If it's changed, then4 we go out and post posters in the5 division saying it has been changed.6 Also, our website has a polling place7 locater that's located on the Department8 of State. You just go in their link to9 the State, type in your address, and it10 tells you where to go vote. It's updated11 daily.12 The newspaper ad, we spend13 about $56,000 to pay -- well, Procurement14 does, $56,000 for a full page to list the15 polling pages. They're in there the16 Monday before the election. We're not17 allowed to make any changes more than 2018 days before -- after 20 days for an19 election exempt for emergencies.20
My point21 being -- and I'll come back at you, when22 it's my turn -- many people, again, don't23 know that their polling place has been24 changed --25 329 5/4/09 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - FISCAL '10 BUDGET1 (Timer bell rings.)2
-- because3 they're not looking in the paper, because4 they believe it's at the same place5 they've been voting for 15 years.6 We have to do a better job at7 letting people know in a particular8 division that their polling place has9 been changed.10
Well, the only way11 you can do that is a direct mailing to12 every voter in the district. And, again,13 you're talking costs.14 Before -- I'll tell you, one of15 the items we used HAVA funding for in the16 '04 general, '06 general, and '08 general17 was we spent $87,000 to print postcards18 for every voter in the City. And in '08,19 it cost us $364,000. We mailed every20 voter in the City a postcard telling them21 where to go vote.22 We think that helped cut down23 on a lot of work, but that just shows you24 what the cost of that would do to notify25 330 5/4/09 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - FISCAL '10 BUDGET1 every single voter of where they go vote.2 If you only did it in changes, it would3 cut the bill a lot more, but you're going4 to create an issue where, Why are they5 getting a postcard and we're not getting6 a postcard?7
And9 usually, the committeeman does notify.10 They should.11
Thank you.15 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:16 Mr. Agostini?17
There19 is a difference of over a million dollars20 between the Administration's proposed21 budget and the Commission's requirement22 funding level.23 I am told that there has been24 absolutely no communication between25 331 5/4/09 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - FISCAL '10 BUDGET1 Finance and the City Commissioners. I2 don't know what we're waiting for, but3 I'm going to request that you get4 together with them to see how -- if and5 how this can be resolved.6
We've had two11 meetings in the last, I'm going to say,12 about six months. And the first meeting13 was to talk about the '09 revised, which14 led to a series of reductions that were15 reflected in the '09 and represent the16 actual cut that's in the FY '10 budget.17 There were no changes made subsequent to18 the November revise to the Commissioners19 budget for a reduction.20 About two or three months ago,21 as we were putting this budget together,22 we sat with Bobby Lee and Mr. Taglione,23 the senior, about the budget,24 specifically to talk about the Help25 332 5/4/09 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - FISCAL '10 BUDGET1 America Vote Act dollars.2 At no point in that dealing was3 there a statement or series of statements4 that you have probably heard here in the5 last 45 minutes or so about the inability6 to move forward with elections based on7 the existing funding. At no point was8 that statement made to me or Mr. Dubow.9 And subsequent to that meeting has no10 statement been made to us.11 So this is the first that I'm12 hearing about this. And we've certainly13 had opportunity. And given the sort of14 seriousness, at a minimum, I would have15 expected to get an e-mail or a phone call16 or something, and I have no record of any17 of that.18 So I'm more than happy to sit19 down and sit down with the City20 Commissioners about it, but it would have21 been nice to know in advance of this22 meeting that there was a potential issue.23
Thank24 you. And we will add The City25 333 5/4/09 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - FISCAL '10 BUDGET1 Commissioners to our callback.2 Bob, you've got to sit down.3
This was sent over a8 month ago. When I talked to our budget9 analyst, he said it was too late to be in10 the master budget, but it was sent over11 to him.12
Well,13 we're not going to have a little debate14 here.15
Just17 a moment.18 The Chair recognizes Councilman19 Green.20
Thank you,21 Madam Chair.22 I just want to make clear,23 Mr. Lee and Mr. Voigt, that, you know, I24 understand that the Commission does a25 334 5/4/09 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - FISCAL '10 BUDGET1 great job of running what I consider to2 be good, clean, and fair elections in the3 City of Philadelphia. Some language4 issues have been to be taken care of, but5 you do a very good job.6 I just am not going to vote for7 an increase in your budget if the people8 who run the Commissioners Office don't9 come to callback and testify for10 themselves.11 Thank you.12
Thank14 you.15 I would suggest, Mr. Lee, you16 do get in touch with Finance, sit down17 and go over this budget with them, and we18 will add the City Commissioners on our19 callback list.20
Thank22 you.23 We will now hear from Community24 College.25 335 5/4/09 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - FISCAL '10 BUDGET1 (Witnesses come forward.)2
Good3 afternoon. Welcome, Doctor, and thank4 you for your patience. I know you've5 been waiting quite some time.6 Kindly identify yourself for7 the record and proceed with your8 testimony.9
Yes. Good10 afternoon, President Verna. My name is11 George Davis, and I chair the Board of12 Trustees at the Community College of13 Philadelphia. You'll be pleased to know14 I will be very brief.15
I would like to18 just quickly recognize a few board19 members: Rhonda Cohen and Sally20 Glickman, who are trustees; and also21 Stanley Cohen, Steve Mullin, and Jack22 Ferber, who have been here a part of the23 time. And Jack is still here; I think I24 see him over there.25 336 5/4/09 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - FISCAL '10 BUDGET1 I just want to say that my2 board colleagues and I are very committed3 to the Community College of Philadelphia.4 We believe very strongly, for the City of5 Philadelphia to flourish, we need a6 strong community college. And, as you7 know, as well as us, many of our8 residents would be unable to earn a9 degree or even think about continuing10 their education without the Community11 College of Philadelphia.12 And I would like to just say,13 on behalf of the board, Council President14 Verna, we appreciate very much the15 support we've gotten from the City16 Council and from the Mayor. We know that17 the Mayor has -- in his budget has kept18 funding at the current level. And in19 this environment, we're grateful for20 that.21 And that doesn't mean we don't22 need more money; we could always use23 more. But we're pleased with your24 support, and we thank you for that.25 337 5/4/09 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - FISCAL '10 BUDGET1
And6 thank you for the wonderful work you're7 all doing.8
I'm Steve Curtis,12 President Of Community College of13 Philadelphia. And in deference to the14 time, I'm not going to read the15 testimony, but I will do two things:16 Just remind you of the three main points17 that are in the testimony. 24 The three basic points in my25 338 5/4/09 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - FISCAL '10 BUDGET1 testimony:2 One, a year ago, when we were3 here, we made a series of commitments as4 to what we would do at that time with5 some increases in funding, and you'll see6 that in the written testimony. 10 When we did it, we didn't11 realize how truly important it would be12 because the economy hasn't crashed yet to13 the extent that it eventually did. 17 We also had promised that we18 would work to produce more graduates, and19 that's in line with the Mayor's proposal20 to double the number of residents of the21 City that have a college degree. 24 But we do at least point to a25 339 5/4/09 COMM. 9 The third thing we said a year10 ago was that we would work with the City11 to actually give some of the dollars back12 in the form of training to City13 employees. We work regularly with some14 departments within the City15 infrastructure, but there are also other16 departments with which we have very17 little to do, to be candid. 25 340 5/4/09 COMM. 23 The second main point of the24 written testimony has to do with how we25 341 5/4/09 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - FISCAL '10 BUDGET1 will handle our budget situation next2 year. We do appreciate the City's3 financial and economic situation. 14 We've tried not to get into a spiral of15 just cut, cut, cut. And that's important16 because we expect we'll have more17 students next year. 21 In this kind of economy and22 this kind of increasing unemployment, we23 know that we'll get more students; that's24 always the cycle. And it is not our25 342 5/4/09 COMM. 9 And the last general comment in10 the written testimony has to do with the11 "what if," the contingency. Our planning12 for next year, the coming year, is based13 on no new dollars from the City, very few14 dollars from the State if the Governor's15 proposal goes through, which is why we16 have to do a reduction of expenditures as17 well as increase other kinds of revenues,18 because there will be very little help19 from our public sources in terms of new20 dollars. 24 And if that were to happen, if25 343 5/4/09 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - FISCAL '10 BUDGET1 economy remained unpredictable, then we2 just do want to say that we'd have to3 look at some contingency steps, including4 further tuition increases and other5 steps. 10 If I may, I'd like to just turn11 over the rest of my time to a couple of12 students, if that's all right. 16 You have always been so17 supportive in the years that I've been18 here, but what you're supporting are19 individuals, you're supporting residents20 of this city who have not only personal21 dreams but are key to the future of this22 city. 24
That25 344 5/4/09 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - FISCAL '10 BUDGET1 would be fine.2
Good. And our3 three students are Mary Anderson and4 Donelle and Monique Casey. I think just5 two will speak, but if that's all right,6 I'll ask them to come forward briefly.7 And then I'm happy to answer any8 questions.9 (Students come forward.)10
Good afternoon,13 President Verna and Councilmembers. My14 name's Mary Anderson, and I'm the15 President of Student Government at16 Community College of Philadelphia. Thank17 you for this opportunity to speak before18 you in support of the institution that's19 done so much to change my life.20 There was a time in my life21 when I was despondent and uncertain about22 my future, and for years, I had struggled23 with poverty, neglect, and physical24 abuse. I was raising three children on25 345 5/4/09 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - FISCAL '10 BUDGET1 my own and was a high school dropout, and2 I felt helpless and hopeless.3 A friend of mine told me about4 Community Learning Center, where I was5 able to receive counseling and obtain my6 GED. Taking that first step gave me an7 enormous sense of accomplishment and8 (indiscernible) my thirst for learning.9 My next step led me to10 Community College of Philadelphia. When11 I walked into Admissions that first day,12 I was flying on blind hope. I had no13 idea that I could even attend college or14 how I would pay for it. I was just15 praying something would work out. I16 never imagined the opportunities that17 would come my way.18 What once felt like the only19 option now feels like it was the natural20 choice. I don't think I would have had21 opportunities I have here at any other22 school. I chose to pursue a career in23 education, allowing me to share what I24 have learned with people who might be25 346 5/4/09 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - FISCAL '10 BUDGET1 facing the same obstacles that I2 encountered.3 Thanks to the Community College4 of Philadelphia, my life has changed. My5 self-esteem has increased, and I now have6 hope for the future.7 This academic year has been8 eventful. I was elected President of the9 Student Government Association and won10 dual honors recently as a Coca Cola11 Scholars Foundation national finalist and12 as a member of the all-Pennsylvania a13 academic team. The all-Pennsylvania14 recognition also provides a full15 scholarship to complete my bachelor's16 degree in education at West Chester17 University.18 But my most significant19 achievement since entering Community20 College of Philadelphia was not a21 near-perfect grade point averages; it was22 my founding of the Kenya Project, which23 provides clothing, school supplies, and24 money for medical supplies for Sujeto, a25 347 5/4/09 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - FISCAL '10 BUDGET1 small village in Kenya. The Student2 Government Association and other clubs at3 the college were able to raise more than4 a thousand dollars in goods and cash we5 recently shipped to Sujeto.6 My hope is that the Kenya7 Project will create the same hope and8 opportunities for the children in Suweto9 that Community College of Philadelphia10 has given to me.11 Thank you.12
My name is Donelle17 Casey, and I'm here today with my wife,18 Monique.19 We are both residents of20 Kingsessing and juggle the21 responsibilities of being students along22 with parents of three. We are both23 scheduled to receive our associate's24 degree in liberal arts.25 348 5/4/09 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - FISCAL '10 BUDGET1 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:2 Excuse me. Would you pull the microphone3 closer. Thank you.4
Sure. 6 Our plan is to transfer to7 Cabrini starting in the fall, thanks to8 Community College's dual-admissions9 agreement. 15 Transferring these additional credits to16 Cabrini will put us further along,17 completing our bachelor's degree in18 communications. 21 None of this would be possible22 if it were not for Community College of23 Philadelphia's affordable tuition. I24 urge you to support the Mayor's proposed25 349 5/4/09 COMM. 8 My wife and I are good examples9 of how difficult it can be to afford10 college. We were in high school when we11 first had our daughter. The unexpected12 pregnancy forced us to make some tough13 choices. I chose to drop out of high14 school and let her finish to get her15 diploma. Afterwards, she graduated, I16 went back to finish get my diploma. We17 had two more children. And even though I18 worked full-time, it was touch to make a19 living. 22 Monique decide to go back to23 school. At first, she tried Strayer24 University and the University of Phoenix,25 350 5/4/09 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - FISCAL '10 BUDGET1 both distance-learning schools, but the2 cost was just too high. Finally, she3 received a postcard from the Community4 College of Philadelphia, and it said that5 they were taking applications for the6 fall semester. 12 It was the best decision and the right13 one, actually, at that time. 21 Community College of22 Philadelphia was within our means because23 the amount of the state and federal24 grants we received was enough to cover25 351 5/4/09 COMM. 5 Monique and I came to the6 college with little interest beyond7 attending class and maintaining our8 grades. However, we were soon deeply9 involved in many campus activities10 available to the college students. 19 Community College of Philadelphia's well20 aware that not every student needs or21 wants a four-year degree. The school22 makes it possible, though, for every23 student to achieve their goals, whether24 that goal is merely to take a few classes25 352 5/4/09 COMM. 12
Thank13 you.14 We certainly applaud you -- we15 applaud you. You're not listening. We16 certainly applaud you and want to wish17 you all of the success in your future18 endeavors. Good luck.19
Madam20 President, may I say something?21 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:22 Councilman Rizzo.23
The young24 man indicated that he had a job at Exton25 353 5/4/09 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - FISCAL '10 BUDGET1 Mall.2
I was actually6 manager at (inaudible). I was there for7 eight months.8
It's a long9 drive to Exton every day. Okay.10 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:11 That's determination.12 Councilwoman Brown, we are13 running late, so I would ask my14 colleagues to try to be as brief as15 possible.16
Let me23 commend you for bringing young people so24 that they can see government up close and25 354 5/4/09 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - FISCAL '10 BUDGET1 personal. There's nothing like that2 experience.3 If you could please discuss4 briefly the relationship you are enjoying5 with the Workforce Investment Board and6 School District specifically around the7 green efforts.8
Well, the -- with9 the Workforce Investment Board, over10 time, we are involved in various kinds of11 training. With the Stimulus funding12 that's now going to be coming to the13 State and eventually to the City, we have14 sat down with the Workforce Investment15 Board to talk about the specific areas of16 the Stimulus as one example that deal17 with green and also deals with health18 care and some other areas.19 Now, we are -- we will be20 bidding on some of these projects. We'll21 be a provider, but we are trying to align22 the programs that we have with the23 specific needs of the City and with the24 specific areas that we believe the25 355 5/4/09 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - FISCAL '10 BUDGET1 Workforce Investment Board is going to be2 promoting.3
I mentioned -- I5 think it's in the written testimony.6 We've developed some short-term7 certificates that didn't used to have --8 almost 30, a number of which are around9 the green jobs.10 We're prepared to do more as11 the funding is made available to help12 develop some of curriculum around13 weatherization and the like.14
So all of that is16 being discussed. We've had meetings17 already with the Workforce Investment18 Board.19 With the School District, I20 can't answer the question on the green21 jobs 'cause we have met with22 representatives of the School District23 also for some specific training areas and24 also some links between the --25 356 5/4/09 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - FISCAL '10 BUDGET1 programmatic links between the School2 District and our academic programs.3 But I don't know the answer on4 the green jobs specifically.5
In your9 appropriation from the City of10 Philadelphia, is it targeted towards any11 particular program effort or initiative12 at Community College?13
No, no. It's a17 lump sum, and it simply goes to cover our18 budget. You know, it's part of the19 revenue that comes in for our overall20 budget.21
Okay. One25 357 5/4/09 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - FISCAL '10 BUDGET1 laser-beam interest that a number of us2 on City Council has had is for any3 entity, any part of government, any4 organization that is receiving anything5 from the City of Philadelphia, we6 continue to be deeply concerned where it7 has been or interested in knowing how8 well you are doing as an institution with9 MBE/WBE participation. And so, if you10 could please speak to that.11 You're aware of a letter I sent12 to you on April 9th stipulating that we13 would want to know those numbers, both on14 the prime side and on the subprime side.15
I apologize. I16 never received the letter, so I didn't17 know that, but I can answer the question18 in general.19
And then if you21 need more than the detail I'm about to22 give you, we'll be happy to provide it.23 In terms of our operating24 budget, our operating budget's a little25 358 5/4/09 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - FISCAL '10 BUDGET1 over a hundred million dollars, and 852 percent of that is people, salaries,3 benefits, and so on, so those aren't4 dollars that are available for, you know,5 the kind of question that you're asking.6 And there are also some other7 dollars for the post office and major8 utilities, again, that I would set aside9 from that.10 So there's about 9 or11 $10 million that we have control over in12 terms of contracts, goods, services, and13 the like. And the answer to the question14 is, out of that about, 20 percent is for15 minority- and women-owned businesses.16
Could you17 please provide a detail to Council18 President Verna? And how soon could you19 provide that?20
Okay. And23 you -- for the record, you're telling me24 that the letter dated April 9th addressed25 359 5/4/09 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - FISCAL '10 BUDGET1 to you, you never received it.2
All right,5 then. I'll make sure that you get a copy6 of this.7 You should know for the record8 last year, I sent a letter to the Mayor9 so that the Mayor could convey that10 message. This year we opted to do it11 informally. So, going forward, that will12 be a required expectation that we would13 prefer to have in the text of your14 testimony so that we can see how our city15 is doing with regards to leveling the16 playing field for everybody.17
We're happy to do18 that. Again, we just haven't received19 that request.20
All right.23 The clock hasn't run yet. That's24 interesting.25 360 5/4/09 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - FISCAL '10 BUDGET1 Tell me about your My Degree2 Now Program and how many have been3 impacted by that.4
My Degree Now is5 an effort to reach out to Philadelphians6 who started on a college track but never7 finished. They have credits. Now, it --8 could be a small number of credits; it9 could be three or six, but could be10 ninety -- but never actually received a11 degree.12 We made an offer this year. We13 had a donor who was willing to back the14 offer with scholarship monies, that if15 there were anyone in the City who had at16 least 30 credits that could be17 transferred to us, they had to be18 transferable credits, which is roughly19 half of a lot of our associate degrees.20
-- toward an25 361 5/4/09 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - FISCAL '10 BUDGET1 associate degree. That we would see to2 it that between financial aid or, if you3 don't qualify, or qualify for very4 little, through scholarship --5 (Timer bell rings.)6
-- there would be7 no tuition or fee cost for the remaining8 30 credits.9 There are some parameters. You10 know, have to stay in good standing.11
You can't fail13 anything, you have to be there every14 semester, et cetera.15 We have a hundred people in the16 pipeline this year who responded to that.17 So we have guaranteed them -- now, most18 them are part-time, so we've guaranteed19 them the money will be there for the next20 couple of years as long as they stay on21 track until they graduate.22 We will continue the program23 next year probably with fewer slots just24 because of resources.25 362 5/4/09 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - FISCAL '10 BUDGET1
But we like this3 approach, and we think it's a way to grab4 hold of some Philadelphians that, with a5 little bit of intensive push, could get6 to their first academic credential.7
Thank you11 very much.12 Thank you, Madam President.13 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:14 You're welcome.15 The Chair recognizes Councilman16 Jones.17
Thank you,18 Madam President.19 Dr. Curtis, I think it's safe20 to say that probably out of all of the21 investments, we in City Council have made22 this year, yours has shown, based on your23 students' comments, the greatest rate of24 return. When I hear stories like that, I25 363 5/4/09 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - FISCAL '10 BUDGET1 understand that this is money well spent.2 And did I further understand3 you to say that you are planning towards4 zero contribution from the City of5 Philadelphia based on our financial6 crisis? Did I hear that?7
All right.11 A couple of quick questions 'cause the12 President's trying to keep things within13 a reasonable timeframe.14 Has the recession increased15 enrollment, decreased enrollment? And16 I'd be curious to know if folk that were17 originally attending, or planned to18 attend, a four-year institution are now19 choosing Community because of economics.20
Well, the answer21 to the first part: A poor economy always22 drives more students to us. I know it's23 worse than normal right now, but if you24 were to look at the entire history of the25 364 5/4/09 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - FISCAL '10 BUDGET1 college, our enrollment is basically a2 sign curve that is counter to the3 economy. So always, in poor economic4 times, our numbers go up.5 So yes, I think I said earlier6 we're up this spring, we're running 4 to7 6 percent ahead for this summer. We8 expect to be up again this fall.9 And then the second part of10 your comment: I can own answer that11 anecdotally at the moment. We certainly12 know that we're seeing some of that. I13 think it's been true for a while, though.14 I mean, again, I know things are worse15 right now, but the cost of higher16 education has been an issue for a while.17 It's -- and while we are still18 the best deal in town -- I say that every19 time I come to talk to you each year, and20 we are proud to say that. At the same21 time, we know, for a lot of our students,22 it's still a fair amount of money, even23 our tuition and fees. And that was one24 reason I wanted to freeze the tuition25 365 5/4/09 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - FISCAL '10 BUDGET1 this year.2 So I think that move of some3 students that might have started at a4 four-year school, going to not just ours5 but other community colleges as well, has6 been there for a while. I think that's7 why it's also important that we have8 those articulation agreements with the9 universities that will then allow for a10 seamless transition for your final two11 years.12
Right. And you15 heard from Mary Anderson. In her case,16 because she's a terrific student, she's17 gotten a full scholarship to support the18 tuition for the final two years of her19 bachelor's degree.20
But are all21 of those relations still in place like22 they were last year?23
Absolutely. And24 we keep adding them.25 366 5/4/09 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - FISCAL '10 BUDGET1 We have now nine dual-admission2 programs. Again, you heard Donelle speak3 to the dual admission that we have with4 Cabrini. We just added one with Holy5 Family about a week ago, and we already6 have them with Temple and Drexel, and7 many, many others.8 So absolutely it's a critical9 part of what we do for our baccalaureate10 intended students.11
Well, I12 mean, I'm just excited about what your13 role has been in fulfilling the Mayor's14 intentions of increasing our graduate15 population and moving onto college16 graduates and decreasing the amount of17 dropouts in that regard.18 My last question would be19 similar to what Councilwoman20 Reynolds-Brown was talking about through21 the Stimulus Package and green jobs, that22 I'd like you to give some thought to and23 some effort to establishing relationships24 with places like Randolph Skills Center25 367 5/4/09 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - FISCAL '10 BUDGET1 that, for green jobs and Stimulus jobs,2 are a good feeder pipeline of3 enthusiastic young tradespersons that4 want to figure out ways to advance their5 skill sets to be able to A, go into6 business; B, go into jobsites and union7 halls and prepare them for these8 apprenticeship tests that are out there9 that seem to baffle some of our young10 people and deny them admission into some11 of our unions.12 And if you could work with13 Dr. Ackerman, who went on a tour of the14 Randolph Skills Center with us to try to15 cement that relationship, that would be a16 next step, a next evolution in your role17 as president of Community College.18 And I support you and your19 staff.20 (Timer bell rings.)21
And whenever22 I call there with a constituent that's23 trying to get in the school or trying the24 figure out how to make all of the numbers25 368 5/4/09 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - FISCAL '10 BUDGET1 add up to get a tuition payment, you have2 yet to fail one of my constituents, and I3 thank you for that.4
Thank7 you, Councilman.8 The Chair recognizes9 Councilwoman Sanchez.10
I'll be11 brief, Madam President. I know we want12 to move on.13 But I would be remiss if I did14 not acknowledge the good work Of15 Community College as it relates to16 providing sometimes gap education and17 much-needed linkages to students.18 But I wanted to put on the19 record for now 'cause I'll ask it20 during -- when the School District is21 here. One of the things that I found in22 my discussions with Dr. Curtis is that23 the School District's failure to24 (indiscernible) our dual-credit program25 369 5/4/09 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - FISCAL '10 BUDGET1 in the mix of Dr. Ackerman coming in, a2 program that served how many students,3 Dr. Curtis?4
It was a7 small program where we were doing dual8 credits for high schools, but the School9 District of Philadelphia defunded it.10 Mr. Curtis assures me that we will be11 able to get that back up and running.12 But I think as we talk about13 providing access to college and education14 and particularly this administration,15 whose made such a huge goal that we have16 to pay attention to those small details.17 So I just wanted to put that on18 the record 'cause it's one that I will19 put at the School District, but I did20 want to thank Mr. Curtis and the entire21 staff at Community College.22
May I just make a23 brief comment on that? Just so it's24 clear, we do lots of dual-enrollment and25 370 5/4/09 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - FISCAL '10 BUDGET1 dual-credit with the School District.2 This was a particular program; and it is,3 for lack of a better word, on hiatus at4 the moment.5 We're still working with the6 School District, and I believe both sides7 have an intention to see if it can't be8 started again, but it is not going9 forward in the coming year.10
Thank13 you.14 Any further questions?15 (No further questions.)16
We20 will now hear from SEPTA.21 (Witnesses come forward.)22 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:23 Hello.24
Good afternoon25 371 5/4/09 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - FISCAL '10 BUDGET1 Madam Chair.2
I am Jettie5 Newkirk here representing the SEPTA Board6 members and as the Philadelphia -- one of7 the Philadelphia representatives to the8 SEPTA Board.9 And before Mr. Burnfield gives10 the testimony, I would just like to take11 this opportunity to -- since this is12 probably my last appearance before13 Council in this role, to say goodbye and14 thank you for Council's assistance,15 patience, ability to, and willingness to16 work with SEPTA Board and staff in terms17 of moving SEPTA along in the path that I18 think we all wanted it to go, where I19 think that it is now on that right path.20 SEPTA has adopted a five-year21 plan that you will hear more about later.22 But in that plan, one of the core values23 is diversity, and that is something that24 we have been working on for a number of25 372 5/4/09 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - FISCAL '10 BUDGET1 years.2 We also are doing more in terms3 of what you would call "constituent4 services," but what SEPTA calls "customer5 relations," so that there is more6 attention being paid to the customers.7 So please accept my thank-you8 both for this opportunity since I started9 as a Council representative to the Board10 and for your consideration. Thank you11 very much.12
Well,13 we certainly want to thank you for your14 many years of experience and dedication.15 What is it, 16 or 17 years?16
God18 bless you. We applaud you.19 (Applause.)20
Good afternoon,25 373 5/4/09 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - FISCAL '10 BUDGET1 Council President Verna. My name is2 Richard Burnfield, Chief Financial3 Officer for SEPTA. Today, I am pleased4 to speak to City Council today concerning5 the Authority's Fiscal 2010 operating6 budget request and several SEPTA7 initiatives.8 Today, I am joined by Frances9 Jones, Assistant General Manager; Jeffrey10 Canuple, Assistant General Manager for11 Engineering Maintenance and Construction;12 and Lily Clayette, Director of Office of13 Disadvantaged Enterprise Programs.14 Over the last 12 months, SEPTA15 Act 44-dedicated funding enabled SEPTA to16 add bus and trolley service during peak17 and nonpeak hours, implement new service18 initiatives, and increase seating19 capacity on 21 bus routes serving20 Philadelphia.21 As Miss Newkirk mentioned, the22 Authority is working to improve customer23 service by enhancing rider24 communications, station and vehicle25 374 5/4/09 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - FISCAL '10 BUDGET1 cleanliness, and passenger courtesy. To2 reinforce this commitment, the General3 Manager created a new division reporting4 directly to him, the Customer Service and5 Advocacy Division.6 SEPTA continues to invest in7 station and facilities through our8 Capital Program. I am delighted to9 report that this morning, the 63rd Street10 Station on the Market Street elevated11 line reopened for regular service.12 (Applause.)13
This marks one15 of the final milestones in the16 $740 million reconstruction of the Market17 Street elevated, with all SEPTA work to18 be completed this summer.19 Fleet enhancements are also a20 vital part of our Capital Program, with21 120 new hybrid buses to be delivered this22 year.23 President Obama's federal24 stimulus program has given SEPTA the25 375 5/4/09 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - FISCAL '10 BUDGET1 opportunity to advance $119 million in2 shovel-ready projects. Among these3 initiatives are renovations to the Girard4 and Spring Garden stations on the Broad5 Street Subway, new track at the Fern Rock6 Yard, right-of-way fencing placements7 along the Airport High Speedline,8 improvements to the signal system for the9 tunnel serving five trolley routes, and10 improvement to stations on the Chestnut11 Hill West and Fox Chase rail lines.12 Just last week, we introduced13 the new Independence Pass for individuals14 and families, good for unlimited one-day15 travel throughout the SEPTA network.16 City Council's continued17 support of public transit through the18 City matching funds for the operating and19 capital budgets is greatly appreciated20 Thank you for the opportunity21 to speak today, and we would be happy to22 answer any questions members of Council23 may have.24 MR. McPHERSON: Councilwoman25 376 5/4/09 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - FISCAL '10 BUDGET1 Brown.2
Thank you,3 thank you, thank you. First let me say4 thank you to our board member here for5 being an agitator.6 (Laughter.)7
And in a8 good way. You've been the conscience of9 that board in the years since you've been10 there. And on a number of different11 issues where, but for your presence,12 there may not have been the required13 action. So to Miss Newkirk, we're going14 to miss you, miss your voice, but I would15 ask that you continue to reminded us that16 you are paying attention where you17 believe from where you sit that we, in18 Council, and those at the SEPTA can do19 more and do better.20 We thank you for your service.21
Good24 afternoon.25 377 5/4/09 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - FISCAL '10 BUDGET1 Could you please just update us2 on the, I believe, exciting decision3 you've made regarding the art effort, why4 you had to move to that decision, and the5 good news that comes out as a result of6 the new policy you're implementing.7
It's Frances Jones,8 Assistant General Manager of Government9 Affairs.10 If you're speaking to the press11 conference that we had recently regarding12 the music in the station stations?13
It's an effort16 to -- we don't want to stifle art in any17 way or in any medium, but it really was a18 way to control where the artists were19 playing and also to remember that the20 amplification systems really were an21 intrusion in the way that we make the22 announcements.23
Quite frequently,25 378 5/4/09 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - FISCAL '10 BUDGET1 we got complaints from customers that2 because of the music in the amplification3 systems, with some of the artists, they4 were unable to hear the announcements5 that we were making.6 And so, what we've put in place7 basically is a program where we have8 specific locations where the artists can9 perform as well as the specific10 timeframe. So we are -- it's a part of11 where we feel that we're providing a12 service of transportation but we're13 providing art in a different medium as14 well.15
And in16 public places, where folks can really17 enjoy it.18
Yes. And the new19 policy, in my opinion, has been well20 received from the public.21
And I25 379 5/4/09 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - FISCAL '10 BUDGET1 commend you enormously.2 I don't have to ask questions3 regarding MBE/WBE participation because4 you did follow through and provide us5 those numbers, which are impressive,6 given the enormous amount of7 appropriations that have come to SEPTA8 from both the federal and State level.9 And I appreciate you actually10 breaking down by level of government11 exactly who those contractors are and the12 level to which they have been awarded.13 So we thank you for leading by example.14 Thank you very much.15 Would you like to comment on16 that, sir?17
Thank you,18 Councilwoman.19 We're very proud of the program20 that we have. We have made that a major21 effort. As part of our Stimulus Program,22 Lily Clayette has done a wonderful job of23 promoting that. As part of the Stimulus,24 we had an outreach effort very early in25 380 5/4/09 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - FISCAL '10 BUDGET1 that program to bring together prime2 contractors and minority firms to try to3 partner up in the beginning of the4 process, before we even started to bid5 projects.6
So we're very8 proud of our program and thank you for9 your comments.10
Excellent,11 excellent.12 One final question: Because13 you have done this quite effectively, do14 you -- and as a practice, do you have15 opportunities where officials at SEPTA16 can connect face-to-face with MBEs and17 WBEs in a formal way to hear about these18 opportunities?19
Good afternoon.20 This is Lily Clayette, Director of the21 DBE Program at SEPTA. And if you could22 just repeat that question for me again,23 please, Councilwoman.24
Sure.25 381 5/4/09 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - FISCAL '10 BUDGET1 This doesn't happen by accident; it2 happens because there's been a plan, a3 strategic plan, to get the word out, A;4 and then to help create a pipeline so5 that those who qualify can actually have6 access to opportunity.7 So just briefly tell us how8 you're able to make it known that there9 are opportunities here and that this what10 you need to do to make yourself available11 to them.12
Okay. Similar13 to what we did for the Stimulus Program,14 one of our projects is to bring the prime15 contractors -- primarily those16 contractors that have done business with17 SEPTA, say, for example, over the past,18 say, three to five years, that we know19 bid on SEPTA's work. We invite them20 invite in, and then we also invite the21 DBE subcontractors to come into the22 network with them.23 And that's something that we24 will be doing periodically. Specifically25 382 5/4/09 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - FISCAL '10 BUDGET1 with the Stimulus Program --2
-- we did it in4 February. We plan to do it again in the5 early part of the fall, when we go into6 the second half of our Stimulus projects7 that will be going out on the street.8
Could you9 please keep Councilmembers informed as10 well, because we may like to come and/or11 inform those who are in our world that12 this is happening.13
The Chair24 recognizes Councilman Jones.25 383 5/4/09 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - FISCAL '10 BUDGET1
Thank you,2 Madam Chair.3 I too rise to salute former4 board member now Jettie Newkirk to say5 that we are very proud of all of her6 accomplishments over her tenure. I mean,7 whether it is simple things like getting8 the board to go to training officially or9 more complicated things by, like,10 navigating through several strikes, or11 whether it's interesting things like12 greening and things like that that we13 find important as we use the system,14 whether it's fighting for WBEs or dealing15 with the difficult issue, as Councilwoman16 Blackwell will probably talk about, the17 el reconstruction, with the team that18 you've assembled, we appreciate all of19 the things you do.20 And just the cherry on top of21 the sundae was announcing that the 63rd22 Street Station was open today, and I23 would just simply say, job well done,24 Soldier, and thank you for finally25 384 5/4/09 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - FISCAL '10 BUDGET1 getting some dedicated funding from the2 Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for our3 system, and say thank you for all you've4 done.5 Having said that, you've picked6 a great group of folk to actually7 implement a lot of this stuff, so I just8 want to go through a couple of questions.9 I would be interested in10 understanding where we are with LCD11 lighting throughout the system, and12 particularly that lighting that kind13 of -- we talked about the Amber Alert14 system and working in with that for15 better SEPTA safety. And could you speak16 to the issue of the signage, but also17 SEPTA safety.18
One of the19 stimulus programs that we are looking at20 as part of the Department of21 Transportation, it has somewhat of an add22 acronym. It's called TIGGER, which is23 Transportation Investments Greenhouse Gas24 Energy Reduction. The grant applications25 385 5/4/09 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - FISCAL '10 BUDGET1 are due to the Department of2 Transportation May the 22nd.3 We intend to submit an4 application to convert some of our5 lighting to the more energy-efficient6 lighting. We're looking at an7 application somewhere in the range of 58 to $7 million to implement such a9 program.10
Are we tying11 that into GPS locators that kind of12 indicate what the estimated time of13 arrival of a particular mode of14 transportation might be, to be able to15 give a consumer the ability to know, Hey,16 I got seven minutes in between trains, I17 can go and get a cup of coffee and make18 it back in time to catch my train?19
One of the20 projects, Councilman, that we have in our21 Capital Budget that is currently underway22 is what we call "Smart Stations." It23 includes a number of initiatives in terms24 of life safety and improvements, and it25 386 5/4/09 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - FISCAL '10 BUDGET1 will include communications so that at2 each station on the Broad Street Subway3 and the Market-Frankford line, we will4 have signs that will be able to indicate5 next train in seven minutes, five6 minutes, four minutes, so that whenever7 someone goes down to catch a train, they8 will know how long they will have to wait9 until the next train arrives.10 And we believe that is a part11 of our commitment to improve customer12 service.13
In light of14 that kind of work to make Smart Stations,15 are we also providing camera access for16 security purposes so that one of the big17 issues for safety is having that kind of18 surveillance camera, so that when there19 is an instance, someone doesn't have to20 run to an emergency phone; the observer,21 the security person, can see what's going22 on and automatically call for assistance.23
There are24 several hundred cameras that are being25 387 5/4/09 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - FISCAL '10 BUDGET1 installed throughout the system and on2 vehicles, both buses and rail cars.3
My final4 thing that I guess I would ask you to5 also do: Is there a analysis that shows6 by way of, as we start to talk about7 Stimulus and talk about work generated,8 there's a certain amount of work that is9 done in-house on trains, on locomotives,10 and buses that is done in-house and a11 certain amount of it that is shipped out.12 Have we looked at cost and13 cost-effectiveness to try to retain as14 many jobs here in the City of15 Philadelphia as possible?16 I give one example. You have17 these couplings that connect the actual18 trains that, from time to time, you ship19 out of Philadelphia. And I wanted to20 know what the cost analysis was that went21 into making the decision about whether to22 farm something out or whether to do23 something within the shops that you have.24
Specifically25 388 5/4/09 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - FISCAL '10 BUDGET1 for the Stimulus Program, because those2 funds are provided by the federal3 government, the Federal Transit4 Administration, there is a requirement5 that that work be contracted out to6 third-party contractors rather than the7 work being done in-house.8 However, we do have a9 State-funded program called "Vehicle10 Overhaul Initiatives" that's about11 $53 million a year for which we do most12 of that work in-house in terms of13 overhauling buses, doing work on rail14 cars. So there is a significant amount15 of work that we have to determine that we16 can do more effectively and efficiently17 in-house.18
Finally,19 could you describe for me whatever20 apprenticeship programs you have in21 conjunction with people like Community22 College and also the public or parochial23 school systems to provide job24 opportunities for Philadelphia residents?25 389 5/4/09 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - FISCAL '10 BUDGET1
We have a2 number of training programs with our3 trade unions to --4 (Timer bell rings.)5
To encourage9 those individuals to gain the skill sets10 that they need to be either mechanics or11 to work in our buildings group.12 We have just recently started a13 training program for apprentices to work14 on elevators and escalators. As more and15 more of our stations become accessible,16 we have found the need to develop an17 apprentice program in that area.18
(Consults21 off-record with Ms. Newkirk.) We do have22 an internship program this summer where23 we are --24
And you know25 390 5/4/09 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - FISCAL '10 BUDGET1 next year, you ain't going to have Jettie2 there to tell you that, right?3 (Laughter.)4
We have an6 internship program this summer, where we7 are bringing about 27 students onboard.8
Thank you.11 The Chair recognizes Councilman12 Green.13
Thank you,14 Madam Chair.15 Could you please describe for16 us what our limitations are as a city or17 what our requirements or obligations are18 with respect to the funding that we19 provide -- a percentage of total funding20 we provide compared to the surrounding21 counties?22
The overall23 formula, the State requires a match on24 State dollars of 15 percent. And then25 391 5/4/09 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - FISCAL '10 BUDGET1 for each of the divisions that SEPTA2 operates service, there is a different3 formula that is used to determine local4 match.5
I'm sorry.6 With respect to the first formula, it's7 State law, right?8
So we have11 no choice. And how much under the first12 formula do we contribute compared to the13 surrounding counties?14
Of the overall15 amount, the City provides about 8016 percent of the local match.17
The formula is24 based on each of the divisions. The City25 392 5/4/09 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - FISCAL '10 BUDGET1 Transit Division, the majority of the2 local matching funds are provided by the3 City of Philadelphia too. The4 surrounding counties provide some5 matching funds. And then the City6 provides 70 percent of the local match7 for the Regional Rail Division.8
And how much9 is that dollars-wise? And do you have10 traffic figures for regional rail, for11 example?12
County14 breakdown versus City, you know, where15 people get on and originate.16
We have that17 information; I don't have it with us18 today, but --19
Can you do20 an analysis for me of how much of the21 burden we're bearing compared to how much22 of the benefit we're getting. We may be23 winning, we may be losing; I don't know.24 And just provide that to the Chair.25 393 5/4/09 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - FISCAL '10 BUDGET1
No, I'm15 sorry, but you said that was required by16 State law.17