Your guide to NYC's public proceedings.
Q&A
Council Member Brewer questions contractor capacity for quicker tree planting
2:20:34
ยท
49 sec
Council Member Gale A. Brewer inquires about the capacity of contractors to complete tree planting in a shorter timeframe, challenging the Parks Department's claim of insufficient contractors. Will Hiron from Laborers' Local 1010 responds, asserting that there are plenty of capable contractors, especially MWBE contractors, who could do the work if given the opportunity.
- Brewer suggests the possibility of halving the current timeframe for tree planting
- Hiron disputes the Parks Department's claim of insufficient contractor capacity
- The discussion highlights a discrepancy between the Parks Department's stance and the union's perspective on available contractors
Gale A. Brewer
2:20:34
Thank you, mister chair.
2:20:35
So I asked a question I'm sure you heard.
2:20:37
Is there enough capacity to have a quicker turnaround?
2:20:42
In other words, maybe half the time frame.
2:20:44
And I think the answer from the commissioner was, basically, there's no capacity, there aren't enough contractors, but I think you're saying something different.
2:20:52
If we had the funding and if there was enough staff, I think you're saying that there would be enough contractors to plant in perhaps half the time.
Will Hiron
2:21:01
Yeah.
2:21:02
I mean, I don't know how the parks department is is coming up with with that statement, but I mean, we have plenty of contractors, and again, MWBE contractors especially, that are able to do this work, that have the capacity, that have the experience, but they're just not given the opportunity.
2:21:18
So we don't accept that argument from the Parks Department either.
Gale A. Brewer
2:21:21
Thank you, mister chair.
Will Hiron
2:21:22
Thank you, council member.
Shekar Krishnan
2:21:23
Thank you, council member.