It looks like Vivian Miller, the clerk of quarter sessions, is resigning today.

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The Nutter administration is fervently hoping for a warmer winter in 2011, but unlike this year, it is slightly hedging that bet with a new $4 million "reserve for unanticipated expenditures."

Residents and even a few national media outlets such as CNN were surprised to learn this winter that Philadelphia does not budget for snow removal. Historically, the Streets Department budget contained a little extra padding, which could be used when storms struck. But that relatively meager surplus was wiped out during last year's budget cuts, said city Finance Director Rob Dubow.

$4 million is nowhere near enough to remove snow in a record-setting winter like this one, which has already cost the city $16 million it could ill afford to lose. But it is better than nothing.

Dubow said the city would never set aside $16 million, given how unusual such epic winters are in Philadelphia. And he noted that the new $4 million fund may well end up being tapped for different unanticipated expenses altogether.

»  More Pray for sun: 2011 budget is betting on little snow

Press release below:

MAYOR NUTTER APPOINTS SUSAN JAFFE AND MILES WILSON TO THE HISTORICAL COMMISSION

Philadelphia, March 5 –Mayor Michael A. Nutter has appointed Susan Jaffe and Miles Wilson to the Historical Commission.

“As Philadelphia continues to evolve and develop, the Historical Commission ensures that we connect our vibrant past with our promising future,” said Mayor Nutter. “These two individuals will help guarantee that the Commission continues to protect the city’s unparalleled historical resources, striking the right balance between preservation and economic development.”

»  More Nutter names two to historical commission

Mayor Nutter deserves credit for inviting the media to accompany him as he ventured into the Mayfair Diner the morning the very day after he proposed two big new tax increases. That was brave. But in this case it may well have backfired. With Fox 29 cameras rolling, Nutter was unlucky enough to encounter the wife of a soda factory worker, and she had no problem telling him that his proposed two-ounce tax on sugary drinks put her husband's job at risk.

Take a look.

Moments later, Nutter was interviewed live by the Fox anchors.

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Mayor Nutter presents his 2010 budget to members of Philadelphia City Council at City Hall this morning. (Alejandro A. Alvarez / Staff Photographer)

Mayor Nutter formally presented a $3.87 billion budget to City Council this morning, calling on its members to approve a new tax on sugary drinks and a $300 annual trash fee in order to avoid cuts that would “devastate” city services.

“The deep budget cuts required to fill the deficit would force massive layoffs and a very noticeable reduction in city services. It’s a path we should avoid,” Nutter said.

If approved by City Council, the two new revenue sources would raise $146.6 million next year and $185 million in future years. Together, the fee and tax are enough to eliminate the city’s projected $150 million deficit.

Though the mayor told Council that Philadelphia continues to face serious economic challenges, his overall tone was upbeat, and he used the occasion to repeatedly tout his administration’s accomplishments.

“I believe that Philadelphia is uniquely positioned for greatness in this new century. We’re at the right place, at the right time and we have what it takes to create huge economic growth and prosperity for our city, a city that is safe, smart and sustainable,” Nutter told Council.

Calling his administration “battle tested,” Nutter said his vision for Philadelphia is “based on its fighting spirit.” And he urged residents to embrace his sense of optimism.

“For years now, Philadelphians have been engaged in a great internal debate between our betters angels who have hope, who see possibility and who want change, and those whose cynicism and lack of an imagination freeze them in a past of low expectations,” Nutter said.

The mayor used his address to reach out, by name, to every member of City Council, and he praised specific accomplishments of each council person.

Nutter also emphasized the spending cuts and efficiencies his administration has enacted since the nationwide economic crisis began.

“In extraordinary times, we’ve met the challenge of recession. We’ve innovated, we’ve reformed and we’ve preserved the basic services that Philadelphians want and deserve,” Nutter said.

Towards the end of his 50 minute address, Nutter called the mayor's office a "humbling place," and he acknowledged he has "made some mistakes."

"I ask your forgiveness for my mistakes, but I also ask for your continued support as we all strive together to serve the citizens of our city," Nutter said.

The outlines of Nutter’s budget have been clear for several days, but the mayor’s address did contain a few nuggets of news.

* All of the city’s functioning pools – 69 of 72 – are funded in Nutter’s proposed budget.
* Wage and business tax cuts, which had been tabled when the economic crisis struck, are now included in the mayor’s five-year plan, but not until 2014.
* The city will work with a pro bono consultant to seek further efficiencies.
* Capital investment in technology would be sharply increased. Nutter proposes sinking $120 million into technology over the next six years.
* Nutter plans to overhaul the largely inactive Mayor's Commission on Literacy.

»  More Nutter: City cannot afford cuts, new taxes unavoidable

Mayor Nutter, who is in the midst of his budget address, opened with some fond rememberances of his days in City Council.

"I do still very much love this place. And ever time I come here I’m reminded, especially this morning, of the great feeling of excitement when I first walked into these council chambers literally 29 years ago," Nutter said.

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With details of Mayor Nutter's budget now out in the open, City Councilwoman Marian B. Tasco preceded the mayor's budget address today with a surprise - a package of ethics reforms bound to set off a debate throughout City Hall.

The bills would require registration of lobbyists; address post-campaign political contributions to inauguration and transition committees; formally establish in the City Charter the Office of Inspector General and redefine its duties; and allow city employees to participate in political activity outside of work.

»  More Tasco offers up ethics reform package

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Count former Mayor Street among the opponents of Mayor Nutter’s proposed tax on sugary drinks.

Moments ago, Mayor Street was surrounded by reporters outside Counccil chambers, where he said he was concerned about the freeze in real estate assessments and the unwillingness to raise real estate taxes because of it. Street questioned whether “any of the assessment problems we have can be worse” than Nutter’s 2-cent per ounce tax on sweet drinks. Street carried with him an empty two-liter bottle of Coke.

Within council chambers, Street – sporting a coral-colored tie and a white pocket handkerchief – embraced new District Attorney Seth Williams and council members.

There’s a move afoot to name the business center at the Philadelphia Navy Yard after the late U.S. Rep. John Murtha (D.,Pa.), the defense appropriations powerhouse who kept the yard afloat for many years with timely federal investments.

U.S. Rep. Bob Brady, the Philadelphia Democrat and a close friend of Murtha’s, said Councilman Jim Kenney is expected to introduce legislation Thursday to rename the Philadelphia Naval Business Center the “Jack Murtha Business Center.” A memorial service was held in the U.S. Capitol today to honor Murtha.

“I think it’s appropriate with all the money he put down there to keep the yard going,” said Brady said. “It would be nice to see it happen.”

Brady said he had secured the approval of the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation, which controls the facility.
 

»  More Brady seeks Murtha honor at Navy Yard