved pretty23 quickly, and I want to say thank you.24 They were already on the list.25 138 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371

Well, you're2 welcome.3

But the4 stump is there, and that's why I asked.5

The stumps will be6 ground out, yes.7

Oh, okay.8 Thank you very much. And thank you for9 the support of the Rec Department and10 working with my office on getting things11 done. We appreciate all that you do and12 the new organization.13

The14 Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.15

Thank you,16 Madam President.17 It's been a while since I18 revisited the recycling center. It still19 exists?20

Mm-hmm, yes.21

Are22 citizens still able to secure all of one23 can get over there free?24

Yes, citizens of25 139 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 Philadelphia. There's four products:2 firewood, wood chips, mulch, and compost.3

Terrific.4 I just may be done.5 Ed Snider Youth Hockey6 Foundation, Phillies major league7 baseball, those programs are still8 intact, correct?9 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: Well,10 the Ed Snider program is up and running,11 and then we're advancing -- that youth12 development program in our rink system is13 up and running.14

Okay.15 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: We're16 now pursuing major renovations and17 enclosing three of our five rinks for18 what will be a radically extended19 ice-skating season.20

Okay.21 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: And22 then, with the Phillies baseball, we are23 close to construction at Marian Anderson24 to extend that facility to support the25 140 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 educational and baseball training2 component of -- the name escapes me. The3 major league -- Urban Youth Baseball4 Academy.5 And we will be doing some6 improvements at the Richie Ashburn Field,7 where the ball fields are some of the8 best in the City. We'll be improving9 them as well and overlaying a very10 exciting program for youth baseball in11 the City, extending what we already do.12

The13 Department is doing a lot of exciting14 programming. You do this already. I'm15 going to just underscore how helpful it16 is when you keep Councilmembers informed17 so that if our schedules and our lives18 permit, we can come to be supportive and19 be present, you know, because we care.20 So my last question will be21 around this new effort, the triathlon22 that is underway. Just speak about what23 it is and how you're going to recruit24 young people. And will there be any25 141 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 connect with DHS and children in foster2 care and, you know, even, you know, with3 Judge Kevin Dougherty and the courts,4 because typically, if you can capture5 those young people and give them some6 options and choices, they're less likely7 to end up at 1801 Vine Street.8 REC. COMM. SLAWSON:9 Absolutely. We can get that information10 over to them, and that's actually a11 reminder that we need to always include12 various young people that we -- somehow,13 because we have some many youth coming to14 our facilities, and some of those -- a15 lot of DHS young people already16 participate in our program, so we17 naturally have them participate in our18 triathlon, our triyouthalon and our19 (indiscernible).20 And so, we will reach out to21 those other entities that you're talking22 about to make sure that they are a part23 of that.24

Has a date25 142 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 been set for that?2 REC. COMM. SLAWSON: Yes, and I3 don't know the --4

Is it5 sometime this summer?6 REC. COMM. SLAWSON: Yes.7 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: Yes.8 And what's fun about it is, we're using9 the Parks and Recreation system that we10 couldn't use last year or the year11 before. So we're using the trails for12 the bike part, the swimming -- we're13 using the Recreation Department swimming14 pools for the swimming section. And then15 the running section takes us back into16 the park.17 So the combined department can18 present a whole new set of opportunities19 that separately would have been a lot20 harder to do. And we can drive our21 resources and our imaginations22 collectively towards the program.23

It sounds24 very exciting. I would suggest that you25 143 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 put a challenge to Councilmembers so that2 --3 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: To4 participate.5

Did you6 hear that, Councilman Green? I was7 suggesting -- 'cause I know this is right8 up your alley -- that they could put this9 triathlon effort with young people. We10 could be role models and participate and11 show up as well.12

(Inaudible.)13 COUNCILWOMAN SANCHEZ:14 (Inaudible.)15

I'll do it16 if you do it.17 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: Me18 too.19 REC. COMM. SLAWSON: I will20 forward you those dates. I thought I had21 it here with my information, but I do22 not.23

Okay. I24 look forward to that. Thank you.25 144 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 Thank you, Madam President.2

The3 Chair recognizes Councilwoman Sanchez.4

Thank5 you.6 I wanted to -- before I move on7 to one issue that was brought up last8 year, I wanted to finish around the9 maintenance situation, and I know we've10 been talking about all of this green and11 efficiency. Have we conducted building12 audits of our rec centers?13 REC. COMM. SLAWSON:14 Councilwoman Sanchez, we have conducted15 building audits. Initially, I want to16 say as far back -- Eric may be able to17 give you more information, and I actually18 have those building audits in binders if19 you ever would like to see them, but we20 did them on all of our facilities.21

Yeah,22 I'd like to see them 'cause I think -- I23 want to make -- as we do the investments24 and the repairs, I want to make sure that25 145 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 we're looking at where we're building2 efficiencies.3 And I know, in terms of some of4 the centers, it's, you know, too hot in5 the winter, they're not air-conditioned6 in the summer, so we want to look at that7 to see where we can build some8 efficiencies so that when I'm being asked9 by you guys to make an investment, that10 we're looking at that also. I want to11 look at the buildings.12 REC. COMM. SLAWSON: Okay.13

Okay, so14 that's good. So if you can send the ones15 from my district, I'd greatly appreciate16 it.17 Last year, we talked a little18 bit about increasing support to our19 friends group. You know, I don't have to20 tell you how important our friends groups21 are to our Parks and Rec.22 (Applause.)23

Yes. It24 is amazing to me what these folks do25 146 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 throughout the City.2 We build -- there was built3 into the budget a community relations4 component, and it was a Director of5 Community Relations event. We were going6 to help build infrastructure around7 friends groups. Can we talk a little bit8 about where that is?9 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: We10 didn't go out and bring in any new folks.11 We've directed -- we have a person who12 has multiple responsibilities, who's13 responsible for this.14 So we didn't really -- we had15 ambitious goals last year around creating16 some staff positions that could support17 that. So we didn't do that.18 But we have worked closely with19 our groups around -- sort of like a Cobbs20 Creek. To give you an example, Cobbs21 Creek. Susan and myself, Mark, and22 others have dedicated our time and other23 staff time who have other duties to that24 efforts.25 147 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 So I think we've made progress.2 Hunting Park -- and you know the progress3 we've made up at Hunting Park. And,4 again, I think a success of not only the5 conservancy but also of Park and Rec as a6 combined unit.7 So we're moving this ball8 along, but we're not anywhere near where9 we want to be in supporting the groups.10 We think over time, we'll get there,11 but -- and we've made progress, but I12 think there's an immense amount of13 potential that we just haven't gotten to14 yet.15 And we hope that within this16 next year we'll get there.17

I'm18 concerned because as we face all of these19 reductions and, you know, us wanting to20 go back into our corporate partner, you21 know, building that infrastructure22 internally is key.23 I've been amazed at how willing24 people are to giving, you know,25 148 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 neighborhood businesses, you know. I2 haven't gotten a no when folks have3 asked. And I can just imagine the4 potential of the groups.5 And, as you know, I don't have6 many groups. We're formalizing them all7 over my district. But there is a need to8 provide leadership development and9 support so that these groups can meet10 their capacity.11 And if, in fact, you know, it's12 going to take us years to get to a place13 where we could fully fund Parks and14 Recs -- and by the way, I disagree with15 my colleague here. It's not one or the16 other; it's both. So we need to fix our17 Fire Department and our Police18 Department, but we need to take care of19 our rec centers here.20 I think we need to really look21 at that just, because I find myself --22 you know, I have a dedicated staff person23 that just works on these issues, but I24 find myself playing a bigger and a bigger25 149 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 role, and I would just like to see some2 more consistency 'cause I think to the3 extent that groups get to see best4 practices and other ones, I think we need5 to strengthen that, and then groups6 support each other. And they can raise a7 lot of money for us.8 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: You9 laid out the agenda. I mean, that's the10 agenda.11 We agree, and we will make more12 progress this year. Even at our current13 capacities, we will expand that work.14 I'd like to strongly encourage15 you to look at, as we look at those16 temporary positions and when you find the17 rest of the money -- when Bill finds you18 the rest of the money in the budget, we19 may want to think about dedicating some20 of that seasonal personnel to begin to21 pull some of that stuff together.22 (Timer bell rings.)23 Especially where we have very24 good skill sets. You know, I often visit25 150 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 with some of my colleagues some of the2 things that are going on in their3 district that they invite me to, Curt and4 some others. And I just wish that I5 could bring that back to my district in6 some cases.7 And I think if we say we're8 going to dedicate three or four people9 just to begin some sort of pilot to make10 those connections more deliberate for11 citywide friends groups, I think we're12 going to get a lot from that.13 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: I14 agree.15

Thank16 you.17 Thank you, Madam Chair.18

Thank19 you.20 The Chair recognizes Councilman21 Green.22

Thank you,23 Madam Chair.24 Please excuse my sniffles. The25 151 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 spring has brought back my dormant2 allergies, but I want to assure3 everyone --4 COUNCILWOMAN SANCHEZ:5 (Inaudible.)6

I want to7 assure everyone in the room that I'm not8 allergic to trees.9 (Laughter.)10 As part of what you're going to11 provide with respect to efficiencies,12 improve services, and you mentioned13 duplicative function, getting rid of them14 in the middle management, could you just15 provide a detail of that also.16 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: We17 will.18

I'm curious19 as to what happened.20 And speaking of duplicative21 functions, in the out-of-time school22 program subdivision, on of your23 detail, there's a, quote, Park and24 Environmental Educational director25 152 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 position, with a $78,000 -- a $78,2302 salary.3 In the Marketing and Public4 Relations Subdivision on of your5 detail, there's a position listed with6 the same job title and a salary of7 $78,438.8 Do we have two park and9 environmental education directors?10

We do not.11

Is this the12 same position?13

We have two14 individuals that hold the same title but,15 over time, have migrated to doing very16 different work. So one of these17 individuals is the Department instructor18 of environmental education, runs our19 environmental education centers and does20 exactly what is implied by the title.21 The other person has migrated22 to managing all of the PR and marketing23 and public relations for the Department24 and runs the Welcome Center in Love Park,25 153 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 and we've been working for a while to try2 to get that position reclassified and3 titled to accurately reflect his4 responsibilities.5

Are these6 Civil Service positions?7

They are.8

And are they9 performing the functions of their10 classification currently?11

The one that's12 running environmental education13 absolutely is. And the other one, as I14 said, has migrated to different15 functions, and we've been working with HR16 to try to get that position reclassified.17

And you18 wouldn't need to do a test for that?19

I don't know. I'm20 not sure.21 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: We're22 not sure.23

Okay. If24 you could get back to us about that, but25 154 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 they're both currently filled positions.2

They both are3 currently filled positions.4

Okay. Also5 in the Marketing and Public Relations6 Division, there's a $45,000-a-year7 Director of Community Affairs in the8 Director's Office Subdivision, of9 the detail, there's an $89,000-per-year10 Park Public Relations and Rec Director11 position.12 Could you please describe the13 job duties of these two positions and how14 they relate to one another, whether or15 not they're both filled?16 REC. COMM. SLAWSON: The one17 for $45,000 is the Public Relations18 Director for Recreation. He's been with19 Recreation since 2008, and he's20 responsible for all of the press, media21 release, coordinating for actually Parks22 and Recreation right now.23

And the second24 position you asked about is the -- that's25 155 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 the Civil Service title for Fairmount2 Park's -- formerly Fairmount Park's Chief3 of Staff. The Civil Service system does4 not have a chief of staff title.5

Okay. The6 second position is Park, Public7 Relations, and Rec Director.8

Correct, that's the9 working title, that's the Civil Service10 title for chief of staff.11

Okay. And12 that's the Parks Chief of Staff now?13

When we were14 Fairmount Park as a stand-alone15 department, we --16

What does17 that person do now?18

That person has19 been historically, and continues to be,20 my right-hand person handling all matters21 related to detailed functions on the22 daily operations or policy issues for23 Fairmount Park -- permitting, running24 specific discrete projects such as our25 156 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 annual deer cull. There's a whole list2 of responsibilities. We can certainly3 get that to you.4

Do they both5 do press -- do they both do public6 relations?7

No.8 REC. COMM. SLAWSON: No.9

No, okay.10 So the Parks Chief of Staff doesn't do11 public relations despite the title.12

Correct.13

Okay. You14 can see how that would be confusing for15 us.16

We absolutely17 agree.18

Like last19 year, I'm asking about unfilled and new20 positions. I know the detail is a point-21 of-time measure, but until we receive22 additional detail, that's what we have to23 go on.24 The detail for Parks and Rec25 157 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 shows various vacant positions that are2 proposed to be filled in FY '12 as well3 as new positions for FY '12 which I'd4 like to go through.5 There's an unfilled Recreation6 District Manager position; has it been7 filled?8 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: We're9 waiting for the test.10