2404 - - - COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA PUBLIC HEARING - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - - - Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Wednesday, April 6, 2005, 10:15 a.m. - - - Bill Numbers 050001, 050002, 050003, 040789, 040767, 050007, and 050007. Resolution Number 050022. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE L. BLACKWELL COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILMAN FRANK DI CICCO COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN JACK KELLY COUNCILMAN JAMES F. KENNEY COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER COUNCILMAN MICHAEL A. NUTTER COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO - - - V A R A L L O Incorporated Litigation Support Services 1835 Market Street, Suite 600 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103 215.561.2220 215.567.2670 2405 Operating Budget - 4/6/05 - - - P R O C E E D I N G S - - -
Good morning, everyone. This is the continued public hearing of the Committee of the whole regarding Bills 050001, 050002, 050003, 040789, 040767, 050007 and 050008; also Resolution number 050022. We will now hear from the Free Library. May I ask that they approach the witness table, please. Good morning. Welcome. May I ask that you please identify yourself for the record, and I would suggest that you identify who is with you, please.
I'd be happy to. President Verna and members of City Council, I am Elliot Shelkrot. I am the President and Director of the Free Library of Philadelphia. And with me at the podium is former Mayor Wilson Goode, who is Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Free Library of 2406 Operating Budget - 4/6/05 Philadelphia, and also Kevin Vaughan, who is the Associate Director of the Free Library. I believe that Mayor Goode would like to speak first.
Good morning, President Verna and esteemed Council members. I am W. Wilson Goode, Sr., and I'm here today as Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Free Library of Philadelphia. Shortly you will hear from Library Director Elliot Shelkrot. I would like to discuss two issues before he speaks which I know are at the top of your mind. I want to tell you that both the Board of Trustees and the Board of Directors are delighted to serve the library. We deeply appreciate your interest in the library system. Members of these boards contribute their time and money to help the library system in so many ways. Through their efforts, hundreds of thousands of dollars 2407 Operating Budget - 4/6/05 have been raised for the various programs at the library. In fact, through the efforts of these men and women, about $40 million in private funds were raised for renovations of the branch libraries. They are a group of committed men and women, and it's a pleasure to serve with them at this time. Let me, before I close, take a minute to talk about the central library. A great city needs a great central library. And great doesn't just men bigger. Great doesn't mean only repairing the broken windows and falling plasters and adding more shelving for material. It means recognizing that central libraries today reflect the best aspirations of a city, now the vehicles for civic engagement, for breaking down barriers between cultures that become virtual town halls, with discussion lectures and meetings. City after city has invested in their central library in recent years: Seattle, New York, Vancouver, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Salt Lake City, to name a few. 2408 Operating Budget - 4/6/05 And they have become the heartbeat of their cities, a locus for intellectual, civic and economic growth. For us a new central library will be the people's place on a revitalized Ben Franklin Parkway. Finally, we are fortunate to have a library system in Philadelphia which provides service in every part of this very diverse city. We must work together to keep it strong and make it a better place in the future. Thank you very much.
Thank you, President Verna and members of the City Council. As my written testimony before you indicates, and I believe everybody has a copy of that, the Free Library today requests a fiscal year '06 total budget of over $47 million, nearly $48 million, including $35 million in city general funds and $12.6 million in grant revenue funds from the 2409 Operating Budget - 4/6/05 Commonwealth, of which over $1 million represents funding for the Mayor's Commission on Literacy which, as you know, became part of the Free Library's budget at the beginning of the current fiscal year, '05. Rather than reading the rest of the testimony, because you have it, many of you have read it and you certainly can read it.
We will give the stenographer a copy of your testimony.
It will be made part of the record and you can simply summarize, if you will.
Okay. Yes, I can do that. Okay. Would you like that right now?
Oh, you do have it. Okay. Fine. You know, a great deal has been said in the last several weeks about the new pattern of service. A great deal has been 2410 Operating Budget - 4/6/05 written, and there's a great deal of concern, since the last -- Especially since the last time I had an opportunity myself to address Council back in December. At the time we were presenting testimony on the central library. At that discussion on December 8th, at that presentation on the central library and at that hearing, the Mayor's Office had already put out -- had already announced that there would be layoffs and cuts in City budget. And I was asked at that time if the funding for the central library would hurt the operations of the library. And I said no. 18 I also was asked about the layoffs, if that was going to hurt the branch system of the Free Library. At that time I was aware that we needed to lay off four people. That was early December. And we intended to lay off four people as part of our downsizing operation and that would affect -- that would 2411 Operating Budget - 4/6/05 only change some of the behind the scenes and administrative functions of the library. As the month of December advanced, we learned that significantly more layoffs would be taking place. By January the number had grown from 4 to 17, 17 full-time staff. And we also learned that every vacancy, every vacant position -- every vacant position would be eliminated. There was no way that the Free Library could continue the same service delivery pattern it had over the previous years, knowing that already in the first six months of the year we had 740 hours of emergency closings in that first six-month period, that all of the positions that were currently vacant were eliminated, and that we needed to lay off 17 additional people, as well as a continuing loss of people through attrition. All told, it meant a reduction of some 130 full-time people in the last two-and-a-half to three years. It was clear that we would have to 2412 Operating Budget - 4/6/05 find a new pattern, a new way to serve the people of Philadelphia, given the realities of the budget, of the City's budget. Based on discussions with our Board of Trustees in planning meetings, we knew that talk of closing libraries was out of the question. So, with this as the bottom line, we began and the staff began, the senior staff, began to find ways to keep all branches open within the restrictions of reduced budgets, current labor contracts, existing Civil Service regulations. And early in January the staff developed a pattern of service that you have heard about, a pattern of service that would keep all branches open, with operating in 19 the afternoons, to emphasize our commitment 20 to children and youth in the Free Library, especially in the after-school programs. To allow all branches, all branches once again to be open on Saturdays, to accommodate people who do work and who would otherwise not get to the library during the 2413 Operating Budget - 4/6/05 week. It would eliminate the emergency closings, which have been plaguing the system for previous years, and it would allow every neighborhood, every neighborhood, access to library books, materials, programming, and, of course, the internet. We remain committed to providing good quality service which we believe can continue to happen with library assistants managing these branches. 13 In fact, our library assistants have 14 played an essential role in minimizing the 15 emergency closings that we have faced over 16 the last two years, and in answering 17 reference questions, as well as managing the 18 branch when the librarian is away. 19 At full funding... At full funding 20 this would never happen. It would not have been considered.
There's no question it would be preferable to have librarians at every branch, to have all branches open a full schedule, including Saturday, but given the 2414 Operating Budget - 4/6/05 current funding realities and the issues facing the City, we cannot do that. I might point out that the job description for library assistants II and library assistant III are -- You know, both of them, although it would be the IIIs who are -- library assistant IIIs who will be in charge of the afternoon branches, included light reference work. And that's been in those job descriptions for many years. And as a matter of fact, if you look at it statistically, the vast majority of the questions that come in to our branches are within that realm of light reference; not all, but certainly more than half. )
And this is based on studies that have been done in other cities. Maybe Philadelphia is quite different than other major urban cities. To ensure that there will be help with more complex reference questions and professional oversight, we developed the concept of a partner branch, so that nearby 2415 Operating Budget - 4/6/05 librarians -- (Boos.)
-- so that nearby librarians who know how important it is to help the people in our communities could assist these afternoon branches. Additionally, the resources of our regional libraries and the central library's general information department, as well as other support offices in the central library would be available to them. On February 24th we instituted ten afternoon branches, and expect to complete that implementation by the end of the fiscal year, that is, implementation of afternoon 18 branches. 19 And these branches will continue to 20 bring programs into their neighborhoods, to provide access to books and materials, and they are open Saturday, as all of our branches are, for public -- will be for public use. We are working with the schools and 2416 Operating Budget - 4/6/05 groups who use these branches to relocate programs and meetings to nearby branches, as well as to other City and neighborhood facilities. We believe that by keeping these branches open -- open -- we are maintaining an investment in the neighborhoods that we hope to grow back, grow back to full day service when the economy improves. Although every school may not have a library, every neighborhood will continue to have a library that will be open for use as many hours as our budget allows. That was true three years ago, and that is true today. The outpouring... I want to mention for a moment how gratified I and the senior staff and the board is to see the outpouring of support. We have board members here representing both our Board of Trustees and our Foundation Board. Dr. Marcy Mattleman, who has been a member of our Board of Trustees, and is at this moment on our Foundation Board, although Herman Mattleman 2417 Operating Budget - 4/6/05 could not be here. He is on the Board of Trustees. Ron Hinton, who is the President of the Allegheny West Foundation is a member of our Board of Trustees. And Rich Greenwalt. Rich Greenwalt is here, and he is a member of our Foundation Board, and one of the co-chairs of the campaign for the central library. I also know that, if she is not here at the moment, Peggy Amsterdam from the Cultural Alliance will be here. Well, she's just walking in. Judy Rogers, who is the Ben Franklin Parkway Foundation Executive Director and many, many other people, including staff and volunteers, and the friends of the library. I am so pleased and it is gratifying to see that all of these people are concerned about the issues of library services to the people of Philadelphia. And I want to thank Council for their time and their interest in supporting our libraries year after year after year. 2418 Operating Budget - 4/6/05 Thank you.
Thank you very much. Mr. Shelkrot, you indicated that in July you were told that you would have to reduce your staff. Can you hear me?
From 4 to 17. Also that the vacancies that existed would be eliminated. How many vacancies were there in January?
No. That's a very good question. Kevin, can you help me with that?
All told, the staff reduction was 35. So, it was 17 layoffs. So, that would be 18 vacancies that were eliminated.
I'm sorry. I didn't hear you. 2419 Operating Budget - 4/6/05
As I look 8 at the personal services in Class 100 9 full-time, I believe in '05 you had 700 10 positions budgeted, and for '06 you have 640. 11
That is correct. You 13 know, at least -- Let me -- In the written 14 testimony where those numbers are reviewed, 15 the numbers in testimony reflect a snapshot 16 in time that may be what was budgeted for the 17 year. I'm not sure at the moment. 18 But the written testimony reflects the increment run based on a specific period of time. You may be referring to the initial budget, and I'm just not sure which of those two documents.
Well, this is the budget that was submitted to us. It's section 25, . 2420 Operating Budget - 4/6/05
Well, let me say, you know, I think it is well known that in -- since 1970 -- 1992 -- excuse me -- the administration has in place a target spending level, and that is the level that the administration believes each department can have in order to make the budget -- make the budget work. And if I understand your question correctly, you know, we are held -- our feet are held to the fire, if you will, of that target spending level. Which the administration for 12, 14 years now -- or excuse me. Over 12 years now has used to approve or not approve the filling of vacancies.
That's 60 positions over the budget, correct? 2421 Operating Budget - 4/6/05
Thank you, Council President. When we began the budget year, we were budgeted for 699. We only had 678 people full-time on staff at that time. And between the D.R.O.P. Program where people were retiring, and the hiring freeze didn't allow us to -- didn't permit us to continue to fill those positions, as well as the -- as well as the layoffs and the additional elimination of vacant positions. That's how we got down to 640.
It's still a reduction of 60 positions. Let me ask a question. How much has the state cut their funding to the library since maybe '04?
Oh, the state cut -- 2422 Operating Budget - 4/6/05 The library's budget had reached a peak of $9.4 million. Now, I'm referring to basic library operations. I'm not talking about the library for the blind and anything else that gets specifically line item directed money. I'm speaking of the operations of the whole library system. It was reduced from $9.4 million. And although the budget, the state budget called for that to be cut in half, we ended up that year with actually about $6.2 million. So, that was a $3.2 million cut in the first year --
I'm sorry. What year are you referring to? Is it '04?
Yeah. So that by the end of fiscal '04 we were at about $6.2 million. That has -- In this year the amount that we get from the state is closer to $7 million or $7.1 million, but nowhere near the 2423 Operating Budget - 4/6/05 $9.4 million where we were the year previously.
I have a number of questions that I would like to ask. However, I see that we do have several of my colleagues that would like to be recognized. So, for the first go-around each Council member will be given five minutes. The chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President and good morning. Good morning, Your Honor. First let me start out by saying that I, too, appreciate the commitment and the work that the board members, trustees and the foundation have done for the Free Library of the City of Philadelphia. And for those of you who did not hear my speech last week, I just want to preface it by saying, I do understand the importance and the necessity and the reasons behind the expansion. 2424 Operating Budget - 4/6/05 My questions are primarily going to be dealing with the proposed expansion, the cost of that, and the costs and the impact of neighborhood branch libraries. We speak of the library system as the Free Library of the City of Philadelphia. The City of Philadelphia has a number of branches throughout the neighborhoods that allow for the people who live in the City to use. These cutbacks, as we know, as they're being proposed, will reduce the number of hours of operation at these branch libraries and significantly reduce the staffing by eliminating a certain number of positions, in particular librarians. Several years ago, I think it was even before I came to Council, the administration, the Rendell Administration, along with the Free Library, embarked on a very aggressive program to install computers throughout all of its branches. And I believe -- and correct me if I'm wrong, Mr. Shelkrot -- that all of our 2425 Operating Budget - 4/6/05 branch libraries today have computers.
Absolutely. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: And I assume that was done for the purpose of providing people, individuals who use the libraries, who may or may not have computers at home, access to this new technology to better provide them the services and tools that they need for whatever purpose, whether they're doing a class project, whether it's for informational background, whatever. And that was a good thing. What concerns me is that after that huge investment, which was a great investment, and it made a lot of sense and still does, that we're now limiting the hours that the times that people will be able to access that equipment. This administration is talking about making the entire City of Philadelphia a wireless zone at a cost of $20 million, $10 million, what have you. I remember the day of that hearing I said that I've never -- I have yet to have a 2426 Operating Budget - 4/6/05 constituent in the ten years or so that I've been in City Council stop me on the street and say, Councilman, when are we going to go wireless. (Laughter.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: They ask me about fire station closures in my district. They've asked me about taxes and jobs. And more recently they're asking me about why is the library in my neighborhood not going to be open all day? Why would we not have a librarian? So, the point I'm trying to make is that we have all this technology that we spent a lot of money to install for all the right purposes, and yet we're not going to be able to have access to it for as many hours as we did before. So, when we talk about the Free Library of the City of Philadelphia, I look at it in the global sense. The library is for everyone, not just the people who may have access or the ability to get to the central library which, as the Honorable Mayor 2427 Operating Budget - 4/6/05 Wilson Goode said, it's a very important facility. There are a lot of town hall functions and civic activities that go on there, but they also go on at branch libraries. (Applause.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Community groups, neighborhood associations, local schools use those facilities day in and day out for the same purposes that other folks may use the central library. See, I have a million questions here and I can get into this. And it's just going to probably belabor the record. I just can't understand how we can go out and look at our constituents and say to them, over the or so libraries that are 20 going to have these various cuts, that it's in their best interests that the City of Philadelphia Free Library will borrow $300 million, whatever the number is. What's that number again? I lost track of it.
$30 million. 2428 Operating Budget - 4/6/05 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: $30 million. And you, the taxpayers, who will have a reduction in service and ability to be able to use your local branch libraries, you will no longer have librarians in many of these libraries. You're going to pay -- Your tax dollars will pay that debt off, to the tune of $3.5 million annually, so that we can build an expansion to the central library in Center City Philadelphia. So, you guys -- you ladies and gentlemen and your children who live in Kensington, who live in West Oak Lane, who live in South Philadelphia, who live in Northeast Philadelphia, who more than likely either have never used it or very rarely used those libraries, that central library, you're going to take it on the chin and you're going to fund that at your expense. It just doesn't make sense. So, with all the great intentions of the expansion, this is a matter, for me, of choice. I remember when I was still married. 2429 Operating Budget - 4/6/05 I know my time ran out, but I'll be very brief. My wife and I had to make choices. Do we put a new kitchen in this year or do we pay the tuition for our kids to go to school? Do we buy a new car or do we buy more books for our kids? Choices have to be made. With all due respect to the Foundation and the Trustees, great idea, wonderful idea. I think it's a chapter in a book that we need to put a marker in that book; for the time being close the book, leave the marker in for another day when we can afford to do it, but not at the expense of neighborhood libraries. (Applause and cheers.)
Thank you, Madam President. Councilman, when the decision... When the decision was made to invest in the branch libraries which, as I know you know and many, many other people know, was a lot 2430 Operating Budget - 4/6/05 more than just putting computers in. That was a very big part of it. But it was a major renovation program, a renovation program that the City made a capital investment and the library's foundation raised money as well, just as is happening now for the central library. The nation's economy and the City's economy were in a very, very bad situation, a very bad position. As a matter of fact, I remember hearings in this Council room where there were a lot of upset people about the reductions. And the City Council and the library board agreed that at that time it was important to invest in the future. Now, I am not one to know all the details of the connections between various -- between capital budgets and operating budgets. But I do know at a previous time of serious, serious fiscal restraint, there was a decision to invest in the branch libraries throughout Philadelphia. 2431 Operating Budget - 4/6/05 And thank heavens it was done, because we would not have those branch libraries now. Their conditions were horrible, let alone the addition of new computers. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Point of information, Mr. Shelkrot. I am not disputing that decision. I think it was a great decision. All I'm suggesting is, we built a new home, we've made all the repairs and we put all the bells and whistles in, but it's not open. You know, come back later. We're closed. I just -- That's the point. I'm not suggesting that we made a bad investment. It was a great investment. But if we're not going to utilize it, what is the purpose? It's like buying a brand new car and never driving it. What's the purpose?
Obviously, as everybody knows, those branches have been well used, driven for years. The economy is down now. The economy will turn around. 2432 Operating Budget - 4/6/05 If we as people with a civic responsibility don't pay attention to investing in the future, in the future generations and in the future of Philadelphia, we won't have that -- COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: And the future of the City of Philadelphia has access to those libraries, and we're going to reduce -- we're going to reduce their ability to be able to have access. The kids in Port Richmond, there's a huge Albanian immigration community has moved into Port Richmond. English is a second language. Do you know where they go every day for support and get the knowledge and helpful -- get help, is the library in Port Richmond. I mean, let's not talk about the fact that we made that investment. It was good. We all agree. We all agree it was a great investment. I'm not disputing that.
The Chair 2433 Operating Budget - 4/6/05 recognizes Councilman Goode for a point of information.
Thank you, Madam President. Good morning, Mr. Shelkrot.
I believe Councilman DiCicco's question was: Do you see a connection between the debt service on the central library and the cuts that are being made this year?
I do not see that connection. I believe that, you know, cities have capital budgets. It's my understanding there are capital investments and there are operating budgets.
If I could ask you for the record, at what point do you think that bonds were actually floated for the purposes of expanding the central library?
That's a question that I'm not -- I'm not sure of. I really don't know when the City is going to the bond 2434 Operating Budget - 4/6/05 market. I do know that there are discussions now about what the library needs for this project and when it needs it.
It is conceivable that debt service will not begin on the central library project for at least a couple years; is that correct?
It -- From this layman's point of view, we will not need the whole $30 million right now. And as a matter of fact, in the proposal -- or excuse me. In the bill that was passed by Council a few months ago, in December, there were various points at which there were two different levels at which money could be drawn down. And the entire amount of that $30 million would not be drawn down.
Mr. Shelkrot, my question is really when would it begin.
Do we have bond counsel here available to tell us when debt 2435 Operating Budget - 4/6/05 services will actually begin being paid?
There will be -- There will be some money that we will need to proceed with from the City, just as we have been using money from foundations and other sources up until now and private donors. So, there will be a need to have a first payment on that in June or July. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Point of information.
Mr. Shelkrot, you're talking about two different issues here. What would you be paying for in June or July? What part of this?
I would be pleased to supply for Council a schedule of payments and a schedule of obligations.
I don't think it's conceivable that we could be floating bonds and paying debt service that early. It's my belief that we probably would not be paying any debt service on this $30 million for at least a year or two. So, it is not necessarily a budgetary issue for 2436 Operating Budget - 4/6/05 next year. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Which goes to my --
If my memory serves me, it is not in the budget. The $3.5 million that we would have to be paying on a yearly basis for 30 years of interest would not be for FY'06 or FY'07; is that correct?
-- the budget -- the Finance Office or the Finance Director to speak to that. But I -- I know... You know, I -- I -- I cannot speak to the City's overall financing and bond issues. It's just not an area I'm familiar with.
And with that being said, if we go out for this bond issue, the one major issue that has never 2437 Operating Budget - 4/6/05 been addressed is the parking. And there was supposed to be a study done to see if we could have underground parking. It wasn't determined whether it would be two levels or three levels. We were told that each parking slot would cost approximately $40,000. Is there any determination as to how much that will cost and where that money will come from?
Madam President, you recall that at the time that the ordinance 14 was passed, that Council member Darrell Clarke requested, and he received and held one bill, and that bill had to do with the parking. Later on today Councilman Clarke and I will meet with the Mayor to talk about that very issue, about a plan for the parking in that area.
Do we have any indication as to what the cost may be?
There's no indication at this time until -- because there is -- 2438 Operating Budget - 4/6/05 there is a discussion to be had, not only with the Free Library, but with the Barnes Foundation and with the museum as well. So, we're talking about a comprehensive parking plan for the area, that we share costs. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: My point of information on Councilman -- or actually a follow-up to Councilman Goode's question to Mr. Shelkrot. Are you aware of a meeting or a discussion that is, I'm told, will be taking place later on today with the administration concerning the possibility of borrowing $10 million as a portion of the $30 million? Are you aware of anything.
No, I am not. I am not involved in that meeting. It is not on my schedule, so I don't know anything about it. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: All right. Rumor has it, in case you don't know, Councilman Goode, that I understand there is a meeting today to discuss the borrowing of $10 million which is a third of the $30 2439 Operating Budget - 4/6/05 million for the expansion. But again, I'm not absolutely certain that's the case, but that's what I've been told. And my sources are usually pretty good. Thank you. Thank you, Madam President.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
I'd like to go back and follow up on my colleague, Councilman DiCicco's, question about the investment that the library system has made in the computers that are installed in the libraries. Could you provide to the Chair the number of the -- number of computers that were -- that we own in the library system, the ones -- not the administrative computers, the ones that are available to the public; 2440 Operating Budget - 4/6/05 the cost of that entire installation of what we spent in wiring and all the accessories that support that system. Could you tell us off the top of your head? And I know that's a question that you might get -- at least be close. How many computers do we have throughout the library system?
The question of the number of public access computers that we have... I think Kevin is -- You know, I know that it is -- Yeah. Okay. The number is 700 public access computers throughout the library system.
If the City goes wireless, are you going to abandon that technology that you have and go wireless?
No. Absolutely not. We are looking for augmenting our system with wireless capabilities, but we know that the speed of access for which the resources of the library the people ask, you know, we do not intend to abandon our system.
So, you're 2441 Operating Budget - 4/6/05 suggesting that the wired system is superior to the wireless?
For the foreseeable future. You know, I'm not going to prognosticate as to what technologies will unfold in the future. But as of this time, and what we understand is under development, not just in the City but in the area of, you know, technology, there's no opportunity for us to plan on abandoning that.
I think that's contradicting what the administration, at least since we haven't really seen anything. But I think that contradicts that the wireless system was supposed to first support the city agencies and the quasi-city agencies, the wireless system. So, you're telling me that if you're directed to go wireless, that you would reject that.
No. If I'm directed to go wireless, I'll go wireless. But I would argue vociferously -- I would argue 2442 Operating Budget - 4/6/05 vociferously to point out -- And at this time the Mayor's... You know, the technology office knows and has been very supportive of our upgrading our wired system because they know the heavy demands that are made of it. They know the broad, you know, the pipeline, if you will, that much of the data requires, and that's just not in the offing, in terms of our plans. Some day in the future, working with the Mayor's Office, we may be able to do that.
Tell me, since you know the number of computers, could you tell me what the total investment to install all of those computers is?
Could you do that and provide that to the Chair, please?
Yeah. Let me just explain, if I may, that what computers cost can -- and the wireless and the investment at 10, 15 years ago is going to seem outrageous compared to the cost today because we all 2443 Operating Budget - 4/6/05 know that, you know, there is a difference in computer costs and wiring costs today. They have overall come down. But I'll be happy to get that information to you, based on when we renovate it.
I'd like to know what the dollar amount was of -- from number one computer to 700, the entire installation value of that system. You should know that.
Okay. I'll provide -- You know, I will get that information. I'll discuss with you because from computer one is, you know...
Well, if you have 700 items that you've paid for, you should know how much they cost.
My next question is the security of the visitors to the library.
I'd like to know 2444 Operating Budget - 4/6/05 with your plan... I've heard about parents that bring their families to the library, and they then allow the children to go to the children's area, young adults, to that part of the library. How certain are you that when parents separate from their children, that the children are safe in our libraries that could not be victims of crime? (Applause.)
Because a person -- a person called me and indicated that predators may look at the library as a place where they can commit a crime. So, how secure are libraries going to be, to prevent anyone from going into those areas that I just described and potentially committing a crime?
Councilman, I don't... You know, I could provide my... First response I know is going to sound flip, but I can't guarantee that there won't be a predator at my door --
-- at any time. We have taken every step that we can. We have examined our branches. We have made changes. We are eliminating... We are laying off no members of our security force. As a matter of fact, with the addition of part-time security people, in terms of the security force, there will be more. We have reviewed in every branch and every -- and staff members and improved the locks. We have added mirrors to eliminate blind spots.
So, you're going to do this library system with mirrors. That's great. I thought that.
Let me just go back. Mr. Shelkrot, my question is, will there be children in any library unsupervised?
When a child goes into a stall of a restroom -- 2446 Operating Budget - 4/6/05
No. I'm talking about in the public areas where people -- where young people will do computers, where people will go and look at books, sit down, read, write. Will there be any time in the library that a young child will be without a librarian, without a security person? What will the difference be from five years ago till the way you're going to operate the system next year?
Oh, I can tell you that the -- from where we were three years ago to where we are today, and to where we will be in the future, we have a much safer environment. We believed we had a safe environment before, but there are times when things happen that you redouble your efforts. And that is exactly what we have done. 2447 Operating Budget - 4/6/05 And we are not relinquishing, we are not backing off on the security issues for our staff or for the public.
Please answer my question. Will there be any time when a young child will be out of sight of a librarian, a security guard --
Because... there is no way to be sure that every single child is in view of a paid or a volunteer staff person at every single time. It cannot be done. However, having said that, we have taken every step that we could take. We have looked at eliminating and have eliminated and moved furniture that was unnecessarily blocking a view. We have our desks placed in positions that have the greatest purview possible. We have guards and staff and 2448 Operating Budget - 4/6/05 volunteers in our libraries. But I can't guarantee you that there would be no time that a youngster who is looking at a picture book at a stand that is about the size of the one that President Verna is sitting at, and ducks down to pick up a picture book, I can't guarantee you that that child is going to be in the view of a librarian.
Can you guarantee me that people that volunteered to work in this environment are screened? I think you weren't here the last time we had this discussion. What is the screening process of the people that may volunteer to work in this environment?
And Councilman Rizzo, this will be your last question on this go-around. We have a number of Council members that would like to be recognized. 2449 Operating Budget - 4/6/05
Councilman, there is an application process for anyone who wants to be a volunteer at the library. And in fact, our staff who worked to do that do personal interviews, and they actually conduct and send out for background checks if they think it's warranted, depending on what types of answers they get back from the people on the questionnaires. We have been doing this for the last three years.
So, a person that wants to work in one of the libraries as a volunteer is not scrutinized or not -- a background not done unless they are -- that they trigger some reaction from the interviewer.
There's a written questionnaire. If the written questionnaire and then the oral interview triggers or does not meet the threshold, the immediate threshold, there are background checks that 2450 Operating Budget - 4/6/05 are done.
I'll catch you my next go-around. Thank you, Madam Chair.
Let me just finish. Guaranteeing all of City Council and the people of Philadelphia that these budget reductions are having no impact whatsoever in the security of our libraries. And as a matter of fact -- (Boos and groans.)
As a matter of fact, the security of our libraries is better now than it certainly was three years ago. (Moans and groans.)
Thank you, Madam Chair. Good morning, Mayor Goode, Mr. Shelkrot and Mr. Vaughan. Mr. Shelkrot, there was a hearing back on March 17th -- I believe it was the 2451 Operating Budget - 4/6/05 Committee of the Whole -- looking into issues with regard to the library. Unfortunately, you were not able to be in attendance. And it was explained that you were away on business, that this was a fund-raising trip. Can you tell us what the results of the trip were?
I'd be happy to, Councilman Nutter. I'd be happy to tell you about the trip. It was a wonderful experience. It was a planned personal trip. The dates were only set -- It was planned because I was aware that the architect of our -- I was invited by the architect of our central library project to be present for the opening of the Holocaust Memorial in Jerusalem, the Holocaust Memorial Historical Museum that he had designed. When the... My wife and I had talked about it. I did not make the plane reservations until I reviewed the Council schedule of hearings on the budget and spoke to the Managing Director. 2452 Operating Budget - 4/6/05 And he said, if it does not interfere with the scheduled hearings on the budget, go and enjoy. Sir, it was a wonderful trip. And I --
-- as soon as I learned of the date of the scheduled hearing, I said to you, I'm sorry, Councilman; I can't be there.
I'm sorry, Mr. Shelkrot. Let me try to redirect you. I'm not criticizing the fact that you went on a trip. That's your business. And you don't have to explain to me how you made your plans or why you made them or whatever the case may be. There was information on the record that the trip was involving fund raising on behalf of the library. 2453 Operating Budget - 4/6/05 I'm asking about that portion of the trip. What was the nature of the fund-raising activity? How much money was raised or, you know, what new sources of funds were secured for the library. That's what I care about. I'm glad you had a nice trip.
Listen, I'm very pleased that Kevin Vaughan was able to substitute for me at that hearing. The truth of the matter is -- and Mr. Vaughan, who may have -- who realized that there were two board members who were also going and would be seeing me there, he may have thought that it was a trip for the purpose of raising money. You know, I... That -- That -- You know, I -- that's a logical decision. But I can tell you... You know, and there were -- there were two board members there. But the fact of the matter is that my motivation was not to raise money. I did not travel on the public's dollar or the foundation's dollar. I traveled on my dollar 2454 Operating Budget - 4/6/05 because it was a trip that I was very interested in taking. And if it had benefits, in terms of increasing the contributions that these board members would make, that would be -- that would be a wonderful byproduct, but that was not the purpose of my trip.
Okay. So, there was no fund-raising activity. Is that the bottom line of this? I mean, just --
I just. I don't -- Right. It's a relatively simple question. You should not feel embarrassed in any way.
There were statements placed on the record. Now you're here. And I'm just trying to understand the nature of the statements that were made. If there was no fund-raising activity, if you had no plans for any fund-raising activity, then that's fine. 2455 Operating Budget - 4/6/05 Just say that and we can move on.
If there's fund raising that comes out of it, wonderful, but that was not the purpose of my trip.
Okay. I understand. Unfortunately, you were not here to hear what was said on the record. So, I asked the question. You're here now.
I'm going to ask you the question. Your answer's going to be whatever it's going to be. All right?
Great. Now, your comments earlier in response to one or more of my colleagues' statements or questions to you was that the economy will turn around, and then service levels will subsequently improve. Is that your perspective on this? 2456 Operating Budget - 4/6/05
I'm no more a soothsayer than anyone is, in terms of the economy.
Well, I understand that, because this is a budget process. We are talking about service delivery. So, I'm trying to understand your prognostication on the economic turnaround, when you anticipate it to happen, and why is the library budget or its services a function of the hoped for turnaround of the economy. Are you an economist?
Not only am I not an economist; I'm not a soothsayer either. I only know what I believe everybody sees, that the economy goes through cycles, ups and downs. And we have made investments in the future of our City and of our libraries at other times when the economy did not seem to 2457 Operating Budget - 4/6/05 be favorable at that moment. And that was the nature of my comment.
Thank you, Madam President. Good morning. I was anxious to ask a number of questions around the proposed cuts in after-school programming and some specific youth programs, but I must continue the line of questioning started by my colleague, Councilman Nutter. There is a foundation that supports the libraries?
And the name of that foundation is? 2458 Operating Budget - 4/6/05
The official name is the Free Library of Philadelphia, Incorporated. It does business as the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation.
Okay. And it has -- Does it have its own separate board?
And the Chairman of that Board -- Chairwoman of that board would be whom?
The vice chair -- One of the vice chairs is W. Wilson Goode, sitting next to me.
Okay. So, therein lies one of the ties. How much support, in terms of money, programs or whatever, does the foundation provide to the operations of the main branch or the neighborhood branches?
The foundation's sole purpose is to supplement republic funds that 2459 Operating Budget - 4/6/05 come to the library. The amount of money that is spent by the foundation every year -- and this would include -- you know, this is all inclusive -- is about $7 million a year.
Could you provide to the Chair the list of the members of the Philadelphia library and the list of the board members of the foundations and the detail? When you say "supplement," define that for me, the detail of what that means and what dollars are used from the foundation to supplement current program library activities.
Sure. Do you want me to do that... You know, I can provide that list of members. I can also provide a more detailed allocation of the foundation's resources. I've -- You know, the -- by supplement, what I mean is, it is the foundation's role to supplement, not replace, public monies. 2460 Operating Budget - 4/6/05
Okay. Well, that I understand clearly because we wanted that with the children's fund when we were negotiating with the Eagles and the Phillies. I clearly understand that terminology. I'd appreciate that, if you would.
Now to move to some of the program cuts and how they affect after-school programming. I know on of your testimony a discussion of the summer reading program reached its largest number of children of 59,000 to date. How will proposed cuts affect this particular program, the summer reading program?
We are hoping that there will be minimal effect to that program. (Laughter.)
However -- However, that will take a great deal of planning and cooperation from the staff, as well as our volunteers, as well as the part-time staff. And I am sure that that cooperation is going 2461 Operating Budget - 4/6/05 to be forthcoming.
So you're, I guess, in the planning thinking stages of the strategy on how you expect to move towards the goal that you just described.
Well, we do have an overall strategy, but, you know, our attentions in the last several weeks have been focused elsewhere.
And we've been -- So, those plans have not advanced until we can move ahead on those issues.
Well, what we know is that that has been one of the stark features, I believe, of the Philadelphia Free Library, with regards to after-school programming. So...
Somehow I thought you were saying -- 2462 Operating Budget - 4/6/05
No. I did. Forgive me. I said summer reading program, but I'm confusing the two. I'd be interested in where you end up with that, as well as a separate question here, the L.E.A.P after-school homework program, how the budget cuts may or may not affect that as well.
Okay. We deliberately chose to stay open every afternoon of the week and not close any libraries, so that the after-school program could continue.
So, they will be held harmless and protected, if you will.
Okay. On of your testimony, you discuss an evaluation process under way for the L.E.A.P. after-school homework program. How is that being carried out, just a brief synopsis of what that is and the why.
Kevin, can you... Let me ask Hedra Peterman -- Hedra Packman. 2463 Operating Budget - 4/6/05 Excuse me, Hedra. If you could come up to the microphone and explain that.
Hi. I'm Hedra Packman. I'm the Chief of the Office of Public Service Support of the Free Library. And I do run the L.E.A.P. after-school program. I administer it. For the evaluation, we are bringing in outside evaluators, who will be looking at a very unusual qualitative and quantitative analysis of the effectiveness and impact of the program.