COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, October 27, 2005 10:25 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILMAN FRANK DiCICCO COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN JACK KELLY COUNCILMAN JAMES F. KENNEY COUNCILWOMAN JOAN L. KRAJEWSKI COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER COUNCILMAN MICHAEL A. NUTTER COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILMAN JUAN RAMOS COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO PATRICIA RAFFERTY, CHIEF CLERK 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
Good morning, everyone. I note that the hour has come and that a quorum of this Council is present. Council will come to order. Members will take their seats, and visitors will retire to seats outside the rails. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair welcomes Reverend Carla A. Jones, Assistant Minister of the Bright Hope Baptist Church. She is here today as the guest of Councilman Kenney. At this time, I would ask all members and guests to please rise. (Everyone rises.)
Let us bow our heads and join our hearts for a word of prayer. God, you are our beginning and our ending. We come to you this morning just to ask your presence in this meeting. We pray that you would grant us ears that listen as actively as our grant that you would give our hearts passion and that you would grant us courage to stand when we need to stand and the grace to step back and listen when we need to listen. We pray that you would be in this meeting giving us just a piece of your wisdom that all things said and done in this place would be pleasing in your sight and would be for the edification of your people. We ask it all now, standing in awe of who you are and who you have called us to be. In all of these things we say thank you, and all of God's people said amen. Amen.
The Chair thanks Reverend Jones for her very inspiring invocation. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, 20, 2005, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the approval of the Journal of Thursday, October 20, 2005. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, October 20, 2005 stand approved. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, the motion carries, and the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, October 20, 2005 is approved. The next order of business is requests for leave of absence, and, again, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman
Thank you, Madam president. On behalf of the Majority, a leave of absence is requested for Councilman Rick Mariano.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
Madam President, no requests for leave of absence from the Republicans.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair will dispense with the regular order of business to recognize the guests and visitors joining us in Council this morning. On behalf of all members of City Council, I welcome you to our Council session. We appreciate your taking the time to join us as we attend to the legislative affairs of our City. We certainly invite you to come again. time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I ask my colleagues to welcome with me State Representative Thomas W. Blackwell, IV, who, as all of you know, is very active in the Act 39 issue with us. He's here for a little while to be with us on that matter, and certainly as you can see, he is the son of Lucien Blackwell, and we're very, very proud to have him here.
Thank you. If he would stand, we will certainly be happy to recognize him. Welcome. (Applause.)
At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo, who will present a resolution honoring Robert "Link" Harper on his retirement from the City of Philadelphia. Will Mr. Harper and those the Councilman at the podium.
I think he's surprised, Madam President. We pulled it off. Could Councilwoman Blackwell join me, please. Good morning. We had to get Link out of the Council Chamber last week when we introduced the resolution. So I think he's truly surprised. Recognizing and celebrating Robert "Link" Harper -"Robert," we never knew that until we did the research on this. -- (continued) Robert "Link" Harper on his retirement from the City of Philadelphia Department of Records for 23 years of service of photographic excellence. Whereas, Robert "Link" Harper has been providing photographic services for the City of Philadelphia and especially City Council for the last 23 years; and Whereas, Link Harper's photographic duties include City Council events, construction projects and special events, including Welcome America. Whereas, Link Harper has exhibited exemplary attendance, commitment to excellence and dedication to duty, during his time of service to the City of Philadelphia; and
Whereas, Link Harper is the recipient of many commendations, including recognition by the Department of Streets for an award-winning photograph taken of the newly renovated Strawberry Mansion Bridge featured at the American Public Works Association Convention in 2001; and Whereas, Link Harper is the proprietor of his own art gallery with his partner, Jonas DosSantos, in Brazil, South America; and Whereas, Link Harper's extraordinary photographs have been on galleries along the eastern seaboard, including the prestigious Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washington, DC.
Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that City Council hereby recognizes, honors and celebrates Robert "Link" Harper on his retirement from the City of Philadelphia Department of Records for 23 years of service and photographic excellence. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Link as further evidence of the sincere admiration and gratitude of this legislative body. And everyone in this Chamber, Link, thanks you for your great work throughout the years. (Applause.)
It isn't supposed to happen this way. It's been a very interesting journey, and I want to thank particularly Madam President, Councilman Rizzo, Councilwoman Blackwell, all the other members of City Council, Council's staff, who has always been extremely helpful, and thank you to everyone who is here. And those who know me probably find it sort of strange that Link is at a loss for words, but thank you very much.
The Chair now recognizes Councilman Nutter, who will present a resolution commending someone we all know and certainly have had the privilege to work with, and I than Richard L. Lombardo. Will Mr. Lombardo and those accompanying him please join the Councilman at the podium. The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, this is a resolution co-sponsored by all the members of Council commending Richard L. Lombardo for his 35 years of service to the City of Philadelphia. Whereas, Richard Lombardo joined the staff of the Philadelphia City Planning Commission in 1970; and Whereas, from 1982 to 2001, Rich was Director of the Development Planning and Zoning Division. In this capacity, Rich was responsible for reviewing all development projects throughout the City and for formulating the Planning Commission's recommendations legislation, property measures and street ordinances; and Whereas, for 20 years, his duties included testifying before various City Council Committees on Legislation, where he worked closely with members of City Council on land use, zoning and development-related legislation; and Whereas, from 2001 until 2005, Rich served as the Deputy Director of the agency and was responsible for directing Planning Commission staff in major urban planning work, as well as providing oversight of the agency's performance and budget; and Whereas, in May 2005, Mr. Lombardo was named Secretary for Strategic Planning and Executive Director of the Planning Commission; and Whereas, throughout his tenure, Rich has spearheaded major land use planning and zoning initiatives which have transformed and will continue to revitalize many of the City's neighborhoods, including the development of legislative controls on regulated uses, a comprehensive ordinance on outdoor advertising, the rewriting of Center City zoning and land use controls and various neighborhood and business-related zoning overlays; and Whereas, he directed a planning effort in Manayunk for the development of the riverfront, Venice Island and the Main Street Commercial Corridor, and he recently completed a similar planning effort for the East Falls community and was instrumental in the planning for the North Delaware Riverfront; and Whereas, Rich Lombardo has been a truly dedicated public servant over his 35 years of service, providing guidance and direction on zoning and urban planning, working to balance interests of growth and preservation, and seeking to revitalize our communities by helping citizens craft a vision for their neighborhood. Now, therefore resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we hereby commend Richard L. Lombardo for his 35 years of service to the City of Philadelphia. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Richard L. Lombardo as an expression of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body for his commitment to the citizens and neighborhoods of our City. Signed by Council President Verna, introduced by myself, and co-sponsored by all members of City Council. (Applause.)
Boy, it's been a long run. I might as well end my career the way I spent most of it, which is testifying in this Chamber. Just over 40 years ago as I was beginning my second year in college, I with City government, the Department of Recreation. Five years later, after two years in the Army, I joined the staff of the Planning Commission. Back then, I was fortunate to find myself working with and being monitored by the men and women whose careers coincided with the adoption of the City's Home Rule Charter and with the emergence of the profession of City Planning. It was important to me because I found myself working with the people who both loved the City and believed in the potential of their chosen profession to make the City a better place to live. Many of these individuals took pride in the fact that they were personally recruited into City government by Edmund Bacon, the foremost City Planner of the time. They were also men and women who were involved in the drafting of the new Charter and of the City's Zoning and in this work environment that it was instilled in me the importance and the meaning of public service. Over the years, I have found a vast, vast majority of planners that I worked with were people who truly loved the City and its citizens, who embraced the idea that they were given a responsibility to make and keep Philadelphia a great place to live, work and visit. Also along the way, I learned that our obligation as planners was to serve the Mayor and the Council. In the structure of our government, we were given the obligation to advise and give them our best judgment, but also to support and implement the laws they enacted. Over the years, I have been fortunate and grateful to have had the support and friendship of many, many members of Council and their staffs, also their City and its citizens and will embrace the idea that they were given the responsibility to make the City a better and greater City. After 40 years, I still believe in government and its potential to make lives better. While this phase of my career is ending, I'm not ready to end my commitment to making Philadelphia a better place for all of us, and I hope to be able to continue to work with you towards this goal in some future capacity. Thank you. (Applause.)
Also, real quickly, it was very easy to show up every day and do the things I did and had to do, because I always knew that back home -- actually, not back home. She was working on her own career, but I had a wife that loved and supported me in did, and that really makes it a lot easier to do everything you have to do and show up for work every day. (Applause.)
The Chair now recognizes Councilman DiCicco, who will present a resolution honoring the Friends of William Penn. Will Mr. Jay Meyers and Ms. Elaine Pendon and those accompanying them please join the Councilman at the podium. It is my understanding that Councilman Kenney will be joining Councilman DiCicco.
Thank you, Madam President. Resolution commending the Friends of William Penn, a non-profit educational society dedicated to on the occasion of William Penn's birthday, October 24th. Whereas, Philadelphians recognize the founding by William Penn of our City, birth place of our nation; and Whereas, William Penn extended friendship and fair dealing to the native American Indians and established our city and state as a haven for oppressed people of the world to whom he offered religious and civil liberties and high standards of justice; and Whereas, William Penn was far ahead of his time as an untiring advocate of representative government, city planning, penal reform, humane mental institutions and public education for everyone, and one of the first statesman to envision the unification of the American colonies; and Whereas, William Penn, through his Holy Experiment, introduced into our city and state a humanitarian code of law 1751 by the casting of the Liberty Bell.
And whereas, William Penn's belief in the non-violent settlement of disputes among individuals, states and nations continues to guide and inspire us today. Now, therefore resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we hereby commend the Friends of William Penn for their continuing efforts in reawakening and reaffirming the values and the ideals of William Penn, founder of our city and state, who was committed to the practice of our liberties and freedom of religion and conscience for all citizens. And further resolved, that the evidence and the sentiments of this legislative body, engrossed copies of this resolution be presented to Elaine Pendon, Jay Meyers, Esquire, Co-Chairpersons of the Friends of William Penn. (Applause.)
Madam President, Councilmen Kenney and DiCicco, I want to thank you very much for this resolution, which has been one of many over the years. It's always been a pleasure and a privilege to be able to appear before City Council to celebrate the founder of this great City, William Penn, who I am sure would be very proud if he were here and as he stands at the top of this building to view the City and its environments. Philadelphia was the gateway to Pennsylvania, because in 1682, King Charles, II, of England granted to William Penn the entire province of Pennsylvania. But Philadelphia became a special place for William Penn. He loved this city. As a matter of fact, at one point, he called it Green Town. And Penn, as we all know, was a man of vision and courage and devotion to this city. He lived and breathed Philadelphia. And I was very happy to see as an example Mr. Lombardo who was honored here today. Some of his words are very important to us as Friends of the William Penn, because William Penn, just like Mr. Lombardo and City Planning, was interested in making this a better and a greater city, and, in fact, it is. It is a hub of many businesses' economic opportunities in this area, and so we're very happy to be able to pay tribute to William Penn, keeping in mind that it was the great Benjamin Franklin who came here from Boston, and Benjamin Franklin made Philadelphia his home. And you can all see where Ben used to live down on Market Street just south of Market between 3rd and 4th. He also loved Philadelphia and made it a world-famous city when he was living here in Philadelphia. So I want to thank everybody owe a lot to William Penn, who had the foresight to come to this area and to make this city what it is. Thank you very much again. (Applause.)
Councilman Ramos, your light is on. Did you want to be recognized?
I might as well get it out of the way. I want to welcome to my staff my new Constituent Service Representative, Ms. Jasmine Santana, who was employed by APM, a social service housing development non-profit in North Philadelphia, and a graduate of Drexel University. Ms. Santana.
The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Miller, who will present a resolution recognizing October 23rd through October 31st as National Red Ribbon Week. Will Ms. Dana Dangerfield and those accompanying her please join the Councilwoman at the podium. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you. Resolution recognizing October 23rd to the 31st as National Red Ribbon Week for a Drug-Free America. Whereas, Red Ribbon Week has been celebrated since 1986 when a Drug Enforcement agent was kidnapped and killed for coming too close to breaking up a drug cartel in Mexico. To honor this heroic agent and to demonstrate their commitment to drug and alcohol prevention, family members and friends began wearing red ribbons; and Whereas, drug and alcohol abuse in America annually creates staggering societal costs and prevents millions of people from reaching their full potential at school, on the job and in their communities. The Department of Health and Human Services estimates that approximately 14 million Americans can use illegal drugs and 17 million Americans are alcoholics or abusers of alcohol. Whereas, the rate of abuse of drugs and alcohol by our nation's youth is cause for alarm. Currently 3 million young people between the ages of 14 and 17 have an alcohol problem, and more than half of America's school-age children have tried illegal drugs by the time they have finished high school. Research indicates that youth who avoid the early use of alcohol, tobacco and marijuana are less likely to engage in other harmful behaviors such as crime, delinquency and other illegal drug use. This is why we America's youth that drug and alcohol abuse is dangerous and harmful to both their health and their future. Whereas, the most effective way, however, to reduce the cycle of youth drug addiction and crime that it causes is to reduce demand. The efforts begin at home, and it depends upon the active participation of family, schools and community organizations in education and outreach programs that clearly communicate to children the dangers inherent in drug and alcohol abuse. Now, therefore, be it resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that October 23rd through the 31st be proclaimed National Red Ribbon Week for a Drug-Free America. We encourage citizens to support activities that raise awareness and encourage prevention of substance abuse. I also call on every American to wear a red ribbon throughout the week in recognition a healthy drug-free life-style. And resolved further, with creative leadership, we can protect our communities from the preventable dangers of substance abuse and restore dignity and character to millions of men, women and children who are addicted to drugs and alcohol. Resolved further, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Dana E. Dangerfield as Program Director of Germantown Settlement Health Initiatives, who is actively involved in National Red Ribbon Week. This is a true and correct copy of the original resolution adopted by the Council of the City of Philadelphia on the 20th day of October 2005, signed by Anna C. Verna, President of City Council, introduced by Donna Reed Miller and co-sponsored by all members of City Council. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes Ms. Dangerfield for remarks.
Thank you. This is an honor for Germantown Settlement and the entire greater Germantown community. What is Red Ribbon Week? A time for gratitude for all lives that remain drug free, a time to pledge to a life of safe and drug-free life, and a time to remember those we have lost in the fight against drugs. Wearing a red ribbon is a silent, yet is an important act. It's a silent action. And what Germantown Settlement took the initiative to do this year is make it more visual to the community, the youth that needs to be actively involved, and we did that by promoting a drug-free awareness workshop, an anti-drug awareness workshop. Excuse me. I am so nervous. This is such an honor. anyway, what I want to say is, even though wearing the red ribbon is a silent act, it is important that we become more visual and more loud at getting the message across, and some of the things that Germantown Settlement Charter School did was, yesterday we had a parade where the children wore red and they walked up and down Germantown Avenue and they shouted, Beep your horn, say no to drugs, and they were involved in getting the message across. This is an act that allowed them to be a part of what Red Ribbon Week is about. It's a silent act to wear a ribbon, but it is an important act for us to get our youth involved in getting the message out while they are young. Germantown Settlement provides a program called Teen Alive. The Teen Alive program, as we call it TAP, is an HIV, STD teen pregnancy prevention program, and what we do is provide negotiating skills to middle school youth and drugs. These are things that lead to not being able to meet your goals, your career goals, and these are things that drugs will hinder. You will not be able to meet your career goals if you are actively involved in drugs. Today we are just saying yes, wear the red ribbon. I am proud to see every time a picture is taken that the ribbons are being shown, but let's get more involved and let's go back to our communities and ask our schools that on October 23rd to initiate something, if it is as simple as a door decoration that says "We don't use drugs" or a banner that says "We don't use drugs" or a parade where we wore red and asked everyone to beep their horn and say no to drugs. Thank you. (Applause.)
The Chair now recognizes Councilpersons Tasco and Krajewski, who will present resolutions honoring Officers Woodie Marcus and William Schneider. I would ask the officers and those accompanying them to please join the Councilwomen at the podium. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Good morning. It gives me pleasure to present these resolutions to these fine officers and to Officer Woodie Marcus, who is a resident of the mighty 50th Ward in the Ninth District. Resolution honoring Woodie C. Marcus, Sr. Whereas, the Council of the City of Philadelphia is pleased and proud to honor Police Officer Woodie C. Marcus, Sr., Badge No. 5861, on 42 years of dedicated service to the City of Police Officer.
And whereas, Officer Marcus was born in Philadelphia and is a graduate of Germantown High School, who later attended Idaho State College on a varsity boxing scholarship before taking the Police Department exam and being called to duty in 1963. Whereas, Officer Marcus has been assigned to the Police Athletic Club since 1967 where he had helped hundreds of young people become working taxpayer citizens; and Whereas, some of the young people Officer Marcus assisted in PAL are now police officers, state troopers, prison guards and fire fighters themselves, which gives credence to his belief that PAL is one of the best crime prevention agencies in the City of Philadelphia; and Whereas, as a result of his work, dedication and determination throughout the years, Officer Marcus has been inducted into the Philadelphia Police Athletic League Hall of Fame.
Whereas, Officer Marcus' amateur boxing career spans from his winning the Philadelphia AAU Boxing Light-Weight Championship, the Alcoy, Nevada AAU Championship and the United States Amateur Light-Weight Championship in 1961. Whereas, Officer Marcus no longer boxes, but he has kept his affiliation with boxing by serving as a referee and judge for amateur boxing bouts with some of the greatest boxers of all times, including Sugar Ray Leonard, Michael and Leon Spinks, Tommy Hearns, Oscar De La Hoya and many more. Therefore, be it resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we hereby congratulate Police Officer Woodie C. Marcus, Sr., Badge No. 5861, on 42 years of dedicated service to as a Philadelphia Police Officer. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Mr. Woodie C. Marcus, Sr. as evidence of the sincere sentiment of this legislative body. Certification that this is a true and correct copy of the original resolution adopted by the Council of the City of Philadelphia on the 20th day of October, 2005, signed by Anna C. Verna and supported by all members of City Council. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes Officer Marcus for remarks. OFFICER MARCUS: Thank you. Madam President, City Council members and friends, and everybody here, good morning.
Good morning. MARCUS: You know, it's good to receive awards. I was in the gym the other day with the PAL kids. I run a PAL center with a lot of kids, and back there, I'm glad to see my co-workers there. They run PAL centers too, so they know what I'm talking about. One kid came up to me and said, Oh, I heard you won another award. I said, Yes. He said, And you're getting another one this Thursday? I said, Yes. He said, You're not dead yet. Well, I'm not dead yet and I still got a lot of energy left in me, and I'm still working to try to get these kids on the right direction. Like all my PAL supervisors over there, and my commanding officer is here also today, and my co-workers, we try to keep the kids doing things that's suitable for them. It's better to keep the kids off the streets doing something something destructive. I thank you very much. (Applause.)
The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski to present a resolution to Officer Schneider.
Thank you very much. I would like to have Councilman Kenney and Councilman DiCicco, too. A resolution honoring the Tacony PAL Center and Police Officer Bill Schneider. Whereas, Philadelphia Police Officer Bill Schneider, a ten-year member of the force and Director of the Tacony Police Athletic League Center, accepted the honor of having his center named PAL Center of the Year.
Whereas, this honor was due to Officer Schneider's successful youth recruiting efforts, his special needs children, his support of other PAL officers and centers, as well as his knowledge, loyalty and caring nature for the youth of the City of Philadelphia; and Whereas, Officer Bill, as he is known around PAL, can trace his hard work and dedication to the values instilled at a young age by his parents, Bill and Joan; and
Whereas, in addition to his participation at Tacony PAL as a kid, Officer Bill is a life-long parishioner of St. Bernard School, leading the varsity boys basketball team to the state championship in 1981. He later graduated Father Judge High School and Community College of Philadelphia with a degree in drug counseling; and Whereas, Bill became a Philadelphia Police Officer in 1996. Soon thereafter, recognizing his unique kids, Lieutenant Susan Slawson appointed Officer Bill to be the Director of the Point Breeze PAL in 2001; and
Whereas, since transferring to the Tacony PAL Center which operates out of St. Bernard School, Officer Schneider, in his quest to give back to his community and his mentor, retired PAL Officer Jerry Hartman, has signed up over 400 new kids for its programs, bringing the total number of youth it serves to 1,600; and Whereas, the Tacony PAL Center not only involves the local youth in sports, but it also provides a homework club, arts and crafts, dance instructions, computer training, field trips and scholarship opportunities. Now, therefore
Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we hereby congratulate and extend our best wishes and thanks to for giving the kids of Tacony PAL a chance to succeed and prosper like he did as a PAL kid. Resolved further, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to PAL Officer Bill Schneider. We wish him continued success in all PAL endeavors. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes Officer Schneider for remarks. Officer, I see there are youngsters in the audience. Are they with you? OFFICER SCHNEIDER: President Verna, it's my family over there in the first row. I'd like to thank my family for coming. I'd like to thank Lieutenant Slawson for giving me the opportunity to go back to Tacony PAL, and I'd like to yourself, President Verna, and Ms. Joan Krajewski for supporting Tacony PAL, Councilman Clarke who helped support me when I was on the street in the 22nd by helping me get buildings torn down and a lot of support. I'd like to thank him as well. I'd especially like to thank all my peers that are here today that do what I do every day, the same thing, and some of them are in harder neighborhoods and are very dedicated. We give our time and try to help the kids. I'd like to thank them. I'm very honored to have this, but I really appreciate it coming from people like Tony D'Aulerio, Steve Brennan, Ernie Rehr, George Johnson, who has been in PAL for 20 years, Darren James, Joe Ellerby, Woodie Marcus, Ernie Pollard, Kevin Ashton, especially Tyrone Crawley, who I idolize, and Cassandra, Eric Ervin, Steve Dangerfield, and the rest of the PAL staff, if I missed your what I do every day and are completely dedicated to try and making the City a better place. And especially Mr. Marcus, who has been doing this for over 42 years, not only in PAL but he dedicates his time at night to helping the kids in boxing and getting them off the street. Thank you very much for this honor. (Applause.)
I would like to ask Officer Schneider's family to please stand so that we can recognize them. And if Officer Marcus's family is here, if they would stand, we would also like to recognize you. (Applause.)
The next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. The Chief Clerk will please read the messages from the Mayor.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am transmitting for the consideration of your honorable body a draft of a resolution approving the redevelopment contract for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Model City's Urban Renewal Area; and A resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Sarah Allen Urban Renewal Area; and An ordinance authorizing the paving of Kate's Way; and An ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 393 City Plan Kate's Way; and An ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 271 by placing on the City Plan Florist Street.
Thank you. The messages will be printed in the Journal. Does the Chief Clerk have any other communications in her possession?
Thank you. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended in order to permit the immediate consideration of resolutions at their time of introduction. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit immediate consideration of resolutions at the time of introduction. All in favor of the motion will please indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. Councilman Rizzo, your light is on. Do you wish to be recognized, sir?
Thank you. Councilwoman Krajewski, your light is also on. Did you want to be recognized?
Thank you. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I introduce two resolutions on your behalf and two on my own behalf.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority deeds located in the 30th and 36th Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, the motion carries, and the resolution is adopted.
And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority deeds located in the 30th Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
Again, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will please indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The resolution has been adopted.
And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority deeds located in the 24th Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, the motion carries, and the resolution is adopted.
And a resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Sarah Allen Urban Renewal Area.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, the motion carries, and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance, Bill No. 040505, approved June 21, 2004, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the striking from City Plan Nos. 270 and 258 of Sanger Street from Tacony Street to the westerly Pierhead Line of Delaware River by extending -
By extending the time for compliance with the conditions stated therein.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you. The Chief clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution honoring the Shawbotics Team for Shaw Middle School for representing Philadelphia in the First Lego League/First Japan No Limits Challenge in Aichi, Japan.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will please indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, the motion carries, and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I have no bills or resolutions.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, I have two bills and four resolutions today. Thank you.
You're welcome. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance amending Chapter 17-1000 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Employment of Low-and-Moderate-Income Persons By City Contractors."
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Title 19 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Finance, Taxes and Collections," by adding a new chapter providing for the exclusion from real estate taxes of a portion of the assessed value of homestead property; all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution authorizing a request to the Law Department to represent City Council to secure full compliance with the Philadelphia Building Code and with the terms and conditions of a zoning permit issued for the residential development project located at 4041 Ridge Avenue.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, I move the adoption of the resolution, and I'd like to speak to the issues underlying the resolution for a moment. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President and my colleagues, you will recall last week a resolution was introduced regarding the general issue of how construction projects and development projects in the City are monitored by the various agencies to ensure compliance with The Philadelphia Code and also addressing issues of competency of the work force, composition of the work force and similar issues. Yesterday there was a significant effort by a number of people, a few of whom I'd like to quickly recognize and then talk about the underlying issues. My colleague, Councilwoman Blackwell, participated in a rally effort yesterday up in the 4000 block of Ridge Avenue, along with State Representative Tommy Blackwell, State Representative Alan Butkovitz, who is also a democratic candidate for City Controller, as well as the leader of the Philadelphia Building Trades, Pat Gillespie, along with the Chair of the African-American Chamber of Commerce, Bruce Crawley. These interests all come together in a confluence of circumstances that result in ultimately virtually no one from Philadelphia benefiting from a major development activity at that location. Whether it's union, African-Americans, workers, contractors, virtually no one presently sees any particular benefit from that site. What this resolution seeks to do is to address the issue of when entities come before our City agencies and make statements on the record and commitments with regard to how they will conduct themselves, those commitments should be carried through. They should be followed through, and if not, then we should find ourselves in court addressing those particular issues. And so this resolution seeks to put forward the opportunity for us to either get representation by the Law Department or outside counsel, if necessary, to seek a temporary restraining order with regard to that development activity to get to the heart of the matter, which is when people make commitments, whether it's to us as elected officials or to City agencies on the record, those commitments must be followed through. We have the right to expect some benefit from these kinds of development activities here in Philadelphia, because in many instances, the builder or the owner is getting a benefit by building here in Philadelphia. Of course, they are naturally making money, but beyond that, there are other benefits that come with building here in the City, and whether it's various tax abatements or other incentives that go with a variety of projects, there should be some accommodation, some respect shown to people here in Philadelphia. Philadelphians need to work, and that's the main issue as it relates to that particular site. There are also other issues that are collateral to this particular matter. How people in the community, the nearby neighborhood, how do they participate in a project, how do African-Americans and Latinos and Asians and other people in Philadelphia participate in these construction activities, whether as workers or as business people. And there certainly needs to be greater conversation between people in the community and our various construction trades, many of whom have taken the steps that have been proposed by others to increase the diversity in their ranks. Some have; some have not. Those who have should be recognized for their efforts, and others certainly need to be brought to a reasonable table to have that conversation, and then a plan of action developed so that everyone in Philadelphia can participate in this great construction industry and in a construction boom going on here in Philadelphia. But we can't do it project by project by having a fight every time something takes place.
We have to be big enough and mature enough to have this conversation to figure out how we dispel the notion, whether it's perception or in reality, that some people can't get work in this industry or can't find a way in or can't take a test or can't ultimately, even if they get an apprenticeship program, somehow don't seem to get to work. That has got to stop. We've got to bring this together. It's not any one individual effort. There are a lot of people that need to be involved in this, and take away this just conversation and talk and finger-pointing back and forth. I think all of us have a responsibility to be involved in this, because all of us represent the people in this City. People want to get to work. This kind of activity at that site needs to stop. And so I ask my colleagues for their support in this matter so that we can seek legal redress to get what is properly owed to the citizens of this City. Thank you, Madam President.
You're welcome. It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will please indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, the motion carries, and the resolution is adopted. The Clerk will please read the second resolution.
A resolution directing the Department of License and Inspections to conduct an investigation and pursue enforcement to achieve full compliance with the Philadelphia Building Code and the terms and conditions of a zoning permit issued for 4041 Ridge Avenue.
Thank you, Madam President. I move the adoption of this resolution. It's on the same subject matter. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will please indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. The Chief Clerk will please read the next resolution.
And a resolution commending Judith Meisel, a civil rights activist and educator, for her efforts to teach tolerance and combat racism through her experience as a Holocaust survivor.
Thank you, Madam President. I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will please indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, the motion carries, and the resolution is adopted.
And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority deeds located in the 38th Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you, Madam President. I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, the motion carries, and the resolution has been adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ramos.
Madam President, I offer no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 271 by placing on the City Plan Florist Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Section 14-305 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "C-4 Commercial and C-5 Commercial Districts," by increasing the permitted floor area of lots designated in the area of land bounded by Christopher Columbus Boulevard.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Bluegrass Road, Grant Avenue, Ashton Road and Willits Road.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Madam President, I have three resolutions and one bill.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Section 9-616 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Retail Sale of Motor Fuels," by prohibiting persons from soliciting money or food at service stations, requiring service station owners or operators to prevent such solicitation or to contact the police, and requiring the police to take action.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority deeds located in the 16th, 18th, 28th, 32nd and 43rd Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, the motion carries, and the resolution is adopted.
And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority deeds located in the 5th, 16th, 20th and 43rd Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will please say aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority deeds located in the 15th and 37th Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will please indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, the motion carries, and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kelly.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution honoring Chief Inspector James Tiano for over 40 years of dedicated service to the Philadelphia Police Department and the citizens of Philadelphia.
I move for the adoption of this resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will please say aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution recognizing, honoring and celebrating the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia for its international significance as a historic and ground-breaking process in the field of pediatric medicine.