Mr. Chairman, we14 can't enforce valet zones one way in15 front of the Latham and another way every16 other institution in the City. I mean,17 people need to know what the rules are18 wherever they may be.19 And the other issue -- I mean,20 at the last hearing, the testimony was21 one of the reasons that this zone was22 important was so that this vehicle could23 be parked there and could be a symbol of24 the status of this hotel.25 111 11/29/11 - STREETS - BILL 110308, ETC.1 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: I never2 really bought that, because it's going to3 move. The purpose of it being there is4 that if someone needs it to go from Point5 A to Point B, for whatever it is, the6 hotel is shuttling that person, it's7 going to move. So, you know --8
Mr. Varley has a9 statement.10 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: I just11 want to ask a question of you, sir, and I12 asked it at the last hearing.13 Without this parking14 arrangement -- and correct me if I'm15 wrong -- you would not be able to attain16 the Preferred Hotel status?17
Well, it would18 require some negotiation on our part with19 them. It is one of the requirements of20 the brand, and the challenge -- a couple21 of the other challenges, if the car were22 parked in a garage, part of the thing is23 when someone is ready for the car,24 they're ready for it now. I can't wait25 112 11/29/11 - STREETS - BILL 110308, ETC.1 15 minutes for the car to be driven2 around from a parking garage, that that3 defeats the purpose of the service. The4 Latham is only 130 rooms. There rarely5 is any -- that valet spot is constantly6 moved. I don't know what the percentage7 of guests that are even bringing cars8 into Philadelphia, but a good majority of9 them fly in and don't even have cars. So10 it really doesn't create any congestion11 out there. From all the time, 16 years,12 that I've been there, I've never seen it13 backed up there congested, and that's the14 challenge with the distance of parking it15 further away.16 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you.17 Councilman Green.18
Thank you.19 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: I'm sorry.20 Did you have a statement you wanted to21 make before that? No, okay.22 Councilman Green.23
Thank you,24 Mr. Chairman.25 113 11/29/11 - STREETS - BILL 110308, ETC.1 I just have a couple of2 questions. Obviously I certainly and I'm3 sure my colleagues appreciate the fact4 that you're investing in the City and5 you're spending $15 million here. I'm6 just curious about the hotel in Boston7 you referred to that has car service. Do8 they have a dedicated street parking spot9 for that car service?10
I think the13 answer is going to be no. And so my view14 is that you can have your Preferred Hotel15 agreement as long as you have a car. The16 car doesn't have to be parked in front of17 the hotel at all times.18 I've used that car service from19 many New York hotels when I stayed in New20 York at various hotels and wanted a car.21 I'd call down and say, I need a car in22 ten minutes, and the car would be there,23 and sometimes, as the Chairman pointed24 out, the car was gone and wouldn't be25 114 11/29/11 - STREETS - BILL 110308, ETC.1 back for 20, because it had to go2 downtown or somewhere else.3 And so I'm not sure I4 understand why the hotel can't just, for5 the same fee it would pay the City,6 negotiate with a nearby lot, and there7 are many, I guess it would be, north of8 the portion of 17th that you need within9 a couple of blocks that would dump you10 onto 17th, so that you would have a spot11 that would allow you to be at the front12 door within a minute or two, and that13 seems to me to be sort of like reasonable14 and given -- I'd like you to comment on15 that.16
By the time the21 associate would go from the hotel to go22 get the car to bring it around, it would23 be 15, 20 minutes. It defeats the24 purpose of the service.25 115 11/29/11 - STREETS - BILL 110308, ETC.1
And then you got4 to go back and park it and then five5 minutes later, someone comes, you got --6
Somehow they7 manage to do that in Boston, somehow they8 manage to do that in New York, without9 dedicated parking spots. I've never10 stayed at a hotel where I called a car11 where they had a dedicated parking spot12 unless they had it on their premises.13
Well, this is14 certainly dedicated parking spots in15 Boston. What the arrangement they have16 with the city, I have no idea, but these17 are dedicated spots right in front of18 this hotel in downtown Boston.19
Well, the20 car may be sitting there, just as it21 might in Philadelphia if you had three22 spaces, two valet and one loading.23 You've got to have somebody in it so it24 can move when the Parking Authority comes25 116 11/29/11 - STREETS - BILL 110308, ETC.1 by.2 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: What's the3 maximum, Mr. Dickson, what is the maximum4 time allowed in a loading zone?5
Passenger loading6 zone is 20 minutes. Regular loading zone7 is 30 minutes.8
Councilman Green,9 I did have a conversation with the10 general manager at the -- it's called the11 XV Beacon Hotel and I also had a12 conversation with a general manager out13 at the Hotel Teatro in Denver. In Boston14 they have a valet license, but they also15 have like a commercial parking vehicle16 license that allows along the lines what17 you're suggesting, that allows you to18 stay in an area for more than 20 minutes19 or something like that. And so that you20 could maybe create something -- I mean,21 we still feel that what we're asking for22 is a legitimate use, and I know at the23 last hearing, Councilman DiCicco, you24 realized that there are certain25 117 11/29/11 - STREETS - BILL 110308, ETC.1 situations where spaces have been carved2 out for a special service down around3 Independence Hall to have their own4 space. So that there has been a5 dedication of public space for a basis.6 But there has been in other7 jurisdictions -- Houston also had it --8 where you could create a license where9 you can allow a vehicle with that license10 to stay in a spot for a little bit longer11 than the 20 minutes that we're talking12 about.13
We have such14 a license in the City of Philadelphia.15
But we're not a24 contractor.25 118 11/29/11 - STREETS - BILL 110308, ETC.1
But it seems2 to me that the proper approach here is to3 come up with something within our current4 regulatory or other construct for5 commercial vehicles and not create the6 precedent of creating this possibility in7 the public right-of-way of streets in8 front of any hotel in the City who meet9 certain criteria, because while we're10 sitting here and discussing the Latham11 and whether it can hold three or four12 spots, this bill would apply to any13 similarly situated hotel that meets14 certain criteria, and to me, that's not15 the policy for us to just sit here and16 say maybe we can allow this to happen17 anywhere, without knowing where that is18 in advance, without having Streets and19 the Parking Authority commenting on it as20 that particular spot comes up. I21 personally would like to help you find a22 way to do this with some sort of23 commercial license rather than creating24 this precedent and potentially allowing25 119 11/29/11 - STREETS - BILL 110308, ETC.1 it in places where it would be far worse2 for the street than the Latham would be3 with three spots in front of it. So for4 that reason, hearing what I've heard so5 far, I'm going to vote against this bill6 if you move it.7 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: We have8 actually -- we've tried to put the great9 minds together to figure that very issue10 out, and I know Councilman Jones has been11 waiting. Do you have a comment on that?12
Yeah, just one13 other comment. I think in the beginning14 of -- there is a real distinction between15 hotels and someone like Urban Outfitters16 asking for a parking spot. I mean, the17 hotels, this is for tourism for the City18 of Philadelphia, and to make the19 correlation that every person and every20 resident, every business would want a21 business space, a spot, that really22 doesn't fly. I think the hotels are very23 unique to the cause.24
But the25 120 11/29/11 - STREETS - BILL 110308, ETC.1 problem is, each hotel, some are on2 streets that are one width wide, some are3 on streets that are two wide, et cetera,4 and we're applying this without knowing5 which hotels will take it up and how it6 will impact the rest of that street. And7 so while I agree with your sentiment and8 agree that we want to promote and9 encourage tourism, it's certainly been10 very important in the City of11 Philadelphia since it became something12 that we started promoting in the early13 1980s --14
Thank you.17 But, you know, I don't want to apply a18 general rule without knowing how it will19 apply on the street in front of a20 particular hotel, and it seems to me that21 there may be some other compromise here.22 So I agree with your sentiment,23 but application in front of a particular24 hotel I don't agree with just because25 121 11/29/11 - STREETS - BILL 110308, ETC.1 it's a hotel that it's appropriate.2
Well, the bill3 was not tailored just to the Latham. The4 bill was tailored also that -- that's5 why --6
Mr. Pollock,7 that's exactly my point. We're talking8 about potentially making it available all9 over the City inappropriately without10 hearings on that, that we don't know11 where else it's appropriate, but it would12 be allowed of right because we passed13 this bill, without having a public14 discussion about whether it's appropriate15 on that street or in the right-of-way.16 So that is exactly my point,17 that this is broader than the Latham,18 this bill.19
I think I can22 commit -- well, the Executive Director is23 here. He can commit the Parking24 Authority to working with the Latham and25 122 11/29/11 - STREETS - BILL 110308, ETC.1 any other hotel to ensure that they have2 the ability to provide the service3 without taking what we see as a portion4 of the public roadway and converting it5 to exclusive private use, just as we have6 done with the other bill that's coming7 before this Committee today to deal with8 hotel issues.9 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Councilman10 Jones.11
Let me ask a12 couple of questions leading to a point.13 What is the total project cost14 of your hotel and its improvements?15
I'd have to run24 some numbers. A hundred million dollars.25 123 11/29/11 - STREETS - BILL 110308, ETC.1
And you're6 talking about putting how much in the7 expansion?8
What is your21 annual tax contribution to the City of22 Philadelphia, roughly?23
You don't25 124 11/29/11 - STREETS - BILL 110308, ETC.1 know how much you give us?2
I oversee a3 hundred hotels. I can get that number4 for you, though.5
We have 3011 employees. We'll probably be up to 4012 when the restaurant opens.13
What's the14 difference between hotel billable rates15 in a one-star hotel versus a four-star,16 which you're trying to get, Preferred?17
The rates on a18 two-star hotel or so in the City is19 probably 119, 120. The rates we hope to20 achieve are $200, $300 a night.21
And most of22 these are going to be visitors to the23 City of Philadelphia, who we want to have24 them spend as much as possible while25 125 11/29/11 - STREETS - BILL 110308, ETC.1 they're here, right?2
Right. We're3 looking for people who want to spend a4 lot of money.5
Okay. So6 for me, what is the difference between7 when we cater to a restaurant and we give8 valet parking privileges and take away9 spots based on revenues to the City of10 Philadelphia versus what we've done for11 hundreds of businesses, giving them12 public property, inducing them to stay or13 expand in the City of Philadelphia versus14 what we are doing here? Before the Great15 Recession, new bank accounts got free16 toasters. I mean, gee, we're talking17 about one parking spot, and I just don't18 understand why we can do so much for19 Comcast, but not do something for hotels20 that rely on this kind of catering and21 preferential treatment to its hotel22 guests, that we can't do that. I don't23 understand why this is so different.24
That wasn't2 about you, but I meant the Parking3 Authority.4
I5 understand, but the answer to the6 question from my perspective is that7 we're talking about dedicating a street's8 use for one party. Valet zones have to9 be vacated in 20 minutes. We're talking10 about the potential of finding a way for11 them to use the valet zone in front of12 their hotel for just the purpose that13 we're talking about. They do have a14 valet zone in front of their hotel, just15 like restaurants that we permit all the16 time, and they're paying for that permit,17 and we're talking about expanding that by18 one spot, and I think that it's19 appropriate, as you're suggesting, to be20 accommodating. I don't think -- this21 bill does not help just the Latham. It22 helps any hotel that meet certain23 criteria anywhere in the City, and we24 don't know what the possibility of that25 127 11/29/11 - STREETS - BILL 110308, ETC.1 is. And so for that -- I mean, we could2 make the same argument about every large3 commercial building in the City which are4 worth hundreds of millions of dollars,5 they should have their own parking spot6 because of the investment they're making,7 any new hotel that's being built. I8 mean, it's just the question of9 dedicating the public street for one10 individual's use as a precedent and11 applying that citywide, without knowing12 where or how it will impact us anywhere13 else, doesn't seem to me to make sense as14 a policy for the City going forward. So15 that's my objection to the bill and why16 I'll be voting against it.17 COUNCILMAN JONES:18 Mr. Chairman?19 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Councilman20 Jones.21
I've sat on22 this Committee, which is one, for the23 record, since everyone is giving our24 Chairman praises today, the hardest25 128 11/29/11 - STREETS - BILL 110308, ETC.1 working committee in Council, and our2 Chairman is a great chairman and will be3 missed. But I know this Committee has4 struck streets for a number of occasions5 to assist in economic expansion6 throughout my tenure here. So, I mean,7 it's not a precedent that we're setting8 here. So that's my only comment, and9 thank you, Mr. Chairman.10 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Any other11 questions?12 (No response.)13 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Anyone14 else here who wishes to testify?15 Mr. Blount.16 (Witness approached witness17 table.)18
Good morning,19 members of Council. My name is Ronald20 Blount. I'm with the Taxi Workers21 Alliance of Pennsylvania representing22 1,200 of the 5,000 taxi drivers in the23 City. And as many of you guys know, taxi24 drivers are the near poor, working 12 to25 129 11/29/11 - STREETS - BILL 110308, ETC.1 16 hours a day, six to seven days a week.2 And we start each day negative, over $703 to rent our cabs, $50 for fuel and4 maintenance, and then with the help of5 the Parking Authority, hotel6 associations, restaurants, we did a7 hospitality initiative in the taxi8 industry. We started accepting credit9 cards, GPS. The cars are better, the10 drivers are better. We made much11 commitment. Drivers are still making12 less income.13 So what this bill, from our14 perspective, will do will further reduce15 drivers' income. They'll be sitting in16 front of hotels not making nothing.17 Twenty percent of our income come from18 these hotels.19 We can be there in two seconds.20 You need to go to the airport? We can be21 there in two seconds. You need to go to22 the courthouse? We can be there in one23 second. We can do that.24 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: To that25 130 11/29/11 - STREETS - BILL 110308, ETC.1 point, I want to ask you a question. Who2 would be the driver or who would be3 designated to drive these vehicles?4 Would they be hotel employees?5
Yes. It would be6 hotel employees. We would not charge for7 the services, and it would not include8 airport runs. It would be limited to a9 two-mile radius of the hotel.10 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: I thought11 you testified the last hearing the same12 way.13 I do have one other question, I14 guess comment, about dedicating on-street15 spaces for businesses. We do have taxi16 loading zones, don't we? We have taxi17 loading zones in the City of18 Philadelphia?19
Yes, we do. Not20 at the Latham. Not at the Latham or not21 at the Radisson.22 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: We are23 dedicating spaces on a City street in24 Philadelphia specific for a business,25 131 11/29/11 - STREETS - BILL 110308, ETC.1 which is taxi business.2
We dedicate5 certain spaces --6 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Get my7 chair or slide it up.8
We dedicate9 spaces to a class of vehicles, all of10 which have equal access to those spaces.11 We have never dedicated a space for the12 exclusive --13 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: But it's14 an industry. It's an industry that has15 dedicated on-street parking? Maybe --16
No. They don't17 have dedicated on-street parking. They18 have a dedicated area in which they can19 wait for a hail. It's not -- they can't20 just park their car there and leave it21 for a day.22 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Is there a23 limit to how long the taxi could be in24 that space?25 132 11/29/11 - STREETS - BILL 110308, ETC.1
The driver has to2 stay with the vehicle. It can't be an3 unattended vehicle.4 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: But is5 there a limit to how long the driver has6 to stay with that vehicle?7
We do not have a8 time limit on that space.9 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you.10 Any other questions?11 Councilwoman Miller.12
Hi.13 Thank you.14 So the space that's -- I'll15 describe it as the taxi space or the16 hotel spice, is really for either one?17
No. What's18 contemplated here -- there are taxi zones19 throughout, particularly Center City,20 where taxis can wait for -- where people21 generally congregate that need taxicab22 service, and the driver stays with the23 vehicle, the next person comes up and24 they leave.25 133 11/29/11 - STREETS - BILL 110308, ETC.1 What is being proposed here is2 a reserved space that can only be used by3 one vehicle owned by the hotel where it's4 situated.5
And6 that's because they'll be paying for that7 space, correct?8
No. That's16 because it is available to every taxicab17 in the City of Philadelphia.18
All19 right. Thank you.20 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you.21 Any other questions for these22 witnesses?23 (No response.)24 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Is there25 134 11/29/11 - STREETS - BILL 110308, ETC.1 anyone else here who wishes to testify on2 this bill?3 (No response.)4 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you5 all. Appreciate it.6
Thank you very7 much.8 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Please9 read the title of the next bill.10
Bill No. 110827, an11 ordinance amending Title 12 of The12 Philadelphia Code, entitled "Traffic13 Code," by further providing with respect14 to valet parking permit fees; and by15 authorizing the establishment of hotel16 loading zones and providing for penalties17 for illegally parking in such zones; all18 under certain terms and conditions.19 (Witnesses approached witness20 table.)21 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Before you22 gentlemen get started, the same applies23 to the Parking Authority. Their24 interaction between this Committee and25 135 11/29/11 - STREETS - BILL 110308, ETC.1 the Parking Authority, as everyone can2 see, is pretty much constant. So I want3 to thank you for the years of service and4 cooperation. This was one of those areas5 where I think we all would like to see6 something happen, but how do we get there7 is going to be -- it's still a challenge.8 But I want to thank you publicly, Rick9 Dickson, Vince Fenerty and the rest of10 your team over at the Parking Authority.11 Please proceed with your12 testimony.13
I'll be14 mercifully brief. The Parking Authority15 has worked with Councilmember Kenney, the16 Mayor's Office of Transportation and17 Utilities and the Hotel Association to18 craft a solution to a problem that19 appeared with the way curb space in front20 of hotels operates. What I believe this21 ordinance does is take what has been22 practiced for a number of years and23 legalizes it. Many hotels had valet24 zones installed to cover the entire25 136 11/29/11 - STREETS - BILL 110308, ETC.1 length of the front of their space2 because they needed to have access,3 ongoing access, for people coming and4 going to the hotel. The reality was that5 much of that space was not used6 exclusively for valet purposes, but was7 used for other people, people or -- hotel8 guests or people using restaurants or9 other services who needed access to the10 front of the hotel.11 What this ordinance does is12 permits a new hotel loading zone, which13 would enable those people who are patrons14 of the hotel for whatever purpose,15 whether they be guests dropping off16 someone, someone going to a restaurant17 that needs to drop someone off or even a18 vendor who needs to drop off supplies,19 could use that space for those20 hotel-related activities. It enables the21 hotels to reduce the amount of valet22 space that they have, which will save the23 hotels money but, at the same time,24 really recognizes that there are a whole25 137 11/29/11 - STREETS - BILL 110308, ETC.1 host of demands on the curb space at the2 hotel, and we tried to accommodate all of3 those demands with this ordinance.4 The difference between this and5 what was proposed in the other one was6 that only one vehicle could ever use that7 space. This space allows anyone for a8 period of time to use the space.9 Certainly a hotel vehicle could stay10 there. It just could not park there11 indefinitely.12 The difference from this and13 what was proposed is that the other14 ordinance permits the vehicle to stay15 there from, I think, 9:00 a.m. until16 10:00 p.m. This says they can only stay,17 I believe, for a half hour.18 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Please19 proceed with your testimony.20
Good afternoon,21 Councilman DiCicco and members of the22 Committee on Streets and Services. My23 name is Andrew Stober. I'm the Chief of24 Staff in the Mayor's Office of25 138 11/29/11 - STREETS - BILL 110308, ETC.1 Transportation and Utilities. Councilman2 DiCicco, on behalf of our office and the3 Deputy Mayor, who couldn't be here today,4 we just wanted to thank you for the5 relationship that we've had in the last6 four years and being able to work with7 you and our office to try some new and8 innovative things in your district with9 your support, and it's been great to work10 with you, and we'll certainly miss you.11 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you.12
I won't reiterate13 what Rick said, but did want to add just14 two things from our perspective.15 One of the things that this16 bill does, while we address the needs of17 the hotel industry, is that we do18 maintain the full-time valet parking fee19 at $2,500, and this is important for two20 reasons. It provides revenue for the21 enforcement required to maintain properly22 functioning valet operations and also23 causes those requesting valet spaces to24 think carefully about what exactly their25 139 11/29/11 - STREETS - BILL 110308, ETC.1 valet needs are. Every valet space is2 typically a space taken away from the3 availability for public parking, and4 public metered parking in Center City at5 even just 80 percent occupancy returns to6 the City and School District upwards of7 $8,500 a year. So while the fees ensure8 turnover at rates that make sure that9 there's access to on-street parking for10 visitors, reducing the valet rate for11 zones that are used less than half the12 time, as this bill does, is consistent13 with an approach to pricing curb-side14 space in a way that reflects its15 enforcement costs and its public value.16 Happy to answer any questions17 you may have.18 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you.19 Mr. Fenerty, do you have20 testimony?21
Thank you.25 140 11/29/11 - STREETS - BILL 110308, ETC.1 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Mr. Grose,2 I'm sorry. Mr. Grose.3
I can be quick.4 I'm not going to repeat -- good5 afternoon. My name is Ed Grose. I'm the6 Executive Director of the Greater7 Philadelphia Hotel Association.8 The main purpose for us on this9 bill -- and I'm just going to read the10 sentence. This bill is necessary for us11 to deflect the thousand percent increase12 in valet curb space fees, which would13 increase some hotels costs from $2,00014 annually to 20,000, or about 50 percent15 of the cost of a housekeeper.16 I'd also like to thank everyone17 sitting at this table and Councilman18 Kenney's office for working closely with19 us on coming up with a solution that20 wasn't perfect for everyone but was21 something everyone can live with.22 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you.23 Councilman Green.24
Thank you.25 141 11/29/11 - STREETS - BILL 110308, ETC.1 So just a quick question. So2 every hotel -- this is, I guess, for3 Streets, if they're here, or the Parking4 Authority. Every hotel has the right to5 this valet spot -- to these kinds of6 spots in front of the hotel?7
I can answer that.8 It's only for hotel properties that lack9 in off-street passenger loading and10 unloading facility. So it's really to11 address the needs of some historic12 hotels.13
Yes. Okay.14 So this would be a hotel like the Latham15 or the Palomar?16
Ritz18 Carlton. Okay. So here's my question:19 The hotel is able to pay for the spaces20 in front of it pursuant to this21 ordinance, whatever the cost is per spot,22 whatever spots are available. Is there23 any reason why they couldn't have -- a24 commercial vehicle owned by a hotel could25 142 11/29/11 - STREETS - BILL 110308, ETC.1 not just be left in front of that hotel2 in one of these spaces if they choose to3 do so? It is in the hotel's interest to4 make sure that traffic flow in front of5 their hotel is appropriate to get guests6 in and out. They're going to act in7 their own rational interest. So why do8 we need a -- when we are doing this, why9 do we need a separate bill creating a10 dedicated spot rather than just adding as11 a permitted use for this space a12 hotel-owned vehicle driven by a hotel13 employee and they can leave it there and14 take up a spot in front or not, if they15 want, depending on the --16
There are several17 reasons, Councilman.18 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Vince,19 please identify yourself.20
Vince Fenerty,21 the Executive Director of the Parking22 Authority.23 Number one, in front of some of24 these hotels, the space is very limited.25 143 11/29/11 - STREETS - BILL 110308, ETC.1 So to park a hotel vehicle there, which2 would not be a commercial vehicle, it3 would be tagged as a passenger vehicle or4 possibly a limousine according to the5 size of it, it may or may not move.6 Without pointing any fingers at any7 hotels, but there are some in very close8 proximity to City Hall where9 Councilmembers are familiar, don't police10 themself right now. They overuse the11 valet zones. To let a hotel start12 policing itself and the activity of its13 own vehicle in front of there would not14 be in the best public interest, in my15 opinion, Councilman. And I'm open to16 finding whatever type of solution there17 is to this, but to allow a hotel vehicle,18 which would be marked or unmarked, just19 park there all day would not be good. I20 think on a street like 16th, 17th or 8th21 Street, some which have hotels, if you22 start stacking vehicles and using a23 vehicle that just sits there waiting for24 a certain type of clientele, you're25 144 11/29/11 - STREETS - BILL 110308, ETC.1 taking away valuable curb space. You're2 having your valets load from the3 operating lane, the center operating4 lane, and traffic gets backed up. And5 we're just trying to ease the congestion6 in Center City.7
Prior to8 becoming a Councilperson, I have paid9 valets 10 or 20 bucks to leave my car in10 front of the hotel and run around and do11 some shopping. So I'm familiar with what12 you're talking about and nowhere to go to13 do that. So I understand.14 Thank you.15
You're welcome.16 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: That's17 called the grant system, G-R-A-N-T.18 Any other questions from this19 Committee?20 (No response.)21 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Is there22 anyone else here who wishes to testify on23 this bill?24 I know we're running a little25 145 11/29/11 - STREETS - BILL 110308, ETC.1 bit late. There's the Committee of L&I2 that was scheduled at 3 o'clock. We have3 one more bill and then we'll be voting on4 these bills rather quickly.5
Councilman, if I6 may have 30 seconds. I know there's a7 Parking Authority bill coming up next.8 I'm leaving that in the hands of my able9 staff. I will be leaving. But I10 specifically came down here today to11 appear in the last Streets and Services12 Committee meeting which you will chair.13 I go back probably with you maybe longer14 than anyone sitting here, back to our15 early days at Traffic Court when I was16 there as a Parking Authority liaison 2817 and a half years ago. You taught me many18 things. You helped us along when the19 Parking Authority first started.20 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: I taught21 you how to stay out of trouble, right?22
You did. And we23 both managed in our careers to stay out24 of trouble.25 146 11/29/11 - STREETS - BILL 110308, ETC.1 It's always been a pleasure2 working with you. You then came here.3 You've always treated the Parking4 Authority honorably, and I hope the5 Parking Authority has done back.6 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you.7
And I want to8 thank you for your service as Chair of9 this Committee, and I'd also like to10 thank Councilwoman Miller, who is also11 retiring, for all of the good work she12 gave to this Committee on behalf of the13 Parking Authority. And I would14 personally like to give you my personal15 applause.16 (Applause.)17 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you.18 Thank you. Thank you, Vince. I19 appreciate it.20 Please read the title of the21 next bill.22
Bill No. 110828, an23 ordinance amending Chapter 12-2900 of The24 Philadelphia Code, entitled "Contractor25 147 11/29/11 - STREETS - BILL 110308, ETC.1 Parking," by renaming said Chapter2 "Special Purpose Parking"; and by3 providing for parking permits for4 specified purposes in addition to5 contractor parking, including, but not6 limited to, home health care and real7 estate agent services; all under certain8 terms and conditions.9 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Please10 proceed with your testimony.11
Good afternoon,12 Chairman DiCicco and members of the13 Committee on Streets and Services. My14 name is Andrew Stober and I serve as15 Chief of Staff in the Mayor's Office of16 Transportation and Utilities. I'm here17 today to share the Administration's18 concerns about this bill.19 We do not support this bill,20 which allows for the creation of special21 purpose parking permits for real estate22 agents and home health professionals.23 This measure will begin a serious and24 inevitable erosion of the City's25 148 11/29/11 - STREETS - BILL 110308, ETC.1 residential permit parking program and2 parking management programs. The3 qualification of real estate agents for4 special parking privilege will establish5 a precedent for all small businessowners6 and employees to be exempt from meter7 parking fees and time limits. An8 exemption for home health professionals9 will establish a precedent for other10 service providers to be exempt from fees11 and time limits. Clergy, teachers,12 tutors, social workers and other helping13 professions have been requesting this for14 many years. These permits will be15 difficult, if not impossible, to enforce16 against when they are used for17 non-business purposes.18 While the goal of supporting19 real estate agents and home health20 professionals is laudable, the list of21 exempted groups will grow and the22 function of residential parking and meter23 parking programs will become untenable.24 Residents will not be able to find25 149 11/29/11 - STREETS - BILL 110308, ETC.1 parking and metered parking spaces will2 not be available to the general public.3 The breakdown in the parking system will4 lead to double parking and the traffic5 jams that inevitably follow.6 The Philadelphia Parking7 Authority currently offers day passes for8 specific residential parking areas to9 meet the needs of non-residents who10 require parking in a permit area for in11 excess of two hours. This system12 protects residents and ensures13 non-residents access to permitted areas14 with a level playing field for all15 non-resident drivers.16 We'll join the Parking17 Authority in recommending that this18 legislation not be passed out of19 Committee, and I'm happy to answer any20 questions you have.21 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Mr.22 Dickson.23
Thank you, Mr.24 Chairman. Like Mr. Stober's testimony,25 150 11/29/11 - STREETS - BILL 110308, ETC.1 we're extremely concerned that the2 proliferation of these permits will lead3 to the situation where those people who4 actually want to spend money in our5 stores are not able to have access to6 businesses. I certainly support the7 activity of real estate agents and home8 health care aides, and we think that9 there are legitimate ways that they can10 find to do their job. Unfortunately11 sometimes paying for parking is the cost12 of doing business.13 There are certainly cases that14 could be made for members of the clergy15 or the person that works in the corner16 grocery store who needs to drive to work17 or, for that matter, members of City18 Council who think that it would be better19 for them if they were not subject to the20 rules that everybody else is. But if we21 keep looking at this as a way to just22 provide free parking for special groups23 of people instead of those -- these are24 people who are being paid to do their25 151 11/29/11 - STREETS - BILL 110308, ETC.1 jobs. If we keep giving them free2 parking, those people who are paying to3 support the businesses that pay the taxes4 and do the other things won't have access5 to those places as well. So we really6 would object to the favorable7 consideration of this bill.8 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you.9 Any questions from this10 Committee for these witnesses?11 (No response.)12 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Anyone13 else here to testify on this bill? I see14 a bunch of realtors out in the audience.15 So you all decide for yourself and in16 what order.17 (Witnesses approached witness18 table.)19 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Diane,20 nice to see you. I'm sorry I didn't get21 a chance to say hi earlier.22 Good afternoon, and decide23 among yourself who is going to go first.24
I'll be speaking25 152 11/29/11 - STREETS - BILL 110308, ETC.1 first.2 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Please3 identify yourself for the record and4 proceed with your testimony.5
Good afternoon,6 members of the Committee of Streets and7 Services. 12 The Greater Philadelphia13 Association of Realtors commends the14 authors of this unique revenue-generating15 consumer-friendly bill. 18 The proposed parking permits19 for real estate licensees works in tandem20 with the permits for contractors. 1 Together, generating revenue via transfer2 taxes on the purchase of the lot or3 renovation and once again generating4 transfer taxes on the sale of the5 finished dwelling. 10 In an older historic city such11 as ours, vehicle parking is challenging12 as our streets were not built to provide13 for this need. Most households today14 possess two vehicles, consequently15 complicating and limiting the limited16 parking available even further. In the17 normal course of a business day, hundreds18 of our members are meeting potential19 buyers and sellers in locations where20 parking is just not available. 4 The more time-consuming function of our5 licensees would be attending building6 inspections and hosting open houses for7 our consumers, which can last 90 minutes8 to two hours. We recognize that these9 parking enforcement officials are doing10 their job. 15 The attraction of purchasing16 parking permits by licensees is,17 therefore, apparent. If every licensee18 in Philadelphia totalling 3,863,19 including the 2,000 members of the20 Greater Philadelphia Association of21 Realtors, purchased a permit, it would22 generate revenue to the City in the23 amount of $772,600. 1 be more inclined to do business here,2 counteracting our "it's too difficult or3 too costly to find parking in the City"4 reputation. 7 We've been aware of concerns8 regarding the policing and potential for9 abuse of this privilege. 17 As a reminder, this legislation18 is only a pilot program. Therefore, in19 May of 2013 if City Council is not20 pleased with the results of Bill 110828,21 the members can terminate it. 6 MR. McCANN: Hello, Councilman7 DiCicco, members of staff. Thank you for8 hearing us. 13 MR. McCANN: I'm sorry. I'm14 Mike McCann. 17 I write in support of the18 parking legislation before you to allow19 realtors in the City of Philadelphia to20 purchase place cards, similar to the ones21 allowed for contractors, allowing22 realtors to park for a limited timeframe23 in the City. It's not setting a24 precedent. It is one already set. not asking for it for free. If you take someone out and4 you're an ambassador and you show them5 around the City, you're parking your car6 5, 10, 15 times. You're going in the7 home 10, 15, 20 minutes. You're moving8 your car. It's very difficult getting in9 and out, finding a meter, putting it in10 and all that stuff. And then you come11 back and you get a ticket. And I could12 take a buyer out for three hours and get13 two or three tickets. It's kind of14 discouraging. 17 But more than contractors, we18 bring huge revenue to the City in the19 form of transfer tax, business privilege20 taxes, net profit taxes, property taxes,21 jobs, gross receipts and additional22 spending in the City. We're23 self-employed. We're not paid by the24 hour or we get paid for doing it. 2 Our business is down over 503 percent. Sales are way down. We're4 working 14, 12 hours a day. We're not5 asking for anything for free. 9 We sell the positive aspects of10 Philadelphia, promoting new residents11 daily. No professionals are bigger12 cheerleaders for our city since our very13 survival depends upon it. 4
It's about 3,863.5 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you.6 Please, Kathy. I'm sorry.7
Good afternoon,8 Councilman Chairman DiCicco. How are9 you? And other Councilmembers. I'm10 Kathy Conway. I'm a realtor with11 Prudential Fox & Roach for the last 2512 years.13 I'd like to just explain what I14 believe a real estate agent in the City15 of Philadelphia is.16 We are professionals. We are17 diplomats. We are ambassadors to our18 great city. We create millions of19 dollars a year in revenue between20 transfer taxes, real estate taxes and21 City wage taxes, as well as the revenue22 from the ripple-down effect of our sales.23 I have many Parking Authority24 nightmare stories that I will spare you,25 160 11/29/11 - STREETS - BILL 110308, ETC.1 but I can tell you that in one year I2 received 72 tickets, all of which I paid,3 and 99 percent of them were just from4 expired meters, just because someone5 needs to have more attention, a buyer6 wants some questions answered. I7 literally got one ticket dropping a8 person off on Walnut Street. While he9 was getting out of my car, they were10 writing me a ticket, which all we're11 asking for is some courtesy and a little12 bit of grace.13 I believe this new legislation14 will definitely generate income to our15 City without raising taxes because of the16 permit costs they will be. This is a17 pilot program and can be rescinded in a18 year.19 I would like to thank20 Councilman Kenney for introducing this21 bill, and please pass this important22 bill.23 Finally, I would like to, even24 though Councilman DiCicco is not here,25 161 11/29/11 - STREETS - BILL 110308, ETC.1 thank him for all of his 16 years of2 service to our great city.3 Thank you.4
Hi. My name is9 Antonio Atacan. I'm a broker with Keller10 Williams. I've been selling real estate11 in Philadelphia 15 years and I want to12 make sure that my point is clear to you,13 you Councilmens.14 It's almost impossible to show15 real estate in Philadelphia and not16 getting a ticket basically, because the17 dynamics are such set that it's18 technically when you're selling a19 property, I mean, you could be spending20 five minutes to two hours. You have no21 way of controlling it. You could be22 parking your car three hours away and not23 be able to leave the property, because24 you cannot leave the property with a25 162 11/29/11 - STREETS - BILL 110308, ETC.1 client technically, because there's a lot2 of liability component. This is not3 something you're looking at and say is a4 privilege. It's more of a necessity.5 And it really brings the morale down.6 And we're trying to promote the City here7 and be dealing with the consumer coming8 from New York to cross country, and9 they're kind of laughing at us in a10 sense. We're saying, look, profit11 parking because they're so efficient,12 they have a TV show about it. We see13 why.14 We just need that balance here.15 I understand that if you don't look for16 our interest, who is going to look for17 our interest? Because we're individual18 entrepreneurs. We don't have a union19 behind us. We don't have a big20 corporation behind us. We're all21 self-employed here. So if you don't look22 for our best interest, nobody is going to23 look for it.24 So I hope that you take this25 163 11/29/11 - STREETS - BILL 110308, ETC.1 into serious consideration. This is not2 something because we feel entitlement to.3 I hope that you understand my point.4
Yes. Good7 afternoon. My name is Jack Barry,8 Greater Philadelphia Association of9 Realtors. I practice in Center City10 Philadelphia, and while my co-workers11 here have explained thoroughly why this12 would be a good idea, I would just like13 to speak briefly about the opposition14 that we face in the Administration and15 from the Parking Authority.16 We're not asking for a free17 ride here. We're willing to pay $200 for18 these permits, just like the contractors19 that currently have them do. The20 Administration and the Parking Authority21 feel that the whole entire parking scheme22 may be threatened by these permits and23 even Parking Wars may even be cancelled24 if we get parking permits for our cars,25 164 11/29/11 - STREETS - BILL 110308, ETC.1 and it's just simply not the case.2 The threat of abuse is very3 clearly -- would be monitored by City4 Council and the Parking Authority as it5 is now for the contractors. This is a6 great revenue stream. Over 3,0007 licensed realtors in the City of8 Philadelphia -- those numbers are from9 November 22nd of this year. This could10 be a great revenue stream without11 taxation. And as the Parking Authority12 states, other groups want to get permits?13 Allow them to, too. There's plenty of14 parking spots out there in certain15 sections of the City. There's very few16 spots, very few places where it's hard to17 park your car. I'm out there all day18 long. You don't have to drive more than19 a block.20 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: I don't21 think you want to go there. You're22 making an argument against this. If23 there are that many spaces, why would we24 need to have special permits issued?25 165 11/29/11 - STREETS - BILL 110308, ETC.1
I think what he's4 trying to point out is basically you're5 not generating enough revenue in those6 areas. This will be an additional7 revenue. Obviously this is not an issue8 in Center City. We're talking about9 areas that not enough activity, but10 you're not generating enough income for11 the City. That's the point.12 And the second thing is, I13 don't know how intelligent, smart about14 not getting a ticket. You're going to15 get a ticket. I just want to make sure16 that you understand that.17 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: I have a18 councilmanic placard and I'm City-owned19 car and I get tickets, but when I had a20 City car eight years ago, I was getting21 tickets. They are proficient.22
They're23 unbelievable.24 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Councilman25 166 11/29/11 - STREETS - BILL 110308, ETC.1 Greenlee.2
Thank3 you.4 I guess, Mr. Barry, maybe you5 brought up another issue. Is the purpose6 of this to try to find parking spots or7 to raise revenue? I guess I'm lost after8 your statement. I'm a little lost.9
Okay.11 Now, I guess the trouble I have with this12 bill, quite frankly, is -- and I13 understand, realtors do a great job. I'm14 glad property is selling. I'm glad all15 of that. But in the end, I mean, in all16 fairness, you're salespeople, right?17 That's what you are. Well, there's lots18 of other salespeople in the City,19 insurance, whatnot. I guess I question20 why just real estate. I mean, health21 care professional may be a little22 different argument, but, again, with all23 due respect to your profession, why do24 you think it should be just real estate25 167 11/29/11 - STREETS - BILL 110308, ETC.1 agents in this case?2 MR. McCANN: If I may answer?3
Sure.4 MR. McCANN: Because you're5 physically taking someone in your car and6 if you want to look at properties in town7 today and I would set up ten properties,8 I have to find ten parking spots to park9 my car. You might like that house. You10 might want to stay in there more than the11 money I put in the meters. And our car12 is our office. We're not sitting in a13 beautiful building like this all day.14 We're in and out of the car, and you're15 probably taking out 30 or 40 appointments16 throughout the week in and out of your17 car, parking, moving. That's not18 counting all the -- you're parking,19 you're going to settlements and all that20 stuff. That's a different issue. Coming21 here today, I paid $18 to park.22
But you23 would be able to park in those situations24 if you had that placard, right? I mean,25 168 11/29/11 - STREETS - BILL 110308, ETC.1 they're not going to check to see if2 you're carrying somebody around at that3 moment.4 MR. McCANN: You're going to5 park in the spot with the placard because6 you're showing properties.7
Or8 meeting with somebody to talk about a9 property.10 MR. McCANN: That is correct,11 yes, and going to someone's house.12
So you're13 involved in sales, which is fine, but so14 is somebody selling insurance.15 MR. McCANN: Okay. What about16 the contractors? Why do the17 contractors --18
Well, I19 think the difference there is, they're20 providing a direct service at that21 moment. For the most part, they're22 fixing something. They're providing a23 service.24 MR. McCANN: But if they're25 169 11/29/11 - STREETS - BILL 110308, ETC.1 going to be there in that one house, they2 could find a real spot and stay there,3 just like when I come to a settlement, I4 know I'm going to be there for two hours,5 I pay for my parking. But when I'm out6 showing you properties and I'm running7 around, I'm going from spot to spot8 trying to find a spot, dropping people at9 the house, finding a spot, running back10 to the house, and that's what it is. If11 I'm a contractor, I'm going to a site and12 there's a parking lot here, I'm going to13 pay there for the day, unload my stuff14 and go pay there for the day. I don't15 need that placard. But as realtors,16 we're in and out all the time. If I have17 a couple appointments, I'm going to my18 office, I pay for parking. I'm coming19 here, I pay for parking. It's being the20 ambassador.21 A home health care, I would22 totally agree too, they're going in a23 house for an hour or two. And so the24 bottom line is, I probably spend three or25 170 11/29/11 - STREETS - BILL 110308, ETC.1 four hundred dollars a month in parking2 tickets, not counting the money I put in3 the meters and not counting the money4 that I pay to park at my garage or other5 garages that I paid today. It's insane.6 It's off the charts.7
But I'm8 just wondering, don't a lot of other9 salespeople that have to go back and10 forth to see customers and go to11 customers have the same problem? That's12 my dilemma here.13
Councilman14 Greenlee, I do not believe that. I think15 that what sets us apart from a16 salesperson or an insurance person is the17 revenue and what we feel about our city.18 We are your cheerleaders. We are the19 ambassadors. We're the diplomats. And20 honestly, we need that special privilege.21 And just the revenue we bring in sets us22 apart from other tradespeople.23
So it24 really should be defined by how much25 171 11/29/11 - STREETS - BILL 110308, ETC.1 money you make?2
Not really. Not3 how much we make. How much we make the4 City. I'm not saying what -- we have no5 special privilege. We're saying what6 we --7
Well, but8 this would be a special privilege, right?9
It's not a special10 privilege. I think it's deserved, as a11 contractor working in a house deserves12 it.13
I hear14 you. I understand what you're saying.15 It's just I'm a little troubled by -- it16 just seems like singling one type of17 business out, which is really what you're18 doing here, I just -- it bothers me a19 little bit.20
I mean, the24 distinction between an insurance25 172 11/29/11 - STREETS - BILL 110308, ETC.1 salesperson versus real estate person,2 it's really two different animals. If3 you own a property in Center City, if you4 get in the car with me all day long, look5 at houses, you probably maybe have a6 better understanding what we go through.7 I mean --8
The reality is,11 it's a very dynamic situation. It's not12 static. We're going to get a ton of13 tickets, going to get ton of tickets14 unless you stop it. Bottom line. I15 mean, there's no way I can be smarter16 about this. It's just the way the cards17 are dealt.18
I hear19 you. I'll be honest with you, I just20 have some trouble with this. It just21 seems like it's singling out one22 business, and I just have a little23 concern about that.24
I do believe,25 173 11/29/11 - STREETS - BILL 110308, ETC.1 Councilman Greenlee, it is singling out2 one particular business, but to your3 point, this sales business that we're in4 is a unique product. It is not like any5 other product that any other salesperson6 would be engaged in in the City, so it7 does lend itself more to the contractor8 construct than the insurance salesman,9 who has a list of clients he's going to10 visit in any given day. So in that11 regard, I think it does separate itself12 and would hence generate this interest.13
Okay.14 All right. I hear you. Thank you.15 Thank you, Mr. Chairman.16 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Councilman17 Green.18
Thank you,19 Mr. Chairman.20 My questions are for the City.21 So what is the time limit on this permit?22
Well, the23 proposed time limit is three hours in24 meter zones, time limit zones, unloading25 174 11/29/11 - STREETS - BILL 110308, ETC.1 zones.2
So my3 question for you is, is there a -- I4 think there are some exceptions where5 it's two hours, but most places you can6 put three hours on a meter, can't you?7
Most places it's8 two hours. It's three hours in the9 evening. I believe the testimony that I10 heard was that people are in and out in11 20 minutes. There seems to be the12 perception from the testimony that13 somehow this permit would exempt people14 from parking tickets.15
I'm just --16 okay. So the time limit is three hours?17
Does it19 apply to any realtor licensed in the20 State of Pennsylvania?21
So you could23 have someone from Gladwyne or Bryn Mawr24 who is a realtor apply for this permit,25 175 11/29/11 - STREETS - BILL 110308, ETC.1 you'd give this permit, that person can2 come in and shop on Walnut Street in less3 than three hours and leave?4
So when you6 talk about the ability to enforce this,7 how do you actually -- if someone has the8 permit in and they're there less than9 three hours, what possible enforcement is10 there --11
That's what16 I thought.17 Thank you.18 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Councilman19 Jones.20
I think the21 realtors in this town do provide a22 valuable service. It's value added by23 way of the perception of new people who24 come to the City of Philadelphia and are25 176 11/29/11 - STREETS - BILL 110308, ETC.1 treated and are received by these people.2 But I could make that same argument for3 pastors who visit a home. I could make4 that assertion for the pizza delivery guy5 who adds value at halftime to the6 football game. None of them get those7 special privileges, and I would think8 that this body would be hard-pressed to9 start to segregate out.10 I think the compelling piece11 was that so why should the contractor get12 that kind of privilege. Well, if you're13 hauling equipment up and down, proximity14 matters. If you're hauling a briefcase15 up and down, maybe a little less16 proximity.17 So I just don't think that this18 bill does a one-size-fits-all kind of19 thing, and, therefore, I would be20 hard-pressed to vote for it.21 Thank you, Mr. Chairman.22 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you.23 Any other questions from this24 Committee?25 177 11/29/11 - STREETS - BILL 110308, ETC.1 (No response.)2 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Is there3 anyone else here who wishes to testify?4 Please come back to the table.5 MR. McCANN: We'd be very happy6 with an hour. We don't need three hours.7 The parking permit doesn't allow8 proximity. It just allows you if you're9 running over time. And, again, we're out10 running around trying to park. If you11 spent a day and were my driver, you would12 absolutely see what we do in a day with13 the consumer. There's 20 minutes in14 front of businesses. There's free15 parking around City Hall. There's a lot16 of other special exceptions. And we're17 not looking for special exceptions.18 We're looking for -- we're doing business19 in the City. We do provide a very big20 service. Center City has grown 17,00021 people in the last ten years, and a lot22 of it is our blood and sweat. We're23 asking, hey, can't you recognize what we24 do for the City. You don't ticket the25 178 11/29/11 - STREETS - BILL 110308, ETC.1 UPS guy. They don't ticket a lot of2 people.3
Yes, they4 do.5 MR. McCANN: Well, they do, but6 they cut them a lot of breaks.7
No, they8 don't.9 MR. McCANN: I'm telling you,10 we go in a house and we're in there three11 extra minutes --12 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: UPS are --13 MR. McCANN: But you see those14 type of trucks all over the place. So,15 again, we don't need three hours.16
What I heard from17 earlier hearings, that I know you're very18 focusing on making sure that you're19 creating a win-win situation for, just20 listening to your point on taxicab21 drivers having the privilege to be able22 to park because it supports their23 business. We're not asking anything24 really different than that. Rather than25 179 11/29/11 - STREETS - BILL 110308, ETC.1 telling us simply no, give us something.2 Give us something that shows that you're3 committed to help us. Don't shut us down4 on the first try. That's what we're5 looking for. I think that's fair. And6 plus the (unintelligible). I mean, if it7 doesn't work, you can always cancel us.8 How is that?9 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: The10 Committee will make that decision11 shortly. Thank you.12 Anyone else here to testify on13 this bill?14 (No response.)15 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Seeing16 none, that was the last bill, right?17
That is the last18 bill.19 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: This20 concludes the public hearing on the21 Committee of Streets and Services. We22 will now go into the public meeting.23 The Chair recognizes Councilman24 Greenlee.25 180 11/29/11 - STREETS - BILL 110308, ETC.1 For the record, Bill No. 1108402 is being held. All other bills are up3 for consideration.4 The Chair recognizes Councilman5 Greenlee.6
Thank7 you, Mr. Chairman. Before I start that,8 as the day has continued to be a9 testimonial for Frank DiCicco, if I could10 just say as a member of this Committee11 for five years, I know Councilwoman12 Miller for 16 years, I just want to give13 you tremendous credit for all the work14 you've done. It's been an absolutely15 working committee. You've been very fair16 to the Committee members, the17 Administration and to all the public. So18 you'll be commended, sir.19 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you.20 Appreciate that.21
Getting22 back to business here. Mr. Chairman, I23 move that the following bills be reported24 out of this Committee with a favorable25 181 11/29/11 - STREETS - BILL 110308, ETC.1 recommendation and that the rules of2 Council be suspended to allow for first3 reading at our next session of Council:4 110308, 110309, 110520, 110647, 110663,5 110720, 110721, 110734, 110735, 110736,6 110737, 110738, 110765, 110767, 110785,7 110786, 110794, 110795, 110796, 1107978 110843 and 110849.9 (Duly seconded.)10 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: It's been11 properly moved and seconded that the12 bills that have just been read into the13 record be reported out of this Committee14 with a favorable recommendation and that15 the rules of Council be suspended so as16 to permit first reading at our next17 session of Council.18 All in favor?19 (Aye.)20 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Those21 opposed?22 (No response.)23 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Councilman24 Greenlee.25 182 11/29/11 - STREETS - BILL 110308, ETC.1 I'm asking consideration for2 Bill No. 110828. I'm reporting Bill No.3 110828 out of this Committee with a4 favorable recommendation.5 All those in favor?6 (Aye.)7 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Those8 opposed?9 (No.)10 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Four no's;11 one aye. The bill is defeated.12 Bill No -- I move for the13 amendment to Bill No. 110827.14 (Duly seconded.)15 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: It's been16 properly moved and seconded that the17 amendment to Bill No. 110827 be approved.18 All in favor?19 (Aye.)20 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Those21 opposed?22 (No response.)23 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: The24 amendment is approved.25 183 11/29/11 - STREETS - BILL 110308, ETC.1 I now move for the adoption of2 Bill No. 110827, as amended.3 All in favor?4 (Aye.)5 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Any no's?6 (No.)7 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Three8 ayes; two no's. The bill is approved.9
Wait a10 minute. Which one?11 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: 827.12 (Off-the-record discussion13 between Committee members.)14 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Do you15 want to call for another vote?16
Yes, please.17 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: We're18 going to call that bill up for another19 vote, for 110827, as amended.20 All those in favor?21 (Aye.)22 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Those23 opposed?24 (No response.)25 184 11/29/11 - STREETS - BILL 110308, ETC.1 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: The bill2 passes.3 Now move for the -- I move for4 the approval of the amendment to Bill No.5 110449.6 (Duly seconded.)7 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: All those8 in favor of the amendment?9 (Aye.)10 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: I move11 that Bill No. 110449, as amended, be12 reported out of this Committee with no13 suspension.14 All in favor?15 (Aye.)16 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Nays?17 (Nay.)18 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: The bill19 is defeated.20 I think that's it, isn't it?21
Donna's22 bill.23 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: You can do24 that.25 185 11/29/11 - STREETS - BILL 110308, ETC.1
I'll do2 that. Mr. Chairman, I move -- first I3 move the amendment be adopted to Bill No.4 110764.5 (Duly seconded.)6 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Move for7 the adoption of the amendment.8 (Aye.)9 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: The10 amendment passes.11 Councilman Greenlee.12
Mr.13 Chairman, I move that Bill No. 110764, as14 amended, be reported out of this15 Committee with a favorable16 recommendation.17 (Duly seconded.)18 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: It's been19 properly moved and seconded that Bill No.20 110764, as amended, be reported out of21 this Committee with a favorable22 recommendation, that the rules of23 Council --24
No rules25 186 11/29/11 - STREETS - BILL 110308, ETC.1 suspension.2 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: And no3 rules suspension.4 All in favor?5 (Aye.)6 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Those7 opposed?8 (No response.)9 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: The bill10 passes.11 This concludes the final12 Committee on Streets and Services.13 (Applause.)14 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you.15 (Committee on Streets and16 Services concluded at 3:55 p.m.)17 - - -18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 187 CERTIFICATE2 I HEREBY CERTIFY that the3 proceedings, evidence and objections are4 contained fully and accurately in the5 stenographic notes taken by me upon the6 foregoing matter on November 29, 2011, and7 that this is a true and correct transcript of8 same.9 10 11 12 13 --------------------14 MICHELE L. MURPHY15 RPR-Notary Public16 17 18 19 (The foregoing certification of this20 transcript does not apply to any reproduction21 of the same by any means, unless under the22 direct control and/or supervision of the23 certifying reporter.)24 25