Well, the question is, why are the dollars two fiscal years from now? We've gone through an extensive community process. There's actually a little report or book that's been developed about Lancaster 164 2/13/02 - WHOLE - BILLS 020028, 020029 Avenue. I mean, at a minimum, based on the conversation earlier today, it seems that there should be some design work being done presently so that we can at least keep somebody busy.
Right. I'm going to defer to Streets, only because memory doesn't serve about whether there was money allocated for design that hadn't been expended. And if not, we can get back to you. You're absolutely correct, we have a long is history and a fairly positive history with this project. It's a project we've been trying to move along even though in some instances we're not able to do as much as we would like to. Let us get back to you were the rationale for why the money's been allocated in the out years. Usually, that's because there is still money available unexpended or a contract is on going. But I want to be able to be specific.
If for some reason there's not, let me at least mention it now. We can come back to it when we get back to. If there are not dollars laying around somewhere, then at a minimum, I would like to get this project moving. It is a major gate way into West Philadelphia, going 165 2/13/02 - WHOLE - BILLS 020028, 020029 through a number of different neighborhoods, from Overbrook down into the Parkside section which hopefully will then lead into a major shopping center area. And if there are not design dollars presently available or extra from another project, then I absolutely would at least like to get in this '03 budget design dollars to get Lancaster Avenue project moving.
Councilman, this is a situation -- I won't say great minds think alike, but certainly two minds think alike. We will get back to you as to the facts. And although, again, I can't unilaterally promise dollars, we would certainly give consideration to your request and let's continue the conversation about it.
Well, between the two of us, there is at least great mind in this conversation. She happens to be on the other side of the table.
I'll put it on tape. 166 2/13/02 - WHOLE - BILLS 020028, 020029 (Laughter.)
Thank you. Commissioner, last question. Prior to your commissioner ship, there were a number of sets of steps in the Manyunk section of the City. Because of the topography in Manyunk you that there are a lot of steps in a lot of different places in Manyunk. But two of them were the subject of -- one involved a very unfortunate incident and the others were nearby. Those are Manor and E Street going to Dexter and a street Little Cresson going to Main, plus there's the Dawson Street footbridge that goes across the SEPTA tracks, they are all in need of repair. And it is at least my fading recollection that dollars have been appropriated for these projects sometime ago. They ended up somewhere else somehow. We don't need to try to recreate that history or who did what to whom. These projects are still very, very important. I have no idea -- I just don't recall what the dollar amounts were. If you could check with your folks back at the shop and then get information back as to what it would take to get those projects on track, I would greatly appreciate it. 167 2/13/02 - WHOLE - BILLS 020028, 020029
Thank you. Madam Chair, since the lights have been turned off, I will now start to ask my questions for today. (Laughter.)
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
Thank you, Madam Chair. Commissioner Johnson, the conversation about the streets that are designated historic motivated me to answer ask this question. Many years ago in the '70s Germantown Avenue, a north-south arterial street, was reconstructed and very beautiful job of putting cobblestones back in there like it once was. But I've noticed that whenever there's repair excavation -- I'll be very specific so maybe you can follow up on this one. A contractor, a plumber, dug up Germantown Avenue to make a repair at Germantown Avenue and Rex, removed all the cobblestone. Today when you ride by there, 168 2/13/02 - WHOLE - BILLS 020028, 020029 the cobblestones are gone and there's just concrete that has replaced those cobblestones. I would hope that there's a process for us to recover or require Germantown Avenue and other historic streets when there are excavations -- even our own Water Department -- when they dig up the street that they're supposed to restore it. Now you drive down Germantown Avenue now, all you see is a checker board of repair where the cobblestones were removed to repair whatever and not ever replaced. That's a shame to allow Germantown Avenue other streets similar to that not to be restored back to their original condition prior to the repair. Could you comment on that?
Yes, Councilman. I have noticed the same think on Germantown Avenue and on many other streets in the City where a plumber's ditch may be excavated. And oftentimes these things occur without proper permitting so we aren't even aware that that excavation has taken place until it's been improperly restored. And in many cases on an emergency basis, we may have to go out and restore a plumber's ditch that was excavated just to make it safe on a temporary basis. 169 2/13/02 - WHOLE - BILLS 020028, 020029 I don't know in this particular case if we restored it to make safe or if a plumber restored it and whether or not that excavation work was permitted. But wherever that may have occurred and if it was a permitted excavation on a historic street, we would have required that that street be restored.
Commissioner, not to belabor this, but almost a year I reported to the Streets Department that a plumber left a ditch in just a terrible manner that people tires were being blown out. A plumber came in, was doing some sewer line clearage, roto-rootered right through the pipes. So the plumber had to come out, dig up Germantown Avenue and repair the pipe, backfilled, again, left. I had to get the Streets Department to come out to make at least the location safe. It was filled with concrete six, eight months ago. The cobblestones, maybe they're in somebody's backyard at this point creating a patio, I don't know. But they're gone, it's concrete, and there should be definitely -- because I provided the name of the contractor that left it like that. The plumber even said, yes, they should be responsible because they 170 2/13/02 - WHOLE - BILLS 020028, 020029 paid a lot of money to get the repair done in an emergency situation. But you go down Germantown, there's maybe 10-square-foot area that's all concrete. And like you've noticed, all the way down Germantown Avenue cobblestones missing. It's a shame if it's going to continue. Maybe there ought to be some project to restore that street, to do some repairs in the areas that have been neglected.
Councilman, what we'll do is talk to our highways engineers and to Syrnick and is group to see if there's an opportunity to develop a project in the future to try to restore those areas on Germantown Avenue where there may have been patches or whatever to create that look, because it's a terrible look for the City.
And I think in my records I have the name of the contractor that apparently has never been held responsible for that.
Thank you. Are there any other questions from 171 2/13/02 - WHOLE - BILLS 020028, 020029 members of the committee? Seeing none, the committee will stand in recess until 2 o'clock today, at which time we will have public testimony. Thank you very much. (Recess.)
Good afternoon. This is the continued public hearing of the Committee of the Whole regarding Bill No. 020028 and Bill No. 020029. Our first witness.
Good afternoon. Please identify yourself for the record and proceed with your testimony.
Thank you, President Verna. I'm Ounsworth and I'm President of the Board of Friends of Philadelphia Parks. And to you, Council President Verna, and all the Councilmembers present.
We recessed at 1:30. Many of the Councilmembers are in their offices and can hear the testimony.
I'm Beth Ounsworth, as I 172 2/13/02 - WHOLE - BILLS 020028, 020029 said before, President of the Board of Directors of Friends of Philadelphia Parks. I'm here today to talk about the Capital Budgets of the Fairmount Park Commission and the Department of Recreation. You are all aware of the assets we have in our parks. And we are lucky that our forefathers thought of the future. Today, we are reaping the rewards of that foresight. Unfortunately, the present capital needs of our parks are not being met. Witness the deterioration of such structures as Memorial Hall and the Dell East as an example. It seems prudent for our leaders to take a good look at not only the present needs of our great assets, but also the stewardship for the future. That is why the Friends of Philadelphia Parks is asking the City to create and implement with the input of stakeholders a comprehensive citywide plan for the future of all our parks. The plan should look at all park assets, how to protect and sustain them, how to establish accountability with maintenance rating systems, and how to establish visionary leadership. The progress of the soon-to-be implemented anti-blight initiative is exciting. 173 2/13/02 - WHOLE - BILLS 020028, 020029 However, this program means that there will be many more acres of vacant land. We believe parks must be included in any comprehensive community development program. Studies and financial analyses show that investment in urban parks pay dividends in increased neighborhood vitality and enhanced quality of life. Friends of Philadelphia Parks believes that Capital Budget allocations for parks must be increased. We also believe that a goal the strategic planning process must be to identify existing park revenue enhancement approaches from other cities that can be adapted here to create new and innovative revenue opportunities unique to Philadelphia. Revenue generated from park assets should go back into our parks. Let me close with a quote from Alexander Gavin's book, Parks, Recreation, and Open Space: A Twenty-First Century Agenda. "Too often, parks, squares, streets, in fact, the entire public realm is dealt with like the contents of an attic - items stored away until needed. When they are taken out again, they appear to be out of date. Substantial sums have to be spent on their repair and readjustment. No managers 174 2/13/02 - WHOLE - BILLS 020028, 020029 of privately-owned real estate could afford to squander such valuable assets. They continuously seek ways to enhance and expand their holdings." Thank you for your attention and consideration.
Thank you. Thank you for your patience. We appreciate your coming in to testify. And we totally agree with you. Our next witness.
Good afternoon, Madam Chair, Distinguished Councilpersons, Commissioners and guests of these proceedings. My name is Maya Burnett and I am the President of the Family of the Dell East. We have a Council board of 18 hard-working members representing a citywide membership of 360 season ticket subscribers. Our mission as representatives of the patrons and the community is to assist and support the efforts of preserving, protecting, and perpetuating the cultural programming of Dell East. Please allow me 175 2/13/02 - WHOLE - BILLS 020028, 020029 to briefly introduce you to a few officers present with us today in Chambers. Mr. Warren Haskins, Rena Brown, our recording secretary; and Mr. Edward Burnett, our Sergeant-at-Arms. Our presence here today is to help continue the focussing of light on the need to support our wonderful institution that is the Robin Hood Dell East. We are presently in need of a permanently increased appropriation of capital funding. The president budget is insufficient to keep pace with annual rising costs of providing quality entertainment and a Class A musical venue.
We applaud the recent efforts of the Mayor's Administration in helping set a long-term strategy for Dell East. We recently met with Mayor Street last month. The family of Dell East is delighted to be a working body in the triune partnership between the Administration and the Department of Recreation in charting the survival of Dell East.
Excuse me. I'm sorry to interrupt you. Did you identify yourself?
I'm Rena brown, I'm the 176 2/13/02 - WHOLE - BILLS 020028, 020029 recording secretary of the Family of the Dell East.
Thank you. I just wanted the record to reflect who was speaking.
I'm sorry. We stand with and support the Commissioner of Recreation Victor Richard; Carlton Williams, Deputy Commissioner; and the current acting manager of the Dell East, Bruce Rush in their diverse planning for Dell East. Dell East is a summer treasurer and oasis for thousands of inner-city residents and regional patrons. Many of those who grew up being entertained on hot summer nights in the cool of East Fairmount Park at the Dell East concerts and programs now bring and send their children to various events. The past 29 years, which was the last quarter of the 20th Century, the City of Philadelphia and the Department of Recreation has frugally and phenomenally programmed and funded the operations of the Dell East. The biggest names in the history of music, particularly rhythm and blues, jazz, gospel and urban has performed for this City's most appreciative audience. The Dell East is most 177 2/13/02 - WHOLE - BILLS 020028, 020029 known throughout the country as one of the most outstanding summer amphitheaters featuring the best family entertainment and talent at a most affordable price. The Dell East's Essence of Entertainment serves the cultural needs of a diverse population consisting the Irish, the Ukrainian, the Latin, the African-American and Caribbean communities. There's a vibrant tradition at Dell East. Its setting is most unique. The best acoustics in the region are evident as you listen to music at Dell East in Fairmount Park. You feel the warm vibes and family presence. You know you are safe and comfortable. Most of importantly, you feel as though you are most appreciated and valued at Dell East as a patron. It is this tradition that must continue to be protected and nurtured. Changes in our economy and the priorities of our time schedules has done a double whammy on the Dell East. On one hand, automation and efficiencies has increased our leisure time opportunities. Yet on the other, the high cost of doing business has restricted our purchasing power and reduced our ability to present higher quality events. For that reason and others, we are here asking you, City 178 2/13/02 - WHOLE - BILLS 020028, 020029 Council and the current City Administration to continue to program outstanding events at the beautiful loved Dell East. We would like to continue this my millennium with restored vigor and vitality, knowing that we will continue to leave a legacy for the next generation, a legacy that we cared, we preserved and we protected the music and the tradition that is known as the Essence of Entertainment at the Robin Hood Dell East.
Warren Haskins, board member. The family of the Dell East is committed to focussing the light on the communal and City government's need to support this worthwhile cultural tradition in this wonderful city of neighborhoods that is known as Philadelphia. This definitely is not the last time that we will present to you here in Council. The Family of the Dell East is multiplying and we are ascending towards a much better program and venue. We are currently training and educating young talent in the disciplines of the business of music with an eye on preparing the next generation to assume leadership roles in preserving there music, culture, and institution. 179 2/13/02 - WHOLE - BILLS 020028, 020029 A quality culture is evident by the diversity and acceptance of all preserved sub-cultures. Governments throughout the world support and nurture their art, as we know that each of you here in Council will do in helping perpetuate the tradition of Dell East by your endorsement of vote of confidence. Thank you for allowing the family to speak in your chambers. And may blessing and good fortunes be upon you all.
Thank you so very much. The Capital Budget reflects that in FY '03, $500,000 is appropriated and in FY '04, $250,000. Are you aware of what they're going to be doing with that money?
Yes. That's been in the budget -- it's been allocated, I believe, for the last three, four years. And there are repairs that extensive that go way beyond Year '04 and '05. We have one major repair item that we know is going to cost at least $2 million.
Is there someone from the Recreation Department or can someone tell us if there's money presently in the 180 2/13/02 - WHOLE - BILLS 020028, 020029 budget to address some of the issues regarding Dell East?
My name is Carlton Williams, I'm the Deputy Commissioner for the Department of Recreation. I am primarily the responsible person overseeing the Dell at this time. One of the things that we have identified in last year's capital needs for the Dell was the replacement of immediate needs of speaker towers that we currently have at the Dell East. I want to say that the new speaker towers will be completed by April 1st of this year in time for the 30th anniversary season that it's been under the Department of Recreation. In addition, there was the renovation of the stage area that we have that was in dire need also. As Mr. Haskins, said, he's correct, there are substantial amounts of capital work needed that's at the Dell. Due to the age of the facility and the drainage problems that it currently has, 181 2/13/02 - WHOLE - BILLS 020028, 020029 there's a need for an undermining project that cost approximately $2 million. This feasibility study was done last year by Buhler Kratzer and Powell (ph). And forgive me if I didn't consultant's name right. But he substantiated the claims of infrastructure of the Dell Ease was its drainage problems and so forth. In addition, there's a speaker system, a sound and stage system that's in dire need of replacement also. So these items are on the table and we are trying to address them.
So you don't have money for what has to be done.
Right. That's correct. We don't have the appropriation for the major problem, which is the undermining and the seating problem at the Dell.
Thank you. 182 2/13/02 - WHOLE - BILLS 020028, 020029 The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you so much for coming in to testify. You know I'm a long-time patron of the Dell. I think it's a wonderful venue, I agree. We do have some of the best talent come through there. And I, too, was looking at the $500,000 and it doesn't seem to be enough. And I think you ought to add to your list of improvements would be the ladies room. There has to be something done. In the summertime we have heat on in the ladies room. I don't know, there may be a structural problem there. I don't know if you know about it, but in the middle of July there's no air conditioning, but the heat is on. So you need to check that out.
Yes, ma'am. We did get several complaints about that last season and prior seasons also. The air conditioner didn't have an outlet, and we're going to look at that this year, for cool air to be placed in ladies bathroom. In fact, there was an air conditioner placed in the ladies bathroom, but for the interior of the facility which actually makes it hotter. So we need to address that. We will address it this season. 183 2/13/02 - WHOLE - BILLS 020028, 020029 We apologize for the inconvenience.
I just want it to work because I think it's a great place and I also -- during the course of the Operating Budget will talk further about this with the Recreation Commissioner, about how to make it a profitable center because it's a good venue. They present great programs. I just want them to get some additional talent that we used to have. But thank you for your work for volunteering to work with the Dell East. We commend you for doing that. Thank you.
Thank you, Madam Chair. Good afternoon. Councilwoman Tasco actually touched on the issue that I was going to bring up. This is an issue that I think we need to approach in several different fronts and we need to make the tough political decision -- and when I say "we" it will center around the Councilmembers and the Administration from the operational side. And I 184 2/13/02 - WHOLE - BILLS 020028, 020029 understand we're here today to talk about capital improvements. But those of you that have been involved in this process know that on the operational side, there needs to be some things that are done different. If we incur some sort of debt, we need to be in a position to pay the debt service. And I think a substantial portion of that can be dealt with if we change the nature of the way we do business out at the Dell and having a more competitive situation. And I say that it will tough political decisions in that we at some point may not be in a position as Councilmembers to give free tickets out to individuals or as many free tickets out to individuals for shows that, frankly speaking, had they been at the Tropicana could demand upwards of 60, $75. We're in a position where people are asking us to give away free $10 tickets. More often than not, they tend to be individuals who, if there was a survey done, could probably afford that $10, given the number of City employees that have come in my office asking for those free tickets. So at some point -- and I would ask for my friends and my colleagues who are supporters of the Dell for us to join together and make those tough political 185 2/13/02 - WHOLE - BILLS 020028, 020029 decisions to be in an position to operate this thing the way it needs to be operated as business, understanding that some degree we have to assist those individuals that don't have opportunities or the wherewithal to buy the tickets. But we've got to change the way we're doing it out there. And I just want to say to you I'm committed to make that tough political decision.
Are there any other questions from members of the committee? The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you. Certainly, we have known Rena Brown and certainly Mr. Haskins longer than I will admit. And we want to thank them, deputy commissioner, and all who are here for their work in trying to upgrade the Dell. We also want to commend Councilman Clarke who has continue to battle for it. It is a wonderful facility. It really needs more attention. And we thank them for their commitment.
Thank you. 186 2/13/02 - WHOLE - BILLS 020028, 020029 Any other questions from members of the committee? Thank you so very much for coming in to testify.
Is there anyone else that would like to testify? Seeing none, this committee will stand in recess until Wednesday, February at 9:30. 10 Thank you all very much. 11 (Council adjourned at 2:35 p.m.) 12 - - - 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 187 ¡›î› C E R T I F I C A T I O N I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing proceedings of the Council of the City of Philadelphia of February 13, 2002, were reported fully and accurately by me, and that this is a correct transcript of the same. RE: COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE ___________________________ Lisa C. Bradley, RPR and Notary Public