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
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
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
I believe -- I24 thought the 2.5 million was released on25 101 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 January 1st.2
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
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
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
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
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
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?11 Okay, all right. Well, we can continue12 to -- we can further discuss this in our13 meeting that we're going to arrange.14
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
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
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
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
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
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
With City13 dollars?14 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: Well,15 we --16
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Thank you,16 Madam President.17 It's been a while since I18 revisited the recycling center. It still19 exists?20
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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