COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, September 24, 2009 10:05 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILMAN FRANK DiCICCO COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN BILL GREEN COUNCILMAN WILLIAM GREENLEE COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILMAN JACK KELLY COUNCILMAN JAMES F. KENNEY COUNCILWOMAN JOAN L. KRAJEWSKI COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILWOMAN MARIA QUINONES-SANCHEZ COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO MICHAEL DECKER, 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. I note that the hour has come and that a quorum of this Council is present. Council will please 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 Tom Higgins of Holy Innocents Church. He is here today as the guest of Councilwoman Sanchez. I would ask all members and guests to please rise. (Members and guests rise.)
Thank you, President Verna. Thank you, City Council. Thank you, Maria, Councilwoman Maria Quinones-Sanchez, for this opportunity. So we pray. I'd like to offer as part of my prayer several verses of Psalm 90 from the Old Testament. shortness of our life that we may gain wisdom of heart. Lord, relent as your anger forever, show pity to your servants. In the morning, fill us with your love. We shall exalt and rejoice all our days. Give us joy to balance our affliction for the years when we knew misfortune. Show forth your work to your servants. Let your glory shine on their children. Let the favor of the Lord be upon us. Give success to the work of our hands. Give success to the work of our hands. Lord God, you inspire us this day with your holy word and we are reminded that in our city there are many issues, many complicated problems. These issues, these problems that our City Council faces each day can only be rectified ultimately through wisdom of heart that you grant to them. We pray that they receive that wisdom this day. And, Lord, as members of this City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection, we pray that you fill us with your love, that we may reflect that love to all whom we encounter this day and each day. And we pray especially, Lord, that you show forth your work to your servants and that your favor be upon all gathered here this day, and that we receive the success through the work of our hands, through the work that City Council does and through the work that all of us are called to do. May we be successful each day. And we pray in the name of our almighty Lord and God. Amen. (Amen.)
The Chair thanks Father Higgins for his 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, 17th, 2009, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, September 17th, 2009 stand approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, September 17th, 2009 stand approved. All in favor will please indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the Journal is approved. The next order of business is requests for leave of absence, and the Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, of the majority, there are no requests for leave of absence.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Madam President, on behalf of the republicans, there is no request for leave of absence.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair will dispense with the regular order of business to recognize the guests and visitors joining us in Chambers 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. I think I saw former Mayor John Street in the audience. He's still with us? I would like you to stand so that we will recognize you. Welcome. (Applause.)
Welcome. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo, who will present a resolution honoring The First African Baptist Church on the occasion of its 200th anniversary. Will Reverend Terrance Griffith and those accompanying him please join the Councilman at the podium. And I see that the Councilman is being joined by Councilman Green and Councilman Clarke.
Good morning, everyone. Thank you, Madam President. Today we're here to honor The First African Baptist Church of Philadelphia on the occasion of its 200th anniversary, and with us today is Pastor Griffith, who is going to be accepting resolution, and I thank Councilman Bill Green and Councilman Clarke for assisting me with this. Whereas, The First African Baptist Church of Philadelphia was established in June of 1809 with 13 members, ten women and three men; and
Whereas, The First African Baptist Church of Philadelphia is the oldest African American-founded Baptist congregation in the City of Philadelphia and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and one of the oldest African American-founded Baptist congregations in the United States of America; and Whereas, two freeman, John and Samuel Bivens, sold themselves into slavery so that James Burrows of Northampton County, Virginia could become the third pastor; and
Whereas, The First African Baptist Church of Philadelphia has been instrumental in the organizations, including the Christian Street YMCA and the Downingtown Industrial School; and Whereas, The First African Baptist Church of Philadelphia has given birth to many other churches, including Tasker Street Missionary Baptist Church, Mt. Zion Baptist Church of Germantown, Kaighn Avenue Baptist Church of Camden, New Jersey, Shiloh Baptist Church and Miller Memorial Baptist Church; and Whereas, on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of The First African Baptist Church of Philadelphia, the esteemed Dr. Booker T. Washington, the keynote speaker, stated, "It is not enough for us to succeed as individuals; we must succeed as groups, organizations, as churches, in every aspect standing together and continue to go forward in grand eloquent success"; and
Whereas, on Friday, June the 19th, 2009, The First African Baptist Church of Philadelphia 200th anniversary and 200 years of African American Baptist works in the City of Philadelphia as well as throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Now, therefore, resolved by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that it recognizes, honors, celebrates and thanks The First African Baptist Church of Philadelphia on its invaluable contributions to the City of Philadelphia on the joyous occasion of their 200th anniversary. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to The First African Baptist Church of Philadelphia, further evidencing the sincere admiration and gratitude of this legislative body. Congratulations on 200 great years. (Applause.)
Honorable Council President Anna Verna, illustrious members of City Council, it is with gratitude and humility that members of First African Baptist Church and myself as their pastor come today to receive this resolution. We are particularly indebted to Councilman Rizzo for in-person Council to honor the most historic African American Baptist church in the City of Philadelphia and the State of Pennsylvania. Your name will be forever recorded in the pages of our history. It is true that over the past 30 years, First African has not been recognized as it should, but there is no doubt that while our great sister churches, Mother Bethel and the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas, revolve around the historic figures of Richard Allen and Absalon Jones, First African owes its genesis to the collective and ten women to have a church of their own. Two hundred years ago, these pioneers, these trailblazers started this church that would become the centerpiece of the Philadelphia fabric in the 19th and 20th century. While other African churches polarize to a more Christological approach, First African practices sociological Christology, advocating for and creating opportunities for the downtrodden and the dispossessed. We established the first savings and loan for African Americans in the City. We started the first mortgage company assisting blacks to purchase homes. We were instrumental in starting the YMCA and YWCA on Christian Street, and we founded the Downingtown Industrial School. That is why Booker T. Washington came as our centennial speaker. That is why Adam Clayton Powell was a regular guest. But somewhere along the journey, First African disappeared from the radar. But I stand here today in these hallowed halls to declare to you that we are back. As I take my leave, I wish to draw attention to the movie Coming to America starring Eddie Murphy. In the movie, Murphy, acting as Prince Akeem, stumbles upon two homeless men, Ralph Bellamy, acting as Randolph Duke, and Don Ameche, acting as Mortimer Duke. It was Murphy acting as Billy Ray Valentine in the 1983 movie Trading Places, set here in Philadelphia, who was responsible for the misfortune of the Duke brothers. He hands a large sum of money to Randolph Duke, who wakes up his sleeping brother with the words, "Mortimer, we're back." First African is back. We are back to advocate for the poor. We are back to lift the brokenhearted. We are back to preach deliverance to those who are held captive by drugs, homelessness, poverty and the lack of healthcare. We back, and we are here to stay. Thank you again for your recognition, and I pray that God bless you as you go about the business of this city. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Jones, who will present a resolution honoring Jon Drummond. Will Mr. Drummond and those accompanying him please join the Councilman at the podium. I see that Councilman Jones is being accompanied by Councilwoman Sanchez, Councilman Clarke.
On my way home one afternoon, I stopped to drop one of my employees off. In the middle of her block, there were two pre-teens fighting in the middle of the street. They were quickly joined by 30 other young people from the surrounding area. By the time I pulled over and parked, I was hoping that two adults, hopefully their parents, would come and intercede. They did not. When finally we were able to get the situation under control, I asked the young pre-teens why they were fighting, and their response was, We didn't have anything else better to do. When I talked to Jon Drummond and Shelton Mercer, they had a solution for that, and it doesn't come in an X-box, it doesn't come with a joystick, it doesn't cost $300 to do. Their solution was simple games, street games, that we used to play when we were kids that engaged young people face to face in reality, not in cyberspace, and engaged them to do positive things and encouraged them to know good sportsmanship and conflict resolution. So honoring and acknowledging Jon Drummond, Olympic Track and Field champion, for his work with the Jon Drummond Achievement Foundation and his commitment to sustaining the lives and health of today's youth through the Street Game Initiative. Whereas, in today's urban communities, recreation has become a key component in neighborhood anti-violence efforts as well as a tool for promoting education. In the response to this reality, in 2003 Jon Drummond, an Olympic Track and Field champion and member of the Overbrook High School Hall of Fame, along with Shelton Mercer, founded the Jon Drummond Achievement Foundation. As natives of Philadelphians, Jon and Shelton organized the foundation to address some of the most critical youth and their families, such as health, fitness, academic achievement and safety; and
Whereas, in the summer of 2006, the Jon Drummond Foundation established the Street Games Initiative, which is an all-day sporting event that is centered on families, health, wellness and academic achievement, all of which is done through fun, games and sporting events. The festival's activities include dodge ball, volleyball, the 40-yard street dash, as well as free health and physical screenings; and
Whereas, since its inception, Street Games has involved over 2,000 boys and girls ages 6 to 18. The Street Games Program has emerged as a national turnkey program that engages youth in the process of taking the lessons of traditional play and turning them into skills that they lifetime. And now, therefore
Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we hereby honor and acknowledge Jon Drummond, Olympic Track and Field champion, for his important work with the Jon Drummond Achievement Foundation and his commitment to sustaining the lives and health of Philadelphia's youth through the Street Games Initiative. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the founders Jon Drummond and Shelton Mercer as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body. Introduced by Councilman Curtis Jones and supported and co-sponsored by all members of the Philadelphia City Council. Congratulations. (Applause.)
I would like to thank Councilman Jones, Councilwoman Brown and the other Councilpersons and all of you for opening up Philadelphia and giving us this great opportunity. We definitely receive this award in respect for the Jon Drummond Achievement Foundation and the hard work those who have worked with the Jon Drummond Achievement Foundation to make this happen. I also would like to thank past Mayor, former Mayor John Street, who opened up the City of Philadelphia in 2006 allowing us to start the Street Games here. This initiative is hopefully carrying out throughout the rest of the country. We have other cities who are extremely interested in opening their doors as a result of what happened here in Philadelphia. time, I'm going to ask Mr. Mercer to kind of give you a little bit of information as to what the Street Games is. And I challenged Councilman Jones to a 40-yard dash race. I told him I brought my sneaks, so he'd better pull his Chucks out. (Laughter.)
Thank you. We would just want to say thank you to Councilman Jones and Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown and the other members of Council. And as Jon said, we are Philadelphians and we love our city, and so we planned this great event called the Street Games. It is happening in a couple days, Saturday, the 26th of September, right in the Park West Town Center. All of you have received a flyer, and information has been forwarded around. And we did want to especially recognize Councilman Jones and his office for their help and assistance in getting this event done. It's going to be a We hope that all of your constituents will be notified and they can come out for a free day of just fun, health and fitness. And we plan to have Philadelphia as the headquarters for our national Street Games, which we have planned in Los Angeles, Sacramento, Atlanta, Chicago and Lansing, Michigan already for 2010. So, again, thank you so much, and we are grateful for a great Olympic champion and my dear friend and business colleague, Jon Drummond, and for this great achievement and award from you. (Applause.)
At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell, who will present a citation recognizing September as National Sickle Cell Awareness Month. Will Ms. Brandon and those the Councilwoman at the podium. And I see that Councilwoman Blackwell is being joined by Councilwoman Brown.
Good morning. Recognizing September as National Sickle Cell Awareness Month. The Council of the City of Philadelphia is pleased and proud to recognize September as National Sickle Cell Awareness Month and commends the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Inc., Philadelphia/Delaware Valley Chapter, for its service to those affected by sickle cell disease. Whereas, September is National Sickle Cell Awareness Month, and the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Inc., SCDAA, wants the public to reflect on the children and the adults whose lives, education and careers have been affected by this disease; and Whereas, the observance 1975 when the National Association and its member organizations began conducting month-long events to call attention to sickle cell disease and the need to address the problems at the national and local levels; and Whereas, the effort to have Sickle Cell Month officially recognized at the national level succeeded in 1983 when the House of Representatives unanimously passed the resolution introduced by Congressional Black Caucus asking then-President Reagan to designate September as National Sickle Cell Awareness Month. The President signed the resolution in October of 1983; Whereas, the Association and its member organizations sponsor educational programs and fundraising activities during the month, and state and local government officials issue sickle cell month proclamations and are introduced to local poster children. The tradition of selecting a national poster began in 1976 when President Gerald Ford greeted the first winner at the White House. Presidents Carter, Reagan, Bush and Clinton all have greeted the national poster child; and Whereas, the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Inc., Philadelphia/Delaware Valley Chapter, began as a patient therapy support group comprised of 30 members that met monthly at the Pennsylvania Hospital from 1977 to 1982; and Whereas, on July 2nd, 1982, the Association was incorporated by the Reverend Walter E. Brandon and Willie J. Hubert, both of whom were affected by sickle cell disease, to provide comprehensive psychosocial and social services to children, adolescents and adults affected by sickle cell disease and the sickle cell trait. In 1995, the Association became a chapter member of the Sickle Cell Disease Association of passed away in 1996 after giving great service, love and compassion to individuals with sickle cell disease; and
Whereas, on April 2nd, 1998, the Reverend Walter E. Brandon passed away from complications of sickle cell disease, and as a result of his lifelong commitment to advocacy and empowerment of individuals and families living with sickle cell, the Association's annual Sickle Cell Walkathon was named in his memory; and Whereas, the Association has served the sickle cell community for the past 27 years by providing supportive services to those affected in Philadelphia, Delaware, Bucks, Chester and Montgomery Counties, including case management services, genetic counseling, transportation, community outreach, education, referrals and support groups. Association programs include the Leroy Simmons Scholarship Fund, the Cooperative Program, the Multi-Cultural Initiative and the Sickle Cell Sabbath; and Whereas, during September, in recognition of the National Sickle Cell Awareness Month, the Association facilitates several events, including the annual Walter E. Brandon Sickle Cell Walkathon. Therefore, by virtue of this citation, the Council of the City of Philadelphia is pleased and proud to recognize September as National Sickle Cell Awareness Month and commends the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Inc., Philadelphia/Delaware Valley Chapter, for its important service to those affected by this disease. We want to thank the Association for their tireless efforts towards improving the lives of those living with sickle cell disease. We extend our sincere hope and the dream that prevention and cure will become a reality. We extend to you the of this legislative body. This resolution was introduced by Councilmembers Jannie Blackwell and Blondell Reynolds Brown and supported by all members of the Philadelphia City Council. (Applause.)
Thank you so much. Also recognizing the President of City Council, Anna Verna, all members of the Council and their staff, community and media. Special thanks and kudos goes to Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell for just being interested in recognizing September as National Sickle Cell Awareness Month. I also bring greetings from our Executive Director, Stanley A. Simpkins, who had a prior commitment that he was unable to reschedule to join us this morning, but we are here representing him. This has been a banner year for disease, because on June 19th of this year, sickle cell has been declared World Sickle Cell Disease Day, and the celebration to recognize that was held at the United Nations in New York. So every year on June 19th, sickle cell will be celebrated in parts of the world and all over the country. In 2010, it will be held in Cyprus, Greece. And I say Cyprus, Greece, and you might say, Hmm. Sickle cell is now considered a global disease. Heretofore it has been thought of as a disease that only affected African Americans and was often referred to as a black disease, but I'm here today to let you know that sickle cell not only affects people of African ancestry but people of Caribbean, Hispanic, Asian, Sicilian, Turkish and Greek ancestry. So it is a global disease. I want to thank those Councilmembers that sit here today who call when we reached out to them to provide supportive services to many of our clients that were in need. We want to thank you for that. And you know who you are. For those offices where you have your person that handles constituent services, they have been most responsive to our call. I also want to thank Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown for her continued support of our organization and allowed our organization to be recognized for the work and services that we provided several years ago. I want to also acknowledge this morning that you heard in the resolution that the organization started with 30 members that used to meet monthly at Pennsylvania Hospital. Twenty-nine of those members have passed on, but one is here today. I just would like for him to step forward. His name is Joseph Wanamaker, and he is one of the original members of the group that started this to acknowledge Joan Lambright, who is a retired educator, who also has sickle cell and just turned 70. And we hear about sickle cell people not living long. People are living longer. It does have a life of longevity now of 50 and beyond. And in the resolution you also heard about the Leroy Simmons Scholarship Fund. Well, Leroy Simmons is here today, and I'd like for him just to step forward or to raise his hand. He also is an entrepreneur and an activist. He has sickle cell disease, and he and his wife put together their money and started a scholarship fund through the Philadelphia Foundation to assist those students that are interested in pursuing higher education. And then I want to acknowledge Tracy Swift-Merrick, who is our Director of Programs, who is here with me on the podium today, and Khalilah Asbury, heard mentioned in the resolution about the Walter E. Brandon Sickle Cell Walkathon, and on a personal note, I am the administrator of the organization, but Walter Brandon was my husband for 25 years and he passed away at the age of 59 from complications of sickle cell disease April 2nd of 1998, five months before our first walkathon took place. The 12th Annual Walter E. Brandon Sickle Cell Walkathon will take place this Saturday at North Concourse Drive and Belmont Avenue across from the Please Touch Museum. We have information if anyone is interested.
But more than that, we are just grateful that the City of Philadelphia, City Council of Philadelphia has recognized September as Sickle Cell Awareness Month, and we hope that those of you that sit there today, Councilmembers, will remember us when we call to ask for assistance. Again, thank you so much, Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell, for -- I was at an event with her in August and I was just talking to someone about all the activities coming up, and she overheard me talking about September being Sickle Cell Awareness Month. I didn't even go to her to ask her could she do this. She heard me speaking and she just answered the call and said, We're going to do something. We're going to put out a resolution to recognize September as Sickle Cell Awareness Month. So we're grateful, we're thankful, and we feel blessed that sickle cell has now taken its place, rightfully so, in the City of Philadelphia as September being Sickle Cell Awareness Month. Thank you so much. God bless. )
The next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant-At-Arms deliver the messages 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 pleased to advise you that on September 18 and September 23, 2009, I signed all of the bills that were passed by Council at its session on September 17, 2009; and I am transmitting herewith for the introduction and consideration of your honorable body an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 296 in the area laying northwest of Shawmont Avenue and southwest of Eva Street; and An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 271 by placing on the area at the northwest corner of 2nd Street and Germantown Avenue; and An ordinance authorizing Jeffrey Papa, owner and operator of Tap Room on 19th, to operate and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe located at 2400 South 19th Street; and An ordinance amending Bill No. 090213, approved May 27, 2009, entitled "An ordinance to adopt a Fiscal 2010 Capital Budget," by revising and adding certain projects, amounts and sources; and An ordinance amending Bill No. 090212, approved May 27, 2009, entitled "An ordinance to adopt a Capital Program for the six Fiscal Years 2010 through 2015 inclusive," by revising and adding certain projects, amounts and sources, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you. The messages will be printed in the Journal. The Chief Clerk will please read any other communications in his possession.
Thank you. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions, and at this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance amending Chapter 9-600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Service and Other Businesses," to increase the available off-street options for the parking of motor-driven cycles.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Chapter 9-600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Service and Other Businesses," to increase the application fee and annual renewal fee for a Valet Parking Operator's License.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. This morning I introduce no bills or resolutions.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer one bill, which is co-sponsored by Councilmembers Clarke, Green and Kenney.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title.
An ordinance amending Bill No. 080468-A, approved November 5, 2008, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 9-1103 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Unlawful Employment Practices,' and enacting a new Chapter 9-3200, entitled 'Entitlement to Leave Due to Domestic or Sexual Violence,' to provide that certain employees may take unpaid leave from work to address domestic or sexual violence."
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
Thank you. I have one resolution, Madam President.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the 45th Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski for a motion on the resolution.
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 please say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Madam President, I offer two bills on your behalf, one resolution on your behalf and one resolution on my behalf.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance amending Section 19-201 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "City Depositories," by authorizing the City Treasurer to deposit funds in M&T Bank.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing Jeffrey Papa to construct, own and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe at 2400 South 19th Street.
This bill will also be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution declaring October as "Domestic Violence Awareness Month."
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 please say aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots and pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the 36th Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
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 please say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I offer one resolution.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title.
A resolution proclaiming the week of October 4th, 2009 as "National Fire Prevention Week."
Again, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
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 say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Sanchez.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Green.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution honoring and acknowledging Jon Drummond, Olympic Track and Field champion, for his work with the Jon Drummond Achievement Foundation.
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 say aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution honoring and celebrating the Delaware Valley Opera Company on its 30th Anniversary.
Thank you, 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 say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title.
An ordinance amending Chapter 19-200 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "City Funds Deposits, Investments, Disbursements," by revising the list of City depositories because of non-compliance with certain provisions of that Chapter.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. No bills or resolutions this morning.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. I offer six bills.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance amending Chapter 9-200 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Commercial Activities on Streets," by amending Section 9-211, entitled "Boxes for the Distribution of News and Printed Material."
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Section 9-204 of The Philadelphia Code by prohibiting vending on both sides of 5th Street, from Market Street to Chestnut Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Section 9-205 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Sidewalk Sales," to prohibit vending on both sides of Aramingo Avenue.
This bill will also be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Chapter 14-1600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Miscellaneous," by repealing Section 14-1626, entitled "Demolition Moratorium in Old City."
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. 271 by placing on the City Plan a cut-back area at the northwest corner of 2nd Street and Germantown Avenue.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Chapter 6-300 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Food," by amending Section 6-301, entitled "Food Establishments," and amending Chapter 12-900 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Parking Regulations and Penalties."
This bill will also be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance amending Chapter 10-700 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Refuse and Littering," by providing for additional penalties and consequences for short dumping.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Section 17-109 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Local Bidding Preferences," by providing for a local bidding preference for contracts funded by certain federal stimulus moneys.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Chapter 17-1600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Economic Opportunity Plans," by providing that Economic Opportunity Plans be included on all development projects or contracts bid pursuant to federal stimulus funds allocated to the City of Philadelphia.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kelly.
Madam President, I have no bills or resolutions 9/24/09 - STATED - 2ND READING today.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
Thank you. As there are no reports from committees, the next order of business is the consideration of the Calendar. There are no bills on the First Reading Calendar today. Therefore, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for the purpose of calling up bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar to be considered today.
Thank you, Madam President. Bill 090123-A is being amended. Bill Nos. 080550 and 080542 are being withdrawn. All other bills are being held.
Thank 9/24/09 - STATED - 2ND READING you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 090123-A.
An ordinance amending the provisions of The Philadelphia Code regulating dumpsters; in particular, repealing and reenacting the provisions of Section 10-722, entitled "Use of Dumpsters."
Thank you, Madam President. I am offering an amendment, which has been circulated to the Council. I would like to say that I want to thank Councilman Greenlee, who attended many meetings with his staff and my staff over the summer with the industry, waste haul industry, and I also want to specifically thank Kevin Boyle, Seth Levi and Lauren Vidas from our staffs, who did a terrific job getting us to this point with these amendments over the summer. So I move for the adoption 9/24/09 - STATED - 2ND READING of the amendments. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the bill be amended. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. The Clerk will now read the title of Resolution No. 080550.
Resolution proposing an amendment to Section 7-400 of the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter, relating to the preparation of Civil Service Regulations, by prohibiting the Civil Service Commission from imposing any fee to apply for employment with the City.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell. 9/24/09 - STATED - 2ND READING
Thank you, Madam President. I move the withdrawal of this resolution and I'd like to be recognized on it. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. My remarks will also apply to its accompanying bill that will be read next, 080542. The abolishment of the Civil Service Regulations that authored the jobs fee or the job application fees was approved by the Civil Service Commission on January 28th, 2009. The Administrative Board approved the abolition of this fee on February 27th, 2009, and the Records Department review period ended April 6th, 2009. The Office of Human Resources cancelled all examinations for an application fee in February 2009. The last date that application fees were collected was 9/24/09 - STATED - 2ND READING February 24th, 2009. Since that date, a small amount of fees, less than $500, has been collected from candidates who did not pay the fee during that time that fees were in effect. So we appreciate the Administration working with us, all of you for your wonderful support of this and are very happy to ask that this resolution -- and I will also ask that the accompanying bill -- be withdrawn.
Councilwoman, would you repeat your motion, please.
I move that Resolution 080550 be withdrawn. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that Resolution No. 080550 be withdrawn. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? 9/24/09 - STATED - 2ND READING (No response.)
The ayes have it. Resolution No. 080550 has been withdrawn. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 080542.
An ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of an amendment to Section 7-400 of the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter set forth in a Council Resolution prohibiting the Civil Service Commission from imposing any fee to apply for employment with the City.
Again, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I again thank my colleagues and move that Bill No. 080542 be withdrawn. (Duly seconded.)
It seconded that Bill No. 080542 be withdrawn. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. That concludes our Calendar for today. Are there any speeches on the part of the minority? (No response.)
Are there any speeches on the part of the majority? The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Madam President. Briefly, I want to thank Senator Specter for encouraging Vice-President Biden to take a hard look at applying stimulus dollars to the the Philadelphia area. We have long been an advocate for such dollars, federal dollars, being applied to repair a lot of the bridges in the City of Philadelphia that are ten years backlogged in repairs, creating some unsafe conditions for those bridges within our community, not to mention eyesores. So we thank Senator Specter for his urging of Vice-President Biden to apply those stimulus dollars to the City of Philadelphia's capital improvement program. Thank you.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I'm going to hold up an article. The front page of the Philadelphia Tribune says -- Tuesday, September 22nd's article, there is a article, entitled "Limbaugh makes call for return of bus segregation. Radio host made statements following a recent attack on white student." Madam President, I believe it is shameful that the front of a paper could have this article, that this issue after all those who lived, died, who fought for civil rights in this country, Dr. Martin Luther King and all of those who have sacrificed their lives in their fight for civil rights and human rights, everyone, would have this kind of article written because we have an individual who in this country has no more respect for the history we've endured and all the suffering that people have endured to come this far. In my office I have an article with Rosa Parks on it. It has 14th Amendment to one side, her photo, and it says -- the title of that on that photograph says, "No, she said softly." says, "In 1955, Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on the bus and began the historic Montgomery Alabama Bus Boycott. She fought for and won the right to sit any place on the bus, a right which is guaranteed under the, quote, equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. So I am proud that we've come this far, and I say shame, shame, shame for those who don't appreciate where we are in this country and what this country represents. Thank you, Madam President.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Green.
Thank you, Madam President. I apologize to my colleagues for making this announcement in Council as well as in caucus, but we don't have a larger audience in caucus. the Philadelphia Chapter of the Variety Club will be hosting its annual Old Newsboys' Day during which volunteers sell the Happiness Edition paper. Proceeds from the sale of the paper benefit Variety, the children's charity. Variety is a fantastic cause which sponsors a number of programs benefitting children, like camps and after-school programs and autism initiatives. They serve over 10,000 people a year. Old Newsboys' Day begins tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. with a rally in City Hall. The rally will feature a live band and other entertainment. Old Newsboys' Day is celebrating its 52nd year in Philadelphia and represents the largest single-day fundraiser for children with disabilities, regularly raising hundreds of thousands of dollars in just a few hours. Last year there was a Council challenge for Old Newsboys' Day, and a cup and award from Variety Club for raising the most money last year, but I'm going to get Councilman Rizzo this year. Thank you, Madam President.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Madam President. I would like to remind my Council colleagues that Women's Way will present a special briefing of their report, entitled "A Change of Pace Accelerating Women's Progress." Founded in Philadelphia in 1977, Women's Way is the country's oldest and largest women's funding federation. Their mission is to raise money and public awareness to fight for and achieve women's equality, safety, self-sufficiency and reproductive freedom through women-centered funding, advocacy and education. A Change of Pace is an status in the region and serves as a call to action through specific recommendations. A Change of Pace examines the continuing gender wage gap, the impact of scarce affordable housing, healthcare and childcare on women's socioeconomic security, continuing threats of violence against women, limitations on reproductive freedom and the gross underrepresentation of women in leadership positions. Since the first release of this report five years ago, A Change of Pace has become a valued resource in our community for stepping up the pace of progress for women, girls and their families in the Philadelphia area. For those of you who can attend, the briefing begins at noon today, and I encourage all Councilmembers and those who are listening to please stop by. Thank you.
Thank you. Are there any other speeches on the part of the majority? (No response.)
Seeing none, the Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke for a motion to adjourn.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, October 1, 2009, 10:00 a.m. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, October 1st at 10:00 a.m. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The the motion carries. Thank you. (Stated Meeting adjourned at 11:05 a.m.) CERTIFICATE I HEREBY CERTIFY that the proceedings, evidence and objections are contained fully and accurately in the stenographic notes taken by me upon the foregoing matter on September 24, 2009, and that this is a true and correct transcript of same. ______________________________ MICHELE L. MURPHY RPR-Notary Public (The foregoing certification of this transcript does not apply to any reproduction of the same by any means, unless under the direct control and/or supervision of the certifying reporter.)