Councilman Nutter voting aye. Councilman O'Neill. stated - 6/21/04
Aye. I'm sorry, Madam President. This is the bill I had asked you.
I'm sorry. I'm standing on this bill. The law firm I'm with is underwriters counsel, and I mentioned it at the Committee level when I was there. They're underwriters counsel on the underlying transaction. So I have asked to be -- I have not taken part in any deliberations or discussions on this matter.
Councilman O'Neill abstains. The majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill Number 040023.
An ordinance amending section 192604 of The Philadelphia Code relating to tax rates, credits and alternate tax computation for the business privilege tax by reducing certain tax rates, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode. Your microphone wasn't on.
I'm asking that you call that bill up for amendment, not stated - 6/21/04 approval.
Okay. I believe everyone received a copy of the proposed amendment.
It has been moved and seconded that the amendment be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Chorus of "ayes.")
The ayes have it, and Bill Number 040023 has been amended. The next bill to be called is Bill Number 040153.
An ordinance approving the fiscal year 2004 capital budget providing for expenditures for the stated - 6/21/04 capital purposes of the Philadelphia Gas Works.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally. The Clerk will please call the roll.
Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Which bill was that?
Aye. stated - 6/21/04 The ayes are 16. The nays are 1. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill Number 040559.
An ordinance amending an ordinance approved July 12, 1968, as last amended and restated effective June 26, 2002, relating to pension benefits for employees working on behalf of the Philadelphia Gas Works.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally. The Clerk will please call the roll.
Councilman DiCicco. stated - 6/21/04 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Aye.
Aye. Ayes are 17. The nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill Number 040564.
An ordinance requiring the Philadelphia Gas Works to include with all monthly bill statements to customers information regarding the portion of the customer's bill attributable to the cost of service provided or to be provided to other customers for which the company has determined it cannot or will not be able to collect payment.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally. stated - 6/21/04 The Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen.
I would urge my colleagues -- (microphone not on, not reportable.)
Councilman, you were not heard. If you can start your speech again, please.
Yes. I'm urging a no vote on this bill. I don't know what it's intended to accomplish, to put on notice each time people have to pay a Gas Works bill that they're being charged a certain amount for the -- by the non-payors of the bill. I understand the matter is in litigation. Council has spoken out clearly. We don't think that people ought to be charged for it. And we're trying to work out something. So far it has not yet been worked out. But I just think it invites people to hate everything about the City, to be notified each time they're writing a stated - 6/21/04 check to pay the Gas Works bill that they're adding. That the bill is higher because they have to pay for those who are not paying. Some of those who are not paying probably can't pay. But it seems that there's good evidence that many people could pay, but because of the Gas Works practices in the past, they've gotten away without paying. I understand the Gas Works is taking some action to cure that, but the methods will not be that advocated by Mr. Knutsen who advocates that everybody be notified at once that they're paying gas bills not only for themselves but for those that are not paying. So, I urge this as a no vote. It reminds me sort of like that chicken odor bill we had a few minutes ago. (Laughter.)
The stated - 6/21/04 recognizes Councilman Mariano.
Thank you, Madam President. Just a point of clarification from the sponsor, if he would be so kind. Make sure I understand the intention of this bill. It's not going to put on the gas bill who doesn't pay. It's just going to say what portion of your bill is because people don't pay? And it looks like the next bill is the same thing but with the Water Department. Would that be the intention from the sponsor?
It would just show a surcharge, I believe. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Madam stated - 6/21/04 President, I will be recusing myself from Bill number... this bill, Gas Commission.
Councilwoman Krajewski, are you abstaining, too, since you're on the Gas Commission?
Councilman Clarke, how are you voting, sir? (No response.)
Why don't you continue, and then we'll go back to him.
Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Aye. stated - 6/21/04
Aye. And you're going to have to call Councilman Clarke again.
The record will indicate that Councilwoman Tasco abstained, and a majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. stated - 6/21/04 The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill Number 040565.
Madam President, I have to leave the room for a few minutes. Could I be recorded as voting aye on anything I miss while I'm out?
Yes. Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of Bill Number 040565.
An ordinance requiring the Philadelphia Water Department to include with all monthly bill statements to customers information regarding the portion of the customer's bill attributable to the cost of service provided or to be provided to other customers for which the department has determined it cannot or will not be able to collect payment.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally. The Clerk will please call the roll. stated - 6/21/04
Councilman Nutter voting aye. Councilman O'Neill. stated - 6/21/04
A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill Number 040599.