COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Thursday, May 27, 1999 10:30 a.m. Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA COUNCILWOMAN AUGUSTA A. CLARK COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN DAVID COHEN COUNCILWOMAN JOAN L. KRAJEWSKI COUNCILMAN JAMES F. KENNEY COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER COUNCILMAN MICHAEL A. NUTTER COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO COUNCILMAN ANGEL L. ORTIZ COUNCILMAN FRANK DICICCO COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILMAN RICHARD T. MARIANO COUNCILMAN W. THACHER LONGSTRETH COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO MARIE HAUSER, Chief Clerk VINCENT VARALLO ASSOCIATES, INC. Registered Professional Reporters Eleven Penn Center, Suite 600 Philadelphia, PA 19103 GREETING/INVOCATION P R O C E E D I N G S
I notes that the hour has come and that a quorum of this Council is present. The Council will come to order, members will take their seats, and visitors will retire to the seats outside the rails. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair welcomes Father Dennis M. Mooney, who is Pastor of St. Hugh of Cluny Parish. He is here today as a guest of Councilman Mariano.
I went to the third grade before I came here to ask for their advice for City Council, and they told me a few things. They said they want you to work hard, help all citizens, paint over the graffiti, fix the streets, make more schools, cooperate, make more parks, clean the blocks and streets, make the city neat, get more buses, and get guns off the street. Just a few things. And they gave me extra paper. GREETING/INVOCATION They had more things but one said, "Tell them to come to our schools." You are most welcome. When I asked Mr. Ramos, he took the fifth. That's Ben Ramos's son, he had nothing to say. But today, as you begin, we pray. Almighty and eternal God, you have revealed Your glory to all nations. God of power and might, wisdom and justice, through your authority is rightly administered, laws are enacted, and judgment is decreed. We pray for Thomas Ridge, the governor of this commonwealth; for Mayor Ed Rendell; for the members of City Council; and all elected officials of Philadelphia who are entrusted to guard our political welfare. May they be enabled by your powerful protection to discharge their duties with honesty and ability. We likewise commend to Your mercy all citizens of this city that we may be blessed in the knowledge an sanctified in the observance of Your holy law. May we be preserved in union with that peace which the world cannot give. And after enjoying the blessings of this life, be admitted APPROVAL OF 5/13/99 JOURNAL to those which were eternal. We pray to you, our Lord, God. And also in Spanish. . . Amen. ALL: Amen.
The Chair thanks Father Mooney for his inspiring invocation. (Council stands at ease.)
The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of May 13, 1999. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Clark.
Madam President, I move the adoption of the Journal of May 13, 1999. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, May 13, 1999, stand approved. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? LEAVES OF ABSENCE REQUESTS The ayes have it, and the motion is carried. The Journal of Thursday, May 13, 1999, is approved.
The next order of business is leaves of absence. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Clark.
Madam President, there are no requests for leave of absence on the part of the Majority.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Madam President, there are no requests for leaves of absence on behalf of the minority.
The Chair will now dispense with the regular order of business to recognize the guests and visitors LEAVES OF ABSENCE REQUESTS joining us in chambers this morning. On behalf of all members of City Council, I welcome you to our Council session this morning. We appreciate your taking the time to join us as we attend to the legislative affairs of our city. We invite you to come again. I believe Councilwoman Tasco would like to recognize visitors that we have with us today.
Thank you, Madam President. We'd like to welcome Miss Darlena Ward and Mr. James Mason, who are teachers of American government at Olney High School. And they're with us today with sophomores, juniors, and seniors -twenty students studying local government. And they will be visiting, in addition to City Council this morning, some of our courtrooms. So we'd like to welcome the Olney High School students and their instructors.
Would they please stand to be recognized. (Olney students stand for recognition.) (Applause.)
We welcome COMMUNICATIONS you. Thank you very much.
The next order of business is communications. The Chair recognizes the sergeant-at-arms for the purpose of delivering the messages from the mayor to the chief clerk. The chief clerk will read the messages from the mayor.
To the President an members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am transmitting herewith for the introduction and consideration of your honorable body the following: An ordinance authorizing the Chief Information Officer of the Mayor's Office on Information Services, on behalf of the City, to enter into a multi-year contract with one or more providers of online legal research services to be used by various City and City-funded agencies, all under certain terms and conditions. And an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 402, an area bounded by Enterprise Avenue, Island Avenue, Delaware Expressway, the COMMUNICATIONS Delaware River, and the Philadelphia-Delaware County line. And an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Hartranft Street, Broad Street, Pattison Avenue, and 20th Street. And a resolution appointing a member to the Board of Directors of the Old City Special Service District, Curtis Silva, term to expire December 31, 1999. And four resolutions reappointing current members to the Board of Directors of the Old City Special Service District of Philadelphia as follows: Josh Grimes, Esquire; Kenneth Kaiserman; Lynn Martin-Haskin; and Arthur Holst. And a resolution approving the Redevelopment Contract and Disposition Supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the South Central Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number and street addresses as 1900, 1907, 1911 Carpenter Street, 1007 South Colorado Street, 1001 and 1016 COMMUNICATIONS South 18th Street. And a resolution approving the Redevelopment Contract and Disposition Supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area. And a resolution approving the Redevelopment Contract and Disposition Supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Cecil B. Moore Urban Area designated as parcels numbers 21 through 23. And a resolution approving the Redevelopment Contract and Disposition Supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Model Cities Urban Renewal area also sometimes identified by house numbers and street addresses as 808 through 823 North 20th Street. And a resolution approving the Redevelopment Contract and Disposition Supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of COMMUNICATIONS Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area identified by house numbers and street addresses from 1731 through 1741 Wiley Street. And a resolution approving the Redevelopment Contract and Disposition Supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area sometimes identified by house numbers and street addresses as 1902 through 1920 North Judson Street. And a resolution approving the Redevelopment Contract and Disposition Supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the Germantown Redevelopment Area. And an ordinance authorizing transfers and appropriations for Fiscal Year 1999 within the General Fund from the Department of Recreation, Department of Recreation Stadium Complex, the Department of Public Property Utilities, and the Department of Licenses and Inspections, the COMMUNICATIONS Director of Finance, and the Personnel Director to the Mayor's Office of Information Services. And an ordinance authorizing transfers and appropriations for Fiscal Year 2000 within the Grants Revenue Fund from the Director of Finance Provision for Other Grants to the District Attorney.
And an ordinance authorizing transfers and appropriations for Fiscal Year 2000 within the HealthChoices Behavioral Revenue Fund from the Department of Public Health to the Department of Public Health. And an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development ("PAID"), without consideration, a deed conveying fee simple title to a certain tract of City-owned land with the buildings and improvements thereon situate at 411, 13, 15, 19, and 21 West Girard Avenue. And an ordinance consenting to transfer of control of Area One Cable Television Franchise from Greater Philadelphia Cable Vision Inc. , under certain terms and COMMUNICATIONS conditions. And an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, without consideration, a deed conveying fee simple title to a certain tract of City-owned land with the buildings and improvements thereon situate at 2528 through 38 North American Street. And an ordinance authorizing and directing the placing on City Plan No. 308 of a certain right-of-way for drainage purposes, water main purposes, and gas main purposes, 18 feet wide and 15 feet wide, extending in a southerly, easterly, and westerly direction from the southerly side of Waverly Street, under certain terms and conditions.
The messages will be printed in the Journal. The chief clerk will read any other communications in her possession.
There are none, Madam President. INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS
The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Clark for the purpose of requesting a suspension of the rules.
Madam President, I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit immediate consideration of resolutions at the time of their introduction. (Duly seconded.)
All in favor of the motion to suspend the rules to permit immediate consideration of the resolutions at the time of introduction will vote aye. Those opposed will vote nay. The ayes have it, the motion is carried. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Clark.
Madam President, I have five resolutions for which I ask immediate consideration, and two bills.
The clerk INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance consenting to the transfer of control of Area One Cable Television Franchise from Greater Philadelphia Cable Vision, Inc. to Comcast GPCI, Inc. under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing the Chief Information Officer of the Mayor's Office of Information Services, on behalf of the City, to enter into multi-year contracts with one or more providers of online legal research services to be used by various City and City-funded agencies, all under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution approving the Redevelopment Contract and Disposition Supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area designated as parcel numbers 120 through 126.
I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by voting aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, the motion is carried. The clerk will please read the title of the second resolution.
A resolution approving the Redevelopment Contract and Disposition Supplemental of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area identified by INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS house numbers and street addresses as 1731 through 1741 Wiley Street and 1802 Vineyard Street, authorizing the Redevelopment Authority to execute the redevelopment contract with Community Ventures, Inc.
I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopt. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and the motion is carried. The chief clerk will please read the title of the third resolution.
A resolution approving the Redevelopment Contract and Disposition Supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Cecil B. Moore Avenue Urban Renewal Area designated as parcel numbers 21 through 23, also sometimes identified by respective house numbers and street addresses: for parcel 21 as 1628, 1632 North 16th Street; for parcel 22 as 1600 through 1602 Cecil B. Moore Avenue; and for parcel number 23 as 1606 Cecil B. Moore Avenue.
I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded. All in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and the motion is carried. The clerk will please read the title of the forth resolution.
A resolution approving the Redevelopment Contract and INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS Disposition Supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area also sometimes identified by house number and street address as 808 through 867 North Uber Street.
I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and the motion is carried. The clerk will please read the title of the fifth resolution.
A resolution approving the Redevelopment Contract and Disposition Supplement of the Redevelopment INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area, also sometimes identified by house numbers and street addresses as 1902 through 1906, 1914, and 1918 through 1920 North Judson Street.
I move the adoption of this resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly second that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and the motion is carried. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I have one bill on your behalf and one on mine. INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS
The clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 46 by striking from the City Plan 47th Street from Market Street to Ludlow Streets, under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Title 22 of The Philadelphia Code entitled "Public Employees Retirement Code" by amending Section 22-1303 entitled "Exemption From Attachment" to add public employees benefits services to the list of designated payees to whom a member may direct deductions from benefits payments.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen.
The Chair thanks the Councilman. INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
The Chair thanks the lady. The Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano.
The chief clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, without consideration, a deed conveying fee simple title to a certain tract of City-owned land with the buildings and improvements thereon situate at 411, 413, 415, 417, 419, and 421 West Girard Avenue, under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS
And an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, without consideration, a deed conveying fee simple title to a certain tract of City-owned land with the buildings and improvements thereon situate at 25, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, and 38 North American Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Madam President. On my behalf, I offer one bill by request. On your behalf, I offer three bills and one resolution which should be referred to the appropriate committee.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance amending Chapter 17-500 of The Philadelphia Code INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS entitled "Goals for the Participation of Minority-, Female-, and Disabled-Owned Businesses in City Contracts" by amending Section 17-501 entitled "Definitions" by adding another definition to determine a minority person, all under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing the striking from City Plan No. 17-S and abandoning of a certain right-of-way for gas main purposes and public utility purposes within the lines of the former Annin Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 402 of an area bonded by Enterprise Avenue, Island Avenue, the Delaware Expressway, the Delaware River, and the Philadelphia-Delaware County line by striking from the City Plan and vacating Island Avenue from Enterprise Avenue to Hog Island Road.
The bill will INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Hartranft Street, Broad Street, Pattison Avenue, and 20th Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution approving the Redevelopment Contract and Disposition Supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of South Central Urban Renewal Area identified by house numbers and street addresses as 1900, 1907, and 1911 Carpenter Street, 1007 South Colorado Street, and 1001 and 1016 South 18th Street; and authorizing the Redevelopment Authority to execute the Redevelopment Contract of the Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation.
The INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer one bill and one privileged resolution.
The clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 117 by striking from the City Plan Nice Street from Hunting Park Avenue to a point approximately 200 feet southeastwardly therefrom, under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution declaring Tuesday, June 1, 1999, as "Philadelphia Stand for Children Day."
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller. INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and the motion is carried. The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter.
The clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 266 by striking from the City Plan and vacating Jefferson Street from 50th Street to a dead-end turnaround.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 297 by striking from the City Plan certain portions of Keely Street from Henry Avenue southwestwardly to a dead-end turnaround, and making Keely Street conform more nearly with existing physical conditions, under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 174 by striking from the City Plan and vacating 31st Street from Allegheny Avenue to Hunting Park Avenue, under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Madam President, I offer three bills and two resolutions.
The clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 207 by striking from the City Plan and vacating 13th Street from Wagner Street southwardly to a SEPTA right-of-way, and by striking from the City Plan Duncannon Avenue from Wagner Street to 13th Street, under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Title 14 of the Philadelphia Code entitled, "Zoning and Planning" by adding a new section to Section 14-303.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code entitled "Zoning and Planning" by adding a new section to Section 14-308.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS declaring June as "Parenting Education Month."
Madam President, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Weak response from Councilmembers.)
Those in favor of the resolution will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and the motion is carried. The chief clerk will please read the title of the second resolution.
A resolution authorizing Council's Law and Government Committee to conduct a full and comprehensive investigation on the proposal to transfer regulation on the INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS Philadelphia Gas Works from the jurisdiction of the Philadelphia Gas Commission to the State Public Utilities Commission ("PUC") and the impact such transfer will have on the ratepayers of the utility and the citizens and government of Philadelphia.
The resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee.
I'm sorry? Councilwoman Tasco, do you want to be recognized?
I'd just like to say to my colleagues that I want to thank them for supporting this resolution because it is very INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS important. There is a move in Harrisburg to deregulate the natural gas in the state of Pennsylvania, but there have been some amendments introduced to the legislation which will place the Philadelphia Gas Works away from the jurisdiction of the City of Philadelphia and put the Philadelphia Gas Works under the jurisdiction of the Public Utilities Commission, under the guise that it would be better managed. We know that the PUC's role is not a super board, but a board that sets rates. Putting the PGW under the PUC would not be in the best interests of the ratepayers of Philadelphia, and we believe that these hearings will be helpful in bringing out the true facts of what those amendments will have and the impact it will have on Philadelphia. Thank you.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ortiz.
Thank you, Madam Chair. Every few years, I see movements in INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS Harrisburg that are real clear attempts to undermine and take away from the self-governing authority of the City of Philadelphia. We saw it a few years back when they took our authority to regulate assault weapons. Now we see it in the aspect of that they want to eliminate our ability to regulate our own authority, an institution that we own, that we manage, as Councilwoman Tasco said, under the guise that it would be better managed. The PUC does not manage; it sets rates. It is a clear attempt to begin whittling away at our self-governing authority. It is a clear play for power away and taking power away from the City. And I think these hearings will help us educate the public and the citizens of Philadelphia that the movement is really being begun by individuals that are supposed to represent the ratepayers of Philadelphia. Philadelphia, Philadelphians that are supposed to be representing our citizens in Harrisburg. And I think we have to make that very clear and very, very noisily -- as noisily as we can so that Harrisburg gets the message that this INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS is not the way we want to go. Thank you, Madam Chair.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen.
I'm concerned about a number of matters that are involved. This looks to me like a stealth attack that when nobody is looking to take away a number of things from Philadelphians -- our home rule power, which has been alluded to by the previous speakers. Under the Home Rule Charter, we have an absolute right to regulate the Gas Commission to set whatever metes and bounds we feel are appropriate for its conduct. The City of Philadelphia gets $18 million a year from the Gas Commission. That's threatened, which could create a severe budgetary problem. And there also has -- this smacks of partisanship, which ought not to be involved, because the people most identified publicly with this approach are the Speaker of the House, a Republican, and a single Republican State Senator from Philadelphia. And problems of this kind ought not to be dealt with in a partisan fashion. INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS I think it's very important that this investigation be undertaken. And, Madam Chair, it's my understanding that procedurally, this resolution requires a vote to authorize the committee to proceed, and therefore, I would think it appropriate for a motion to be made in the usual fashion by whoever introduced the resolution, Councilwoman Tasco, to move the adoption of the resolution, which would then authorize the investigation by the committee named in the resolution.
Madam President, I think the usual way we vote on the resolution would be appropriate.
All those in favor of the adoption of the resolution, that the resolution be referred to the appropriate committee will vote aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, the motion is carried, and the resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee. INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS The Chair recognizes Councilman Ortiz.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer six bills, five resolutions to be referred to the appropriate committee, and one resolution to be considered today.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The chief clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 146 by striking from the City Plan and vacating Dieth Street from Richmond Street to the pier head of the Delaware River.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 146 by striking from the City Plan and vacating a variable width portion of INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS the intersection of the Beach Street, Dieth Street, and Delaware.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 97 by striking from the City Plan Park Avenue from Catharine Street to the southerly line of Clymer Street produced by striking from the City Plan Park Avenue from the northerly side of Clymer Street produced to Fitzwater Street by striking from the City Plan and abandoning a certain 40-foot-wide right-of-way reserved for drainage purposes.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
An ordinance authorizing William Lawless, owner of the property 110 and 112 South Front Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to construct and maintain a building encroachment over the public right-of-way of Hancock Street and between the two existing structures, all under certain terms and conditions. INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS
The bill will be reviewed to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance giving permission to Williams Communications, Inc. registered to do business in Pennsylvania and its successors, assigns, and agents, to construct, maintain, operate, replace, and remove a telecommunications system in and under the public rights-of-way and city streets and/or to place such telecommunications within the existing owned Bell Atlantic, etc.
An ordinance authorizing G&G Enterprises, owner of the properties 1601 through 1603 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, to construct and maintain a building encroachment with electric lights over and above the south footway and cartway of the 1600 block of Stock Exchange Place adjacent to the rear of the property 1601 through 1603 Sansom Street, all under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS The chief clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution honoring the Philadelphia Academy of Fine Arts and the Office of Emergency Shelter and Services.
Thank you, Madam President. I move the adoption of the resolution.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopt. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, the motion is carried. The chief clerk will please read the title of the next resolution.
A resolution appointing Lynn Martin-Haskin to the Board of INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS Directors of the Old City Special Services District of Philadelphia.
The resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution appointing Kenneth Kaiserman to the Board of Directors of the Old City Special Services District in Philadelphia.
The resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution appointing Josh Grimes, Esquire, to the Board of Directors of the Old City Special Services District of Philadelphia.
The resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution appointing Curtis Silva to the Board of Directors of the Old City Special Services District of Philadelphia.
The INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution appointing Arthur Holst to the Board of Directors of the Old City Special Services District of Philadelphia.
The resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Longstreth.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
No bills or resolutions, Madam President. INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS
The next order of business is -- at this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, I'd like to take this opportunity to introduce a group of young people who are sharing a part of their time with us. They are fifth-graders from the Anne Frank Elementary School, which is a school actually in Councilman O'Neill's district. It's been designated as a Pennsylvania Blue Ribbon School from the chain cluster from the Northeast section of Philadelphia. They are here visiting as a guest of mine. Sometime ago, the school had asked me and Judge Ronald Merriweather to come and speak to the students on the issues of human rights. And the students have been studying all year this particular issue. And with them today are their teachers, Mrs. Jessica Bundis*, Mrs. Arlene VISITOR RECOGNITION Halisco*, Mrs. Veronica Martin, Mrs. Denise Montel, Mrs. Delia Woods, and a teacher and learning network facilitator, Barbara Merriweather, who has been a longtime friend of mine. (* - These names are spelled phonetically.)
They are here visiting with us, and if I could ask them to stand to be recognized, I'd appreciated it.
We welcome you. (Students stand for recognition.) (Applause.)
Thank you. We certainly welcome you. And you've been very, very attentive, and we thank you for your courtesy. Thank you very much.
The next order of business is reports from committees. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Clark VISITOR RECOGNITION for a report from the Committee of the Whole.
Madam President, the Committee of the Whole reports out one -- wait a minute. The Committee of the Whole reports out two bills with a favorable recommendation. These bills are 990253 and 990249.
Thank you. The clerk will please read the report.
To the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee of the Whole Council, to which was referred: Bill No. 990249, an ordinance creating the Whitaker Tax Increment Financing District and approving the project plan of the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development ("PAID") for the redevelopment of the Whittaker Tax Increment Financing District, being the area generally bounded by Cheltenham Avenue on the north, Somerdale Avenue on the east, the right-of-way of the Conrail former Frankford branch or the former Sears site on the south, and Whitaker Avenue on the west, and making certain findings and declarations, all in accordance with the Tax COMMITTEE REPORTS Increment Financing Act being the act of July 11, 1990, P.L. 465, as amended.
This bill will be placed on our first-reading calendar for our next meeting.
And Bill No. 990253, an ordinance amending an ordinance approved December 30, 1998 (Bill No. 980719) which created the St. James Court Tax Increment Financing District by approving the amended project plan for the redevelopment of the district submitted to City Council by the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, and making certain findings and declarations, all in accordance with the Tax Increment Financing Act of July 11, 1990.
The bill, Bill No. 990253, will be placed on our first-reading calendar for our next meeting. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney for a report on the Rules Committee.
Thank you, Madam President. The Rules Committee reports out one bill with a favorable recommendation. COMMITTEE REPORTS
To the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Rules, to which was referred Bill No. 990255, an ordinance amending an ordinance approved August 15, 1969, as amended, which approved the Amended Redevelopment Proposal, the Amended Urban Renewal Plan, and the Amended Relocation Plan of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment of Pennsport Urban Renewal Area by approving the fifth amendment of the Redevelopment Proposal and the fourth amendment to the Urban Renewal Plan which provide inter alia for the additional land acquisition of approximately 17 properties and provision of certain relocation services as required by law for the individuals, families, and business concerns which will be displaced.
Bill No. 990255 will be placed on our first-reading calendar for our next meeting. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for a report from the Finance Committee. COMMITTEE REPORTS
Thank you, Madam President. The Finance Committee reports out Bill No. 990310 with a favorable recommendation.
To the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Finance, to which was referred Bill No. 990310, an ordinance authorizing the Director of Commerce and the Director of Finance, on behalf of the City, to execute further amendments to the contract for parking services and the accompanying lease agreement both with the Philadelphia Parking Authority dated October 1, 1974, as amended, which amendments revise the description of the leased property by the additional premises to provide for additional parking and related facilities at the Philadelphia International Airport, extend the terms, and revise certain of the terms and conditions of the contract for parking services and lease amendments.
Bill No. COMMITTEE REPORTS 990310 will be placed on our first-reading calendar for our next meeting. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski for a report from the Appropriations Committee.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer one bill with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The clerk will please read the report.
To the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Appropriations, to which was referred Bill No. 990307, an ordinance authorizing transfers and appropriations for Fiscal Year 2000 within the Grants Revenue Fund from the Director of Finance Provision for Other Grants to the District Attorney.
I move that Bill 990307 be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation, with a suspension of rules. COMMITTEE REPORTS
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading of Bill No. 990307 on today's calendar. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and Bill No. 990307 will be placed on our first-reading calendar for today. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Clark for a report from the Public Property and Public Works Committee.
Madam President, the Committee on Public Property and Public Works reports out one bill, Bill No. 990284, with a favorable recommendation and a recommendation that the rules be suspended.
To the President COMMITTEE REPORTS and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Public Property and Public Works, to which was referred Bill No. 990284, an ordinance authorizing the Procurement Commissioner, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into a contract with Motorola, Inc. for the design and implementation of 800-megahertz trunked municipal radio system for use by the City's public safety agencies and municipal operating departments, under certain terms and conditions.
Madam President, I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading of this bill. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading of Bill No. 990284 on today's calendar. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? COMMITTEE REPORTS The ayes have it, and Bill No. 990284 will be placed on our first-reading calendar for today. Are there any other reports from committees today? (No response.)
Seeing none, the next order of business is the consideration of the calendar. The chief clerk will please read the bills on the first-reading calendar for today.
Bill No. 990219, an ordinance amending Chapter 19-1500 of The Philadelphia Code entitled "Wage and Net Profits Tax" by changing the filing and payment date of the fourth-quarter employee earning tax return.