Committee Hearing, May 3, 2011

COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA2 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE3 Room 400, City Hall6 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Tuesday, May 3, 20117 2:40 p.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA10 COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN DARRELL CLARKE11 COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN BILL GREEN12 COUNCILMAN WILLIAM K. GREENLEE COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR.13 COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER COUNCILWOMAN MARIA D. QUINONES-SANCHEZ14 COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO15 BILLS 110135, 110136, 110137 and 110138 RESOLUTION 11016117 - - -19 2

This2 is a continued public hearing of the3 Committee of the Whole.4 I would ask Mr. McPherson to5 please read the bills and resolutions to6 be considered today.7 MR. McPHERSON: Resolution8 110161, the Five Year Plan; Bill No.9 110135, the Capital Program for Fiscals10 2012 through 2017; Bill No. 110136, the11 Capital Budget for Fiscal 2012; Bill No.12 110137, the Operating Budget for 2012;13 and Bill No. 110138, which adjusted the14 wage tax.15

Thank16 you.17 Our first witness -- oh, I'm18 sorry. We do have quite a list of19 witnesses that would like to testify.20 With that being said, we would like to21 give everybody the opportunity to be22 heard. Therefore, I am suggesting that23 everybody be given three minutes to24 testify. We do have a timer up here. So25 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 when you hear the clicker or the buzz,2 that means your time is up, so I would3 appreciate your trying to abbreviate your4 statements thereafter.5 Thank you.6 MR. McPHERSON: Our first7 witness is Tom Kaiden.8 (Witness approached witness9 table.)10

Good11 afternoon. Welcome. Please identify12 yourself for the record and proceed with13 your testimony.14

Great. 17 Good afternoon, Council18 President Verna and members of City19 Council. I want to begin my testimony20 with a question. 1 our kids to compete in the 21st century,2 would we go after it? Well, we don't3 have to, because it's already here. 3 Almost three-quarters of them are in4 Philadelphia County. And many of them5 were out on Broad Street this past6 Saturday, along with about 100,000 of our7 citizens, to enjoy the Philadelphia8 International Festival of the Arts street9 fair. 12 But culture's impact the other13 364 days of the year is just as vital. 7 And this isn't a new aspect of their8 programming. 11 I'd like to share with you a12 couple of stories. First, that of13 Marquis Herring, who is one of14 Philadelphia Young Playwrights' recent15 successes. While a teenager, Marquis was16 living with his family in a homeless17 shelter where violence was an everyday18 problem. He courageously gave voice to19 his experiences in the play "The Choices20 We Make" that highlights the value of21 family, self and life. Young Playwrights22 mounted his play at the Suzanne Roberts23 Theatre in 2008. 1 University and today is happily married2 and attending culinary school. He3 continues to write and he also mentors4 younger playwrights. And he says of his5 experience, "Play writing became a way6 for me to have some control in a world7 where I usually would have absolutely no8 other control. 10 for every20 citizen of the City over the course of21 the entire year. 3

Thank4 you very much. We do appreciate your5 coming in to testify.6 (Applause.)7

Thank8 you.9 Our next witness?10 MR. McPHERSON: Nancy11 Goldenberg.12 (Witnesses approached witness13 table.)14

It's15 nice seeing both of you.16 Please proceed with your17 testimony.18

Thank you.19 Good afternoon. My name is Nancy20 Goldenberg. I'm the Chair of the21 Philadelphia Commission on Parks and22 Recreation, and joining me is my23 colleague, Pete Hoskins. Together, we24 represent the 15-member Commission, and25 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 we thank you for this opportunity to2 testify in support of the Fiscal Year3 2012 proposed budget for the Department4 of Parks and Rec. The proposed budget of5 a little over $46 million is essentially6 flat to last year, with approximately7 $180,000 increase to support a complete8 season of swimming pool operations.9 In my testimony last year, I10 said that becoming the greenest city in11 America, as Mayor Nutter declared in12 Greenworks Philadelphia, is an auspicious13 goal, but it is achievable. Today, I14 worry that unless we work harder together15 to bring more resources to the16 Department, we will fall short of this17 goal.18 This is not to diminish the19 remarkable work on the part of the20 leadership of the Department.21 Commissioner DiBerardinis and his team22 are to be congratulated on merging two23 departments, on building a solid mission24 based upon community consensus, on25 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 delivering new visionary programs for2 youth, seniors and those with special3 needs. And they're to be commended for4 their innovation in environmental5 stewardship and care for the physical and6 historic assets of the system. They're7 to be commended also on securing millions8 of federal, state and private resources9 to make all this happen. The Department10 continues to press forward on the11 citywide goal of planting 300,000 new12 trees, as well as forming strategic13 partnerships to reach the goal of14 acquiring 500 new acres of parkland.15 The Commission on Parks and Rec16 has been fully supportive of these17 efforts and, with the support of City18 Council and the Administration, recently19 achieved passage of important legislation20 to help ensure that our open spaces are21 better protected. For the first time,22 this city has in place new rules that23 will provide a consistent, equitable and24 transparent process to foster the25 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 protection of park and recreation land.2 I'd like to once again thank you all for3 your support and especially Councilwoman4 Blondell Reynolds Brown for your tireless5 support of the bill.6 The Commission is now working7 with the Department and key partners on8 revenue enhancement strategies, which9 you'll hear more about in the coming10 weeks, and which, if Philadelphia is11 truly committed to reclaiming its12 position as a leader among the nation's13 park systems, will require your support.14 But all of this good work isn't15 about just improving our park and16 recreation system for its value as land17 and in the enjoyment of people forever.18 Of course we should do that, and that was19 clearly the impetus behind the20 legislation we just passed. It's also21 about creating jobs, improving22 sustainability, improving the health of23 our citizens, attracting tourists and new24 businesses, and retaining college25 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 students. Our park and recreation system2 should be valued both as a remarkable3 amenity and as an asset to the economic4 competitiveness of this city.5 There is an expression, If you6 have it, flaunt it. We have an7 incredible asset in this city and it's8 our park and rec system, but we don't9 flaunt it. We should, and we should do10 so with conviction and passion. This11 Commission is committed to working with12 you, with Mayor Nutter and the Department13 of Parks and Rec to increase public and14 private-sector resources and to make our15 park and rec system a true player in the16 economy of the City and the daily17 experience of every citizen of18 Philadelphia.19 Now I'd like to turn it over to20 my colleague, Pete Hoskins.21

Thank you, Nancy,22 and also thank you, Madam President,23 members of City Council. My name is Pete24 Hoskins, and I am the Chair of the25 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 Revenue Enhancement Committee of the2 Parks and Recreation Commission.3 At last year's budget hearing,4 we were pleased to support a $3.2 million5 increase in the allocation for Fairmount6 Park. Unfortunately, much of that7 increase was lost in citywide budget8 cutbacks and positions unfilled in the9 course of the budget year. Year to year;10 that is, Fiscal 2010 to 2011, positions11 actually filled increased by only four,12 to 614. Proposed budget positions for13 2012 are actually decreasing by 62,14 nearly nine percent, from last year's15 budget. Our parks, therefore, continue16 to suffer from decades-long lack of17 maintenance, and the dreams of18 world-class parks Philadelphians still19 wait for the commitments necessary to20 make this possible.21 The good news is that with22 admirable initiative on the part of the23 new leadership of Parks and Recreation,24 we have secured important investments25 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 through grants totalling approximately2 $15 million from foundations and other3 donors. In addition, the Department, the4 new Commission on Parks and Recreation5 and partners such as the Fairmount Park6 Conservancy and Fairmount Park Historic7 Preservation Trust have pressed forward8 to develop new approaches to leveraging9 private investments in our parks through10 improved concessions, new lease11 arrangements and, of course, more sources12 of charitable support. In these efforts,13 it is becoming ever clearer that there is14 enormous support for Philadelphia's parks15 as vital regional and neighborhood16 assets.17 That support, though, must be18 leveraged through increased commitments19 from public funds if the investment20 strategy is to succeed. Donors need to21 be assured that their dollars are adding22 value, not replacing public dollars.23 Over the past few months, the24 Revenue Enhancement Committee members25 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 have interviewed people who are leading2 successful models in cities around the3 country - New York City, St. Louis, Los4 Angeles, Portland and others. With few5 exceptions, the models that work best are6 those that promote partnerships between7 the public and private sectors. Over the8 next year, the new Commission will be9 working with the new Department of Parks10 and Recreation, along with key private11 partners such as the Fairmount Park12 Conservancy, to refine ways in which the13 national best practices can be brought to14 bear in our own city.15 The groundbreaking study of the16 economic impact of our parks completed in17 2008 by the Trust for Public Land was18 clear and compelling. Our parks add19 enormous value in real dollars. Tax20 revenues attributed to parks for21 increased property values, tourism value22 and real estate transfer tax is $2423 million. Cost savings for storm water24 management and air pollution, as well as25 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 citizen investment of time and money2 total another $16 million. The value to3 users of the park as for recreation and4 health is calculated to be over $1.15 billion.6 We cannot ignore these kinds of7 numbers, especially when the difference8 between mediocre parks and great parks9 for Philadelphia is a tiny fraction of10 those benefits. We strongly support11 Mayor Nutter's vision of making our Park12 and Recreation Department the best in the13 country, but it will take a significantly14 greater public-sector commitment than we15 have made to date.16 Thank you very much.17

Thank you18 very much.19 (Applause.)20

The Chair21 recognizes Councilman Jones.22

Thank you,23 Madam Chair, and I promise I won't use24 this mike too much today. We have a long25 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 agenda, but when I have Nancy and Pete at2 the witness stand, I feel like I have3 Philadelphia treasures and national4 renowned park experts, so I'm going to5 take advantage of it.6 I just want a real quick7 question. Are park houses, Benedict8 Arnold's Mansion, Rittenhouse, Paper9 Mill, other places like that, Ohio House,10 Please Touch, that are really, really11 adorning our park at this point, how well12 are we doing marketing them to tourists,13 conventions and others by way of -- I14 kind of use the scenario that if you're15 at the Marriott and you go left, you have16 more of an adult entertainment venue, but17 if you start going west through our18 museums and into the Zoo and into some of19 the homes, mansions that have been20 restored, that you really can take away21 from Philadelphia a really rich22 experience.23 How are we doing with that kind24 of marketing and cross promotion with the25 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 convention and tourism industry?2

Well, I think3 that we're actually doing a very good job4 of marketing Philadelphia and those kinds5 of assets to tourists to Philadelphia. I6 think we do a less better job of7 marketing to ourselves and really8 appreciating those assets ourselves.9 Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing10 Corp has done a very good job of11 promoting the park assets. I think12 they've done a very good job of that to13 the tourists.14

And the only15 other thing I would add, I agree with16 Pete. The GPTMC spent, several years17 ago, a great deal of effort in creating a18 website called "Boundless Philadelphia,"19 which encompassed all the sort of natural20 resources and historic resources of the21 whole region for tourists, and it's very22 successful. I do know that the23 Commissioner has recently completed a24 more focused look at the area from25 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 Northwestern Avenue to right here at City2 Hall in terms of promoting that stretch3 of park and city as a historic resource,4 tourism resource, where you could spend a5 whole day just going on that stretch of6 the City through your district, and I7 know he's about to roll that out. So8 it's a very exciting vision.9

When you10 think about the Japanese House and other11 assets that we have, if we start to12 promote them -- and I agree with you,13 that we should visit -- I call it a14 staycation, stay at home and really15 vacation within the City of16 Philadelphia's limits. And you're right,17 you can spend several days moving from18 that Zoo to the Mann and all of the19 institutions in between with a20 family-oriented kind of experience. So21 we really do need to promote spending22 some time in those assets. So I just23 wanted to get your view of it.24 And I thank you, Madam Chair.25 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1

Thank you2 very much.3 Thank you very much for your4 testimony. We appreciate you taking time5 to come down.6 MR. McPHERSON: Our next7 witness is Shelly Yanoff.8 (Witness approached witness9 table.)10

Good11 afternoon.12

Good afternoon.13 It's me again. I'm Shelly Yanoff. I'm14 Executive Director of Public Citizens for15 Children and Youth. We're the region's16 major child advocacy organization.17 Although I'm here to testify specifically18 about the proposed City budget, I want to19 begin by suggesting what investments we20 would like to see the City make which we21 believe would make Philadelphia both a22 destination city for newcomers and the23 place that all of us native24 Philadelphians want to proudly call home.25 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 We want the City to be a place2 where all children who are born here have3 access to healthcare, both through their4 own private health insurance, CHIP or5 Medical Assistance, as well as through6 the public health centers. As you have7 heard, there are long waiting lists in8 those public health centers. We can do9 better. Together --10

Shelly,11 would you speak into the mike, please.12

I'm sorry. Sure.13

Pull it14 down. Thank you.15

As you've heard,16 there are long waiting lists in many of17 those health centers. 1 major strides in protecting kids from the2 devastating impact of lead poisoning,3 with many of your leadership. We commend4 the City's work in lead-safe babies, in5 supporting Lead Court and in quickly6 removing lead hazards. But today there7 are currently more than 300 homes that8 have been identified as having hazards9 that have poisoned children. We must10 somehow clear up this backlog and expand11 our efforts so that we can prevent12 children from ever being poisoned in the13 first place. Working together with all14 levels of government, we should be able15 to remove this scourge and make it clear16 that our children should not be put at17 risk in dangerous homes. 3 The City's babies and toddlers4 should have access to quality care,5 allowing parents to work knowing that6 their children are safe and becoming7 school ready. In the City, there is a8 very real shortage of infant programs and9 a waiting list of almost 5,000 families10 for subsidized childcare. The potential11 elimination of full-day kindergarten is12 yet another threat to our children and13 families. What kinds of incentives might14 we together think about to encourage15 business partnerships to support early16 childhood programs as they grow their17 businesses to help grow the City's18 children? What kinds of local government19 actions could we link together that would20 support early childhood programs as we21 develop other commercial interests? In22 other years, we've talked about tying23 development incentives to early childhood24 programs. Other cities have done so. 2 We want all our kids to be able3 to go to schools that prepare them for a4 successful world of work, citizenship and5 family responsibility. As you well know,6 there are many successes and many7 failures in our schools. 20 This could either be in considering a tax21 increase for the schools or the22 assumption of some services that23 currently are part of the School24 District's funding responsibility. 1 ask that the City support, temporarily at2 least, the bussing costs that the3 District is considering cutting. 9 The lack of transportation will act as a10 tax on the very working people who are11 the lifeblood of the City. It will also12 end up making a mockery of the idea of13 any school choice. 16 We, of course, all want our17 kids to be able to enjoy the security of18 a strong family relationship. 1 out for the education of kids who are2 placed outside of their homes, in3 supporting after-school and summer4 programs for children and youth in5 high-risk neighborhoods. We need to6 build on these advances. 11 These programs must not be allowed to12 disappear. The loss of HSDF dollars13 would cause a severe blow to recreation,14 after-school, library and homeless15 programming. 1 City being in a far better position than2 many others that are facing catastrophic3 cuts in vital services. We commend you4 for that, for saving the libraries, for5 saving after-school programs, for6 supporting the summer jobs campaigns in7 the past, and we urge you to do a repeat8 performance. As you well know, we're9 facing the possibility of severe cuts10 from the state all over the map, and11 although we hope and are working so that12 they don't materialize, we probably will13 face cuts in many areas that will require14 more support from the City. 19 We're not there yet, but we can20 be a city on the hill, but for right now,21 we must work together to protect the22 advances that have been made. So we urge23 you to watch out, continue watching out24 for children in changing times. 1 recognize your choices are difficult, but2 so too are the lives of too many of the3 children who live in the City. They look4 to you for protection. 7

Thank you8 very much. We appreciate your testimony.9 (Applause.)10 COUNCILWOMAN TASCO:11 Councilwoman Brown, you have your light12 on. Would you like to ask questions?13

Yes.14 Thank you.15 Good afternoon.16

Good afternoon,17 Councilwoman.18

And thank19 you for your unwavering support of our20 city's children.21

Thank you. And22 thank you for yours.23

We still24 have a lot of work to do.25 29 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1

We do.2

With3 regards to the lead issue, we learned4 during budget testimony from, I believe5 it was, Health that those dollars from6 the state have been cut. So I'll look7 forward to working with your office and8 figure out how we weave our way through9 that in spite of the cuts from the state.10 That was just not something neither one11 of us expected as we were looking to have12 hearings on the lead bill.13 Secondly, can you speak to any14 best practices of cities around the15 country that have actually linked where16 the municipality or a business has linked17 with a childcare provider and have18 figured out a way to ensure that the19 waiting list for childcare is simply not20 long.21

Well, as San22 Francisco and San Diego have both23 encouraged when businesses come to work24 out what they're going to get from the25 30 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 city in exchange for moving there, that2 childcare, providing childcare, as part3 of their commitment to building new4 buildings is part of it. Other places5 have given some kind of tax credit for6 newcomers to the city who are starting7 new industries if they support childcare8 programming.9 So there are ways. And then,10 of course, you have places like PNC that11 encourages other businesses to indeed12 provide free childcare to their13 employees, but we need to spread that14 much more.15

Well, PNC16 is just a natural leader with a ten-year17 commitment that way.18

That's right.19

Okay.20 That's helpful to know, and in that,21 signals opportunity.22

I think there's a23 lot of collaborative opportunities, if we24 could just say we're going to figure them25 31 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 out somehow.2

Okay,3 then.4

Not just say, no,5 we can't.6

Well,7 we'll have a subsequent sit-down.8

Great. Thank you.9 And I want to thank you for your10 leadership on lead paint poison11 prevention.12

You're13 welcome.14 Thank you, Madam Chair.15

Thank you.16 Are there any questions of this17 witness?18 (No response.)19

Thank you20 for coming, Shelly. We appreciate your21 advocacy for children, as always. The22 only thing I need you to answer for me --23 and not today -- is how do we pay for all24 of this. Thank you very much.25 32 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1

Yes. Yes.2 (Applause.)3 MR. McPHERSON: Our next4 witness is Cheryl Brubaker.5

We remind6 you that you have three minutes. So if7 you have long testimony, we ask you to8 summarize it. We have a long, long list9 of witnesses. So we need the meat of10 your topic of your presentation and we11 don't necessarily need the dessert.12 (Witness approached witness13 table.)14

Good15 afternoon --16

Good17 afternoon.18

-- members of19 City Council. My name is Cheryl Brubaker20 and I'm the Director of Development at21 Women Against Abuse.22 I am aware that caring for the23 needs of domestic violence survivors in24 Philadelphia is a priority for City25 33 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 Council, and we are grateful for your2 history of support and your partnership3 in our work. I am here today to ask that4 City Council maintain level funding for5 the Office of Supportive Housing. The6 Office of Supportive Housing provides 607 percent of the funding for the Women8 Against Abuse emergency shelter.9 Women Against Abuse is the10 largest domestic violence program in11 Pennsylvania and serves more than 12,00012 individuals each year through direct13 service and community education programs.14 Since we operate the only emergency15 shelter in Philadelphia for abused women16 and their children, as well as a17 transitional housing program for domestic18 violence victims, we have a unique19 front-row view of the housing needs of20 one of Philadelphia's most vulnerable21 populations. We see the difference that22 shelter and housing makes for families23 that have had to flee their homes to24 escape from violence. We see how safety25 34 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 and stability can empower a family to2 overcome the most difficult of obstacles3 to embrace lives of hope and4 independence.5 I can only assume that you as6 our City leaders may be a bit weary of7 dire budget stories, but there is no way8 to say what I have to say without it9 sounding dire, because we know that when10 we turn someone away because we have no11 room in our shelter, it can have dire12 results.13 Last fiscal year, we turned14 away nearly 6,000 requests for emergency15 shelter because our 100-bed facility was16 filled to capacity, 5,991 to be exact.17 This is significantly higher than any18 other domestic violence shelter in19 Pennsylvania.20 The good news is that in spite21 of budget cuts, 12,000 individuals were22 touched by Women Against Abuse services23 in the last year, and of these, 5,92524 were survivors who were directly impacted25 35 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 by violence. Five thousand nine hundred2 and twenty-five survivors were given the3 opportunity for safety and recovery from4 trauma.5 We don't always know the6 difference we've made until many years7 later, and this point was driven home to8 me recently when Kimberly -- and she9 wanted me to use her name -- a former10 client of Women Against Abuse, contacted11 us through our website, and this is what12 she wrote.13 "I was seven years old when my14 mom said we were going to the Women15 Against Abuse shelter. I was so happy16 that she was leaving him. It was the17 safest I felt in all my life. Being able18 to sleep without worry about abuse was19 something I can still feel. I just20 wanted to say thank you, and I'm sure you21 made this difference in lots of lives.22 That was 30 years ago and it is still one23 of my best memories."24 Thank you for your part in25 36 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 making this difference for Kimberly.2 Please continue to provide prioritized3 funding for these needs so that we can4 continue to make the difference for more5 families in Philadelphia.6 Thank you.7 (Applause.)8

Thank you9 so much. We appreciate your taking time10 for that testimony.11 MR. McPHERSON: Our next12 witness is John Kromer.13 (Witness approached witness14 table.)15

Good16 afternoon.17

20 I'm here to propose an alternative21 approach for funding activities that are22 currently managed by the Sheriff's23 Office. 1 tax-delinquent buildings and lots are2 sold at auction. 7 However, tax collection sales have not8 been managed effectively. 13 Back when tax collection sales14 were being scheduled on a monthly basis,15 about 100 properties were being auctioned16 a month. At this rate, it would take 1417 years just to clear the backlog. It's no18 wonder the speculators simply ignore19 their tax bills. 1 together, and with respect to vacant2 property issues, most City agencies have3 been working together. Under the Nutter4 Administration, the Managing Director has5 been designated as the City official6 responsible for supervising interagency7 coordination to address the problem of8 blight, and this approach has produced9 positive results. However, during most10 of the Nutter Administration, two11 agencies have not fully participated in12 the City's coordinated approach, the13 Philadelphia Housing Authority and the14 Sheriff's Office. 1 Mayor or Managing Director. This isn't2 just my idea. 12 The implications of the recently reported13 cuts in federal and state aid for14 Philadelphia couldn't be clearer. If the15 cost of government doesn't go down, taxes16 will go up. The consolidation of all tax17 collection sales responsibilities within18 City government would save 3 million in19 operating costs beginning in Fiscal 201220 and would make it easier for City21 agencies to work together in using tax22 foreclosure auctions to generate a lot23 more revenue for the City. 20 With the changes I have21 proposed, the Office of Sheriff could be22 reconstituted as simply an honorary23 position beginning in FY 2012. 1 position and the entire Fiscal 20122 Sheriff's Office would be $1. 8

Thank you9 very much.10 Councilman Goode.11

Thank you,12 Madam Chair.13 Mr. Kromer, when did you14 develop this policy position?15

I developed this16 position at the time when I read the PICA17 report on which it is based, and that was18 over a year ago.19

So it is not20 an original idea?21

It is not an22 original idea, no. This is the proposal23 of PICA, the state oversight agency --24

So you want25 42 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 to be elected Sheriff so that you2 implement PICA's recommendations?3

In part, yes.4

And the $35 million in savings would come from where?6

Well, PICA has7 detailed that in its report and also8 provided evidence from other9 municipalities.10

I'm asking11 you where the $3 million in savings would12 come from.13

Well, I'm simply14 citing the PICA report.15

Can you16 detail that?17

No. I'm citing18 the PICA report as an authority.19

I'm actually20 asking you to cite it.21

Well, I am guided22 by the PICA report as I --23

But you24 don't know what's in the PICA report?25 43 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 You don't know specifically what's in the2 PICA report?3

Yes. I read the4 report and --5

Tell me6 exactly how we're going to save $37 million.8

Well, it's9 documented in the report, and PICA would10 have to provide you the detail.11

But you12 can't tell me right now?13

No. This is14 PICA's report. It's not mine. But I15 trust the judgment of the PICA staff.16

You're17 running for Sheriff to implement PICA18 recommendations, and you say it would19 save us $3 million, but you can't tell us20 how we save $3 million?21

I'm telling you22 that I trust the judgment and the23 analysis completed by professionals who24 are mandated by state government to25 44 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 oversee the financial management of the2 City.3

They4 themselves are political appointees.5

Pardon me?6

They are7 political appointees. They're not hired8 professional managers.9

They are10 professionally staffed and they have been11 providing this oversight for more than a12 decade.13

Okay. But14 still, on the record, you can't tell us15 where any of those savings are going to16 come from?17

I am citing the18 report which has been prepared by19 professional analysts --20

So I should21 ask PICA rather than you?22

Pardon me?23

I should ask24 PICA rather than you?25 45 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1

For the details,2 certainly.3

Yet you came4 to testify?5

I'm testifying6 based on the PICA report.7

I've already8 read the PICA report, so I know what the9 PICA report says. It doesn't say much.10 It basically based savings upon other11 jurisdictions. It does not say how we12 save money here. If you read the report,13 you would know that.14 Thank you, Madam Chair.15

Thank16 you.17 Our next witness?18 MR. McPHERSON: John Smith,19 Esquire.20 (Witness approached witness21 table.)22

Good23 afternoon, Mr. Smith. Please identify24 yourself for the record and proceed with25 46 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 your testimony.2

Good afternoon,3 Madam President. 4 Smith. I am the President and Board5 Chair of the Global Philadelphia6 Association. 15 First, the story. The story is16 of a city that existed one-quarter of a17 millennium ago, 250 years ago. It was at18 the time the largest and most influential19 city in the entire western hemisphere. A20 revolution occurred in that city shortly21 afterwards, and with that revolution, the22 city gained new luster and became a23 worldwide beacon for freedom and for24 democracy. 19 We have an opportunity to20 change that, and the Global Philadelphia21 Association was created in order to22 accomplish that. We have a threefold23 goal. 1 business, cultural and otherwise, in this2 city and help them become more3 interactive with one another. We exist4 to help our citizens appreciate our5 history and the importance of being an6 international city. 10 The first is that being international is11 critical to our economy. Being an12 international city, if you want to put it13 in crass terms, means dollars. We need14 those dollars. We need that stature. 16 The second point is, we live in17 a world of global competition. Each18 region in the world is in competition19 with each other region in the world. 12 Our first request is that Council,13 working with the Mayor's Office, consider14 a substantial increase in the resources15 being made available to accomplish that16 international stature. 3 The second point that I would4 make or request that I would make is that5 through Council's Economic Development6 Committee and such other committees as7 Council deems appropriate, we would like8 to have a continuing dialogue so that we,9 working with you, can find a way so that10 the City will have a sustained,11 laser-like and effective attention to all12 things international. 14 And so I leave you with the15 final question, and, that is, what will16 happen to Philadelphia's star, a star17 that once burned brightly throughout the18 world, a star that's dimmed a bit? 4

Thank5 you very much.6 (Applause.)7

Thank8 you. One moment, sir.9 The Chair recognizes Councilman10 Jones.11

Again, I12 promised Chairwoman Tasco I wouldn't say13 anything. So she's not at the Chair, so14 I'll make the promise to you.15 Mr. Smith, I just want to16 compliment you on your testimony. I had17 an opportunity to see a documentary18 called "Philadelphia: The Great19 Experiment." I don't know if you saw20 that document or documentary. It was21 enlightening, inspiring, and so was your22 testimony.23 Under the Rizzo Administration,24 there was a group called the Traveling25 52 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 Representatives, and the Traveling2 Representatives' job was to go around and3 be both ambassador but also commerce4 director at the same time to various5 cities, the Sister Cities program. But6 it wasn't just that, it was economically7 driven to try to find strategic economic8 partners around the world. I think9 Cameroon was looked at because of their10 cocoa exports and coffee imports. And it11 was just a great idea then.12 Under the Street13 Administration, Imjensey Trailor (ph) did14 a number of these types of sojourns, one15 to Korea, and I remember going with him.16 We met with 50 companies, and at the end17 of it, we met one train manufacturing18 company, and they bid and they decided to19 come and bid on a SEPTA contract here,20 move their factory here.21 If we spent a little more time22 working with the private sector to try to23 look at potential strategic partners24 globally, respecting new and emerging25 53 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 markets, respecting differences in2 culture and recognizing the strength of3 Philadelphia, we have over 100 different4 ethnic groups that reside in Philadelphia5 that can be our ambassadors to these6 countries.7 So what your vision that you8 submitted today, I totally applaud.9 Councilman Goode and I are going to10 introduce a resolution to try to bring it11 back and start to talk about putting meat12 on the bones of that idea. I just want13 to tell you that we were inspired by your14 comments.15

Thank you very16 much, Councilman, and let me say that I'm17 not naive. I know that in order to do18 that kind of work -- and thank goodness19 that there has been that spirit in the20 City before and today, but I know that in21 order to do that work, the political22 process is not necessarily kind to people23 who are seen as leaving the City and24 going off on what might be thought of as25 54 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 a junket. Well, that's not what these2 things are about, as you have just said.3 They're about bringing home the bacon,4 and we need more efforts to make that5 happen.6

Thank7 you very much, Mr. Smith, and your8 written testimony will be given to the9 stenographer to be transcribed.10 Our next witness?11 MR. McPHERSON: Ramona Riscoe12 Benson.13 (No response.)14

Is15 Ms. Benson here?16 (No response.)17 MR. McPHERSON: Sherrie Cohen.18 (Witness approached witness19 table.)20

Good21 afternoon. Welcome.22

1 about a law that will not die, and I have2 come to fight again to save this law from3 further delay. Mayor Nutter now seeks to4 delay the first progressive wage tax5 legislation ever passed in Philadelphia,6 a bill he voted for when he was a member7 of City Council. Mayor Nutter is a8 strong believer in tax cuts, apparently9 so long as they are not targeted to the10 people who need help the most. 15 This is the third year I have16 come to testify before City Council to17 speak against the planned elimination or18 delay of Councilman David Cohen's Working19 Families Wage Tax Rebate, the crowning20 achievement of my father's long and21 fruitful legislative career. The22 ordinance was introduced by my father and23 passed by City Council over the veto of24 Mayor Street. 1 the state tax forgiveness program. Under2 the existing legislation, a two-parent,3 two-child family with an income of up to4 $34,250 would be eligible for a wage tax5 rebate. 8 Within months of my father's9 death in October 2005, then Mayor Street10 in January 2006 sought the repeal of the11 ordinance. Working poor people and their12 advocates in and out of Council rose up13 and repelled that attempt. 16 Then in the winter of 2008, new17 Mayor Nutter sought the elimination of18 this ordinance. His effort to repeal the19 ordinance was defeated, but the20 provisions of the bill were watered down21 and its benefit cut in half. And here we are again. This time, this is a stealth move on the6 part of the Mayor. 10 How many reasons are there to11 oppose the Mayor's attack on working poor12 people in the City? 16 Who are these people? These17 are the people earning less than about18 $34,000 for a family of four. These are19 the people who work hard, yet cannot make20 ends meet. 15 These are the people whose16 numbers are rising faster in Philadelphia17 than in the nation as a whole. 5 percent. Today it is 2520 percent, a rate far higher than the21 national average of one in seven. " These9 are the people who do not meet the 201010 self-sufficiency standard computed by11 Pathways PA, which determines how much12 money people need to live and work13 without public or private assistance or14 subsidies. Being economically15 self-sufficient means you can pay the16 rent, have a car, have a job and pay your17 bills. You don't need to depend on18 anyone for anything. You are off all19 assistance programs. 2 Among Philadelphia's working3 poor are those who have to reduce the4 size of their meals or skip meals5 entirely because they cannot afford food6 purchases, according to the Pennsylvania7 Health Management Corporation's 20048 Household Health Survey for Southeastern9 Pennsylvania, which documented 122,00010 such households in Philadelphia,11 including nearly 61,000 children. 17 These are the people who will18 invest this tax rebate into their19 communities and help revitalize every20 neighborhood of the City. 1 the choice is yours. 6 I am here today to ask each7 member of Council to sign a formal pledge8 that they will not vote for this grossly9 unfair attack on the working poor. 11

Thank12 you.13 The Chair recognizes Councilman14 Goode.15 (Applause.)16

Thank you,17 Madam President.18 Good afternoon, Sherrie. I19 just want to let you know that I was the20 first co-sponsor of the bill. I voted21 against the repeal and its delay, and I22 will continue to do so.23

Thank you. Thank24 you so much, Councilman.25 62 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 (Applause.)2

Thank3 you very much. Thank you.4 Our next witness?5 MR. McPHERSON: Liz Werthan.6 (Witness approached witness7 table.)8

Good9 afternoon.10

Good afternoon.11 My name is Liz Werthan and I am a Board12 member of the Friends of the Wissahickon13 and a member of its Advocacy Committee.14 The Friends of the Wissahickon is the15 oldest and largest of the non-profit16 volunteer groups active in the Fairmount17 Park system. For over 85 years, the18 Friends have been stewards of Wissahickon19 Valley Park, the beautiful northern20 stretch of Fairmount Park, an amazing21 section of this urban park that most22 resembles the kind of wilderness areas23 more characteristic of Vermont or Maine.24 Our members maintain and preserve its25 63 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 extensive trail system and historic2 structures, care for native plant and3 animal species, and protect the watershed4 of the Wissahickon Creek that runs into5 the Schuylkill.6 I am here today to add the7 voice of FOW to the many individuals and8 organizations that wish to protect this9 precious resource and urge support10 through the City's Operating Budget for11 its oversight by the Department of Parks12 and Recreation.13 Friends of the Wissahickon14 raises monies and recruits, trains and15 manages volunteers to work in the park.16 We depend on both the Department of Parks17 and Recreation and the Water Department18 to be robust partners in making the19 Wissahickon the special place that it is20 for all generations of Philadelphians.21 For many, the park is a place to walk,22 run, hike, bike, go fishing and ride23 horseback. For others, it's a place to24 go for quiet reflection away from the25 64 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 City streets and among the trees and2 woodlands. It's a place for families and3 for friends to picnic. It is, as4 Councilman Jones stated recently, before5 today, a perfect place to go for a family6 staycation.7 While the Parks and Recreation8 Department continues to work toward9 greater efficiencies and to become one10 functional department, it requires time11 to get the merger working right, and it12 also needs money. We are advocating for13 adequate funding for this Philadelphia14 treasure for the sake of today's citizens15 and for our future ones as well.16 We ask Council to pass the17 budget for Parks and Recreation as18 submitted for this fiscal year and to19 recognize the crucial role that this20 important department plays in the quality21 of life for all Philadelphians. We22 encourage Council to look for future23 opportunities to increase the budget for24 this chronically underfunded Philadelphia25 65 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 treasure.2 Thank you very much.3

Thank4 you.5 The Chair recognizes Councilman6 Jones.7 (Applause.)8

Liz -- I'm9 sorry; Ms. Werthan, before you leave, I10 just want to thank you and the Friends of11 the Wissahickon for what you do to12 protect that part of Philadelphia.13 A quick question. The14 purchase, recent purchase, of the Sugar15 Loaf Retreat Center, what is your --16 they're looking at doing some things up17 there and I'd love to get your opinion18 about that.19

Well, I have to20 say personally I have not been too21 involved in it, so as a Board member,22 I've listened to the reports as they've23 come forward. I know that there have24 been many hundreds of hours of25 66 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 negotiations between the neighbors and2 the Friends group and the Chestnut Hill3 folks, all kinds of people, and the4 college, and I thought they were working5 toward a resolution of all of the6 problems. The Friends of the Wissahickon7 is particularly interested in the issue8 of water, the runoff and making sure that9 the creek is not contaminated. That was10 the really big issue for us. Other11 people have other issues. And so getting12 everybody on the same page has been13 contentious.14 My understanding really just15 from reading the Friends of the -- the16 Chestnut Hill Local recently was that17 there have been passage by -- that the18 college's request for an IDD had been19 approved, and I think there was some20 upset about that, but I don't -- I can't21 really tell you a whole lot more about22 it.23

I just want24 you to know that we'll be working with25 67 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 you and other Board members to make sure2 that that's a palatable transformation.3 And I understand the need of the college4 to expand, but not at the expense of the5 environment, and that there probably is a6 further negotiation that will come to7 some kind of accommodation and protection8 for that part of the park. I just want9 to thank you for your diligence in10 safeguarding it. So thank you very much.11

Well, it12 certainly has been a labor of love, I13 think, and an important stewardship by14 the Friends and particularly by our Board15 Chair, Bob Vance, who has been16 representing FOW in those negotiations.17

Thank you,18 Madam President.19 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:20 You're welcome.21 Thank you very much.22

Thank you.23 MR. McPHERSON: Our next24 witness is Kia McClure.25 68 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 MS. McCLURE: Greetings to all.2 My name is Kia McClure and I am the Teen3 Director at the Boys and Girls Club of4 Philadelphia, the Wissahickon Unit, in5 the Germantown section of the City. On6 an average, we serve 85 teens a night.7 We try to offer a wide range of8 activities for these teens to keep them9 off the streets.10 This fall, we were fortunate11 enough to be given an opportunity to12 partner with Art-Reach for a phenomenal13 anti-violence T-shirt design art program.14 Without this program, our children would15 not have had the opportunity to16 experience a lot of the opportunities17 that went along with this program.18 The teens were given a chance19 to visit the fabric museum and witness20 the silkscreen process firsthand. They21 were also given the opportunity to sit in22 on a phenomenal one-man play about crime,23 violence, art and the inmates at24 Graterford Prison.25 69 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 In my personal opinion, I think2 the experience that had the most impact3 was the Cradle to Grave program at Temple4 University. During this program, the5 teens were given -- excuse me; they were6 taken through the experience of a gunshot7 victim who was shot 22 times and lost his8 life. The teens were taken to the trauma9 center, where one teen volunteered to be10 this young man lying on the table11 fighting for his life. The facilitator12 placed 22 red stickers on the teen's body13 to represent the places and number of14 times this young man was shot. I watched15 my teens' faces as they were truly16 touched by the demonstration of someone17 having to massage this young man's heart18 to keep him alive, and all from senseless19 violence and being shot.20 The teens were able to come21 back to the club and talk about this22 event that was so heavy on their hearts,23 and this is where the life of the design24 of their T-shirts came from. The teens25 70 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 were able to express what they were2 feeling by designing a heart and3 incorporating slogans against violence4 into it, telling the world that it was5 important to them and what was heavily6 weighed in their hearts and minds.7 The silkscreen -- they8 silkscreened designs onto T-shirts that9 they presented -- and presented them to a10 panel of judges, who chose the design to11 be mass produced and sold in the retail12 store Villa.13 To prepare for this14 presentation, Art-Reach provided the15 teens with workshops on public speaking16 and expressing their own point of view to17 an audience. The students did very well,18 and the proceeds raised from these sales19 of the shirts will be donated back to our20 center. In addition, the program left21 our center with a fully functioning22 silkscreen studio that our teens can23 continue to practice their newly found24 skills. One of our teens said, "I had a25 71 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 great time learning how to make shirts.2 Now I can do more designs and teach3 others. I am very thankful."4 Clearly, this was an effective5 program, and I encourage this funding to6 continue, because it makes a very real7 difference in the lives of the teens I8 work with. We are in very strong hopes9 that we'll be placed on the list to10 receive this opportunity again and again,11 for it is worth having.12 Thank you.13 (Applause.)14

One15 moment, please.16 Just a moment, please.17 One moment, please.18 Councilman Jones, your light is19 on. Did you want to be recognized?20

No, Madam21 President.22

Thank23 you.24 Excuse me, Dear. Sorry.25 72 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1

Hi, Kia.2 MS. McCLURE: How are you?3

I missed4 the first part of your testimony, but I5 think you're actually here because of6 funding for -- anti-violence funding.7 MS. McCLURE: For Art-Reach. I8 had to cut my testimony short because I9 heard the bell go off, but --10

I'd like11 to talk to you later, Kia, about your12 concerns.13 MS. McCLURE: Okay. And it14 says that we wish to thank the15 Philadelphia Cultural Fund, who provided16 the financial support to make this17 program possible, and the Council for18 having a vision to fund projects like19 this to help so many kids, giving them20 positive activities that exercise their21 creative minds and elevate their22 self-confidence.23

That's24 the T-shirt competition or exhibit you25 73 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 were supposed to have at the Villa when2 we had that big snowstorm?3 MS. McCLURE: Yes. Yes.4

Okay.5 MS. McCLURE: Teens6 silkscreened hearts on T-shirts and they7 were sold at the Villa stores.8

Right.9 Okay. All right. Thank you. Thank you10 for coming.11 MS. McCLURE: Thank you.12

Our13 next witness?14 MR. McPHERSON: Sam Little and15 Stephen Huntington.16 (Witnesses approached witness17 table.)18

Good19 afternoon, gentlemen. Thank you for your20 patience.21

Thank you, Madam22 President, for allowing us to speak to23 Council. I'd like to introduce -- I'm24 Sam Little with the Crosstown Coalition,25 74 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 and this is Steve Huntington.2

How do you do?3

Good4 afternoon.5

Sam is going6 to make short prepared remarks, but7 before he does, our Coalition started8 around the Zoning Code Commission reform9 effort. We've put together 14 civic10 associations and we're trying to speak as11 one voice. Today we have representatives12 here from Society Hill, Lorna Katz is13 here; from Logan Square, Ed Panek, who14 had to leave; from Center City Residents,15 Guy Aiman; from Woodland Terrace16 Homeowners Association, Maggie Lerner;17 from Overbrook Farms, Stephanie Kindt.18 Stephanie is wearing two hats because19 she's also here from one of our other20 members, SCRUB. From East Falls, we're21 lucky to have Meg Greenfield, and from22 Old City, Joe Shiavo. And we have a23 group of 14. We've had a little24 attrition this afternoon, but let me turn25 75 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 it over to Sam.2

However, our3 Coalition has gained two new civic4 associations because of our new role of5 reviewing the plan.6 Steve did point out that we7 have been working very hard on reviewing8 the Zoning Code, reworking that's been9 done by the Zoning Code Commission.10 We've attended over 30 meetings. We have11 reviewed every single version, which are12 now black, red, green, blue lined, and I13 think fuschia line is next. We have over14 100 pages of detailed comments, but our15 real thanks to the City Council and16 members here who put the brakes on what17 was going on over there so that civic18 associations and other stakeholders could19 have a chance to really digest this very20 complicated area and to input more21 effectively.22 I'd like to ask Council sort of23 the same thing about the Comprehensive24 Plan, which is being done by the25 76 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 Philadelphia Planning Commission. We2 actually have two requests. One is that3 Council oversee the public and4 transparent -- public involvement and5 transparent nature of the Philadelphia6 2035 Plan. It's a comprehensive plan.7 It covers a citywide vision, but it's8 also a very important precursor to what9 are called the district plans, more10 localized ones. And that's our second11 request. We would like Council, please,12 to look at -- make sure that the Planning13 Commission has the resources to do these14 all-important district plannings. These15 are where the Planning Commission16 outreach to neighborhoods is vital in17 bringing together both their needs, their18 broader City ambitions and other19 stakeholders, and this is really critical20 prior to remapping of the Zoning Map.21 We fear that the Commission22 really is understaffed and23 under-resourced to do this. They have24 two people who are supposed to do two25 77 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 plans a year, and if you go through the2 18 districts, that goes out to more than3 five years. That's just not fast enough,4 nor is it careful attention enough. And5 those of us in the Coalition who have had6 neighborhood plans, both Steve's civic7 association and mine, have known they're8 hard, sometimes they have food fights,9 but what they do is, they provide for10 stakeholders - the neighbors,11 businesspeople - to make development and12 quality of life and communities stay13 together and work together.14 We believe that if there were15 additional funding for two to four staff16 people on the Commission, first of all,17 the length of time to do these district18 plans would be reduced and, second of19 all, the quality of the problem-solving20 would be greatly improved. And so we21 would like you to look at whether that22 kind of resource could be found available23 for the Planning Commission.24 We know our funding request is25 78 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 significant when there's so many pressing2 needs in the City, but we feel it would3 be more than repaid in terms of helping4 both neighborhoods and economic5 development flourish in the City.6 Thanks for your time.7

Thank8 you. One moment, please.9 The Chair recognizes Councilman10 Green.11

Thank you12 for coming in and testifying about what13 is a very important issue, and the14 planning that has to happen around the15 2035 Plan and district plans are going to16 be something that impacts the City for17 the next few decades and it's obviously18 very important.19 I'm wondering if you spoke --20 we have spoken about this before. I'm21 wondering if you've spoken to the22 Administration about additional Planning23 Commission staff and what their reaction24 was.25 79 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1

Their reaction, my2 sense is in talking with the head of the3 Strategic Planning group, that it would4 be a great help to them. They see the5 district plans as the focal point between6 local interests and citywide objectives.7 So I think they would see it that way.8

Certainly in9 budget hearings, we'll have the10 opportunity to talk to the Budget11 Director about why they didn't make a12 request for additional staff for the13 Planning Commission. The way this form14 of government works is, we can15 appropriate whatever we like and they16 don't have to spend it. So we don't have17 line-item spending authority. We could18 give the Planning Commission an extra19 million dollars and it simply not get20 spent unless the Administration is fully21 behind it. And so I will ask the22 question and see if we can get an answer.23

It seems to me24 that the question for Council is whether25 80 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 the district plans are going to be2 presented at the ZCC and the 2035 Plan3 have been presented to the community so4 far. It's been totally top down. And5 thanks to Councilman Green's intervention6 and Councilman O'Neill's intervention,7 the ZCC process was finally opened up.8 We were told on December 3rd9 that we had to review and comment on a10 400-page plan by early January, and, of11 course, that plan has now gone through12 three iterations. If there's not enough13 Planning staff to do the district plans,14 what's going to happen is your individual15 neighborhoods are going to be faced with16 a fait accompli, because there won't be17 enough staff time to take in the comments18 from the neighborhoods and pack it into19 the plan. So that's why we regard this20 request as crucial.21

Can I just add to22 this? I'm the President of the Logan23 Square Neighborhood Association, which is24 a large area. It's the northwest25 81 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 quadrant of Center City. We've had a2 neighborhood plan that took two and a3 half years to do, and it was quite4 expensive, and I was only half joking5 about food fights. It's very hard to get6 everybody's differing views into place.7 But now that it has, we have over a half8 a billion dollars worth of development9 going into Logan Square in the10 foreseeable future, and the community has11 accepted and worked with developers to12 make these happen. That's what we think13 the repayment is in making these district14 plans really the focal point. And it's15 not just finding the data and how many16 people live on the second floor or the17 fourth floor, it's problem-solving, and18 when it gets to that stage, we all19 benefit.20

And for the21 first time, developers are coming into us22 and they're saying, On of your23 plan, you say you want parking in the24 back. We've got parking in the back.25 82 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 That facilitates discussions, and so that2 the first draft of the plans tend to be3 far more community oriented because the4 community has spoken.5

Thank you.6

Thanks for7 your time.8

Thank9 you. Thank you very much.10 (Applause.)11 MR. McPHERSON: Our next12 witness is Lawrence Clark.13 (Witness approached witness14 table.)15

Good16 afternoon. Please identify yourself for17 the record.18

Sure. Lawrence19 Clark. Good afternoon, Council. Today I20 come before City Council today to21 strongly request a review of the Bureau22 of Administrative Adjudication, because23 they are not in compliance of Chapter24 12-2800 of The Philadelphia Code. I have25 83 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 received over hundreds of written2 complaints that the citizens have not3 received a due process, a fair hearing4 and their vehicles is being hold ransom5 for parking tickets and leaving the City6 to alter their vehicles. Let me be7 clear, this is not about one8 responsibility of paying any debt, but9 about creating a fair process with10 accountability.11 Today we filed a civil suit in12 Federal Court against the Philadelphia13 Parking Authority for holding people cars14 ransom over parking tickets. I think15 this is an outrage, and I think that we16 need some attention down at the BAA to17 make sure that the citizens is getting a18 fair share. The citizens of Philadelphia19 need they vehicles to get back and forth20 to work, to take they children to school21 and also go shopping.22 So we speaking on the behalf of23 the citizens today. So that's why I'm24 here today, to address Council to25 84 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 immediately to look into the practices of2 the BAA.3

Thank4 you very much.5

Thank you.6 (Applause.)7

Our8 next witness?9 MR. McPHERSON: Cardell10 Johnson.11

You said Cardell12 Johnson?13 MR. McPHERSON: Yes.14

That's me.15 (Witness approached witness16 table.)17

Good18 afternoon.19

22 I'm going to start with in23 1966, it's when I first came to24 Philadelphia. I was 15 years old. 1 when I came to Philadelphia, I thought2 this was the most beautifullest city, the3 wonderfullest city in the whole world,4 because this was the first city I had5 ever been to from off the farm in North6 Carolina. But over the 45 years that I7 have worked and volunteered through8 Philadelphia, I have seen Philadelphia9 begin to deteriorate in North10 Philadelphia and low-income homes,11 low-income families all through the City12 of Philadelphia. It hurts me today to13 come and just see so much that is going14 on and so much injustice that's going on,15 especially with the Parking Authority. I16 have a sad story for that. 21 I come to you today as a22 volunteer of Philadelphia. I speak23 for -- the name of my group is Mothers24 Against Injustice. 1 there. 6 I'm asking City Council members7 to begin to look back into the8 communities, because to me you're losing9 touch with the real people throughout10 Philadelphia. 13 For instance, I'm in North14 Carolina visiting my mother. My brother,15 who is an alcoholic, went and got the16 keys to my car without my permission and17 moved the car, because somebody was18 fighting. The police stopped him. He19 was drinking and driving, and they should20 have locked him up. 22 When I get back, he tells me23 the story. So I go down to try to get my24 car. 4 It doesn't matter, Miss. You5 have to go before the judge. 8 Okay. That's simple. A few9 days later, I go before the judge. 13 He said, Well, Ms. 20 It doesn't matter. Okay. Fine. I did that. I4 went and found my brother again. It's so much red tape that you7 have to go through. They made me feel8 like a victim. The stuff that I went9 through, it took me 30 days and $3,000 to10 get my car. Twenty dollars a day that11 you have to pay for every day that your12 car is impounded. 14 Now, all I'm saying to you15 today, I'm poor. I'm a $13,000 a year16 job. I have to find that $3,000, because17 after I found out how much it would cost18 for me to get my car, I said, Keep it. 21 They're going to sell my car, which they22 did -- which they would, but still I will23 be responsible for the tickets. 1 abandoned, the Parking Authority could2 suspend my license for 90 days for3 leaving an abandoned vehicle. 6 The things what I'm saying7 today is, there is a lot of laws that you8 implement, but you don't really know the9 nuts and bolts that people go through and10 the hardship that the Parking Authority,11 the Police Department and when you go12 before a judge that you have to go13 through. I was not the person driving14 the car. 17 So I'm saying today -- and I'm18 going to close that. )5 MR. )9

Good afternoon.10

Good11 afternoon.12

I'm honored to be13 here. Normally I'm running and speaking14 before the School Board Reform, so I've15 never really spoke before City Council,16 and I didn't know how the time is,17 because normally, you know, the School18 Board, they make you give up something.19 So I really think this is critical.20 My name is Lewis Harris. I21 come as a concerned citizen, and my thing22 will be real -- I'm going to read it as23 fast as I can.24 We are -- the citizens of25 91 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 Philadelphia are being placed in a2 tremendous disadvantage with the now3 existing system of the Parking Authority.4 What exists now within the5 system of the Parking Authority is one6 which exhibits unfairness in their7 process of collecting on violations8 and/or alleged violations, no9 transparency in honoring the basic10 principles of human rights and civil11 rights, extremely burdensome in their12 service delivery and, finally, there13 exists no community education about what14 the Parking Authority do, how they15 operate that stems down to the community.16 The notion of unfair practice17 within the Parking Authority's system is18 diversified. One only has to look at the19 booting system on violators or alleged20 violators who can come and attempt to pay21 the ticket off and find themselves at a22 hearing where they're being given tickets23 dated back to 1991, 1992, some24 30-something years and 20 years back.25 92 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 The word "extortion" comes in2 play. And I looked it up in the3 dictionary, and it says "misuse of power4 by exerting undue penalties to extract5 too high a price." Also under the6 Wikipedia, extortion is almost considered7 an organized crime.8 The key is that it cannot exist9 without written verbal threats, which10 keeps the method of operation one step11 from actual robbery. And I feel that we12 are one step with the Parking Authority13 from actual robbery. There will be -- I14 really wish I could read it fast, but I15 didn't want to kill time, but I want to16 go to the debts.17 The alleged debts are extremely18 unreasonably high, and they want it all19 or a large down payment. They are20 forcing to enter into a payment agreement21 even if they know that they not guilty of22 it, and the reason why they do that is23 because the Parking Authority says that24 the tickets are now in collection. And25 93 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 if you want to challenge the cost or the2 ticket, you will have to go to the City3 and go to Philadelphia Law for collection4 and deal with it. But to get your car5 out, you going to pay whatever price we6 come up with. In my case, it came up to7 $4,180-something. Tickets dated back8 before my son was even born.9 Then there's the issue of10 transparency. I went to the website. I11 went everywhere trying to locate the12 mission statement of the Parking13 Authority. They had the icon, but no14 mission statement. I tried to locate the15 bylaws or articles of incorporation. I16 tried to find all of the statutes that17 mandated that they had the ability to do18 some of the stuff they doing, and one of19 the things that came up is that they20 were -- they were mandated more in 200721 and yet they're ticketing people and22 billing them from 1998, 1997, 1991.23 So what I'm saying before the24 City Council is that I think brother25 94 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 Lawrence P. Clark is on point. We need2 your help. We need your help to kind of3 re-review the Parking Authority and its4 operation and its procedures.5 And with that, I thank you.6

Thank7 you.8 (Applause.)9 MR. McPHERSON: Our next10 witness is T. Milton Street.11 (No response.)12

Is13 Mr. Street here?14 (No response.)15

Let's16 go on.17 MR. McPHERSON: Pete Matthews.18 (No response.)19 MR. McPHERSON: Sue Rosenthal.20 (Witness approached witness21 table.)22

Nice23 seeing you again.24

It's nice25 95 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 seeing you again, and I want to thank you2 for all the years that you welcomed us3 and helped us, and wish you good luck.4

Thank5 you.6

Good afternoon.7 I am Sue Rosenthal, Chair of the8 volunteer Community Board of Public9 Health Center 10.10 I urge City Council to adopt11 the Fiscal Year 2012 Health budget12 proposed by Dr. Donald Schwarz,13 Philadelphia's Health Commissioner.14 Your eight public health15 centers serve over 90,000 clients. This16 includes 25 percent of Philadelphia's17 uninsured residents as well as many18 covered by some type of insurance.19 New adult patients have to wait20 66 days for initial treatment at the21 health centers. For Health Center 10,22 the City's busiest, the delay for a first23 visit is eight to ten months. This wait24 for medical treatment must be cut.25 96 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 Worse, this delay will become longer2 because of the present high rate of3 unemployment that's already sending more4 people to the health centers. Many5 Philadelphians lack medical care.6 Untreated illnesses may become7 so severe that hospitalization may be8 necessary for medical problems which9 could have been cured by earlier public10 health center treatment.11 I recognize the difficult12 decisions you must make in forming our13 City budget in these economically trying14 times. Including a relatively small part15 of that budget to be dedicated to the16 health of Philadelphians stressed by that17 same poor economy I think is an important18 part of your responsibilities. I19 respectfully urge you to approve the20 budget request of Commissioner Donald21 Schwarz.22 Thank you for the opportunity23 to testify.24

Thank25 97 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 you. We appreciate your taking the time2 to come in and share your views with us.3 Thank you.4

Thank you very5 much.6 MR. McPHERSON: Our next7 witness is Khadijah Jones.8 (Witness approached witness9 table.)10

Good afternoon.11

Good12 afternoon.13

14 Hello, Councilmembers, and thank you for15 letting me testify and speak to you16 today. 1 to make that path a bit smoother by2 empowering our customers and constituents3 of the City to hold onto their money and4 their dreams and to achieve better lives5 in the future. 15 Our services allow families to16 maximize their federal and state tax17 credits, including EITC, which is the18 Earned Income Tax Credit. 8 Over the past nine years, the9 Campaign has prepared and e-filed over10 100,000 tax returns, 103,874 to be exact,11 and brought over almost $180 million in12 state and refunds to working families13 throughout Philadelphia. 19 Therefore, the tax environment must20 follow suit. 1 diverse work of life. That's why our2 services are available to families making3 under 50,000 or less and individuals4 20,000 or less. 6 We invest in training7 IRS-certified volunteers, over 600 this8 year, to provide quality services, and we9 get results. This year we had the top10 three sites in the state, producing over11 a thousand returns each, and we12 represented ten percent of the state's13 production in tax preparation. 22 I'm sure others are asking for23 money and to sustain their current24 funding sources. 1 points I'd like to make. 50 into the local economy, and this5 was based off of a study done by the city6 government in San Antonio, Texas. And7 the second point is, it is my8 understanding that you want more TANF9 recipients working and not just10 collecting benefits. Well, the Campaign11 for Working Families actually helps in12 that area. 17 We all want what's right for18 our families and communities. So I ask19 you to please look at our organization20 when you're looking at your budget21 allocations and the investment in the22 programs. 1 introduce two other people that you are2 just about to call. )8

Good9 afternoon, Pastor. Please introduce10 yourself for the record.11

Good afternoon,12 Council. Thank you all for allowing me13 to be here today. My name is Pastor14 Juanita Rivers and I'm the Pastor of15 Ebenezer Temple Pentecostal Church in16 West Philadelphia. And I just come17 before you today to say to you that we as18 non-profit, especially faith-based19 organizations, we would like you to20 consider us as a viable option into21 helping you have the City's resident22 needs met. We as non-profit, our23 buildings are dormant about 50 percent of24 the time, where the City's children,25 103 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 youth, are needing access to services,2 and so, therefore, for a minimal3 investment, you're able to get these4 residents the services that they need.5 Non-profits are viable options6 to mentoring youth, increasing overall7 productivity in City Hall, empowering8 individuals to maximize their creativity9 as well as their abilities. At my church10 alone, we sponsor programs to impact the11 City's residents. Last year we had a12 free summer camp enrichment program where13 we offered the children in that community14 Spanish, math, English, computer15 literacy, things that will keep them off16 the streets so that they're not being17 delinquent there. We were able to18 service 57 children, ages 3 to 14, and19 that did not cost the parents anything.20 And so we're saying, consider21 non-profits. In addition, we're one of22 the sites that Ms. Jones spoke about. We23 maintain a volunteer income tax system in24 the site. We've done it for over 2025 104 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 years. We were able to service citizens2 in the City of Philadelphia so that they3 don't have to go to the paid preparers to4 have their returns done.5 One of the things, at the end6 of our summer camp last year, we asked7 one of the 14-year-old youth, what did8 this program mean to him, and he said, I9 am grateful for this program because I10 didn't have to worry about being shot. A11 youth. The most important thing on his12 mind is worrying about being shot.13 And so we're asking you to14 consider us as non-profits as you begin15 to issue out your funding, that we might16 be able to assist the residents of this17 city with the things that they need most,18 empowering them to be the leaders of19 tomorrow.20 Thank you for this opportunity.21

Thank22 you.23

Hi. I'm Lashay24 Fenture. My name is Lashay Bonner25 105 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 Fenture. I'm no City Council member.2 I'm not the President of anything. I'm3 just a regular citizen. I just graduated4 from Temple.5 I first filed my taxes in 20096 and then again last year in 2010, and7 both times the Campaign for Working8 Families filed my taxes. I had never9 been offered the opportunity to buy a10 savings bond, really hadn't heard about11 it much, but in 2009, I bought my first,12 and again last year. So far I have a13 thousand dollars saved up for my daughter14 in savings bonds. And I know that might15 not seem like a lot of money to you all,16 because you're working, you know, working17 people, but as a college student and a18 young mother, that means a lot. And if I19 do that every year, by the time she's 18,20 you know, she will have something for21 college.22 And something I wrote that's a23 little cute. The Campaign for Working24 Families gives the so-called have-nots25 106 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 like myself the opportunity to have a2 little.3 Thank you.4

Thank5 you.6 (Applause.)7 MR. McPHERSON: Ramona Riscoe8 Benson.9 (No response.)10 MR. McPHERSON: Our next11 witness is Pete Matthews.12 (Applause.)13

Good14 afternoon. Welcome. Please identify15 yourself for the record and proceed with16 your testimony.17

Pete Matthews,18 President, District Council 33. Council,19 thank you, Madam President, for your20 patience. We really appreciate it. And21 we're going to -- we're really going to22 appreciate the help that you can give us,23 because this has been quite some time24 we've been at that, and hopefully after25 107 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 we make this --2 (Audience members yelling.)3

You guys wore me4 out a little bit a while ago.5 Can you hear me now? Okay.6 (Audience members yelling.)7

Is the mike on?8 It's on, isn't it?9

Yes.10

You can hear11 now, can't you?12

If I13 try closing mine, maybe you'll get more.14

Okay. Can you15 hear?16 (Audience members yelling.)17

You want me to18 talk like I did outside? You want me to19 scream?20 (Audience members yelling.)21

1 you for this opportunity to come before2 you and testify on the City of3 Philadelphia's 2011 budget. I am4 submitting my formal testimony with the5 statement so that you can read our6 extended comments in full as part of the7 public record. 8 The City has not increased its9 contributions to our health and welfare10 fund for going on four years. 1 Legislature in September 2009 that2 produced the passage of legislation3 approving the changes to the pension fund4 and allowed the City to increase the5 local sales tax. 10 District Council 33 has helped11 the City save $447 million in the last12 four years. 3 These are facts that the City4 has never denied. I am not making up5 these figures. These figures can be6 easily calculated by adding up what the7 City would have paid over the last four8 years if we had had increases that come9 close to the percentage increase in the10 cost of health benefits. )11

The issue of12 contracting out is a separate subject13 that will be worthy of a separate set of14 public hearings, and there are a number15 of local unions in District Council 3316 that deliver a great deal of detailed17 testimony on this subject.18 After all this help, after all19 the sacrifices made by District Council20 33 members in the last four years, the21 City turns a deaf ear.22 On Monday, March 21st, District23 Council 33's negotiating team held our24 first formal negotiation session with the25 113 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 City in over two years. The negotiation2 session came as a result of a request by3 the City to meet. The result of this4 last meeting, bargaining meeting, is the5 same as it has been for almost -- for6 most of the last four years. No7 progress. Mayor Nutter wants to dictate8 terms, not sit down and negotiate.9 It is time for the City to10 recognize the contributions District11 Council 33 members have made over the12 last four years to help the City survive13 the recession. District Council 33 has14 gone above and beyond when it comes to15 helping their fellow Philadelphians in16 these trying economic times. The City17 should not balance the budget on the18 backs of the City workers.19 (Applause.)20

We continue to21 do our part to help the City year in and22 year out. We will bargain this contract23 in good faith, but we won't be exploited.24 What the Mayor seems to have25 114 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 done is to penalize us for goodwill that2 we had and the foresight that we had to3 recognize this economic problem that's4 around the country and also the economic5 problems that the City had. So what we6 did was take a step that was never done7 before in the history of negotiations.8 Knowing the problems that the City had,9 we went ahead of the curve, and every10 time the Mayor called for help, I11 answered that call, knowing that we would12 add up the savings that we have made to13 the City over the year. The City would14 not have balanced these budgets over the15 past two or three years if it wasn't for16 the efforts of District Council 33.17 (Applause.)18

In spite of19 that, the Mayor goes around nationally20 and around the country and says what he's21 going to do with changing pension22 benefits, changing our health and23 welfare, just changing, changing,24 changing. We are a union that fought25 115 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 hard for these rights. As I said, we2 knew the economic problems that were3 going to happen in the City and we4 stepped forward and helped the City. We5 should not and will not be penalized for6 the help that we gave this city --7 (Applause.)8

-- and the help9 that we gave the citizens of this city.10 Our members are City residents11 and taxpayers, too. We will bargain --12 (Applause.)13

We will bargain14 this contract in good faith, but we will15 not be exploited.16 We are appealing to City17 Council to help us in our plight as we go18 over the facts and explain the facts of19 the money that we have saved the City.20 As I said again, through all this crisis,21 our members worked. Through all the snow22 emergencies, through all the emergencies23 with the water breaks --24 (Applause.)25 116 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1

-- through2 everything that came up, we worked. We3 did our job. We saved the City money.4 In spite, what I believe, the Mayor5 wanted us to strike, wanted us to6 exploit. We did not do that.7 The Mayor constantly tells us8 the great work that City employees do.9 We don't want a pat on the head. We want10 fair treatment.11 (Applause.)12

Thank you, City13 Council, and I'm available to answer any14 questions you may have on our positions15 on the budget or the contract16 negotiations with the City.17 Thank you.18 (Applause.)19

My name is20 Franklin Wallace and I'm the Controller21 of District Council 33.22 Ladies and gentlemen, in all23 due respect, these calculations are not24 very difficult. No, we did not use fuzzy25 117 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 math either.2

Pull3 the microphone closer. Thank you.4

Simply put, the5 savings generated by the City for not6 providing any salary increases that7 Mr. Matthews just recently spoke about8 was computed as follows: Total City9 employees represented by AFSCME times the10 annual salary at July 1, 2007, and that's11 the last time that these workers received12 a salary increase. That provides us with13 the basis for starting this calculation.14 Now, historically the workers15 that is represented by DC 33 had received16 an average of roughly three percent raise17 over the last 15, 20 years. So using18 that as a basis, we factored in that19 average of three percent to the base20 salary over a 48-month period, which ends21 on July 1 of 2011. That produced a base22 savings of roughly $52 million just on23 the salary had those workers received24 that average increase of three percent25 118 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 over the last four years.2 Now, in regard to the health3 and welfare, we used the same methodology4 to calculate the savings on the health5 and welfare fund, and, that is, again,6 the last health and welfare adjustment7 that the City provided to DC 33 also took8 place on July 1 of 2007. So through9 various publications such as the10 Philadelphia Business Journal and reports11 published by the Segal Company, a12 well-known healthcare consulting firm,13 and other documents that we reviewed,14 which I could not remember off the top of15 my head, we concluded that the average16 increase in healthcare cost over that17 period was somewhere around 15 percent18 per year. We used in this calculation a19 trend of 13 percent to be more on the20 conservative side, and we also compounded21 that number annually over the same22 four-year period. That computed to be23 more than $69 million for the AFSCME24 workers.25 119 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 Adding this figure to the2 projected salary savings that was3 calculated on the wages, the total of4 those two items alone total $121 million.5 Now, in addition to those6 numbers, Pete also mentioned the pension7 savings, the savings that was attributed8 to filling the vacant positions, in9 addition to what we projected was raised10 by the additional one percent sales tax,11 which we had an integral part in making12 that pass up in Harrisburg. Combining13 all those numbers together, we feel that14 District Council 33 attributed a minimum15 of $447 million to this process.16 (Applause.)17

If you recall in18 Fiscal Year '09, the Mayor had said19 during our negotiations that he wanted 2520 million from each union in concessions.21 Well, if you see over the period of years22 you add up the cost in the health and23 welfare savings and also in the savings24 from salaries, that savings is 22125 120 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 million -- $121 million. It's just -- I2 mean, it's just plain overkill. I mean,3 if you look at these figures, I don't4 know where the Mayor is coming from. I5 don't know what his agenda is, but it's6 just plain ridiculous. And he talks7 about negotiating fairly. I don't know8 what his agenda is. I don't know what9 he's looking to be.10 (Applause.)11

But it's12 something that the members of this union13 just won't stand for any longer.14 (Applause.)15

We don't like to16 put it in these terms, because just along17 with other representatives of the City, I18 mean, we vote in support for our19 Councilmembers also.20 (Applause.)21

And I'd like to22 say this -- I don't begrudge anybody --23 can I have a little order?24 I'm taking over your job,25 121 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 right?2 Have a little order.3 But I don't begrudge anybody4 anything that they make. Absolutely not.5 I'm 100 percent for the DROP program,6 which the Mayor has thrown out there.7 Obviously he wants us --8 (Applause.)9

Obviously he10 wants us to comment on it. I'm not11 against anybody's salary. I'm not12 begrudging anything anybody makes. This13 is the United States of America. And I'm14 sure not the one to make concessions, and15 I don't begrudge anybody else to make16 concessions too either. But fair is17 fair, and we look --18 (Applause.)19

You know, when20 some of you guys come around and you come21 to talk to us and you want our support22 and we say we're going to give you our23 support, all we ask for is fairness.24 That's all we ask for. And if you25 122 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 look --2 (Applause.)3

You know, I'm4 not hearing any questions on this, but I5 want you to sit down and look at these6 figures and I want you to look at the7 history of what's been done in this8 union. This is something unprecedented9 that has never happened before. When we10 went out and said this city was facing a11 financial crisis, we stepped forward and12 helped everybody. We stepped forward and13 didn't get any increases over the years.14 We stepped forward when the City had a15 pension problem. We were the ones that16 went out there and put our pension17 trustees to delay the payment of the18 pension plan so the Mayor could save $23019 million. It was us.20 (Applause.)21

And City workers22 are tired of this treatment. They're23 tired of these pats on their head. They24 got to eat like everybody else.25 123 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 (Applause.)2

Now, we can3 guarantee you this: We've been calm.4 We've been collected. Nobody wants to5 strike. Nobody wants a work stoppage.6 Nobody wants to do anything that's7 harmful to the City. We don't want that.8 But we want to be paid attention to. We9 do not want to be taken for granted.10 (Applause.)11

We don't want to12 be treated like kids out here. We have13 worked hard for what we got. We have14 sacrificed. We continue to sacrifice,15 and we are not going to take being16 stopped down as workers. We are not17 going to get this budget balanced on the18 back of the workers. Please --19 (Applause.)20

-- please,21 please pay attention to what we are22 saying. We're not -- be forewarned. We23 are sick of this. We are tired of this.24 We got an expression, "The City25 124 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 works because we do." None of this stuff2 out here --3 (Applause.)4

None of this5 stuff out here, none of this trash being6 picked up, none of these offices being7 worked on, none of the staff around here8 in this building, none of this stuff can9 happen without the workers in this city.10 (Applause.)11

So now when they12 come to say -- and I hear this. When13 they come to say that we can't put money14 in the budget for City workers or the15 City or the Mayor takes the money out, I16 ask you to look over those facts and see17 how much money that we have sacrificed18 and saved the City and why -- we are19 penalized. We are being penalized,20 because we didn't get any increases. We21 went self-funded. We were the first to22 go self-funded, and we managed to23 maintain our healthcare. Fine. We24 managed to maintain our healthcare. But25 125 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 the City took the healthcare from their2 non-union people. They made them pay.3 Why should we be penalized for doing a4 good job? Think about this.5 (Applause.)6

You think about7 this. With the job that we've been doing8 for our health and welfare, of course it9 can't continue forever. Of course we10 need funding. And the City has saved11 tremendous money. But think about this.12 The job that we did in our healthcare,13 maybe we should be running the City's14 healthcare.15 (Applause.)16

Because the17 City -- we have calculated, the City18 actually pays more per member per month19 than what we're getting from the City,20 and less benefits. So don't penalize us21 to say for what we do, you know. Reward22 us for the job we done and helped the23 City. Don't say --24 (Applause.)25 126 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1

Don't say -- and2 because I try not to speak about it,3 because it's projected the wrong way.4 The City employees don't pay anything out5 of their paychecks. Well, that damn sure6 ain't because of the money the City7 didn't give us for the past 47 months.8 (Applause.)9

So as I said,10 we're looking for you to fight for us11 fairly. That's what we're looking for.12 That's what we're looking for from this13 Mayor. Because the more that I hear from14 this Mayor, the more I hear -- more and15 more I hear a republican speaking.16 We have saved him the money.17 We have sacrificed. Every time the Mayor18 made that call and said, Pete, help me, I19 answered. Every time he said, Help me20 again, I answered. Every time he called,21 I answered. The last time he called and22 said that he needed help from the State23 Legislature because of the people that24 are in now, I said, I'm calling you to25 127 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 return the favor, to do what is fair, to2 do what is fair. And I said, Take heed3 for this. Take heed for this, because4 eventually the media is going to get this5 point across. All these new6 publications, all these anti-union people7 out there are going to get this across.8 All the reporters out there that have9 been screwed by their newspaper unions10 also, they're going to get this point11 across. And you better understand, you12 better understand, it's about what's13 fair. We're not asking for anything.14 All we're asking for is fair treatment.15 Please, please, I'm making this16 appeal to City Council. I would never17 say please to the Mayor ever, but I'm18 pleading with you. I'm pleading with you19 to take heed --20 (Applause.)21

I am pleading22 with you to take heed and help us with23 this just plight of the workers and the24 citizens and the taxpayers that live and25 128 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 work and have to live and want to live2 and work in this city and make this city3 work.4 Thank you.5 (Standing ovation.)6

Are7 there any questions or comments from8 members of the Committee?9 (No response.)10

No11 one.12 (Audience members yelling.)13 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:14 Mr. Matthews, your microphone may not15 have been working too well, but I will16 tell you, we all heard you loud and17 clear, and we certainly know how18 passionate you are, and I don't think19 that's a secret. That is not a secret.20 But at this point in time, I21 would like to recognize Councilman Green.22

Thank you,23 Madam Chair.24 Thank you very much for your25 129 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 testimony. We had testimony in City2 Council last week about healthcare3 savings that can be attendant in the4 exempt employees in the City and some5 other unions moving to self-funding plans6 and also with respect to making7 investments in preventative measures, in8 addition to the cost containment measures9 that the City is not actually doing at10 this point.11 Based on that testimony, it's12 clear that just with exempt employees, by13 the City's own testimony, we could be14 saving almost $7 or $8 million a year15 from what we're currently doing, and we16 haven't done it for the last three years.17 So that's 21 million if you add it up18 over the last three years, and that19 doesn't include really any cost20 containment. That's going to21 self-funding, and that doesn't include22 investing in preventative measures; for23 example, paying extra attention to people24 with diabetes, having clinics that people25 130 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 can go to daily.2 So there are tremendous savings3 still within City government in the areas4 that are outside of DC 33's control or DC5 47's control. And I just want to thank6 you for your testimony today pointing out7 all the savings that you have made in8 healthcare, and I'm sure you continue to9 work on that all the time. I hope that10 the City is paying attention, the11 Administration is paying attention, and12 they're going to make our system as13 efficient as your system. I certainly14 wish I could be a part of your healthcare15 plan.16 (Applause.)17

And to answer18 that, Councilman, we have also done that19 in District Council 33. As you know -- I20 don't know if you're aware -- we have our21 own clinic. We have done cost22 containment with the diabetes. That's23 just about -- that's how we survived for24 this period of time over the years with25 131 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 our healthcare.2 So we've done all that. We've3 been at the forefront of doing that. As4 I said, we went self-funded. We were the5 first to go self-funded. We did all6 that. We did everything. I mean, the7 Mayor took his cue from us to do those8 things. So he fell in line in back of9 us, got that in arbitration from the --10 award from the FOP. And we're willing to11 sit down and discuss some of those things12 in our negotiations and the way that13 healthcare was changed in that agreement14 with the funding of the administrative15 plan, paying your bills, all those type16 of things.17 What the Mayor wants to do is,18 he wants to say that your members must19 pay. Well, that should be --20 (Audience members yelling.)21

Hold it. Hold22 it. Hold it.23 That should be determined by24 us; more specifically, from the funding25 132 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 that we get from the City. You should2 not determine what our members are going3 to pay, unless we don't have -- we can't4 sustain the funding that you give us.5 Case in point: FOP. What they6 have is, they pay the bills. They get7 their administrative costs. They don't8 pay. We're open to sit down and work out9 the same thing.10 This is overkill against this11 union. And I might say, I'm also going12 to say this, some of the things that are13 happening are happening to a largely14 minority union. If you look at the15 facts, these are the things that's16 happening. These things -- this is the17 fact. So that's one of the things that18 we are highly upset with the Mayor about19 is, you know.20 The Mayor speaks of that he's21 our friend, he's going to look out for22 us. This is what he said. This is what23 he constantly said. And every time when24 we come to sit down, it's something25 133 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 different. For friends like that, I2 don't need. I need real friends.3

Well, just4 for the record, over the past three5 years, I know that five committees were6 formed, the Technology Committee, a7 Health Committee, a few other committees,8 and in the first year where your union9 and other unions accepted a one-time10 payment instead of a raise, you were11 going to work for a year with those five12 committees to try to find areas of common13 ground. Can you tell me of those five14 committees, how many times they met in15 that year?16

I don't recall17 meeting. I don't recall meeting. But18 let me tell you this --19

Zero, I20 think.21

I don't recall22 meeting, but think about this: We have23 not got any increases in four years.24

I know.25 134 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1

So we did those2 things. We sat down and did those3 things. We didn't have to ask the City.4 We did all those things. What I want the5 Council to take heed is, we have not6 received a dime. We worked all those7 things out. We were ahead of the curve,8 and we sat down and did those things. So9 the City never paid us a dime. All we're10 asking for is fair treatment to go11 forward from this year on and to help us12 to continue the job that we're doing.13 That's only fair.14 And understand -- let me say15 this. And understanding that, yes, there16 was a financial crisis out here to the17 City. We understand that. Because one18 of the first things that some of the19 Councilpeople said to me and the first20 thing that the newspapers said to me,21 Well, what concessions are you going to22 make?23 Well, what I said was, I'm not24 going to make any concessions, but what I25 135 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 did in negotiating with the City, we2 continued on to operate.3 Now, in that period of time, if4 we had to make the adjustment with our5 members to pay, that wouldn't have been6 on the City. That would have been on us.7 So what I'm saying, we should not be8 penalized because we had the foresight to9 do a good job. And I make the point10 again --11 (Applause.)12

I just want to13 make this point again with the City. The14 Mayor came in and cut the non-union15 people, cut them, made them pay, made16 them pay for everything. They're17 actually paying more money for them and18 they got less benefits. So what they'll19 say to us is, Well, you don't pay. Well,20 that's not because of the City. That's21 because we were smart enough to do the22 things that you talk about.23

That's24 right. That's right. Well,25 136 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 Mr. Matthews, I just want you to know2 that I appreciate personally everything3 you've done, and I'm going to stand with4 you and I'm not going to take a cost of5 living increase until you get a contract.6 (Applause.)7 (Audience members yelling.)8

The9 Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.10

Thank you,11 Madam President.12 Good afternoon, gentlemen. You13 know, that was one hell of a compelling14 statement that you just made, and as I15 listened to it very intently, I can't16 think of a single thing that you said17 that I disagree with.18

Thank you.19 (Applause.)20

And as all21 the Councilmembers did during the course22 of the negotiation when the City first23 started experiencing the problems with24 its fiscal house, those phone calls also25 137 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 came from us to ask you would you help,2 right? You didn't say it, but we were3 calling you, too.4

Right. Right.5

I'm hearing6 what you're saying. You're asking for7 that phone call to be returned in a8 different way.9

Absolutely.10 Absolutely.11 (Applause.)12

And the one13 thing, speaking for myself personally,14 that I'm not going to do is over-promise,15 because the worst thing to do is promise16 somebody something that you know you17 can't do. But I think there are some18 things that we can do, particularly19 around this whole contracting out20 business, right? Because at the end of21 the day, every time a job is contracted22 out, that job leaves not only the union,23 but too often it leaves the City.24

That's right.25 138 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1

So what I2 would like to say personally, I would3 like to commit today on that particular4 part of the problem -- and I know there's5 a whole lot of problems as it relates to6 that -- that I would like for us to work7 with you in a very targeted way to start8 talking about dealing with some of these9 contracting out issues.10 (Applause.)11

I12 personally make that commitment, because13 I can only speak for myself, but I14 personally make that commitment to make15 that my number one priority. All right?16 (Applause.)17

Thank you.18

The19 Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.20

Thank you,21 Ms. President.22 Thank you, Mr. Matthews, for23 your comments. One of the things that we24 have done as a body is introduced Bill25 139 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 No. 100748, which specifically addressed2 what Councilman Clarke is talking about,3 to talk about whether or not it's better4 to keep jobs within the rank and file of5 union members, within City members,6 versus sending them out to places like7 Jersey, and we're taking a hard look at8 that. As we try to balance a budget, the9 truth be told, it's cheaper to keep her10 and cheaper to keep it in-house.11 So now that we have your12 testimony to also talk about, we hope13 that you understand that you guys aren't14 from another planet, you're our15 neighbors, you're our neighbors, and that16 when you do well, when you do well, we do17 well.18 (Applause.)19

Listen,20 listen, listen, first of all, City21 Council doesn't negotiate the contract,22 but what we do is vote on the budget. So23 as we have in the past when it came to a24 tax raise to support the salaries of25 140 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 workforce so we didn't have to reduce,2 watch how we vote, simple as that.3 Enough of that. Watch how we vote.4 Thank you.5 (Applause.)6

Does7 anyone else --8 (Audience members yelling.)9

Would10 anyone else want to be recognized?11 The Chair recognizes12 Councilwoman Brown.13

Thank you14 for your testimony. As Councilman Clarke15 indicated, it has been quite16 enlightening, giving us an additional set17 of facts outside of the meetings we18 enjoyed with you around the conference19 room table.20 I took a lot of notes here and21 the one question I have, Councilman22 Clarke raised. What services to date23 have been contracted out? Because that24 helps us on this end when it comes to25 141 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 being well informed.2

We don't have3 that information to testify here, so we4 would have to get that information to5 you, as well Councilman Clarke, and we'll6 get that information to you on the7 services that have been contracted out.8

Because we9 need to be on the record in letting you10 know, for every single department that11 has come before City Council, the case12 has been made that when you send work out13 of town, that's not acceptable to members14 of Council. Philadelphia first, women15 and people of color first.16 (Audience members yelling.)17

Absolutely18 right. And so it's important to us that19 you know that that is a regular,20 consistent question raised every single21 time a City department comes before us.22 So we'll look forward to that23 information, and I look forward to24 working with Councilman Clarke and25 142 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 others, who do care about making sure2 that jobs stay in the City.3 (Applause.)4

Does5 anyone else want to be recognized?6 (No response.)7 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:8 Seeing no one, Mr. Matthews, thank you9 very much. We do appreciate your10 testimony and your coming in.11

Thank you, too.12 And, you know, I also want to tell the13 City Council people again, don't ignore14 the sacrifices that we made in this city.15 Don't cause this to be a problem that we16 don't want to make and when you get out17 there and your constituents are disrupted18 and they find out the reason why we're19 doing what we have to do. I mean,20 consider -- I hear what you're saying21 about contracting out, but consider the22 money that we've saved this city over the23 years when the Mayor made that call and24 said he was in financial distress, when25 143 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 he had problems, as the Councilman said,2 when he made the call to you, when he3 made the call to me and we did something4 unprecedented, because I know some of5 you -- man, I am old. Not too many of6 you have been around here, except for7 Jannie, as long as I have. So we've been8 around here. And you know in9 negotiations, we always negotiate and10 said after we negotiate, you find the11 money. We didn't do that this time. The12 Mayor asked. We delivered. The Mayor13 didn't do a contract. We continued to14 deliver.15 These members are hearing16 what's going on. They getting17 frustrated. They getting more and more18 frustrated from this stuff.19 (Applause.)20

We understand.21 We understand that the Mayor negotiates22 the contract, but you pass the budget.23 We understand what he does. We24 understand. We understand. All these25 144 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 people in this room understand what the2 Mayor does. And the Mayor plays this3 same old game of sliding and sliding.4 But I'll tell you what the members of5 District Council 33 tell me. If you a6 leader, you lead. You find a way. I7 found a way in this healthcare, and we8 survived.9 We should not be penalized for10 doing a good job, and that's what's going11 on here. And I'm sick and tired of some12 of these politicians and some of these13 mayors going around expounding the word14 of Martin Luther King and saying how he15 made them where they are today and not16 recalling that Martin Luther King died17 for workers. He died for workers. And18 he would turn over in disgust to see what19 is happening to the workers today.20 And workers will not be turned21 down. We will do whatever we have to do.22 Remember that. It's not a threat, and23 believe me, believe me, it's not idle24 talk, because I am not going to make25 145 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 concessions, not after the sacrifices2 that we made to the union -- to the City.3 We will not --4 (Standing ovation.)5

We will not be6 abused. We will not be. I'm telling7 you. I mean what I say. I said it. I8 would rather die after what we sacrificed9 and give back.10 If you heard me over there, I11 told them what my uncle told me. I mean12 it. This is not rhetoric. I don't run13 for nothing. I wouldn't want to be14 Mayor. I wouldn't want to do this job as15 City Council, because I can't get along16 with people that well. So I couldn't do17 it. There's no way I can do it. But my18 uncle told me something one day, Howard19 McCall, President of 403. He told me20 this, and it stuck in my mind. He said,21 Many are called; few are chosen.22 I was chosen for this job, and23 I was chosen --24 (Applause.)25 146 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1

I was chosen to2 do what I have to do for the workers that3 made this city, made this city work, made4 all of us that are here today, the5 sacrifices that are made, the people from6 the '30s and '40s that were making 8, 9,7 10 dollars a week, no benefits, nothing,8 dirt under they nails, ashes in they9 nostrils. This is what they went through10 to get what we got today. So I will11 not -- I refuse, I refuse to take low12 from anybody when we have done our part,13 understanding what is going on with this14 city, what is going on today. And I hope15 that the Mayor is not doing this for16 looking further down the road, because he17 seems to be talking more outside the City18 than he does in it. And I'm telling you,19 we going to follow him or anybody else20 that tries to destroy this union.21 I am sick of this treatment. I22 am sick of feeling used. And all I'm23 doing is -- and, City Council, I want you24 to understand, all I'm doing is making25 147 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 the statement speaking for the members of2 this union. Please do not ignore us.3 Thank you for your time.4 (Standing ovation.)5 (Audience members yelling.)6 (Pause.)7

The8 Committee will stand in recess until9 5:30. Thank you.10 (Short recess.)11 MR. McPHERSON: Our first12 witness is Ellen Wert.13

You14 have been extremely patient and I want to15 thank you. I know that we had hearings16 up until -- I'm sure you saw the crowd17 downstairs.18

Yes. Thank you,19 Madam President, and I thank you for your20 patience and making this extra session.21

Okay,22 Dear. Would you please recognize23 yourself for the record and proceed with24 your testimony.25 148 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1

Okay. 4 Madam President and -- well,5 absent members of the City Council, thank6 you for this opportunity to speak to you7 about the vital importance of8 Philadelphia's Department of Parks and9 Recreation. My name is Ellen Wert, born10 in Logan, longtime resident of11 Germantown. 8 Moreover, the results of our 25-year9 effort have proved a magnet, first for10 responsible homeowners and, more11 recently, developers who have carefully12 restored the historic apartment buildings13 next to and now nearby the park. 20 Philadelphia's vast and varied system of21 parks is unique. 1 way. 6 But I invite you to stop by7 Cloverly Park to see other less8 quantifiable benefits. Among the9 children and parents gathered, you would10 notice remarkable diversity, diversity11 that extends far beyond simply black and12 white. 16 Our neighborhood's 25-year17 quest to reclaim, improve and maintain18 Cloverly Park has made people more19 vigilant about the neighborhood. When20 good is the norm, something not so good21 stands out. It has given neighbors an22 occasion to work together and build trust23 and understanding. 1 increasing involvement in community2 issues. It is no accident that among the3 people who have recently gathered to4 voice concerns about Chelten Plaza, so5 many have pushed wheelbarrows of mulch at6 our park. 8 With us all the way has been9 the staff of Fairmount Park, now Parks10 and Recreation. Frankly, we are amazed11 at what they can accomplish with so12 little money and so few people. 15 The Philadelphia Parks16 Alliance, whose analysis of funding17 trends I include here for your review,18 urges not only restoring the level of19 funding, itself hardly adequate, but20 increasing it. 22 And here's why: Cloverly23 represents just one little slice of24 Germantown. 1 parks that are part of the fabric of the2 City's neighborhoods and consider the3 impact and potential impact of each. By4 adequately funding this city's unique5 system of Parks and Recreation6 facilities, you have an opportunity to7 make a strategic investment unlike any8 other. The dollars that support Parks9 and Recreation go well beyond the10 physical facilities. 14 Now, with the merger of15 Fairmount Park and the Department of16 Recreation, you might applaud the fact17 that these two important entities no18 longer must compete against each other19 for scant dollars. And yet they still20 compete. The Recreation facilities are21 under enormous pressure to serve the22 City, its children in particular. 1 disadvantaged, the role of these2 facilities is critical. 8 Keep in mind that the way9 Cloverly Park looked in 1986 had much to10 do with decades of benign neglect that11 became decades of abusive neglect that12 drove away homeowners. 17 There is only so much that18 well-intentioned neighbors with trowels19 and spades can do. And I might add, not20 every park has those neighbors yet. 3

Thank4 you, Ms. Wert. We do appreciate your5 taking the time to come in to testify.6 And your park sounds lovely.7

It's beautiful.8

And I9 think it's an indication to me what can10 happen when the community works together,11 with the cooperation of Parks and12 Recreation.13

Absolutely. It's a14 beautiful thing.15

You16 are to be commended and applauded.17

Thank you. Thank18 you so much, and thank you for your19 patience and time.20

Thank21 you.22 Any questions from members of23 the Committee or any comments?24 (No response.)25 155 5/3/11 - WHOLE - BILL 110135, ETC.1 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:2 Seeing no one, again, I thank you.3

Thank you so much.4

Is5 there anyone else to testify?6 Are you testifying, sir?7 UNIDENTIFIED WITNESS: No.8

I9 don't believe we have anybody else.10 We're just checking to see if there's11 anybody downstairs.12 (Pause.)13

This14 Committee will stand in recess until15 Thursday, May the 5th at 9 o'clock.16 Thank you.17 (Committee of the Whole18 adjourned at 6:10 p.m.)19 - - -20 21 22 23 24 25 156 1 CERTIFICATE2 I HEREBY CERTIFY that the3 proceedings, evidence and objections are4 contained fully and accurately in the5 stenographic notes taken by me upon the6 foregoing matter on May 3, 2011, and that this7 is a true and correct transcript of same.8 9 10 11 12 --------------------13 MICHELE L. MURPHY14 RPR-Notary Public15 16 17 18 (The foregoing certification of this19 transcript does not apply to any reproduction20 of the same by any means, unless under the21 direct control and/or supervision of the22 certifying reporter.)23 24 25