COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA PUBLIC HEARING COMMITTEE ON RULES - - - Room 696, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, April 10, 2003 1:20 p.m. - - - BILL 010743 - an ordinance amending Chapter 20-600 the of the Philadelphia Code... BILL 030017 - an ordinance establishing a Neighborhood Improvement District in an area that generally includes both sides of Ridge Avenue from Main Street to 7220 Ridge Avenue... BILL 030068 - an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Bridge Street, Tacony Street, a line 245 feet north of Sanger Street, the Delaware River and the Frankford Creek. - - - PRESENT: COUNCILMAN JAMES KENNEY, Chair COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA COUNCILMAN DARRELL CLARKE COUNCILMAN DAVID COHEN COUNCILMAN FRANK DICICCO COUNCILMAN MICHAEL NUTTER - - - 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 I N D E X BILL 030068 PAGE THOMAS CHAPMAN, City Planning Commission .... HARRY ANGERSER (ph), Bridesburg Civic Association ............................. PATRICK HERON, Legend Properties ............. MARK HANKIN, Arsenal Associates .............. THADDEUS J. PRZYBYLOWSKI, Bridesburg Business Association ............................. 7 DEBRA DARROYO, Wissanoming Civic Assoc. ...... 15 8 BILL 010743 HEIDI GOLD, League of Women Voters ........... 21 9 BILL 030017 10 DUANE BUMB, Commerce ........................ 30 JACK HARMER, Central Roxborough Civic Assoc. 32 WILLIAM KINGSLEY, Interact .................. 33 ROBERT CATELL ............................... 34 3 04/10/03 - RULES - BILL 030068
Good afternoon. Council President Verna, Councilmembers DiCicco, Clarke, Nutter and myself Councilman Kenney are in attendance. The first bill is on 030068, an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Bridge Street, Tacony Street, a line 245 feet north of Sanger Street, the Delaware River and the Frankford Creek. Is there anyone to testify on this bill?
Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman and Members of the Committee. My name is Tom Chapman, I am the Director at the Development Planning Division for the City Planning Commission. I'm here today to testify on Bill No. 030068. This bill was introduced by Councilmember Krajewski on February 6th of this year. This bill will rezone 46 acres of the 83-acre Frankford Arsenal site from the current designation of G2 General Industrial to a designation of C3 Commercial. This will allow for 4 04/10/03 - RULES - BILL 030068 the development of a shopping center at the northern edge of the Arsenal Business Center site. The Planning Commission is scheduled to consider this amendment to the zoning maps of its meeting of April 15, 2003, and at that time, the staff of the Planning Commission will recommend that the commission endorse this change to the maps. I would be happy any questions of the Committee. I'd also like to note that Mr. Heron, Pat Heron also Mr. Mark Hankin are here today representing the proposed commercial development of the site.
Thank you very much. Any questions for Mr. Chapman. (No response.)
Seeing none, is there anyone else who would like to testify on this bill? Come forward, please. Good afternoon. Please identify yourself for the record and proceed.
Harry Angerser (ph), President of Bridesburg Civic. 5 04/10/03 - RULES - BILL 030068
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. My name is Harry Angerser, and I'm here today wearing two hats. First as President of the Bridesburg Civic Association and second as Chairman of the 45th Ward. Jerry Kazinski (ph) couldn't be here today. He would have like to have been, but he's been under the weather so he asked me to convey to you the Ward's approval of this project. Now, as President of the Bridesburg Civic, I would like to talk to you an about the proposed plans for the Frankford Arsenal project. It has been long road to get where we are today. There has been give and take from both sides and time has come for this to move forward. The Bridesburg Civic held meetings that were attended by Mr. Pat Heron who represents Legend Properties and the Arsenal. He explained what plans were for the site. After a meeting of April 3, 2003, we proceeded to vote on this matter. By one member chose not to vote, all those who casted a vote unanimously in favor of the Arsenal's development. The civic does have some concerns and 6 04/10/03 - RULES - BILL 030068 they are as follows: First, is the hospital that is on the grounds, a hospital established pre Civil War, a place where Army of the Republic were treated and healed. We want it preserved. We would like it to stay. Second, we have concerns over the increase in traffic that it would bring. Mr. Heron has said that there will be studies done to show what impact it would have. Third, we as a community would like some input on what types of businesses would be located in the center. So, again, I feel the time has come to move this project forward. And thank you.
Thank you very much for your testimony. I would appreciate if Mr. Heron, if he's here, could come forward and put on the record or at least respond to some of the issues raised in the prior testimony. Good afternoon.
Please identify 7 04/10/03 - RULES - BILL 030068 yourself for the record.
Sure. My name is Patrick Heron. I'm with Legend Properties. We're commercial real estate brokers and we've been retained by the Arsenal Business Center to work on this project.
You heard some of the issues that Harry raised, I was wondering if you could comment for the record as to what plans or how you would like to respond.
Not in the order the order that Harry brought them up. One of the issues that everyone is going to take a look at, Councilman, is the traffic. The bulk of the shoppers that will come to the Arsenal Business Center will come in off Tacony Street. And at Tacony and Bridge Street, there's already a traffic signal that needs some breathing room. And the retailers that we've taken to the property have expressed some concern about getting in and out. So we will probably one of the one of the first things we will do subsequent if the zoning is received would be to get a traffic study underway to show both how to alleviate the existing traffic as well as improve it. 8 04/10/03 - RULES - BILL 030068 In terms of the types of businesses, when we originally put together a plan maybe six, seven, eight months ago, there was a plan for a discount store such as a Wal-Mart or a Target, a home improvement such as a Lowes, discount store such Sams, BJs, and a movie theater. There was some concern voiced by some members of the Bridesburg community pertaining the movie theater. The developer who is with me right, Mark Hankin, just said, Pull it off. We don't need to put uses at the site that's going to -- we don't want somebody saying, "Yeah, it's okay," we want support. So we'll definitely work with the neighborhood to make sure the uses we put in there will be something that the neighborhood, A, needs and, B, wants.
If you're able to disclose it, is there an anchor tenant?
And how many parking spacing on site? 9 04/10/03 - RULES - BILL 030068
I would say close to a thousand. Tom Chapman probably would be better.
Harry mentioned Crane Hospital. Crane Hospital is an absolutely gorgeous building that was built prior to the Civil War and it's probably the historic building of the historic buildings in the Arsenal that's on what we call the northern half, Councilman. The southern half has buildings that were built in the early 19th Century, and virtually all of the historic buildings are in the northern half. This is one building that does sit in the southern half and --
Thank you. This is the one 10 04/10/03 - RULES - BILL 030068 historic building that sits in the northern half. It would be difficult to maintain the building, but I wouldn't want to say it can't be maintained or it might not be moved because when Harry bought this to our attention, I passed it on to Mr. Hankin and Mark said, "Well, if there's anyway at all we can, we'll look at it."
My name is Mark Hankin. I represent Arsenal Associates, the owner of the property. It is not on the Historic Register, but we have been consulting with the Pennsylvania Historic Commission in Harrisburg and we've been working with them to determine if we can relocate the building that we will relocate it at an area that they think would be best for it.
To relocate the building on the existing footprint of the site?
On the existing footprint. But probably, if possible, to the southern half 11 04/10/03 - RULES - BILL 030068 which is not being disturbed.
And the other buildings at this point are undetermined.
The other buildings on the northern buildings are not considered historically significant at all.
Are there any questions for these witnesses? (No response.)
Good afternoon. My name is Thaddeus J. Przybylowski, P-R-Z-Y-B-Y-L-O-W-S-K-I. I'm here today 12 04/10/03 - RULES - BILL 030068 representing the Bridesburg Business Association and as Chairman of the Zoning Committee. I had the opportunity of originally starting the remapping of the entire area way back during Mayor Tate's time. I'm very familiar with it, and everything to do with zoning comes before the Zoning Committee or the Association and we're very well aware of everything that the Arsenal Business Center is promoting. Back in the beginning of the spring of 2002 when the subject matter became as to what is going to happen to the north portion, we were certainly very much involved and it was a topic of discussion at every meeting as to what the new ventures were going to be. We believe that the retail services that would become available would be such that the community has not had for quite a while. And if someone doesn't pick up the ball and carry it, looks like we will just be left by the wayside. So we're looking forward to that opportunity to see that become a reality. As well as the opportunity of possible employment of the immediate neighborhood would be certainly very helpful, whether it be full-time or part-time. As well as the improvement 13 04/10/03 - RULES - BILL 030068 of the facilities, removal of any vacant buildings and vacant ground certainly does not increase the stability of the community. So we'd be very happy to see something that is well maintain. And knowing the organization as we have been in the past, that will certainly be attend to. So as far as the Association is concerned, we have not heard or received any detrimental requests or demands or in anyway whatsoever as to what's going to happen. We've had no remarks detrimental to the proposal and the organization the Bridesburg Business Association certainly are unanimously in favor of this development. I appreciate this opportunity.
Thank you very much for coming in. Any questions for this witness? Councilman Cohen.
There was a statement about a shopping center coming in. Do you know what kind of a shopping center it would be?
Would it be clothing? 14 04/10/03 - RULES - BILL 030068 Would it be food? Would it be a combination? Would it be a little department store?
As I understand, it would be a combination of the -- a smaller scale. It's not going to be that elaborate that we would be -- the stores that we don't have in the neighborhood would be welcome there, whether they be clothing stores or hardware stores or something of this nature.
It's about 400,000 square feet they said, so there's probably going to be a mix. Probably one anchor or an anchor or two and other smaller retailer, restaurant, whatever.
And would the market for whatever came in the stores be the neighborhood generally or would it be confined mostly to people working at the Arsenal?
I would say it definitely would be for the community. We have very few commercial establishments in the community today. They've been closed because of traveling into the vast stores away, and this will be a welcomed opportunity that they wouldn't have to travel as far. They'd be able to possibly even walk 15 04/10/03 - RULES - BILL 030068 to the shopping area. So it will be well received. We're looking forward to.
Thank you. It seems like a very good idea and in line with our efforts to revitalize many of our neighborhoods.
Thank you very much. Thank you for your testimony. Any other witnesses? Please come forward. Good afternoon. Please identify yourself for the record.
My name is Debra Darroyo, I'm Vice President of the Wissinoming Civic Association. Our organization has fully supported this proposal. The only concerns that we have are similar to the other ones expressed, as far as the traffic. There is a charter school, a high school that's located in the southern end. And with the school children coming in and out, we would just want to make sure that the traffic patterns are safe and also the nature of the businesses that would be coming in.
And I think you've heard the gentleman's testimony relative to those 16 04/10/03 - RULES - BILL 030068 precautions.
And they've seemed at this point to work with us. And as long as that continues, we give your full support.
Terrific. Thank you. Any questions? Councilman DiCicco.
Mr. Chairman, if I can get the two other gentlemen that spoke first back up. I have a question in relationship to the traffic issue. Thank you. One of you testified concerning a traffic study that will occur or hats occurred?
Well, I obviously support development of this size, and I think it's important. Generally, studies are done in advance of the request for the -- or at the same time that request for zoning changes are made so that you 17 04/10/03 - RULES - BILL 030068 don't have to deal with this at a later date. The community obviously has some concern for the issues that the young lady just expressed. I mean, my experience in the district that I represent, any time we've taken on a large development of this size, there's always been a traffic study that's been attached to it. Obviously, I'll support this legislation, but I think it would be helpful to you between now and the time that the bill is finally voted on over the next two, three weeks when Council takes the vote whether to pass this bill or not that some sort of study would be in place. I think that would be give some comfort to the community. I mean, I don't hear any sense of objection to the development, but they have some concerns. And it's kind of like putting the cart in front of the horse, if you will, not meaning any disrespect, but it would be very helpful.
Are you related to the Hankins from Willow Grove Park?
Yes. That was my dad and his brothers. 18 04/10/03 - RULES - BILL 030068
That was my dad? Kenney doesn't know about Willow Grove Park. He wasn't around in those days.
It was a lot of fun. That's where I worked for many years during the summertime.
I spent many, many times in my younger days -- I'm sure Councilman Cohen remembers Willow Grove Park, the amusement park there.
Yes. I remember your -- would it be your father, your uncle, your grandfather, Mo Hankin?
He was a classmate of mine at the University of Pennsylvania Law School.
I owned a restaurant in South Philadelphia in the '80s, and they were very good customers of mine. Thank you.
There was one comment that was raised about the children. We have already 19 04/10/03 - RULES - BILL 010743 addressed that issue in that when the children at the end of the day, which is 3 o'clock, SEPTA has been kind enough in that they actually bring their buses right to the school within the southern half of the Arsenal so that 90 to 95 percent of th children get on the SEPTA buses and they're bused immediately out of the property. The other ones go to the very southern end and catch one of the SEPTA lines that run along Bridge Street, so that they would not be going in the direction of where the center would be. So that issue has already been addressed in the long-term planning.
Seeing none, we'll now move to Bill No. 010743, an ordinance amending Chapter 20-600 the of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Standards of Conduct and Ethics," by adding anti-nepotism provisions prohibiting city officers and employers from taking or recommending 20 04/10/03 - RULES - BILL 010743 certain personnel actions affecting family members, all under certain terms and conditions. Please come forward. Councilman Nutter, do you have anything you'd like to say to begin?
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, this is a continuation of a hearing actually that took place last year and I know that there were some concerns expressed about some of the language in the bill, if not the entire bill in general. And I do very much respect those concerns. I've not really had any further conversation with Members about it. We've, I guess, all been busy in the course of the past year. I do have some general information, Mr. Chairman, that I can share with members. There's a chart which shows an analysis of the top 10 cities in the country and any particular provisions that those cities have regarding the subject matter. Our City does in a usual way stand out amongst those cities as essentially the only city of the top 10 cities in the country that does not have a specific provision on this particular matter. Actually, I'm sorry, Mr. Chairman. Philadelphia and Detroit -- 21 04/10/03 - RULES - BILL 010743
-- on that issue. So we have additional testimony. We had testimony at the last hearing from the Committee of 70 in a positive regard. So I'd just like to hear the testimony and see what direction we end up going with regard to the matter today. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Thank you very much. Please identify yourself for the record.
I'm Heidi Gold, President of the League of Women Voters of Philadelphia. Good afternoon, Councilman Kenney, Members of the Committee. I'm here to give the League of Women Voters support for Bill 010743. You have written testimony before you. What I would like to do is just summarize the two critical issues that we feel may be problematic about nepotism and why we support the bill. First is to ensure that City officers and employees do not have direct input on personnel decisions regarding a family member and also to 22 04/10/03 - RULES - BILL 010743 ensure that there is no direct chain of command or reporting relationship between the relatives. Many private sector companies do have policies that stipulate where relatives are hired, they not work in the same departments and there's no 7 chain-of-command relationship. And I believe if private sector companies can do this, then certainly our government should be held to the same, if not a higher, standard. There have been some instances where nepotism can provide hostile working environments, lowering morale for employees, and hurting productivity. And I do of a copy of the chart, and it seems that Philadelphia keeps popping up on charts for some good government issues that it doesn't have. And Certainly, Councilman Kenney, the other issue that the League advocates for is campaign finance reform, and we are also one of the top 10 cities, one of 2, who do not have that either.
By the way, just to add to that, we also appear on another list with Detroit, and that is a list of top cities in the country lost net population over the last decade. 23 04/10/03 - RULES - BILL 010743 Every other city on this list, with the exception of Philadelphia and Detroit, have gained net residents. Philadelphia lost 4 percent, Detroit lost 7 over the last decade. So it's not a great list to be on.
No. Thank you for sharing that with me. Another list. So again, I'll just conclude by saying that we support legislation that will provide anti-nepotism provisions. And I'd be happy to answer any questions that you have.
Thank you. I have lots of questions about this bill. It seems to me Philadelphia has many problems that we're trying to grapple what. This happens to be a problem that doesn't exist to my understanding. There have been four cases in City Council where one could have said in theory that nepotism may have been involved. One was in the original employment of current Council President Verna by her father. Second was one was employment by me of my wife Florence Cohen who was my chief aid for many years and retired some seven years ago. The other was the 24 04/10/03 - RULES - BILL 010743 employment of Councilwoman Blackwell, now the Majority Leader of City Council, who was employed by her husband for a number of years before she succeeded to his as present. And the last one that I'm familiar with City Council is the employment of Pat Rafferty who was the wife of City Councilman Rafferty and who is currently the Clerk of the City Council. I think those four appointments happen to show the good side of what some people call nepotism. In private enterprise field, it is regarded often as very important that there be family traditions, that the family concern for a business be maintained. We talk of pride about family interest and public service. And I think that we ought not to be addressing this issue as if -- what some people might have called the practice of nepotism existed in City Council as if it's a major problem. I know of no where where it's a problem. I know of no case in modern history where it's been charged that somebody in Philadelphia City Council or in Philadelphia employment employed somebody improperly or solely because of a relationship. I don't see any danger to Civil Service workers, and I think the reason there's been 25 04/10/03 - RULES - BILL 010743 no legislation is because in Philadelphia we practice good common sense. I'm generally a very strong supporter of the League of Women Voters. In this issue, and I've conveyed by thoughts to Councilman Nutter, I believe both the League and the Councilman are spending time on a problem that doesn't exist when there's so many problems that do exist and that need attention. I also take some personal umbrage with respect to it. I regard my wife as having been an example of one of the finest public servants that ever worked in the City of Philadelphia. And passing a bill at this time when there is no problem, issues, in my opinion, a condemnation of the kind of employment that I refer to. I think the four employees I've referred to that I'm familiar with that might in somebody's judgement fall within the definition here, I think any form of condemnation ought to be replaced by heavy doses of praise. Each of the four people have contributed a great deal to the Council. None of them have ever threatened the integrity of the City Council. So, therefore, I believe that we're trying to patch up a problem that doesn't exist in Philadelphia and that's why we've never 04/10/03 - RULES - BILL 010743 taken the time. And when you patch up a problem that doesn't exists, you generally create new problems that really begin to develop. So, therefore, I am in opposition to this matter and believe it ought to be removed from the current agenda. It's there if ever a need comes forth, we'll have it available to deal with the situation. But we've never needed it so far in Philadelphia, and I don't think we ought to try to introduce a patch for something that isn't cracked in any way. Thank you Mr. Chairman.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, I have to admit that this is probably a relatively rare situation where we have a matter, at least for me, that does raise some very sensitive concerns by a Member of the Council whom I think all of us deeply respect. And to be honest with you, it is in situations like that that I thing some times many of us find ourselves not wanting to deal with some of the these issues because they can become so personal in nature. And Councilman Cohen and I have had an opportunity to 27 04/10/03 - RULES - BILL 010743 talk about this on a couple of occasions. He knows how very strongly I feel about both his wife Florence's service here in the Council as well as the three other individuals, our Council President Verna, our Majority Leader Blackwell, and our Chief Clerk Ms. Rafferty. And in no way, shape, or form -- and I think the Councilman does knows this. In no way, shape, or form is this particular bill any comment on their prior service on their current service. And the Councilman is absolutely right that their prior service and their current service, as three and four as current public servants and Florence as official not a public servant but still very much in our collective public eye and hearts and I know that she continues to advise the Councilman and help keep him on the straight and narrow. I think it is at times when we don't have this kind of situation presently pending that may be the more appropriate time to try to deal with this issue. I think if there were a current situation in front of us, it would be that much more difficult, in not that much more, as they say, in your face, if we were talking about of a current 28 04/10/03 - RULES - BILL 010743 situation; but that is not the case. So I am very, very sensitive to the Councilman's concerns, and that was certainly one of the major reasons why after the last hearing no action was taken. I thought that maybe we just have a bit of a cooling off period on this particular issue. And certainly we got very busy last year doing a wide variety of things anyway. But most importantly, I just want to convey my praise and admiration for the four individuals that the Councilman mentioned. In no 13 way, shape, or form making any comment other than admiration for their service, whether in the past or for three of the four -- for four of the four, their current public serve and the way they conduct themselves and how they've enhanced and made Philadelphia better. I think that's all I want to say. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Thank very much for your statement. Are there any questions for this witness? (No response.)
Is there anyone else 29 04/10/03 - RULES - BILL 030017 to testify on this bill? (No response.)
Seeing none. Councilman Nutter, I have an Administration witness but I don't know if we have all we need on the witnesses.
We can take Mr. Bumb for the Administration, Mr. Chairman. We are at a little bit of lost. There is one member of the public who's a business person who I think may want to testify. But we did have a list of people who said that they were coming, and none of them are here at the moment. So I don't know what happened to them. Maybe they're all in the R6 Regional Rail Line.
The next bill on the agenda is Bill 030017, an ordinance establishing a Neighborhood Improvement District in an area that generally includes both sides of Ridge Avenue from Main Street to 7220 Ridge Avenue and certain lots or streets that intersect that portion of Ridge Avenue to be known as the Roxborough District, designating the Roxborough Development Corporation of Pennsylvania a non-profit corporation as the 30 04/10/03 - RULES - BILL 030017 Neighborhood Improvement District management association for the district, approving a plan for the district including a list of proposed improvements and their estimated cost and providing for assessment fees to be levied on property owners within the district, authorizing the Director of Commerce on behalf of the City to execute an agreement with the Roxborough Development Corporation relating to the District, and authorizing the Roxborough Development Corporation to assess property owners within the district a special property assessment fee to be used in accordance with the approved plan, all in a accordance with the provision of the community and Economic Improvement Act, all under certain terms and conditions. Please identify yourself for the record.
Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman. My name is Duane Bumb. I am the Deputy Commerce Director for the City. I'm here today to provide testimony in support of Bill 030017.
I just want to say how happy I am you are coming here to support the bill. 31 04/10/03 - RULES - BILL 030017
It's frightening, though, because that generally means Council will vote against this. (Laughter.)
I felt so bad that last few hearings. I'm really glad that you're here on our side.
This bill will allow for the creation of a Neighborhood Improvement District along Ridge Avenue in Roxborough for five-year period. Neighborhood Improvement Districts are one of the best examples of collaboration between the City and our neighborhood commercial corridors. Like their counterparts in the recent approved East Passyunk Avenue NID and the Port Richmond Industrial Development Enterprise NID, the Roxborough business entrepreneurs and property owners recognize the need to improve the environment within which they and their customers live and work. Their efforts to make the Ridge Avenue commercial corridor clean, 32 04/10/03 - RULES - BILL 030017 safe and attractive will directly impact the stability of the entire community. Conversely, as the neighborhood prospers, the economic fatality of the commercial center will also be strengthened. The result of this successful collaboration will be a dynamic Neighborhood Improvement District that promotes the long-term growth and viability of the Ridge Avenue corridor in Roxborough. This worthwhile effort deserves the support of this City. I, therefore, urge you to support Bill 13 030017. Thank you for your consideration, and I'd be happy to answer any questions.
Are there any questions for this witness? (No response.)
Thank you very much. Will the individuals who are coming to testify please come forward? Good afternoon.
Good afternoon. My name is Jack Harmer I'm Vice President of the Central Roxborough Civic Association. I have a short letter addressed to Councilman Nutter which I'd like to 33 04/10/03 - RULES - BILL 030017 read into the record.
The Central Roxborough Civic Association was one of founding members of the Roxborough Development Corporation, and we have been working with them on the revitalization of Ridge Avenue for the past years. Since March last 9 year, we've been working with the RDC on designing a 10 possible Business Improvement District for our commercial corridor. Recently, we have achieved agreement on the desired nature of the BID and feel that we'll do much to improve the quality of life in the community. Therefore, we hope you will give considerable consideration to the legislation that will create a Roxborough District. Sincerely, Jack Harmer, Vice President, CRCA.
Thank you very much for reading the letter. Do you have anything to add, Bill?
Would you please identify yourself for the record, please.
I'm William Kingsley, I'm on the Board of the Roxborough Development 34 04/10/03 - RULES - BILL 030017 Corporation. I'm here Interact, which is a community mental health center on Ridge Avenue in the area. We own a number of properties. We are exempt from paying taxes. We're non-profit. However, my Board has agreed to pay on a volunteer basis a thousand dollars a year to the BID. That represents, I think, about more than 85 percent of the property owners are paying on a tax basis. We recognize that a strong community helps us in what we do. And so we're voluntarily doing what we think is necessary. Prior to this, we contributed a thousand dollars last year just to clean Ridge Avenue. So we know we're part of the community. We want to continue to be part of the community. I've had experiences, several of you know in other bids. I thing this one is going to prove just s remarkable and positive as any of the others that we've done in the City.
Great. Thank you very much. Please identify yourself. My name is Robert Catell, I'm with the Roxborough Development Corporation. I was asked to read a letter that was submitted by the 21st Ward 35 04/10/03 - RULES - BILL 030017 Community Council. They express their sorrow they wouldn't be able to attend today's meeting asked me to read it. "The Community Council was founded in 1937, more than 60 years ago. Over the years has been the umbrella group for more than civic 8 associations. The 21st Ward consists of 9 Wissahickon, Andorra, Roxborough, and Manayunk. 10 "Currently, there is a proposal for a 11 Business Improvement District, a BID, oriented on 12 Ridge Avenue, a major arterial highway in our 13 community. Recognizing the necessity for a strong 14 commercial district to serve and support of a viable 15 residential community, the executive board of the 16 council has voted to endorse this initiative. We 17 strongly encourage Philadelphia City Council to 18 authorize the required legislation to facilitate 19 this important project. Please pass Bill No. 20 030017. Thank you. "Signed, Rosemarie Smeltzer, President, 21st Ward; and Joe Walker, Corresponding Secretary."
Thank you very much for coming in and reading the letter. Any other questions or comments? 36 04/10/03 - RULES - BILL 030017 Anyone else to testify on this bill? (No response.)
Seeing none, that will conclude the business of the Rules Committee public hearing. - - - 37 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA PUBLIC MEETING COMMITTEE ON RULES - - - Thursday, April 10, 2003 - - - Public Meeting conducted by the Committee on Rules, held in Room 696, City Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on the above date, to consider action on the following: BILLS 010743, 030017, 030068. - - - PRESENT: COUNCILMAN JAMES KENNEY, Chair COUNCILMAN DARRELL CLARKE COUNCILMAN DAVID COHEN COUNCILMAN FRANK DICICCO COUNCILMAN MICHAEL NUTTER - - - 38 04/10/03 - RULES - PUBLIC MEETING
We will now convene a public meeting. The Chair recognizing Councilmember DiCicco for a motion on Bill No. 5 030068.
Thank you, Mr. Chair. I move that Bill No. 030068 be reported out of this Committee with a favorable recommendation, and a request for suspension of Rules. (Duly seconded.)
There are none opposed. Bill No. 030068 reported out of this Committee favorably. A request will be made for Rules suspension to allow for first reading at our next Council Session. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Nutter for a motion on Bill No. 030017.
Mr. Chairman, I move that Bill 030017 be reported out of this Committee with a favorable recommendation. 39 04/10/03 - RULES - PUBLIC MEETING (Duly seconded.)
There are none opposed. Bill No. 030017 reported out of this Committee favorably. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Nutter for a motion on Bill No. 010743.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that bill 010743 be reported out of this Committee with a favorable recommendation.
There's motion to table the bill which takes precedence. (Duly seconded.)
The motion table the bill has been moved seconded. All in favor of tabling the bill, please indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
All those oppose? 40 04/10/03 - RULES - PUBLIC MEETING
No. 5 Let the record reflect that 6 Councilmembers Nutter, DiCicco, Kenney to table the 7 bill. Councilmembers Clarke and Cohen voted in 8 favor of the table motion . 9 The table motion fails. We'll proceed 10 to the existing motion which is to remove it from 11 Committee with a favorable recommendation. 12 All those favor of that motion, please 13 indicate by saying aye. 14 (Aye.) 15
Let the record 19 reflect that Councilmembers Nutter, DiCicco and 20 Kenney voted aye on the motion to remove the bill 21 from Committee favorably. And Councilmembers Clarke 22 and Cohen voted no. 23 The bill will be reported out of 24 Committee with a favorable recommendation. 25 That concludes the business of the Rules 41 04/10/03 - RULES - PUBLIC MEETING Committee. Thank you. (Council adjourned at 2:00 p.m.) - - - 42 C E R T I F I C A T I O N I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing proceedings of the Council of the City of Philadelphia of April 10, 2003, were reported fully and accurately by me, and that this is a correct transcript of the same. RE: COMMITTEE ON RULES ___________________________ Lisa C. Bradley, RPR and Notary Public