Right.6 MS. McCOLLOCH: And what7 happens in some of these budgets is that8 it shows the cost as if it's a single9 property, which, in the particular case10 we were discussing, it is only one11 property, but that property will be12 included in an ad with multiple13 properties; and so, the cost is spread14 out.15
So let me16 understand. The requirement in terms of17 criteria for the advertisement is18 established by the State?19 MS. McCOLLOCH: Yes, 'cause20 it's State law.21
The State22 authorizes the acquisition. So if we23 change -- if we, the City, change our24 advertising requirements, it wouldn't25 218 3/28/11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - 110135,6,7,81 impact this.2 MS. McCOLLOCH: Correct.3
It would4 still be the same.5 MS. McCOLLOCH: Correct.6
All right.7 In terms of the ability to negotiate a8 fee for advertisement done, through OH,9 or is it done through Procurement?10 MS. McCOLLOCH: It's --11
'Cause I12 would think that if there's -- if we say,13 for instance, we will have several14 requirements for advertisement during the15 course of the year for OHCD-related --16 and I know this is probably a little too17 detailed, it's not at your level.18 But if we had negotiated a fee19 with the entities that we're required to20 advertise with as it relates to the21 number of properties or the time frame22 associated with that as opposed to every23 time we come up with an acquisition24 package, boom, we're hit with this25 219 3/28/11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - 110135,6,7,81 advertising fee?2 MS. McCOLLOCH: I understand3 what you're saying, Councilman. I don't4 know whether that negotiation has taken5 place. I can find out.6
Can you7 find out?8 MS. McCOLLOCH: Right. I don't9 know.10
This whole11 advertising thing just always amazed me12 where, you know, the cost of this13 advertising is $20,000 --14 MS. McCOLLOCH: The cost of the15 advertising is higher than the cost of16 the property. I understand that.17
Yeah.18 It's, like, pretty bizarre.19 MS. McCOLLOCH: Right. I20 understand your concern.21
Yeah.22 Okay, all right. I'm good. Thank you.23 I'm good. See you later on in the year.24
The25 220 3/28/11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - 110135,6,7,81 Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.2
Thank you,3 Madam President.4 Good afternoon, Miss McColloch.5 How are you?6 MS. McCOLLOCH: Good afternoon.7
Your Class8 200 allocation is technically over9 $200 million. What's the largest10 contract that you will award in Fiscal11 Year '12?12 MS. McCOLLOCH: It would be13 with the Redevelopment Authority.14 COUNCILMAN GOODE:15 Nongovernmental.16 MS. McCOLLOCH: I beg your17 pardon?18
The largest19 nongovernmental contract.20 MS. McCOLLOCH: That OHCD21 awards?22
Mm-hmm.23 MS. McCOLLOCH: We have small24 -- we have fairly small contracts through25 221 3/28/11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - 110135,6,7,81 OHCD. We have one with Tiger2 Productions, and I can give you the3 amount on that.4
The question5 is: What is the largest?6 MS. McCOLLOCH: Yeah.7
I'm talking11 about for-profit contracts.12 MS. McCOLLOCH: Oh. The13 largest contract with a nongovernment14 entity that we award is with Tiger15 Productions, which is a for-profit16 contractor, but --17
Okay. So18 what's your largest nonprofit?19 MS. McCOLLOCH: The only ones20 we award are the Redevelopment Authority21 and PHDC.22
And then23 they make awards --24 MS. McCOLLOCH: Correct.25 222 3/28/11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - 110135,6,7,81
-- to2 community groups beyond that.3 MS. McCOLLOCH: I beg your4 pardon, I beg your pardon.5 We award -- I'm sorry. We6 award a series of contracts with housing7 counseling agencies and NACs. I'm sorry.8
Okay. So12 what's the largest contract?13 MS. McCOLLOCH: I'm sorry.14
The largest15 nongovernmental contract that you awarded16 in Fiscal '12?17 MS. McCOLLOCH: I don't know18 off the top of my head, but I can --19
Okay. What20 type of contract?21 MS. McCOLLOCH: It would be a22 housing counseling contract.23
A housing24 counseling contract.25 223 3/28/11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - 110135,6,7,81 MS. McCOLLOCH: Yes.2
I don't know3 whether we need a name for the purpose of4 the rest of the questions. So you know5 which firms hold those contracts for this6 fiscal year?7 MS. McCOLLOCH: Yes. I just8 don't have --9
And are they10 renewable contracts?11 MS. McCOLLOCH: They are12 renewable, the housing counseling13 contracts. We put out a request for14 proposals every three years, and we're in15 the middle of that period.16
The next17 question was: How many years have these18 firms held the contract?19 MS. McCOLLOCH: It -- this is20 the second -- we're in the second year of21 that, so we won't do an RFP this year.22
Okay.23 Briefly describe the contract24 requirements.25 224 3/28/11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - 110135,6,7,81 MS. McCOLLOCH: For the housing2 counseling contracts?3
Mm-hmm.4 MS. McCOLLOCH: The agencies5 are required to provide housing6 counseling services to homeowners, people7 who want to become first-time homeowners8 and people who are facing foreclosure9 issues and also some tenant counseling.10
And what's11 the average size of those contracts?12 MS. McCOLLOCH: The average13 size. Hold on.14 (Ms. McColloch confers with15 staff.)16 I'm being told that the average17 size is approximately 150,000.18
Okay. And19 you mentioned the other contracts that20 you award would be NAC contracts?21 MS. McCOLLOCH: NAC contracts.22
And the23 average size of those contracts?24 MS. McCOLLOCH: About 75,000 or25 225 3/28/11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - 110135,6,7,81 80,000 dollars.2
Okay. And3 all of those are providing services, so4 these are all personnel costs.5 MS. McCOLLOCH: Yes.6
So there are7 no subcontracting opportunities for for-8 profit entities.9 MS. McCOLLOCH: No. The only10 possibilities would perhaps be some11 supplies and printing contracts.12
Okay. On13 the housing counseling contracts, will14 those firms be required to be in15 compliance with the City's living-wage-16 and-benefits standard for Fiscal Year17 '12.18 MS. McCOLLOCH: I don't know19 the answer to that, Councilman. Um...20
Heretofore21 the standard did not necessarily apply to22 them until we changed the Charter in the23 fall, which allowed the standard to apply24 to noncompetitively bid and professional25 226 3/28/11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - 110135,6,7,81 services contracts.2 And under the ordinance, those3 nonprofits with contracts of more than4 $100,000 must comply unless they apply5 for a waiver or are given one.6 MS. McCOLLOCH: Okay. No one7 has applied for a waiver at this time.8
Okay.9 MS. McCOLLOCH: So as of right10 now, they would all be in compliance.11
Okay. So12 I'm just going to ask for the record,13 will you submit to the Chair a statement14 that says that all of those agencies will15 be required to be in compliance with the16 City's living-wage-and-benefits standard17 unless they receive a waiver.18 MS. McCOLLOCH: Yes.19
Just lastly,20 who is directly responsible for21 monitoring living-wage-and-benefits22 standards for your department?23 MS. McCOLLOCH: We have a24 compliance officer, a woman named Lynn25 227 3/28/11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - 110135,6,7,81 Newsome.2
Okay. Thank3 you.4 Thank you, Madam Chair.5 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:6 You're welcome.7 The Chair recognizes Councilman8 Jones.9
Thank you,10 Madam President.11 Good afternoon.12 MS. McCOLLOCH: Good afternoon.13
I'm going to14 be very brief. I'm going to point out15 several things.16 The first thing is another one17 of those Freshman 15 ideas that, you18 know, was put forth, Madam President,19 under your watch.20 This is the last paper copy of21 the newsletter put out by the OHCD, and22 from now on, it will be an electronic23 copy. The OHCD Bulletin will be an24 electronic copy, and we're proud of that.25 228 3/28/11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - 110135,6,7,81 The reduction of paper is one of the2 goals of saving in City government.3 And then the second thing that4 I'd like to point out is on of5 your newsletter, which talks about two6 mixed-use projects that were done. One7 was Osan Village, which is a mixed-use8 property that was developed, I believe,9 in your district, Councilwoman Verna.10 And then one in Councilwoman Jannie11 Blackwell's district, which was the12 Fattah Homes, both with residents above13 and storefronts below.14 And we are happy that that15 happened because, you know, this Council16 put forth a bill that requires 5 percent17 of all CDBG dollars to be used for18 projects like this, that bring19 storefronts back to inner-city areas.20 So I just want to say thank you21 for doing two progressive things, which22 is the reduction of paper, and then the23 inclusion of the mixed-use developments.24 And you can just nod and say,25 229 3/28/11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - 110135,6,7,81 "You're welcome."2 MS. McCOLLOCH: You're welcome,3 Councilman. You're welcome.4
That's all I5 want. All right.6 Thank you, Madam President.7
Thank8 you.9 Are there any other questions10 or comments from members of the11 committee?12 (No further questions.)13
Thank14 you very much.15 MS. McCOLLOCH: See you in May.16 MR. McPHERSON: Our next office17 is the Mayor's Office of Labor Relations.18 (Witness comes forward.)19
Good afternoon.21 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:22 Please identify yourself for the record23 and proceed with your testimony.24
Good afternoon,25 230 3/28/11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - 110135,6,7,81 President Verna and members of City2 Council. My name is Joseph Tolan, and I3 am the director of the Office of Labor4 Relations. 19 Our objectives include20 facilitating dispute resolution and labor21 management cooperation, educating22 managers and supervisors about labor law23 and the contracts, supporting24 collective-bargaining efforts by25 231 3/28/11 COMM. 7 In regard to collective-8 bargaining, the collective-bargaining9 agreements with all four major municipal10 unions expired on June 30, 2009. 15 An award was issued in16 connection with the Act 111 interest17 arbitration concerning the City and FOP18 in December of 2009. And as a part of19 that award, the parties met to design a20 new pension plan. 23 An award was issued in24 connection with the Firefighters25 232 3/28/11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - 110135,6,7,81 arbitration in October of 2010. 4 The only provision that has not5 been challenged is the implementation of6 a new pension plan. 22 The course covers the law and the23 contracts and provides supervisors with24 strategies for administering the labor25 233 3/28/11 COMM. 2 In regard to contract3 administration, the Office of Labor4 Relations works with managers of City5 departments to implement change in the6 delivery of services. 17 In regards to dispute18 resolution, the OLR is responsible for19 handling District Council 33 and District20 Council 47 grievances that departments21 have not resolved. Combined, AFSCME22 submitted to our office a total of 9323 grievances in Calendar 2010. During that24 same period, we disposed of 6825 234 3/28/11 COMM. 16 The Office of Labor Relations17 is requesting $552,416 in the FY '1218 General Fund budget, which represents an19 increase of $50,000 from our FY '1120 estimated obligations. 23 Overall, we're requesting:24 $540,979 in Class 100 to25 235 3/28/11 COMM. 8 The Mayor's Office of Labor9 Relations is committed to supporting the10 Administration's goal of 25 percent11 minority-, women-, disabled-owned12 business participation in City13 contracting. 25 236 3/28/11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - 110135,6,7,81
Thank2 you.3 I understand that the FOP4 arbitration award allows the City to5 furlough police officers for up to thirty6 days a year; is that correct?7
Are10 there any restrictions as to when an11 officer can be furloughed?12
The14 issue of contracting out continues to be15 of concern with the City unions. Does16 the Administration have a formalized17 procedure that it must follow when18 considering these opportunities in order19 to ensure that the City's unions are20 included in the process?21
The collective-22 bargaining agreements with the two AFSCME23 District Councils address the issue of24 contracting out. There is an opportunity25 237 3/28/11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - 110135,6,7,81 for the City to contract out work2 provided that it does not lay off3 employees who are displaced as a result4 of the contracting out.5 There is no formal process at6 this time that's in place to be followed7 in terms of costing out a specific8 initiative.9
Thank10 you.11 The Chair recognizes Councilman12 Greenlee.13
Thank14 you, Madam President.15 Good afternoon, Mr. Tolan.16
I know18 you'll be back with us before you retire,19 but thanks for all of your service to the20 City.21
This is23 kind of a follow-up to the President's24 last question. I remember there was a --25 238 3/28/11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - 110135,6,7,81 and I think I'm calling it the right2 thing. It's the Redesigning Government3 Initiative?4
Didn't6 that kind of cover what we're talking7 about, where there was sort of -- either8 a formal or an informal sitdown with the9 unions, and they kind of discussed10 whether, you know, the jobs could stay11 in-house or not? From what I understand,12 it worked for a while so --13
Well, actually, the14 Redesigning Government Initiative was a15 formalized program for certain types of16 labor-management cooperation.17
It had a specific19 set of rules about when it would apply20 and when it wouldn't apply. It could go21 beyond the issue of contracting out.22
It could go to24 anything that could produce efficiencies25 239 3/28/11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - 110135,6,7,81 and --2
-- economies for4 the government.5 Even though that existed for a6 number of years -- and under status quo,7 it's a little bit difficult to determine8 what its status would be today while9 we're still negotiating a successor10 agreement.11 Certainly, if the union or a12 department identifies an area that they13 want to work together, they don't14 actually have to call it the RGI.15
They can always sit17 down and meet and talk about things. And18 most departments are open to that in my19 experience, willing to sit down and hear20 what the union has to say and to try to21 explore it.22
I23 understand. I guess why did it sort of24 go away as a formal procedure, though? I25 240 3/28/11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - 110135,6,7,81 mean, how did that -- 'cause, obviously,2 the contract's still going on with 33 and3 47.4
Even when it was,5 you know, arguably new and in place, it6 didn't apply to a lot of different types7 of initiatives that called for labor8 management cooperation.9 It was something that was a10 very spell form of cooperation, where11 there was an absolute sharing of12 authority between the union and the labor13 organization, so it had to be a special14 type of project to fit. And there were15 not always that many projects that did16 fit. In fact, in District Council 33, it17 was much more common, if we had a18 cooperative project, for it not to come19 under that umbrella.20 So I would say that there's21 still opportunities, but as always, both22 sides had to look closely at what the23 project was to decide what the rules24 should be for it. But, again, I think25 241 3/28/11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - 110135,6,7,81 that there are a lot of opportunities for2 departments to work with the unions on3 areas to try to improve economies.4 It's a little bit difficult in5 this environment, where RGI was really6 designed to enhance job security in many7 ways, and because of the budget8 difficulties that many departments faced9 in the last couple of years where they've10 been reducing size, it's very difficult11 to talk about economies and efficiencies12 there because it -- I think it's believed13 that it would lead only to more layoffs14 or more reduction in size of the15 departments.16
So just17 so I'm clear, not to belabor the point --18 no pun intended. So it still exists but19 only in certain circumstances?20
If the parties had25 242 3/28/11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - 110135,6,7,81 a project that they agreed they could2 make it work but --3
Mm-hmm.8 So this administration really hasn't9 agreed to it as much; is that a fair10 statement?11
Well, I think that12 what's happened is that since we have13 been in the middle of this latest round14 of negotiations with job reductions, it's15 something that it really was designed to16 be able to say that nobody would lose a17 job as a result of the efficiencies. And18 when you're looking at all of the19 cutbacks we have, it's something that's20 very difficult to put into play here.21
Okay.22 Now, as far as collective-bargaining, I23 don't expect you to get into any details24 here, but has the Administration and the25 243 3/28/11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - 110135,6,7,81 Unions 33 and 47, the leadership of those2 unions, when's the last time they3 actually sat down? Are there any4 discussions going on? Again, without5 getting into any detail.6
Well, we are7 scheduled to meet with District Council8 47 on Wednesday of this week.9
On10 Wednesday, okay. Before that, had there11 been --12
Not for sometime,13 not at a large formal session. I mean, I14 talk to the leadership of the union15 probably on a weekly basis about these16 issues. There's decisions kind of17 jointly about when does it make sense to18 get back together in this forum.19
So you're20 saying that the two sides really didn't21 agree to sit down; is that what you're22 kind of saying?23
We didn't feel that24 it would be productive to get into those25 244 3/28/11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - 110135,6,7,81 sessions.2
You3 didn't feel -- okay. All right, 'cause4 it just seems like you can't get anything5 done unless you talk, right? I mean,6 that kind of over-simplifies it, but --7
But in that kind of11 a setting, we have not done that for a12 while. We did recently with District13 Council 33, and we are doing that this14 week with District Council 47.15
Okay,16 last question. When you say "a while,"17 how long has it been that there was a18 formal --19
Several22 month? Okay, all right.23 Thank you, Madam President.24 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:25 245 3/28/11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - 110135,6,7,81 You're welcome.2 Thank you very much.3
You're welcome.4 MR. McPHERSON: The Youth5 Commission.6 (Witnesses come forward.)7
Good afternoon.10 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:11 Please identify yourself for the record12 and proceed with your testimony.13
Good afternoon,14 President Verna and members of City15 Council. My name is Max Weiss, and I'm16 the chairman of the Philadelphia Youth17 Commission. And I'm joined by Jordan18 Harris, our executive director.19 Thank you for giving us the20 opportunity to speak about the proposed21 budget for the Philadelphia Youth22 Commission.23 This past year, the Youth24 Commission aimed to increase its role in25 246 3/28/11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - 110135,6,7,81 the legislative arena while working to2 improve its visibility and internal3 functions. I'm happy to say that we have4 made drastic improvements in each of5 these areas.6 Over the past year, the Youth7 Commission has testified in front of City8 Council four separate times. On three9 occasions, recommendations that we10 presented either at those hearings or in11 meetings with Council and/or mayoral12 staff were added to into the legislation.13 Besides testifying at Council14 hearings, the Commission has partnerships15 with other local youth-led organizations16 in order to advocate for non-violent17 schools. Our involvement in the18 legislative process has increased19 dramatically from the last year.20 Clearly, the Commission is21 successfully fulfilling its Charter-22 mandated duties by participating in23 public hearings and other meetings with24 public officials. In addition to being25 247 3/28/11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - 110135,6,7,81 heavily involved in local legislative2 issues, the Commission has worked to3 expand its visibility.4 This entailed creating a5 monthly radio show where we interviewed6 guests such as Councilman Green, Senator7 Casey, and State Rep Tony Payton about8 issues that are currently affecting the9 youth of Philadelphia. The Commission10 also has been submitting regular updates11 to members of Council.12 In addition, this past winter,13 the Commission partnered with Councilman14 Jones, the Department of Public Safety,15 and other organizations to put together a16 forum to inform youth of their rights and17 responsibilities when interacting with18 the police.19 A huge reason for the20 Commission's success over the past year21 was the newly-found stability of the22 body. This stability can be credited to23 the commitment of the commissioners and24 also to the hard work of our executive25 248 3/28/11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - 110135,6,7,81 director, Jordan Harris. With his help,2 we have televised monthly public3 meetings, and we have met over twelve4 times over the past year.5 In addition to public meetings,6 the Commission has held several committee7 meetings to discuss specific policy8 ideas. And for the first time in its9 short history, the Commission has also10 produced an annual report, which11 highlights all of our accomplishments.12 Finally, in order to ensure the13 future success of the Commission, we are14 working on a three-year strategic plan15 with funding from the William Penn16 Foundation. The future of the Youth17 Commission looks very bright. In the18 next fiscal year, the Commission hopes19 the build on its current success. We20 will continue to reach out to youth and21 work diligently to adequately represent22 their voice in local government.23 I now would like to introduce24 Jordan Harris, our executive director,25 249 3/28/11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - 110135,6,7,81 who will provide details on our budget.2 Thank you.3
10 Just shy of a year ago, I11 embarked on this journey as executive12 director for the Youth Commission. 21 As I reflect upon last year, a22 few highlights emerge. We have23 instituted a standard monthly meeting24 date for the Youth Commission on the25 250 3/28/11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - 110135,6,7,81 second Thursday of every month. These2 meetings are open to the public, and we3 encourage youth from across the City to4 come and join in the dialogue. 13 Commissioners and youth in attendance are14 able to pose questions to policy-makers15 and stakeholders about these pressing16 issues17 The Youth Commission meetings18 have grown to become an opportunity for19 youth to engage in the policy process20 while learning about various issues. The21 monthly Youth Commission meetings have22 helped stabilize the Commission and raise23 its profile across the City24 With the support of the William25 251 3/28/11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - 110135,6,7,81 Penn Foundation, the Commission was able2 to fund the completion of a three-year3 strategic plan. 7 To keep in regular contact with8 our constituency, we have formed a9 partnership with Instarter, Incorporated,10 which provides us with the capability of11 sending mass text messages and message12 polls. 19 The legislation that created20 the Youth Commission calls for the21 Commission to advise and comment to22 Council, the Mayor, agencies, and23 departments of the City on proposed24 ordinances, other legislative matters and25 252 3/28/11 COMM. 3 This year, I am proud to say4 that the Youth Commission has done just5 that. The number of times the Commission6 has commented or advised on legislative7 matters or policies which are of concern8 of youth of our city has quadrupled9 compared to last fiscal year. 14 Finally, this year, we focused15 on creating informed and engaged youth16 throughout the City. To achieve this17 goal, the Commission created four18 subcommittees. 22 Additionally, the Commission23 hosted several outreach events that24 offered youth the opportunity to engage25 253 3/28/11 COMM. 6 Onto the budget. 16 Only in its second full year17 with staff, the Youth Commission is18 establishing itself as a meaningful and19 vital part of City government. 23 The Commission looks to24 continue providing a voice and an avenue25 254 3/28/11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - 110135,6,7,81 for engagement of youth in this city. I2 look forward to the challenges of next3 fiscal year but also look to the promise4 that can found in the eye of every young5 Philadelphian. 9 I now close my testimony and10 would like to thank you for this11 opportunity. 15
Thank you,21 Madam Chair.22 I want to thank both Jordan and23 Max for your testimony. I want to24 commend you both for the work of the25 255 3/28/11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - 110135,6,7,81 Commission this year.2 Max is my appointee and -- but3 volunteered for the Commission before he4 was appointed as the chair and has put in5 place a committee structure and the6 Commission with the hiring of Jordan and7 other things is really starting to8 fulfill the Charter-mandated roles, and9 you are advising us on different pieces10 of legislation. For the first time,11 you've prepared an annual report.12 And so, I just want to thank13 you for the work you've done this year14 and look forward to more of the same.15 I have some questions that I16 ask every department. So there was no17 detail about the $17,337 that you're18 spending on professional services. You19 don't have to answer it now, but if you20 could provide it to the Chair, unless you21 know it.22
Council Bill5 100634 passed last year, which was the6 tobacco and cigarette legislation, which7 raised the fine on vendors that sold8 tobacco products to minors.9 The Youth Commission actually10 worked very hard on that legislation with11 the Health Department and were happy to12 see the Mayor sign it into law in13 December of last year.14 As a part of that work, the15 Youth Commission has worked with the16 Health Department to secure a grant from17 the Health Department to actually do18 youth engagement work throughout the City19 around tobacco advocacy. So with that,20 the Youth Commission will be able to21 bring another staffperson in to work on22 that grant.23 And a part of that, the Youth24 Commission is dedicating $5,000 from our25 257 3/28/11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - 110135,6,7,81 budget to work on that initiative as2 well. Part of that money will be used to3 do a youth summit around tobacco issues4 next year in the City.5 The Youth Commission is also6 involved in the Campaign for Nonviolent7 Schools. Last Tuesday, we released -- I8 should say this. The campaign is ten9 youth-led organizations that come10 together to talk about the major issue of11 violence in our schools. I'm sure12 everybody is reading the series that is13 going on in the Daily News right now14 about youth violence.15 So last November, we had a16 youth power summit that talked about17 youth violence, and it was hosted by the18 Campaign for Nonviolent Schools. We put19 some money up to do that. And in our20 budget for next year, we have dedicated21 $3,000 to work with the Campaign for22 Nonviolent Schools again this year.23 Every -- for most of our Youth24 Commission meetings, for most of our25 258 3/28/11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - 110135,6,7,81 events, we do flyers, so we have $12002 for that.3
Great.4 If you could just submit the balance of5 the detail to the President, we'll take a6 look at it.7
That would9 be great.10 And also, were you asked for a11 1.5 and 3 percent budget-reduction12 scenario from the Finance Department?13
Okay. Well,15 they're forwarding that to us, so we'll16 take a look at that.17 Once again, thanks for a great18 year and thank you for your work.19 And Max is moving on to better20 things. He's going to Teach for America,21 and hopefully will get a Philadelphia22 school so you can do some more work here.23 Thank you very much.24
Thank3 you.4 The Chair recognizes Councilman5 Goode.6
Thank you,7 Madam President.8 Very briefly. You have $46,0009 and $43,000 this year in Class 200.10
The Youth14 Commission, we really don't do contracts15 per say.16
There's really no25 260 3/28/11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - 110135,6,7,81 contract, per say. So we're doing $5,0002 for the tobacco, we're doing $3,000 for3 the Campaign for Nonviolent Schools.4 I guess you would say the money5 that we spent on producing flyers for all6 of the different events we do every year,7 but it's not a lump sum that we do just8 to, say, flyers, but it's ongoing.9
So there's10 nothing larger than $5,000 except for11 your printing expenses.12
And how do14 you handle do handle your printing15 expenses? Do you use the same contractor16 for printing service --17
Yes. We don't22 do -- like we don't get a printer.23 Now, the annual report, we did24 get a printer, and we used someone that25 261 3/28/11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - 110135,6,7,81 one of the other departments used.2
Okay, thank6 you.7 Thank you, Madam President.8 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:9 You're welcome.10 Thank you both very much.11 PANEL MEMBERS: Thank you.12 MR. McPHERSON: The last13 department for today is the Office of Art14 and Culture.15 (Witnesses come forward.)16
If17 you'd like, you could abbreviate your18 testimony. We will give a copy of your19 testimony to the stenographer, and it20 will be transcribed in full.21
22 Good afternoon, President Verna23 and members of Council. 24 I am the Chief Cultural Officer and the25 262 3/28/11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - 110135,6,7,81 Director of the Office of Arts, Culture,2 and the Creative Economy. 10 Over this past year, we have11 actually occupied our new office and art12 gallery in June of 2010, and, for the13 first time, we're in one place. 5 million, 81 percent of the23 funding was distributed in the form of24 grants to the cultural community. And25 263 3/28/11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - 110135,6,7,81 very few of the programs and initiatives2 operated out of the office are funded3 with General Fund dollars. 6 million to 200 Philadelphia cultural10 organizations. There's also a new11 program, the Youth Arts Enrichment12 Grants, which is another $100,000. 19 The African-American Museum in20 Philadelphia is also funded through our21 office. This year, it's celebrating its22 35th anniversary. They have an annual23 grant of roughly $230,000 that helps them24 to continue to serve the public and25 264 3/28/11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - 110135,6,7,81 deliver high-quality programming. 22 We're also developing new tools23 to reach out to the public through blogs,24 partnerships, and social media. We are25 265 3/28/11 COMM. 4 With a $25,000 planning grant5 from the National Endowment for the Arts6 matched by funding from the William Penn7 Foundation, we have also partnered with8 the Reinvestment Fund and Social Impact9 of the Arts Project at Penn to create a10 creative assets mapping database. And11 this initiative is a comprehensive effort12 to identify and promote arts culture and13 creative assets in Philadelphia. 25 266 3/28/11 COMM. 17 Currently, on the fifth floor18 of City Hall, we have Build A Bridge, a19 community nonprofit providing assistance20 for families in transition. 24 And in May, the Village of Arts25 267 3/28/11 COMM. 20 Currently, there are 11 percent21 projects in various stages of22 development, including the Race Street23 connector, two projects at the24 Philadelphia International Airport, and25 268 3/28/11 COMM. 2 And I particularly want to talk3 about one of the recommendations of a4 2009 PennPraxis study that the office did5 on public art in Philadelphia that talked6 about the need for doing more temporary7 public art. 13 And there was a big story about14 that in the Philadelphia Inquirer today15 that we're very excited about. 24 We will also launch our new website,25 269 3/28/11 COMM. 4 We hope to continue the5 Creative Industry Grant Program. 19 One of the exciting pieces20 we're working on there is a reinstallment21 of an important piece by the Puerto Rican22 artist Raphael Ferrer, called "El Gran23 Teatro de la Luna" that has been in24 storage for a long time, and we hope to25 270 3/28/11 COMM. Okay. The FY '12 budget shows increases to5 Class 100 and Class 200 funds, which6 reflect really just a final and accurate7 consolidation of cultural staff within8 the office's budget. 20 Class 500 reflects two annual21 grants: a $1,840,000 allocation to the22 Philadelphia Cultural Fund, which23 regrants the funding to Philadelphia24 cultural organizations; and the $230,000,25 271 3/28/11 COMM. 5 The office is committed to supporting the6 Administration's goal of 25 percent7 minority-, women-, and disabled-owned8 businesses in City contracting. 11 For FY '11, no RFPs were sent12 out from the office. 24 And should any Councilmember25 272 3/28/11 COMM. 4
Thank5 you very much.6 On of your budget7 detail, you were requesting $390,800 for8 PIDC for administrative support. What9 administrative support? And I don't10 understand what PIDC provides.11
Essentially, it12 represents several task force positions.13 So when the office was consolidated,14 several of my staff were being paid15 through PIDC. And so, that's really what16 it represents, is paying PIDC for salary17 and benefits for certain staff people who18 serve on my staff.19
That20 confuses me. First of all, what were21 their titles? How much were they being22 paid? And why would they just be23 transferred over to your department?24
Well, it's really25 273 3/28/11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - 110135,6,7,81 a question for budget. When my2 department was created, there was no3 staff and no budget, but there were a4 number of staff people running arts-5 related programs.6 So three of the staff were7 working through Public Property, managing8 the Public Art and Art in City Hall9 Program, and one staff person was with10 Commerce.11 And so, those staff positions12 were moved from the agencies that they13 were in, into my office as a way of14 creating staffing capacity without15 increasing expense to the City or adding16 new lines. And they were already working17 on arts-related programs.18
Are19 they City employees? If they're coming20 from PIDC, I'm sure they're Civil21 Service-exempt. Why don't we make them22 City employees?23
Hi. Rebecca24 Rhynhart, Budget Director.25 274 3/28/11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - 110135,6,7,81 I think this is the way it's2 been done historically. So there's no --3 that is something we could look at. I4 mean, I think, historically, there's a5 payment that's gone from the City to PIDC6 to cover the staff. So this is a7 continuation of that, but that is8 something that we could look at.9
I'm10 not going to say what I'm thinking.11 The Chair recognizes Councilman12 Goode.13
Thank you,14 Madam President.15 Good afternoon, Mr. Steuer.16 Per the Council President's17 question, your Class 200 funds are18 strictly funds that go to PIDC to cover19 staff; is that correct?20
Hi. Moira21 Baylson.22 $2,000 of those funds remain in23 Class 200 for purchase of services for24 the administration of the department, but25 275 3/28/11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - 110135,6,7,81 the remaining goes out in a contract.2
Okay. So6 let's move to Class 500, then. Your7 Class 500 request is over $2 million; is8 that correct?9
What is the12 largest contract you will award in Fiscal13 '12?14
That is the22 African-American Museum, which is awarded23 $230,688.24
Okay. Among25 276 3/28/11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - 110135,6,7,81 the Philadelphia Cultural Fund dollars,2 there are subcontractors?3
They run a4 grant-making process that, in turn, makes5 grants through a peer review grant6 system.7
Okay. So12 the only contract I see that might need13 to be in compliance with the City's14 living-wage-and-benefits standard might15 be the African-American Museum in terms16 of formal contract; is that correct?17
The standard20 is, nonprofits with at least $100,000 in21 City contracts over a twelve-month22 period.23
Yeah, then that24 would be true, yes.25 277 3/28/11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - 110135,6,7,81
Okay.2 That's under your formal budget. You3 also are responsible for the line item4 that contains the subsidy to the Art5 Museum; is that correct?6
Not in a formal7 way. They have a separate line item.8 But in my role, I'm responsible for9 overseeing and advising on all of the10 City's cultural investments.11
And you are12 familiar with the living-wage-and-13 benefits issues at the museum, are you14 not?15
This is the24 actual amendment to the budget for this25 278 3/28/11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - 110135,6,7,81 year that will transfer the money if we2 don't work it out.3 There was a commitment made in4 writing last year that the RFP and/or5 contract would contain language6 consistent with the City's living-wage-7 and-benefits policy; that has not8 happened.9 If it does not happen, the10 appropriate time is budget process. The11 proposed amendment is already drafted. I12 already have considerable support among13 my colleagues, particularly because they14 don't locate to be played with.15 And the Art Museum went as far16 as to say, "We promise we're going to do17 the right thing, we don't have a problem18 putting it in writing. Next year, at19 this time, there will not be a problem.20 As of right now, there is sill21 a problem.22
Well, all I can23 say is that as far as I know, they are24 working on being able to come before25 279 3/28/11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - 110135,6,7,81 Council with a proposal that will satisfy2 Council. And their testimony, I think,3 is on April 6th so --4
I'm familiar5 with that. If they are not prepared,6 it's very simple; the amendment is7 already drafted.8
Thank19 you.20 This committee will stand in21 recess until tomorrow, Tuesday, March22 29th, at 10 a.m.23 Thank you all very much.24 (Proceedings end at 3:19 p.m.)25 280 3/28/11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - 110135,6,7,81 * * *2 281 C E R T I F I C A T E2 I HEREBY CERTIFY that the4 proceedings of the City of Philadelphia5 Council Committee of the Whole are contained6 fully and accurately in the stenographic notes7 taken by me on Monday, March 28, 2011, and8 that this is a true and correct statement of9 same.10 _________________________________ JOSEPHINE CARDILLO Registered Professional Reporter15 (The foregoing certification of21 this transcript does not apply to any22 reproduction of the same by any means, unless23 under the direct control and/or supervision of24 the certifying reporter.)25