COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA COMMITTEE ON STREETS AND SERVICES - - - Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Monday, March 20, 2006, 10:15 a.m. - - - PRESENT: COUNCILMAN FRANK DiCICCO COUNCILMAN MICHAEL NUTTER COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER COUNCILMAN JUAN RAMOS COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO Bill Nos. 060009, 060013, 060053, 060057, 060086, 060110, 060112, 060114, 060141, 060156, 060158, 060183, 060184, 060051 V A R A L L O Incorporated Litigation Support Specialists 1835 Market Street, Suite 600 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103 215.561.2220 215.567.2670 2 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Good morning. This is the Committee on Streets and Services. This is the public hearing on the Committee on Streets and Services. We do have a quorum. Members of the committee, to my far right is Councilman Ramos, Councilman Nutter, to my left is Councilman Rizzo. I'm DiCicco. I'm the chair of this committee. And I will ask the clerk to read the title of the first bill.
Bill No. 060156: An ordinance amending Section 12-1120 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Abandoned Vehicles," by increasing the towing and storage fees that an authorized salvor may charge for towing and storing abandoned vehicles, under certain terms and conditions. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Councilman Kenney.
If I may be so bold, Mr. Chairman. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: You can be 3 Streets & Services - 3/20/06 as bold as you want.
Thank you, sir. I want to give a background on the genesis of Bill No. 060156. Currently, the salvor works for the City of Philadelphia. These are people who tow cars generally at the direction of the Police Department, Streets Department, not individual towers but people who are contracted with the City. They're authorized to charge no more than $45 and $6 per day for the storage of that same vehicle. These rates have been in effect since the inception of the abandoned vehicle program in 1984. Bill No. 060156 would increase these fees to $100 and $11.50 respectively for the storage fee increasing to 17.25 after the fifth day. So it would be a hundred dollars for the tow, 11.50 per day for storage, and $17.25 after the fifth day. Increasing these rates to the amounts set forth in Bill No. 060156 mimics the current towing and storage rates charged 4 Streets & Services - 3/20/06 by the Philadelphia Parking Authority. So this would just bring the salvors to the level of The Parking Authority since 1984. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you. Is anyone testifying on this? Mr. Healy? Good morning. Please identify yourself for the record. Please proceed with your testimony.
Francis Healy, City of Philadelphia Police Department. I'm here to speak to you on the resolution 14 regarding increasing the fees. As the councilman indicated, there is disparity between The Parking Authority fees and the City Code fees. The Police Department would have no objections to increasing the fees so they're all consistent. Basically, that's the Police Department's position. There has been discrepancy between the two fees and it's a long time coming that the fees be increased. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you. 5 Streets & Services - 3/20/06 Any questions for the witness from the committee? (No response.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Seeing none, thank you for your testimony.
Thank you, Councilman. I will ask the clerk to read the title of the next bill.
Bill No. 060057: An ordinance amending Title 9 of The Philadelphia Code by amending Section 14 9-203 relating to street vendors and Section 9-205 relating to sidewalk sales by prohibiting street and sidewalk vending on certain portions of Spring Garden Street. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Good morning, Mr. Haigler.
Good morning, Councilman DiCicco and members of the committee. I am Otis Haigler, Jr., Director of Legislative Affairs for the Department of Licenses and Inspections. 6 Streets & Services - 3/20/06 Today I'm here to provide testimony on Bill 060057, which if enacted will prohibit sidewalk sales and street vending within the boundary areas designated in the bill. The Department of Licenses and Inspections offers no 8 objections to the enactment of this bill 9 and is prepared to enforce its provisions should it pass in Council and is signed into law by the Mayor. Thank you for the opportunity to present the department's testimony. I will be happy to answer any questions at this time. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Mr. Haigler. Any questions for this witness from the committee? (No response.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Anyone else here who wishes to testify for or against the bill? (No response.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Seeing 7 Streets & Services - 3/20/06 none, I will ask the clerk to read the title of the next bill.
Bill No. 060141: An ordinance amending Section 9-204 of The Philadelphia Code by permitting vending on the west side of 10th Street from Market Street to Ludlow Street.
Good day, Councilman DiCicco and members of the committee. I am Otis Haigler, Jr., Director of Legislative Affairs for the Department of Licenses and Inspections. Today I'm here to provide testimony on Bill 060141, which if enacted will add one vending location to the list of approved locations within Center City under Section 9-204 of The Philadelphia Code. The new vending site in question will be located on the west side of 10th Street between Market and Ludlow Streets. The Department of Licenses and Inspections offers no objection to the enactment of this bill and is prepared to enforce its provisions should it pass in 8 Streets & Services - 3/20/06 Council and is signed into law by the Mayor. Thank you for the opportunity to provide the department's testimony on this bill. I'll be happy to answer any questions at this time. I also understand there are some amendments I wasn't aware of, but I would be glad to take a look at them. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Mr. Haigler, we'll have a copy brought over to you immediately. Any questions for this witness from the committee? (No response.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Anyone else here who wishes to testify for or against the bill? (No response.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Seeing none, I will ask the clerk to read the title of the next bill.
Bill No. 060009: An ordinance authorizing Antoinette McCoy 9 Streets & Services - 3/20/06 d/b/a Cuisine of Soul, Inc., to construct, operate, and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe located at 4835 Frankford Avenue, rear, a/k/a 1538 Harrison Street, Philadelphia, under certain terms and conditions.
Good morning, Chairman and members of the committee. My name is William Mautz and I'm a construction engineer with the Streets Department. I'm here to offer the following testimony for Bill No. 060009. This bill grants permission to Antoinette McCoy, tenant of the property 4835 Frankford Avenue rear a/k/a 1538 Harrison Street to operate and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe on the south footway of Harrison Street adjacent to the property. Five tables to accommodate 13 occupants are proposed, leaving approximately 5 feet, 9 inches of clear footway for pedestrians. No rails will be used. The Streets Department has reviewed the cafe plan and has no 10 Streets & Services - 3/20/06 objection to the passage of the bill. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you. Any questions for this witness from the committee? (No response.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Anyone here who wishes to testify for or against the bill? (No response.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Seeing none, I will ask the clerk to read the title of the next bill.
Bill No. 060086: An ordinance authorizing Evangelisonna of Theotokkos Greek Orthodox Church to construct, operate, and maintain an existing raised platform entrance which consists of two exterior stairs, a handicapped entrance ramp, and a raised platform landing providing ingress/egress from the church located on the eastern part of 6501-05 Bustleton Avenue, Philadelphia, under certain terms and conditions. 11 Streets & Services - 3/20/06
Good morning, Chairman and members of the committee. My name is William Mautz. I'm a construction engineer with the Streets Department. I'm here to offer the following testimony for Bill No. 060086. This bill authorizes Evangelisonna of Theotokos Greek Orthodox Church to construct, operate, and maintain an existing raised platform entrance which consists of two exterior stairs, a handicapped entrance ramp, and a raised platform landing providing ingress and egress from the church located on the eastern part of 6501-05 Bustleton Avenue. The encroachment is approximately 49 feet in length, 8 feet, 2 inches in height, and encroaches 2 feet 10 inches on to the east public footway of Bustleton Avenue leaving approximately 9 feet, 10 inches of clear unobstructed footway. The Streets Department has reviewed the as-built plans. As the encroachment does not adversely affect the public right of 12 Streets & Services - 3/20/06 way, the Streets Department recommends passage of the bill. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you. Any questions for this witness from the committee? (No response.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Anyone else here who wishes to testify for or against the bill? (No response.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Seeing none, I will ask the clerk to read the title of the next bill.
Bill No. 060110: An ordinance authorizing George Wake d/b/a Big George's Diner to construct, operate, and maintain an existing one-story building addition located at 285 South 52nd Street on the north sidewalk of Spruce Street and the east sidewalk of S. 52nd Street, and a proposed one-story building addition to be located at 283 South 52nd Street on the east sidewalk of south 52nd Street, 13 Streets & Services - 3/20/06 under certain terms and conditions.
Good morning, Chairman and members of the committee. My name is William Mautz and I'm here to offer the following testimony for Bill 7 No. 060110. This bill authorizes George Wake doing business as Big George's Diner to construct, own, and maintain an existing one-story building addition located at 285 South 52nd Street on the north sidewalk of Spruce Street and the east sidewalk of South 52nd Street, and a proposed one-story building addition to be located at 283 South 52nd Street on the east sidewalk of South 52nd Street. The existing sun room addition located on the north sidewalk of Spruce and the east side of South 52nd Street projects 5 feet, 6 inches onto the public footways leaving a minimum clear footway of 12 feet, 6 inches on Spruce and 9 feet, 6 inches on South 52nd Street. The entire length of the existing structure is approximately 68 feet, 10 inches in 14 Streets & Services - 3/20/06 length. The proposed sun room addition located on the east side of South 52nd Street projects feet, inches onto the 5 public footway leaving a minimum clear 6 footway of 9 feet, 6 inches. The proposed addition which connects to the existing structure will be approximately feet, 10 inches in length. 10 The Streets Department has 11 reviewed the construction plans for the 12 proposed project, including the as-built 13 of the existing structure. As the 14 existing encroachment and proposed 15 addition do not adversely affect the 16 public right-of-way, the Streets 17 Department recommends passage of this 18 bill. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you. Any questions for this witness from the committee? (No response.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Anyone else here who wishes to testify for or against the bill? 15 Streets & Services - 3/20/06 (No response.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Seeing none, I will ask the clerk to read the title of the next bill.
Bill No. 060051: An ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines on a portion of City Plan No. 143 bounded by Arch Street, Conestoga Street, Market Street, and 56th Street by striking from the city plan and abandoning two certain rights-of-way, under certain terms and conditions.
Good morning, Mr. Chairman and members of the committee. My name is Frank Morelli of the Department of Streets. The Department of Streets would like to offer the following testimony on Bill 060051: This is not an administrative ordinance 21 but an ordinance requested by Mr. Fred Slifer of the Salvation Army, 701 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19123. The purpose of this ordinance is to strike two rights-of-way from the City 16 Streets & Services - 3/20/06 Plan for the development of a senior housing facility. This ordinance is supported by the Department of Streets and is recommended to your committee for favorable action. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you.
Mr. Chairman, members of the Streets and Services Committee, my name is William Kramer. I'm the senior zoning planner in the development planning division of the City Planning Commission and I'm here to testify on behalf of the Planning Commission with respect to Bill No. 16 060051. The purpose of this ordinance is to abandon two drainage rights-of-way from the City Plan to allow for the possible expansion of the Salvation Army senior housing facility at this location. The Planning Commission staff has reviewed and recommended approval of this action and will recommend so at the next Planning Commission meeting. Accordingly, we recommend that Bill No. 17 Streets & Services - 3/20/06 060051 be approved. Thank you. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you. Any questions for these witnesses from the committee? (No response.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Anyone else here who wishes to testify for or against the bill? (No response.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Seeing none, I will ask the clerk to read the title of the next bill.
Bill No. 060112: An ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance, Bill No. 040763, approved October 27, 2004, entitled An ordinance 18 authorizing the revision of grades and lines on portion of City Plan No. 187 by striking from the City Plan and vacating a portion of Salmon Street between Castor Avenue and Butler Street, and reserving and placing on the City Plan a right-of-way for drainage purposes and water main purposes, within the bed of 18 Streets & Services - 3/20/06 Salmon Street, under certain terms and conditions, by extending the time for compliance with the conditions stated therein.
Good morning Mr. Chairman and members of the committee. My name is Frank Morelli, survey bureau manager of the Department of Streets. The Department of Streets would like to offer the following testimony on Bill 060112. This is not an administrative ordinance but an ordinance 14 requested by Mr. Jerald S. Batoff, Esquire, 200 South Ithan Avenue, Villanova, PA 19085. The purpose of this ordinance is to extend the time period to strike and vacate a portion of Salmon Street from the City Plan to facilitate further development of a retail shopping district. This ordinance is supported by the Department of Streets and is recommended to your committee for favorable action. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Please 19 Streets & Services - 3/20/06 proceed.
Mr. Chairman, members of the Streets and Services Committee, my name is William Kramer. I'm the senior zoning planner in the development planning division of the City Planning Commission. I am here to testify on behalf of Bill 060112. The purpose of this ordinance is to strike from the City Plan Salmon Street in the Port Richmond neighborhood to allow for consolidation of parcels for future commercial development. The Planning Commission has reviewed and approved the original streets Bill No. 040763 at its meeting of September 21, 2004. Therefore, the Planning Commission recommends that Bill 060112 be approved. Thank you. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you. Any questions for these witnesses from the committee? (No response.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Anyone 20 Streets & Services - 3/20/06 else here who wishes to testify for or against the bill? (No response.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Seeing none, I will ask the clerk to read the title of the next bill.
Bill No. 060114: An ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan Nos. 240 and 295 by striking from the City Plan Bigonet Lane from Spring Lane to the Philadelphia-Montgomery County Line; by striking from the City Plan Lare Street from Bigonet Lane to the Philadelphia- Montgomery County Line; and by striking from the City Plan Bothwell Road from Bigonet Lane to a property line which separates the land of the Hughes-Foulkrod Construction Company from the land of the Renfrew Realty Holdings, Incorporated, all under certain terms and conditions.
Good morning, Mr. Chairman and members of the 21 Streets & Services - 3/20/06 committee. My name is Frank Morelli of the Department of Streets. The Department of Streets would like to offer the following testimony on Bill No. 6 060114. This is not an administrative ordinance but an ordinance requested by Mr. Ronald Patterson, Klehr, Harrison, Harvey, Branzburg & Ellers, 260 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102, who represents The Renfrew Center. The purpose of this ordinance is to strike Bigonet Lane, Lare Street, and Bothwell Road from the City Plan to expand The Renfrew Center by adding additional buildings and off-street parking. This ordinance is supported by the Department of Streets.
Mr. Chairman, members of the Streets and Services Committee, my name is William Kramer, senior zoning planner in the development planning division of the City Planning Commission. I'm here to testify on behalf of Bill 060114. The purpose of 22 Streets & Services - 3/20/06 this ordinance is to strike from the City Plan Bigonet Lane, Lare Street, and Bothwell Road to allow for the expansion of a treatment facility for eating disorders. The Planning Commission staff has reviewed and recommended approval for this action and will be presenting this matter to the Planning Commission at its very next meeting. Accordingly, the Planning Commission recommends that Bill 12 060114 be approved. Thank you. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you. Any questions from the committee for these witnesses? (No response.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Is there anyone else here who wishes to testify for or against the bill? (No response.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Seeing none, the clerk will read the title of the next bill. Let the record reflect that Councilwoman Donna Reed Miller, a member 23 Streets & Services - 3/20/06 of this committee, is also present. Thank you.
Bill No. 060183: An ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 393 by placing on the City Plan Cates Way on the northwesterly side of Veree Road, at a distance of approximately 224 feet southwest of Charette Road, and striking Ferndale Street from Springview Road to a property line produced approximately 101 feet southwest of Charette Road, under certain terms and conditions, including the dedication to the City, free and clear of all encumbrances, of the bed of Cates Way.
Good morning, Mr. Chairman and members of the committee. My name is Frank Morelli. The Department of Streets would like to offer the following testimony on Bill No. 060183. This is not an administrative ordinance 25 but an ordinance requested by Mr. Andrew 24 Streets & Services - 3/20/06 Kaye, president Amity Builders, 13451 Damar Drive, Suite 300, Philadelphia, PA 19116. The purpose of this ordinance is to place Cates Way on the City Plan and strike Ferndale Street from the City Plan to construct executive single family 8 detached homes. This ordinance is 9 supported by the Department of Streets 10 and is recommended to your committee for 11 favorable action. 12
Mr. Chairman, members of the Streets and Services Committee, my name is William Kramer. I'm the senior zoning planner for the development planning division of the City Planning Commission and I'm here to testify on Bill 060183. The purpose of this ordinance is to place Cates Way on the City Plan and strike Ferndale Street from the City Plan to allow for the construction of 11 new single family detached dwellings. The Planning Commission staff has no objection to this action. However, the developer must 25 Streets & Services - 3/20/06 follow the subdivision process and meet all other departmental requirements. Accordingly, the Planning Commission staff recommends that 060183 be approved. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you. Any questions for these witnesses from the committee? (No response.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Is there anybody else here who wishes to testify for or against the bill? (No response.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Seeing none, the clerk will read the title of the next bill.
Bill No. 060184: An ordinance authorizing the paving of Cates Way under certain terms and conditions.
Good morning, Mr. Chairman and members of the committee. My name is Frank Morelli, survey bureau manager of the Department of Streets. The Department of Streets Streets & Services - 3/20/06 would like to offer the following testimony on Bill No. 060184. This is not an administrative ordinance but an ordinance requested by Mr. Andrew Kaye, president Amity Builders, 13451 Damar Drive, Suite 300, Philadelphia, PA 19116. The purpose of this ordinance is to pave Cates Way in order to construct 10 executive style single family detached 11 homes. This ordinance is supported by the Department of Streets and is recommended to your committee for favorable action. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you. Mr. Morelli, what is currently the road bed or whatever of Cates Way now?
Cates Way will be a new street. There is no existing roadway right now. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: All right. When you say paving, I wasn't sure.
One is for the placing of Cates Way and the second one is the paving ordinance that accompanies 27 Streets & Services - 3/20/06 it. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Understood. Thank you. Any other questions for this witness from the committee? (No response.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Anyone else here to testify for or against this bill? (No response.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Seeing none, the clerk will read the title of the next bill. Thank you.
Bill No. 060053: An ordinance amending Chapter 12-3000 of The Philadelphia Code entitled Use of an automated red light enforcement system to prevent red light violations by authorizing the installation of red light enforcement systems at the intersection of Broad Street at Oregon Avenue and the intersection of Grays Ferry Avenue at 34th Street, and by reducing to 60 days the phase-in period during which only 28 Streets & Services - 3/20/06 warnings are issued, all under certain terms and conditions. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Good morning, gentlemen. Please identify yourselves for the record and proceed with your testimony.
Thank you. My name is Vincent Fenerty and I'm the executive director of the Parking Authority. I'm here to testify in favor of Council Bill 060053, an ordinance 13 which would authorize the installation of red light cameras at the intersection of Broad Street and Oregon Avenue and also at the intersection of Grays Ferry Avenue and 34th Street. To my right is Anthony D'Emilio, who is the manager of the Authority's red light camera department, and to my left is Chris Vogler, deputy manager of the red light camera department and also a former member of your staff here at City Council. I would first like to thank Chairman DiCicco and the other members of 29 Streets & Services - 3/20/06 this committee for allowing me to testify today. The red light camera program is currently in operation at three locations throughout the city, the first being Grant Avenue and Roosevelt Boulevard, the second being Red Lion Road and Roosevelt Boulevard, and the third being Cottman Avenue and Roosevelt Boulevard. The program is still in its pilot stage, which will run until December of 2007. The goal of the program is to increase the safety of vehicle and pedestrian traffic at dangerous intersections by decreasing the amount of red light running that occurs at these intersections. I am extremely encouraged by the initial success of the red light camera program in improving the safety for motorists and pedestrians along the Roosevelt Boulevard corridor. At the intersection of Grant Avenue and the Boulevard where cameras were activated on February 23, 2005, the number of 30 Streets & Services - 3/20/06 violations has fallen from a high of 4,362 during the period of July 23, 2005, through August 22, 2005, to a low of 525 violations from December 23, 2005, through January 22, 2005. This is an 88 percent decrease in the number of violations committed at that intersection. The cameras at Roosevelt Boulevard and Red Lion Road were activated on May 21, 2005, and the numbers there have decreased from a high of 1,702 on the period of July through 14 August 20 of 2005 to only 509 from the 15 period December 18 through January 17, 16 2006. The amount of violations committed 17 at this location decreased a total of 18 70 percent. 19 The very large decrease in the 20 number of violations shows that the 21 program is having a positive effect on the safety of these intersections on Roosevelt Boulevard, which are rated by State Farm Insurance Company as the second and third most dangerous 31 Streets & Services - 3/20/06 intersections in the entire nation. I would now like to briefly describe how the red light camera system works at a particular intersection. The red light camera system is connected to a traffic signal and also to sensors which are buried in the street before the crosswalk. After the traffic signal has turned completely red, if a vehicle passes over the sensors and enters the intersection, the camera will be triggered and two pictures will be taken. The first photo will show the vehicle before it enters the intersection with the red light clearly visible. The second picture typically shows the vehicle in the middle of the intersection or past the intersection proving that the vehicle continued through during a solid red light. The second picture is also enlarged so we can read the license plate of the offending vehicle. Also, when a person has a question or concern about a notice which they receive, The Parking 32 Streets & Services - 3/20/06 Authority has a customer service phone line which is presented right on the ticket. In conclusion, I would like to say that the purpose of this program is to increase the safety and quality of life for citizens of Philadelphia. And I firmly believe by expanding the red light program to other sections of the city starting with the two intersections in this bill, the positive and successful progress the program has started will continue.
I want to thank the Council members, Councilman Ramos, Councilwoman Miller, Chairman DiCicco, Councilman Nutter, and Councilman Rizzo, who was the original author of the red light camera program, for giving me the opportunity to testify before this committee this morning. We would be happy to answer any questions that you may have. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Mr. Fenerty. 33 Streets & Services - 3/20/06 The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
Good morning, Vince, everyone else there. Could you give us a time line of the construction schedule on the two intersections after this passes? Hopefully, it will pass promptly.
If the bill is successful in committee today, if it goes to full Council and signed into law by the Mayor, if that does happen, we would order construction. The cameras would then be built. It would take approximately two months to construct by the time the permits are obtained from PennDOT and from the Department of Streets until the construction's finished. At that point the cameras then would be activated and warning notices would be issued for 60 days. As you know, state law has changed bringing it from 120 days for a warning notice to 60 days. And included in this bill today is 34 Streets & Services - 3/20/06 the concurring legislation which also brings the warning period down to 60 days.
You might have said it but I might have missed it. You'll have simultaneous construction, both at the same time?
Thanks for the report. I can see it's been a very successful program. And from what I hear, it's been administrated very well.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Fenerty, thank you for your testimony. Just a quick process question. If any one of us were interested in pursuing either a specific site or a stretch of roadway that there is either unusually high speed or the 35 Streets & Services - 3/20/06 need for this kind of device, what is the process to pursue that kind of activity?
Councilman, how we do that is if there's a particular intersection that you would be interested in, if you would give us that intersection, we would have -- if it's only a city intersection, we would have the Department of Streets look at it and see if it would be qualifying. If it would be an intersection which is also controlled by PennDOT as well as the Streets Department, we would do a joint study. We also look at the number of fatalities and accidents which occurred there. The third thing we do is we place a camera at the intersection. We seek permission from the Streets Department. And we do a study, 24-hour study, to see how many people are actually running that light and how many potential accidents there could be. As we have testified previously a year or so ago, this is not a revenue-generating thing. We don't 36 Streets & Services - 3/20/06 want to generate revenue by collecting fines. We want to save lives and prevent injuries. So if you have anything like that, we'd be glad to study it immediately for you, sir.
Mr. Fenerty, when we originally discussed red light cameras, there was a concept -- I don't know if we'll ever be able to get there or whatever legislation would be required. Will we ever be in a situation where we have a roving camera that we could put at a particular -- like the one you just described to monitor a particular intersection if a district Councilperson thinks that there is a need for temporary monitoring, will we ever get to the point where we could have a rover?
Probably not. Okay? In order for a rover to issue 37 Streets & Services - 3/20/06 actual warning notices or citations, you would have to, number one, introduce an ordinance in Council for that particular intersection as the current law stands, as the statute stands. But, secondly, to rove it you would have to dig every intersection. There's no way. You have to dig the intersection to put the sensors under the roadbed. So that would defeat the purpose of a roving camera such as a roving speed camera which I just have a radar gun on it. This isn't that way. The activation for the actual intersection to trigger the camera is done by the sensor in the roadbed.
This test you just mentioned about for the week, you go through all that?
No. The test, that just shows us, okay, when the light is red how many people go through it. It does a flash. It's not entirely accurate. In order to issue a citation, you have to have the sensors buried in 38 Streets & Services - 3/20/06 the roadbed to issue a warning notice or citation. This is just a study to show how many people cross the intersection while the camera is red. We couldn't issue a citation or a warning notice. It wouldn't hold up in any -- to any scrutiny.
Well, that's good to know. Constantly when I'm out at community meetings and especially the northeast, everyone has a suggestion about making Red Lion, Grant Avenue, Cottman a safer intersection. Do you believe all of the engineering that's humanly possible -- I mean, I get people talking about the way the turn lanes are configured. Do you believe that everything humanly possible has been done? Because people accept the red light cameras, but they still think that engineering there's more that can be done to make it a safer intersection.
We have looked at that intersection. PennDOT engineers 39 Streets & Services - 3/20/06 have looked at it. Philadelphia Streets engineers have looked at it. And we did a lot of studies on it when we were putting the cameras in. I believe the intersection right now both engineering divisions have done everything humanly possible. The only thing that could improve that intersection is an overpass or an underpass, and financially I don't think anybody has the funds to burden that right now.
So it's safe to say that the response to the question if it arises is everything humanly possible to engineer a safe intersection has been done?
Yes. And I can say thanks to the previous legislation with the red light cameras that a lot of accidents and lives probably have been saved up there.
Good. Thank you. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you. 40 Streets & Services - 3/20/06 Any other questions for these witnesses? (No response.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Anybody else who wishes to testify for or against the bill? (No response.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: This concludes the public hearing -- one more? I apologize. I'll ask the clerk to read the title of the final bill.
Bill No. 060158: An ordinance establishing a no parking anytime regulation on the east side of Keystone Street between Unruh Avenue and Longshore Avenue. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Is there anyone here to testify on this bill? (No response.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: All right. This concludes the public hearing on the Committee of Streets and Services. I will ask the vice chair of the committee, Councilman Ramos, to read the title of the first bill. 41 Streets & Services - 3/20/06
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that Bill No. 060156 be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation, further move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit first reading of this bill at our next Council meeting. (Duly seconded.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: It has been properly moved and seconded that Bill 060156 be reported out of this committee with a favorable recommendation and that the rules of Council be suspended. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Chorus of "ayes.") COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Those opposed? (No response.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: The bill 23 is approved. Councilman Ramos.
I move Bill 42 Streets & Services - 3/20/06 No. 060053 be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation, further move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit first reading at our next Council meeting. (Duly seconded.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: It's been properly moved and seconded that Bill No. 10 060053 be reported out of this committee with a favorable recommendation and that the rules of Council be suspended. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Chorus of "ayes.") COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Those opposed? (No response.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: The bill 19 is approved. Councilman Ramos.
I move that Bill No. 060057 be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation and that the rules of Council be suspended to permit first reading at our 43 Streets & Services - 3/20/06 next Council meeting. (Duly seconded.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: It's been properly moved and seconded Bill No. 6 060057 be reported out of this committee with a favorable recommendation and that the rules of Council be suspended. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Chorus of "ayes.") COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Those opposed? (No response.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: The bill 15 is approved. Councilman Ramos.
I move that a motion on -- COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Move that the amendment.
I move that the amendment previously described regarding Bill No. 060141 be adopted. (Duly seconded.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: It has 44 Streets & Services - 3/20/06 been properly moved and seconded that the amendment to Bill No. 060141 be approved. All those in favor of the amendment signify by saying aye. (Chorus of "ayes.") COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Those opposed? (No response.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Councilman Ramos.
I move that Bill No. 060141 as amended be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation and further move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit first reading of this bill at our next Council meeting. (Duly seconded.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: It has been properly moved and seconded that Bill 060141 as amended be reported out of this committee with a favorable recommendation and further recommendation that the rules of Council be suspended. 45 Streets & Services - 3/20/06 All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Chorus of "ayes.") COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Those opposed? (No response.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: The bill 8 is approved. Councilman Ramos.
I move that Bill No. 060009 be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation, further move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit first reading of this bill at our next Council meeting. (Duly seconded.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: It has been properly moved and seconded Bill No. 20 060009 be reported out of this committee with a favorable recommendation and a further recommendation that the rules of Council be suspended. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Chorus of "ayes.") 46 Streets & Services - 3/20/06 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Those opposed? (No response.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: The bill 6 is approved. Councilman Ramos.
I move that Bill No. 060086 be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation and further move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit first reading of this bill at our next Council meeting. (Duly seconded.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: It has been properly moved and seconded that Bill No. 060086 be reported out of this committee with a favorable recommendation and the rules of Council be suspended. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Chorus of "ayes.") COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Those opposed? (No response.) 47 Streets & Services - 3/20/06 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: The bill 3 is approved. Councilman Ramos.
I move that Bill No. 060110 be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation, further move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit first reading of this bill at our next meeting. (Duly seconded.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: It has been properly moved and seconded that Bill No. 060110 be reported out of this committee with a favorable recommendation and that the rules of Council be suspended. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Chorus of "ayes.") COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Those opposed? (No response.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: The bill 25 is approved. 48 Streets & Services - 3/20/06 Councilman Ramos.
I move that Bill No. 060051 be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation and further move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit first reading of this bill at our next Council. (Duly seconded.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: It has been properly moved and seconded Bill 12 060051 be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation and a further recommendation that the rules of Council be suspended. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Chorus of "ayes.") COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Those opposed? (No response.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: The bill 22 is approved. Councilman Ramos.
I move that Bill No. 060112 be reported out of 49 Streets & Services - 3/20/06 committee with a favorable recommendation and further move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit first reading of this bill at our next Council meeting. (Duly seconded.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: It's been properly moved and seconded Bill No. 10 060112 be reported out of this committee with a favorable recommendation and a further recommendation that the rules of Council be suspended. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Chorus of "ayes.") COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Those opposed? (No response.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: The bill 20 is approved. Councilman Ramos.
I move that Bill No. 060114 be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation, further move that the 50 Streets & Services - 3/20/06 rules of Council be suspended to permit first reading of this bill at our next Council meeting. (Duly seconded.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: It's been properly moved and seconded that Bill No. 8 060114 be reported out of this committee with a favorable recommendation and a further recommendation that the rules of Council be suspended. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Chorus of "ayes.") COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Those opposed? (No response.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: The bill 18 is approved. Councilman Ramos.
I move that Bill No. 060183 be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation and further move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit first reading of this bill at our next Council 51 Streets & Services - 3/20/06 meeting. (Duly seconded.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: It's been properly moved and seconded that Bill No. 6 060183 be reported out of this committee with a favorable recommendation and a further recommendation that the rules of Council be suspended. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Chorus of "ayes.") COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Those opposed? (No response.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: The bill 16 is approved. Councilman Ramos.
I move that Bill No. 060184 be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation and further move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit first reading of this bill at our next Council meeting. (Duly seconded.) 52 Streets & Services - 3/20/06 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: It's been properly moved and seconded Bill No. 4 060184 be reported out of this committee with a favorable recommendation and a further recommendation that the rules of Council be suspended. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Chorus of "ayes.") COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Those opposed? (No response.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: The bill 14 is approved. Councilman Ramos.
I move that Bill No. 060158 be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation, further move that the rules be suspended to permit first reading of this bill at our next Council meeting. (Duly seconded.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: It's been properly moved and seconded Bill No. 53 Streets & Services - 3/20/06 060158 be reported out of this committee with a favorable recommendation and a further recommendation that the rules of Council be suspended. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Chorus of "ayes.") COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Those opposed? (No response.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: The bill 12 is approved. This concludes the public meeting on the Committee of Streets and Services. I thank all for attending and especially the members of this committee. Thank you. - - - 54 CERTIFICATE I HEREBY CERTIFY that the proceedings, evidence, and objections are contained fully and accurately in the stenographic notes taken by me on March 20, 2006, and that this is a true and correct transcript of same. _____________________________ Kimberly A. Overwise Certified Realtime Reporter Notary Public (The foregoing certification of this transcript does not apply to any reproduction of the same by any means unless under the direct control and/or supervision of the certifying reporter.) - - -