Well, in the past and I think in our 1999 plan we documented it was actually $3.75. So, it's actually a little less than what it was in 1999.
But that's when the radio system was also being considered in 1999.
Right. And I think that's how we calculated -- when you do the calculations, back in 1999 where we had the $15 million in the bank of money to be able to fund it, we didn't have to --
Let me ask you a question while the Chair is coming back. Some time ago we put in a resolution 9 about the 3-1-1. I know this isn't it, but what are your thoughts about that as another -- to keep the 9-1-1 lines open, 3-1-1 for non-emergency?
I think 3-1-1 is an effective strategy that they use in other jurisdictions to able to get to citizens and visitors and understand the difference between what's urgent and what's an emergency, and also to understand that they can access City services the same -- in the same manner with dialing three digits and be able to do that in a by 7 manner, not 22 having to call a 9-1-1 because they feel 23 that's the only place that's open in the City 24 24 hours a day, you know, 365 days. So the 3-1-1 has been used. It 108 Pub. Property/Pub. Works - 4/4/05 started out in some jurisdictions, Baltimore, I believe, in the early '80s as a means to offload 9-1-1 calls. And they used a lot of uniform officers who are not able to work out in the field to be able to take those calls. I think in Philadelphia we've seen the kind of migration, as just a strategy for reducing 9-1-1 calls, as more as a holistic way of how do we deal with citizens in providing them a good quality customer service and is something that we have been working on. We had it as part of our operating budget testimony that we continue to work in that vein. And hopefully some day we'll be able to implement the 3-1-1 here in Philadelphia. But it is a very effective tool to at least get people's mindsets, because they're used to, you know, 9-1-1 is for everything. And that means that somebody else is not getting service because they're calling about things that are really just general City services. 109 Pub. Property/Pub. Works - 4/4/05
Okay. Thank you. CHAIRMAN CLARKE: Thank you. Are there ever any opportunities when there's an overlap on 9-1-1 calls? A person just outside of the City of Philadelphia makes a 9-1-1 call and the response comes from the City's response team or vice versa? How does that work?
For wire line customers, it's driven by your phone number, that drives you to the particular public safety answering point that actually takes your call. And in most cases that's pretty well 99 percent reliable, that if you call from Philadelphia you're going to get the Philadelphia 9-1-1 system. And if you call from, you know, Cheltenham or Jenkintown or borders around us, you're going to go to Montgomery County, you're going to go to the right county 9-1-1 110 Pub. Property/Pub. Works - 4/4/05 center. CHAIRMAN CLARKE: The right county.
Right. I think what the issue has been in the wireless caller, the wireless caller, depending on where they call, they may be on, let's say, Cheltenham Avenue that borders the city and dial 9-1-1 and end up in Cheltenham township, as opposed to they were really calling about an incident in Philadelphia, because the tower that actually took the transmission was on the opposite side of the line. So, by that, that land line then hit the ground and sent it to Cheltenham. Just like some people driving on I-95 or on the Ben Franklin Bridge and may dial 9-1-1, and may end up in Camden; may end up in Philadelphia. Part of what we're trying to do with the wireless 9-1-1 initiative, when we get to that, we'll be able to make that more reliable, and make that so that when they're calling we can at least know where they're calling from, depending on where their 111 Pub. Property/Pub. Works - 4/4/05 incident is, and find out where they are, and be able to know whether it should be a Camden issue or a Philadelphia issue or Montgomery County or Bucks issue. And the statewide plan is, the idea is to incorporate that so if police are in pursuit of someone who is driving through a township, and they're on a wireless phone, we'll be able to track them and be able to consistently handle that call from county to county. CHAIRMAN CLARKE: Okay. Thank you.
Can I add something to that? CHAIRMAN CLARKE: Absolutely.
I have to compliment Montgomery County. I had an incident exactly like you described. I received Montgomery County radio when I was in the northwest. And they were so courteous, and I hope we are in our police radio. They immediately transferred the call when I told them that I needed 9-1-1 for Philadelphia. 112 Pub. Property/Pub. Works - 4/4/05 They immediately transferred the call to Philadelphia police radio. So, I would hope that we provide such a similar service in the event they hit a cell site that's located within the County of Philadelphia.
Let me ask one other question. The funds generated from the 9-1-1 surcharge go into the General Fund?
No. They go into a special 9-1-1 account, as mandated by the state act, so they don't get commingled with the General Fund dollars. They go into a 9-1-1 grants fund account, and then that money is divided between capital costs and operating costs.
Well, it covers the Police and Fire Department for emergency 113 Pub. Property/Pub. Works - 4/4/05 services, yes.
Yes. CHAIRMAN CLARKE: Any other questions of this witness. (No response.) CHAIRMAN CLARKE: Thank you. Thank you, Mr. James.
Sorry. A. CHAIRMAN CLARKE: Why am I not surprised? Thank you, Mr. James. ) 114 Pub. Property/Pub. Works - 4/4/05 CERTIFICATE I HEREBY CERTIFY that the proceedings and evidence are contained fully and accurately in the stenographic notes taken by me upon the public hearing of The Philadelphia City Council, taken on April 4, 2005, and that this is a true and correct transcript of same. _____________________________ DAVID A. ) 115 Pub. Property/Pub. m. - - - 041080 - An Ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, for nominal consideration, a deed conveying fee simple title to a certain tract of City-owned land with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in an area generally located at the intersection of Wheatsheaf Lane and Sepviva Street for further conveyance at fair market value. 041082 - An Ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development a deed for nominal consideration conveying fee simple title to certain tracts of City-owned land located at 837-839 Montrose Street, with the buildings and improvements thereon, for further conveyance at fair market value. 041083 - An Ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development a deed conveying, for nominal consideration, fee simple title to certain tracts of City-owned land and located at 626-36 North Delaware Avenue, with the buildings and improvements thereon, fur further conveyance at fair market value. 2670 116 Pub. Property/Pub. Works - 4/4/05 041084 - An Ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, for nominal consideration, a deed conveying fee simple title to a certain tract of City-owned land with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in a rectangular area generally bounded by Ruth Street on the northwest, Clearfield Street on the northeast, Emerald Street on the southeast, and Orleans Street on the southwest, generally under and subject to the terms and conditions of the Philadelphia Industrial and Commercial Development Agreement between The City of Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, and the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation. 041085 - An Ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development a deed conveying, for nominal consideration, fee simple title to certain tracts of City-owned improvements thereon, for further conveyance at fair market value. 050061 - An Ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development a deed conveying, for nominal consideration, fee simple title to certain tracts of City-owned land located at 3300-02 North Front Street, with the buildings and improvements thereon, for further conveyance at fair market value. 050066 - An Ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development a deed conveying, for nominal consideration, fee simple title to certain tracts of City-owned land located at 1826-34 South 10th Street, with the improvements thereon, for further conveyance at fair market value. 117 Pub. Property/Pub. Works - 4/4/05 050105 - An Ordinance approving a Lease Agreement between Philadelphia Gas Works by Philadelphia Facilities Management Corporation, solely in its capacity as operator and manager of the City-owned Philadelphia Gas Works, and Greater Germantown Housing Development Corporation for certain premises located at 212-14 West Chelten Avenue.
050106 - An Ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into a Sublease Agreement to lease from the Philadelphia Municipal Authority portions of the building located at 701 Market Street, for use by the City and affiliated agencies as office space, under certain terms and conditions. 050132 - An Ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to acquire by condemnation or by purchase in lieu of condemnation a certain underground easement through 3111 West Allegheny Avenue, for sewer and drainage purposes, under certain terms and conditions. 041059 - Resolution authorizing City Council's Committee on Public Property and Public Works to hold public hearings on the development and implementation of public and private strategies for the renovation and use of the underutilized areas of City Hall. 050153 - Resolution authorizing City Council's Committee on Public Property and Public Works to hold public hearings on the status of land lines and other means to support the need of the City for data transmission, communication, and public safety and security; and, in furtherance of such hearing, authorizing the issuance of subpoenas to compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of documents to the full extent authorized under section 2-401 of the Home Rule Charter. 118 Pub. Property/Pub. Works - 4/4/05 050183 - Resolution approving the City of Philadelphia Amended 9-1-1 Plan, and authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to submit the Amended 9-1-1 Plan to the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency ("PEMA") for review and approval, as required by the Pennsylvania Public Safety Emergency Telephone Act. PRESENT: COUNCILMAN DARRELL L. CLARKE, Chair COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA COUNCILMAN FRANK DI CICCO COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER COUNCILMAN MICHAEL A. NUTTER COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO 119 Pub. Property/Pub. Works - 4/4/05 - - - P R O C E E D I N G S - - - CHAIRMAN CLARKE: All right. What we're going to do now, we're going to go into the public meeting and vote the ordinances out of committee that are on the calendar, and then go back into our public hearing and talk in hear Resolution Number 050153. Okay. We will now go into the public meeting. I would ask Councilwoman Miller to make the motion on Bill Number 040180.
I move that Bill Number 040180 be reported out of this committee with a favorable recommendation; and furthermore, that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading at our next session.
Second. CHAIRMAN CLARKE: All in favor? (Chorus of "ayes.") CHAIRMAN CLARKE: All opposed? (No response.) 120 Pub. Property/Pub. Works - 4/4/05 CHAIRMAN CLARKE: Bill Number 041080 is reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation; rules suspension, allowing first reading at the next session of Council. Councilwoman Miller.
I move that Bill Number 041082 be reported out of this committee with a favorable recommendation; and further move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading at our next session.
Second. CHAIRMAN CLARKE: There's a motion that Bill Number 041082 be reported out of committee. All in favor? (Chorus of "ayes.") CHAIRMAN CLARKE: All opposed? (No response.) CHAIRMAN CLARKE: Let the record reflect that Bill Number 041082 will be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation; rule suspension so as to allow first reading next session of Council. 121 Pub. Property/Pub. Works - 4/4/05 Councilwoman Miller.
I move that 041083 be reported out of this committee with a favorable recommendation; and further move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading at our next session. UNIDENTIFIED COUNCIL PERSON: Second. CHAIRMAN CLARKE: All in favor? (Chorus of "ayes.") CHAIRMAN CLARKE: All opposed? (No response.) CHAIRMAN CLARKE: Bill Number 041083 will be reported out of committee with favorable recommendation; request for rules suspension to allow first reading next at the next session of Council. Councilwoman Miller.
I move that Bill Number 041084 be reported out of this committee with a favorable recommendation; and further move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading at our next session. 122 Pub. Property/Pub. Works - 4/4/05 UNIDENTIFIED COUNCIL PERSON: Second. CHAIRMAN CLARKE: All in favor? (Chorus of "ayes.") CHAIRMAN CLARKE: All opposed? (No response.) CHAIRMAN CLARKE: Bill Number 041084 is reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation; with rule suspension as to allow first reading at our next session of Council. Councilwoman Miller.
I move that Bill Number 041085 be reported out of this committee with a favorable recommendation; and further recommend that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading at our next session.
Second. CHAIRMAN CLARKE: All approved? (Chorus of "ayes.") CHAIRMAN CLARKE: Those opposed? (No response.) CHAIRMAN CLARKE: Bill Number 041085 123 Pub. Property/Pub. Works - 4/4/05 will be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation and a rule suspension to allow first reading at the next session of Council. Councilwoman Miller.
Okay. I move that Bill Number 050061 be reported out of this committee with a favorable recommendation; and further move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading at our next session of Council.
Second. CHAIRMAN CLARKE: All in favor? (Chorus of "ayes.") CHAIRMAN CLARKE: All opposed? (No response.) CHAIRMAN CLARKE: Bill Number 050061 will be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation; with rule suspension to allow first reading at our next session of Council. Councilwoman Miller.
I move that Bill Number 050066 be reported out of this 124 Pub. Property/Pub. Works - 4/4/05 committee with a favorable recommendation; and further move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading at our next session.
Second. CHAIRMAN CLARKE: All in favor? (Chorus of "ayes.") CHAIRMAN CLARKE: Opposed? (No response.) CHAIRMAN CLARKE: Bill Number 050066 is reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation; with rules suspension as to allow first reading at the next session of Council. Councilwoman Miller.
I move that 050105 be reported out of this committee with a favorable recommendation; and further move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading at our next session.
Second. CHAIRMAN CLARKE: Those approved? (Chorus of "ayes.") CHAIRMAN CLARKE: Those opposed? 125 Pub. Property/Pub. Works - 4/4/05 (No response.) CHAIRMAN CLARKE: Bill Number 050105 is reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation; with rules suspension as to allow first reading at the next session of Council. Councilwoman Miller.
I move that Bill Number 050106 be reported out of this committee with a favorable recommendation; and further move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading at our next session. UNIDENTIFIED COUNCIL PERSON: Second.
Ayes have it. Bill Number 050106 is reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation; with rules suspension as to allow first reading at our next session of Council. 126 Pub. Property/Pub. Works - 4/4/05 Councilwoman Miller.
I move that Bill Number 050132 be reported out of this committee with a favorable recommendation; and further move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading at our next question.
Second. CHAIRMAN CLARKE: Those approved? (Chorus of "ayes.") CHAIRMAN CLARKE: Those opposed? (No response.) CHAIRMAN CLARKE: Bill Number 050132 is reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation; with rules suspension so as to allow first reading at the next session of Council. Bill Number 041059 is being held at the request of the sponsor. Councilwoman Miller.
I move that Bill Number 050183 be reported out of this committee with a favorable recommendation; and further move that the rules of Council be 127 Pub. Property/Pub. Works - 4/4/05 suspended so as to permit first reading at our next Council session.
We don't need a rule suspension. That's a resolution. I just move that Bill Number 050183 be reported out of this committee with a favorable recommendation.
Second. CHAIRMAN CLARKE: Those approved? (Chorus of "ayes.") CHAIRMAN CLARKE: Those opposed? (No response.) CHAIRMAN CLARKE: Resolution 050153 is reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation.
83. CHAIRMAN CLARKE: I'm sorry. Let the record reflect 83. I'm sorry. ) 128 Pub. Property/Pub. Works - 4/4/05 CERTIFICATE I HEREBY CERTIFY that the proceedings and evidence are contained fully and accurately in the stenographic notes taken by me upon the public meeting of The Philadelphia City Council, taken on April 4, 2005, and that this is a true and correct transcript of same. _____________________________ DAVID A. ) 129 Pub. Property/Pub. m. - - - 041080 - An Ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, for nominal consideration, a deed conveying fee simple title to a certain tract of City-owned land with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in an area generally located at the intersection of Wheatsheaf Lane and Sepviva Street for further conveyance at fair market value. 041082 - An Ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development a deed for nominal consideration conveying fee simple title to certain tracts of City-owned land located at 837-839 Montrose Street, with the buildings and improvements thereon, for further conveyance at fair market value. 041083 - An Ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development a deed conveying, for nominal consideration, fee simple title to certain tracts of City-owned land and located at 626-36 North Delaware Avenue, with the buildings and improvements thereon, fur further conveyance at fair market value. 2670 130 Pub. Property/Pub. Works - 4/4/05 041084 - An Ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, for nominal consideration, a deed conveying fee simple title to a certain tract of City-owned land with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in a rectangular area generally bounded by Ruth Street on the northwest, Clearfield Street on the northeast, Emerald Street on the southeast, and Orleans Street on the southwest, generally under and subject to the terms and conditions of the Philadelphia Industrial and Commercial Development Agreement between The City of Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, and the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation. 041085 - An Ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development a deed conveying, for nominal consideration, fee simple title to certain tracts of City-owned improvements thereon, for further conveyance at fair market value. 050061 - An Ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development a deed conveying, for nominal consideration, fee simple title to certain tracts of City-owned land located at 3300-02 North Front Street, with the buildings and improvements thereon, for further conveyance at fair market value. 050066 - An Ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development a deed conveying, for nominal consideration, fee simple title to certain tracts of City-owned land located at 1826-34 South 10th Street, with the improvements thereon, for further conveyance at fair market value. 131 Pub. Property/Pub. Works - 4/4/05 050105 - An Ordinance approving a Lease Agreement between Philadelphia Gas Works by Philadelphia Facilities Management Corporation, solely in its capacity as operator and manager of the City-owned Philadelphia Gas Works, and Greater Germantown Housing Development Corporation for certain premises located at 212-14 West Chelten Avenue.
050106 - An Ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into a Sublease Agreement to lease from the Philadelphia Municipal Authority portions of the building located at 701 Market Street, for use by the City and affiliated agencies as office space, under certain terms and conditions. 050132 - An Ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to acquire by condemnation or by purchase in lieu of condemnation a certain underground easement through 3111 West Allegheny Avenue, for sewer and drainage purposes, under certain terms and conditions. 041059 - Resolution authorizing City Council's Committee on Public Property and Public Works to hold public hearings on the development and implementation of public and private strategies for the renovation and use of the underutilized areas of City Hall. 050153 - Resolution authorizing City Council's Committee on Public Property and Public Works to hold public hearings on the status of land lines and other means to support the need of the City for data transmission, communication, and public safety and security; and, in furtherance of such hearing, authorizing the issuance of subpoenas to compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of documents to the full extent authorized under section 2-401 of the Home Rule Charter. 132 Pub. Property/Pub. Works - 4/4/05 050183 - Resolution approving the City of Philadelphia Amended 9-1-1 Plan, and authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to submit the Amended 9-1-1 Plan to the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency ("PEMA") for review and approval, as required by the Pennsylvania Public Safety Emergency Telephone Act. PRESENT: COUNCILMAN DARRELL L. CLARKE, Chair COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA COUNCILMAN FRANK DI CICCO COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER COUNCILMAN MICHAEL A. NUTTER COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO 133 Pub. Property/Pub. Works - 4/4/05 - - - P R O C E E D I N G S - - - CHAIRMAN CLARKE: This concludes the public meeting. We will now go back into the public hearing. Will the clerk please read the title of the resolution. COUNCIL CLERK: Resolution 050153, a resolution authorizing City Council's committee on Public Property and Public Works to hold public hearings on the status of land lines and other means to support the need of the City for data transmission, communication and public safety and security; and in furtherance of such hearing, authorizing the issuance of subpoenas to compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of documents, to the full extent authorized under section 2-401 of the Home Rule Charter. CHAIRMAN CLARKE: Thank you. Councilman Rizzo, would you like to make an opening statement?
Thank you. 134 Pub. Property/Pub. Works - 4/4/05 The first people that we're going to call to the table is Joe James and Frank Punzo of the City Department of Public Property's Communication Division. While they're doing that, I want to thank everyone attending today and watching this process that you watched today here during the Public Property committee. I'd like to start off by again thanking representatives from Motorola that are here today, even though they won't be testifying, to observe and listen to what is said here today. The reason I've asked Commissioner James and Mr. Punzo to come to the table is that I would like them to outline... The reason we've asked -- And I appreciate the fact that Verizon has come today to report out on some of the issues that have affected. For the record, Motorola's name is on the system but there are lots of technology that support it and keep the system in the up mode, the way it should be. So when we discuss Motorola, we need 135 Pub. Property/Pub. Works - 4/4/05 to be clear that not every issue is the responsibility of the Motorola Company. And we have had -- And I'll use a number, and I think we've agreed -- that we've had nine incidents that have been significant and have caused some disruption to the system. And whether the number be three or four, we have had various incidents that have been... have... I don't want to use the word blame, but we've identified the fact that Verizon Communications has had some involvement in what created the difficulties for the 800 megahertz radio system. So, what I would like to do today is ask Commissioner James or Mr. Punzo to identify the various issues that have occurred, and then for the record have Verizon report out what they've done to improve our communications. And when I say "communications," I mean just a dialogue between your department, the communications department of Public Property and their company. So, if you could just take us 136 Pub. Property/Pub. Works - 4/4/05 briefly through the scenarios that have affected the system and have pretty much eliminated Motorola as the responsible party for the down or whatever going into the backup mode of our system. Mr. James. CHAIRMAN CLARKE: Please read your name into the record. COMMISSIONER JAMES: Sure. Again, my name is Joseph James. I'm Deputy Commissioner for the Department of Public Property. With me is Frank Punzo, Communications Superintendent in the Communications Division for the Department of Public Property. Mr. Punzo speaks specifically to the Councilman's last point about the incidents in question which bring us to today. I'd just like to make a brief opening statement in general that the 800 megahertz system, since the last hearing we've had, Councilman, was in February, continues to operate and perform to spec and 137 Pub. Property/Pub. Works - 4/4/05 we believe performing in a way that we're very comfortable that the problems that we experienced last summer are behind us, and that we have worked closely together with both Motorola and Verizon to put together the right kind of procedures and protocols to be able to quickly identify issues as they may come up, determine who is the responsible agency to correct them, and then to implement a resolution as quickly as possible. And as you well understand, when we built the system back in 1999 when we started, our original design was to have as much redundancy in the system as possible because a large communications system with this radio system is going to have issues from time to time. It's a very complex system. F. world, as well as it's operating in a traditional land line world which is part of the issues that we're going to talk about today. And there's a number of complexities 138 Pub. Property/Pub. Works - 4/4/05 to that which from time to time may cause the system not to perform at its primary level.
And that's why we've built those redundant levels into the system, so that the public safety folks who are using the system, that their lifeline is always going to be there. It's always going to be operating. It may not be operating in the first preference but it will be operating in such a way that their life will not be in jeopardy. I think the other point we wanted to make is that over this time it's been a lesson learned on how to put together the right kind of procedures because I think anything of this size, no one has a lot of first-hand experience. We certainly have not implemented one of these systems before. So, there was a lot of growing that had to occur on all -- I think on all parties involved. But to get you to your final point, Councilman, there are three parties that are really at the primary heart of maintaining this radio system: The Department of Public 139 Pub. Property/Pub. Works - 4/4/05 Property, Motorola and Verizon. And I think you'll hear a commitment, and you've heard the commitment from Motorola. You'll continue to hear commitment from The Department of Public Property and the administration that we're working very hard every day to make sure the system is operating as it should. And I think you'll hear comments today from Verizon who can speak to their particular role that they have to play. I'd like Mr. Punzo to take us the through the four incidents that are directly related to Verizon's activity in this project. CHAIRMAN CLARKE: Are there representatives from all the aforementioned entities today? COMMISSIONER JAMES: Yes. CHAIRMAN CLARKE: Verizon, Motorola and the City?
Yes. CHAIRMAN CLARKE: All right. Thank you. Please proceed. 140 Pub. Property/Pub. Works - 4/4/05
Hi. My name is Frank Punzo, as identified, Communications Superintendent for the City of Philadelphia's Department of Public Property communications. The four incidents that Councilman Rizzo referenced occurred throughout 2004 and one incident in 2005. The dates that Verizon will be discussing are July 20, 2004; November 14, 2004; December 17, 2004; and most recently February 23, 2005. Each one of these incidents was attributable to, you know, failures or systems that were impacted on the Verizon side that did have impact on the radio system. COMMISSIONER JAMES: One other comment for Councilman. I do have that answer to your previous discussion on the 9-1-1 is -3 of the 9-1-1 plan, but I will make a copy and give it to you directly.
The amount of money? COMMISSIONER JAMES: Yeah. How we 141 Pub. Property/Pub. Works - 4/4/05 calculated it.
Thank you. CHAIRMAN CLARKE: I'm assuming there's at least one Council member on this committee that is interested in some questions.
Well, no. I'm pretty -- I'm satisfied with the fact that with the July 20th, November 14th, December 17th and February 23rd. I won't -- Unless you want to, I understood with of these dates there was a little bit of back and forth between Verizon and Motorola on who was at the end responsible. So, I guess I'll just wait for Verizon to respond to that particular event because it's still not clear to me whether we had a Motorola event or a Verizon event or a combination of both. I don't know. COMMISSIONER JAMES: Okay.
So, I'll let Verizon do that. Thank you, Commissioners and thank you, Mr. Punzo. I think we're ready for 142 Pub. Property/Pub. Works - 4/4/05 Verizon. CHAIRMAN CLARKE: Any other questions from members of the committee on these witnesses? (No response.) CHAIRMAN CLARKE: There being none, thank you, gentlemen, and please hang around. COMMISSIONER JAMES: Thank you. CHAIRMAN CLARKE: Anyone else to testify on this particular bill?
Chairman and members of the Committee, my name is Karen Maguire. My business address is 1095 Avenue of Americas, 36th Floor, New York, New York 10036. I am the Vice President of Customer Service for the Enterprise Service Group in Verizon. I am responsible for providing customer service to over 5,000 large business and institutional customers on the east coast, including the City of Philadelphia. 143 Pub. Property/Pub. Works - 4/4/05 My team's responsibilities include service management, project management, service ordering, provisioning and maintenance. I have over years experience 6 in Verizon. I assumed my current 7 responsibilities in December 2003. 8 Prior to my current position I was 9 Executive Director of Telecom Process 10 Assurance, responsible for strategy, 11 operations excellence, metrics and resource 12 plans. 13 Prior to that I was Executive 14 Director of Wholesale Customer 15 Infrastructure, responsible for providing co-location, SONET, switch services to wholesale customers across the country. Prior to that I held several jobs in customer service and network planning. I have been asked to appear here to address three specific incidents which occurred last year when the backup police radio system had to be brought on line because the Verizon infrastructure supporting the City of Philadelphia's Police 144 Pub. Property/Pub. Works - 4/4/05 Department's 800 megahertz digital radio system experienced problems that affected the operation of the system. This radio system itself, as you know, is provided to the City by Motorola. Verizon provides the high capacity and fiberoptic telecommunication services to the City that support the radio system. My testimony today will address the three specific service incidents which occurred in 2004. In addition, I will provide details regarding a recent service incident affecting the network that occurred on February 23, 2005. I will also review the pro-active steps Verizon has taken in conjunction with Motorola and the City of Philadelphia, that we have already taken and will continue to take to significantly reduce and hopefully eliminate the likelihood of similar incidents, as well as minimize the impact of any 800 megahertz system failures that may occur in the future. To set the stage for explaining 145 Pub. Property/Pub. Works - 4/4/05 these four incidents, first let me provide you with a very high level description of the system's network design and configuration. As I mentioned earlier, the Motorola equipment utilized in the City's 800 megahertz system is connected throughout the City via Verizon high capacity circuits. These circuits commonly referred to as T1s, feed off fiber based technology backbone networks known as SONET rings. This SONET fiber backbone is engineered in ring configurations in order to provide survivability against service interruptions in the event of a fiber cut or other types of impediment. So, if a cut or problem occurs which prevents traffic routing over one direction of the ring, the system is designed to automatically reroute the traffic in the other direction so that the transmission of communications is not interrupted. In addition, the equipment incorporated in SONET technology is also manufactured to guard against service 146 Pub. Property/Pub. Works - 4/4/05 interruptions which might result from a transmission failure of one location or node on a ring. Therefore, if one node goes down, the system has backup functions built in which protect the overall system's transmission capability. The network architecture and equipment designed for the connectivity of the City's 800 megahertz radio system is comprised of two SONET rings and 86 T1s. Verizon has deployed this same SONET technology for many of today's Fortune 1000 networks with great success and proven operational reliability.
The SONET fiber technology used in the 800 megahertz system was originally put in place by Verizon to provide data connectivity to hundreds of City of Philadelphia sites and has been in operation for many years, with enhancements made as technology has evolved. The City's fiber infrastructure was expanded to incorporate the T1 circuit 147 Pub. Property/Pub. Works - 4/4/05 requirements for the Motorola provided 800 megahertz system. Verizon networks are pro-actively monitored hours a day 7 days a week. Our 6 service performance for these types of 7 networks, including the one provided to the 8 City, is excellent. 9 14 percent for the past six months. 15 With this information as a backdrop, 16 I will now address the service incidents that 17 were identified by this committee as 18 occurring on July 20, 2004; November 14, 19 2004; and December 17, 2004, as well as the 20 additional incident that took place on 21 February 23, 2005. 22 Under separate cover Verizon has 23 provided the Department of Public Property's 24 Communication Division a detailed root cause analysis that explained each incident in 148 Pub. Property/Pub. Works - 4/4/05 detail, that includes a chronology of all pertinent events. I will provide a brief overview of each of these incidents and then will be happy to address any follow-up questions you might have. m. m. The City had called a trouble report in to Verizon at approximately 5:10 on the evening of July 19th, after Motorola had notified the City that Motorola's monitoring system was picking up errors for two of our T1 circuits. Verizon immediately conducted a number of remote tests for the circuits which did not reveal any problems. , the City requested that Verizon dispatch a technician for further testing. Verizon arranged for the dispatch and our technician arrived on 149 Pub. Property/Pub. m. The technician performed a number of tests on both circuits. The technician's tests did not reveal any problems on the circuits, and the technician closed out the trouble report with the City system manager at approximately 10:40 on the evening of the 19th. When the technician left the site, he believed the circuits were fully operational. The technician confirmed with the City contact that the circuits were testing okay. m. a service disruption occurred which affected the primary radio system. The City reported the problem to Motorola, who dispatched one of its technicians to clear the trouble. m. on July 20th, Verizon was advised of the service interruption. The Motorola technician who 150 Pub. Property/Pub. Works - 4/4/05 resolved the trouble indicated that the downed circuit had been left in the test rather than the normal operating mode. This apparently occurred due to an error by the Verizon technician who had done the testing at the site the previous night. Since the Motorola technician corrected the problem, a dispatch of a Verizon technician was not needed. However, this incident was covered with the Verizon technician who had serviced the circuit the previous night to ensure that care would be taken to avoid a recurrence of this problem on the technician's future dispatches. The next incident occurred on November 14, 2004, when the police channels of the radio system were interrupted for approximately four hours and had to revert to backup procedures during this period. The primary radio system service interruption occurred as a result of a planned power shutdown at a City center commercial building which drained the backup 151 Pub. Property/Pub. Works - 4/4/05 batteries powering the SONET fiber ring equipment and the T1 circuits feeding off of that ring. As I previously explained, the SONET ring technology is engineered to switch to a secondary path in the event that a failure occurs on the primary path. However, in this incident the components on the secondary path for one of the locations of the SONET ring did not function properly, causing the service interruption. m.
commercial power for the building was restored and about two minutes later the primary radio system became operational. Recent tests conducted on March 30, 2005, have recreated this incident, with no 20 failure occurring on the SONET network or radio system. The next incident occurred on December 17, 2004. , the City reported to Verizon that the 800 megahertz radio system was experiencing 152 Pub. Property/Pub. Works - 4/4/05 intermittent problems with transmission loss of every third or fourth word. Verizon opened a trouble ticket and dispatched a technician. m. and obtained the city's permission to conduct intrusive testing on the reported circuits. m. In order to perform an intrusive test, the circuit must be taken off line. As a result, the primary 800 megahertz radio system was down for the duration of the test of approximately one minute. This test did not indicate that there were any problems with the Verizon circuits. Additional non-intrusive testing performed by our technician confirmed these results. Verizon did not receive any further troubles on these circuits or its system in connection with the intermittent radio transmission losses that triggered the 153 Pub. Property/Pub. Works - 4/4/05 intrusive testing. The last incident which occurred on February 23, 2005, resulted in lost communication for the primary 800 megahertz radio system for two 15-second intervals. These two intervals are the delay time needed for the primary system to switch to the secondary backup system. As a result of two separate incidents of human error by our maintenance center testers, a trouble ticket requesting intrusive testing was inadvertently prepared for a City net T1 circuit which was actually intended for work on a different circuit that was not part of the City net and served another Verizon customer. Because intrusive testing for the City net circuit was not required and the City did not expect any interruption to the primary radio system, the switch to the backup system and associated two 15-second interval service interruptions were unanticipated. If this testing of a City T1 circuit 154 Pub. Property/Pub. Works - 4/4/05 had been anticipated and planned, the City would have been able to take the necessary steps to switch the primary radio system to one of the redundant T1 circuits available and a service interruption would not have occurred. Three of these four incidents were caused by Verizon human error or equipment failures and should not have happened. Verizon is committed to providing excellent service to our customers, and we regret any inconvenience and problems that the City and its public safety personnel experienced as a result of these incidents. We have taken a number of measures to prevent reoccurrences of these problems and minimize the risk of future service interruptions. For each of the radio system service interruptions resulting from a Verizon personnel or equipment failure, Verizon has taken corrective actions to remedy the root cause of each problem. The goal of these corrective actions 155 Pub. Property/Pub. Works - 4/4/05 is to prevent possible future service interruptions that might occur as a result of the same or similar incidents. Verizon has also implemented a comprehensive action plan which includes pro-active troubleshooting activities to find and fix Verizon equipment problems that potentially could contribute to a breakdown or degradation of Verizon's high capacity T1 circuits and the SONET fiber optic backbone network ring that provide the Citywide connectivity for the 800 megahertz radio system. In addition, Verizon has taken pro-active steps to improve Verizon's internal service dispatch and service manager and notification processes to shorten repair response times for any service interruptions that occur going forward. Verizon is firmly committed to working with Motorola and the City to ensure that the City's radio net system is as problem free, reliable and dependable as possible. 156 Pub.
Property/Pub. Works - 4/4/05 We recognize the extreme importance of this critical support system which is vital to the efficient operation of the City's public safety personnel and the protection and the well-being of its citizens. As part of this commitment, Verizon, in conjunction with Motorola and the City, has developed a rigorous test plan and agreed to implement the plan to perform more extensive and rigorous testing of the entire radio system and its ancillary support facilities. Verizon has already begun cooperative testing activities with these partners to thoroughly investigate and identify possible sources for intermittent service interruptions and other operational failures that might jeopardize the integrity of the radio system. Implementation of the first phase of this test plan began on February 9, 2005. This phase entailed the thorough testing of each of the 86 high capacity T1 circuits, in 157 Pub. Property/Pub. Works - 4/4/05 accordance with the test plans specifications. The actual testing activities were completed on March 11, 2005. A thorough analysis of the test results by our technical support personnel is under way and should be finalized later this month. Phase II of the test plan began last week. This phase entails a comprehensive and thorough testing of the SONET backbone facilities which support the individual T1 circuits. Although additional testing for other portions of the backbone is planned, preliminary results from last week's testing were very encouraging. This test involved a simulation on the same SONET ring of the same type of events which led to the service interruption that occurred last November. The testing indicated that all backup and other functions worked properly and smoothly. Once the additional SONET testing is completed, these test results will 158 Pub. Property/Pub. Works - 4/4/05 also be thoroughly analyzed to confirm the system's reliability. Verizon's testing has been conducted with Motorola and Verizon representatives present at the sites of the circuits. This testing is comprised of both non-intrusive and intrusive testing in accordance with timetables prescribed by the City. Non-intrusive testing includes the verification of options at various nodes in the network, retrieval of performance history or error registers, visual inspections, and a one-hour test for any time slips in the network. Intrusive testing includes a 40-minute end to end stress test by the technicians at both ends of the circuit. To facilitate a smooth testing procedure, a conference bridge has been set up for each test with the following parties participating: A Verizon maintenance center testing coordinator, Verizon technicians for each end location, a Motorola representative for each end location, and a City 159 Pub. Property/Pub. Works - 4/4/05 representative. Testing for each site is considered complete only after Motorola and the City have verified that the tested circuits are back in service. Verizon is hopeful that these pro-active measures to perform rigorous, thorough and intensive cooperative testing with Motorola and the City will prevent and minimize potential problems that might jeopardize the performance of the critical and vital 800 megahertz radio system. By taking these steps, the cooperative testing team may identify underlying problems or weaknesses in the complex system which can be corrected before a system problem occurs. Verizon reaffirms its strong commitment to continuing this important preventive work with the City and Motorola to ensure that the City's radio system is highly dependable and reliable. I will be happy to take -- to answer any questions members of the committee may 160 Pub. Property/Pub. Works - 4/4/05 have. And I apologize for the length of that opening statement.
That's good. CHAIRMAN CLARKE: Very thorough report. Any questions from members of the committee? Councilman Rizzo.
Like Commissioner James and Punzo said, that I was confident also, that Verizon would be stepping forward to do what you've described today here. That's impressive. And the only question that I would like is some clarification for the record. You talked about three events that were definitely either technical or human error. Would you just elaborate on the one event? What occurred in the one event that Verizon apparently is not at issue? Could you just explain where we are with that one, and which one are you referring to again?
Well, the one that I'm referring to -- And just let me make sure I 161 Pub. Property/Pub. Works - 4/4/05 find it. In paragraph -- I think we've provided you with a copy of the testimony.
That's correct. We 7 had been asked to open up a trouble ticket on 8 a T1 circuit and we worked with Motorola and 9 the City to test that circuit and did not 10 find any errors. 11 Now, that said, that doesn't necessarily mean that there weren't any errors. We just -- We weren't able to pinpoint what exactly happened, to have them request a trouble ticket to us in the first place. I think in that particular instance, we tested the circuits thoroughly. And, in fact, we did a retest of all of the T1 circuits that support the network, and we see that things are operating as they ought to. If there are issues in the future, I think we've got good processes in place to react very quickly. So, the bottom line on that 162 Pub. Property/Pub. Works - 4/4/05 particular incident is, we could not isolate a problem to the Verizon part of the network, and have since tested every single circuit on the network and have not been able to uncover that problem.
Thank you for that. As part of your work, have you critiqued the system? I'm sure you have? And made any recommendations to our communication people on how the relationship with Verizon and Motorola could even be enhanced and better understand that we have some of this equipment in a rental space, and there was some difficulty associated with the power going out and the access to the building.
Would you also consider making some recommendations? The system's going to be hopefully here for a long time. And I'm not suggesting that we have to make all these changes in the next months or years. 163 Pub. Property/Pub. Works - 4/4/05 But if there is a better way to make your life easier in servicing and also supporting this technology... If there are recommendations that there's a better way, from your perspective, of supporting this system, have you done that or would you do that?
In answer to your question, we have done that to the extent that I think -- I would say that all three parties are working very well together and have jointly identified troubleshooting procedures, how we can better work together on that. And we've all agreed to it, and it's part of our new operating procedure. And in the future we would certainly do that, if any other issues are uncovered, as we go through future phases of testing or if somebody comes up with another bright idea.
-- to support the 164 Pub. Property/Pub. Works - 4/4/05 system which happens by the minute.
The issue of -- The issue of the human side of this, which we always have that.
Is everything being done to assure, whether it's computer access or it's just physical walking into a room and going up to test the T1 line, to make sure that the technician knows -- Are there boots or are there blocks or are there red flags that say to your staff, stay away from it? If you're not here to work on a City of Philadelphia safety security line, don't touch this one? Is there any way that you can be -- you could even do more to assure that your techs know your equipment -- our equipment, our 60-some, whatever the number, 80-some T1 lines are ours and not some company? I understand that they mixed up another organization with ours. How can you 165 Pub. Property/Pub. Works - 4/4/05 prevent that from happening?
Well, we have... To your point, there are always going to be humans touching this. So, there's no way to make it, frankly, a hundred percent human error proof. We have put in training procedures for -- Let's say -- The incidents that we've had have created an incredibly heightened awareness within Verizon of the Philadelphia City network. So we've gone through and done retraining for anybody that could potentially impact this network, from that standpoint. We are continuously looking at ways to make sure, to your point, to block this network from others' hands. And, frankly, a lot of stuff is done remotely. There are test access -- that people have access to the circuits remotely, and that's actually a good thing because it helps us to resolve problems when there are problems. So, the best I can say is, we've done a lot of retraining of the individuals 166 Pub. Property/Pub. Works - 4/4/05 that are impacted with this, and we've actually made a few personnel changes as well.
I use an expression, coming from the utility industry, electric utility industry, if you get on the wrong circuit sometimes you're dead.
And there were a lot of safeguards at the remote access to let our technicians know that they are on a certain line and they needed to enter it not once, not twice, but three times in some cases to read the document back. Are there some flags that you could put on the computer to make sure the people testing know that they are potentially not on a, b, c company in Center City, Philadelphia T1, that they're on a public safety...
We have put those identifiers on the network. Again, there are human ways around that, if people are not doing what they're supposed to be doing. So, we put identifiers on the network. 167 Pub. Property/Pub. Works - 4/4/05 We've actually also made sure that each circuit is identified as a priority, you know, so whenever a trouble ticket or anything does happen on the circuits, it's right to the top of the priority list. So from that standpoint we've prioritized it. We do have the ability to identify the circuits and mark them as City of Philadelphia, don't touch; you know, call service manager before you do anything. The reason I'm being cautious is, these methods are not a hundred percent human error proof. But we have put in a lot of procedures to make it as human error proof as we could possibly make it.
Well, again, I know that just by reading your testimony and hearing you deliver it today, that a lot of work has gone on to make our system as dependable as humanly possible. Because in all fairness to the manufacturer of this equipment, there are so many issues that can affect the reputation, and we just want to make sure that we're 168 Pub. Property/Pub. Works - 4/4/05 doing everything we can do humanly possible, and now Verizon likewise, just to make sure that this investment of over $60 million now of taxpayer's money.
Which I'm dying to hear how much of that $3.30 is that.
But I'm pleased to hear all the initiatives, all the work that has gone into this process. And I thank you.
Well, thank you. I'm accountable for emergency services on the East Coast for state and local government. So, I am incredibly concerned. And these are the kinds of things that keep me up at night. So, you have our attention.
Thank you. CHAIRMAN CLARKE: Thank you. Thank you for your testimony.
Thank you. 169 Pub. Property/Pub. Works - 4/4/05 CHAIRMAN CLARKE: Are there any interested parties from Motorola that would like to make some statements for the record?
Since you've sat through this whole thing, we just wanted to give you an opportunity. Because again, we thank you in the past for your support that you've given us. So, we want to give you an opportunity to make one more statement because we hope this is the last statement we are ever going to hear on this issue. (Laughter.)
Mr. McFadden, it's not clear who you represent now. MR. McFADDEN: I'm the spokesperson for Motorola for the City of Philadelphia. I was for 28 years a vice president with Motorola. My team is the team that sold this system to the City. 28 years worth of public safety experience. I understand these networks. And the commitment by Motorola to the City was, even though I had retired, that I would 170 Pub. Property/Pub. Works - 4/4/05 stay involved with the City because of the seriousness of the matter and the issues that we're addressing here. We really didn't come today to prepared to make a statement. However, I can answer questions, if you like. We are totally committed. We do work with Verizon on this. It is very serious for us, as it is for Verizon. And we will continue to do what we've been doing. We have somebody there 13 hours a day 7 days a week and we're 14 monitoring this system. 15 And we want to get to the point 16 where you tell us that you're happy with 17 what's going on, and we don't have to be here 18 any longer discussing this, and you're 19 totally happy. That's our goal. 20
Go ahead, Mr. 21 Chairman. 22 CHAIRMAN CLARKE: Thank you. Any 23 questions? 24
Yes. That's an interesting point. Is there any -- Have you 171 Pub. Property/Pub. Works - 4/4/05 gotten a feel for how much longer? Because I'm sure this is a burden on your company to be there 24/7. Has there been any indication how long that will continue? And like I said to Verizon, Mr. McFadden, I would hope Motorola has looked at this system from top to bottom and is satisfied with the initial install that occurred here. And if there are any recommendations on making this system even more reliable, I hope that you step forward and make sure that the Commissioner and Mr. Punzo are aware of anything that can be done to improve. You know, there's many times when there's initial installation of anything done that you look back and say, I wish I would have done it this way instead of that way. And this system is so important, such a big investment, that we want to get it right. And if there's anything that needs to be changed or improved or more money spent to make it better -- we shouldn't have to say that -- but I think now is the time to get it 172 Pub. Property/Pub. Works - 4/4/05 accomplished. So, if there is anything like that, I'd appreciate it, and I'm sure they would. MR. McFADDEN: No. I believe at this time our feeling on the system is that it's extremely stable. It really hasn't had any incidents. We have someone there 24/7 for customer satisfaction, quite frankly. We're very, very comfortable with the way the system is operating today.
How much longer? MR. McFADDEN: We could take that person away today, in fact.
Wait a minute. Frank Punzo just got pale. MR. McFADDEN: But it is a courtesy to keep that person there. We don't have them there because we don't have confidence in the system. It is a customer satisfaction issue. It really -- It's more of a courtesy at this point. We believe the system is that stable.
We'll let you and the experts work that out, and they'll 173 Pub. Property/Pub. Works - 4/4/05 certainly let us know when we don't have that 24/7 coverage. But again, to end this, I want to thank you. You guys stepped forward, and Verizon was as candid as can be today. They didn't try to smooth anything over. They assumed the responsibility where it was theirs, and likewise in the past you have. So, I think the men and women that work in the City and the citizens and visitors will now start to see the benefit of this system. I understand the technology. I know it's better than we had. And these glitches were unfortunate. But I think once we -- now that we're beyond that, that I think that this City will be a better City because of this system. MR. McFADDEN: I agree. Thank you very much, Councilman. CHAIRMAN CLARKE: Thank you for your testimony. Any other witnesses to testify on this particular resolution. 174 Pub. Property/Pub. Works - 4/4/05 (No response.) CHAIRMAN CLARKE: There being none, thank you very much for your time. This concludes the Committee on Public Property and Public Works. Thank you all very much. (Public hearing concluded at 4:40 p.m.) 175 CERTIFICATE I HEREBY CERTIFY that the proceedings and evidence are contained fully and accurately in the stenographic notes taken by me upon the public hearing of The Philadelphia City Council, taken on April 4, 2005, and that this is a true and correct transcript of same. _____________________________ DAVID A. DEIK, RPR and Commissioner of Deeds (The foregoing certification of this transcript does not apply to any reproduction of the same by any means, unless under the direct control and/or supervision of the certifying reporter.)