One clarification. They're not selling passports; they're just taking the photos.
All right, thank you. 46 4/24/02 STREETS & SERVICES - BILL 020169 Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
My name is Jerome R. Balka, and I'm counsel for the United Vendors. And I am aware of the government's security concerns, and I'm also aware of the two street vendors selling photographs, but this bill will also affect one sidewalk-sale food vendor, and if he's got to move a block or a block and a half away, he's out of business in effect. And all I would respectfully request is if he could move across the street, which, right now, I don't think is an area where vending is permitted.
If I may, Councilman Clarke. What are the security concerns? I mean, I drive by there almost daily.
What are the security concerns of the federal government?
I have a letter that they 47 4/24/02 STREETS & SERVICES - BILL 020169 sent to the --
The owners of these trucks are not together with Osama Bin Laden, you know. I don't understand what's the security concerns they --
I think we're extremely paranoid in this country nowadays.
Councilman, I am aware of the security concerns, and it arises out of an incident that occurred in New York where a sidewalk-sale cart was found to have explosives or other material and be parked right where a government building was with a couple thousand people in it.
Yeah, but these -- I don't know what happened in New York, but these are well-known vendors. I mean, they've been there for years and years and years. They're not terrorists.
No. They might terrorize each other regularly, but they don't terrorize the government.
If I may, Councilman. 48 4/24/02 STREETS & SERVICES - BILL 020169 My concerns center more around the operation itself, the issue with respects to safety having more to do with the General Services Building. I don't think it's an appropriate operation. People are forced to stand on the sidewalk, right, in all kinds of weather, take pictures. You know, it's just not an appropriate location or an appropriate type of operation for individuals who are trying to get this kind of service. I think that we should have a service provided to those individuals that is more humane than simply allowing people to stand in long lines in all types of inclement weather on the sidewalk to get a picture.
You know, I agree wholeheartedly with Councilman Clarke, but I also always had another issue as to how they are permitted to stand there -- and I know it's not an issue for you, Mr. Haigler, but they can park their vehicles there all day, not get a ticket. We have people who come into the City that go to a restaurant; they may be five minutes late, and they get slapped with a $25 fine. So it seems to be like a double standard, you know. And, again, the not an issue for you, 49 4/24/02 STREETS & SERVICES - BILL 020169 Mr. Haigler, but I was always curious about the fact that they're allowed to stand there, parked on a City street for hours on end illegally and not receive a ticket. I thought I'd just mention that in my comments. But thank you. Any other questions for these witnesses?
I'd just like to make one further comment with respect to the food vendor who's been at that location for ten years now. After September 11th, he was asked to move from in front of the building, and he did; he moved across the street, and I imagine L&I helped with that relocation, and everybody's happy. I don't think that this bill should affect him. I think what the government was worried about, rightly or wrongly, was people who were right on the -- at the edge of the government building. He is not.
Thank you. The clerk will read the title of the next bill.
This concludes public 50 4/24/02 STREETS & SERVICES - BILL 020169 hearing. - - - 51 4/24/02 STREETS & SERVICES - PUBLIC MEETING
We will now move into the P- public meeting. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke for a motion on the amendment to Bill No. 020177.
We have a quorum of five members of the committee. Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman, I ask for a motion on the amendment made to Bill No. 010277. (Duly seconded.)
Was that an amendment read in? Did you read that earlier?
So the amendment as it was read into the record in the public hearing.
At the public hearing, right. 52 4/24/02 STREETS & SERVICES - PUBLIC MEETING
It's been properly moved and seconded that the amendments to Bill No. 4 010277 be approved. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The amendments are approved. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke for a motion on Bill No. 010277, as amended.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I make a motion that Bill No. 010277, as amended, be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation and with a suspension of the rules. (Duly seconded.)
It's been properly moved and seconded that Bill No. 010277 be reported out of this committee with a favorable recommendation and a further recommendation that the rules of Council be suspended in order to permit first reading at our next Council session. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The bill is approved. 53 4/24/02 STREETS & SERVICES - PUBLIC MEETING Bill No. 020499 is being held. Bill No. 020122 has been withdrawn at the request of the sponsor. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke for a motion on Bill No. 020151.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I make a motion for the amendment?
Councilman Clarke, you need to read in the amendment.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I'd like to make a motion for an amendment to Bill No. 020151. The amendment will read as follows at the end: "Effective upon issuance of certificate of occupancy for the office building known as One Pennsylvania Plaza." (Duly seconded.)
It's been properly moved and seconded that the amendment to Bill No. 21 020151 be approved. All of those in favor of the amendment will signify by saying aye. Those opposed, nay? The amendments are approved. 54 4/24/02 STREETS & SERVICES - PUBLIC MEETING The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke for a motion on the amended Bill 020151.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that Bill No. 020151, as amended, be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation. (Duly seconded.)
It's been properly moved and seconded that Bill No. 020151, as amended, be reported out of this committee with a favorable recommendation. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The bill is approved. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ortiz for a motion on Bill No. 020143.
Mr. Chairman, I move that Bill No. 020143 be moved out of committee with a favorable recommendation and a recommendation that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading at our next session of City Council. (Duly seconded.)
It's been properly 55 4/24/02 STREETS & SERVICES - PUBLIC MEETING moved and seconded that Bill No. 020143 be reported out of this committee with a favorable recommendation and a further recommendation that the rules of Council be suspended in order to permit first reading at our next Council session. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The bill is approved. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ortiz.
Mr. Chairman, I move that Bill No. 020147 be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation and also a recommendation that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading at our next session of City Council. (Duly seconded.)
It's been properly moved and seconded that Bill No. 020147 be reported out of this committee with a favorable recommendation and a further recommendation that the rules of Council be suspended in order to permit first reading at our next Council session. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. 56 4/24/02 STREETS & SERVICES - PUBLIC MEETING Those opposed? The bill is approved. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ortiz.
Mr. Chairman, I move that Bill No. 020148 be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation and a recommendation that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading at the next session of City Council. (Duly seconded.)
It's been properly moved and seconded that Bill No. 020147 be reported out of this committee with a favorable recommendation and a further recommendation that the rules of Council be suspended in order to permit first reading at our next Council session. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The bill is approved. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ortiz.
Mr. Chairman, I move that Bill No. 020149 be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation and a recommendation that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit 57 4/24/02 STREETS & SERVICES - PUBLIC MEETING first reading next session City Council. (Duly seconded.)
It's been properly moved and seconded that Bill No. 020149 be reported out of this committee with a favorable recommendation and a further recommendation that the rules of Council be suspended in order to permit first reading at our next Council session. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The bill is approved. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ortiz.
Mr. Chairman, I move that Bill No. 020167 be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation and a recommendation that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading at the next session of City Council. (Duly seconded.)
I'm sorry, I'm sorry. We're going to hold Bill No. 167 and 168. Sorry about that, sorry about that.
Okay, that bill is being held. 58 4/24/02 STREETS & SERVICES - PUBLIC MEETING Mr. Chairman, I move that Bill No. 020169 be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation and a recommendation that the rules of Council be suspended so was to permit first reading at the next session of City Council (Duly seconded.)
It's been properly moved and seconded that Bill No. 020169 be reported out of this committee with a favorable recommendation and a further recommendation that the rules of Council be suspended in order to permit first reading at our next Council session. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The bill is approved. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ortiz.
Mr. Chairman, I move that Bill No. 020184 be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation and a recommendation that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading at the next session of City Council. (Duly seconded.)
It's been properly 59 4/24/02 STREETS & SERVICES - PUBLIC MEETING moved and seconded that Bill No. 020184 be reported out of this committee with a favorable recommendation and a further recommendation that the rules of Council be suspended in order to permit first reading at our next Council session. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The bill is approved.
Mr. Chairman, I move that Bill 020185 be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation and a recommendation that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading at the next session of City Council. (Duly seconded.)
It's been properly moved and seconded that Bill No. 020185 be reported out of this committee with a favorable recommendation and a further recommendation that the rules of Council be suspended in order to permit first reading at our next Council session. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? 60 4/24/02 STREETS & SERVICES - PUBLIC MEETING The bill is approved.
Mr. Chairman, I move that Bill No. 020199 be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation and a recommendation that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading at the next session of City Council. (Duly seconded.)
It's been properly moved and seconded that Bill No. 020199 be reported out of this committee with a favorable recommendation and a further recommendation that the rules of Council be suspended in order to permit first reading at our next Council session. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The bill is approved. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ortiz.
Mr. Chairman, I move that Bill No. 020204 be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation and a recommendation that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading at the next session of City Council. (Duly seconded.) 61 4/24/02 STREETS & SERVICES - PUBLIC MEETING
It's been properly moved and seconded that Bill No. 020204 be reported out of this committee with a favorable recommendation and a further recommendation that the rules of Council be suspended in order to permit first reading at our next Council session. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The bill is approved.
Mr. Chairman, I move that Bill No. 020230 be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation and a recommendation that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading at the next session of City Council. (Duly seconded.)
It's been properly moved and seconded that Bill No. 020230 be reported out of this committee with a favorable recommendation and a further recommendation that the rules of Council be suspended in order to permit first reading at our next Council session. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. 62 4/24/02 STREETS & SERVICES - PUBLIC MEETING Those opposed? The bill is approved.
Mr. Chairman, I move that Bill 020224 be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation and a recommendation that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading at the next session of City Council. (Duly seconded.)
It's been properly moved and seconded that Bill No. 020224 be reported out of this committee with a favorable recommendation and a further recommendation that the rules of Council be suspended in order to permit first reading at our next Council session. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The bill is approved. This concludes the public meeting. However, I would like to make one comment. At the last -- I think it was at the last Streets and Services Committee, we had Bill No. 010497. That bill 24 concerned the providing -- amending the traffic code to provide that physically handicapped or severely 63 4/24/02 STREETS & SERVICES - PUBLIC MEETING handicapped veterans be afforded the opportunity to park free all day in the City of Philadelphia. There was a lot of concern and a lot of dialogue that took place on that day. I'm happy to report, as per Vince Finnerty of the Parking Authority, whose title I don't know at the moment 'cause I know he was just recently promoted, but based on a conversation with Mr. Ashdale that the Parking Authority, by way of policy, will no 11 longer ticket vehicles that have handicapped veterans parking -- severely handicapped veterans parking plates on their vehicles at meters in the City of Philadelphia until such time as we are able to work and hopefully get some satisfactory legislation from the State as it relates to handicapped veterans' vehicles, not only in Philadelphia but throughout the Commonwealth. So at the moment, the policy of the Parking Authority is if you have a vehicle that displays a severely handicapped parking plate, a severely handicapped plate, they will no longer be required to put money in the meter; they will be able to be allowed to park free all day at meters in the City of Philadelphia. 64 4/24/02 STREETS & SERVICES - PUBLIC MEETING Thank you.
Because of the human factor that's involved, in the event that there is a ticket, is there a commitment to adjudicate tickets?
I would suggest that, through the Veterans Association or an elected official, that they make that known, and I'm sure that the adjustments could made at the Parking Authority 'cause it is their policy effective today or tomorrow.
Yeah, I'm waiting to get something in writing to that effect so that there's no certain. Yes, sir, Councilman Rizzo.
Mr. Chairman, this is a perfect result of when the Republicans are in charge over there. Thank you. (Laughter.)
No, actually what happened was, 20 years as Republican and 17 years for me as a Democrat, the Democrat side of me enlightened 65 4/24/02 STREETS & SERVICES - PUBLIC MEETING the Republicans as to what they need to do to make it a more friendly city.
I would suggest, besides the Councilpeople's office, like you said, the Veterans Multiservice Center would be the place to go to find out how to adjudicate those mistaken tickets.
I'm waiting to get something in writing that I will share with all members of City Council, not just this committee. Thank you. (Proceedings end at 3:23 p.m.) - - - 66 CERTIFICATE I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing proceedings of the Council of the City of Philadelphia's meeting of the Committee on Streets and Services of Wednesday, April 24, 2002, are contained fully and accurately in the stenographic notes taken by me, and that this is a true and correct transcript of same. _______________________________, Josephine Cardillo Registered Professional Reporter and 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.)