The New York City Council convened on September 29, 2025, for a critical oversight hearing focused on the Parks Department's contracting practices and vendor accountability. The meeting aimed to address ongoing concerns regarding the awarding of contracts to companies with troubling histories, particularly in relation to criminal convictions.

The session began with remarks from Chair Krishnan, who emphasized the need for accountability within the Parks Department. He acknowledged the importance of addressing both the operational aspects of contracting and the public perception surrounding these practices. Following his introduction, the meeting transitioned to public testimony, where several representatives voiced their concerns.

Carla Hernandez, representing Laborers Local 10 10, highlighted significant issues regarding the Parks Department's procurement practices. She pointed out that multimillion-dollar contracts had been awarded to companies like Griffin's Landscaping and Dragonetti Brothers, despite their principals having criminal convictions for serious offenses, including bribery and fraud. Hernandez criticized the department for continuing to engage these contractors, arguing that it undermines the integrity of the bidding process and disadvantages responsible bidders, particularly minority- and women-owned business enterprises (MWBEs).

Max Barton, also from Laborers Local 10 10, supported Hernandez's claims by presenting data that contradicted the Parks Department's assertions about a lack of qualified bidders. He specifically referenced Griffin Landscaping, whose owner is currently incarcerated for fraud-related crimes. Barton argued that the department's reliance on monitoring agreements to justify these contracts is flawed and does not ensure accountability.

The testimonies underscored a broader concern regarding the Parks Department's approach to vendor selection, with multiple speakers calling for reforms to ensure that taxpayer dollars are allocated to responsible contractors who adhere to legal and ethical standards. The meeting concluded with a commitment from the council members to further investigate these practices and explore potential changes to improve accountability and fairness in the contracting process.

As the council moves forward, the discussions from this hearing will likely influence future policies and practices within the Parks Department, aiming to foster a more equitable and transparent contracting environment.