Title
Resolution calling for transparency and oversight in regards to previously approved cooperation agreements, contracts, leases, and special agreements with the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy (PPC) in light of a voter approved referendum measure to amend the Home Rule Charter.
Body
WHEREAS, Voters in the City of Pittsburgh approved an amendment to the Home Rule Charter on November 5, 2019 that authorizes the creation of the City of Pittsburgh Parks Trust Fund; and,
WHEREAS, this ballot initiative was narrowly passed with unofficial results tallied at 33,764 voting YES, and 31,365 voting NO in a race that had 28% voter turnout; and,
WHEREAS, the amendment campaign was led and funded by the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy (PPC) in a campaign that spent over $800,000; and,
WHEREAS, many concerns were raised by residents throughout the election process on the relationship between PPC and the City of Pittsburgh; and,
WHEREAS, further concerns have been raised about the comprehensive abilities and interactions between the City and PPC in in regards to caring for the City’s parks; and,
WHEREAS, Pursuant to Resolution No. 285 of 1998, approved May 29, 1998 and effective May 29, 1998, the City entered into a Cooperation Agreement dated April 10, 2000, with the PPC to establish an alliance to provide improvements, special care, and restoration for the City’s four regional parks; and,
WHEREAS, a renewal to the Cooperation Agreement was authorized on December 12, 2011 to extend the agreement through December 31, 2020; and,
WHEREAS, termination rules are set forth in Paragraph XVIII of the Cooperation Agreement and require six months advance notice of intent to terminate; and,
WHEREAS, the language states that the City of the Conservancy may terminate this Agreement at any time, without cause or liability, by giving the other party one hundred eighty (180) days advance written notice of its intention to terminate. In the event of termination, any other agreements between the parties hereto, including Project Agreements, regarding maintenance and management of projects or improvements shall not automatically terminate, unless specifically stipulated in said agreements; and,
WHEREAS, it is the duty of the Council of the City of Pittsburgh to assure that taxpayer dollars are spent in the most effective and strategic way, and to assure transparency and accountability in all levels of government.
Now, therefore be it resolved by the Council of the City of Pittsburgh as follows:
Section 1: TRANSPARENCY
A. Council directs the Mayor, or their designee, to obtain copies of all approved cooperation agreements, contacts, leases, and special agreements with the Parks Conservancy.
a. These agreements should include, but are not limited to, the Cooperation Agreements and extensions, Schenley Plaza agreement(s), Frick Environmental Center, Mellon Park, Frick Park, McKinley Park, Highland Park, Riverview Park, Schenley Park, Emerald View Park, Allegheny Commons, and all other previous or current documents from January 1, 1998 through present time.
b. Requested documents shall be provided to council by the Mayor’s office no later than December 13, 2019.
c. No additional cooperation agreements, services agreements, project management agreements, or amendments to existing agreements, shall be entered into prior to the receipt of the requested documents.
Section 2: Accountability
A. The Council of the City of Pittsburgh will have the right to review, audit, and question the documents set forth in Section 1.
B. A public hearing and post-agenda may be called to allow public input and discussion of the findings in these agreements.
C. Questions that arise from review of the contracts shall be answered within three (3) business days in order to assure expedience in this process.
Section 3: Termination
A. If questions and concerns raised through the review of all PPC partnerships cannot be addressed and the results found are unsatisfactory, Council retains its right to terminate their relationship with the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy.
B. This resolution shall serve as 180 days notice of possible termination, which may be acted on after the accountability and transparency review process is complete.