Councilman, we distributed the latest project plan yesterday to your office. That's why here,'cause we've amended some of the terms of that project plan from what we first initiated 30 days ago.
Can I have an additional copy of it? Is there one here? Thank you. Now, on of that. . . okay, Madam President.
Right. Well, I would like to see the contract language on that -- not necessarily today but certainly before final -- in time so it can be studied. I'd like to see what we are proposing to -- in the form of language that -- 83 5/26/99 COM. OF WHOLE - 990253
Thank you, Madam President. Mr. Fina, how many employees does Cardone have now?
Full-time equivalent. 84 5/26/99 COM. OF WHOLE - 990253 That's not just -- they probably have more employees but that's full-time equivalent employees.
Do you know what the racial and ethnic breakdown is, gender breakdown is of those employees?
I gave that, and I'll give it again quickly. There are -- the ethnic background breakdown is: Asians, 28 percent; African- American, 13 percent; Hispanic, 33 percent; and other, 26 percent. There's a ratio on that 4,200. That means there's about 1100 female and around 3100 male.
And what's the average -- what's the hourly rate average?
We're getting that information. (Mr. Fina confers with Cardone 85 5/26/99 COM. OF WHOLE - 990253 representatives).
The average compensation is $30,000 a year. That's the average, that's from the lowest to the highest.
So if we put the benefits package on, it would be an additional --
15 percent. In your experience in dealing with companies in the city of Philadelphia, which is extensive, would you consider this one of the more racially, ethnically, and gender-balanced organizations at the level of pay that they are paying as any other firm in the City?
I would like to respond this way, Councilman, that this is a very diverse business. I don't want to denigrate other 86 5/26/99 COM. OF WHOLE - 990253 businesses, but they are very diverse, and there is a strong mix of female-to-male, considering this a manufacturing facility, this is excellent.
And compared with other companies that pay $30,000 a year on average, probably they're way above the average in companies of that size and of that salary level?
This is the business PIDC would do all it could to encourage to stay in the city of Philadelphia and to exercise the loyalty that it has shown to the city of Philadelphia.
And we would expect that the 500 jobs that are intended to be created will also reflect that racial and ethnic diversity and gender diversity.
I believe that to be correct, and that would be part of the economic opportunities plan that's being devised.
First, would you go over that breakdown again? Asian is 28 percent? 87 5/26/99 COM. OF WHOLE - 990253
Other, which includes Caucasians, and I guess Aleutians and whatever, 23 percent. 24
26 percent. 25 All right. Now, with respect to the 88 5/26/99 COM. OF WHOLE - 990253 salaries paid, what is the median figure? Not the average. The average includes the compensation of management and the --
I could get that information and provide that to the Council President today.
Well, could you give us a breakdown? I'd like to know how many employees earn $20,000 or less, how many earn between $20,000 and 25,000, how many earn between 25,000 and 30,000. If you could break it down and furnish it to the President today, I would be very pleased with that information. I think that will be a much more accurate figure than to talk about average of 30,000, because I don't believe that the average employee earns 30,000 in that plant.
Do you have a problem with providing that, Mr. Fina?
I will provide the Council President with anything she requests.
Thank you. 89 5/26/99 COM. OF WHOLE - 990253 When you refer the other things information to me, if you would refer this, I would appreciate it.
Are there any other questions or comments by the members of the committee? (No questions.)
To the Cardones or their representatives sitting back there, I know little or nothing about your company but, apparently, you have been very hard-working. And to have gone this far to grow so quickly, I think it's absolutely wonderful. I'm delighted that you're staying in the city of Philadelphia, and I certainly want to wish you continued good success.
I'm sorry, Madam President. As the District Councilman of this area, I would be amiss if I didn't stick up for Cardone. I mean, basically, they do a good job up there. They employ -- Councilman Kenney went over 90 5/26/99 COM. OF WHOLE - 990253 the numbers, he spoke of all the numbers. They employ a high number of minorities and a lot of women. They do good work up there. They're always there when you send someone there that may need a break, someone getting out of jail, someone who may not be on the right track. They work with them, they give people employment that traditionally wouldn't get employment. And I appreciate the Councilman's zest in trying to save the City money, but I think this is a win-win for everybody. And as the District Councilman there, I would love to see this happen. Cardone's been there for the City, they've been there for the District, they've been there for the people, and they're trying to do the right thing. And we, as a legislative body, should help groups like Cardone because it sends the wrong message to other businesses like Cardone that want to come into the City.
And if you don't have enough space in your district, we would welcome you in South Philadelphia. 91 5/26/99 COM. OF WHOLE - 990253
You're not stealing that one, Councilwoman, 'cause they're staying in the 7th Council District.
Are there any other questions or statements from members of the committee? (No response.)
Seeing none, this concludes the public hearing. - - - 92 5/26/99 COM. OF WHOLE - Pub. Meeting
You're welcome. Thank you for your patience. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney regarding Bill No. 990249.
Madam Chair, I move that Bill No. 990249 be reported out of this committee with a favorable recommendation.
It has been moved and properly seconded that Bill No. 990249 be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed?
The record will note that Councilman Cohen is abstaining. 93 5/26/99 COM. OF WHOLE - Pub. Meeting The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco regarding Bill No. 990253.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that Bill No. 990253 be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Bill No. 990253 be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed?
The record will so indicate that Councilman Cohen is abstaining. Thank you all very much. This concludes our public meeting. (Adjourned at 11:47 a.m.) - - - 94 C E R T I F I C A T E I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing proceedings of the Council of the City of Philadelphia of Wednesday, May 26, 1999, were reported fully and accurately by me, and that this is a correct transcript of same. RE: COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE BILL NO.'S 990249, 990253 __________________________________, JOSEPHINE CARDILLO, Registered Professional Reporter