Mm-hmm. COMMISSIONER BRUNWASSER: And, again, we've reached out to some of these organizations and to some of the schools. And we need -- and I know that you certainly have a lot of contacts with the schools, and we certainly look to foster that kind of relationship in Philadelphia.
Okay. I will look forward to a subsequent discussion and/or meeting to broaden and deepen the outreach. Lastly, please tell us your 298 4.13.10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET full name again and role in the department. MS. DiGIULIO: My name is Nicole DiGiulio, and I'm the training and development manager.
Thank you very much for your testimony. MS. DiGIULIO: Thank you.
First of all, I was remiss in not thanking your department for your participation in the mid-week workshop, where you guys came out and highlighted a number of contract opportunities to minority and female companies and did so. As a result, a lot of interest was developed, and, hopefully, some people got some jobs out of it. As we look at your participation goals from last year and 299 4.13.10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET what you intend to do so this year, those kinds of outreach efforts are critical. On the note of my colleague Councilwoman Reynolds-Brown, are you planning to be a worksite for some of the jobs programs offered by Obama in the stimulus money. It seems to me that I recall a program called SETA, where a lot of young people and trainable folk got a first-time opportunity to work in a City department and took advantage of that, took tests, wound up becoming a part of the workforce. And some of them -- God bless their souls -- are retiring from the City from those opportunities. COMMISSIONER BRUNWASSER: Yes, yes.
It seems to me that what is old becomes new. And is the Water Department going to be one of the sites where some of the workforce that we're trying to 300 4.13.10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET recruit through this program, are you going to take advantage of that opportunity? COMMISSIONER BRUNWASSER: We hope to, yes. I mean, we want to find out a little bit more. But certainly, we have a lot of opportunities in the Water Department. And as you see in looking at the budget and the list of positions, we have probably the most number of different titles, job title, in the City. So we have lots of -- we do lots of different things. We have lots of specialties and interests. And so, you know, we hope to fill the bill for some of these people.
It's -- and God knows, it is difficult to take advantage of all of these opportunities in a timely fashion that present themselves from the federal government. It is a hurry-up-and-wait-and-then-hurry- 301 4.13.10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET up proposition. But if, indeed, we can do this in a situation where these temporary jobs, even a small portion of them, matriculate into a permanent opportunity, it is well worth all of the back-and- forth this city has had to go to accommodate the federal sources of money. Finally, on the capital projects side, how are we doing with the underwater basins up in Manayunk that we are installing; have they have been completely installed? And wait a minute. Before you answer that, also -- 'cause I know that bell's going to ring -- how are we doing with our post-9/11 mandates for security? And I'll leave it at that. COMMISSIONER BRUNWASSER: Right. I'll answer the second question first. We are doing well with our mandates. As you know, we met recently about the Queen Lane water plant and some 302 4.13.10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET issues that the neighbors might have with some of the security measures that we're taking. But we are on target for the security measures that we need to take within the water, the streams, the rivers, and water plants.
And have we come to some kind of compromise? I see you're head shaking no. Is it where it was when we last left it? COMMISSIONER BRUNWASSER: I -- I think -- I think it's -- we haven't moved yet. I mean, we have met the folks halfway literally but, you know, they're -- we're --
You know, I was in the meeting. So I just want to know if we've made any further progress with that. COMMISSIONER BRUNWASSER: Yes. We're making another analysis based on the last meeting that we had.
Fair enough. COMMISSIONER BRUNWASSER: Yes. 303 4.13.10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET
Fair enough. COMMISSIONER BRUNWASSER: And the first question that you had was the Manayunk tank --
Yes. COMMISSIONER BRUNWASSER: That has just about been -- the design for that has been just about completed. And it's a very good project, I think, for the area. And I'm not sure when the go-ahead will come. We have some funding issues because it's a -- it's an expensive project for us, but it's one that needs to be done. And the regulatory agencies are looking for us to have that completed within a relatively short time.
Okay. Thank you. COMMISSIONER BRUNWASSER: By 304 4.13.10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET the way, I should tell you that the project -- I know you're interested in the Dobson's Run.
The Dobson's Run, yes. That was my first sewer that I actually walked through. COMMISSIONER BRUNWASSER: Yes.
Thank you very much for that experience. COMMISSIONER BRUNWASSER: That's an amazing engineering feat. That's drawing to a close and, hopefully, will be out of East River Drive before June. (Timer bell rings.)
Okay. And thank you for not having -- there was minimal invasiveness to the community, the dynamite under their buildings was barely heard, and we appreciate that professionalism, we really do. Thank you. (Councilwoman Tasco assumes chairmanship.) 305 4.13.10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Sanchez. You can proceed.
Thank you. Going back to the storm-water management issue. We had a conversation around how do we break down some of the silos, particularly in capital and in our recreation? And I wanted to know if you had any updates for me. I'm talking about in particularly, as we look at areas where we have storm-water management issues and where, in some cases, there were some rain garden plans, and there's a 306 4.13.10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET potential to do a recreation development project, where if we were to layer storm-water management with recreation, we could probably do a much better job. Have you reviewed some of the instances that I had shared with you? And is that a discussion that we can continue to pursue? COMMISSIONER BRUNWASSER: We certainly can continue to pursue it. As you may not know, the Water Commissioner serves on the Board of Parks and Recreation, so it -- the Water Commissioner position used to serve on the old Fairmount Park Commission.
Mm-hmm. COMMISSIONER BRUNWASSER: Which did not include very much of recreation, per se, as in the Recreation Department. But now I'm getting a lot closer to that. And we certainly are looking for opportunities, when we address storm water in the City, for using some land that is the City's owned land -- 307 4.13.10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET
Mm-hmm. COMMISSIONER BRUNWASSER: -- and helping the City achieve what it is needs to achieve onsite, while addressing storm water maybe from the community. And so, we're certainly interested in that, and we will continue to look for opportunities in those areas.
Okay. So I had given you some particular sites. How do you want me to pursue that? because those are areas where -- again, I guess my -- the response that I got from your staff was that what you were planning to do in that area was a lot smaller than the projects in line. But it just -- for me, it just makes total sense, as we break down silos and reach mutual goals, that we look at every capital project, particularly in underserved communities, to reach the storm-water management goal that would also probably help us offset some of the hikes around areas -- in poorer areas. 308 4.13.10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET You know, I'm going back to the issue before where people are going to get hit with some rate hikes. So how do you want to us pursue those projects? I have, like, six projects in my district, all of them, which, I believe, qualify, but you may not. But I just think that this is a great opportunity for us to do some good stuff around recreation, children, science, storm-water management, and I want to make sure that we capitalize on those opportunities. COMMISSIONER BRUNWASSER: We certainly will continue to look at any of the sites you are particularly interested in. Again, there has to be -- the word is synergies, I guess, for want of a better word, that work for us. In other words, if these projects are in single, you know, in the combined sewer area, that's a good thing because we will avoid 309 4.13.10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET combined sewer overflows, you know --
Right. COMMISSIONER BRUNWASSER: -- if this is managed right. And those tend to be in the older sections of the City. So, typically those are the areas that perhaps need the most work.
Well, I mean, I'm also concerned 'cause these are areas where we're doing neighborhood revitalization where there are a lot of vacant parcels, where we're not going to be able to enter into some sort of a storm-water management agreement until we redevelop them. So we have an opportunity where we're creating some infrastructure to capture some of that until we redevelop some this those sectors. So even in the short term, on paper, it may not look like, Okay, this didn't fit apples to apples. I think when we look at the long term, where we're sitting on thousands of vacant 310 4.13.10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET parcels that are either privately owned or that the City owns, and we're not going to be able to move 'em in a little bit. So I just think that -- so I'm just asking for the criteria for selection to be that where we kind of think outside the box. COMMISSIONER BRUNWASSER: Our folks in watersheds who do this type of work and who are looking for these kinds of projects and locations in the City should definitely become aware of those that you're thinking of and check them out. With our fancy GIS system and other technology that we now have in the Water Department, we could have a pretty good idea of what makes sense for us to pursue.
And as we move forward as it relates to some of the -- again, the nonprofit discussion we'll continue to have as it relates to 311 4.13.10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET storm-water management. But as you address the business sector, if you could continue to keep us informed. I mean, I like the fact that you're having those seminars, and we may want to do some of those seminars for some of the harder-to-reach communities -- you know, the Asian community, the Latino community, and others -- to clarify some of those issues. I'd be happy to -- particularly I know I had the list of my top ten worst, but I don't know how far down the list you've gotten now. If you want to share that, I'd be happy to co-host that with you in the district. COMMISSIONER BRUNWASSER: Okay.
Okay. No 24 more questions? Okay. I know you're glad. Time to go, right? 312 4.13.10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET MR. McPHERSON: The next department is the Streets Department. (Witness come forward.)
Good afternoon, Commissioner. Please identify yourself for the record and proceed with your testimony. COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Good afternoon, Council President Verna and members of City Council. I am Clarena Tolson, Commissioner of the Streets Department, and I'm here today to present testimony on behalf of the department's proposed FY 1011 Operating Budget. I'd like to share some highlights of our budget. We request a General Fund appropriation of $113 million and an All Funds Appropriation of $248 million. Our budget request for 2010 allows the department to maintain the core services that support our mission of clean and safe streets. 10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET funding for trash collection, single-stream recycling, roadway maintenance. In addition, it will enable us to maintain and expand innovative efficiencies, including incentive-based recycling and the solar-powered litter baskets that we implemented this past year. The Department of Streets is committed to supporting the Administration's goal of percent 13 minority-, women-, and disabled owned 14 businesses participating in City 15 contracting. The Streets Department 16 participation, including although 17 professional services contracts, has 18 exceeded 30 percent since Fiscal '08, and 19 we expect to meet that target again for 20 2011. 10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET to trash and recycling collection. 89 per ton for recycling materials. This, coupled with the avoided landfill cost of $65 a ton, generates a savings of $90 a ton for materials that are diverted from landfills. Our weekly single-stream recycling collection continues to generate the highest levels of recycling in the City's history. Since Mayor Nutter took office and with the support of City Council, the recycling diversion rate has more than doubled, and our combined recycling rate from curbside residential and commercial is at 39 percent. In February of 2010, the department launched Philadelphia Recycling Rewards, an incentive-based recycling program that rewards residents for recycling. By July, every resident with City-provided trash collection will be able to earn rewards. 10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET been significant. We expect that this initiative will increase our diversion rate between 5 and 10 percent over the next few years. The City has a performance-based contract with RecycleBank, our rewards partner, only if specific goals are obtained. Since I testified before you last year, the department dramatically changed the way litter is managed in Center City. The deployment of 500 solar-compaction litter receptacles is the largest anywhere in the country, and it has allowed the department to realize significant improvements in our collection system, slashing weekly collections from 17 to 5. We have also placed 200 public recycling units on the street, diverting tons of waste from landfills. 10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET corridors throughout the City. Beginning in Fiscal 2011, the Administration proposes to institute a "Clean Philly Fee" to support sanitation services in both collections and cleaning. The fee will allow collections to be maintained at current levels of service and full implementation of incentive-based recycling and support neighborhood cleaning and restore leaf collection. Now moving to the Transportation Division. Under the leadership of Deputy Commissioner Steven Buckley, we have performed well in the face of budget reductions, resulting in an 8 percent reduction in staff for our Highway Division. For 2010, the Smooth Streets program continued with a new target of three days to fill potholes. 10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET utilities that work within the City's right-of-way. In the past, the Streets Department had a 45-day turnaround for street-opening permits. We have since created a two-tier permit system and slashed the department's response time from 45 days to 5 days or 25 days, depending on project complexity.
Our Design Unit received funding for, designed, and bid three ARRA-funded projects worth over $18 million. These projects will result in the resurfacing of nearly 28 miles four our high-volume neighborhood streets and upgrading over 2,000 ADA ramps. Last year, the Design Unit advertised four capital projects, surpassing a recent historic average of two or three projects a year. In addition to its planned work program, the Design Unit advanced over twenty RESTORE projects and two PennDOT grant projects worth over $4 million. 10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET The $65 million South Street Bridge construction project continues to advance and is on budget and on schedule for a November 2010 opening. Beginning in a few weeks, using Recovery Act funding, the Traffic and Street Lighting Unit will convert 55,000 incandescent traffic signals to energy- efficient LED signals. My testimony would not be complete if I did not take a moment to talk about winter weather. The City experienced a record-breaking 75 inches of snow this winter. What could have been a disaster instead represented a triumph of City employees in a real winter emergency. Our city's half-a-billion-per day economy was functional in short order, while other cities were closed for days. I'd like to thank our citizens for their patience as we cleared nearly every block in the City. 10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET throughout the storm and for sharing information both from and with constituents. Most of all, I'd like to thank the men and women of the Streets Department, Fairmount Park, the Water Department, Licenses and Inspections, Public Property, Fleet Management, Recreation, Prisons, 311, CLIP, and the Managing Director's Office. These employees sacrificed greatly to keep Philadelphia safe and on the move. And I'd like to add a personal note of thanks on behalf of the citizens to the leadership from Kevin Koch, who was the operations manager throughout, and Steve Buckley and Nancy (indiscernible) for their leadership. In conclusion, I'd like to say that the Streets Department and its employees continue to rigorously pursue our mission of clean and safe streets. 10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET for 1826 employees, over 400 positions less than a decade ago. We continue to consistently deliver services in an effective and cost-efficient manner that directly impacts the quality of life for all City constituents. The budget proposed here allows the department to continue to provide such core services; therefore, we request your favorable consideration of this budget request. And I'm here to answer any questions that you may have.
Thank you very much. Commissioner, on of your testimony, you mentioned that the City has performance-based contracts with RecycleBank, our rewards partner, which shares savings only if specific goals are obtained. What are the goals and savings contained in the contract? 321 4.13.10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET COMMISSIONER TOLSON: I'll let Deputy Commissioner Williams outline the details of how that contracts works.
Thank you. DEPT. COMM. WILLIAMS: Good afternoon. Thank you, Madam President. My name is Carlton Williams, and I'm Deputy Streets Commissioner for The Sanitation Division. One of the things that we're very excited about that we launched this year was a performance-based contract with RecycleBank. As you know, the history of our program with RecycleBank is that the program originally had originally cost too much money for the City to invest in, and we were able to work together with RecycleBank to come up with a process that that would only pay the fee unless recycling rates increase. This performance-based project is based in three tiers. If recycling rates increase above the baseline levels, 322 4.13.10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET where they currently are right now, they obtain a percentage of the savings from the City of Philadelphia through avoided disposal and the recycling revenue, which is currently $25 a ton, as the Commissioner said earlier. So, for example, if recycling rates went from a diversion rate of percent to percent, that would be 11 $40,000 in additional tonnage in which we 12 would split the avoided disposal cost and 13 the revenue that is gained from that with 14 RecycleBank, because the program directly 15 increased the program -- increased the 16 recycling rates and tonnages in those 17 areas. 18 And it's only paid per area 19 that they're currently rolled out in. So 20 this year, right now, we're in Areas 1, 21 2, and 3. And so, the performance-based 22 contact will only be in the areas that 23 they're currently started in. 24
What are Areas 1, 2, and 3? 323 4.13.10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET DEPT. COMM. WILLIAMS: Right now, West Philadelphia, North Philadelphia, and South Philadelphia. But we're in North Philadelphia right now and Center City.
Thank you. DEPT. COMM. WILLIAMS: You're welcome.
Commissioner, how many vacant General Fund positions do you have currently have? COMMISSIONER TOLSON: One moment, Councilwoman, and I'll give you that exact number. It's 140, Councilwoman.
And what positions are they? COMMISSIONER TOLSON: The positions vary. They go from clerical 324 4.13.10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET positions, construction-project positions, engineers. Most of them are laborers and drivers.
And are you confident that you could efficiently do your job with 140 less employees? COMMISSIONER TOLSON: No, Councilwoman. The positions that we had budgeted, as part of our plan, all of them are not hired at the beginning of the year, the beginning of the fiscal year. It's part of our strategy, particularly with Sanitation, which has the largest piece of those vacancies. We hire people at the height of our need for people. So we allow our staffing to attrit, the numbers to go down. And then we hire up in the springtime. The same thing for our Paving Operations and our Highways Division.
You mention in your testimony that you expect 325 4.13.10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET to increase your diversion rate between percent and percent over the next 4 few years; is that correct? 5 COMMISSIONER TOLSON: That's 6 correct. 7
Can 8 you explain why the revenue estimates 9 contained in the Five-Year Plan are held 10 flat, at the 2011 rate, for the out-years of the plan? COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Yes. The reason why we have not made -- we've held them flat over the next several years is because of the volatility of the recycling market, though we expect our tonnage to increase dramatically as more people participate and they are recycling more materials. We do not, however, know what's going to happen with our recycling rate. Over the last year, our rate has a varied from payments of 25.89, where we are right now, we're getting paid 25.89 to us paying $14.52. That's just in this one 326 4.13.10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET year. In the year prior to that, we were getting paid as high as $44, and we paid as much as $32. Those numbers vary by quarter. And the nature of our relationship with the recycling market and processing means that our costs will fluctuate based upon how the commodities markets fluctuate. So we have left the numbers flat, at zero, not projecting any cost nor any revenue.
Well, assuming you do increase your diversion rate by 5 percent, how much do you save in landfill costs? And are these savings reflected in the out-years of the Five-Year Plan? COMMISSIONER TOLSON: The tonnage is reflected; however, there is no revenue or cost associated with that. And the in terms of recycling revenue, it is also reflected in the reduction in our disposal costs. So we accounted for it in disposal, but we have 327 4.13.10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET not taking credit for it in recycling.
Thank you. Commissioner, I know that we had a horrible, horrible winter; and the potholes tell us so. COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Yes.
How are we addressing the issue of the potholes? And I notice -- I don't know. How are they filling the potholes now? because, apparently, whatever they're doing it, a week after they've filled the potholes, there's another dent. So it's not like they did it in years gone by. There's a new process apparently? COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Yes.
Do you think this new process is correcting the problem? COMMISSIONER TOLSON: During the winter months, when it's colder, we 328 4.13.10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET were doing some temporary patching, something that would allow us to fill a hole on a temporary basis. However, that is often washed out by rain, requiring a replacement patch. However, since the weather has changed, we are doing it with a permanent patch, either with asphalt or through a process where we use an automated repair system. Both -- all three of those processes are the same as they have been in the past years. In past years, we've done the temporary patches during the winter months or the colder months, the colder times, and we've done the permanent repairs in the warmer times. So nothing is very different; it's just --
I just don't remember the temporary. COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Yes, we've always done it.
I 329 4.13.10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET don't recall that. Maybe we didn't have as many potholes in the past as we have today. COMMISSIONER TOLSON: That is the problem.
Uh-huh. COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Last year, in 2009, we had 11,000 potholes that we repaired. This year, year-to-date -- and there's still a lot more to be done -- we've done almost 15,000 potholes. So that is a difference, that is why we all feel that they are not being repaired or that there is a problem with potholes, because there are so many, and as a direct result of the winter that we had, a very bad winter, lots of freeze-thaw cycles. I think the month of February, we were under snow almost every day, it felt like. So as a result, we had a significant number of potholes to repair. 330 4.13.10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET
How were -- COMMISSIONER TOLSON: And they will continue to "bloom," as we say; they will continue to pop up probably for another few months.
How are we doing with resurfacing? COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Resurfacing has just begun. We expect to do approximately 46 miles this year. That number is down dramatically because of the requirements to do ADA ramps, which takes about half of our money.
Well, 46 miles tells me nothing about what will be resurfaced in my district. COMMISSIONER TOLSON: We'll glad to share information about that with you.
Would you, please? COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Yes, indeed. 331 4.13.10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Madam President. Good afternoon, everyone. And thank you for your -- all of everybody's hard work during those couple of snowy months. Just as the President talked about the potholes, let me just ask: Is the target date still three days, given that there's a lot more going on out there, "sprouting up," as you call it? COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Yes. We are still meeting our three-day goal -- in fact, we are a little underneath that -- for potholes.
Great, okay. Now, with plumber's ditches -- and I know the difference here where the street is opened either -- you know, most 332 4.13.10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET of the time by private people. I know there's a given time where the private person is supposed to maintain it, right? COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Yes.
How long a period is it? COMMISSIONER TOLSON: The plumber's supposed to maintain it for at least 30 days.
Okay. Now, I assume, from what we hear, a lot of that doesn't happen, you know, for whatever reason. Either they don't know or they don't -- is -- does the City do anything in that time period if people complain about a plumber's ditch that was just left open? COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Yes. We do go back to the plumber, or whoever may have opened the street, to require that they do the temporary fill properly. So if they throw in stones, which is not the proper way to fill it, then we'll have 'em go back, and their 333 4.13.10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET clock begins again.
Is there a violation you actually issue them or -- COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Yes. They may receive a violation for that.
Okay. So they can be fined if they don't follow through? COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Yes.
Okay. Just one question on alley lights; I know I've brought this up before. What -- I know the streetlights seem to be fixed except when there's an electrical problem or something, a pretty quick time frame. But the alleyway lights, sometimes we get complaints that they go a long time. Do you have an average of what alley lights -- when you try to get them fixed? COMMISSIONER TOLSON: We try to tackle most of them in the spring, those that we can access and can repair. 334 4.13.10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET
Mm-hmm. COMMISSIONER TOLSON: It's a matter of replacing a bulb. If there's that's something than that, then it may be a bigger challenge.
Mm-hmm. COMMISSIONER TOLSON: But we try to stay fairly on top of those and tackling most of them in the spring months.
Mm-hmm. And I guess access is a big problem 'cause there are -- COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Access is a big problem.
Either they're blocked intentionally by a gate or sometimes by debris or whatever, right? COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Yes.
One last thing. Just so I'm clear on what you get per ton for recycling, just I'm clear on what you said. 335 4.13.10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Yes.
I know in your testimony, you said we receive $25.89 per ton per recycling material, but then you said something in the answer to the President that there's tons that the City pays. Can you explain that a little bit? COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Yes. So this quarter, beginning in April, we're receiving $25.89. However, if I'd gone back to -- and that number fluctuates every quarter.
Mm-hmm. COMMISSIONER TOLSON: There are indices that we use to evaluate our costs or revenue for recycling. And that fluctuates. So if I go back to a prior quarter... I just want to get you the exact numbers, so give me second, please.
Mm-hmm. COMMISSIONER TOLSON: So last quarter, from January through March, we 336 4.13.10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET were receiving $5.04. The quarter prior to that, we were paying 38 cents.
Mm-hmm. COMMISSIONER TOLSON: The quarter prior to that we were paying $14.52.
Mm-hmm. COMMISSIONER TOLSON: So it fluctuates, almost like the stock market.
Mm-hmm. COMMISSIONER TOLSON: It depends upon the value of the commodity it's based upon, how the processes can sell them, you know, how well the Asian markets may be doing in terms of receiving the materials to use for new commodities.
I didn't know it was that complicated. And is that broken down? I know we have single- stream recycling. COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Yes.
But is that broken down through material as far 337 4.13.10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET as, I mean, paper versus plastic and all that kind of stuff? COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Yes. We get different rates for paper, newspaper versus cardboard versus bottles, clear bottles, colored bottles, versus aluminum cans.
Mm-hmm. COMMISSIONER TOLSON: And we actually do an assessment or an evaluation of our recycling stream to determine how much is composed of aluminum, how much is paper, how much is each of the commodities, that given the value and, based upon that, a formula is developed for the value of our commodities, and we stick with that formula for a fair amount of time. We're actually in the midst of doing a composition study right now, a trash composition study to understand what's in our materials.
Mm-hmm. COMMISSIONER TOLSON: And we 338 4.13.10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET are able to adjust that. Now, obviously, that formulation is different community-to- communities. In some communities, you're going to see more paper; in some communities, you're going to see more bottles; others, you see more cans.
What is the better or the -- what do you get more for? Or does that vary also? I mean, is paper more? COMMISSIONER TOLSON: It can vary.
Is paper worth more than plastic? I'm sorry. COMMISSIONER TOLSON: It can vary.
It can vary? COMMISSIONER TOLSON: It depends upon the need in the market, where the processors can go.
Mm-hmm. COMMISSIONER TOLSON: So paper 339 4.13.10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET may be up this year; and two years ago, it may have been down.
Mm-hmm. COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Aluminum tends to stay up, plastic stays up. Plastic is -- it takes a lot of material or a volume in order to make a ton of plastics.
Mm-hmm. COMMISSIONER TOLSON: But the values are always there.
Do you have any statistics on the cost per material that you get, or anything like that? (Timer bell rings.)
I'd just be interested to see what the differences are. COMMISSIONER TOLSON: By commodity?
Yeah. COMMISSIONER TOLSON: We'd be glad to share that with you. 340 4.13.10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET
If you could. COMMISSIONER TOLSON: And we'll send that in.
Okay, great. Thank you. COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Certainly.
You're welcome. Recycling is picked up by the Streets Department. Who actually sorts it out, as far as paper and plastic? Is that done by the recycling company? COMMISSIONER TOLSON: That is done by Blue Mountain, located at 29th and Ellsworth.
In our old neighborhood. 341 4.13.10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET COMMISSIONER TOLSON: All of our materials are presently going there.
Thank you. COMMISSIONER TOLSON: I thought you would like to know that location.
Thank you. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Madam President. Commissioner, I just want to get the good part out first, and there's a lot of good parts, but the good part is that during a snow event like we had last year, I have been around long enough to see other events, and I can't think of a better opportunity that you took to test what you had with limited resources and did well. We were able to chronicle over 50 different requests that I immediately did two things. I sent it to 311, and 342 4.13.10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET then I sent it to you. In 95 percent of those cases, we got favorable responses back, and we kept track. So no one can expect a city department to control the weather. But what you did was control our streets to the degree that you could with the resources you were able to marshal. And I just want to thank you from all of the residents from my district. Carlton Williams I also have on speed-dial. That is not going to help you when football season happens. The Monarchs will crush you. But that's another story for another day. But I just wanted to publicly thank all of offer staff for being so responsive. COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Thank you, Councilman. On behalf of the team, I do thank you.
All right. COMMISSIONER TOLSON: It was a major effort on everyone's part. And we 343 4.13.10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET were all together in this, and it worked.
I saw you personally out, shoveling snow, and I was impressed.
And she did admit that she had many sleepless nights.
Yes, she did. Also, I want to thank you for being responsive. I asked you about, as we consider revenue enhancements such as fees for trash, to give -- I asked your department to give me a matrix of what surrounding counties did. And not only did you give me a matrix of it; you gave me a map as to where they did it. And this is very interesting and will be a part of our deliberations as we start to consider what options we have. But the information request and response was real good. More recently, I asked you about a old issue with our bridges in the 344 4.13.10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET City of Philadelphia, of which we have over 300 of them. I sent a e-mail to you on the 9th, and I wanted to know, between you and the City and Deputy Mayor Cutler, if you've had an opportunity to respond to some of those information requests. COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Yes. Thank you, Councilman. I'm going to allow Deputy Commissioner Steven Buckley to address your questions.
Okay. COMMISSIONER TOLSON: We have had the chance to review them. And we do have answers. I apologize that we have not yet put that in writing to respond to you, but we did come prepared today to discuss it.
It was only Friday. I know you have some potholes to fix, so we'll be a little understanding of the time. And some of those questions were that, do we have a complete list of 345 4.13.10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET bridges -- and I think this is a easy answer -- in the City of Philadelphia? And more importantly, their ownership. COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Yes, we do.
All right. And are there different levels of responsibility by way of ownership? If we don't own the bridge, do we sill have to maintain it? Are there different agreements per bridge? COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Yes, yes.
Can you describe some of those types of agreements for me? COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Sure, sure, we can. I'll let Deputy Commissioner Buckley address that. DEPT. COMM. BUCKLEY: Thank you. Steve Buckley, Deputy Commissioner for Transportation. So, Councilman, the question is basically, you were asking about number of bridges within Philadelphia. 346 4.13.10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET There's almost 1500 bridges within the City of Philadelphia. Of the total, the City of Philadelphia has maintenance responsibility for about 422 structures. We are the largest. PennDOT has about 338 bridges. SEPTA has about 400 bridges. And then we have various agencies such as Conrail, Amtrak, private entities, DRPA, railroads, and other agencies who make up the list, somewhere in the order -- most of 'em are under a hundred bridges each. So there is a large number of bridges. In general, most bridges, the maintenance responsibilities are the responsibility of the owner. There are some anomalies to that. The City actually does some maintenance on some PennDOT bridges, but that tends to be the exception and not the norm. For the most part, I think that the biggest bridge that you kind of 347 4.13.10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET raised with us is 52nd Street?
I have a series of question that are very leading to get to where I want to be. DEPT. COMM. BUCKLEY: Okay. So the inspection frequency? The Streets Department specifically has responsibility for what we'll say is 156 major vehicular bridges, and what we classify as major bridges are typically structures over feet. 16 And the bridges -- these 17 bridges are eligible for both state and 18 federal funding for rehabilitation and 19 replacement. 20 The bridges, all 156 major bridges, are inspected at least once every two years, and that's a federal requirement.
So does that include bridges that are not necessarily 348 4.13.10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET in our ownership? DEPT. COMM. BUCKLEY: Typically, no. Typically, the bridge owner is responsible for that.
So in cases -- so we do not necessarily inspect bridges that are not in our specific ownership. (Timer bell rings.) DEPT. COMM. BUCKLEY: Correct.
Thank you, Madam President. In cases where bridges have been deemed unsafe and/or dangerous, what is responsibility? DEPT. COMM. BUCKLEY: Unsafe and dangerous is -- well, I'll say I'm not sure what that definition is. In the industry, there's typically two triggers: One is that it's functionally obsolete; and the other is 349 4.13.10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET that it's structurally deficient. Functionally obsolete bridges tend to mean that the characteristics of the bridge -- the lane widths, the shoulder widths -- are not up to current standards, so they don't necessarily impose an imminent safety threat.
So when you define "safety threat," does that include pedestrians that travel under them? DEPT. COMM. BUCKLEY: That is typically not a characteristic of a bridge inspection, but it does not necessarily mean that bridges -- I mean, there are bridges where there are materials on top of 'em that they can fall off due to either accident or purposefully being thrown.
Yes. Exhibit A, this is a railroad spike that I picked up from the 52nd and Jefferson Street Bridge. DEPT. COMM. BUCKLEY: Yes, sir.
There are 350 4.13.10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET hundreds, if not over a thousand, pedestrians that walk under that bridge, drive under that bridge, take mass transportation under that bridge every day. We have sent a series of correspondence to Amtrak since we have been in elected office, and we've gotten excuses, we've gotten justification. In our last meeting, after Congressman Fattah made them, and I do mean made them meet with us, after ignoring those correspondence, we were told that there was good news, that the repairs were coming, and that this was going to happen. What we got was fencing put up on either side of the bridge or plans for it that protect their interests from pedestrians walking across their property, not a safety net for the children that go to the schools around there. And I'm telling you now -- I've 351 4.13.10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET been very patient with this, and this is not directed at, but this is directed at my level of frustration about it, that we -- we're not going to -- we are not going to abdicate the City's responsibility in keeping people, pedestrians, people on transportation safe in our city. And when we cite from their own reports, from their own reports, that these bridges are, quote, dangerous and that they've deferred maintenance for decades and that they don't see anything, quote, wrong with it, when you can visit -- I don't have to be an engineer to look up under a bridge and see daylight or to look down on the ground and see rocks that are supposed to be for the securing of the track on the ground. I don't have to see any of this and be an engineer to know that we have a problem. And then that we are planning to put high-speed Acela trains on those same bridges. 352 4.13.10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET Now, I'm saying to you, there was money transferred to the City of Philadelphia for that specific bridge, for that specific bridge in past administrations. And due to transfer ordinance and this and that, it was not repaired. I'm saying to you I don't understand of all of these structural who's responsible for what and what is deemed dangerous, but this is dangerous in a layperson's term. And either we will step up or we will take a court action and sue everyone involved so that those people are safe. And I'm telling you now I'm going to follow the protocols. I sent the letters, I'm doing my due diligence, but I guarantee you, without fear of successful contradiction, I will shut that corner down before a kid gets hurt. Thank you very much for your patience, Madam President. 353 4.13.10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET
Thank you, Madam Chair. I notice you used the green timer on Captain Ahab over there. (Laughter.) Did you get that white whale, Councilman? Okay. I'm following Councilman Jones on Facebook, so those are those references. Good afternoon Commissioner and everybody. It's good to see you. I have been asking every department about vacant positions or newly-created positions. And I understand there's been some discussion on that, so I won't go through the -- in detail the eight new or unfilled positions in -- I don't know what division that is; I guess it's Administrative -- Engineering Designs. Or the two -- four newly-created positions in Districts and City Plans, or the 44 new or unfilled positions in 354 4.13.10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET Highways, or the new or unfilled positions in Traffic Engineering or the 175 new or unfilled positions in Sanitation or the new or unfilled 6 positions in General Support, but I will 7 touch on several of 'em. First of all the Sanitation Division you're creating, just with respect to new positions, three new sanitation crew chief positions. Why do we need three new positions when there are seven currently unfilled? COMMISSIONER TOLSON: One moment, Councilman. I just want to get up to the same page where you are.
It's section 18 44, , line 10. COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Councilman, those three positions represent positions that will be added to support the services that we would add if the fee is passed as we propose it.
How many positions here are related to new 355 4.13.10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET services that are from the fee, out of these 175 positions? COMMISSIONER TOLSON: One moment.
And you can apply that question to every division with new or unfilled positions. COMMISSIONER TOLSON: One moment, Councilman. Councilman, I'm looking for my notes. I don't have it at my fingertips, but I believe the number is 43.
Okay. Of the other unfilled positions -- and let's just take the seven unfilled street crew chief positions; how is that work getting done now, and who's doing it? COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Councilman, the way we handle much of the 356 4.13.10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET operational work, particularly in the transportation side and in collections, we staff up when we have our heaviest amount of work. And during other periods, we allow ourselves to attrit down. So it may look as if we're carrying vacancies that we do not need. However, we wait until the time when we need them, which is the springtime for, say, highway pavings, when you want to make sure that you have all of your staff in place for that. The same thing for collections.
I understand, I understand. These are crew chief positions, though, and I'm asking specifically with respect to those seven unfilled positions. How long have they been unfilled? COMMISSIONER TOLSON: One second, Councilman. Could you tell me which page you're on?
86, line 10. 357 4.13.10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Councilman, I'd like to be able to look at this a little more clearly and get back to you on that.
Okay. So with respect to every unfilled position in your department, I'd like to know how long it's been unfilled, how the job function is currently being performed. (Timer bell rings.) And if the sky would fall, and explain why it would fall if we didn't fill it this year. What positions are seasonal that go up and down? I imagine, you know, that's like labor and other people like that. And what positions are considered permanent positions by your department? You know, and specifically, what are the 43 positions in Sanitation related to the proposed trash fee? And what other positions in any other division or department of your -- 358 4.13.10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET or division of your department that meet the same category? And, obviously, I'm looking to -- how long do you think it will take you to prepare that information? COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Councilman, I will certainly do my best to capture much of what you requested. Some of it I'm not sure that the data exists very easily to account for each position in terms of how long it's been unfilled. Let's say with laborers, we have people come in and out of those fairly frequently, but I will do my best to give you as much information as I have.
Okay. Doing your best, how long do you think it will take you to get it to me? COMMISSIONER TOLSON: I can do my best and respond by Monday with whatever I have.
By Monday of 359 4.13.10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET next week? COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Yes.
Okay. COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Would that be sufficient? Whatever I have, I will give you what I have.
Thank you. Do you happen to know the dollar-amount associated with the 43 people in Sanitation? COMMISSIONER TOLSON: I will include that with the analysis.
You don't know that? COMMISSIONER TOLSON: I'm looking for my sheet, Councilman. I can't put my fingers on it right away.
Thank you, Madam President. I had a question pertaining to 360 4.13.10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET your M/W/DBE participation and the fact that you got 30 percent in Fiscal Year 2008 and that you expect to get there this year. Is there any reason why you -- your number is not increasing? You're one of the few departments that actually obtains this. I'm trying to help out the Mayor in getting a percent government 11 goal. 12 What areas does that 25 percent 13 represent? 14 COMMISSIONER TOLSON: I'm not 15 sure I understand what you mean by "what 16 areas." 17
What 18 types of contracting are you able to 19 successfully contract to minority- and 20 women-owned businesses? 21 COMMISSIONER TOLSON: We 22 have -- our largest piece is with regard 23 to our disposal contracts. 24
Okay. 25 COMMISSIONER TOLSON: And then 361 4.13.10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET we also have some other personal services contracts.
What types of services? I'm trying to identify if there are any services -- we've been told by many departments that we can't do daycare, cut lawns, cut trees. So I'm trying to find out what areas we have been successful in identifying providers. COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Training has been quite successful. We recently had added some engineering contracts, historical and signal timing.
Is there ever an opportunity for departments to share some of those lists in terms of professional services where they have identified good minority contractors? Do you guys ever talk about that at the executive team level? 362 4.13.10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET COMMISSIONER TOLSON: I don't recall there being a time when we shared the tiles, but we certainly could.
Okay. Yeah, I think that would be important. I want to applaud you because your department is doing well, and I think there might be some things that you're doing that you might be able to help some of your colleagues in other departments in terms of, you know, deliberately going out there and looking at what services are out there and where they might be able -- I look at engineering, for instance, and that may be something that could cross several different departments 'cause we hire engineering services for different ones. So if you've identified good minority- or women-owned businesses, it would be good to share that with your colleagues since some departments are not doing as well as you are. I wanted to ask about the 363 4.13.10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET impacts if we don't do the trash fee, so I'd like a delineation of what you consider to be what is going to be enhanced services that is currently not being offered today. COMMISSIONER TOLSON: If we don't do the fee, what would be enhanced?
Yeah. What is the enhanced services -- one, two, three bullets of enhanced services that the Streets Department is not offering today that this fee would allow you to do? COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Okay. We shared previously some of the services, but we will give that you in a bullet form.
Okay. What are we doing as it relates to graffiti, for instance? COMMISSIONER TOLSON: We're going to be increasing our graffiti efforts, removing more graffiti. Also vacant lot cleanup and neighborhood 364 4.13.10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET commercial corridor cleaning. We propose it to happen in our first year of our activity. And in the second year, we propose to consider significantly -- and also, I should say, in the first year is the addition of -- the re-addition of leaf collection. In the second year of the program, we'll be considering things such as bulk collection and other expansions with regard to cleaning.
What is our backlog on vacant lot cleanups right now? COMMISSIONER TOLSON: I'll get you that information.
Okay. The last I heard from 3-1-1, it was about 800. So I'm wondering, our enhanced services, how much are we going to be able to break down that 800? COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Okay, we'll check that. 365 4.13.10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET
You'll have to get back to me on that one too? COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Yes.
Okay. Again, I think that we're trying to get to a situation where we understand exactly what the additional services would get us as it relates to a backlog. I think there's a -- and I'm happy that the Pew study and others are saying that people are pleased with our city services, but there are clearly some City services that we have not bee doing as well as in past, and I want to put that in a context to folks, because those are the services that districts like mine request frequently, which is a vacant lot cleanup, some of the graffiti removal. So if we're going to do any cuts, I want to make sure that we're not doing it in the areas that while there's a level of satisfaction, clearly there's a continuous backlog of services. So I want to get to that number so as we're 366 4.13.10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET looking through the budget we could be helpful. (Timer bell rings.) And then I'll end by thanking you and your department for your responsiveness. This is my third budget. And so, over the years, we've gotten better at this. And I'm proud of my increased recycling rates Are we at 10, Carlton? Are we at 10? DEPT. COMM. WILLIAMS: Very close to it, Councilwoman. Very close to it.
Okay. But more importantly, the litter index reduction, and I want to thank your team and your department for that. We do numerous, numerous cleanups, and you're incredibly responsive. And I know I'm incredibly demanding, but I want you to know that I truly appreciate it, and I thank your guys all the time in the field; I hope 367 4.13.10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET they tell you that, that I appreciate them. And I look forward to continuing to work as we deal with those challenging issues on the ground. So thank you. COMMISSIONER TOLSON: And, Councilwoman, I just want to add a thank-you in there as well. I don't know if you and Councilman Darrell Clarke are in a contest.
I'm ahead; there's no contest. COMMISSIONER TOLSON: I'm not going to judge, but I just will say that you are -- between the efforts of the two of you, I think that you have really gained a significant number of people who signed up for the rewards program, and that means -- and that's only because you go out every meeting and you talk about the importance of recycling and the need to sign up for the rewards program. And without that leadership, it 368 4.13.10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET shows. It shows when we don't have that support. So I thank you for what you're doing every day. I can tell.
I'm ahead, I'm ahead. COMMISSIONER TOLSON: I think the Councilman would want to continue working hard to keep up, but it's --
Tell him I'm ahead and they have to work harder. COMMISSIONER TOLSON: But your recycling numbers are showing the difference. People are recycling, and the community is getting cleaner. And we will work with other departments that are also involved in lot cleanups to get all that you need with regard to a lot of information.
Captain Ahab 369 4.13.10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET on my white whale. I had a Snickers bar. I'm going to do this all day until that bridge gets fixed. Do you have on record instances of reports that you may have gotten about complaints about that particular bridge? DEPT. COMM. BUCKLEY: Councilman, we're looking into that. There's one -- in the two years I've been here, there's one known instance of a report of material falling off the bridge.
Okay. DEPT. COMM. BUCKLEY: And it wasn't -- it wasn't verified what it was.
I could tell you there have been more instances. DEPT. COMM. BUCKLEY: Yeah.
The other thing is, do you recall in the job action, when SEPTA had the issue and the railcar came down and caught on fire on one Lancaster Avenue? DEPT. COMM. BUCKLEY: Yes. 370 4.13.10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET
Do you know that it was less than 700 feet from that bridge? And based on the quick response of the City of Philadelphia, emergency management team, members of your department, members of the Fire Department, that story had a happy ending, because everybody was evacuated off of that car, there was no problems. But had it moved another thousand feet down that track, it would have been at that overpass, it would have been in a area where the first responders can't get to it as easily, because it's cemented up. To me, that is a safety hazard that needs looking into, 'cause another hundred feet -- I don't believe that the thousands of people that ride that train know how unsafe they are when they do it. What does it take for us to intervene when even a federal government isn't doing the right thing by way of being responsible for repairs in our 371 4.13.10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET jurisdiction? I need a answer to that. I'm going to keep asking the question until it gets an answer. DEPT. COMM. BUCKLEY: Well, I would just be careful in saying "unsafe," 'cause I mean there's -- when you talk about a bridge being unsafe, that typically means that it's in a situation where it actually may collapse. And all the bridges are inspected, and we are sure that the bridges you're referring to are actually owned by Amtrak.
According to the Paul Nessbaum's Inquirer article of September 20th and according to the his source in Amtrak, Amtrak inspectors have rated many of these structures elements of poor; some components even worse, marking serious, just one grade above failed. I don't know; I'm not an engineer. How do you interpret that? 372 4.13.10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET DEPT. COMM. BUCKLEY: I'm not sure -- I have not seen the report so I can't comment on that. But the Amtrak basically takes the position they are under the jurisdiction of the Federal Railroad Administration. They are a federally sanctioned organization.
Yeah. That's a good point. Did you know that Amtrak has the right to inspect its own bridges on almost like a honor system; did you know that? Do you think that maybe we, as a municipality, might want to look into whether they're being honorable about their reporting? And when they do report it, they say that they're one step above fail. I don't know. Maybe we should send an inspector or two out there. DEPT. COMM. BUCKLEY: Well, what we can do is, we work with your office to follow up on this, but Amtrak does not release their bridge inspection 373 4.13.10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET reports to the public, even through a City agent.
Oh, yes, they did. Actually, they did. Actually, it was a part of a lawsuit, and they had to. And it was damning and shocking. And I'm saying that as a municipality, we need to be able to say, Okay, they're failing, and we need to take a look at it, because God forbid something happens on that corridor, I'm going to remind you of these transcripts, that we said please -- the Parkside community, the Lancaster Avenue Business Association, and the Councilman said, "Please come take a look at this." DEPT. COMM. BUCKLEY: As I spoke with your aide, we are more than willing to work with you to convene Amtrak in and have them in for a meeting.
I would yield at this point and come back around 'cause...
The 374 4.13.10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you. I have two brief questions. One, I was at a community meeting a couple of weeks ago, and I thought we had stopped picking up bulk trash, but I was told by my constituents that no, they still get bulk trash collected. COMMISSIONER TOLSON: I tink everyone kind of defines "bulk" in different ways. Metal, bulk-like water heaters, air conditioners, we do not pick those up any longer. However, if there's a combustible, something that crushes like wood, which could be bulky, like a dresser, we will collect that.
A bedroom dresser. COMMISSIONER TOLSON: A bedroom dresser yes. So if that is a wooden bedroom dresser, that is considered in many communities to be a bulk item, but 375 4.13.10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET because it is compostable and it will crush easily in the back of our compactor, we will collect those. But we will not collect water heaters and air conditioners or refrigerators, as we used to.
Oh, okay. Thank you very much. I felt a little embarrassed because they knew more than I did about all bulk trash (inaudible, off-mic), but they were pleased 'cause all they had to do was call the Streets Department to get that done. The other thing is, I too want to thank you for your quick response to my office and when we call your department for service, and certainly appreciate the efforts you put forth during the snow to take care of the number of calls that we made and my constituents made. I do want to tell you, though, that I do notice an increase in graffiti. 376 4.13.10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET And before, you know, we could handle it very quickly, get rid of it, but I see it creeping up. My Lawncrest Rec Center, up on Rising Sun Avenue, and here and there in spots, where you might see it one day, and the next day, it's gone. So I do hope we're able to reconstitute that program to the point where we could call and get graffiti removed quickly 'cause it does change the character of the neighborhood, and so, that's very important. COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Okay. We will certainly share that and work on that issue the best that we can with others.
Thank you. Councilman Green, do you want to wait until the end or --
Sure. Well, it sounds like Councilman Jones 377 4.13.10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET (inaudible, off-mic.)
Thank you. Thank you, Madam President. Good afternoon, Clarena and Carlton and the other deputy commissioner. A few weeks ago, I guess a couple Saturdays ago, I attended the block captain rally, and congratulations on getting so many people out; it was a good rally. And so, it made me question how many block captains do I have in the 8th Council District? Deputy Mayor Cutler said that you have 7,000 block captains, and you need 10,000; is that correct? COMMISSIONER TOLSON: We would certainly like to have that -- we do have 7,000, and we'd like to have as many block captains as we can get.
How many blocks do we have in the City? 378 4.13.10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET COMMISSIONER TOLSON: There's over 15,000. Not all of them are residential.
Okay, okay. So what I wanted to say is that I'm sure that City Council will help do whatever needs to be done in the form of -- for the purpose of recruiting additional block captains. And I think that that's important and we can play an important role in that. I mean, block captains are, like, one of our most useful partners here, in the City, and they get a lot of things done that we certainly can't get out there and do block-by-block. So I'd like to know how many block captains are in my district, and I'm sure other people would want to know too, so could you just break a number down by Council District and forward it to Council President Verna? COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Yes. 379 4.13.10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET
Okay. Now, if we do the enhanced services, will graffiti or lots fall under you, or will it stay at the Managing Director's Office? Will it fall under Streets? COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Graffiti and some other smaller lot cleanup is part of the Managing Director's Office, and it would remain there.
Right. COMMISSIONER TOLSON: In the Streets Department, we also handle illegal dumping on lots and we tend to handle the larger projects.
Say that again? Speak in the mic, 'cause I -- is the mic on? COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Graffiti and some of our smaller vacant lot cleanup is handled in the Managing Director's Office, and it would remain there. In the Streets Department, we handle the larger illegal dumping on lots. 380 4.13.10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET However, I should note that we work together very, very closely, and we coordinate. So it's not an issue, which is why I have no problem with information and sharing it about any of the concerns about graffiti or lots taking from Council here and sharing it so that it can be done.
Okay. Does your department have paint? One of the things that we were talking about in my office -- because, of course, we all have seen the come back of graffiti, more and more graffiti. And we thought we would organize some paint cleanups; you know, go out and paint some graffiti. Do you have paint, or does the Managing Director's Office have paint? Or MOCS or whatever has paint? COMMISSIONER TOLSON: We have -- there's a paint voucher program that is run through the Managing Director's Office. And through our efforts with household hazardous waste, 381 4.13.10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET we also have collected paint in the past and then redistributed it to the public. So in both locations, you can have the opportunity to receive materials.
All right. Well, that's good to know. And I think it's -- I'm glad that you did -- I know that each time you've come for the last couple of years, when you talk about the metal bulk not being collected, I don't think it registered that it was just the metal, because originally, when I would see people put out furniture, you know, living room sets and whatnot, I go, Boy, the City's not going to pick that up. But I never -- you know, you just don't think about -- you guys work and do this all the time, but I never thought about it. And you said it a million times that it's metal bulk that you won't be picking up. So that was good to clarify 382 4.13.10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET that again today. But I too wants to thank you for your work. And I'm not trying to -- I didn't try to ignore the Deputy Commissioner; I'm actually looking for his name in the testimony, Steven Buckley. COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Steve Buckley, yes.
How are you, sir? I didn't want to make you think I wasn't saying good afternoon to you, but I couldn't remember your name. But thank you. Thank you for all of the hard work that your department does. Thank you. COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Thank you.
You're welcome. I know that Councilman Jones and Councilman Green want to be 383 4.13.10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET recognized. However, I want to be recognized for just a special moment. Commissioner, one of my very favorite employees in your department is in the audience today, I understand. He's attended many, many, many budget hearings, and this will be his last budget hearing. COMMISSIONER TOLSON: There's actually two.
Joe Doyle. Oh, two? COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Yes, there is.
Who's the other? COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Jack Lutz is here as well.
Really? COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Jack Lutz and Joe Doyle, they're both here.
Both of them. 384 4.13.10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET Joe, I want to publicly thank you for all of your years of experience. There was never a time that I know my office called that you did not make yourself available. I remember us going to St. -- was it St. Edmonds rectory one night, meeting with a priest who wanted something like trees to be pruned or 11 cut. 12 I just thought that you were 13 one of the hardest-working employees in 14 the Streets Department. You were always 15 loyal and dedicated. I certainly want to 16 thank you. 17 I know it's a great loss to the 18 Streets Department, and I know it's a 19 great loss to my office. 20 Though we couldn't get any 21 streetlights of late. You were always 22 saying no with a smile. 23 (Laughter.) 24
But I 25 do want to thank you for all your years 385 4.13.10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET of service. Good luck to you, Joe. (Applause.)
And is Mr. Lutz there? COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Jack Lutz must have stepped out. I did want to have you recognize him because he is the mastermind and the father of South Street Bridge.
Oh, and we worked with him too. COMMISSIONER TOLSON: And he is timing his retirement to the birth of that bridge.
I know. And that's going very well, isn't it? COMMISSIONER TOLSON: And he has worked very hard for years.
Yes. And we did work closely wit him also. God, this is like a farewell to so many wonderful good people. COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Very good 386 4.13.10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET people. And as a department, we are filled with good people, and I appreciate that. We have some of our members of the Sanitation Division sitting behind here. And some of you know that Sanitation, I think, worked every day during the month of February. They went from collecting trash to plowing snow and back and forth. So there's a lot of dedicated people in the department. The managers are also sitting in the audience. And they're all dedicated to serving the citizens of this city. It's more than a job.
Thank you, Madam President. Good afternoon. COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Hi there, good afternoon.
Let me first congratulate you on the 387 4.13.10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET extraordinary work that's happening with recycling. We are thrilled about that. COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Thank you.
And I'm also anxious to hear an update on pedi bikes. So I know that that's in the developmental stages, and we have a ways to go. But now that the legislation has been passed and is soon to be real, just provide us an update on where you are with identification of those streets that will be entitled to use pedi bikes. DEPT. COMM. BUCKLEY: Steve Buckley, Deputy Commissioner for Transportation. We are in the process. We have prepared draft regulations, which we have met with several pedi cab operators to basically discuss with them in advance of having it posted. We are -- probably in the next few weeks, we'll be posting the 388 4.13.10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET regulations, which will have a 30-day comment period, but we're pretty confident that we can basically get some of the operators licensed in time for probably Memorial Day weekend.
Okay. Again, I thank you for working collaboratively with them in making that happen. DEPT. COMM. BUCKLEY: My pleasure.
Wit regards to bikes, my personal story is I'm afraid of bikes. I'm afraid of bikes and never owned a bike for reasons like I saw this morning, where a young man was hit on the Parkway, in the bike lane. And the sad news was that the driver never got out the car, never got out the car. So my question is: Would it be possible going forward -- 'cause this becomes a capital expenditure -- to have bike lanes that when you see them, when 389 4.13.10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET the light hits them it, it -- what do you call that? Help me out.
Reflective, right. Reflector lanes so that it is clear where the bike lanes are for bikers; but more importantly, for drivers. How real could that request be going forward? COMMISSIONER TOLSON: We can certainly take the opportunity to evaluate that and see what that means, the implications of it financially and also safety-wise.
Mm-hmm. We know the reality that we're becoming a greener city, and biking is becoming more and more popular. And so, we have some sense of duty to do what we can to keep them from harm's way to the extent that it's reasonable and to the extent that it makes sense. So if you would look at that, 'cause right now, they're not reflecting; 390 4.13.10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET is that accurate? COMMISSIONER TOLSON: The striping is not highly reflective, but we also need to look at the requirements for the personal garments to wear for bikers in terms of reflective gear and things like that, something that we could consider and ponder.
Okay. COMMISSIONER TOLSON: It's certainly not a matter, I think, of not seeing the bike lane 'cause if there's a rider in it, you should certainly be able to see the rider.
Mm-hmm. COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Bikes are allowed to share the road, without a bike lane, and they have to be given the same courtesy that you give a bus or you give another car.
Yes, I agree. To messenger services that hire bikers to conduct their business, are 391 4.13.10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - FY '11 BUDGET there any regulations that hold the messenger business responsible for bikers that do not honor the law? Flipping to the other side here, are there any regulations or penalties in place for entrepreneurs who have messengers as their business, who have bikers who are not honoring the law? COMMISSIONER TOLSON: Deputy Commissioner Buckley advises me that they are not, but we could certainly look at that as well.