text:
Dr. Yaga Venugopal Reddy (Telugu : యాగ వేణుగోపాల్ రెడ్డి), better known as Y.V. Reddy, (born 17 August 1941 in Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh) is a former Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) (India's central bank). He took over from Bimal Jalan on 6 September 2003.. He was succeeded by Duvvuri Subbarao on 5 September 2008.
Y. Venugopal Reddy is an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the 1964 batch. Prior to joining the IAS, he worked as a lecturer from 1961. He holds a Ph.D. from Osmania University, Hyderabad, and was a visiting faculty at the Osmania University and the London School of Economics. He has held post of Banking Secretary. In 1996, he was appointed deputy governor of RBI. He has also worked with the International Monetary Fund, the highest position being Executive Director in 2002.
Prior to his appointment as the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, Dr. Reddy has served a six-year tenure with the Reserve Bank of India as its Deputy Governor. Appointed on September 14, 1996 for a period of five years, his term as the Deputy Governor was extended for two more years from September 2001. As the Deputy Governor, he was the Reserve Bank of India nominee on the Board of State Bank of India, which, he quit on 2 May 1998. As Deputy Governor he was looking after monetary policy and internal debt management sections. On his appointment as India's Executive Director to the International Monetary Fund, from August 2002, however, he resigned as the Deputy Governor in July 2002. As Deputy Governor in the Reserve Bank, Dr. Reddy looked after the monetary policy, exchange rate policy, internal and external debt management, foreign exchange reserves management and economic research. He was succeeded as the Deputy Governor of Reserve Bank of India by Rakesh Mohan.


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Wednesday, September 21, 2011
5:01 p.m.
Budget session
This file represents an unedited version of realtime
captioning which should neither be relied upon for complete
accuracy nor used as a verbatim transcript.
The original of this file was produced in all capital
letters and any variation thereto may be a result of third
party edits and software compatibility issues.
Any person who needs a verbatim transcript of the
proceedings may need to hire a court reporter.
05:05:41 >>MARY MULHERN: City Council is called to order.
05:06:38 We are here for our September 21st, 2011 second public
05:06:44 hearing procedure.
05:06:48 I yield to Councilman Reddick to introduce our invocation.
05:06:52 >>FRANK REDDICK: Thank you, Madam Chair.
05:06:55 We are privileged to have with us to lead us in the
05:06:58 invocation our city clerk, Ms. Shirley Foxx-Knowles.
05:07:04 Will you all stand, please?
05:07:05 >>SHIRLEY FOXX-KNOWLES: Good evening.
05:07:12 Let us pray.
05:07:12 Father, thank you once again for the opportunity to be here
05:07:15 at this moment in time.
05:07:18 Thank you for your grace and your mercy.
05:07:20 Please continue to bless our council, our mayor, our
05:07:24 administration, our employees, and our wonderful citizens.
05:07:29 Bless this budget hearing and guide our council so that they
05:07:34 do what is best for all of our citizens.
05:07:37 Let us always remember to be instruments of your will.
05:07:42 These things we ask and thanks we give.
05:07:45 Let us all say amen.
05:07:58 (Pledge of Allegiance)
05:08:00 >>MARY MULHERN: Roll call, please.
05:08:11 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Here.
05:08:13 >>YVONNE CAPIN: Present.
05:08:13 >>FRANK REDDICK: Here.
05:08:16 >>HARRY COHEN: Here.
05:08:17 >>LISA MONTELIONE: Here.
05:08:18 >>MARY MULHERN: Here.
05:08:23 Could I have a motion to open the public hearing?
05:08:27 >> So moved.
05:08:28 >> Second.
05:08:29 >>MARY MULHERN: All in favor?
05:08:30 Anyone opposed?
05:08:32 Councilman Cohen, our finance chair.
05:08:34 >>HARRY COHEN: Thank you, Madam Chair.
05:08:38 This is the second public hearing for the City of Tampa
05:08:40 fiscal year 2012 budget.
05:08:42 The proposed millage rate is 5.7326 mills which is 4.11%
05:08:49 less than the rolled-back millage rate of 5.9782 mills.
05:08:55 Property tax funds are used to support the general fund,
05:08:58 operating budget of the city.
05:09:00 This fund includes such departments as fire rescue and
05:09:02 police, human resources, parks and recreation, and public
05:09:06 works.
05:09:10 I believe the City of Tampa is going to make a presentation.
05:09:13 >>MARY MULHERN: Ms. Little, our CFO.
05:09:22 >>SONYA LITTLE: Good afternoon.
05:09:24 This afternoon, I would just like to take you through just a
05:09:27 couple of brief slides as it relates to our proposed budget.
05:09:36 You have already certificated in two workshops related total
05:09:40 budget on June 9th and June 21st, we presented to
05:09:44 you our historical and projected revenues in great detail.
05:09:49 In addition, we provided you with information on our
05:09:52 projected budget shortfall of 3.5 million.
05:09:57 On July 28th, the mayor presented to City Council a
05:10:02 balanced budget where we filled a 34.5 million budget
05:10:09 shortfall, and on September 7th we held our first public
05:10:13 hearing and today we have our second and final public
05:10:15 hearing.
05:10:18 We will just briefly, in a couple of slides, go over the
05:10:21 proposed 2012 budget, in particular highlighting the millage
05:10:24 rate and capital improvement plan.
05:10:31 The city's proposed budget is a total of $765.4 million, and
05:10:36 this is a decrease after 34.7 million over the prior fiscal
05:10:41 year.
05:10:42 This has occurred because we have trimmed and cut back our
05:10:46 overall budget.
05:10:47 As you can see, the large blue area reflects our general
05:10:51 fund of being the largest component of all of our overall
05:10:55 budget.
05:10:56 And this is largely attributable to property taxes which is
05:11:00 on revenue extreme for the City of Tampa.
05:11:03 Other revenues included in our general fund our sales taxes,
05:11:08 franchise fees, permit fees, occupational license fee.
05:11:13 Another very large component of our overall budget is
05:11:16 attributable to our enterprise fund which comprises 36%.
05:11:22 Our enterprise funds are water, wastewater, solid waste and
05:11:26 parking.
05:11:30 As it relates to our general fund expenditures, they total
05:11:36 just under $358 million with the largest component being
05:11:40 attributable to our public safety at 59% of our total
05:11:45 general fund expenditures.
05:11:47 We also have central government, which are our normal
05:11:51 operating expenditures, or nonenterprise costs that are a
05:11:56 part of our general fund expenditures, parks and recs,
05:12:00 public works, economic development, and CIP vehicles.
05:12:06 For the fourth previous fiscal years, our millage rate has
05:12:09 been 5.7326 mills, and for the fifth consecutive year we are
05:12:18 proposing that we maintain that same millage rate.
05:12:22 Again, this is a very large component of our budget, and we
05:12:26 use these funds primarily to cover our public safety
05:12:29 expenses.
05:12:35 Our capital improvement program as part of the budget is a
05:12:39 five-year plan and under Florida statutes we are required to
05:12:43 obtain approval from the Hillsborough County, city-county
05:12:47 Planning Commission.
05:12:48 And on September 13th we received written approval of
05:12:51 our plan as a part of the overall comprehensive plan for the
05:12:55 county.
05:12:56 So we are certainly in compliance as far as receiving that
05:12:59 approval.
05:13:00 You will note here that under the five-year plan, we have
05:13:04 numerous items that again are fully detailed in your actual
05:13:09 budget book, but we wanted to provide with you an overview
05:13:12 by category of the amounts budgeted during this five-year
05:13:16 plan.
05:13:17 In particular, you will note that parks and rec, we are
05:13:20 budgeting over $18 million.
05:13:22 Public works, 13 million.
05:13:25 Transportation 55 million and another line item I would like
05:13:30 to highlight is investing in neighborhoods at just over --
05:13:35 just under $63 million for the five-year period.
05:13:39 For 2012
05:13:40 In this investing in neighborhoods category
05:13:43 We have increased
05:13:45 Our budget for that category over the prior year by
05:13:49 $2.4 million for a total of 12.4 million in fiscal year
05:13:54 2012.
05:13:55 Again, all of these items and particular projects are
05:13:58 highlighted in the full blown budget book.
05:14:02 And with that, I would open it up to questions whenever
05:14:08 appropriate, Madam Chair.
05:14:10 >>MARY MULHERN: Any questions from council?
05:14:18 Councilman Reddick?
05:14:20 >>FRANK REDDICK: Thank you for your presentation.
05:14:27 I just want to follow up from the first hearing.
05:14:32 Council appointed a citizens committee to make
05:14:36 recommendations.
05:14:38 They came back at the first hearing with several
05:14:40 recommendations that I felt was pretty good that we needed
05:14:44 to take under consideration.
05:14:46 My question is, have you had a chance to review those
05:14:49 recommendations, or do you plan to implement any of those
05:14:54 recommendations from the citizens advisory committee?
05:14:58 >>SONYA LITTLE: Yes, sir.
05:14:59 First of all, I would like to thank all of the advisory
05:15:02 committee members for their participation on the committee.
05:15:05 They did do a fine job.
05:15:07 They asked a lot of tough questions and made some great
05:15:10 recommendations, and we are taking them under consideration,
05:15:13 Councilman, but I would like to update you on just a few
05:15:16 things that are already underway, if I may.
05:15:19 As it relates to our solid waste, I believe very early on
05:15:23 during our budget briefing starting back as early as June,
05:15:28 we notified council that there was some strain as it relates
05:15:32 to solid waste and parking.
05:15:35 Queer currently underway with internal studies as it relates
05:15:38 to both those systems in its entirety, and we hope to,
05:15:43 within the next couple of weeks, come back with a proposal
05:15:47 that's to remedy some of the concerns related to those two
05:15:50 systems.
05:15:51 And I believe that was one of the -- two of the items that
05:15:54 the advisory committee did point out and rightfully so.
05:15:59 I believe that there was some discussion regarding parks and
05:16:04 rec's and fees, and I am aware that the administration and
05:16:08 the department are reviewing those requests and suggestions
05:16:12 as well.
05:16:14 Thank you.
05:16:14 >>MARY MULHERN: Councilman Cohen.
05:16:17 >>HARRY COHEN: To follow up on Mr. Reddick's question, I
05:16:20 believe also that the committee recommended that we make
05:16:26 changes in the giving longevity bonuses to employees, and if
05:16:32 I remember correctly the mayor actually made a change in the
05:16:34 policy that the city follows in determining who is eligible
05:16:40 for those longevity bonuses in that future hires will no
05:16:45 longer be eligible.
05:16:48 That is correct?
05:16:49 >>SONYA LITTLE: That is correct.
05:16:51 And there was also a decrease over what's currently in our
05:16:54 policy for the new hires as far as sick leave pay as well.
05:17:01 As a part of the mayor's -- okay, thank you.
05:17:09 I do want to just point out it is as it relates to
05:17:13 nonbargaining units.
05:17:14 Thank you.
05:17:14 >>MARY MULHERN: Any other questions?
05:17:22 Thank you.
05:17:22 Is there anyone from the public that wishes to speak?
05:17:30 >> Jarvis El-Amin.
05:17:47 Good afternoon, council.
05:17:48 So glad that you are here for the final budget hearing.
05:17:52 I have come back with some similar concerns, and this time
05:18:00 it's more sympathy for parks and recreation.
05:18:10 Okay, she's here.
05:18:11 I hope that we can get some more direct answers from her.
05:18:15 Ragan Park in particular went from about 180, 190, for
05:18:20 nonprofits to $500.
05:18:22 So for our youth in the urban core that we try to keep
05:18:26 getting messed up with the system, nonprofit organizations,
05:18:30 such as youth organizations, East Tampa civic association,
05:18:35 all the other community organizations that try to do things
05:18:37 for young people, cannot afford.
05:18:39 Nonprofit raising money can afford to be $500 for youth
05:18:44 activity.
05:18:44 And when we call a place a community center, it should be
05:18:48 available for the community.
05:18:51 And if you are not a nonprofit, it's better $628.
05:18:55 I hope that is directed -- directors are listening.
05:18:59 Perhaps what we can do, council, is take some of the $18
05:19:02 million from the capital improvement that the CFO just said
05:19:05 that she's going to spend on capital improvement.
05:19:07 I'm sure you all heard the presentation.
05:19:08 Take a look at that $18 million, drop the fees down so that
05:19:13 the community can take part, make it pretty so people can
05:19:18 use it.
05:19:20 It's about 14% of the total budget, parks and rec.
05:19:24 And parks and rec is important.
05:19:27 So let's get some clearance from Mrs. Palus, our director
05:19:32 and staff, and last time I was here, I have to be honest
05:19:34 with you, it wasn't very clear.
05:19:36 Everybody seemed to have been talking in riddles.
05:19:39 So I been bringing my little book so can we get some clear
05:19:44 and precise answers?
05:19:48 And that was voted by the citizens to deal with the budget.
05:19:53 That's your main task.
05:19:55 Not ribbon cutting.
05:19:56 Thank you.
05:19:57 >>MARY MULHERN: Mr. El-Amin, did you have a question for
05:20:07 him ever?
05:20:09 >>LISA MONTELIONE: Yes.
05:20:10 On one part where you said about speaking in riddles, I am
05:20:15 not sure what you are referring to.
05:20:17 >> Oh, I was talking to the parks and recreation director,
05:20:22 but I was talking to staff.
05:20:24 >>LISA MONTELIONE: I thought we have all been pretty clear.
05:20:28 >> Making the final determination.
05:20:32 >>LISA MONTELIONE: Because we talked extensively about the
05:20:34 things --
05:20:36 >> Talking about $507 here, do you get a car, you go to the
05:20:40 pool, you got $50, if you come in this time it's free,
05:20:47 that's free, you know.
05:20:48 But clear and concise, what's the deal?
05:20:52 >> And I think we talked about here on the dais at the last
05:20:59 budget hearing and also talked about when Mrs. Palus was
05:21:02 delivering some staff reports over the several months that
05:21:04 we have been here, the schedule of fees is very complicated.
05:21:12 And it is sometimes a matrix that you need a Ph.D. and a
05:21:17 flow chart to figure out.
05:21:19 So if we could work on clarifying that fee schedule, or I
05:21:28 don't know if I want to say simplifying the fee schedule,
05:21:34 that would help.
05:21:35 Another thing that would help would have the Web site
05:21:38 accurately depict what is currently the fee schedule,
05:21:42 because I know sometimes I have gone to the Web site, not
05:21:45 only of the Parks Department but several of our other
05:21:48 departments, to look at things and the information isn't
05:21:51 either right there in front of you, you have to dig for it,
05:21:54 it's hard to get to, so in the effort of good communication,
05:21:59 maybe we can work on some of those things.
05:22:01 >> One suggestion was also the boards at the recreation
05:22:07 center itself for people that don't go to the Web site.
05:22:09 Thank you.
05:22:09 >>MARY MULHERN: Mr. El-Amin.
05:22:18 One other question.
05:22:19 I wasn't clear.
05:22:21 I may not have been listening but -- close enough.
05:22:24 Councilwoman Montelione talked about the fees and the
05:22:27 structure and the complexity of trying to figure it out.
05:22:32 But I thought I heard you talking about the rental fee.
05:22:36 >> That's what I want to put, the laser beam was on.
05:22:41 I was using Ragan Park for an example of the community
05:22:44 center.
05:22:45 For a nonprofit it's citizen 500.
05:22:47 It was about 120.
05:22:52 And now you go from 120 to 500 dollars.
05:22:55 And if you are not a nonprofit, 628.
05:22:57 And utilities from the community and nonprofits would
05:23:03 develop to community projects, you know, giving gifts back.
05:23:06 So if they can find some money to decrease from the capital
05:23:10 improvement and just put some of that money in for a buffer
05:23:12 to lower the fees and get more -- you have low fees, more
05:23:19 people use it, you still make the moneys.
05:23:21 >> Okay, yeah: I wanted to hear what those numbers were.
05:23:26 Thank you.
05:23:27 Oh, Councilwoman Capin.
05:23:31 >>YVONNE CAPIN: Yes, I'm glad you brought up the board,
05:23:34 because you reminded me that than is what I suggested at our
05:23:38 last meeting.
05:23:39 And I was informed that all the centers have computer labs
05:23:44 there.
05:23:45 They may not be available all the time.
05:23:47 So the board will be very helpful.
05:23:50 Thanks for reminding us.
05:23:51 >> I remember than you was the council lady that said that,
05:23:58 and I can jumping with joy.
05:23:59 Because being on the board, you know, really key information
05:24:03 out there.
05:24:07 Anybody else?
05:24:07 I don't want to keep turning back around.
05:24:09 [ Laughter ]
05:24:10 >> It looks like you have a chance to leave now.
05:24:12 No one is asking questions.
05:24:14 [ Laughter ]
05:24:15 >> Leave while I can.
05:24:16 >>FRANK REDDICK: I am going to wait till you sit down, then
05:24:19 I am going to call him back up.
05:24:21 Madam Chairman, before she speaks, could we, once she's
05:24:27 finished, is it possible we could have the parks and
05:24:31 recreation director to come before us?
05:24:33 >>MARY MULHERN: Let's hear public comment.
05:24:35 And then we can ask Ms. Palus if she could update us.
05:24:39 >> Good evening, council.
05:24:40 I'm elder Michelle Patty.
05:24:43 Before we get started, I'm red representing a group of
05:24:46 people and I would like to ask for two extra minutes if
05:24:48 possible because they are asking me to be their spokesperson
05:24:51 tonight.
05:24:51 >>MARY MULHERN: What's the pleasure of council?
05:25:03 Looks like you are the only other person who wants to speak.
05:25:05 >> And I promise not to give a sermon.
05:25:07 >>MARY MULHERN: Mr. Shelby, did you want us to vote on
05:25:13 that?
05:25:14 >>MARTIN SHELBY: Normally there's a speaker waiver form for
05:25:16 a public hearing.
05:25:17 Council can choose to waive that to expedite things if those
05:25:20 people who are waiving their time one just acknowledge that
05:25:23 they are doing that.
05:25:23 Could you just raise your hand?
05:25:25 And -- well, there's more than two hands.
05:25:28 You want how many minutes total?
05:25:30 >> Just five.
05:25:31 I might not need them.
05:25:33 >>MARY MULHERN: And before you start, were there not forms
05:25:37 in the hallway?
05:25:39 Because we talked about that last night.
05:25:40 >> It's just a formality.
05:25:44 I just want to know if they were out there in the hallway.
05:25:46 >>MARY MULHERN: If you find them on are your way out, go
05:25:50 ahead and fill them out for our record.
05:25:52 Thank you.
05:25:52 >> First of all, I would like to say we appreciate the
05:25:56 opportunity to speak to you tonight.
05:25:58 The last time that we were here as brother Johnson stated,
05:26:03 Mrs. Palus stated some things that were not just correct,
05:26:07 and we would just like some clarification.
05:26:09 First of all, $15 seems like nothing.
05:26:14 And in the way she spoke with that jolly face and that
05:26:17 happiness and that warm and fuzzy.
05:26:19 But we got to realize that the State of Florida has one of
05:26:22 the highest unemployment rates, and we are losing -- our
05:26:28 homeless people are being fed outside daily as I stand here.
05:26:32 So $15, $50 for a family of four, there's a difference in
05:26:37 whether a family eats and whether people understand it or
05:26:39 not, the EBT card does not pay for clothes, deodorant, the
05:26:46 necessities of life.
05:26:47 So what we have is the haves and the have nots.
05:26:50 There's a lot of children that are being turned away from
05:26:53 the park, because when they come, whether they want to play
05:26:56 hoops or not, they have to have a card in order to play.
05:27:02 Taxpayers are saying, why can't Johnny play basketball or do
05:27:06 whatever without that card that I expect for him to have at
05:27:11 the YMCA but didn't have it here at the park?
05:27:15 By the time I reached home, I received numerous calls from
05:27:18 the seniors saying, don't leave them out, because they have
05:27:21 not been able to utilize the park, and the information that
05:27:26 I gave you that I received from Mrs. Palus is that the last
05:27:30 trip, the very last trip that the seniors were able to take
05:27:35 was a trip that I paid for.
05:27:38 My business paid for these seniors to go on a field trip.
05:27:41 They were not able to gone to the strawberry festival or do
05:27:44 anything because they are being charged $25 an hour to rent
05:27:49 a van, and I have been told by Mrs. Palus that the van
05:27:55 driver is already on the clock, and that's some kind of
05:27:57 recovery fee.
05:27:58 Then there's also a fee of $15 for the vehicle.
05:28:02 Then we go to a dollar per person to be ride the van one
05:28:07 way.
05:28:08 A dollar per person inside the city.
05:28:10 If they want to go to the strawberry festival, it is $2 a
05:28:15 head.
05:28:15 There's just too much taxing of our citizens who are on a
05:28:21 fixed, low-income budget.
05:28:24 We are talking about doing the budget, but we are doing it
05:28:27 off the backs of our seniors and our children, and that is
05:28:31 not fair for a city that is so great that we can bring in
05:28:36 the national Republican convention here, and throw our
05:28:41 seniors and children out to the wolves.
05:28:43 That's not conducive and should not be of this council.
05:28:46 So what we need to do is make the City of Tampa friendly
05:28:49 year round, year round, not just when we have a Super Bowl
05:28:53 or when we have special guests.
05:28:54 The citizens pay taxes, need to have a better break than
05:28:58 what they are receiving now under this plan.
05:29:01 So these are things -- and I am being told that the seniors
05:29:04 are not utilizing the parks anymore.
05:29:07 They used to go out there every day.
05:29:09 They used to receive their meals out there.
05:29:11 There's a lot of seniors that don't have children.
05:29:13 They don't have family.
05:29:14 So this park was their way of staying alive, whether you
05:29:18 realize it or not, at 70, 380.
05:29:22 My mother-in-law lives out there.
05:29:23 She's 87.
05:29:24 This is her connection to her friends and it brought joy to
05:29:28 them, gave them a chance to speak and talk to one another.
05:29:31 So I'm asking that you not take it lightly.
05:29:33 I'm really disappointed in saying that Councilman Miranda is
05:29:38 still out sick, and because he seemed to understand what is
05:29:44 going on with the seniors in our community.
05:29:45 So if you all could just look at that, and once again, Ragan
05:29:49 Park, and not only Ragan Park, all your facilities, and Mrs.
05:29:54 Palus tried to tell me that this happened several years ago.
05:29:57 And I beg to differ.
05:29:59 The park rates didn't go up seven years ago.
05:30:01 My organization just utilize dollars it at $127 and we had
05:30:06 children galore that came to this event.
05:30:09 And one of the things that the police were complaining about
05:30:14 would Ybor City.
05:30:17 So we stepped up as a nonprofit organization spending money
05:30:20 out of our pocket to keep the youth off the street, and now
05:30:23 the City of Tampa has driven them back to Ybor City and
05:30:26 other places, and they are being killed at alarming rates in
05:30:30 this city.
05:30:31 And you know my personal testimony, losing a child and a
05:30:35 grandson.
05:30:35 So what I'm here speaking on behalf of those who can't come
05:30:39 down at 5:00, at 5:00.
05:30:44 They are getting off work, some folks.
05:30:45 They don't get off till 5:00.
05:30:47 But you have a meeting at 5:00.
05:30:50 And that's not community friendly either.
05:30:52 So I hope that you all would take consideration on what we
05:30:55 are asking you all to do and are more community friendly.
05:30:59 Thank you.
05:30:59 (Bell sounds).
05:31:01 >>MARY MULHERN: Thank you.
05:31:02 Councilwoman Capin has a question.
05:31:07 >>YVONNE CAPIN: Mrs. Patty, your events that you put on are
05:31:09 free.
05:31:10 >> Sometimes they are and sometimes they are not because we
05:31:12 do provide security guards, and we pay the security guard,
05:31:15 we pay the deejay, but it's a very nominal fee that they pay
05:31:20 to get in and those that can't afford it, we come and we
05:31:23 turn no child away.
05:31:26 >>YVONNE CAPIN: So there is a charge?
05:31:29 >> Yes, ma'am.
05:31:30 Those that can, they pay.
05:31:31 >> Is it a general charge or depends on how much the cost
05:31:35 was to put on the event?
05:31:37 >> No.
05:31:37 What we do is we put out $5 ahead.
05:31:43 If they come to the door and can't go in, I go in my pocket
05:31:45 and I pay the difference for the rental, for the deejay, for
05:31:48 the security.
05:31:49 I pay that out of my pocket.
05:31:51 And I don't think we have made a dollar in any event that we
05:31:55 made.
05:31:55 I have gone into my pocket and paid it.
05:31:57 >> I understand that.
05:31:58 Do you have numbers as to the amount of children that came
05:32:03 in free and the amount -- and the total amount that came to
05:32:06 your event?
05:32:07 >> Yes, we can provide that information for you.
05:32:09 Yes, ma'am.
05:32:09 >> I was just curious as to how that works.
05:32:18 Thank you.
05:32:18 >>FRANK REDDICK: You caught me at the wrong time.
05:32:26 Mrs. Patty, let me ask you, because just clarify this for
05:32:31 me.
05:32:31 You say vehicles used citizen 25 an hour.
05:32:37 That's transport?
05:32:40 >> This is seniors.
05:32:44 It's our seniors who want to go from Port Tampa to Ragan
05:32:48 Park.
05:32:49 And used to do that for Thanksgiving, like history month.
05:32:53 Not only the seniors but the children.
05:32:56 It's $25 per hour charge.
05:32:59 So if you go at least three to four hours.
05:33:01 >> Who pays $25, the passengers in the vehicle?
05:33:04 >> Of course.
05:33:08 >> And these are city vehicles?
05:33:10 >> Yes.
05:33:11 I was under the impression that some of them were donated
05:33:13 from transportation, that these vans was donated.
05:33:16 I'm not 100 percent sure.
05:33:18 But that's what I was told.
05:33:19 And the driver don't get the money.
05:33:21 He's already on the clock, he or she is on the clock.
05:33:24 >> All right, this is where I want to ask staff a question.
05:33:27 >> Can I ask a question of you, Mrs. Patty, to get more on
05:33:32 this?
05:33:32 So it's $25 an hour for the vehicle total?
05:33:35 >> Yes.
05:33:36 >> So if you are going for four hours --
05:33:38 >> It's 100.
05:33:40 Yes.
05:33:41 Per.
05:33:42 And don't forget the dollar ahead for one way, and two
05:33:46 dollars ahead for out of the city.
05:33:48 I can't afford that.
05:33:50 Our seniors can't.
05:33:51 >>MARY MULHERN: Any other questions for Mrs. Patty?
05:33:55 >>HARRY COHEN: The dollar is in addition to the 25?
05:33:57 >> Yes, sir.
05:33:58 And the $15 per vehicle.
05:34:03 So why 25 plus 15 plus a dollar plus two dollars?
05:34:08 And where is the money going?
05:34:10 If we can get a clarification on that.
05:34:12 Why so much?
05:34:13 And what are they doing with it?
05:34:14 >> Mrs. Palus?
05:34:27 You don't very much to come back to the mike.
05:34:28 I just want to make a statement.
05:34:31 Our chief is sitting there, and one thing you did mention
05:34:35 was crime and murders.
05:34:36 And I adopt want -- anytime somebody makes a statement like
05:34:40 that just in general without any numbers to support it, I
05:34:43 want to make sure that we remind the community and remind
05:34:47 those who might be watching than our crime rate is down
05:34:51 across the city 67%?
05:34:56 61.5%.
05:34:58 And losing even one child, and the police chief will back me
05:35:03 up on this, is too much.
05:35:05 But I just want to make sure --
05:35:08 >> That clarification --
05:35:10 >>LISA MONTELIONE: The statement is made, it just makes it
05:35:12 sound to the general public like Tampa is a really dangerous
05:35:15 place to be.
05:35:16 >> Well, when you look at my community, it's a reality.
05:35:19 >> My community as well.
05:35:22 >> You can see the pictures where we are still looking for
05:35:25 killers of young people that has not reached the age of 18.
05:35:29 So it is a reality.
05:35:30 And we are not trying to put a blemish on the City of Tampa,
05:35:34 but that's a fact in the community.
05:35:35 And everyone don't die but they are hurt.
05:35:38 >>LISA MONTELIONE: I understand that.
05:35:40 I just want -- I just want to make sure that we are not just
05:35:44 making general statements and --
05:35:47 >> One is too many.
05:35:48 >>LISA MONTELIONE: That's right.
05:35:50 And I just think we need to hear from Mrs. Palus.
05:35:53 >>MARY MULHERN: Thank you.
05:35:56 Is there anyone else from the public who wishes to speak?
05:36:01 Mrs. Palus?
05:36:02 Oh, I'm sorry.
05:36:04 Please, if you want to speak, please come up.
05:36:08 This is the time for the public to speak.
05:36:10 So if you want to speak, be ready.
05:36:12 >> I'm ready.
05:36:13 Will do.
05:36:14 Good evening, City Council.
05:36:16 Madam Chair.
05:36:16 I want to reiterate --
05:36:20 >> I'm sorry.
05:36:21 >> Michael Lewis with first victory church, 2801 east
05:36:26 17th Avenue, Tampa, Florida 336074.
05:36:30 And I serve as the pastor of first victory of faith church
05:36:35 located on 29th street, the corner of 29th and
05:36:38 17th Avenue.
05:36:40 And I rose to reiterate real quickly what elder Patty has
05:36:47 already said.
05:36:47 If there's not some type of reform, and major reform, a
05:36:54 revolution with these parks, kids have nowhere to go.
05:37:02 You have already moved staff from 17th, 18th street
05:37:05 park.
05:37:05 That's no staff there.
05:37:06 And during the summer months, our church is right there.
05:37:10 And these kids have nowhere to go.
05:37:14 They cannot afford YMCA.
05:37:17 They cannot afford the various other summer programs.
05:37:20 I understand that the budgets are tight.
05:37:25 But the way we are budgeting our money, giving tons of money
05:37:30 already to public safety, which is needed.
05:37:31 But surely some of that, and the economic development money
05:37:37 should be going to keep these parks open, keep developing
05:37:45 communities for these children.
05:37:46 You just have been no idea how encompassing it is to see so
05:37:52 many of these kids during the summer months after school and
05:37:55 there's nowhere to go.
05:37:56 Many of the parents are working.
05:37:57 There's nowhere to go.
05:37:59 And I just could not sit there.
05:38:01 I have to overemphasize that something has to be done to
05:38:05 keep these parks, not just a place of recreation.
05:38:09 It's a safety place.
05:38:10 When I grew up, my mother worked two jobs.
05:38:13 The park was all we had.
05:38:15 And it's a place of safety, it's a place of education.
05:38:21 And to all who is listening and looking, we have to
05:38:25 reprioritize our priorities and look again at empowering and
05:38:31 helping these parks stay open.
05:38:33 Okay.
05:38:33 >>MARY MULHERN: Thank you.
05:38:35 Don't go away.
05:38:36 Councilman Reddick.
05:38:37 >>FRANK REDDICK: Thank you, Mr. Lewis.
05:38:45 I was at a point where I thought we was getting ready to
05:38:48 bring closure to one issue and now you just opened another
05:38:52 issue.
05:38:52 Now, you say 17th Avenue park?
05:38:56 >> I believe that's 18th street.
05:38:58 >> And this is a recreation facility, the rec center?
05:39:04 >> Al Barnes park.
05:39:07 >> Okay, on 17th street.
05:39:09 There's in a staff at that park?
05:39:10 >> No, you all took the staff away.
05:39:12 >> Well, don't say y'all.
05:39:15 [ Laughter ]
05:39:20 I think it's been a year, two years now, there's no staff
05:39:24 there at all.
05:39:28 There used to be a place during the summer months where the
05:39:31 kids could come and get their summer lunch, and I don't
05:39:34 think that's there anymore either.
05:39:36 >> And that park, I know, used to have a lot of activities
05:39:39 out there.
05:39:41 That's one that is adjacent from Reverend Scott's church, if
05:39:45 I am correct.
05:39:46 >> Yes.
05:39:48 >> And they utilize that park a lot.
05:39:51 And now then is during the weekday, there's nobody there,
05:39:58 what you are saying, no staff at all? Okay.
05:40:00 Well, I wanted to get clarification on that, because when
05:40:04 the parks and rec director comes up.
05:40:07 >> And if she wouldn't mind responding, also, we have
05:40:12 attempted to contact parks to be try to be rent facilities
05:40:16 for some of our church events, and that is a very difficult
05:40:20 task, A, getting in touch with someone, getting the exact
05:40:22 amount, getting clarification, getting phone calls back.
05:40:25 It is extremely difficult to be get understanding when you
05:40:31 are trying to do something as a nonprofit organization to
05:40:35 cooperate with that office.
05:40:37 >> Thank you.
05:40:38 >>MARY MULHERN: Mr. Lewis, please wait if council has any
05:40:46 questions.
05:40:49 Councilman Cohen.
05:40:50 >>HARRY COHEN: Is it your view that the reason that people
05:40:53 are unable to access the parks is because the $15 is
05:41:00 unaffordable and, therefore, it's a deal breaker?
05:41:04 >> I think it's a combination of that, and you don't have
05:41:08 staff there who can help foster relationships in the
05:41:11 community.
05:41:12 When I grew up, we went to the park.
05:41:15 The staff is almost like a big brother.
05:41:17 It was almost like a parent for you, you know.
05:41:22 They had influence in your life.
05:41:24 So I think it's a combination with a $15 charge, which is a
05:41:27 major deal breaker, because you are dealing with
05:41:34 impoverished people, people that don't have that kind of
05:41:36 accessible money to be paying that.
05:41:39 So in addition to that, and no staff there, makes a big
05:41:44 difference, yes.
05:41:44 >>MARY MULHERN: Thank you, Mr. Lewis.
05:41:50 Is there anyone else from the public who wishes oh to speak?
05:41:53 >> Madam Chair, council, my name is Michael Hadley, P.O. Box
05:42:05 1132 Tampa, Florida 33680.
05:42:09 I would like to bring to your attention that this is not
05:42:12 just the city parks, I don't know if you have been in
05:42:18 Hillsborough County, but this community from the city to the
05:42:22 county.
05:42:24 The gentleman say that kid are growing up on the park.
05:42:31 Let me give you an example.
05:42:33 I do security for one of the city's property, Moses White,
05:42:37 in Seminole.
05:42:38 Well, across the street, Nuccio park, there's no staff.
05:42:44 It's just a building.
05:42:45 They got the Nuccio boards, 56th street, and they sit
05:42:56 there at that park, and now recruiting teens, 15, 12 years
05:43:01 old, because they can't get into the park.
05:43:03 They have to jump the fence.
05:43:05 They are not safe.
05:43:07 Now, you made a statistic, 65% crime down from what?
05:43:14 You know, the City of Tampa and the community, for parks
05:43:22 where you can walk, there has to be a safety net.
05:43:25 They need this.
05:43:31 16, 17 years old locked in their apartment?
05:43:33 That's not humane.
05:43:35 I know you want to do the right thing but how do we do the
05:43:38 right thing?
05:43:38 You have a city budget.
05:43:40 Hillsborough County.
05:43:41 I know there's a collaboration going on.
05:43:43 What can we do collectively?
05:43:45 Not let's do what we can do, what we can't do, but what
05:43:49 could we do to provide this service to good people in need?
05:43:54 And I don't think it's any malice but sometimes we have to
05:43:59 think outside the box, looking at numbers.
05:44:02 I look at your budget.
05:44:03 And we did 10,000 into the Sports Authority and all these
05:44:08 different across the boards, and you ought to have look at
05:44:10 what's important.
05:44:11 Because every kid that we put in jail, every kid that breaks
05:44:14 into somebody's house, every day that kid is strong armed
05:44:19 where we could have stayed, that's more money that you have
05:44:22 to take him from one place to try to rehabilitate somebody
05:44:26 else.
05:44:27 Because they are going to be in somebody's house.
05:44:30 I don't care what kind of gated community you live in.
05:44:33 Nobody is protected.
05:44:34 Thank you.
05:44:40 >>MARY MULHERN: Thank you.
05:44:41 Is there anyone else who wishes to speak?
05:44:46 Mrs. Palus?
05:44:47 >>KAREN PALUS: Good he can.
05:44:57 Karen Palus, parks and recreation director.
05:44:58 I am going to try to take them item by item for everyone to
05:45:02 make sure we are clear.
05:45:03 I did do a nice layout with all the information for Mrs.
05:45:07 Patty and sent that to her back on the 14th, and also to
05:45:12 Councilman Reddick's office.
05:45:15 They had a copy of all the information they requested, and
05:45:19 shared with them just the excerpts from the fee schedule, so
05:45:24 they would have that information, and if there were further
05:45:27 questions I would have been happy to help with them prior to
05:45:29 this evening.
05:45:30 I just want to shown you regarding the rentals and such and
05:45:35 as far as the fees.
05:45:36 There's been a lot of different things kind of talked about
05:45:39 here, but essentially with Reagan, just recently
05:45:47 reservations, in 2010 we had 136 rentals, 79 of them were
05:45:52 free, and 573 were significantly discounted.
05:45:55 So we have three out of all those rentals that paid full
05:45:58 price, that paid the full amount, which is the $100 an hour,
05:46:02 the $25 and the fee, if they have a deposit.
05:46:05 There are details depending on the type of event, size of
05:46:09 event, scope of event, whether topped is -- TPD is involved,
05:46:12 whether fire res coup is involved.
05:46:15 We sit down with anybody that needs assistance and we walk
05:46:19 through that within them, and we are happy to do that with
05:46:21 any of the folks that were here today.
05:46:23 In regards to rental was our shelters and such, the
05:46:27 gentleman that responsible about how difficult it is, yeah,
05:46:31 during our peak season we received over 1,000 requests of
05:46:38 TXT messages and over a thousand phone calls.
05:46:41 You can see the earlier you make your reservations for
05:46:43 shelter rentals, we extremely busy.
05:46:47 One of the things we are attempting to go is get that up in
05:46:49 automation so you can do it yourself and not use staff
05:46:55 support to secure your location and facility you are looking
05:46:57 for.
05:46:58 Again they can access those at our computer labs locations.
05:47:03 I am happy to go over them within the statistics that I
05:47:06 shared with the rentals, but specifically for this past year
05:47:09 so far, average dollar spent for receipts that we have has
05:47:13 been just shy of $300.
05:47:16 So the numbers that were shared are the maximum numbers but
05:47:19 not the discounts.
05:47:21 There are some things of that have already been co-sponsored
05:47:23 for years.
05:47:24 Then continue to be co-sponsored.
05:47:26 But we have typically had three in one year.
05:47:30 I think we had eight in another year that paid the full
05:47:33 price.
05:47:34 But these are workable and we can continue to work with
05:47:37 folks that need assistance.
05:47:38 We are happy to do that.
05:47:39 I think that answer it is rental fee.
05:47:42 And I can send everyone the full information that I had sent
05:47:46 to Councilman Reddick about this and to Ms. Patty as well,
05:47:50 if you would like.
05:47:51 >>MARY MULHERN: Councilman Suarez?
05:47:55 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Thank you, Ms. Palus.
05:47:58 I have a question for you.
05:47:59 And I think this is probably done prior to our election are
05:48:02 in March.
05:48:05 Did you do have any kind of analysis in terms of what the
05:48:10 cost should be in terms of April card for entrance for the
05:48:14 recreational facilities?
05:48:15 I know two of my sons have those cards.
05:48:19 Then partake in a lot of different activities over there.
05:48:22 But did you all do a study of that?
05:48:24 The second question I had, did you do a study about what the
05:48:27 real rental cost is?
05:48:28 I mean, we are at a spot now in our economy that it must be
05:48:32 extremely difficult for any of these other venues that are
05:48:35 out there to actually rent out.
05:48:39 Are we too close to what that cost is?
05:48:42 Or should we lower it?
05:48:44 Did we do any studies whatsoever about that?
05:48:47 >> Yes, we did a full assessment back in '09.
05:48:51 So we did -- and we worked on this for several years.
05:48:56 It high pressure not been done since the early 80s.
05:49:01 It had not been revisited other than a few incremental
05:49:04 things, so this is a major investment, and benchmarking and
05:49:07 looking at other municipalities, having multiple dialogues
05:49:10 through council, making sure that have been was comfortable,
05:49:13 where we are at, and as they fund those other cities and
05:49:17 such.
05:49:18 Tampa hasn't seen any increases, even small incremental
05:49:22 increases in our fee schedule since the early 80s.
05:49:26 As you can imagine brick that to market where other folks
05:49:29 were, or even close to that, would be a major, major jump.
05:49:34 For example, in the after-school program, not to bring up
05:49:37 that issue, but we proposed half the price of what other
05:49:42 communities were at at the lowest level.
05:49:44 So, I mean, that gives you an example of how we worked at
05:49:49 that, not just wharf else is doing but was right for Tampa
05:49:52 and would eventually work for our folks.
05:49:54 And so we continue to do that.
05:49:56 We continue to invest for looking at our fees each year.
05:50:00 Most of our programs for seniors are essentially free,
05:50:03 unless they are a contracted instructor.
05:50:06 Our rates for seniors -- and I shared all of that
05:50:08 information as well.
05:50:10 We have thousands of programs in our day to day so all you
05:50:15 have to do is punch in what you are looking for, and Tampa
05:50:19 fees and the information come up.
05:50:20 If they are volunteers, those are free.
05:50:23 Some of the programs that are club oriented like the bunko
05:50:28 club and the knitting clubs and -- you name it, there's a
05:50:34 club out there.
05:50:35 And those are all programmed for folks.
05:50:38 >>Are if I can interrupt, Mrs. Palus.
05:50:40 I think it was '09 is when you first instituted the card,
05:50:45 correct?
05:50:45 Or was it earlier?
05:50:47 >> Actually, we have had -- this is called a rec card, what
05:50:51 used to be called the activity fee.
05:50:53 And that has been for dollars per session than for years.
05:50:57 So Z.16 in some parts of town.
05:51:00 >> But you all changed it to a regular --
05:51:03 >> The '09.
05:51:04 >> Okay, it was '09. I remember that because I remember
05:51:08 going in to bring my children to a particular thing at the
05:51:11 park, and they said, where is your rec card?
05:51:14 And I had no idea about it.
05:51:15 The second question I have about not necessarily the fees
05:51:19 itself, but when someone goes to the Web site to find out
05:51:22 how to rent, I mean, it sounds like we are doing a lot, not
05:51:27 in a proactive way, at least not in terms of the Web site,
05:51:31 in terms of saying you can get discounted rentals.
05:51:35 Do you spell that out in the -- on the Web site?
05:51:39 I know it's a difficult thing because if you are talking
05:51:41 about here is the chart for the fee for use of it, do we say
05:51:47 up front, well, you know, if you are a nonprofit you may be
05:51:50 able to get a discount at a rate.
05:51:52 This is the same discounted rate.
05:51:54 I think there's a real issue here based on the conversations
05:51:57 that we have had with some of the public that we are not
05:52:01 doing a good enough job of communicating what we can do to
05:52:06 help nonprofits out, and then of course I think that
05:52:09 dovetails also into the transportation issue which I think
05:52:12 all of us probably want to hear some of the specifics.
05:52:15 You know, we are just trying to figure out, what is going to
05:52:18 be the best thing?
05:52:19 And then the second part of that is be -- and now about best
05:52:24 practices because you study about parks all over the
05:52:26 country.
05:52:26 And to me, I think the nexus between what is it that a park
05:52:30 is supposed to do in terms of the saving?
05:52:34 Provides amenities for those people that work and live here.
05:52:37 It provides a green area for folks to enjoy seeing B.but
05:52:44 there's also a second part of that which is the activities
05:52:47 of those children that are in our city, whether they have
05:52:52 the money to go to another recreational facility or not.
05:52:56 And I guess we need to find out where that balance is at,
05:52:59 because it doesn't look like to folks in the community that
05:53:04 we are striking that balance correctly.
05:53:06 So first thing, if you could just tell me about the Web site
05:53:09 and how it's presented.
05:53:10 And then the other two questions.
05:53:12 Hopefully you remembered them all.
05:53:13 If not you can ask me again.
05:53:14 >>KAREN PALUS: The information is available up there.
05:53:21 We also have in the fee schedule, it lays out specifically
05:53:24 if you are a category 1, 2, 3 or 4, and laid out
05:53:29 sponsorships, sponsored, co-sponsored, not for profit which
05:53:32 means you have to be a 501(c)3, private and --
05:53:37 >> What does sponsored and co-sponsored mean?
05:53:41 City?
05:53:42 >> Yes.
05:53:43 And there's multitudes of those, going to the co-sponsorship
05:53:47 committee.
05:53:48 There's a whole separate committee set up that all of the
05:53:51 different departments that are impacted goes through.
05:53:53 That's all outlined in chapter 28 and chapter 16.
05:53:56 Depending on the type and style and size of an event really
05:54:00 determines where they fall.
05:54:01 So that's why we work very closely with those customers.
05:54:05 And again I speak to the folks that are behind me.
05:54:07 We are happy to sit down, our staff meet with folks day in
05:54:10 and day out to go over their events, help them, give them
05:54:13 ideas.
05:54:14 We work with them to help figure out ways to save money.
05:54:16 A lot of times, depending on the size and scope of the
05:54:19 event, they require additional TPD officers and require
05:54:22 additional security, may require additional rescue.
05:54:25 Those are the types of conversations we have and that's why
05:54:29 those folks are to help them to put on the best event, and
05:54:34 the city, we do a really good job at that.
05:54:37 Hand down when you benchmark to other communities, it's
05:54:40 amazing what we co-sponsor and the amount of dollars we are
05:54:44 helping all those nonprofits because we are doing a lot and
05:54:47 will be happy to share that information with you all as
05:54:50 well.
05:54:51 I am going to go to the next one.
05:54:52 I do want touch go back to one question that you had about
05:54:55 the activity fee and rec card.
05:55:00 What we did because we have all those facilities I mentioned
05:55:03 last time, 26-plus throughout the city, is before we had an
05:55:06 activity fee, so if you paid that fee, in Hyde Park, an art
05:55:14 class but you are also a swimmer, it's not always open at
05:55:19 6:30, 7:00 and we didn't have an automated system.
05:55:23 So how did I know that Ms. Capin had an activity fee at Hyde
05:55:27 Park but it's now a lap swimmer down at Interbay and there
05:55:32 was no way to be communicate that.
05:55:33 So the rec card was a way to do that.
05:55:39 Again, if you are in certain parts of the city, $16 for
05:55:43 that.
05:55:43 Same thing rec card.
05:55:45 If you are in other parts of the city they were $12 a year.
05:55:47 So we standardized that.
05:55:49 Parks and rec came together, we standardized that and that's
05:55:53 where the $15 rec card came from.
05:55:56 We kind of flipped the baby on that eventually.
05:55:59 Okay.
05:56:02 And then the transportation, I shared with Ms. Patty on the
05:56:05 transportation what that is, is that -- essentially we set
05:56:11 up and again this is benchmarked with others.
05:56:16 We have a transportation schedule in regards to
05:56:18 transportation within Tampa Bay as a one way, outside Tampa
05:56:22 Bay two way, and/or direct cost.
05:56:25 Sometimes we chartered for larger groups so we are more air
05:56:29 conditioned, and tan those very nice vehicles.
05:56:34 So interns spread out throughout the entire group that
05:56:38 participate.
05:56:38 I will give you an example.
05:56:39 This is what I shared with her.
05:56:41 On a group of 25 seniors take a four-hour trip, it would
05:56:45 cost them $6 which includes the driver, the vehicle,
05:56:48 everything to participate.
05:56:50 And if there is something we need to assist with, I'm happy
05:56:53 to readdress that and look at it again with our seniors.
05:56:57 But again the majority of our seniors program are free out
05:57:00 there in all of our locations.
05:57:02 The one thing, and I don't remember, Ms. Patty or one of the
05:57:07 other folks, regarding the senior nutritional bunch, that
05:57:11 used to be housed at our Fairoaks facility, however that's
05:57:15 not a program we operated and they chose to no longer offer
05:57:18 that so that is why there was a decrease in the number of
05:57:21 seniors at that location during that time, and there was
05:57:24 another location that was feeding during lunch, and they
05:57:29 consolidated those efforts.
05:57:30 We didn't have the proper facilities and things for what
05:57:32 they needed to do, and they were looking at trying to be
05:57:34 reduce their budget as well.
05:57:36 So that is why that nutritional program went away from
05:57:40 Fairoaks.
05:57:40 >>MARY MULHERN: Councilman Reddick and Capin.
05:57:43 >>FRANK REDDICK: Mrs. Palus, is it true that there is no
05:57:47 staff at 17th street park?
05:57:52 >> It is hard for staff to get over to 18th street as
05:58:00 well as Barnes.
05:58:03 A wonderful man and we pay tribute to that facility.
05:58:06 Actually, in 2006 we used to run a playground program there.
05:58:10 There are no facilities there.
05:58:11 It's shelter only, an open neighborhood park facility.
05:58:15 So during the transition of 2006 to 2007 we made the budget
05:58:19 reduction.
05:58:20 What am that is, the locations that have our rec centers in
05:58:24 close proximity and consolidated our efforts into both
05:58:29 locations.
05:58:29 We ran our summer programs and after-school programs boo in
05:58:32 build pings, not just open and out there.
05:58:34 We do have staff to still oversee the maintenance of that
05:58:38 facility and seems to provide --
05:58:44 >> So every facility that you presented not to be rec
05:58:50 center, so there is no staff.
05:58:52 >> Correct.
05:58:53 It's not a staffed program activity.
05:58:55 >> Staffed program.
05:58:56 Now, the facilities that are staffed programs, are all of
05:59:01 them with staff?
05:59:03 >> Yes, sir.
05:59:05 >>FRANK REDDICK: So every staff program in the city has
05:59:08 staff?
05:59:08 >> Yes.
05:59:09 Like our playground center like Highland pine and Benito,
05:59:14 those facility are staffed and typically open from eight,
05:59:18 and then some of our larger facility are open till 9:00,
05:59:22 10:00 depending on their activities, seen sports and stuff.
05:59:32 They are great not only for the rentals but also for the
05:59:35 sports league.
05:59:36 We have a tremendous amount of sports activities in that
05:59:38 location.
05:59:38 >> So at Al Barnes facility, if someone rents that facility,
05:59:46 I'm assuming that someone from the city goes out and opens
05:59:50 up the restrooms and that type of thing?
05:59:55 >> Yes, sir.
05:59:57 >> And also maintains the cleanliness of the facility?
06:00:00 >> Yes, sir.
06:00:00 >> Then they go back and close it at the end of the day.
06:00:04 That is the only services that have been provided out there
06:00:07 at Al Barnes?
06:00:10 >> Just in oversite, the maintenance.
06:00:13 But we are not running it as an after-school program at that
06:00:18 location.
06:00:19 >> One more question.
06:00:20 Just one more.
06:00:23 With this direct cost base on $25 an hour, the drivers of
06:00:28 those vehicles, are they city employees?
06:00:30 >> Yes, sir, they are.
06:00:31 >> So they are there on full salary?
06:00:36 >> Yes, sir.
06:00:37 >> Do they benefit any extra financial gain through
06:00:41 receiving about driving the vehicles, providing
06:00:46 transportation for these people?
06:00:47 >> No, sir, they do not.
06:00:49 It's part of their normal operation and what we do is our
06:00:54 service attendance fees, a standard service fees as a way of
06:01:00 cost recovery and how we operate.
06:01:02 It standardized versus the actual rate for an employee.
06:01:06 >> These are city owned vehicles?
06:01:08 >> Yes, sir, they are.
06:01:09 >> So the most city owned vehicles --
06:01:18 >> Yes, sir.
06:01:19 >> As well as seat for the handicapped.
06:01:21 And they also utilize -- I see vans out here sometimes, so
06:01:27 I'm pretty sure those vans transport people, even staff to
06:01:33 some places.
06:01:34 Now, what is the purpose of the $25 cost?
06:01:37 >> It's a cost recovery for our program.
06:01:40 >> Who receives the $25?
06:01:42 >> It comes back into our general fund to help offset the
06:01:45 cost of our operations for the Parks and Recreation
06:01:47 Department.
06:01:48 >> As far as this budget, is it fair to say when you get 14%
06:01:57 of the budget, and 50.2 -- I guess million dollars, I
06:02:03 guess -- and does that $25 recovery include into that budget
06:02:10 allocation?
06:02:10 >> Yes, sir, it is.
06:02:12 It's how we balance our budget based on the revenues come in
06:02:15 and what we anticipate from our department.
06:02:18 >> And let me just ask one question to our chief of staff,
06:02:22 Mr. Santiago.
06:02:25 How do you do, sir?
06:02:27 >> Good evening, sir.
06:02:28 >> Oh, you are so cheerful.
06:02:30 >> Well, you know, just sitting holding onto my seat.
06:02:36 [ Laughter ]
06:02:38 You know, this is -- Mr. El-Amin will have a conversation
06:02:45 after the meeting.
06:02:48 Santiago Corrada, chief of staff.
06:02:52 Just like the honorable Montelione writes when something is
06:02:57 thrown out there, usually you don't let to let it lie
06:03:00 without a response.
06:03:00 So I can tell you the one thing I have never been accused of
06:03:04 is talking in riddles.
06:03:06 I'm as clear as I am structurally challenged and short.
06:03:17 So I hope I can answer with transparency.
06:03:19 >> Well, it seemed like you were anxious to get up and say
06:03:23 something.
06:03:23 >> Thank you.
06:03:24 I appreciate that.
06:03:25 >> Let me just ask you one question.
06:03:27 And just for you to -- just on the line of the $24 for
06:03:35 vehicles.
06:03:36 And I'm just asking in a courtesy way as can chief of staff,
06:03:45 would you be willing to go and evaluate this particular
06:03:50 issue about the $25 and see if we could be better utilized
06:03:57 as a service to this community?
06:04:00 Because when I see the budget of $50.2 million, and then I
06:04:05 see a recovery fee, and city employee, city transportation
06:04:10 vehicle, then maintenance cost, or something I can
06:04:15 understand.
06:04:15 But recovery, I don't know why, what it covers.
06:04:21 So if I can ask in a general way if you will be willing to
06:04:24 look into that and just review it?
06:04:27 >> Sir, absolutely.
06:04:28 We will look at the fees.
06:04:29 We will look at the rental fee.
06:04:31 We will look at any other fee.
06:04:33 And if we need to make some modifications and we think it's
06:04:36 in the best interest of the community, we will do.
06:04:38 That I can tell that you that cost recovery came about when
06:04:40 we were trying to augment what revenues the parks and rec
06:04:45 department was receiving to continue to operate when the
06:04:48 economic conditions turned the way they turned.
06:04:51 When we were back in 2009, we mentioned 2009, we were
06:04:54 looking at ways to keep the department afloat, to continue
06:04:57 to provide services to the community, without having to take
06:05:00 the drastic measures that other cities and counties are
06:05:04 taking when they are talking about eliminating programs
06:05:08 completely shutting down centers, closing down pools, so it
06:05:11 was a way to supplement the tax dollars with additional
06:05:16 revenues to continue to keep the department afloat.
06:05:18 And we can certainly look at rentals for not for profits,
06:05:23 cost recovery on field trips for adults and youngsters.
06:05:27 We can do that.
06:05:30 The parks and rec budget only has a small portion that is
06:05:34 attributed to these revenues we are talking about.
06:05:36 So in no way, shape or form should this conversation affect
06:05:39 the passing of this budget.
06:05:40 I mean, it is a small percentage of that $50 million that
06:05:44 goes to parks and rec that is attributed to these revenues,
06:05:48 the rentals, the cost recovery for the use of vehicles.
06:05:51 So, again, we can look at those things, and we can affirm
06:05:55 whether we need to make those changes.
06:05:57 And you know me to be a fair person.
06:05:59 If we need to go ahead and do that we'll go ahead and do.
06:06:02 That but in no way, shape or form should it affect the
06:06:05 passage of this budget because it is a small amount of money
06:06:08 that we can look at.
06:06:09 >> You are absolutely right, chief.
06:06:11 And I will tell you by you stating that on the record, and
06:06:15 giving us assurance for this, I will be more than happy to
06:06:19 support this and be inclined to make the motion for to us
06:06:23 move forward once everybody gets through with their
06:06:26 deliberations.
06:06:26 >> Thank you, sir.
06:06:28 >>MARY MULHERN: Councilwoman Capin.
06:06:32 >>YVONNE CAPIN: I was looking, and I guess Mrs. Palus or
06:06:38 chief of staff Santiago, whichever.
06:06:41 I'm looking at this, the program.
06:06:44 And zero to 17 years old.
06:06:48 Adult 18 to 49.
06:06:49 Seniors 50 years old?
06:06:52 [ Laughter ]
06:07:07 Well, percentage do not apply to programs unless covered by
06:07:11 private agreement, scholarship and/or reduced fees may be
06:07:15 available to youth programs based on need.
06:07:18 When you came up, Mrs. Palus, you said online there was --
06:07:26 if I understood that correctly, that it's available, the
06:07:30 different reductions, scholarships, for seniors.
06:07:35 And I have to tell you, my mother-in-law is 94 years old.
06:07:41 She lives in a wonderful subsidized apartment, excellent
06:07:48 place.
06:07:50 Her income is her Social Security.
06:07:52 My husband and I supplement her income.
06:07:56 She would never be able, if it weren't for the family, to
06:08:03 pay, to come to these.
06:08:07 And she is definitely not going to go online.
06:08:10 Okay?
06:08:18 >> Online is not our only option.
06:08:20 They can go to their closest rec center that is there to
06:08:23 them, and staff is there to assist them with anything they
06:08:27 need.
06:08:32 >>YVONNE CAPIN: And I wrote this down.
06:08:33 We have sliding scale.
06:08:36 That's what the scholarships and reduced fees are? Because
06:08:40 if we have a family that's at poverty or below poverty, the
06:08:46 $15 individual card, is there a way to mitigate that?
06:08:53 >> Yes.
06:08:53 In fact, what I had sent to Mrs. Patty as well is a
06:08:59 scholarship so if a family needs assistance they let the
06:09:04 staff know and we work with them.
06:09:05 >> The forms are there with the staff?
06:09:07 >> Yes.
06:09:08 It's a very simple form.
06:09:12 For clarification, on television, tonight, we don't do the
06:09:15 sliding scale scenario anymore because their after-school
06:09:18 program is free and our summer program is the lowest rate.
06:09:21 We still offer scholarships, but if they still need
06:09:26 assistance to help with that, if it's the $15, sponsor
06:09:30 children and make sure they have their rec card and they can
06:09:33 come, those are only for the activities that have been they
06:09:36 need to register for within the building.
06:09:38 We have kids that are out there, you know, planning
06:09:40 activity, doing football outside, playing basketball, they
06:09:43 are just coming to the park.
06:09:45 There's no rec card required for that.
06:09:48 It's the registered program specific to if it's after
06:09:51 school, summer, if it's gym and dance, if it's Tae Kwon Do,
06:09:57 if it's Zumba.
06:09:59 There are thousands of activity out there.
06:10:02 Again that's the $15, a way of capturing.
06:10:05 We know honor is here.
06:10:08 They have access to the open gym, the open computer lab,
06:10:12 open swim, and anybody of the free volunteer type programs.
06:10:15 >> So that took the place of the program.
06:10:18 But playing basketball is free?
06:10:21 >> If you are outside in a park, yeah.
06:10:23 Any amenities that we have, you don't as a citizen have been
06:10:28 to come anything to come to Al Lopez and run and play and be
06:10:32 on a playground.
06:10:33 Nobody is asking you for a rec carried.
06:10:35 But if you are going to come in and use the fitness center,
06:10:38 yes, and that's $15 to have access to all our numerous
06:10:41 indoor facilities throughout the city and our a kilowatt I
06:10:44 can center.
06:10:44 >> Thank you for clearing that up for me.
06:10:47 >>MARY MULHERN: Councilman Montelione.
06:10:52 >>HARRY COHEN: I wanted to follow up on what Councilwoman
06:10:59 Capin was just asking about.
06:11:00 Because I'm actually still not totally clear.
06:11:04 Is it an accurate statement that if someone cannot afford to
06:11:08 pay the $15, there is a bypass available to them so that
06:11:13 they can basically get a card without paying it?
06:11:16 >>KAREN PALUS: If they need assistance, we go through
06:11:22 friends of --
06:11:24 >> How does that work?
06:11:25 >> There's a little form.
06:11:27 I will shoot to the you by e-mail.
06:11:29 They ask them to provide a little paragraph of what the need
06:11:32 is and what the assistance.
06:11:34 And as long as the parents write, you know, I have four or
06:11:37 five children, I need assistance, I can pay for these Bob
06:11:40 but need your help with the other ones, we do.
06:11:43 If there's programs, all of those types of things, we work
06:11:46 very closely with them and they have been a very big
06:11:48 supporter of us.
06:11:49 >> Are those forms readily available in all the parks?
06:11:51 >> Yes.
06:11:53 And if they don't have one they show up, we can make sure we
06:11:57 get them there.
06:11:58 >> I'm just wondering if people know that the $15 is not a
06:12:03 hurdle that is going to keep them from being able to use the
06:12:06 park.
06:12:07 Because it sounded from the public comment as though there
06:12:09 are people that are not using the parks because they can't
06:12:14 pay the fee.
06:12:15 And so therein seems to be a dissidence between who is using
06:12:22 the park and who thinks they can afford to use the park or
06:12:25 not.
06:12:25 >> Well, I will work with Mrs. Patty and folks in the
06:12:32 community to be make sure we get additional information out
06:12:34 to the folks.
06:12:35 Because I can assure you Al Lopez is 38,000 people on
06:12:38 average there through a month's time that know they can come
06:12:43 use the park without a rec card.
06:12:45 So I am happy to communicate that with the folks that we'll
06:12:49 produce some additional campaign information to make sure
06:12:51 that word is out.
06:12:52 We are happy to do all of that.
06:12:54 Because we want you there.
06:12:55 That's what those facilities are for.
06:12:56 We want those facility bustle with folks and activities, and
06:13:00 I can share with you, out with programs and activity and
06:13:06 make sure we are getting more information out
06:13:09 communicatewise in regards to what we offer and what's
06:13:12 available.
06:13:12 >> Just as a comment, then I am find issued.
06:13:15 Since this program was instituted in 2009, it's my sense
06:13:19 that a lot of people's circumstances may have changed
06:13:22 drastically.
06:13:23 And one of the things that I think has become clear to all
06:13:26 of us as we have been examining different problems in the
06:13:29 community is than not only are there a lot of people that
06:13:33 are homeless and that are without jobs, but there's an awful
06:13:37 lot of people who are this close to the edge, and that $15,
06:13:42 that may have seemed like a reasonable fine-needle
06:13:44 aspiration for anybody to be able to pay, even two or three
06:13:48 years ago, is just going to be at a reach for an awful lot
06:13:51 more people today than it used to be.
06:13:53 >> And we are happy to work with anybody that needs
06:13:56 assistance.
06:13:57 We have worked through that this summer.
06:13:59 We had a handful of folks that submitted applications, and I
06:14:02 think they did almost 40 scholarships for folks that
06:14:06 requested assistance, and we are happy to work with them on
06:14:09 that.
06:14:09 >>MARY MULHERN: Councilwoman Montelione.
06:14:11 >>LISA MONTELIONE: Thank you, Madam Chair.
06:14:15 Don't Goff away.
06:14:28 One of the speakers mentioned we need to look at different
06:14:31 ways of funding and moving capital around.
06:14:33 Is it possible to use capital improvement money for
06:14:37 scholarships or reduction in fees, something like that?
06:14:39 >> Not that I am aware of.
06:14:41 Capital fund is where the dollars come from, but --
06:14:48 >>LISA MONTELIONE: You have to come to the mike.
06:14:49 You are shaking your head.
06:14:50 >> Dennis Ferrara.
06:14:56 >> You look different.
06:14:58 >> Capital improvements are for big ticket items,
06:15:01 construction.
06:15:03 We wouldn't be able to use that type of funding, for
06:15:05 instance, for scholarships.
06:15:06 >> And the capital improvements, we all have our budget
06:15:12 books in front of us.
06:15:13 But those at home watching or maybe those in the audience
06:15:17 don't have the benefit of having the information right here
06:15:20 in front of us.
06:15:21 But can you tell, I think I counted six different capital
06:15:27 improvement programs that were in effect for this budget,
06:15:30 this next year's budget for parks and recreation?
06:15:33 >> I know it sound about right.
06:15:35 You are referencing, for example, aquatic facilities,
06:15:37 neighborhood improvements, neighborhood projects, in this
06:15:40 particular park.
06:15:41 Yes, ma'am.
06:15:41 >> There's the aquatics facility, neighborhood projects.
06:15:45 There is something, athletic courts, field, repairs,
06:15:51 something like that.
06:15:52 And I just want -- do you know how much money that totals
06:15:56 and what we are investing in capital improvements in parks
06:15:59 and recreation?
06:16:00 >> Yes.
06:16:02 Yes, ma'am, roughly.
06:16:02 With an five-year period included in your budget book, and
06:16:06 which you will be voting on tonight, is approximately $50
06:16:09 million.
06:16:09 >> 50 million?
06:16:11 Okay.
06:16:11 And I just wanted to go through that exercise to reiterate
06:16:16 that we do have a commitment to a community to provide safe
06:16:20 places to play, and places for our seniors to spend time,
06:16:26 and that there isn't -- I know it seems like it's a logical
06:16:31 thing to sometimes take money from one side of, you know,
06:16:35 the pot and put it in the other pot, which is what we do at
06:16:38 home, maybe we move some money around.
06:16:40 But when it comes to these budgets, it's not easily done,
06:16:44 and in some cases it's not possible at all because of
06:16:49 federal regulation or state regulation or general practices.
06:16:55 In the accounting field we can't move money around that
06:16:57 easily sometimes.
06:16:58 Even though it might seem like it makes sense, but it's just
06:17:02 not possible.
06:17:03 And one of the other things going back to something
06:17:06 that's -- Mr. El-Amin has said before, is it doesn't help us
06:17:13 if the people aren't using them.
06:17:15 And there are -- I mean, Councilman Cohen put it, I can tell
06:17:19 you, I'm not in the financial condition today that I was in
06:17:21 five years ago, and I'm sure that many others are of the
06:17:25 same ILK, and it's true.
06:17:28 I mean, every dollar counts.
06:17:30 And when you are looking at fees for parks and recreation
06:17:34 and someplace for the kids to play, you know, sometimes the
06:17:37 dentist still comes first or the doctor will come first,
06:17:40 then that parks and recreation card.
06:17:42 So whatever we can do to help people fill out those forms
06:17:47 to, you know, get relief from those payments that would
06:17:51 certainly help.
06:17:52 But getting back to the facilities, as far as I understand
06:17:57 it, we are not doing a lot of prettying up of that $50
06:18:03 million.
06:18:03 A lot of that $50 million that capital improvements is
06:18:06 looking at doing over the next five years as outlined in
06:18:09 this budget is repairs, maintenance.
06:18:12 I mean, we had during one of our council meetings, we had
06:18:16 people coming in and saying how the paint was peeling, and
06:18:18 the restrooms weren't functioning, and all kind of issues
06:18:23 that we have in some of the parks.
06:18:25 So I just wanted to say that.
06:18:27 Thank you very much for indulge me the time, Madam Chair.
06:18:30 >> And if I could quickly clarify.
06:18:33 It 43.8 million over the next five years for parks and
06:18:37 recreation, capital improvements.
06:18:39 43.8 million.
06:18:41 >> We were rounding to 50.
06:18:46 Thank you.
06:18:46 >>MARY MULHERN: Councilwoman Capin.
06:18:53 >>YVONNE CAPIN: Just reiterating, we can work on -- I'm
06:18:58 very -- I'm convinced that the chief of staff and the
06:19:03 director of parks are willing to work with these programs,
06:19:09 and to try to -- you know, when a child comes in to a
06:19:15 facility and they are told they need a $15 card, sometimes
06:19:18 they'll turn around and walk away.
06:19:20 So we have to be sure that they are aware that this is
06:19:24 available.
06:19:27 And just making that extra effort.
06:19:29 I think your idea of a PR program to get the word out, that
06:19:33 this is available, it's here, is going to be very helpful.
06:19:38 I really believe that.
06:19:40 Thank you for all your efforts.
06:19:42 >>MARY MULHERN: I'm going to ask if there is anyone else
06:19:50 from the public who wishes to speak.
06:19:56 I have afternoon few questions, Mrs. Palus.
06:19:58 I just have a few questions.
06:20:06 Now I can't find it.
06:20:15 Oh, okay.
06:20:16 It's about the scholarships availability from the
06:20:22 scholarship fund or the friends of recreation.
06:20:34 It's been several years that I have been recommending this
06:20:37 and people from the community have been recommending and you
06:20:40 may have adopted.
06:20:41 This we have talked about it in the continue text of
06:20:44 after-school programs, and summer programs that the
06:20:49 determination of the need for -- I mean, application for
06:20:53 assistance, that determination could very easily be made for
06:20:58 children by the free and reduced lunch program.
06:21:05 The school district uses.
06:21:06 That it's a federal program.
06:21:07 Because if you qualify for that, you should be able to
06:21:09 qualify for this.
06:21:10 So have we moved to using that in the parks program?
06:21:14 >> Madam Chairman, that is what we were using previously
06:21:16 when we had the sliding scale before.
06:21:18 That's what we had.
06:21:19 We had that information and we had that program set up
06:21:23 exactly like this.
06:21:24 The school board has previously.
06:21:27 What we don't have is the shared information.
06:21:30 In other words, they filled it out with the school board and
06:21:34 there's no ability for us -- they can't share that
06:21:36 information.
06:21:37 >> Why is that?
06:21:38 Why can't we get that database?
06:21:40 Because it's just a database, and -- okay, we have been
06:21:45 asking the question for three years.
06:21:48 So Wan is --
06:21:49 >> I'm not sure -- it's very similar like background
06:21:54 screenings.
06:21:54 They won't share that either.
06:21:55 That's not something that's shareable at this point.
06:21:58 They collect, and they also have the particular stipulation
06:22:02 on qualification of that, because the federal programming,
06:22:07 and the state part of that programming.
06:22:09 That's not our purview for them to share that with us.
06:22:13 >> I'm not sure -- okay.
06:22:20 I need to hear that probably from the school.
06:22:23 >> I could have them put that in writing.
06:22:27 But dialogue back and forth within background checks for
06:22:30 years now trying to share that information.
06:22:32 So we have been working with that --
06:22:38 >>MARY MULHERN: Okay, so I think this is reminding me,
06:22:41 because than the people in the audience knows and as staff
06:22:49 knows, this is a discussion we have been having for years.
06:22:51 So I don't remember exactly where we are.
06:22:53 But I think what the answer to that to me was, it's
06:22:58 difficult for people to say I can't afford this, I can't
06:23:02 afford to pay this for my child to go here.
06:23:06 So perhaps we can think about just asking that when they
06:23:12 fill out that application.
06:23:15 Do you qualify for this?
06:23:18 And if they volunteer that information, they don't have to
06:23:21 answer it, then that could be the determination.
06:23:23 But we would trust them, because, you know, I know I get
06:23:29 that form in the mail every year, and I look at it, and I
06:23:32 know that I am not going to qualify, that I can afford to
06:23:36 provide lunch for my children.
06:23:38 But there have been times in my life where I have wondered
06:23:42 if maybe I could use that help.
06:23:43 And it's a difficult thing for someone to do.
06:23:46 So I really think it might be worth just making that one
06:23:49 little step easier for people, and trusting them.
06:23:53 If they tell you they qualify --
06:23:56 >> I just want to share that we don't use that anymore
06:23:58 because the fees went back to zero for after-school so we
06:24:02 don't have a sliding scale anymore.
06:24:03 There's no need for one.
06:24:05 The price is zero for after-school in that program.
06:24:07 So when we were doing the sliding scale before for summer
06:24:10 and for that is when the rate was higher, and then you pay
06:24:13 based on your income availability to be able to participate.
06:24:17 Now it's all the low rate.
06:24:19 So there wasn't any for sliding scale anymore.
06:24:24 The scholarship was the solution for that.
06:24:26 If they still need assistance they would use that program.
06:24:29 >> We just had this discussion where we talked about
06:24:31 sometimes people can't afford it.
06:24:34 >> That's the scholarship program with friends we have.
06:24:39 The sliding scale program went away because we don't have --
06:24:42 >>MARY MULHERN: Okay, I'm talking about the scholarship
06:24:44 program.
06:24:47 What would qualify for you for the scholarship.
06:24:50 If you attest when you sign that form that your children are
06:24:53 in that program during the school year that they could get a
06:24:57 scholarship.
06:24:57 >> Let me share with you real quick.
06:25:00 One of the things that they haven't said that have been they
06:25:05 sponsor, because there's a lot of folks that have
06:25:07 extenuating circumstances.
06:25:08 And we found out when we went through that, we had over 2300
06:25:13 folks that went through that, not this past summer, the
06:25:17 summer before last, and there was a lot of folks that kind
06:25:19 of fell in the gaps.
06:25:20 So they made a decision as a board to evaluate them each in
06:25:23 their own circumstances.
06:25:24 So it's not whether you are on --
06:25:27 >> But the question, do you have any other, you know,
06:25:31 circumstances that --
06:25:33 >> And that's what they have done.
06:25:35 And we were very successful with that this sum we are the
06:25:38 folks.
06:25:38 >>MARY MULHERN: Okay, okay.
06:25:40 And then the other thing I wanted to ask, I think -- and
06:25:48 Councilman, Chairman Miranda was really, really was the
06:25:53 champion for finding out about the seniors programs, and
06:25:57 since he hasn't been able to be here the last couple months,
06:26:02 I feel like we need to follow up on that and find out.
06:26:21 You did answer it so all the seniors fees got rolled over?
06:26:24 >> Yes, the seniors fees when we did the roll back on the
06:26:27 nonresident and the disabled, those got rolled back so if
06:26:30 you were out of county, if you were a non-resident you had
06:26:33 resident rates as a senior.
06:26:35 >> Okay, so it whats a non-resident question.
06:26:39 >> Right.
06:26:40 And the programs, typically, the majority of the senior
06:26:43 programs are like Barksdale and such are zero.
06:26:46 It just depends on whether they participate in other
06:26:48 programs or the instructors that are there.
06:26:52 But I would be happy to send that you information.
06:26:54 >>MARY MULHERN: Okay.
06:26:55 Thank you.
06:26:59 I just wanted to, I guess, give council background, because
06:27:04 I guess it was for the 2009 budget, so that was the two
06:27:08 budgets ago, and it was in that year that Mrs. Palus told
06:27:22 us, and you probably heard this before, our fees were not in
06:27:26 line with what other people were doing.
06:27:29 And the council -- was that in 2009 or 2008 when we adopted?
06:27:38 The fiscal year 2008?
06:27:49 >> It would be rolled back, and July.
06:27:52 >>MARY MULHERN: Okay, so two years ago after much
06:27:55 discussion and much testimony from the Parks Department, the
06:28:01 council voted to increase fees.
06:28:06 And we had -- we didn't have a lot of questions at the point
06:28:12 where we raised the fee.
06:28:14 As the school year started, as the fees started being
06:28:20 adopted, these chambers were full of people who couldn't,
06:28:25 you know, who had all kind of questions.
06:28:28 Some of the things we are hearing tonight, but some other
06:28:30 things.
06:28:36 The questions and the problems that people were having with
06:28:40 this, even though we were not charging enough, what the
06:28:43 market would bear, you know, or what other markets were
06:28:46 charging at that point, it was a shock to people because we
06:28:51 went from charging almost nothing to way out.
06:28:54 And there wasn't -- there was no sliding scale or
06:28:57 scholarship, or not enough scholarships available.
06:29:00 So over discussions and hearing from the public for months
06:29:07 and months and months, really for probably a whole year,
06:29:10 because the school year, and then we ran into the summer
06:29:14 programs which also had fees raised.
06:29:18 So finally what happened was, it was decided by the last
06:29:26 administration that we were just going to roll everything
06:29:29 back.
06:29:29 So all the work that Karen had done on all this study, we
06:29:37 went back to -- it didn't happen gradually.
06:29:42 It was just too much of a shock to people, they couldn't
06:29:44 afford it.
06:29:45 Some people could afford it.
06:29:46 Some couldn't.
06:29:47 So she has worked very hard to solve a lot of those
06:29:53 problems.
06:29:54 That being said, and I think it's a testimony to the fact
06:29:59 that she has done that, that there were only a few people
06:30:03 here tonight, because there were a lot more people before.
06:30:08 So I think the Parks Department has been working with
06:30:11 people.
06:30:17 I don't think that we can never look at our fees again, and
06:30:20 might not need to raise them in certain circumstances, but,
06:30:23 you know, there were so many problems with the way that the
06:30:27 new fees were adopted, but I was convinced and council was
06:30:33 convinced and eventually the mayor was convinced that we had
06:30:35 to just roll them back.
06:30:37 So that's how we got to be this structure here.
06:30:41 And I think as far as the public's complaints, most of them
06:30:46 were addressed.
06:30:49 There are some still some questions I have.
06:30:52 And I am going to just save this for a future council
06:30:55 meeting so that I can hear from people what problems they
06:31:00 are still having and get a report on the parks and
06:31:03 recreation chair, take what the suggestions -- the questions
06:31:07 I heard from council and from the public, and ask for a
06:31:10 report.
06:31:10 Because the unintended consequence, or whether it was
06:31:15 intended or not, there were programs, because the fees had
06:31:22 gone up so much for virtually -- for an entire year.
06:31:28 A lot of the attendance dropped incredibly.
06:31:31 So a lot of programs got cut.
06:31:35 And aren't any in existence anymore.
06:31:39 The other thing that we didn't really address as council was
06:31:48 I think this is the one thing that I am not sure about, too,
06:31:51 Karen, but I'm not asking to answer it now.
06:31:54 But the question about whether people can come and play in
06:31:56 the parks.
06:31:57 They can play in the park, but they can't go inside if
06:32:02 there's a gym and play basketball.
06:32:04 Right?
06:32:04 If you are going to go inside a center, you have to have the
06:32:07 rec card, right?
06:32:08 So I think that may be something, I don't know finance
06:32:12 that's still a problem or not, but I think we should look
06:32:15 into that.
06:32:16 >> If I may make one point of clarification regarding --
06:32:22 regarding -- we did not cut any programs when the
06:32:26 rollback --
06:32:30 >>MARY MULHERN: Well, you didn't cut any after-school
06:32:35 programs?
06:32:37 >>KAREN PALUS: No.
06:32:38 They were all operating after the constraints of those
06:32:41 facilities and such.
06:32:42 We were still running our programs at all of our locations.
06:32:47 >>CHAIRMAN: Right, but you consolidated some facilities?
06:32:49 >> Yes, back in '06-07 with that budget reduction, we did.
06:32:52 We did not run playground, parks of summer programs but our
06:32:58 building facilities are still running programs.
06:33:00 >>MARY MULHERN: All of the same programs that were in place
06:33:03 back then?
06:33:04 >> Yes.
06:33:04 We had a couple of it facilities that didn't have the busing
06:33:07 any longer.
06:33:08 The school board cut back on their busing so folks couldn't
06:33:11 get to our location.
06:33:12 There was a lot of different things occurring in some of
06:33:14 those facilities where are we don't run them.
06:33:16 But because of the fees were unrelated to that, in those
06:33:21 particular locations.
06:33:22 I would be happy to go back over the information with you.
06:33:24 >>MARY MULHERN: And I'll figure out what questions I have
06:33:29 and have you come and either do a workshop or staff report.
06:33:34 That was my concern.
06:33:35 And I was hearing that from citizens.
06:33:38 So hopefully, that didn't happen.
06:33:41 I did hear differently from some people.
06:33:47 So I guess that's it.
06:33:48 I think it's really, really good news that we had some
06:33:51 questions here tonight.
06:33:53 They may not all have been answered, but we did have a room
06:33:58 full of people, like we did the last few years.
06:34:02 >>FRANK REDDICK: They are come.
06:34:07 >> They are coming?
06:34:08 Well, we will be scheduling the meeting.
06:34:12 Thank you.
06:34:12 Any other questions from council, for staff?
06:34:17 >>FRANK REDDICK: Move to close the public hearing.
06:34:19 >> Second.
06:34:20 >>MARY MULHERN: All in favor?
06:34:22 Anyone opposed?
06:34:27 >>YVONNE CAPIN: I would like to move, to bring forth and
06:34:33 pass the recommended budget -- oh, I'm sorry.
06:34:36 >>MARY MULHERN: Yes.
06:34:40 Our finance chair needs to read it.
06:34:41 >>HARRY COHEN: I am going to read this resolution.
06:34:45 And then I am going make a motion after that to adopt the
06:34:47 millage rate.
06:34:48 And after that everyone can have at it on the budget and the
06:34:54 CIP budget.
06:34:58 Madam Chair, I move a resolution levying an ad valorem tax
06:35:01 at the rate of 5.7326 mills upon all real and personal tax
06:35:10 property in the City of Tampa for the fiscal year 2012
06:35:14 authorizing the mayor and city clerk to certify such
06:35:17 millage, providing an effective date.
06:35:19 Be it resolved by the City Council that the city of Tampa,
06:35:22 Florida, section 1, that an ad valorem tax at the rate of
06:35:26 5.7326 mills affixed in the recommended operating and
06:35:35 capital budget of the City of Tampa to the fiscal year
06:35:38 commencing October 1st, 2011, and ending September
06:35:42 30th, 2012, for the general fund for the maintenance and
06:35:45 operation of the City of Tampa, is hereby levied as provided
06:35:49 by law on all real and personal property, taxable for that
06:35:53 purpose in the City of Tampa.
06:35:55 Section 2.
06:35:56 That the mayor and city clerk as the proper authorities of
06:36:01 the City of Tampa are duly authorized, empowered and
06:36:04 directed to certify to the property appraiser of
06:36:08 Hillsborough County, Florida, the millage to be levied for
06:36:10 all purposes for the fiscal year 2012 in the City of Tampa,
06:36:14 to wit: 5.7326 mills, which is less than the rolled back
06:36:19 rate as defined in section 206.5 subsection one of the
06:36:25 Florida statutes, by 4.171% and to request a levy of the
06:36:30 millage set forth upon all real and personal property in the
06:36:33 City of Tampa as above set forth in accordance with the
06:36:36 provisions of the Constitution and laws of the State of
06:36:39 Florida.
06:36:40 Section 3.
06:36:42 That other proper officers of the City of Tampa are
06:36:45 authorized to do all things necessary and proper in order to
06:36:49 carry out and make effective the terms and conditions of
06:36:52 this resolution which shall become effective immediately
06:36:55 upon its adoption passed and adopted by the City Council of
06:36:59 the City of Tampa on September 21st, 2011.
06:37:02 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Second.
06:37:05 >>MARY MULHERN: Motion made by Councilman Cohen, seconded
06:37:07 by Councilman Suarez.
06:37:09 And we will have roll call vote?
06:37:11 No.
06:37:12 All in favor.
06:37:14 Anyone opposed?
06:37:15 >>HARRY COHEN: I further move the following ordinance on
06:37:21 second reading, an ordinance adopting the budget for the
06:37:24 fiscal year beginning October 1st, 2011 and ending
06:37:29 September 30th, 2012, as presented by the mayor,
06:37:33 providing for the levy as provided by law as a tax on all
06:37:37 taxable property in the City of Tampa and fixing the millage
06:37:40 within said city making appropriations in accordance with
06:37:43 the provisions of said budget, authorizing and directing the
06:37:47 mayor and city clerk as the proper authorities of the City
06:37:50 of Tampa to certify to the property appraiser of
06:37:53 Hillsborough County, Florida, the millage to be levied for
06:37:56 all purposes for the fiscal year 2012 in the City of Tampa,
06:38:00 providing an effective date.
06:38:00 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Second.
06:38:04 >> Second.
06:38:05 >>MARY MULHERN: Do we need a roll call vote for this one?
06:38:08 No.
06:38:10 Motion made by Councilman Cohen, seconded by Councilman
06:38:14 Suarez.
06:38:15 Roll call.
06:38:15 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Yes.
06:38:18 >>YVONNE CAPIN: Yes.
06:38:19 >>FRANK REDDICK: Yes.
06:38:20 >>MARY MULHERN: Yes.
06:38:22 >>HARRY COHEN: Yes.
06:38:23 >>LISA MONTELIONE: Yes.
06:38:26 >> Motion carried with Miranda being absent.
06:38:28 >>FRANK REDDICK: Move the resolution forward?
06:38:39 >>HARRY COHEN: I think next we need a motion to adopt the
06:38:41 annual budget and then another one --
06:38:43 >> I move to adopt.
06:38:44 >> Move the resolution 4.
06:38:49 >>HARRY COHEN: Go ahead.
06:38:51 >>FRANK REDDICK: Just move resolution 4.
06:38:53 >> Second.
06:38:55 >>MARY MULHERN: Motion to adopt the capital improvement
06:38:58 budget?
06:38:58 Motion made by Councilman Reddick, seconded by Councilwoman
06:39:02 Capin.
06:39:03 Roll call?
06:39:04 No.
06:39:05 All in favor?
06:39:07 Anyone opposed?
06:39:09 Motion passes.
06:39:16 That concludes our budget hearing.
06:39:20 We are adjourned.
06:39:20 >> New business?
06:39:30 >>MARY MULHERN: Really?
06:39:32 >> Motion to receive and file. Is there a second?
06:39:34 Motion made by Councilwoman Montelione, seconded by
06:39:37 Councilman Suarez.
06:39:38 All in favor?
06:39:39 Anyone opposed?
06:39:42 We will be having council meeting tomorrow.
06:39:45 So we'll do new business tomorrow.
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text:
Scott and Genevieve Kelley
Aug 28, 2014
Dominick Stanin
Aug 21, 2014
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Aug 14, 2014
Jose Alberto Miranda
Jul 24, 2014
Home » News » Crime
Medical examiner's findings refute defense theory in negligent homicide
Dr. Jennie Duval was quizzed about her findings by prosecutors and defense lawyers on Wednesday during the third day of Cameron Dearborn's negligent homicide trial in Rockingham County Superior Court. Dearborn, 19, of Danville faces two counts of negligent homicide.
Duval's testimony ran counter to the defense's theory that Traficante was driving a friend's 1998 Saturn with Dearborn in the passenger's seat when the vehicle crashed off of Frost Road in Derry on the night of Nov. 20, 2010. The vehicle landed on its passenger side and struck a tree and rock wall during the crash, according to court testimony.
Duval, called as a state witness, told the jury that her findings were made following an autopsy that was independent of a Derry police investigation. "From the outset it was believed Korey was a passenger, but it fit with my examination of the body," Duval testified.
Under questioning by the defense, Duval acknowledged that she couldn't determine which exact seat Traficante was traveling in, but she concluded he was on the right side of the car at the time of the crash.
Prosecutors called Duval as their final witness and rested its case on Wednesday afternoon. The defense is expected to call its own expert on the crash, who will suggest that Dearborn's injuries prove that he was a passenger in the car, not the driver.
Judge N. William Delker told jurors that they could expect to begin deliberating by Thursday afternoon. After the jury was dismissed for the day, Delker rejected the defense's bid for a directed verdict in the case - arguing that the judge should determine Dearborn is not guilty in the case. Delker said there was enough direct and circumstantial evidence in the case for the jury to reach a decision on its own.
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text:
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PTA Fundraising Event
Monday, August 18th: For 7th and 8th Grade, 3:00-5:00
Tuesday, August 19th: For 5th and 6th Grade, 3:00-5:00
Admission: $5.00
Activities Provided: Dance, Ping Pong, Open Gym, and Board Games in the Library. Concessions will be available to purchase.
Don't miss out on the fun!!!
OPS Parents Can Now Pay for School Lunches Electronically!
OPS is working with E-Funds, an online school lunch payment site, so parents may send lunch money electronically. Now, parents who wish to put money in their students' lunch accounts can do so by clicking on the link "Pay For School Lunch" at the top of the main district web page or at the top of the main web page for each school building.
[Read the rest of this article...]