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Executive Director Scott Petri’s Statement on PPA’s Annual $110 Million Contribution to the City, School District of Philadelphia, State & Federal Entities

 

The purpose of this statement is to correct the inaccurate perception held by many regarding the Philadelphia Parking Authority’s annual $50 million contribution to the City and School District of Philadelphia.

The original law “promising $45 million” annually to Philadelphia schools was repealed in 2004 and replaced with a new law that “restricted” the PPA from sending any money to the schools until a $25 million threshold disbursement to the city was reached first.

Prior to enactment of the new 2004 law, the PPA had never contributed more than $17 million annually to the City. The 2004 replacement law which the PPA currently operates under was signed by then Governor Rendell.

Complicating the “$25 million to the city first” provision was an added provison that should the PPA’s annual on-street revenue increase, so too would the percentage of revenue correspondingly increase that must go to the city first. Case in point is the current fiscal year where the PPA will send $40 million to the city first before any money can go to the schools. This formula-based distribution provision was highly criticized by Pennsylvania’s Auditor General as being to the “immense detriment of the School District.”

The PPA coordinates its operations with the city whose Finance Department routinely reviews our budgets and expenses. The PPA is audited every year by an outside independent auditing firm, including three in 2017 alone. With over 1,100 employees, we operate on an unheard of 40% profit margin — returning over $110 million combined to the city, state, School District and the National Park Service each year.

Based on the 2004 legal requirements – from our on-street operation alone – we will give the City over $40 million this year with another $10 million going to the schools — constituting .016% of the School District’s overall annual $3 billion budget. It is disingenuous at best to blame the PPA — which operates on a 40% profit margin — for all of the School District’s funding problems.

The formula for how the PPA distributes its revenue is dictated by state law. Should the law change, we will distribute the revenue as directed. Either way the City will have $50 million to fund schools from the PPA.

 

 

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Board Meeting 2-18

Board Meeting Round-Up: February 2018

 

Chairman’s Items – Joseph T. Ashdale

  • Board Chairman, Joseph T. Ashdale, invited comment from members of the general public.

Director’s Report – Scott Petri

During his monthly report, PPA Executive Director, Scott Petri, provided updates on a wide range of topics including but not limited to newly instituted procedural processes, improved communication with PPA departments, and outreach efforts to elected officials and transportation partners. Mr. Petri’s full directors report can be viewed and downloaded here.

Finance and Administration

Actual to Actual Summary Comparative Income Statements

  • The Board unanimously approved the Actual to Actual Summary Comparative Income statements presented by the the Authority’s Director of Finance, Gary Gordon. A copy of the Authority’s Actual to Actual Summary Comparative Income statements can be found here.

Actual to Budget Summary Comparative Income Statements

  • The Board unanimously approved the Actual to Budget Summary Comparative Income statements presented by the the Authority’s Director of Finance, Gary Gordon. A copy of the Authority’s Actual to Budget Summary Comparative Income statements can be found here

Income Statement Detailing All Entities

  • The Board unanimously approved the Income Statement Detailing All Entities presented by the the Authority’s Director of Finance, Gary Gordon. A copy of the Authority’s Income Statement Detailing All Entities can be found here.

Audit Policy

  • The Board unanimously approved an Internal Audit Policy in order for the Internal Audit Department to provide independent and objective reviews and assessments of the business activities, operations, financial systems and internal accounting controls of the Authority. A copy of the Authority’s Audit Policy can be found here. 

Risk Management Policy

  • The Board unanimously approved a draft of the Authority’s Risk Management Policy. A draft of the Authority’s Risk Management Policy can be found here.

Revision to Conflict of Interest Policy

  • The Board unanimously approved a motion to revise the Authority’s Conflict of Interest Policy. The approved draft of the Authority’s revised Conflict of Interest Policy can be found here.

Health Benefits Renewal

  • The Board approved a motion to renew the Authority’s employee health benefits. The three-year renewal agreement is projected to have a net-savings of over $730,000. The approved Board resolution can be found here.

Amendment to Bylaws

  • The Board unanimously approved a motion to amend the by-laws of the Authority. The approved amendments of the Authority’s by-laws can be found here.

Employee Vision Benefits

  • The Board approved a motion to renew the Authority’s employee vision benefit with Vision Benefits of America for two years. The approved Board resolution can be found here.

Employee Dental Benefits

  • The Board approved a motion to renew the Authority’s employee dental benefits with Delta Dental for two years. The approved Board resolution can be found here.

Microsoft Exchange Email Migration

  • The Board approved a motion to upgrade the Authority’s Groupwise email software to Microsoft Exchange. The approved Board resolution can be found here.

Temporary Staff Support for Amnesty Program

  • In an effort to assist with the City’s Parking Ticket Amnesty Program, the Board approved a motion to enter into an agreement with contractor to provide temporary staffing. The approved Board resolution can be found here.

Engineering and Design

New Parking Lots – Benjamin Franklin Bridge General Contract Award

  • The Board approved a motion to enter into a contract with D’Angelo Brothers, Inc., for general construction for proposed parking lots at The Ben Franklin Bridge, 3rd Street Philadelphia. The approved Board resolution can be found here.

New Parking Lots – Benjamin Franklin Bridge Electrical Contract Award

  • The Board approved a motion to enter into a contract with M.J.F. Electrical Contracting, for electrical contracting services for proposed parking lots at The Ben Franklin Bridge, 3rd Street Philadelphia. The approved Board resolution can be found here.

Fiber Optic Connectivity – Philadelphia International Airport

  • The Board approved a Contract Change Order Request for the installation of a new fiber optic hub, new fiber lines, and associated equipment at the Philadelphia International Airport. The approved Contract Change Order Request can be found here.   

Taxi & Limousine Division

Docket No. A-17-10-04

The Board approved the sale to transfer ownership of Medallion No. P-0484 along with the issuance of a corresponding taxicab certificate of public convenience.

Applicant-Buyer: Masum Transportation Inc, CPC Application No. A-1036195-01

Owner-Seller: Mensa., Inc., CPC No. 1023983-01

Sale Price: $44,000.00

 

Docket No. A-17-10-05

The Board approved the sale to transfer ownership of Medallion No P-0194 along with the issuance of a corresponding taxicab certificate of public convenience.

Applicant-Buyer:  Afizah Trans Inc, CPC No. A-1036192-01

Owner-Seller: Howric, Inc., CPC No. 10000719-01

Sale Price: $39,000.00

 

Docket No. A-17-11-01

The Board approved the sale to transfer ownership of Medallion No. P-1331 along with the issuance of a corresponding taxicab certificate of public convenience.

Applicant-Buyer: Lincoln Cab Inc, CPC Application No. A-1036204-01

Owner-Seller: CSP Trans, Inc, CPC No.1022562-01

Sale Price: $40,000.00

 

Docket No. A-17-12-01

The Board approved the sale to transfer ownership of Medallion Nos. P-0183 and P-0202 along with the issuance of a corresponding taxicab certificate of public convenience.

Applicant-Buyer: Ifza Transportation Inc, CPC Application No. A-1036276-01

Owner-Seller:  IL Trans, Inc., CPC No. 1000701-01

Sale Price: $78,000.000

 

Docket No. A-17-12-03

The Board approved the sale to transfer ownership of Wheelchair-Accessible Vehicle (“WAV”) Medallion No. WP-1619 along with the issuance of a corresponding taxicab certificate of public convenience.

Applicant-Buyer: Rabeb LLC, CPC Application No. A-1036304-01

Owner-Seller:  WAV Trans Inc., CPC No. 1033830-01

Sale Price: $10,000.000

 

Docket No. P-15-12-03

The Board approved the decision regarding the Petition of Rosemont Taxicab in which the matter be remanded to the Taxi and Limousine Adjudication Department for further proceedings pursuant to the Authority’s Taxicab and Limousine Regulations.

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Winter Driving

ALERT: PPA Announces $5 Garage Rate & Relaxed Enforcement During Snow Emergency

 

In response to the City’s Snow Emergency, which is set to begin at 8 AM on Wednesday, March 7, the Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) will be offering a flat twenty-four hour $5 parking rate at the following Center City garages from 7 PM Tuesday, March 6, until the snow emergency is lifted.

To receive the discounted $5 rate, customers must bring their ticket and pay at the PPA Management Office in each garage.

During this snow emergency, the PPA will enforce all snow emergency and safety violations. Starting at 8 AM on Wednesday, March 7, meters, kiosks and time limit violations on residential blocks will not be enforced until the snow emergency is lifted.

Additionally, beginning at  8 AM on Wednesday, March 7, vehicles illegally parked on snow emergency routes will be subject to ticketing and towing. If your vehicle is towed during the snow emergency, please call 215-686-SNOW for its location.

 

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Parking and Transit During the Eagles Parade

Official event information including route and times

Date: Thursday, February 8.

Parade: Kicks off at 11 a.m. at Broad Street and Pattison Avenue, heading north toward the Art Museum. The parade will last approximately two hours.

Formal Celebration: Begins at 1 p.m. in front of the Art Museum. The program will last approximately two hours.

Parking and Transit:

In an effort to reduce vehicular traffic, the Philadelphia Parking Authority encourages all visitors to take public transit when coming into Philadelphia. SEPTA is operating a special Eagles Parade schedule with details available online at SEPTA.org.

There will be parking restrictions along and around the parade route.  A full list of the affected streets is available here. These restrictions go into effect at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, February 7, and extend into the late evening on Thursday, February 8. Cars parked in temporary no parking zones will be relocated. If your vehicle has been relocated, you may call 215-686-7669 for the location. Vehicles will be relocated to the 2500 block of South Swanson Street and 2500 block of Weccacoe Avenue. A map of the parade route and parking restrictions can also be found here.

In regards to normal PPA boot and tow operations, no impounded vehicles will be released on Thursday , February 8. The Impoundment Lot located at 2501 Weccacoe Avenue will stay open until midnight on Wednesday, February 7 for the release of vehicles. Additionally, the unclaimed vehicle auction scheduled for Thursday, February 8 on the 2500 block of S. Swanson Street is rescheduled to Thursday, February 15.

If at all possible, visitors should not drive into Center City. If, however, driving is necessary, the City encourages drivers to park in off-street lots and garages along the Parkway, Broad Street, or near the stadium complex. Please keep in mind that due to security and public safety concerns, parking will not be available at Lincoln Financial Field or the stadium complex. Please visit SEPTA.org to find alternatives. The Philadelphia Parking Authority also has seven Center City garages with the cheapest parking rates in the City. A list of the garages can be found here. Additionally, our parking locator can be used by clicking here. If visitors must drive, they should contact individual parking facilities for rates and availability ahead of time.

There will be no enforcement of meter and time limit regulations on the day of the parade. Safety violations such as parking too close to the corner, fire hydrants, blocking crosswalks, and double parking will be enforced.  Additionally, the Philadelphia Parking Authority’s administrative offices will be closed Thursday, February 8. Offices will reopen on Friday, February 9 at 8:30 AM.

There will be significant travel delays on roadways and street closures immediately before, during, and after the Eagles Parade.

Additional details on everything you need to know about the Eagles Parade can be found here.

Residents, visitors, and journalists can also sign up for free parade text alerts by texting “ReadyEagles” to 888-777.

 

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January 23rd, 2018: Board Meeting Round-Up

Chairman’s Items – Joseph T. Ashdale

  • Board Chairman, Joseph T. Ashdale, invited comment from members of the general public.
  • Board Chairman, Joseph T. Ashdale, introduced newly appointed Risk Management Director, Antonia Miller, and Internal Auditor, Walter Mingo

Director’s Report – Scott Petri

During his inaugural Board meeting, PPA Executive Director, Scott Petri, thanked the Board for the opportunity to lead the Authority. Additionally, Mr. Petri reported upon his initial observations of the Authority’s operations. Mr. Petri’s full directors report can be viewed and downloaded here.

Finance and Administration

Actual to Actual Summary Comparative Income Statements

  • The Board unanimously approved the Actual to Actual Summary Comparative Income statements presented by the the Authority’s Director of Finance, Gary Gordon

Budget to Actual Summary Comparative Income Statements

  • The Board unanimously approved the Budget to Actual Summary Comparative Income statements presented by the the Authority’s Director of Finance, Gary Gordon

Updated Right to Know Policy

  • The Board unanimously approved the Authority’s Updated Right to Know Policy
  • While there are no substantive changes, the Policy has been amended to make a more specific reference to the law governing the process and certain contact information for the Open Records Officer. Other changes include:
  • A requirement that the Executive Director re-appoint the Open Records Officer at the beginning of each fiscal year.
  • Clarification that the Legal Department need only be involved in the review of a request that raises legal questions.
  • A requirement that the Authority’s Internal Compliance Auditor conducts an audit of the Open Record Officer’s compliance with this policy and the law upon the conclusion of each fiscal year.
  • Additional information about the rights of the public to challenge a denial of a Right to Know Request and the manner in which the appeal must be filed, along with the general Pennsylvania Office of Open records contact information has also been added.

Managed Print Services

  • The Board unanimously approved a $40,000 final additional spending increase for Managed Print Services through the Authority’s print services vendor, KDI, Inc.

Purchase of Electric Vehicles

  • The Board unanimously approved the $134,000 purchase of four Chevrolet Bolt electric vehicles to be used at the Authority’s airport and off-street parking operations.
  • In December 2016, the Board approved the purchase of 24 electric vehicle charging stations for installation at the Philadelphia International Airport parking facility, Family Courthouse Garage, Market Street East Garage, Parkade on 8th, and Independence Mall Garage.
  • The Authority was subsequently awarded a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection for installation of 24 electric vehicle charging stations under the condition the Authority purchase an electric vehicle fleet.

Updated Procurement Policy

  • The Board unanimously approved language and process clarifications to the Authority’s new Procurement Policy and Standard Operating Procedures, which was adopted by the Board on September 27, 2017.

Settlement of Tort Claim Mele v. PPA

  • The Board unanimously approved a $30,000 major jury motor vehicle action claim to the Plaintiff, Bruno Mele.
  • The $30,000 settlement comes in conjunction with outside counsel, the Authority’s insurer and the Authority’s Legal Department.

Mission Statement

  • The Board unanimously approved the Authority’s revised Mission Statement.
  • The Authority’s revised Mission Statement was recommended to more succinctly state the Authority’s mission and the particulars of how that mission is accomplished.
  • The Authority’s revised Mission Statement can be found and downloaded here.

Fire Extinguisher Service Contract       

  • The Board unanimously approved a revised contract with Alarm Tech Systems, Inc. for fire extinguisher inspection and maintenance services, which are required by the Philadelphia Code and Charter.

Investment Policy

  • The Board unanimously approved amendments to the Authority’s Investment Policy.
  • The amendments come as the Authority’s Director of Finance has determined that Freddie Mac falls within the limitations of investments found in Section 5510.1(c)(2) of the Parking Authorities Law.

Approval of External Auditor Boyer & Ritter LLC

  • The Board unanimously approved the awarding of an External Auditing Services contract with Boyer & Ritter, LLC.
  • The potential savings from contacting with Boyer & Ritter for a five year contract is (at a minimum) $225,000. 

Engineering and Design

Repair Lintels At Essington Ave

  • The Board unanimously approved a Change Order in the amount of $25,000 in relation to the contract awarded to Schneider Restoration, Inc., for steel and masonry restoration work at the Authority’s Impound and Vehicle Maintenance Facility at 6801 Essington Ave.
  • With the approval of this Change Order, the final contract amount is reduced from $193,000 to $168,000.

On-Call Structural Engineering

  • The Board unanimously approved a Change Order in relation to the contract awarded to O&S Associates, Inc., for On-Call Structural Engineering Services.
  • With the approval of this Change Order, the contract issued to  O&S Associates, Inc., will be extended 90 calendar days with no change required in the contract amount of $300,000 per year.

On-Street Division

On-Site Auctioneer Services for Unclaimed Vehicles

  • The Board unanimously approved the purchase of On-Site Auctioneer Services for Unclaimed Vehicles through Aspite Auto Auction.
  • As the lowest, most responsible bidder, Aspite Auto Auction will receive 2.5% of the gross revenue generated from the sale of unclaimed vehicles; a .5% reduction from the Authority’s previous contract for such services.

Airport Operations

Hardware and Software Support for Airport Operations Primary and Redundant Data Centers

  • The Board unanimously approved purchasing a one (1) year subscription service for CISCO hardware and software support for the Authority’s airport operations data center.
  • The subscription is a necessary annual subscription that provides:
  • Hardware replacement for any failed CISCO hardware component.
  • Firmware patches that will add features to the hardware and address identifiable security issues or concerns.

Taxi & Limousine Division

Docket No. A-17-11-02

The Board unanimously approved the sale to transfer ownership of Medallion No. P-0292 along with the issuance of a corresponding taxicab certificate of public convenience.

Applicant-Buyer: Please Car Inc, CPC Application No. A-103623-01
Owner-Seller: Grassia, Ralph Cab Co., Inc., CPC No. 1000714-01
Sale Price: $43,000.00

Docket No. A-17-11-04

The Board unanimously approved the sale to transfer ownership of Medallion Nos. P-0668 and P-0744.

Applicant-Buyer:  Zega Trans Inc, CPC No. 1034935-01
Owner-Seller: Pinnacle Cab Inc., CPC No. 1018902-01
Sale Price: $75,000.00

Docket No. A-17-05-02

The Board unanimously approved the sale to transfer ownership of Medallion No. P-0802 along with the issuance of a corresponding taxicab certificate of public convenience.

Applicant-Buyer: Kler Taxi Inc, CPC Application No. A-1035731-01
Owner-Seller: Oged, Inc., No.1000740-01
Sale Price: $53,000.00

Docket No. A-17-11-05

The Board unanimously approved the sale to transfer ownership of Medallion No. P-0547 along with the issuance of a corresponding taxicab certificate of public convenience.

Applicant-Buyer: B&B Trans Co, CPC Application No. A-1036262-01
Owner-Seller:  Grassia, Ralph Cab Co., Inc., CPC No. 1000714-01
Sale Price: $43,000.000

 

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UPDATE: Normal Enforcement of Parking Regulations to Resume at 6:00 AM on 1/6/18

 

With the lifting of the snow emergency at 8:00 p.m. Thursday, January, 4, parking is now permitted on Snow Emergency routes. If your vehicle was towed from a snow emergency route, please call 215-686-SNOW for its location. DO NOT call 911.

Safety violations will continue to be enforced through the night. Normal  enforcement of parking regulations will resume at 6:00 a.m. Saturday, January 6. That includes meters, kiosks, time limit requirements, as well as safety violations.

Motorists who parked in PPA garages prior to the lifting of the Snow Emergency Declaration at 8:00 p.m. Thursday, January, 4 will receive the $5.00  flat-rate so long as vehicles exit the garage by 10:00 a.m. Friday, January 5. Motorists must go to the management office in the garage to receive the $5 flat-rate. Motorists entering after 8:00 p.m. Thursday, January, 4 will be charged the normal parking rates.

 

 

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PPA Announces New Leadership Team

 

During its monthly meeting, the Board of the Philadelphia Parking Authority today approved the hiring of Scott Petri as the agency’s new Executive Director. A current member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives where he serves as Chairman of the Urban Affairs and Ethics Committee and Vice Chair of the Appropriations Committee, Mr. Petri will assume his new position on January 2, 2018.

As part of a wider reorganization, the Board approved other changes to its leadership team, including the hiring of Mr. Vincent Thomas as Deputy Executive Director for Off-Street Parking Operations.  Mr. Thomas is currently the Chief Operating Officer for the Baltimore Parking Authority. He will oversee all PPA parking garages and lots, airport parking operation, engineering and design initiatives.

It was also announced that Interim Executive Director Clarena Tolson has agreed to stay on and will serve as Deputy Executive Director for Strategic Planning and Public Engagement. Among many other duties, she will build an Evaluation and Analytics Department to provide needed data and analysis for all operating departments.

Commenting on the Petri hiring, PPA Chairman Joe Ashdale said, “Scott Petri brings years of public service and a wide breadth of knowledge and experience, having served as Chairman of the House Ethics Committee and Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, where he was involved in oversight of the state’s annual $30 billion budget. Scott has the necessary skills, temperament and leadership abilities to move this agency forward.”

Commenting on his hiring, Petri said, “I am honored by the confidence and trust the Board has placed in me. I will bring my knowledge and experience, after many years serving on the House Ethics, Appropriations and Urban Affairs Committees to the task of improving the PPA, making it more efficient, transparent and accountable,” he said.

“My initial goal will be to conduct a top to bottom review of the agency and implement additional changes and reforms, to help regain the trust and confidence of the people we serve,” he said.

In commenting on the hiring of Vincent Thomas, Ashdale said, “We are pleased to add Mr. Vincent Thomas to our leadership team. He brings years of professional expertise and a solid background in parking after having served as the Chief Operating Officer for Baltimore Parking Authority.”

“Our new leadership team would not be complete without the continued presence and contributions of Clarena Tolson. The Board is indebted to Clarena Tolson for her service over the past fifteen months. She came to us at a time of crisis. Her calm, professional approach allowed us the opportunity to implement transformational change at the PPA,” Ashdale said.

Commenting for the Board, Ashdale said, “The PPA of today is not the same agency that it was fifteen months ago.  We have made a number of substantive and concrete changes to make the agency more efficient and transparent — including implementing over 80% of recommendations contained in a recent audit of the agency.”

“With Scott Petri’s hiring today, we continue the process of further reforming this agency and improving our service to the people of this city,” Ashdale said.

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