m. - - - BILL 050295 - An Ordinance authorizing the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development ("PAID") to file an application with the Office of the Budget, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, under the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, in an amount not to exceed Six Million Dollars ($6,000,000)to assist in the development of the Mill Creek Development project; and authorizing the City to enter into an agreement with PAID in furtherance of grant requirements; all under certain terms and conditions. 2670 2 ($500,000) to assist in the construction, rehabilitation and renovation of Pleasant Hill Park; and authorizing the City to enter into an agreement with PAID in furtherance of grant requirements; all under certain terms and conditions. BILL 050299 - An Ordinance authorizing the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development ("PAID") to file an application with the Office of the Budget, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, under the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, in an amount not to exceed Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000) to assist in the renovation of the Simon's Recreation Center; and authorizing the City to enter into an agreement with PAID in furtherance of grant requirements; all under certain terms and conditions. BILL 050343 - An Ordinance authorizing the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development ("PAID") to file an application with the Office of the Budget, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, under the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, in an amount not to exceed Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000) to assist in the renovation and expansion of the Roxborough YMCA facility; and authorizing the City to enter into an agreement with PAID in furtherance of grant requirements; all under certain terms and conditions. BILL 050416 - An Ordinance authorizing the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development ("PAID") to 3 file an application with the Office of the Budget, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, under the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, in an amount not to exceed Two Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($2,500,000) to assist in the construction, renovation and expansion of the emergency room at the Mercy Nazareth Hospital in Philadelphia; and authorizing the City to enter into an agreement with PAID in furtherance of grant requirements; all under certain terms and conditions. PRESENT: COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE L. BLACKWELL, Chair COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILMAN DiCICCO COUNCILMAN JUAN F. RAMOS COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO 4 Finance - 5/23/05 - - - P R O C E E D I N G S - - - CHAIRWOMAN BLACKWELL: Good afternoon. We will now begin our Finance hearing with regard to redevelopment assistance capital program. For purposes of a quorum, President Verna is here, Councilwoman Tasco, Councilman Goode, Councilman Ramos, and myself, Jannie Blackwell, Chair of the Committee. Thank you all for being here. We will now ask the clerk to read the title of the first bill. Mr. Fina is already at the witness table. Thank you. CLERK: Bill Number 050295, an ordinance authorizing the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, PAID, to file an application with the Office of the Budget, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, under the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, in an amount not to exceed $6,000,000 to assist in the development of the Mill Creek Development project; and authorizing the City 5 Finance - 5/23/05 to enter into an agreement with PAID in furtherance of grant requirements; all under certain terms and conditions. CHAIRWOMAN BLACKWELL: Thank you very much. Mr. Fina.
Good afternoon, Chairwoman Blackwell and members of the Finance Committee. My name is Robert Fina. I am Senior Vice President of Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation, PIDC. And I am appearing here today on behalf of the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, PAID. There are five ordinances that are under consideration today. I will read... In my text I'll just explain each of those ordinances as they come. I won't repeat myself, in the interest of time, because all my testimony, as you can see, duplicates in each ordinance, in each testimony, what I've said in the previous one. So if that's acceptable, I will do that. And then, of course, I'll answer any questions. 6 Finance - 5/23/05 CHAIRWOMAN BLACKWELL: Thank you.
Thank you. I am here today to testify in support of Bill Number 050295, authorizing PAID to apply for a redevelopment assistance grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in the amount of $6 million, for the Mill Creek Development Project in West Philadelphia. The Mill Creek development will include both residential and non-residential construction and rehabilitation of the former Mill Creek public housing site in the surrounding 12 acre area. The non-residential portion of the project includes demolition of the former housing site, soil removal, and street scape and utility work. The total project cost for the non-residential portion of the Mill Creek Project exceeds $12 million. To apply for a redevelopment assistance grant, three principal actions must occur. First, the Commonwealth's 7 Finance - 5/23/05 legislature must name the project and the amount of funding in the approved state capital budget. Second, the Commonwealth's Office of the Budget or the Governor's Office must authorize PAID to submit an application to the Budget Office on behalf of the approved project. Third, City Council must approve an ordinance such as Bill Number 050295, presently under consideration. In addition to these three primary requirements, the grant recipient must provide documentation that the state funds are matched dollar for dollar with non-Commonwealth funding. When PAID submits a projects redevelopment assistance grant application to the Commonwealth's Budget Office, the grant recipient must demonstrate that at least 50 percent of the matching funds, the non-Commonwealth funding, is secured at that time. The Office of the Budget reviews the 8 Finance - 5/23/05 application materials extensively with its team of consultants and PIDC. Based upon this review, the Office of the Budget drafts and executes the projects grant agreement that includes specific conditions the grant recipient must satisfy before receiving any funding. The Commonwealth only funds those projects with approved applications, executed grant agreements, with all conditions achieved in those projects, in compliance with all program requirements. The redevelopment assistance capital program operates on a reimbursement basis for eligible project costs, such as construction and acquisition costs. Throughout the process, PAID acts as the applicant grantee and the grant recipients are referred to the sub-grantee or sub-applicant. Similar to PIDC's other financing programs, PAID, PIDC, acts as a conduit lender. That is, when the Commonwealth releases the grant funds, it is by a check made out to PAID, and we in turn disburse the 9 Finance - 5/23/05 designated grant receipts to the recipients. The disbursement process is closely monitored by the project auditors in the Commonwealth's Budget Office and by my colleagues at PIDC. No funds are disbursed unless the projects have documented their compliance with all program requirements. I request the Finance Committee's favorable consideration of Bill Number 050295, and that the rules of Council be suspended to permit the first reading at the next regularly scheduled session of City Council. I will be happy to answer any questions you may have, and I thank you for your consideration. CHAIRWOMAN BLACKWELL: Thank you, Mr. Fina. The Chair also notes that Councilman DiCicco is present, a member of the committee. Are there any questions from members of the committee? ) CHAIRWOMAN BLACKWELL: Is there anyone else here who would like to testify? ) CHAIRWOMAN BLACKWELL: Thank you very much. The clerk will read the title of the next bill.
CLERK: Bill Number 050297, an ordinance authorizing the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development to file 13 an application with the Office of the Budget, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, under the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, in an amount not to exceed $500,000, to assist in the construction, rehabilitation and renovation of Pleasant Hill Park; and authorizing the City to enter into an agreement with PAID in furtherance of grant requirements; all under certain terms and conditions. CHAIRWOMAN BLACKWELL: Mr. Fina.
Good afternoon again. My name is Robert Fina. I am here today to 11 Finance - 5/23/05 testify in support of Bill Number 050297, authorizing PAID to apply for a redevelopment assistance grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in the amount of $500,000, for renovations to Pleasant Hill Park in Northeast Philadelphia. Pleasant Hill Park provides an important access to riverfront recreation for citizens of the Northeast and all of Philadelphia. The renovations of this existing park on the Delaware River will include upgrading the boat ramp, parking and fish hatchery. Enhanced access to the river for recreational activities is an important component of the New River City Strategy. The total project cost is approximately million. I request the Finance Committee's favorable consideration of Bill Number 050297, and the rules of Council be suspended to permit the first reading at the next regularly scheduled session of City Council. 12 Finance - 5/23/05 I'd be happy to answer any questions you may have. I thank you for your consideration. CHAIRWOMAN BLACKWELL: Thank you very much. Are there questions from members of the committee? (No response.) CHAIRWOMAN BLACKWELL: Is there anyone else who would like to testify? (No response.) CHAIRWOMAN BLACKWELL: Thank you very much. The clerk will read the title of the next bill. CLERK: Bill Number 050299, an ordinance authorizing the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, to file 19 an application with the Office of the Budget, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, under the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, in an amount not to exceed $2,000,000, to assist in the renovation of the Simon's Recreation Center; and authorizing the City to enter into an agreement with PAID in furtherance of 13 Finance - 5/23/05 grant requirements; all under certain terms and conditions. CHAIRWOMAN BLACKWELL: Mr. Fina.
My name is Robert Fina. I am here today to testify in support of Bill 7 Number 050299, authorizing PAID to apply for a redevelopment assistance grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in the amount of $2 million, for renovation to the Simons Recreation Center in East Mount Airy. The City will use this funding to make major upgrades to the existing recreation center, including construction of ball fields and basketball courts, as well as a new HVAC system for the building. The total project cost will be approximately $4 million. I request the Finance Committee's favorable consideration of Bill Number 050299, and that the rules of Council be suspended to permit the first reading at the next regularly scheduled session of City Council. I will be happy to answer any 14 Finance - 5/23/05 questions you may have, and I thank you for your consideration. CHAIRWOMAN BLACKWELL: Thank you. Are there questions from members of the committee? (No response.) CHAIRWOMAN BLACKWELL: Are there other people who would like to testify or who are here today, feel free to come forward. Welcome. The Chair also notes that Councilman O'Neill is present.
Good afternoon Chairwoman. CHAIRWOMAN BLACKWELL: Good afternoon. Please pull the mike closer so can hear you.
Good afternoon. My name is Clarence Savage. I'm the president of Simons Advisory Council, located in West Oak Lane section of Philadelphia. We and the community support the bill. Thank you. CHAIRWOMAN BLACKWELL: Thank you 15 Finance - 5/23/05 very much.
Hi. My name is Phyllis Benson. I'm the Vice President of the Advisory Council at Simons Recreation Center. I also work for State Representative Dwight Evans. And I'm here to show my support to the bill. CHAIRWOMAN BLACKWELL: Thank you. And the Chair notes that we also spoke with the State Representative Dwight Evans, and promised him that we would treat you well, and that we're happy to support the legislation.
Madam Chair. CHAIRWOMAN BLACKWELL: Yes. Councilwoman Tasco.
I'd like to thank Miss Benson and Mr. Savage and Vernon for coming town to support this. They're doing a wonderful job at Simons Rec Center. It is an outstanding model for what's going on in this City, and particularly is good for 16 Finance - 5/23/05 West Oak Lane. If anyone has an opportunity, they should visit the teen center. It is outstanding. They have young people there every weekend. They have dances. You hear nothing negative about it. It's very a positive rec center. Ice skating rink. It's just a jewel in that community. And these people work very, very hard and have, I guess, for the last years 12 or more; been part of the advisory board and 13 leadership in that area. And we appreciate 14 their work. 15 And also, we thank Dwight Evans who 16 has really spent a lot of effort and money 17 into the revitalization... Well, it's not 18 revitalizing. Just ongoing maintenance and 19 development of the Simons Center. So, we 20 thank them for coming down. 21 CHAIRWOMAN BLACKWELL: Thank you 22 very much. 23 Is there anyone else who would like 24 to testify or any questions? 25 (No response.) 17 Finance - 5/23/05 CHAIRWOMAN BLACKWELL: Thank you. The chair recognizes the clerk for the next bill. CLERK: Bill Number 050343, an ordinance authorizing the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development to file 8 an application with the Office of the Budget, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, under the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, in an amount not to exceed $500,000, to assist in the renovation and expansion of the Roxborough YMCA facility; and authorizing the City to enter into an agreement with PAID in furtherance of grant requirements; all under certain terms and conditions. CHAIRWOMAN BLACKWELL: Thank you. Mr. Fina.
My name is Robert Fina. I am here today to testify in support of Bill 21 Number 050343, authorizing PAID to apply for a redevelopment assistance grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in the amount of $500,000, for renovations of the Roxborough YMCA. 18 Finance - 5/23/05 This grant will be combined with private funding from the YMCA, to expand and renovate this well utilized recreational and educational facility. This will permit the expansion of important programs, such as the after school program, as well as various cultural and educational programs provided to the community. The total project is approximately $1 million. I request the Finance Committee's favorable consideration of Bill Number 050343, and that the rules of Council be suspended to permit the first reading at the next regularly scheduled session of City Council. I will be happy to answer any questions you have, and I thank you for your consideration. CHAIRWOMAN BLACKWELL: Thank you very much. Any questions from the committee or anyone in the audience? 19 Finance - 5/23/05 (No response.) CHAIRWOMAN BLACKWELL: Thank you. The clerk will read the title of the final bill. CLERK: Bill Number 050416, an ordinance authorizing the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development to file 9 an application with the Office of the Budget, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, under the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, in an amount not to exceed $2,500,000, to assist in the construction, renovation and expansion of the emergency room at the Mercy Nazareth Hospital in Philadelphia; and authorizing the City to enter into an agreement with PAID in furtherance of grant requirements; all under certain terms and conditions. CHAIRWOMAN BLACKWELL: Thank you very much. Mr. Fina.
Thank you. My name is Robert Fina. And Councilman O'Neill, what I'm doing is, I'm abbreviating my testimony so 20 Finance - 5/23/05 not to repeat what I did in the first bill, since they are very similar. But I have extra copies, if you or any member of the committee will want that, to see exactly what my testimony on each and every bill is.
I am here today to testify in support of Bill Number 050416, authorizing PAID to apply for a redevelopment assistance grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in the amount of $2.5 million for renovations to the Mercy Nazareth Hospital in Northeast Philadelphia. Mercy Nazareth Hospital provides critical emergency medical services to citizens of the Northeast. The renovations and expansion of their emergency facilities is needed to incorporate new medical technology and expand the capacity to meet the growing needs of the area. The total project cost is over $5 million. 21 Finance - 5/23/05 I request the Finance Committee's favorable consideration of Bill Number 050416, and that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit the first reading at the next regularly scheduled session of City Council. I will be happy to answer any questions you may have, and I thank you for your consideration. CHAIRWOMAN BLACKWELL: Thank you. Are this any questions or comments from members of the committee? (No response.) CHAIRWOMAN BLACKWELL: Any visitors? (No response.) CHAIRWOMAN BLACKWELL: Thank you very much.
Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you, committee members. CHAIRWOMAN BLACKWELL: You're welcome. This will conclude the public hearing. (Public Hearing concluded.) 22 Finance - 5/23/05 - - - COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA PUBLIC MEETING - COMMITTEE ON FINANCE - - - Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Monday, May 23, 2005, 2:45 p.m. - - - BILL 050295 - An Ordinance authorizing the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development ("PAID") to file an application with the Office of the Budget, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, under the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, in an amount not to exceed Six Million Dollars ($6,000,000)to assist in the development of the Mill Creek Development project; and authorizing the City to enter into an agreement with PAID in furtherance of grant requirements; all under certain terms and conditions. BILL 050297 - An Ordinance authorizing the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development ("PAID") to file an application with the Office of the Budget, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, under the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, in an amount not to exceed Five Hundred Thousand Dollars - - - V A R A L L O Incorporated Litigation Support Services 1835 Market Street, Suite 600 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103 215.561.2220 215.567.2670 23 Finance - 5/23/05 ($500,000) to assist in the construction, rehabilitation and renovation of Pleasant Hill Park; and authorizing the City to enter into an agreement with PAID in furtherance of grant requirements; all under certain terms and conditions. BILL 050299 - An Ordinance authorizing the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development ("PAID") to file an application with the Office of the Budget, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, under the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, in an amount not to exceed Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000) to assist in the renovation of the Simon's Recreation Center; and authorizing the City to enter into an agreement with PAID in furtherance of grant requirements; all under certain terms and conditions. BILL 050343 - An Ordinance authorizing the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development ("PAID") to file an application with the Office of the Budget, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, under the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, in an amount not to exceed Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000) to assist in the renovation and expansion of the Roxborough YMCA facility; and authorizing the City to enter into an agreement with PAID in furtherance of grant requirements; all under certain terms and conditions. BILL 050416 - An Ordinance authorizing the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development ("PAID") to 24 Finance - 5/23/05 file an application with the Office of the Budget, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, under the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, in an amount not to exceed Two Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($2,500,000) to assist in the construction, renovation and expansion of the emergency room at the Mercy Nazareth Hospital in Philadelphia; and authorizing the City to enter into an agreement with PAID in furtherance of grant requirements; all under certain terms and conditions. PRESENT: COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE L. BLACKWELL, Chair COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILMAN DiCICCO COUNCILMAN JUAN F. RAMOS COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO 25 Finance - 5/23/05 - - - P R O C E E D I N G S - - - CHAIRWOMAN BLACKWELL: We will enter into the stated meeting. And the Chair recognizes Councilman W. Wilson Goode, with regard to a motion for Bill Number 050295, with the suspension of the rules.
Thank you, Madam Chair. I move that Bill Number 050295 be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation; that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading at our next Council session.
Second. CHAIRWOMAN BLACKWELL: It has been moved and seconded that Bill Number 050295 be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation; and furthermore, that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading at our next session of Council All in favor? Finance - 5/23/05 (Chorus of "ayes.") CHAIRWOMAN BLACKWELL: Opposed? (No response.) CHAIRWOMAN BLACKWELL: The ayes have it, and so the bill is passed. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ramos with regard to Bill Number 050297, also with a suspension of the rules.
Madam Chair, I move that Bill Number 050297 be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation, and that rules of Council be suspended to permit first reading of this bill at our next scheduled Council session.
Second. CHAIRWOMAN BLACKWELL: It has been moved and seconded that Bill Number 050297 be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation; and also, that the rules be suspended so as to permit first reading at our next session of Council. All in favor? (Chorus of "ayes.") CHAIRWOMAN BLACKWELL: Opposed? 27 Finance - 5/23/05 (No response.) CHAIRWOMAN BLACKWELL: The ayes have it, and so the bill is reported out of committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill with regard to Bill Number 050299.
Madam Chair, I move that Bill 050299 be reported out of this committee with a favorable recommendation; also, a recommendation that the rules of Council be suspended so as to allow first reading at our next session.
Second. CHAIRWOMAN BLACKWELL: It has been moved and seconded that Bill Number 050299 be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation; and also, that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading at our next session of Council. All in favor will say aye. (Chorus of "ayes.") CHAIRWOMAN BLACKWELL: Opposed? (No response.) CHAIRWOMAN BLACKWELL: The ayes have 28 Finance - 5/23/05 it, and so the bill is reported out. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode with regard to Bill Number 050343.
Thank you, Madam Chair. I move that Bill 050343 be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation; that the rules of Council be suspended to permit first reading at our next Council session.
Second. CHAIRWOMAN BLACKWELL: It has been moved and seconded that Bill Number 050343 be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation; and furthermore, that the rules be suspended so as to permit first reading at our next session of Council. All in favor will say aye. (Chorus of "ayes.") CHAIRWOMAN BLACKWELL: Opposed? (No response.) CHAIRWOMAN BLACKWELL: The ayes have it, and so the bill is reported out. The Chair recognizes Councilman 29 Finance - 5/23/05 O'Neill for a motion with regard to Bill 3 Number 0 50416.
Madam Chair, move that Bill 050416 be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation; and also, a recommendation that the rules of Council be suspended so as to allow first reading at our next Council session.
Second. CHAIRWOMAN BLACKWELL: It has been moved and seconded that Bill Number 050416 be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation; and furthermore, that the rules be suspended so as to permit first reading at our next session of Council. All in favor will say aye. (Chorus of "ayes.") CHAIRWOMAN BLACKWELL: Opposed? (No response.) CHAIRWOMAN BLACKWELL: The ayes have it, and so this bill is likewise reported out. This will conclude our Finance hearing. And we thank you all for attending. 30 Finance - 5/23/05 (Hearing and meeting concluded at 2:49 p.m.) 31 CERTIFICATE I HEREBY CERTIFY that the proceedings and evidence are contained fully and accurately in the stenographic notes taken by me upon the public hearing and public meeting of The Philadelphia City Council, taken on May 23, 2005, and that this is a true and correct transcript of same. _____________________________ DAVID A. DEIK, RPR and Commissioner of Deeds (The foregoing certification of this transcript does not apply to any reproduction of the same by any means, unless under the direct control and/or supervision of the certifying reporter.)