Well, let me ask you this question. I mean, has the thought ever occurred to anyone that prior to or in conjunction with all this thinking and ruminating about various ideas and projects, that you might actually want to go and talk to the people who represent specific areas of the City and see what their concerns are or needs are or where they might have a project that's having potential COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 131 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 funding problems or that's having trouble getting off the ground? Did that ever --
Yes, absolutely. Both thought about it -- and part of what I think I had definitely expected and I think what we were estimating was during the course of the budgetary deliberations, we would talk about these projects or these types of projects here as part of the discussion about the port proceeds and the allocation. The two that are specified, that Barbara has already mentioned, the two that are specified from this source of funds that are actually in the capital budget are the Food Distribution Center and the Avenue of the Arts North Streetscape match. But those are the only ones that are identified in the capital budget as specific COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 132 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 projects that we would ask that ultimately through this, we would ask for actual appropriation. Everything else would be, Here are some potential projects.
Well, then I may have missed a part of that testimony. Are you saying that those two projects are coming out the of the 38 --
They're coming from the same port proceeds pot, but that 3 million's being taken off of the top.
That's the Business Retention and Attraction Loan Program. That's basically the lending program that we have that augments the --
So now it has its own separate allocation of funds. What do you plan to use the $27,900,000 of the Economic Stimulus Program on? COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 133 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002
The 27 million, that is -- that's the preliminary list of, say, about or 4 16 possible uses that include the housing project 5 that we were discussing here earlier. 6 Again, but those are not set in stone. 7 It's sort of, Here are some things that we have 8 been working on. I mentioned two. We've been 9 talking about increasing the amount to Partners 10 for Progress, some potential funds for the reuse 11 of the Sovereign Oil site that has already been 12 discussed here in Council. 13 We've been talking about increasing the 14 -- one example of a project that we're looking at 15 would be in commercial corridors, looking at developing some type of program with less fettered funds, that would allow us to help the development of parking. As you know, in some of the cases in your district, if we don't own the land, just virtually every one of our sources of funding doesn't allow us to do something that in some commercial districts is just about the life blood, and that is to help provide parking.
So are there less COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 134 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 restrictions on these dollars than there have been in previous economic stimulus fund dollars?
No, I don't think -- I don't say "less" than those. These would be the same as the stimulus dollars in the sense that they have less restrictions than the block grant primarily on what area you can use or the capital funds.
Well, where did these dollars exactly come from? I mean, why do we have this money?
I do recall something from my days as Finance Director, but that's a little bit rusty, and if I could ask Dean Kaplan to identify that.
The funds are called the port proceeds because they were generated -- they came to the City --
Yes, right, because they came to the City in approximately 1989, '90, when the City's port facilities were sold to PURPA. And the City received in return for that, $41.75 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 135 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 million. And that money has moved around several times until the accountants were happy with where it was. It ended up, about 1991, in the capital account, and there it has been. So these are one-time funds we have received in return for consideration of the City's port facilities, which are now owned and administered by the State.
Mr. Kaplan, is it your testimony that we've had this some $38 million since 1991?
And we're just getting around to trying to do something with it?
I'm sorry. Actually, the Commerce Director has reminded me from his days as Finance Director that there were actually some additional proceeds which were spent at the time of the transaction in the early '90s, and I don't know specifically what those expenditures were for, various economic development --
Well, where was this money last year? Or the year before?
It's been in the City's COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 136 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 capital account?
I think that there was always the intent that at a time when there were sufficient economic development projects that could use this funding, that it would be used for that purpose.
Wrong answer, Mr. Kaplan. Because just about every year I've been here, there has been a need for capital dollars, and many projects have gone by the wayside because I was told that there was no money for them. So I don't know how someone now, seven, eight years later, makes a decision that all of a sudden, there is now sufficient need for dollars or there are enough projects that need funding that we're going to roll out $38 million. That's a little perplexing to me. I guess I should have never been told that there was not enough money, yet somewhere, there was $38 million sitting around, waiting to be used. There's a conflict in that statement.
Well, I think that -- my COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 137 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 understanding of the historical idea about these dollars is that since this is one-time money, that it would tend to be used for things which were one-time opportunities, and the Economic Stimulus Program is a --
Well, everything in the capital -- most things in the capital budget are one-time. I mean, you know, I don't think we plan every other day to put a new roof on the place or fund a project at a certain level. I assume that we're not going to build a couple of regional performing arts centers. I mean, most things are one-time, right?
I think most of the things in the capital budget are actually recurring in some way; although the cycle, in some cases, is quite long.
Right. I mean, most things you have in here -- I mean, on this line item, you've got useful life for both of these lines years. I mean, that's kind of not 24 every now and then. 25
I think, though, that in COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 138 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 the case of the Economic Stimulus Program, you were talking about specifically one-time opportunities, you know, to leverage other funds.
Okay, I understand. But it's your testimony that we've had this money since '91 sitting in various accounts, and this year, we've decided to roll it out in this fashion.
I might add one thing, Councilman Nutter. In the first year of the Economic Stimulus Plan, we did identify port proceeds, $30 million, for a local source of stimulus funds. As it turns out, we didn't make any of the transfers that are contemplated this year. In fact, we ended up taking money from, I guess, fund balance and the general fund for the first year's appropriation to the Commerce Department for the initial stimulus program. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 139 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 But back in those days, we had also taken a look to see whether or not -- or identified the port proceeds as non-capital dollars being, I'll use the term, "parked" in the capital accounts.
Well, then what I'm going to ask you is to make a commitment here, this morning, that prior to any expenditure of the $38,750,000 that's listed in this line item, that you meet with each and every Member of City Council to talk about projects that they have in their respective areas, to see where there is some additional funding support that may be needed and in many instances where they have been told that there was no money available for those projects. You obviously now have money. You have, by your own testimony, no specific projects to use them for, other than a created list by some other people, none of whom sit on this side of the railing. So I'd like to know that the dollars are there, they've not been allocated, they've not been spent, and that Members of Council have an opportunity to see what their needs are and that COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 140 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 we now know that there is now funding available. Can you make that commitment?
I can make the commitment to -- to go over all of these lists. And I'd even add one thing further. At that time, we can go over the details of what has been spent on the stimulus program to date. We've given some information to Councilmembers there, but we can continue to update that.
I would appreciate that, if you could do that through the Chair. Thank you.
Is there any other Member that has a question? (No further questions from Council at this time.)
If not, this Committee stands in recess until 2 o'clock, until 2 o'clock. (Lunch break taken at 12:45 p.m.) (Hearing resumes at 2:38 p.m.)
Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. This a recessed hearing of the Council Committee of the Whole. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 141 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 And, hopefully, as I give an explanation as to what is going on in Council chamber today, Councilmembers who are now in their offices will hear me speaking and know that we are about to proceed with our public hearing. We are taking testimony today on Ordinance Number 980001 and Bill No. 980002. These ordinances provide for the adoption of a capital program for six fiscal years and for the adoption of a Fiscal '99 capital budget. So what we are talking about today is the City's capital budget and capital program. And most of you are probably aware of the fact that the capital budget and program are the two documents which really set forth the City's long-term spending program for its capital needs. So those are the two things that are before us. I have in front of me a list of a number of different -- I guess about 15 people, who have signed up to testify. If there are those here who would like to testify, I would ask you to give your name to one of our staff members, and we will certainly be more than willing to have you COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 142 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 testify today. If Councilmembers are in their offices and if you can hear us, I would appreciate it if you would come to the Council chamber. We're asking all Councilmembers to come to the Council chamber. I do know that Councilwoman Verna has an emergency and will be unable to be with us this afternoon because she has a matter that she absolutely has to take care of. I spoke with her just a minute ago. Our first witness, by the way, will be Terry Gillem, Friends of the Free Library. (Terry Gillem comes forward.)
Can I see the hands of all the people who are here in support of the libraries? Oh, so we have a library crew here today. All right. Actually, I'm looking on my list, and I see a number of people here. As a matter of fact, the first seven people are here in support of the libraries. Miss Gillem, would you like to identify COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 143 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 yourself for the record, and proceed with your statement.
Sure. My name is Terry Gillem. And I'm a member of the Board of the Friends of the Free Library. My testimony today is, in short, that the capital budget proposal for library renovations is not adequate. Specifically, the Board of the Friends of the Free Library is concerned that the funding proposed in the capital budget is $900,000 less than the amount that is needed to renovate the nine branches that have been scheduled for the next year. And as a result, three branches will have to be postponed to the following year. And Janet Elfring, who's with me from the Friends, can talk about which three branches have been targeted for that delay. As Members of Council know, the renovation of all the branches of the library system is one of the great success stories in Philadelphia today. Mayor Rendell and City Council have pledged $5 million a year in capital dollars so that every library in every neighborhood can be renovated by the year 2000. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 144 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 In response, the Library has raised over $30 million from foundations, individuals, and other private sources, to supplement the public dollars for this project. In addition, grass-roots efforts across the City are raising an additional $20,000 per branch to contribute to the renovation campaign. And those efforts are being matched by the Pew Charitable Trust. All of these private efforts are based upon the City's commitment to contribute $5 million per year to the project. This means that each public dollar is leveraging approximately $1.25 in private dollars for library renovations. This is a remarkable ratio. It is safe to say that virtually no 17 other City capital dollars for public projects are being leveraged quite as effectively as library renovation funds, which makes the budget all the more perplexing. Why would the City want to cut money from an effort that is successfully leveraging private monies, helping neighborhoods, and building grass-roots support across the City? We cannot understand it, and that is why we are here COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 145 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 today. We understand that the City has many competing needs for its funds; however, this project meets every criteria for smart and responsible government funding. It strengthens neighborhoods, it improves the quality of life for taxpayers at all levels of income, it benefits the education system, and it leverages significant private dollars. I cannot think of another capital project that meets the needs of so many people. The Friends of the Free Library urge Members of City Council to add $900,000 to the capital budget for library renovations. I would be pleased to answer any questions that you have.
Thank you very much. Miss Gillem, I have to tell you, we have heard this before. And I have -- I mean, I can say that I have absolutely no intentions of supporting a capital budgeting program that doesn't contain the $900,000. And based on the testimony that we heard earlier -- COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 146 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 (Applause.)
Based on the testimony that we heard earlier, it seems to me that we shouldn't have a lot of difficulty finding the wherewithal to increase the Library's capital limited budget funding by $900,000. And I will tell you, you know -- and I guess you're probably going to find that this Council is about as sympathetic to the Library as anything that we do. The Library, in our judgment, is critical to the future of the City, it's critical to the neighborhoods, and we have to find a way to support the Library. And this really is a nominal amount of money, given the overall spending program that we have. And you know, I just think we ought to be able to find a way to do it.
I think we ought to be able to find a way to do it. And if there are other Councilmembers who have a comment that you would like to make at this time, the Chair is open to -- okay, Councilman Nutter. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 147 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002
Thank you, Mr. President. And I think that that kind of statement and kind of commitment is what all of us were leaning to in the questioning this morning of the City Administration. I think that with members of the public in the audience -- and I believe that there were members of the Administration who were asked to be at the public hearing this afternoon with members of the public -- I would venture to ask, can we just get this completed this afternoon as we sit here now and get the commitment from the Administration? Let's just do it now and get it over with, and then the people here who took the time to come would know that their efforts resulted in something and that there really is nothing to worry about anymore. Is Mr. Kaplan or the Chief of Staff or the Finance Director or someone from the City Administration here, or Elliot? I mean, somebody just needs to say yes, and we need to end the discussion. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 148 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 (Mr. Kaplan steps forward.)
I'm Dean Kaplan, the Budget Director. And in addition to getting the trick questions -- that's the other role I play. I think that our answer from this morning stands. I think that we have said that we would sit down with the Library, look at the current spending schedule, look at the original five-year plan for funding, and determine what the schedule is for completing all the branches in the five years that we had talked about. I don't -- I cannot make a commitment with you today without talking to the Mayor about it.
Well, these projects are ready to go; is that right, Mr. Kaplan?
I don't know whether everyone is ready to go. There is a schedule COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 149 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 which the Library has put together with their consultant for doing certain branches in certain years, yes.
We could fund more next year. In other words, we could fund them all in four years, we could fund them all in six years. I mean, if you're asking would those projects be able to --
We're not asking you to change the schedule. You have a schedule, the schedule seems to be agreed to. Now we're just having a money discussion. Now, you were at the table earlier this morning when we had the discussion about, for instance, the Regional Performing Arts Center. Now, are you going to sit at that table and tell us that the library project is less ready to go than the Regional Performing Arts Center, which has a 40 to 50 million dollar budget gap? COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 150 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002
So are you saying that in a $127 million capital budget, we can't figure out a way to do $900,000 for the libraries that are ready to go, have programs, have projects all scheduled to go? And then in lieu of that, you'd rather come and tell us that, Well, three won't get done this year, and another two won't get done the next year, and some others won't get done the following year? I mean, who are you going to tell that to? And are any of the eight libraries in my Councilmatic District on the list for this year?
I don't know that. I don't know the projects for this year or next year by district. I can get that for you. The answer is I wouldn't disagree with anything you've said, but I think that that's a conversation that I need to have with the Mayor before I can answer your question in the affirmative. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 151 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002
Well, why don't we try to do this. We expect to be here for a little while. I mean, we really should solve this. I mean, it's really ludicrous. It's $900,000. There are 50-some libraries in this City. No one is disputing the value in what we get out of this, and there are many other projects in this document that have some serious questions on them. Why don't you try to get this resolved this afternoon. Many of these people are going to be here for a while. So you could do yourself, I think, a whole lot of good and do these folks a lot of good if we just get an answer to this particular question.
Because you know -- I mean, we're going to be here for like a month and a half. You know where this is going to go, and you know how it's going to end up in the final analysis. I don't know why you want to put COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 152 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 yourself through this. This is only the second day of budget hearings. And I haven't even read all the stuff yet. So, I mean, we could really have a good time with us. Try to get an answer this afternoon before the hearing is over.
Could you stay here about the Library? I wholeheartedly agree with Councilman Nutter, but I know that one of these libraries is the one right near my house, Bushrod Library. And I need to read a lot, so tell the Mayor that this is one that has to be done this year. And I'm sure Councilman Nutter feels that way about Fox Chase and all the other ones.
I didn't bring the list COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 153 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 with me, but I believe in the budget detail you received, there's a list of the proposed projects for '99, and there may be a list for the prior year, but we can get that to you.
Yeah. I know you're the guy here that jumps on the sword, but when you do talk to the Mayor, tell him that we're pretty united on this. The libraries have to be done.
Mr. Kaplan, also, you can let the Mayor know that a member of the Minority Party also shares this concern, and we'd like to see this addressed and resolved as quickly as possible many.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 154 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002
Hi. And, you know, Chestnut Hill Library is in my district, so I appreciate the same sentiment as my colleagues, that this is an important project. I mean, it's one of the few institutions that services both children and families. So we'd like to see this happen as quick as possible.
Well, I think, Councilwoman, you know, as my Councilwoman, that that's my local library. And I believe it's on the last year of the program, so I am particularly sensitive to that. Thank you.
I'm Janet Elfring, and I'm the Executive Director of the Friends of the Free Library. And I really just wanted to back up the testimony of Terry Gillem, with some of the details and primarily confirming the Councilpeople's statements that the three libraries that will be postponed without the $900,000 are Bushrod, Chestnut Hill, and Fox Chase, and we do have members from both Bushrod and Chestnut Hill here who are willing to talk. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 155 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 Nancy Quigley, from Fox Chase, was going to be here but she couldn't make it and she will send in her testimony. Branch Friends groups all over the City have been raising money for their branches, with the expectation that the public part of the money would be there to support the private part that they're raising. They have an expectation of when their library will close, they've planned for it, and they are waiting for the computer technology for their children. And one of our concerns is that if three branches are put off this year, either that bumps some more forward, or else next year, we would have to have 13 branches closed at the same time, and that impacts on the whole City. So the Friends, as a whole, are really concerned about the overall schedule and the impact on the whole City and the service impact.
You should tell them to keep writing letters and do all the stuff that they always do, but they have received some hope today.
We'll tell them how COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 156 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 strong the Council support is. Our Friends are well aware that Councilpeople are very close to the Library.
Yes, sir, Mr. President, I have been going to that library for 70 of my 77 years now, and I have a great feeling for the library, believe me.
You have been going to that library for how many years?
I had to walk just about a COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 157 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 mile and a half up to the library, up the hill and then down the hill.
See, folks, this is what I'm working toward. (Laughter.)
I want you to see right here, this is what I'm working towards. This is the reason why when you come in my office, you see fruit. That's right. I wish to be able to, at age 70, walk in here, sit at the table and say, Give money to the Library and mean it and be in great, great health and in great shape and look as good as Miss Davis looks. That's what I'm working toward.
You will, I promise you. I'm the Chairman of the Garden Committee, and I work out on the grounds. And many is the time that I've gone up there to the library and I've looked up to the corner of the roof, and I see the water just pouring down on the outside of the building, eroding the stone and the stucco. And we need a new roof. And we have one of those old Carnegie buildings. And somehow or another, the architect COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 158 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 slipped a little bit there and he did something about gutters which are inside of the building, and the water goes down to the basement. They fill up with debris and --
That's -- uh, I don't know about the money on that, but it is something that we've been pleading for.
Okay. But with the new wiring that's needed, we'll also need to have the building repainted in order to keep the window, the panes in place, get all of that sort of thing done. So I plead with you.
Ben Lovett. As a matter of fact, there are several people from COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 159 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 Bushrod: Anso Thomas and Alex Petkov. Can all the Bushrod people, you want to come out together? (Ben Lovett and Anso Thomas, Bushrod Library, come forward.)
Good afternoon, Councilmembers. My name is Ben Lovett, and I'm President of the Friends of Bushrod. This is Alex Petkov, he's the past Co-President. Anso Thomas is an officer of the Friends of Bushrod. In addition to being in the Friends of Bushrod, Anso and I are tag team assistants for the Free Library Foundation. Every day we go to work and see children on technology. We don't have adequate resources. I don't want to keep repeating what everyone has said. Bushrod is in, you know, bad structural condition. We also have very bad leaks. Last summer, there was a real problem when they started to look on the computers. We actually had to appoint staff to change paper towels on the air-conditioning unit. We are one of the branches that has COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 160 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 been deselected from the list. We need this done as soon as possible, the renovations. We have computer clubs every Saturday, and it's sort of embarrassing when we talk about new technology and we can't show it to them. We see kids every day who come directly from school, and you can't really say to them, Go up to Welsh Road or Frankford, they're renovated and we're not. I know now that we have a lot of support, and I'll be happy to tell that to our Branch Head and everyone there. I don't know if you want to say something else, Anso.
Yeah. I just want to mention that this is not the first time that we have --
Yeah, my name is Anso Thomas, and I'm also an officer of the Bushrod Branch. I just want to mention that this is not the first time Bushrod has had to protest COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 161 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 injustices here. Back in 1993, newly-elected Mayor Ed Rendell proposed a $2 million cut to the Free Library. And, you know, Bushrod's hours would have been halved if we didn't fight for it. So I just want to mention that. And this is really important that we get this budget through. I mean, Bushrod has been through a lot, and we deserve every benefit and ounce of that money, 'cause, you know, we have been doing a lot. And I hope that your support will go through. And I thank you for that, actually.
I just wanted to mention that we're almost at our total goal for our grass-roots program, which requires branches to raise their own funds. We have had innumerable fund-raisers, from book and bake sales, flea markets, to the Adopt-a-Shelf Program where people adopt a shelf. We've raised all of our money, and we sort of feel as though the City is trying to back out on their part. (Alex Petkov, Bushrod Library, comes forward.) COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 162 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002
I'm going to repeat a few of the things, but I wish you would bear with me. You know, in ordinary times, there are 13,000 patrons a month that use the Bushrod Library, but these are not ordinary times. The Northeast Regional Library is being renovated, and these patrons are utilizing our facilities so that we have now about 25,0000 patrons a month using the Bushrod Library. Our neighborhood is changing. We still have many senior citizens who use the library extensively. However, younger families with children of all ages are moving into the area because of the affordable real estate. It would do your hearts good to see all the younger children upstairs in the children's library, ably assisted by a wonderful children's librarian and a high school technical team who assist. Downstairs after school, the library is teeming with teenagers constantly calling on the head librarian and the staff for information and help. Bushrod serves many schools: Carnell, Fels, Northeast, Central, both public and many COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 163 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 parochial schools. Are the Bushrod children to be denied moving into the 21st century and to be deprived of the technology of the future? Bushrod Library must be renovated. A year ago, my wife and I moved into Center City, but our hearts and minds remain with Bushrod, and we are still members of the Bushrod Friends. My wife was President of the Friends for two and a half years. All of the Friends labored long and hard with Fred Rosenschweib (ph.), the head librarian, to raise for The Big Change, which is the name of the grass-roots drive to raise money for the renovations. Each library branch has a quota. Fred is doing a great job to raise the money for The Big Change, and he will have it by early spring, as Ben mentioned. This money is supposed to be along with matching funds from the Pew Trusts for the renovation of all the City's libraries. Why should Bushrod Library be left out? And we are just as important as any other library in the City. Approximately five years ago, a COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 164 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 previous City Council, because of grass-roots support, wisely restored the money that was cut from the budget. That cut would have forced some of the branch libraries to be open only hours a 6 week. By their confidence in the libraries, they 7 showed that the Philadelphia libraries are an 8 integral and important part of our education and 9 cultural system. 10 Bushrod needs your help again. Please 11 don't disappoint us, don't let us down. Think of 12 the restoration of the funds not as extra 13 spending, but as an investment in the future of 14 our children and this City. 15 Thank you. 16 (Applause.) 17
And, incidentally, Mr. 19 President, I just want to mention that Ben Lovett 20 here is the President of Friends of Bushrod. He is a senior at Central High School. And this is an example of what can come out of working with the children, helping the children. Thank you.
If Ben is a senior COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 165 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 at Central, he might actually know my son.
All right. He's a senior and he has an English class with my son, who does very well in English. Thank you very much.
It's very refreshing to see a young man who's still in high school, who's president of a Friends Organization branch of the library. That is really, really refreshing. What it does is, it signals long-term support for the libraries, and we appreciate that very much, and somebody is doing a good job out there.
Yeah, somebody is doing a good job. Did I understand that Miss Quigley is not going to be here?
She couldn't make it, that's right. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 166 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002
Okay, but we will note for this record that Nancy Quigley of the Fox Chase Library was scheduled to come but couldn't come, but if she had been able -- if she had to been here, I'm sure she would have been an enthusiastic supporter of the restoration of the $900,000 so that the Fox Chase Branch Library's renovations would not have to be delayed. You can tell her that if she likes, she can send in her statement, and we will make it a part of this record. But, obviously, we appreciate her sentiments. Jay Roberts. Is Jay Roberts here? (No response.)
Peggy Fairchild? (Peggy Fairchild, Northeast Older Adults Center, comes forward.)
We hope everybody continues to feel that way, Mr. President. I'm talking not only to you but to all the Members of City Council, even those who are in their offices and watching on closed-circuit television. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 167 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 We want you to know that we are so grateful that there is a request in the capital budget for the construction of a new building for the Northeast Older Adults Center, and we want to thank everybody who helped in this effort. And we urge all of you to support this request. For those of you who may not be too familiar with the situation, the present center is located at 7522-28 Castor Avenue in a strip shopping center. The facility was formed by combining four stores into one building. This is a two-level building, street-level and basement. The basement has no 15 windows and no outside doors. With the limited physical capabilities of older adults and the disabled, it is difficult for us to use the basement facilities. And can you imagine what would happen in the case of an emergency. There are five older-adult centers operated by the Department of Recreation. Our center is the only one that does not have a separate dining room. This means that tables and chairs must be set up every day for lunch. And then in order to make room for afternoon COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 168 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 activities, take them down again and put them away. The members help with this work, and that's not an easy job for older adults. From the day our center was opened, it was realized that it was woefully inadequate for the population that it serves. We have hundreds of members in their 60's, 70's, 80's, and 90's, as well as the disabled, who regularly attend our center. Many have developed physically, emotionally, and intellectually by the close friendships which they have formed with each other. By keeping older Philadelphians mentally alert and physically active, our well-being keeps us from becoming a burden on the City's resources and the citizens at large. As you know, demographic information shows that an extremely large number of elderly live in the Northeast, and a number of these people are using our facilities. They keep growing. Despite the adverse conditions, our limited staff, and our vast number of volunteers have diligently provided services. Our present center on Castor Avenue is COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 169 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 owned by the City. When we are relocated, this building can be sold, and the proceeds used to offset the cost of a new building. Also, there's no need to be concerned about the operating costs for the new building. Our staff and related expenses will just be transferred. During the public hearings on the capital budget on February 5, 1997, we were assured that we would have input concerning any and all plans that were made for our center. C. Though this report was issued back in 1986, the ideas expressed or still pertinent. These guidelines reiterate the importance for consultation with those who will use the building. The design should accommodate the activities and fulfill the needs of the people. The design of the building is not our only consideration. Geographical location is also important. It must be convenient to public COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 170 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 transportation since most of our members do not drive. Because of the diminishing physical condition of many of us, the walk from the bus to the building cannot be very far or uphill. And I just want to add one thing. I have been on the Board of Directors of the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging for several years now. Presently, I am an officer. I also chair a committee that is planning on the improvement of community-based programs.
I am not at this point speaking for PCA; I'm here speaking for the Northeast Older Adults Center. I only bring this up to show you that from my experience, I know what is good for older people. Our next speaker is Sam Luciano, who will talk to you about something that will not be good for the older people. Thank you. Are there any questions?
How much money is in the capital program for the Northeast Older Adults Center?
I think it's 1.6 million, which is just for the construction. I COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 171 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 think that also in the budget under the Recreation Department was listed an additional money for design and engineering, but it was not broken down. I mean, there's a total amount, but it's not broken down into how much is going for each segment.
Miss Kaplan? Is Miss Barbara Kaplan here? Can I ask you to come to the table, please, and explain to us what is going on in the program with the Northeast Senior Citizens Center. (Ms. Kaplan comes forward.)
The orange book, on , line 119, in the Recreation Department Play Facilities.
Fine. The construction money was placed in the second year of the budget because a decision was made that there's no 25 design, there's not even a decision on a site yet. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 172 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 So that it was not ready for construction, and I understand that there have been discussions with Councilman Mariano, that he would allocate some money from his Councilmanic funds to provide $186,000 for the design of this facility. And I've been in communication with Peggy Fairchild, and I had said to her, Don't worry about the exact amount of the construction fund, it's an estimate at this point, and by the time do the capital budget next year, we should have a better sense of exactly the correct -- what the correct number is to budget for the construction. And we placed the project in the Recreation Department because it's the Recreation Department that presently operates the existing facility and that works with this particular group of senior citizens and that would operate the new center. We felt that they should provide the oversight for its construction.
So the only thing in the budget is an estimate on their construction costs. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 173 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002
Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. President, about two weeks ago, we had a meeting about this with the Recreation Commissioner and the Mayor's Chief of Staff and Dean Kaplan, and we're pretty close to having it worked out. Because of the political nuances of this deal, we don't really want to talk about locations and different things like that. But the older adults that Peggy knows and the people from the older-adults center, we're on the same page. The money for the design and construction, from what I understand, is going to be coming out of my budget to be put back in from their budget. It will be in the next, in '99, but I think we're going to probably be able to break ground by May of '99. That sounds like a good COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 174 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 month.
That's not a bad month, April, May. It's a good month. Okay, any other questions? Councilwoman Fernandez.
Thank you, Mr. President. I had to be out of the chambers for an issue on child care, but my staff briefed me on this issue then of -- I understand the Administration is not able at this point to make a commitment to make sure that those three are going fully ahead this year. Could you review what is the Administration's --
Councilwoman, we're past the Library, we're passed that.
Yeah. We're now on the Northeast Older Adults Center. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 175 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002
All right, thank you very much. It sounds like the District Councilman has it under control. Mr. Luciano? (Sam Luciano, Northeast Older Adults Center, comes forward.)
Is Ida Shugerman also with the center? Why don't you come up, both of you can come up at the same time.
Good afternoon, President Street, Councilmembers, and ladies and gentlemen. To your surprise, we're not here asking for money anymore; it's been put in the budget. But we have a problem here that I think is very serious as far as our center's concerned. Councilman Richard Mariano sent us a letter proposing to combine a gym in the new building for the Northeast Older Adults Center. We have never been combined with anybody since Day One. I mean, they tried to COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 176 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 combine us with the center at Holme Avenue across from Nazareth Hospital with children; we said no. 4 They tried to combine us with Gloria Day, which, thank God, we said no to, because they were going to build 208 units with 500 more seniors and Mr. Schmidt doubled it. They're going to have over a thousand members. We would have needed Convention Hall if we would have okayed that. Children and older adults is like trying to mix oil and water; it just doesn't work. According to the way I was told, we would be down there during the day, and the children would be there at night. That's going to cost you money because you're going to have to staff that place at night. Not only that, we are self-contained. We have a free lunch period in which we donate 50 cents a person. We have dances, a senior band, we pay 50 cents. That money builds up. We have painted the building with that money, we clean the windows with that money, we buy new trays, we did the tile floors. We don't ask the City for money. We have cut your experiences done. We have cut your expenses down, I repeat. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 177 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 And you put the kids in our building at night, there go our pool tables, no doubt about it, there goes everything we own, our audio system and everything else, 'cause kids -- although they're your sons, my sons, your daughters, your daughters -- they're destructive. One way or another. For us, we're too old to have them around us. The building should be built for a senior center, for senior people to get in and out. It's a specially-built building. We don't want gymnasium in there. This is not for us. I commend -- if Mr. Mariano's behind it, I commend him for trying to get a gym for the children, but it should be somewhere else. And I don't know why you need a gym, anyway. You have -- within the ten-block area, you have the Northeast High School, you can use their grounds. You have the Solis-Cohen, you have the Rhawnhurst, you have the Spruance, you have Jardell, Houseman, Lawncrest, Fox Chase. Incidently, you just out put money in for the Eddie Pollack Building. In fact, Eddie Pollack was my neighbor. I didn't know him COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 178 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 personally, but I live in Park Crest, and so did they. And when I go to church every Sunday, I cross the place where he was murdered, and that's not a nice thing. So if you say kids are not destructive, you have Rhawnhurst, the Rhawnhurst Center, they fight like crazy, they got cops watching them like crazy. Rhawnhurst is at Solly Avenue and Bustleton Avenue. They have broken into the building and caused damage to their own building, and they have the police spot checking all the time. And Rhawnhurst -- if you would put the gym with us, definitely Rhawnhurst would be coming down to our gym. They have a whole city block. You own the ground, you could put building there. Just put a building with a locker room; I don't know how much that would cost, but it certainly wouldn't cost what we need, you know what I mean. So, therefore, this is my plea, we want -- we want -- we request that the Mayor -- and the Mayor is with us a hundred percent.
He made a statement when he told Schmidt from Gloria Day COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 179 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 that forget about it, we're not going to join 'em, he turned to somebody in his staff -- now, our people were there and they reported it. He turned to them and said, I don't want this center combined with anything or anybody. Those were the plain words from the Honorable Mayor Rendell. And I take him at his word for it. Now, I thank you people for listening to me, and I hope that you stop this gym going with us 'cause I know our registration is going up and up and up. One day -- I was there last week and five people joined in one day, in one day. That's how good our center is. Three years ago, I didn't know how to play the piano. Two months ago, I played for an hour and a half in a nursing home because their entertainment didn't show up. And I ain't the greatest guy in the world, but this is what the Center taught us. We have people back here, we have piano players like crazy, we have dancers. We use the facility at night. Twice on Friday nights, we have dances. And we have dances on Tuesday afternoon. All this makes money for the Center. We cannot share a building anyway, COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 180 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 because on Friday nights, we have the dances in the hot weather. So that people don't die from the heat, they keep the Center open in the very hot weather. And in the emergency situations, they open our Center. So my plea here is now. Everything is fine the way it's written in the budget as it is. And I'm asking you not to change and not to add that gym to our building.
-- Shugerman. And afterwards, I'd like you both to be available to answer questions.
Good afternoon, Council President John Street and all Councilmembers. I have notes in front of me, but I don't want to be repetitious, so I'm just going do highlight some of my feelings, okay? We are a caring group, and we -- considering the space that we have, I feel as we are performing miracles. As you know, we already have one large room, and that is our main activity COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 181 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 room, and there is everything that goes on in that room. But I do want to talk about our kitchen. Our kitchen is just not adequate. And we serve the handicapped people first because many of those handicapped people use canes and walkers, and then the other members are served. And we set up about tables and 10 chairs, and each table is numbered, and there's 11 eight people that sit around the tables. We have 12 to get in line and we pick up our trays and we go 13 to our kitchen area to get our food. 14 It's important for all of us to have 15 the proper kind of kitchen. It's also proper for 16 us to have a dining room. It's also important for us to have an auditorium and a stage, and I could go on and on. But I do want to say this: That on December the 23rd, 1997, we had a celebration of over-90-aged seniors. One of them could not attend because -- now, don't laugh -- he had to work. And what was his job? He was a barber. Also down in our basement, we have a poolroom. The men play cards in the hallway. And COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 182 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 when it rains, we have to get out a bucket and a mop to wipe up the water. When I see all of the activities, my heart swells. I don't have to tell you what a song does to your heart. Our Starlighters Choral group is growing by leaps and bounds. They put on shows, and we do like to entertain, and we all have a little bit of ham in us. So I hope that you have a visual picture of what our Center is like. And if you're ever you're at 7225 Castor Avenue, please come and visit us and see what goes on there, because we're like kind of handicapped people. We are very active. And I could go on and on, but I don't want to be boring either, but I think you have a pretty good idea of what our needs are. Every --
No, I don't want to cut you off, but I think we have a little bit of an idea of what your needs are. I think the City does recognize that a new facility is in order and I think that you obviously have the support of your Councilperson, and you will have the support of this Council. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 183 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 We appreciate the contributions that you have made to our City and to the neighborhood over these years, and we're going to do everything we can to make sure that, you know, we take care of the problem. We, of course, will be working with the District Councilperson. He has already, of course, has talked to me about this on a number of occasions, and I've made a commitment to work with him, to see that you get what you need out there.
I hope that I have the assurance of everybody here that the money will be there for us when we find the proper site, because it is necessary. And I do thank you for listening.
One thing I forgot to say. The new building is a proposed $1.6 million. The building we are in now, in my estimate, is worth about a half a million dollars. It's four stores there worth at least $120,000 a store, so one third of your money is coming back.
Mr. Luciano, we COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 184 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 don't know -- I understood Miss Kaplan to say that we aren't sure how much it's going to cost because we really don't have a site yet. But I think the commitment is that, you know, within some reasonable bounds -- and we always have to be reasonable, that the facility is going to be replaced -- and it will be a decent facility for you. So I mean, I think it's really hard to know what the actual amount of the money will be. Because until you get a site, you just really can't know.
Well, at this point, a lot of people in our Center's lost faith. I have not lost faith with this City Council, nor with the Honorable Mayor Rendell. I've not lost faith at all. I spoke to Rendell, you know, and I -- I've had three courses in human behavior. I can tell by your body language when you're telling me the truth most of the time.
Okay, thank you very much. The Chair recognizes District COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 185 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 Councilman Mariano.
Thank you, Mr. Street. Mr. Luciano, I hope -- I'm sitting right here. I didn't take that course but my body language -- I slouch 'cause I'm small. But, you know, I'd like to thank everybody for coming down. And this is a tedious process, and I'd just like to respond to you. Please keep the faith. And what you need to understand is that we recognize, as a government and the elected individuals, the needs of our seniors. I, for one -- my parents are dead, my grandparents are dead, so I try to listen to my seniors in Juniata and here when I go. And I see the needs. And, you know, you talked a little bit about the Gloria Day site, and that didn't work out for this center, but it was nice of Mr. Schmidt to project that. And there could have a substantial savings of money there for the City. But, as an elected official, I have to listen to all of my constituents, not just my COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 186 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 seniors. I have to listen to the athletic associations, the civic associations, and I pretty much take all of that in context and, you know, then I Mullin it over for a while, and I talk to some of the wiser, older Councilmembers like Councilman Longstreth, Councilman Cohen, and Councilman DiCicco, and I try to figure out exactly what's the best for the neighbors and what's the best for the people. We realize that this site's going to get done. Now -- just let me finish, please. Now, we realize this site's going to get done. But as an elected official who was elected by all the people, I have to listen to all of the proposals. And it wouldn't really be fair for me to cut off everybody and just say I know it needs to be here. So over time, you're going to hear a lot of things and you're going to hear a lot of different proposals for up there. We're trying to do it with the Recreation Department, and I have a commitment from the Mayor to build this site. And there's some money coming out of my budget, and I approved COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 187 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 that, and I have the commitment from the Council President for this project. And just keep in mind that you can't make everybody happy all the time. And I'm willing to try to do that, but there's only certain things as a City Councilman that I can do. And, again, keep the faith, and we'll try to make this the site that you want and the building that you want. Now, I'm not going to go on record saying that it's definitely going to be one thing or it's going to be one place because I don't want you to ever think my body language looks like I'm lying 'cause that wouldn't be proper to lie to somebody. You know, I mean, really, you've been around and you deserve all of these good things because you paid your dues. You've been around, you're probably a hard worker. But just remember, there's a lot of people up there, and they have a lot of concerns. So we have to go through a process, that's all I'm saying, and everyone must be heard.
Well, the thing is, I COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 188 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 have the faith. The only thing I'm worried about is this gymnasium. And as far as this body language business, I've been a boss for years and years and years. I run a maintenance department where we had companies all over the United States, and I went to other plants and supervised the construction of others things, and you have to learn. I hired and fired. And you have to learn when somebody's telling the truth when you hire them, and you have to tell when to fire them, when they're not telling you the truth. You have to know all of this or you have to be good at it or try to be good at it. No, the faith is here 100 percent, 100 percent. It's the gym that we do not want. We do not want the recreational gym.
Mr. Luciano, thank you very much. Thanks, I appreciate it. (Applause.)
Yes. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 189 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002
Did you enjoy the candy that we left for you on the day that the Mayor presented his budget to City Council?
I'm not a big candy person. And I might also share with you that this is the 30th -- January of 1998 is the 30th anniversary of my having lost almost 90 pounds. (Applause.)
The 30th anniversary. Because I'm a person who use to weight over 260 pounds and used to wear a size 52 suit. And I lost a lot of weight and during the course of trying to keep all of this weight off, I swore off almost all candy. I don't eat a lot of candy.
I'm sure did they did and I'm sure my staff gobbled it up too. I'm not a big candy person, but I thank you. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 190 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 Rosemary Matthews, PCCY. Rosemary Matthews. Oh, here she is. I didn't see her. (Rosemary Matthews, Philadelphia Citizens for Children and Youth, comes forward.)
Yes, I'm Rosemary Elizabeth Matthews, from the Philadelphia Citizens for Children and Youth. Council President Street and other Councilpeople, I am Rosemary Matthews, and I am testifying on behalf of Philadelphia Citizens for Children and Youth, the region's child advocacy organization. I am here to speak to you briefly about the capital budget of the Free Library. I want to begin by commending all of you and the Administration for the rebirth of the libraries throughout the City. The Library, its staff, leadership, Board and Friends have made a huge contribution to the lives of all of us who live in the City's neighborhoods. For many years, we have come before you and urged the kind of support for libraries and COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 191 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 recreation centers that would make a difference in the quality of life of Philadelphians. You have responded. The private sector, private foundations, and individual communities are partnering with you in a remarkable venture in rebuilding the future. The current plan to revitalize all libraries throughout the City is important. Many of us are suffering the temporary closing of our local library because we know it will be temporary, and when it reopens, we will have first-class opportunities. We were concerned to learn that there is not enough money in the budget to cover the three libraries that were planned to be renovated next year. So we urge you to put the funds back and not let the progress and promise that have be made jeopardized. Philadelphia's library resurgence has been unique in this nation. Don't let it slide. For our children, our families, and our neighborhoods, we thank you.
Thank you very much. Is there anyone else in the Council COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 192 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 chamber today who wishes to testify? Is there anyone else? The Chair recognizing Councilman Nutter.
Thank you, Mr. President. Have we gotten that response from either Mr. Kaplan or the Mayor as to the Library issue again? (Mr. Kaplan comes forward.)
I believe so. I'm Dean Kaplan, the Budget Director. I was able to speak briefly with the Mayor and I was able to communicate to him both the comments of the City Council President and the other Members of Council today as well as the public comments. And the Mayor asked to have the meeting as soon as possible with the Executive Director, President of the Free Library, and myself this week.
And do you expect that a decision will be made out of that meeting?
Do I expect that? I don't COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 193 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/BILL 980001, 980002 know. I would assume that that's the reason that we'll be meeting, yes.