COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC PROPERTY AND PUBLIC WORKS - - - Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Wednesday, April 9, 2008 9:50 a.m. - - - PRESENT: COUNCILMAN DARRELL L. CLARKE, CHAIR COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN WILLIAM GREENLEE COUNCILMAN JAMES F. KENNEY COUNCILWOMAN JOAN L. KRAJEWSKI COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO BILLS 080135, 080205, 080206, 080208 and 080209 - - - V A R A L L O Incorporated Litigation Support Services Eleven Penn Center 1835 Market Street, Suite 600 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103 215.561.2220 215.567.2670 2
Good morning. This is the Committee on Public Property and Public Works. We have a quorum established. We have Councilman Jim Kenney, Councilman Bill Greenlee and Councilwoman Joan Krajewski. Will the Clerk please read the title of the first bill.
Bill No. 080205, an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City, to acquire the beds of the portions of Delaware Avenue and Buckius Street that are to be opened pursuant to Bill No. 16 080131, under certain terms and conditions. (Witnesses approached witness table.)
Good morning. COMMISSIONER SCHLOTTERBECK: Good morning. I'm sorry. The bill 24 number again, is it 080205?
080205, 3 4/9/08 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 080135, etc. yeah. COMMISSIONER SCHLOTTERBECK: Thank you. Good morning, Chairman Clarke and members of the Public Property and Public Works Committee. My name is Joan Schlotterbeck. I'm the City of Philadelphia Public Property Commissioner. I'm here today to testify in support of Bill No. 080205, an ordinance authorizing me as the Commissioner to acquire the beds of the portions of Delaware Avenue and Buckius Street. This will enable the City to acquire property to assist the Streets Department with the opening of the unopened portions of Delaware Avenue and Buckius Street in accordance with Bill 21 No. 080131. Public Property supports this measure and, accordingly, I respectfully ask that Council approve this bill. I also ask that Council vote the Bill 4 4/9/08 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 080135, etc. 080205 out of Committee with a favorable recommendation and that the rules be suspended to permit first reading at the next Council session. Thank you.
Thank you for your testimony. Any questions of this witness on this particular bill by members of the Committee? (No response.)
There being none, we will proceed with the next bill. Clerk, please read the title of the next bill.
Bill No. 080206, an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to transfer to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, for nominal consideration, a 5 4/9/08 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 080135, etc. certain parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon, known as 815 East Washington Lane, for further conveyance. COMMISSIONER SCHLOTTERBECK: Good morning, Chairman Clarke and members of the Committee on Public Works and Public Property. My name is Joan Schlotterbeck, Public Property Commissioner. I'm here today to testify in support of Bill 080206, an ordinance 13 authorizing me as the Commissioner to transfer to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, for nominal consideration, a certain parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon, known as 815 East Washington Lane, for further conveyance at fair market value. The purchase of this property by Mt. Airy USA will provide them with the opportunity to develop residential housing. The proceeds from the sale of 6 4/9/08 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 080135, etc. this property, $565,000, will be deposited into the City's General Fund. The Department of Public Property supports this measure and, accordingly, I respectfully ask that City Council approve Bill No. 080206. I also request that Council vote this bill out of Committee with a favorable recommendation and that the rules be suspended to permit first reading at the next Council session. Thank you.
Thank you. Any questions of this witness by members of the Committee on this bill? (No response.)
Good morning, Chairman Clarke, members of the Public Property Committee. I am William Kramer, the Division Director of the Development Division of the Philadelphia City 7 4/9/08 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 080135, etc. Planning Commission. I am here today to testify on Bill No. 080206, which was introduced into City Council on February 28, 2008. Bill No. 080206 will permit the City to transfer property located at 815 East Washington Lane to PAID, who will subsequently sell the property at fair market value to Mt. Airy USA. 815 East Washington Lane is an approximately 2.4-acre parcel zoned G-2 General Industrial and R-9 Residential. Mt. Airy USA proposes residential housing on this parcel. The Planning Commission at its meeting of March 18, 2008 recommended that Bill No. 080206 be approved. This concludes my testimony. I appreciate the opportunity to appear today, and would be pleased to answer any questions you may have.
Thank you. What type of housing will this be? Market-rate? 8 4/9/08 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 080135, etc.
Why are we selling it for nominal? Why are we conveying for nominal if it's all market rate?
It's not nominal. Nominal transferred to PAID, and PAID is selling it at fair market value.
Thank you. COMMISSIONER SCHLOTTERBECK: Which was read into the record as part of my testimony.
Thank you. I apparently wasn't paying attention. I'm sorry. Anyone else to testify on this bill? Yes, sir. Please come up. 9 4/9/08 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 080135, etc. (Witness approached witness table.)
My name is Jason Salice and I'm the Director of Real Estate for Mt. Airy USA. One point of clarification, it is our intent to mix the incomes, so that there will be some affordable housing, rental housing options.
And the median income for the affordable units will be approximately what?
For the 10 4/9/08 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 080135, etc. affordable units?
Thank you for that clarification. Any other questions from members of the Committee for these witnesses? (No response.)
There being none, thank you very much. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next bill.
Bill No. 080208, an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to transfer to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, for nominal consideration, a certain parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon, known as 4301 Tacony Street, for further conveyance. 11 4/9/08 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 080135, etc. COMMISSIONER SCHLOTTERBECK: Good morning. My name is Joan Schlotterbeck. I'm the City of Philadelphia Public Property Commissioner. I'm here today to testify in support of Bill No. 080208, an ordinance authorizing me as the Commissioner to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, for nominal consideration, a certain parcel of land, with buildings and improvements thereon, known as 4301 Tacony Street, for further conveyance at fair market value. The purchase of this property by the First Philadelphia Charter School for Literacy will allow them to expand their current facility to include a playground and will be open to the public. The proceeds for the sale of this property will be $270,000, which will be deposited into the City's General Fund. 12 4/9/08 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 080135, etc. The Department of Public Property supports this measure and, accordingly, I respectfully request that Council approve Bill No. 080208 and also recommend that they favorably pass this out of Committee and the rules be suspended to permit first reading at the next Council session. Thank you.
Thank you. Any questions of this witness by members of the Committee? (No response.)
Good morning, Chairman Clarke and members of the Public Property Committee. I am William Kramer, the Division Director of the Development Division of the Philadelphia City Planning Commission. I am here to testify on Bill No. 080208, which was introduced into City Council on February 13 4/9/08 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 080135, etc. 28, 2008. Bill No. 080208 will permit the City to transfer property located at 4301 Tacony Street to PAID, who will subsequently sell the property at fair market value to First Philadelphia Charter School for Literacy. 4301 Tacony Street is an approximately 0.09-acre parcel zoned L-3 Limited Industrial. First Philadelphia Charter School for Literacy will utilize this property to expand its existing facility and will include a public playground. The Planning Commission at its meeting of March 18, 2008 recommended that Bill No. 080208 be approved. This concludes my testimony. I appreciate the opportunity to appear, and will be pleased to answer any questions you may have.
Thank you. Any questions of this witness? (No response.)
Anyone else 14 4/9/08 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 080135, etc. to testify on this bill? (No response.)
There being none, will the Clerk please read the title of the next bill.
Bill No. 080209, an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to transfer to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, for nominal consideration, some or all of the City's interest in certain parcels of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon, located in an area bounded by North Front Street, Wildey Street, Leopard Street and Richmond Street; certain parcels of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon, known as 1101 through 19 North Front Street, located on the east side of North Front Street; and certain parcels of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon, known as 1043 through 47 North Front Street, located on 15 4/9/08 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 080135, etc. the east side of North Front Street, for further conveyance. COMMISSIONER SCHLOTTERBECK: Good morning. My name is Joan Schlotterbeck. I'm the Public Property Commissioner. I'm here today to testify in support of Bill No. 080209, an ordinance authorizing me as the Commissioner to execute and deliver to Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, for nominal consideration, fee simple title to certain parcels of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon, located in the area bounded by North Front Street, Wildey Street, Leopard Street and Richmond Street; certain parcels of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon, known as 1101 to 19 North Front Street, located on the east side of North Front Street; and certain parcels of land, again, with the buildings and improvements thereon, known as 1043 to 47 North Front Street, located on the east side of North Front 16 4/9/08 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 080135, etc. Street, for further conveyance at fair market value. The purchase of these properties will provide Tower Investments the opportunity to develop them for both residential and commercial use. The proceeds from the sale of these properties is $2.4 million and it will be deposited into the General Fund. I'd like to conclude my testimony here at this point and ask that Bill Kramer from City Planning weigh in on where their Commission is on this particular bill.
Thank you. Any questions of the Commissioner? (No response.)
Good morning, Chairman Clarke. I am William Kramer, Division Director of the Development Division of the Philadelphia City 17 4/9/08 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 080135, etc. Planning Commission. I am here today to testify on Bill No. 080209, which was introduced into City Council on February 28, 2008. Bill No. 080209 will permit the City to transfer properties located at 1043-46 and 1101-1119 North Front Street to PAID, who will subsequently sell the property at fair market value to Tower Investments. 1043-1047 North Front Street is an approximately 0.8-acre parcel zoned L-5 Limited Industrial. 1101 to 1119 North Front Street is an approximately 0.4-acre parcel zoned L-5 Limited Industrial. Tower Investments proposes a mixed-use development on these parcels. The Planning Commission at its meeting on March 18, 2008 reviewed Bill 21 No. 080209 and after lengthy discussion requested an additional 45 days to consider this bill. They have it on their agenda for our next meeting, which is April 18 4/9/08 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 080135, etc. 15th, and if it pleases Council, we will send our recommendation in writing at that time.
It's behind the bar. I think there's a bar there or something.
Not that I frequent the bar. I just happen to live in the neighborhood, so I'm familiar with the location.
Right. It's a triangular piece of area between the Market-Frankford El and I-95. And, 19 4/9/08 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 080135, etc. frankly, some of the concerns our Commission had was, there were neighborhood plans that called for this to be used as open space, and they wanted to get a further understanding of that as part of the Planning Commission's duties and responsibilities, so we intend to consider this again at our next meeting, which is Tuesday.
Well, the Councilman has indicated that he would like for it to be moved out of Committee, but he will hold it on the Calendar until the Planning Commission has done its work.
There being 20 4/9/08 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 080135, etc. none, will the Clerk please read the title of the last bill.
Bill No. 080135, an ordinance designating the Family Court Building located at 1801 Vine Street as the Judge Nicholas A. Cipriani Family Court Building. COMMISSIONER SCHLOTTERBECK: Good morning again. My name is Joan Schlotterbeck, City of Philadelphia Public Property Commissioner. I'm here today to testify in support of Bill No. 14 080135, an ordinance designating the Family Court building located at 1801 Vine Street as the new Judge Nicholas A. Cipriani Family Court Building. The Department supports this measure and, accordingly, I respectfully ask that Council approve Bill No. 080135 and that you recommend out of Committee today a favorable recommendation and suspend the rules to permit first reading at the next session. Thank you. 21 4/9/08 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 080135, etc.
Thank you. Let the record show that Councilman Wilson Goode is also in attendance at this hearing. Any questions of this witness by members of the Committee? (No response.)
Anyone else to testify on the bill? I understand we have three or four people. Mr. Cipriani and we have Mr. Bevilacqua and Your Honor. You might as well all come up.
Chairman Clarke and members of this honorable committee, my name is Eugene Cipriani and I'm here on behalf of the Cipriani family to testify in favor of proposed Bill No. 20 080135 to name the Family Court building after my father, Judge Nicholas A. Cipriani. Dad was a true son of Philadelphia. His grandparents and parents were immigrants from Italy. His 22 4/9/08 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 080135, etc. grandfather, Michael A. Bozzuto, opened up a barbershop in South Philadelphia in 1903 and later became a committeeman in 1915, thus starting our family's service to the citizens of Philadelphia. Great grandpop Bozzuto even spoke and wrote English with such proficiency that he had a clerk's job in this great building. Dad picked up the political baton upon his return from the military service in 1946 and honorably served this community as an attorney. In 1969, Dad was elected judge to the Court of Common Pleas, and after an initial stint in the criminal division found his way to Family Court. Dad was no stranger to family law since his general practice included the usual round of divorces and messy situations involving the wayward children of clients. In Family Court, Dad found his home. When appointed Administrative Judge of the Family Court division in 23 4/9/08 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 080135, etc. October of 1980, Dad took on the role of healer. The prior two decades saw Philadelphia torn apart by racial strife, and Dad sought to bring all of our citizens together. Dad was a great scholar and sought to enhance the stature of Philadelphia's judiciary by active participation in national and international family law issues. Through his efforts, Philadelphia became known as a leader in family law administration. While providing meaningful efforts to reconcile the various factions within the City, Dad fell in love with the 1801 Vine Street building. As a child of the Depression, he knew its history. In the first two decades of the 20th Century, our wise Philadelphia forebearers decided to reinvent Philadelphia into becoming the Paris of the East Coast. A great public works project, started in the teens of that decade, saw the demolition of many homes and businesses to build Philadelphia's 24 4/9/08 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 080135, etc. version of the Champs d'Elysees, now known as the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. It connected the central business district to our own Acropolis where the Art Museum sits. Logan Square, one of William Penn's original urban parks, became Logan Circle. The project was not complete without turning the north side of Logan Circle into a replica of Paris' Place de la Concorde. Between 19th and 20th Streets sits the Free Library. For all of its grandeur, it is relatively devoid of artwork. But when the Family Court building was constructed in the 1930s and opened up in or just after 1940, it was a jewel. As a Works Progress Administration building of the Franklin D. Roosevelt administration, not only was the building grand in scale, but its walls and even a few of its light passages were decorated with paintings and stained glass by artists otherwise unable to get work. Dad could identify 25 4/9/08 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 080135, etc. with these individuals since people like them patronized his father's barbershop. Dad as Administrative Judge and later Senior Judge became the unofficial historian of the building and was even featured one Sunday in the Philadelphia Inquirer's magazine. But Dad's most enduring contribution to the Family Court was his devotion to the administration of justice to those who had no voice, the children of Philadelphia. Those children were his children regardless of background. Dad did everything he could to make their plight easier. Dad has gone on to his eternal reward. Even if the 1801 Vine Street building were to be sold to a private developer, the building itself has significance as being the first to combine the various elements of family law activities under one roof.
Tragically, the City's requirements to assist families in need has escalated and 4/9/08 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 080135, etc. it appears the building may be outdated. I submit that for whatever time is left to have the Family Court headquartered at 1801 Vine Street, it would be most appropriate to have this magnificent edifice named after the man who symbolized the importance of family law in Philadelphia and who loved and appreciated the building, and more importantly, its people in which the great work of family law continues to be carried out. Thank you.
Chairman Clarke, members of the Committee, Kenney, Krajewski, Greenlee and Councilperson Goode, it gives me great pleasure to appear before you. My name is Gabriel Bevilacqua. I am an Immediate Past Chancellor of the Justinian Society, which is composed of over 700 27 4/9/08 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 080135, etc. Italian-American lawyers and judges in the Greater Philadelphia area, and Vice-President of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, the Order Sons of Italy in America, which has over 67 lodges throughout the Commonwealth and a number of lodges in Philadelphia. So I appear before you today in support of renaming the Family Court building in honor of the memory of Judge Nicholas A. Cipriani. I am truly honored to speak on behalf of both the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, Order Sons of Italy in America and its current President, Vincent Turco, and the Justinian Society and its current Chancellor, Rudolph Garcia. As I mentioned, the Order is the oldest and most diverse association of Italian-Americans, having over 67 lodges in this great Commonwealth, and the Society is comprised of over 700 members in the Greater Philadelphia area. I speak in behalf of both organizations in strong support of renaming the Family 28 4/9/08 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 080135, etc. Court building the Nicholas A. Cipriani Family Court Building. We strongly urge this Committee to memorialize the extraordinary life and the achievements of a remarkable individual, one who exemplified the highest ideals of the judiciary and of our great city. " In these few words, Justice Holmes said much about Judge Nicholas A. Cipriani, without a thought of self, serenely absorbed, with the help of a noble and tender heart. These are the qualities that Judge Cipriani brought to 29 4/9/08 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 080135, etc. his work, to his community, to his life and to his profession. The story of our justice system, indeed the story of our country, is told through the lives of people like this fine, pure and humble jurist. Told through such a life, this is an ennobling, uplifting and aspiring story. That is why I am here today representing the Italian-American community in support of this proposal. At the end of the tempest, Prospero stages a beautiful dance of spirits, which he abruptly ends. When Ferdinand expresses dismay at Prospero's brusk dismissal of the spirits, Prospero replies in a speech that many may sympathize with. Be cheerful, sir, Prospero says to Ferdinand. Our revels now are ended. These are our actors, as I foretold you. We're all spirits and are melted into air, into thin air. And like the baseless fabric of this vision, the cloud-capped towers, the gorgeous 30 4/9/08 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 080135, etc. palaces, the solemn temples, the great globe itself, yea all of which it will inherit shall dissolve. And like this insubstantial pageant, faded, leave not a rack behind. We are such stuff as dreams are made on and our little life is rounded with a sleep. Judge Cipriani's life, I respectfully submit, was not an insubstantial dream, nor was his life a futile sleep. He began his legal training in 1935 in the Law Offices of Bob Sebastian. He humbly worked first as a stenographer before going on to law school and receiving his degree in 1943 from Temple University Law School. The summer of 1943 saw our country at war and our honoree heard his country's call. He joined the United States Armed Forces and served with distinction for three years. The life of Judge Cipriani took many unexpected twists and turns. Following 20 years of private practice 31 4/9/08 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 080135, etc. and then service for four years as a Special Assistant Attorney General of Pennsylvania, he was elected to the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas in November of 1969.
He distinguished himself from the bench, not only as an abled jurist, but as a pioneering administrator, leading the family division of the First Judicial District as Administrative Judge for many, many years. All the while he was an active and contributing member of this community and of this great city. For most, that would have been a time to look back and to rest on his very ample laurels, but not for Judge Cipriani. Refusing to look back, he instead adapted to new challenges. Judge Cipriani served as Pennsylvania President of the Order Sons of Italy in America, President of the Temple University General Alumni Association and on the Board of Trustees of Methodist Hospital, his community hospital, in South 32 4/9/08 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 080135, etc. Philadelphia. He had leadership roles with the Big Brothers Association of Philadelphia and served on numerous other Boards, always with great fidelity and without pay. Not surprisingly, he is the recipient of many awards, including recognition by the Republic of Italy with the highly prestigious designation of "commenda torre" and receipt of the equally prestigious Order of Merit. Each and every one of us can only dream of achieving some small measure of this exceptional man's stature. His drive, gentility and respect for his fellow human beings is legendary. It is the force of this character, this great character, and the great dignity with which he faithfully discharged his duties that truly distinguishes Judge Cipriani. Few, if any, can think of an individual who possess greater grace and serenity. I had the privilege of knowing 33 4/9/08 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 080135, etc. him both personally and professionally during my year as Chancellor of the Philadelphia Bar Association. And when I think of Judge Cipriani, I think of the qualities that our parents and grandparents brought to everything they did, optimism, strength, cheerfulness, a love of life, hard work and simplicity. Let us be resolved not to let this man's great spirit melt into thin air, nor like the insubstantial pageant, faded, leaving not a rack behind. While it may be true that we are such stuff as dreams are made on and our little life is rounded with a sleep, we can, with conscious choice and respectful reflection, recognize the legacy of this truly remarkable individual by renaming the Family Court building to honor his life of service to all of us. Thank you for allowing me to speak.
Thank you 34 4/9/08 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 080135, etc. for your testimony. Judge, can you please identify yourself for the record and proceed. JUDGE CARRAFIELLO: Yes. Good morning, Chairman Clarke and honorable members of this Council. My name is Matthew D. Carrafiello. I am Judge of the Common Pleas Court of this county, and I have had the honor and pleasure of knowing Judge Cipriani for the last 37, 38 years. Now, I would go on to recount my testimony, except that everything that I would say I think has already been said. So if instead I could give you my written testimony. There's just a couple things that I would say. I'm one of those individuals that owes a great debt to Judge Cipriani, because he encouraged me, he mentored me and he showed me what it was to be a judge. A judge must be long suffering, a judge must listen, and a judge must care. I would challenge anyone to 35 4/9/08 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 080135, etc. ever recount the situation which Judge Cipriani raised his voice. It never happened. He was a loving, caring man. He has encouraged so many of our children. He's kept so many of our families together. The reason why 1801 Vine Street should bear his name is because he is the epitome of what every worker in the vineyard of family law and family justice should be. I would only bring one other thing to your attention, that a couple years ago when Judge Cipriani was facing the eventual end of his career, he gave me quite a number of articles and books. One of them was a pamphlet he put together in 1986. It was put together for a salute to Parkway institutions sponsored by the Free Library of Philadelphia. In commemoration, he put together a booklet, and as was his style, he didn't claim sole authorship for it, although he did solely put this together and solely have it published. Nor did he 36 4/9/08 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 080135, etc. recount the history of Family Court, including the predecessor to the building at 18th and Vine Street. He did not recount that in his own words. Instead, he chose an article that was nationally published in 1917 which was written by President Theodore Roosevelt. This exemplifies his pension for the history of Family Court, his love of Family Court justice and his concern that we all understand the burdens that the family in Philadelphia undergoes. He was a loving, caring man who has been an example of what we should all follow. So I would, therefore, highly recommend that this building be named in his honor. Thank you.
Thank you very much for your testimony, and certainly it will be an honor to vote on 37 4/9/08 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 080135, etc. this particular piece of legislation in honor of Judge Cipriani, who was absolutely a wonderful, wonderful man. As a life-long South Philadelphian, I take special pride in casting my vote in that regard, and I just want to tell you that some of the most enlightening time I've ever spent was the half a dozen times or so that I had the opportunity to pick him up at the corner waiting for the C bus in South Philadelphia at, I think it was, Broad and Wolf and drive him into town. For that short period of time, he imparted to me such wisdom that I'll never forget him. And, again, as a South Philadelphian, I would like to publicly say that, Judge Carrafiello, you are following in his footsteps in many ways, both in demeanor, ability and dedication, and I'm very proud of you, too. JUDGE CARRAFIELLO: Thank you, sir. 38 4/9/08 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 080135, etc.
Thank you, Councilman. Any other questions of these witnesses? (No response.)
Thank you all so much for your testimony. JUDGE CARRAFIELLO: Thank you.
Councilman Clarke, members of the panel, I'm Aaron Finestone, City Council technical staff, and I'm going to read into the record a letter from Councilman Brian O'Neill. He apologizes. He's at another meeting and he cannot be here at this point. Dear Councilman Clarke, I write in support of Bill 080135, which would name the Family Court building at 1801 Vine Street after the late Judge Nicholas A. Cipriani. From 1969 through 2006, 39 4/9/08 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 080135, etc. Nicholas A. Cipriani gave more than three decades of dedicated and outstanding service to the children, families and citizens of Philadelphia. The Family Court building at 1801 Vine Street was his home. He presided over cases, mentored generations of young lawyers and acted as a friend and advisor to court staff. Judge Cipriani mentored me personally for almost ten years as a Family Court juvenile probation officer and as a practicing attorney. His service was capped by a term as Administrative Judge of the Family Court Division, during which time he instituted new programs to make justice accessible to all citizens. I can think of no greater tribute to this fine judge than to name his home, the Family Court building at 1801 Vine Street, after him. Kindly make this letter part of the record of the public hearing on Bill 40 4/9/08 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 080135, etc. 080135. Very truly yours, Brian J. O'Neill, Councilman, 10th District.
Thank you. Anyone else to testify on this bill? (No response.)
There being none, we will now move into the public meeting. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney for a motion on Bill No. 080135.
Mr. Chairman, I move that Bill No. 080135 be reported out of this Committee with a favorable recommendation and a request for a rules suspension to allow for first reading at our next Council session. (Duly seconded.)
Those 41 4/9/08 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 080135, etc. opposed? (No response.)
The ayes have it. Bill No. 080135 is reported out of the Committee with a favorable recommendation, with a rules suspension as to allow reading at the next session of Council. Councilman Kenney, can I get a motion on Bill No. 080205.
Mr. Chairman, I move that Bill No. 080205 be reported out of this Committee with a favorable recommendation and a request made for a rules suspension to allow first reading at our next Council session. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and seconded. All those in favor? (Aye.)
Those opposed? 42 4/9/08 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 080135, etc. (No response.)
The ayes have it. Bill No. 080205 will be reported out of the Committee with a favorable recommendation, with a rules suspension as to allow reading at the next session of Council. Councilman Greenlee, can I get a motion on Bill No. 080206.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that Bill No. 13 080206 be reported out of this Committee with a favorable recommendation and move further that the rules of Council be suspended to allow for first reading at our next session of Council. (Duly seconded.)
Those opposed? (No response.) 43 4/9/08 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 080135, etc.
The ayes have it. Bill No. 080206 will be reported out of the Committee with a favorable recommendation, with a rules suspension as to allow reading at the next session of Council. Councilman Rizzo, can I please ask for a motion on Bill No. 080208.
Bill 080208 to be referred from this Committee with a favorable recommendation, that the rules be suspended so it can be heard on the next session of Council. (Duly seconded.)
The ayes have it. Bill 080208 will be reported out of the Committee with a favorable 44 4/9/08 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 080135, etc. recommendation, with a rules suspension as to allow reading at the next session of Council. Councilwoman Krajewski, please --
Mr. Chairman, I move that Bill 080209 be reported out of this Committee with a favorable recommendation. (Duly seconded.)
The ayes have it. Bill 080209 will be reported out of the Committee with a favorable recommendation. This concludes the Committee on Public Property and Public Works. Thank you very much. 45 4/9/08 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 080135, etc. (Committee on Public Property and Public Works adjourned at 10:25 a.m.) - - - 46 CERTIFICATE I HEREBY CERTIFY that the proceedings, evidence and objections are contained fully and accurately in the stenographic notes taken by me upon the foregoing matter on April 9, 2008, and that this is a true and correct transcript of same. ______________________________ MICHELE L. MURPHY RPR-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.)