Title
June 3, 2010
To The President and Members of
The Council of the City of Philadelphia:
For the following reasons, I am returning herewith to your Honorable Body as disapproved Bill No. 100158, which was passed by Council at its session on May 20, 2010.
Bill 100158 would amend The Philadelphia Code to provide that any organization seeking a permit from the City for a parade or assembly in any street must enter into an agreement with the City to pay for the use of any City equipment, and for personnel costs for services, such as sanitation services, that the applicant specifically requests from the City in connection with the event. I am in agreement with that portion of the bill.
The bill further provides, however, that the City shall not charge any person who obtains such a permit for any City costs associated with the need to maintain public order and safety in connection with the parade or assembly. This would mean that the City could not charge for overtime and other special costs of staffing for the public safety needs related to these events, even when the City would not otherwise bear those costs absent the holding of the parade or assembly.
Each year there are hundreds of parades, festivals and special events that take place in all parts of the City. Some are local community events, but many are large productions that attract thousands of people to locations like the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. In order to ensure that these events are safe, successful and enjoyable for the participants, the City provides a great number of resources. As public safety is a paramount concern anytime there is a large gathering such as a parade or festival, the Police Department deploys sufficient officers to patrol the event as well as to provide for street closures, traffic control and emergency management. Additionally, the Fire Department ensures that emergency medical services are standing by ready to assist.
Because of the City's ser...
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