COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC PROPERTY AND PUBLIC WORKS - - - Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Wednesday, November 14, 2007 1:15 p.m. - - - PRESENT: COUNCILMAN DARRELL L. CLARKE, CHAIR COUNCILMAN WILLIAM GREENLEE COUNCILMAN JACK KELLY COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO COUNCILMAN DANIEL SAVAGE COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL BILLS 070869, 070878, 070905 and 070906 - - - V A R A L L O Incorporated Litigation Support Services Eleven Penn Center 1835 Market Street, Suite 600 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103 215.561.2220 215.567.2670 2
Good afternoon. I would like to call to order the Committee on Public Property and Public Works. Mr. Carter, will you please read the title of the first bill.
Bill No. 070869, an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to convey certain tracts of land with the buildings and improvements thereon known as 332 through 52 East Tioga Street, located on the south side of Tioga Street, to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development for nominal consideration, for further conveyance.
Good afternoon, Chairman Clarke and members of the Committee on Public Property and Public Works. My name is John Herzins. I am here representing Commissioner Schlotterbeck, who will be here shortly. 3 11/14/07 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 070869, ETC. She's running late from another meeting. I am here today to testify in support of Bill No. 070869, an ordinance 5 authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, for nominal consideration, a deed conveying fee simple title to all or part of certain parcels of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon known as 332 to 52 East Tioga Street, located on the south side of Tioga Street, for further conveyance at fair market value, all under certain terms and conditions. This bill will enable the City to convey this parcel to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development for conveyance at fair market value to Z-Wood Products, a manufacturing company looking to expand its business. The net proceeds from the sale of this property shall be deposited into the City's General Fund. The Department of Public Property supports this measure and, 4 11/14/07 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 070869, ETC. accordingly, I respectfully ask that City Council approve Bill No. 070869. I respectfully request that this Committee vote Bill No. 070869 out of Committee with a favorable recommendation and that the rules be suspended to permit first reading at the next Council session. Thank you. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Thank you, Mr. Herzins. Mr. Herzins, did you submit written testimony?
You did? Did you submit it to our office or the Council President's office?
We submit it to the Mayor's office. COMMISSIONER SCHLOTTERBECK: And I think it normally goes to City Council.
You're in 5 11/14/07 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 070869, ETC. City Council now. COMMISSIONER SCHLOTTERBECK: I think it usually comes from the Mayor's office to the President's office. We don't ever as a department directly --
Directly? COMMISSIONER SCHLOTTERBECK: No. Do you need --
I mean, it would be helpful for Councilmembers to have the written testimony either prior to or during the course of the hearing so we can reference it to enable us to better ask questions on it, on your testimony. COMMISSIONER SCHLOTTERBECK: Don't you normally get it prior to?
We normally get it. I don't have it. COMMISSIONER SCHLOTTERBECK: What can we do now? Do you want us to get you copies of these to hand out?
Where's the Sergeant-At-Arms? 6 11/14/07 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 070869, ETC. Is anybody working today? Thank you. Let the record reflect we have a quorum present: Councilwoman Miller, Councilman Greenlee, Councilman Kelly, Councilman Rizzo. Also present are Councilman Savage and Councilwoman Blackwell. Okay. Commissioner, did you have anything to add to the testimony? COMMISSIONER SCHLOTTERBECK: No, I did not.
Are there any questions of these witnesses by members of the Committee? (No response.)
There being none, thank you so much for your testimony on this particular bill. Is there anyone else who is interested in testifying on this particular bill? (No response.)
There being 7 11/14/07 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 070869, ETC. none...
Bill No. 070878, an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to convey a certain tract of land with the buildings and improvements thereon known as 2815 Ridge Avenue, located on the northeast side of Ridge Avenue, to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development for nominal consideration, for further conveyance.
Thank you. COMMISSIONER SCHLOTTERBECK: Good afternoon, Chairman Clarke and members of the Committee on Public Property and Public Works. My name is Joan Schlotterbeck. I am the Commissioner of the Department of Public Property. I'm here to testify in support of Bill No. 070878, an ordinance 23 authorizing me as the Commissioner to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, for 8 11/14/07 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 070869, ETC. nominal consideration, a deed conveying fee simple title to all or part of certain parcels of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon known as 2515 Ridge Avenue, located on the northeast side of Ridge Avenue, for further conveyance at fair market value, all under certain terms and conditions. This bill will enable the City to convey this parcel to PAID for further conveyance to Fast Cash Inc. at fair market value, with the net proceeds being deposited into the General Fund. The developer is looking to develop the site with a number of retail outlets. The Department supports this measure and, accordingly, I respectfully ask City Council approve Bill No. 070878. I respectfully request that this Committee vote Bill No. 070878 out of Committee with a favorable recommendation and that the rules be suspended to permit the first reading at the next Council session. 9 11/14/07 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 070869, ETC. Thank you. We're here to answer any questions, and we also have a representative from Fast Cash if you have any direct questions for her.
Thank you. Real briefly, the PAID process, PIDC process, do they traditionally request that the developer be present at the public hearing?
I actually asked PIDC if the developer could be present if there were any questions that came up during the hearing.
Because there seems to be some miscommunication about the purpose of today's meeting and I was hoping that a representative from PIDC was here today.
No. We asked 10 11/14/07 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 070869, ETC. both developers that were on the sale ordinances today to come here for any questions that might come up from Committee members, but that's kind of what we traditionally try to do.
Because they weren't aware that they were to be here to present testimony. So apparently there was some --
I don't think they would have to present testimony, but if they could be here to answer questions, if needed. COMMISSIONER SCHLOTTERBECK: See, the process now where we're selling the surplus properties, we're using them as our agent and we haven't been inviting them because, frankly, we have to pay them to attend with us, and we didn't --
We have to pay PIDC? COMMISSIONER SCHLOTTERBECK: Yes. So I've eliminated some --
Why do we 11 11/14/07 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 070869, ETC. have to pay PIDC? COMMISSIONER SCHLOTTERBECK: They charge us for their time. So we have made the decision --
I think you may have opened up a can of worms with that one. COMMISSIONER SCHLOTTERBECK: Councilman, basically when we know that the bill has been supported and there is no --
Let me go back to this payment of PIDC. COMMISSIONER SCHLOTTERBECK: Yes.
PIDC, which is a quasi government agency; am I correct? COMMISSIONER SCHLOTTERBECK: Correct.
And we use them as an agent to sell properties -- COMMISSIONER SCHLOTTERBECK: Yes. 12 11/14/07 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 070869, ETC.
-- on the City's behalf, and the assumption is that there is a commission? COMMISSIONER SCHLOTTERBECK: Yes.
But in addition to that, if we require that they come here to testify or to be prepared to answer any questions on the process, we have to pay them to be in this Chambers? COMMISSIONER SCHLOTTERBECK: Am I right?
Well, we pay for staff time. So any time that is used by PIDC on behalf of us for a surplus property, we would be charged a staff time equivalent to how much time they spend on it.
Do we pay the Redevelopment Authority to be present at public hearings? COMMISSIONER SCHLOTTERBECK: No, we do not. I don't know if another department does. No, we do not. 13 11/14/07 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 070869, ETC.
So why are we paying PIDC? COMMISSIONER SCHLOTTERBECK: Well, that's why they're not here. Because I didn't want to continue to pay --
But I don't understand. We have other agencies that are quasi government agencies. The Redevelopment Authority -- and I reference them because they were here yesterday at a hearing, and they come, they prepare to testify on whatever the issue may be. If we're not paying the Redevelopment Authority to be present at a hearing, I don't understand why we have to pay PIDC, particularly given the fact that we have already hired them as an agent.
I think it's standard practice for PIDC, whichever department they are doing work for does charge the particular department staff time fees, as well as out-of-pocket 14 11/14/07 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 070869, ETC. costs.
I'd have to -- COMMISSIONER SCHLOTTERBECK: We honestly don't know the answer, but ever since I've been Commissioner, that's been the practice.
It's always been that way? COMMISSIONER SCHLOTTERBECK: Yes. So as far as I know, it is the process. They bill us for hours.
Is that written? Is there a contract between Public Property and PIDC?
Can we have a copy of that contract? COMMISSIONER SCHLOTTERBECK: 15 11/14/07 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 070869, ETC. Sure.
And it clearly outlines the terms and conditions of the contract, the fee schedule, the commission and all of the information associated with both their appearance and the work related to property disposition? COMMISSIONER SCHLOTTERBECK: Okay.
It will be helpful if you can get that to the Committee. Thank you. I understand that the developer, based on some miscommunication, does not have a detailed presentation, but there's a possibility that you can briefly discuss what your intent is for the site, and I understand that in a follow-up meeting, there's going to be a meeting in the community to talk about the specifics of the proposal, and then I'm assuming you'll get some information to the 16 11/14/07 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 070869, ETC. Councilperson. The other thing, before the disposition by PIDC, is it their normal practice to call the District Councilperson to talk to them about the specifics of the disposition? COMMISSIONER SCHLOTTERBECK: Actually, I feel it's my position to do that. I mean, they're our agent, and it's my responsibility to reach out.
You don't want to pay them to come meet with us? COMMISSIONER SCHLOTTERBECK: That's correct.
Okay. COMMISSIONER SCHLOTTERBECK: There's a lot of billable hours and I've been trying to control that.
Okay. So before the final disposition on this, you will contact us and give us a briefing on -- COMMISSIONER SCHLOTTERBECK: There's no reason why we can't have them 17 11/14/07 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 070869, ETC. participate. It's just really, unless there's a necessity and there's information that I'm not aware of, I tend to just --
Well, we've had this issue come up before in Council in these hearings where we, Council, we authorize the disposition to PIDC, and the concern is that it never comes back before this body in terms of final disposition. And, frankly speaking, I would still like to see us involved in that final disposition, but that's something that we'll probably have to deal with with the next Administration. But I just have an issue about, first of all, we hire an agent and that agent negotiates whatever terms and conditions of the sale or the purchase and technically there's no need for them to come back and give us an update on what actually transpired in that particular transaction. But that's something that we'll deal with with the next 18 11/14/07 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 070869, ETC. Administration. COMMISSIONER SCHLOTTERBECK: Okay. So do you want the developer?
Yes. Just briefly, if you can, just come forth. Just kind of give us a sense of what you anticipate doing.
Good afternoon, City Council. My name is Rashir Aladelcon (ph). I'm the President of Fast Cash. We intend to put a strip mall on the property located at 2815 Ridge Avenue. Our intention is to have a series of stores, a small supermarket, a health and beauty aid, a fast-food restaurant, like a deli. I wasn't aware that we are supposed to be here to give you the details of all the series of stores that we're going to have on the plaza, so that is why we don't have all the package here to present to you, but if you allow us, we can present that to you in about four 19 11/14/07 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 070869, ETC. weeks, a very nice presentation, show you the different kind of stores we would like to have on the property, with pictures and --
Okay. No. 7 I understand you, because we spoke earlier. Commissioner, because this is of particular interest to the District Councilperson, because of the uncertainty of what ultimately will be at the site, I really need to get a clear understanding during the course of the negotiations with PIDC what's transpiring. We're going to require at least one community meeting briefing for this particular location. And I don't know legally if PIDC is bound to some level of, I guess, obligation to this particular developer once they enter into negotiations. Because that's why I don't like this process, because they may enter into terms and conditions and people are spending money and billable hours and 20 11/14/07 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 070869, ETC. lawyers and architects and then they come up with a final, in their minds, resolution, say, Okay, we're prepared to sell this for this amount of money and this is what they're proposing to build, and then both the Councilperson and the community said, Well, we don't really want that. And then what happens? I mean, immediately the lawyers get engaged and say, Well, we're suing you because we entered into this process under good faith. COMMISSIONER SCHLOTTERBECK: Right.
You understand what I'm saying? COMMISSIONER SCHLOTTERBECK: I absolutely do.
That's why I really don't like the way this works with you. You convey the property to an agent and then you really have no 24 wherewithal to be involved in the process. 21 11/14/07 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 070869, ETC. We'll deal with it with the next Administration, but you guys really need to be thinking about a different way of doing this. COMMISSIONER SCHLOTTERBECK: Okay.
I'm sorry. Any questions by members of the Committee for these witnesses? (No response.)
Thank you. Thank you so much. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next bill.
Bill No. 070905, an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of 22 11/14/07 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 070869, ETC. Public Property to convey a certain tract of land with the buildings and improvements thereon located on the block bounded by West Huntingdon Street, North Fairhill Street, West Lehigh Avenue and North 5th Street, to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development for nominal consideration, for further conveyance.
Please proceed. COMMISSIONER SCHLOTTERBECK: Good afternoon, Councilman Clarke and members of the Committee on Public Property and Public Works. My name is Joan Schlotterbeck. I'm the Public Property Commissioner. I'm here to testify today in support of Bill No. 070905, an ordinance 21 authorizing me as Commissioner to execute and deliver to PAID, for nominal consideration, a deed conveying fee simple title to all or part of parcels of land, with the buildings and improvements 23 11/14/07 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 070869, ETC. thereon, known as West Huntingdon Street, North Fairhill Street, West Lehigh Avenue, North 5th Street, for further conveyance at less than fair market value, all under certain terms and conditions. This bill will enable the City to convey this parcel to PAID for further conveyance to Taller -- I'm going to murder this -- Puertorriqueno at less than fair market value. This will allow the non-profit, Taller Puertorriqueno, to acquire site control for its further art center. Mayor Street awarded a $1.2 million grant to Taller this past June through the $150 million Cultural and Commercial Corridor Bond Initiative approved by City Council. Taller is endeavoring to expand its programming and continue its efforts to celebrate the Latino heritage by building a new facility that will be open to the public and used as a community resource. 24 11/14/07 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 070869, ETC. The Department supports this measure and, accordingly, I respectfully ask that Council approve Bill No. 070905. I respectfully request that this Committee vote Bill 070905 out of Committee with a favorable recommendation and that the rules be suspended to permit first reading at the next session. Thank you. We're available to answer any questions you may have.
Thank you. Any questions of this witness by members of the Committee? (No response.)
Good afternoon, Chairman Clarke. My name is Duane Bumb, Deputy Director of Commerce. I'm here on behalf of Stephanie Naidoff, who couldn't be here. I'm here to also support Bill 23 No. 070905, which would authorize the conveyance of this property for nominal consideration. 25 11/14/07 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 070869, ETC. Rather than read -- I've got copies of my testimony, which should have been forwarded. If you don't have it, I have it here. But rather than read through my testimony, just to sort of -- because much of it is in fact in conformance with what Commissioner Schlotterbeck has already said, just to sort of add to that that this transfer represents a key component of a commitment made by Mayor Street to Taller, which is one of the major cultural organizations that received a grant as part of our Cultural and Commercial Corridors Bond Initiative, which this Council approved last fall. And the favorable passage of this bill 19 will allow Taller to develop an educational cultural and historic center for the Latino community and the surrounding neighborhood. It's in keeping with the Mayor's vision to provide much needed funding and assistance to both arts and cultural 11/14/07 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 070869, ETC. organizations, as well as to Philadelphia neighborhoods, that Taller is receiving this grant. We feel that the center will provide a new focal point and gathering space for the entire Latino community. And, again, we join Public Property in supporting this bill and encouraging your favorable consideration. Thank you.
Good afternoon, Chairman Clarke and other members. My name is Carmen Febo San Miguel and I'm the Executive Director at Taller Puertorriqueno, Taller for short, the premiere Latino Cultural Center of Philadelphia. Through the power of the arts and culture, Taller has drawn the growing Puerto Rican/Latino community together, has added to the cultural life of the City and has educated thousands of children and adults over the last 33 years. I am here to speak in support of Bill No. 070905 introduced by Councilman 27 11/14/07 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 070869, ETC. Daniel Savage. Taller is involved in a capital expansion project in order to develop much needed additional space. Taller is committed to remaining in the heart of the Latino community where it is an integral part of its fabric, its challenges and its solutions. Expanded and upgraded state-of-the-art facilities will enable Taller to better serve the over 140,000 Puerto Rican/Latino citizens living in Philadelphia metropolitan area, continue to expand its offerings to the Philadelphia community at large and be more effective at attracting audiences from beyond the City and the region. One of the primary catalysts for economic expansion along the 5th Street corridor has been Taller in its role as a harbinger of Latino arts and cultural programming. This expansion and this development are central to achieving long-term community development 28 11/14/07 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 070869, ETC. objectives in the creation of a true cultural and business district in the Latino community. Securing the lot being considered with this bill would allow Taller to build that state-of-the-art facility. We, therefore, encourage the Committee to vote in favor of the bill. Thank you so much for your consideration.
Thank you for your testimony. Sounds like a wonderful endeavor. Any questions of these witnesses by members of the Committee? (No response.)
There being none, thank you very much. Anyone else to testify on this bill? (No response.)
There being none, would the Clerk please read the title of the next bill. 29 11/14/07 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 070869, ETC.
Bill 070906, an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into an agreement to sublease from the Philadelphia Municipal Authority a certain building located at 229 West Allegheny Avenue, under certain terms and conditions. COMMISSIONER SCHLOTTERBECK: Good afternoon, Chairman Clarke and members of the Public Property and Public Works Committee. I am Joan Schlotterbeck, Commissioner of Public Property. I'm here to testify in support of Bill No. 070906. This ordinance 18 authorizes me as the Commissioner, on behalf of the City, to enter into an agreement to sublease from Philadelphia Municipal Authority a certain building located at 229 West Allegheny Avenue in Philadelphia, all under certain terms and conditions. This bill will assist the 30 11/14/07 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 070869, ETC. Office of Supportive Housing, OSH, in its mission to provide shelter space for the male homeless population. The 229 West Allegheny facility will house approximately 70 men, thereby reducing the burden at an existing men's shelter located at 667 North Broad Street. This facility will also contain administrative office space for OSH staff and their provider. The Department supports this measure and, accordingly, I respectfully ask that Council approve 070906. I also respectfully request that the Committee pass this out under a favorable recommendation and that the rules be suspended to permit first reading at the next Council session. Thank you. I'm here to answer any questions. I also should mention that Dainette Mintz, the Director of OSH, is here and she'd be the best source for any direct questions about programming or service. 31 11/14/07 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 070869, ETC.
Thank you. COMMISSIONER SCHLOTTERBECK: You're welcome.
-- and members of the Committee. In Fiscal Year '06, community resident and property owner Luis Cruz proposed transitioning his property located at 229 West Allegheny from a neighborhood nightclub to a prospective supportive or emergency housing facility. In Fiscal Year '07, as OSH addressed growing community and neighborhood opposition to proposed emergency housing programs, we worked with providers and industry experts to develop a new emergency housing model that could be replicated throughout Philadelphia. This 32 11/14/07 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 070869, ETC. new model provides individualized and target components that include an array of comprehensive services. By eliminating program size to a maximum of 75 individuals, appropriate employment and job training services can be provided to all program participants in an empowering environment. This new emergency housing model also stresses a framework for community collaboration, community safety and community service. This will entail providing 24-hour-a-day security, community beautification initiatives and/or green spaces and the creation of community advisory groups to quickly address and resolve community concerns. During the 7th District Councilperson vacancy, OSH, in concert with the Department of Public Property, met with Council President Verna to discuss the proposed site. Council President Verna advised OSH to work with the current ward leader to obtain 33 11/14/07 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 070869, ETC. community support and input. In the fall of 2006, OSH worked with the 19th ward leader and the property owner to garner and gather a community meeting to discuss the proposed program. Nine community members and six provider and City representatives attended the meeting and engaged in a frank and productive conversation facilitated by the ward leader. Follow-up questions were submitted to OSH by the community and subsequently responded to. After agreeing to include community activity space in the site plan, the ward leader indicated his support for the proposed program in a letter addressed to Council President Verna dated September 12, 2006. The proposed site is a 9,000 square foot facility. The proposed program will serve a maximum of 75 single working men and accommodate offices, dormitory sleeping, a full kitchen, 34 11/14/07 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 070869, ETC. conference spaces, security stations, space for community members to host activities, an outdoor seating area and basketball court. The proposed lease term is five years, with the option to renew for an additional five years. Based on the linear regression, emergency housing demand for single males experiencing homelessness is projected to increase 4.4 percent or by approximately 60 unique individuals per year. Prevention and diversion activities are designed to curb this anticipated increase in demand. However, it is also essential to create small specialized and supportive programs to help move single individuals from emergency housing to transitional and permanent supportive housing opportunities. OSH respectfully asks that you support the bill.
Thank you. Ms. Mintz, has there been any community dialogue on this particular 35 11/14/07 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 070869, ETC. proposal that you know of, that you're aware?
Yes. There was a meeting held. Members of my staff attended, along with the ward leaders. It was at the time that there was not a -- there was a vacancy in the Council representation.
Okay. So there was a community meeting that was widely advertised?
Yes. We were advised by the Council President to work with the ward leaders because there wasn't a Councilperson in place at the time. And so during that summer of '06, we held two community meetings.
And there were concerns identified asking us to consider 36 11/14/07 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 070869, ETC. including space in the facility for community activities to occur. There were a series of concerns raised submitted to us in writing. We responded in writing and, of course, are ensuring that there will be the community space included in the facility.
If you could provide copies of both the issues voicing some levels of concern or interest and the response that was given from --
Okay. And we also have a copy of the sign-in sheet for those folks who attended. So we can provide that as well.
For the record, there was a meeting, I think it was, January or February of '07, Ms. Mintz. I know that a representative from my office did attend the meeting. I 37 11/14/07 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 070869, ETC. can't quite give you the date. I know it was cold. But we did -- Norris Gonzales, who is a constituent representative from my office, did attend one of those meetings, and the neighbors were in favor of it, the elected committee people, the ward leader, as you spoke of, and also the other elected officials, including State Senator Tina Tartaglione. And I encourage the Committee members of Public Property to vote this out with a favorable recommendation. I think it's a good project and I think that there's a need out there to take care of the homeless, and I think we can all agree upon that. Thank you.
Thank you, Councilman. Any questions? Councilman Greenlee.
Go ahead. 38 11/14/07 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 070869, ETC.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman and members of the Committee. I've spoken to the Councilman about this issue and I've been around so long that obviously when there was an elected official and because it deals with this homeless issue, I've toured the facility and talked with the City and the ward leader, et cetera, about this site. It's been a very long battle and it's been a long time coming to get the community on board, to contact the ward leader again and to do all that it takes to get this far years later. It's been a long time coming, and I think it will be a great project. And so I'm happy to join with Councilman Savage and the City and OSH in saying that I think it will be great.
Thank 39 11/14/07 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 070869, ETC. you.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Just quickly, I agree that this sounds like certainly a project that should be supported, and I just want to comment just generally, Ms. Mintz, on your general policy of keeping the maximum 75 you said. I would think that that would certainly help in whatever future endeavors you might have in other areas, because I know often times the complaint is just the pure numbers, and this, I think, is a good example of how it can work.
All right. 40 11/14/07 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 070869, ETC. Thank you. Ms. Mintz, real quick, I'm going to kind of catch you off guard. How many people are in the facility at Broad and Poplar?
How many? COMMISSIONER SCHLOTTERBECK: I said 15. I was kidding.
Broad and Ridge? COMMISSIONER SCHLOTTERBECK: 667 North Broad.
We have two facilities in the area. One facility has 41 11/14/07 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 070869, ETC. 200 men.
At Broad and Poplar, that's the Somerset facility. There are 66 women at the Broad and Poplar facility known as Somerset and 100 men.
We are taking them one site at a time. Part of the challenge that we have is identifying alternative properties. What we have presented to Council in our Fiscal Year '08 testimony is that we identify this 42 11/14/07 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 070869, ETC. new model of a maximum of 75, so any new facilities that we would do in the future, including when we'd be looking to reduce the census at that facility, would be trying to get it to mirror the new model that we've proposed.
When you issue your newest RFPs, will your RFPs call for a maximum of 75?
When we issue an RFP for funding for new facilities, it would be in support of the new model.
No more RFPs larger than that. Bear in mind, however, that we do have existing facilities that until the new projects come on line, we will continue to support them at their existing capacity until we can reduce the census and phase them down to the model. 43 11/14/07 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 070869, ETC.
Wait a minute. Let me make sure that you're not trying to trick me.
So you have an existing facility that has more than 75?
And there's a multi-year contract. Upon the issuance of the renewal of that contract, it will be for 75 max?
No. Upon the renewal of that contract, we'll be at whatever the existing capacity is if I don't have a new facility to transition --
How will 44 11/14/07 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 070869, ETC. you ever phase them down if you keep renewing contracts?
We will phase them down as we're able to bring on new projects. So, for example, with the facility that we're requesting support for today, we would move 75 men out of an existing facility to reduce the census there. As we are able to bring on additional projects, we will reduce the census from existing facilities to bring the numbers down.
But you're not going to renew contracts with a maximum of 75. You're going to maintain the status quo as it relates to contracts?
Because I have no 20 place to move those current residents to unless I have a new facility.
All right. But I asked the question about RFPs and new contracts. So it's not factual to say that all of the new contracts will be 45 11/14/07 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 070869, ETC. at a 75 max.
I said for new projects, for new emergency housing projects, they will be no more than a maximum of 75 so that we can begin to create new facilities to reduce the census in the existing.
So why can't we alter the reissuance of existing contracts to reflect the reduced number? It may not be 75, but that may not be feasible. But don't you think it's appropriate to start phasing that down?
I think it's appropriate to phase it down if I have an alternative location to move those additional residents to. The difficulty I have now is that I don't have another site to move the reduced census population to. So even if I enter into a contract saying I want you to achieve a lower census, the provider is dependent upon our agency identifying another site to move those facilities to, and the 46 11/14/07 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 070869, ETC. challenge we have is identifying an appropriate facility.
But won't that give you an opportunity to issue a new RFP if you reduce the numbers in the existing sites and then you have the ability to issue new RFPs for new sites?
What we've attempted to do is identify an alternative site first. We do make a request every year for new facilities. Depending upon whether we have the budget necessary to support a new facility, we are able to move forward on that. Unfortunately, in '08 we weren't. If we were to reduce the census in an existing property and say that we're going to issue an RFP, it basically means that I need to have sufficient resources in my budget to support another project. If I don't have another site, then I am basically in the position where I don't have anywhere to move those homeless residents to. 47 11/14/07 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 070869, ETC. So we've been trying to identify the facilities first before we start mandating a reduction in the census.
Okay. I actually can go pretty long with you on this one, but I know people need to move on. We have other issues to deal with. Thank you very much. Any questions of these witnesses by members of the Committee? (No response.)
Anyone else to testify on this particular bill? (No response.)
There being none, this concludes the public hearing. We will now go into the public meeting of the Committee on Public Property and Public Works. Councilwoman Miller, can I please ask for a motion on Bill No. 24 070869.
I move 48 11/14/07 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 070869, ETC. that Bill No. 070869 be reported out of this Committee with a favorable recommendation and further move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading at our next session. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that Bill No. 070869 be reported out of Committee with a favorable recommendation, with rules suspension. All in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it. Councilman Greenlee, can I ask for a motion on Bill No. 070878.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that Bill No. 24 070878 be reported out of this Committee with a favorable recommendation and, 49 11/14/07 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 070869, ETC. further, that the rules of Council be suspended to allow for first reading at our next session of Council. (Duly seconded.) CHAIRMAN CLARKE: It has been moved and seconded that Bill No. 070878 be reported out of Committee with a favorable recommendation. Those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it. Bill 070878 is reported out of Committee with a favorable recommendation, with rules suspension. Councilman Kelly, can I ask for a motion on Bill No. 070905.
Yes. Mr. Chairman, I move that Bill No. 070905 be reported out of this Committee with a favorable recommendation and further move for the suspension of the rules in order 50 11/14/07 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 070869, ETC. that this bill may be read at the next session of Council. (Duly seconded.)
Bill 070905 is reported out of Committee with a favorable recommendation, with rules suspension as to allow reading at the next session of Council. Councilman Rizzo.
Bill No. 19 070906 move from this Committee with a favorable recommendation and that the suspension of the rules be requested on Bill 070906. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and seconded. 51 11/14/07 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 070869, ETC. All in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it. Bill No. 070906 is reported out of Committee with a favorable recommendation, with rules suspension as to allow reading at the next session of Council. This concludes the public meeting on Public Property and Public Works. Thank you all very much. (Committee on Public Property and Public Works adjourned at 1:55 p.m.) - - - 52 CERTIFICATE I HEREBY CERTIFY that the proceedings, evidence and objections are contained fully and accurately in the stenographic notes taken by me upon the foregoing matter on November 14, 2007, and that this is a true and correct transcript of same. ______________________________ MICHELE L. MURPHY RPR-Notary Public (The foregoing certification of this transcript does not apply to any reproduction of the same by any means, unless under the direct control and/or supervision of the certifying reporter.)