COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, May 26, 2005, 10:22 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE L. BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILMAN DAVID COHEN COUNCILMAN DiCICCO COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN JACK KELLY COUNCILMAN JAMES F. KENNEY COUNCILWOMAN JOAN L. KRAJEWSKI COUNCILMAN RICHARD T. MARIANO COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER COUNCILMAN MICHAEL A. NUTTER COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILMAN JUAN F. RAMOS COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS-BROWN COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO Stated - 5/26/05 P R O C E E D I N G S
May I have everyone's attention, please. Thank you. Good morning. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair welcomes Reverend Dominic Joachim of the Holy Temple of Deliverance. He is here today as the guest of Councilman Rizzo. I would ask all members and guests to please rise. REV. JOACHIM: Good morning, everybody.
Good morning. REV. JOACHIM: For the Bible says, this is the day that the Lord has made and that for that we will rejoice. In the Book of Ecclesiastes, let us all come to the conclusion of the matter. So, this morning, we are here and we believe God and everything that He's doing. Beloved, this morning, I want to Stated - 5/26/05 thank you most of all for your responsibility towards the world, towards the country, and towards the city, and towards one another. As we bow our heads this morning, we say, Mighty God, the everlasting Father, we come before You this morning to ask for Your grace and ask for Your mercy. We pray Your anointing in this building upon every individual under the sound of my voice. I pray the blessing of healing. I pray the sound mind. And God, I thank You for Your grace and Your mercy to dwell in this building. And we ask all that this morning in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. And everybody say amen.
Amen. REV. JOACHIM: God bless you. Peace be with you.
Thank you. The Chair thanks the Reverend for his very inspiring invocation. Stated - 5/26/05 REV. JOACHIM: Thank you. (Pause.)
Council will be at ease. The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the Meeting of Thursday, May 19, 2005. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Journal of the Meeting of Thursday, May 19, 2005 stand approved.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the Meeting of Thursday, May 19, 2005 stand approved. All in favor will please indicate by saying aye. (Chorus of "ayes.")
The ayes have it, the motion carries, and the Journal of the Meeting of Thursday, May 19, 2005 is approved. The next order of business is requests for leave of absence. And again, The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. There are no requests for leaves of absence on the part of the majority.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Madam President, on behalf of the Republicans there are no questions for leaves of absence.
Thank you. The Chair will dispense with the regular order of business to recognize the guests and visitors joining us in chambers Stated - 5/26/05 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. At this time the Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano, who will present a resolution honoring Phillip R. Goldsmith, former Managing Director for the City of Philadelphia. Will Mr. Goldsmith and those accompanying him please join the Councilman at the podium. And Councilman Mariano is being joined by Council members DiCicco and Ramos. And where is Mr. Goldsmith? Oh, he's baby-sitting. The Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano.
Thank you, Madam President. It's good to hear babies cry inside the Council chambers instead of Stated - 5/26/05 Council members crying. (Laughter.)
Not that they wouldn't, mind you. That's enough. Whereas, Mr. Phillip R. Goldsmith became the Managing Director of the City of Philadelphia on February 3, 2003, and brought with him over 30 years of professional accomplishments in both public and private sector; and...
Whereas, Mr. Goldsmith's well-developed leadership skills, and his ability to openly and directly communicate have guided him to seek positions in a wide array of fields, including law, journalism, government, education, banking, and human resource consulting. And whereas, prior to his appointment as Managing Director, Mr. Goldsmith served as the acting executive director of Fairmount Park, the interim chief executive officer for the School District of Philadelphia, and executive officer of the PNC Bank Corporation, and as a Philadelphia Stated - 5/26/05 Inquirer reporter and editorial writer during which time he was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for editorial writing and a winner of numerous state and national awards; and... COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Whereas, during Mr. Goldsmith's tenure as Managing Director, the City has seen significant accomplishments as a result of the programs and initiatives he has overseen as the chief operating officer of the City, including unprecedented improvements to emergency response times that have been critical to cutting down on the number of emergency-related deaths and injuries of both City residents and City employees, the launching of Global Philadelphia to unify the City's efforts to strengthen the relationship between diverse linguistic communities and the City, by improving Philadelphia's language accessibility, countless quality of life improvements realized through his tremendous support of the community life improvement program also known as CLIP, and his willingness to target urban scourge by Stated - 5/26/05 regulating honor boxes and illegally posted signs, the rightsizing of City government through citywide fleet reduction which in the past year alone has led to 300 fewer City-owned vehicles and provided the City with annual savings of $1.6 million. Now, therefore...
Resolved by the Council of the City of Philadelphia that we hereby honor and commend Phil Goldsmith and thank him for a career of exemplary service. While his departure is undoubtedly a tremendous loss to us all, we thank him for his reason and intellect which was exceeded only by his passion for the City. We wish him success in all of his future endeavors. Further resolved that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Phillip R. Goldsmith as evidence of the high esteem and sincere gratitude of this legislative body. Signed by Anna Verna and the rest of the members of City Council. (Applause.) Stated - 5/26/05
Thank you very much. I know you have a full agenda today. Unfortunately, I can't be here for it. But I want to thank you, and I want to thank Council for, I thought, the good working relationship that we had. And I think at the end of the day we're all about making the City a better City. And I thank you for your help in helping me and helping my staff and the employees of Philadelphia do our job. And I promised my grandson I would take him up to the tower today. And he's saying he wants to go now. So, I'm going to let you get back to work. Thank you all very much. Thank you. (Applause.)
At this time the Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo Stated - 5/26/05 who will present a resolution honoring David Auspitz and his family. I would ask that Mr. Auspitz and the members of his family please join the Councilman at the podium.
Good morning, everyone. The Auspitz family is here. Could you all stand and be recognized, please. As a matter of fact, your niece is from Orlando and her fiancee is from France. And they're here to be married in our City, President Verna. Isn't that great? Congratulations.
Isn't that wonderful. Congratulations. (Applause.)
Councilman Rizzo is being joined by Councilman DiCicco.
Thank you. By the way, Mr. Auspitz now is in the cookie business, so we're going to have a good time after the Council session. As we all know, David Auspitz is also our Chairman of the Zoning Board of Adjustment, and we thank him for that Stated - 5/26/05 service. Recognizing, honoring, celebrating and thanking David Auspitz and his family, owners of the Fourth Street Deli, the accommodation of choice for election day socializing and strategies, business deals and union activities, journalists and journalees and the geniality of local celebrities. After four generations and 82 years of commitment to the City of Philadelphia, whereas, the famous Fourth Street Deli, under the leadership of four generations of family, including David Auspitz and his father Sam Auspitz served as a prominent business and contributed to the growth of Philadelphia for 82 years. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Whereas, the famous Fourth Street Deli offered exemplary service and only the best products, including the best pastrami, corned beef and famous cookies this side of the Mason Dixon line to its customers; And whereas, the Fourth Street Deli Stated - 5/26/05 served as a second office or a second home to many politicians, business persons, and residents of Philadelphia. And whereas, the Fourth Street Deli has become an icon of our City; Now, therefore...
Be it resolved by the Council of the City of Philadelphia that it honors, celebrates and thanks David Auspitz and his family, owner of the Famous Fourth Street Deli, the accommodation of choice for election day socializing and strategies, business deals and union activities, journalists and journalees and the geniality of local celebrities, after four generations and 82 years of commitment to the City of Philadelphia. Further resolved that an engrossed copy of this resolution to be presented to David Auspitz, further evidencing the sincere admiration and gratitude of this legislative body. Congratulations, Mr. Chairman. (Applause.) Stated - 5/26/05
This is probably the closest I'll get to an Academy Award, so I'd like to thank my wife Janie. I love you. Didn't forget that. I want to thank City Council because you've taken zoning to a new height, and it probably created a national model, by having every District Council having somebody assigned to help people with zoning. When you apply for zoning in Philadelphia, you now get a map and a letter that comes with it. The map tells you who your District Council person is, to contact them. They'll put you in touch with the civic associations and help you through the process. That process of allowing people to work before they come in front of us now means that over 90 percent of the cases we hear are now passed with proviso as yes. And that's pretty exciting. The City is growing and probably Stated - 5/26/05 mostly because of Council coordinating the civic groups and the developers. If you come up to our hearings, you'll often hear us say that we won't build anything for seniors we wouldn't put our parents in, we won't build anything for children that we wouldn't put our children in, and we surely won't build any housing in Philadelphia unless we would live in it ourselves. We're very proud of that. (Applause.)
Thank you. And after I'm done arguing with people, I always say, I'm sorry, but you know what? My parents are proud of me. And I can tell you two things right now. And first of all, I can tell you that I know right now my parents are very proud of me. And I'm really excited with this honor. And now something on a very personal note. Knowing most of you, and knowing the work you do, and how you're role models, and what you do in the communities and what you do for the City, without getting mushy, I Stated - 5/26/05 just want to tell you, your parents either are or they would be very proud of you. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you. Mr. Auspitz, we thank you for all of your public service. And we certainly thank you for the lovely cookies. And I would like the Council members to know that they can certainly help themselves to them. Thank you. And I think it would be very nice if the family would come up and take a photo. Council will be at ease. (Pause.)
At this time, The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown, who will be joined by Councilwoman Blackwell, to present a resolution celebrating the 10th anniversary of Teenagers in Charge. Will Mrs. Judith Demorney McDaniel and those accompanying her please join the Councilwoman at the podium. Stated - 5/26/05
Thank you. Good morning. Resolution celebrating the 10th anniversary of Teenagers in Charge. Whereas, T.I.C. was founded in May 1995, in an effort to address the needs and concerns of our youth, ages 13 to 19 years old in the City of Philadelphia; And whereas, Teenagers in Charge is a non-profit organization whose mission is to help teens build their self esteem, heighten their cultural and community awareness, and learn how to take charge of their lives by interacting with others and facilitating and participating in educational lectures; And whereas, Teenagers in Charge empowers teenagers to take a stand and take charge of their lives, their education and social issues; And whereas, over the past nine years, Teenagers in Charge has partnered with Wade Time Warner Cablevision, community-based organizations, and local colleges to collect clothing, canned goods and toys for children Stated - 5/26/05 in shelters; and...
Whereas, over the past five years Teenagers in Charge has partnered with the Office of City Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds-Brown in collecting thousands of mittens, gloves and hats for children in the homeless shelters and transitional housing through the warmth and winter project; And whereas, Judith Demorney McDaniel is the founder of Teenagers in Charge, and she has dedicated herself to creating the next generation of young leaders who are dedicated young people and engaged members of their communities. Now, therefore, resolved by the Council of the City of Philadelphia that we celebrate the 10th anniversary of Teenagers in Charge and honor Judith Demorney McDaniel for her commitment to youth and passion for community service. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Judith Demorney McDaniel as evidence of the Stated - 5/26/05 sincere sentiments of this legislative body. Signed by our President, Anna C. Verna, introduced by Blondell Reynolds Brown, and sponsored by all members of the City of Philadelphia City Council. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes Mrs. McDaniel for remarks. MRS. McDANIEL: Hi. Good morning, everyone. First I want to say thank you to Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds-Brown and her colleague, Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell, because over the past ten years we have worked effortlessly in making things happen. And this resolution actually gives me motivation to continue the work that is needed with our teens so that they can stay out of trouble. And the next ten years is going to be dedicated to my daughter, who will be 13, and she will be a part of the organization. So, thank you so very much for taking the time and doing this. And it's Stated - 5/26/05 very much appreciated. (Applause.)
The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Tasco who will present a resolution declaring May 28th through May 30th as Cherokee Heritage Weekend. Will Chief Buffy Redfeather and those accompanying her please join the Councilwoman at the podium. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Madam President. It's a pleasure this morning to present this resolution declaring May 28th to the 30th, 2005 Cherokee Heritage Weekend in celebration of the 12th annual Cherokee Indian Festival. And I believe we've been giving this resolution for 12 years. CHIEF REDFEATHER: 12 years. Stated - 5/26/05
Whereas, predating the arrival of the European explorers of almost 500 years, the Cherokee Indians occupied much of the Southern Appalachian Mountain area, to the eastern seaboard of what is now the United States, and provided the new settlers with new techniques of working and living on the land. And whereas, the Cherokee Nation today consists of three major groups: The Eastern Band, the Western Band, and the Southeastern Cherokee Confederacy, representing the largest Native American group in the United States. And whereas, the Southeastern Cherokee Confederacy of Pennsylvania, which was designated as an official Cherokee Group in July 1988, with Buffy Redfeather Brown's appointment as Chief and Hamilton Hawk Brown as Vice Chief by the tribal chief at Okalocknie, Georgia, now counts 18,375 Native Americans within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. And whereas, the Southeastern Stated - 5/26/05 Cherokee Confederacy of Pennsylvania has flourished since its formation. The Tribal Council has been successful in preserving the Cherokee language, whose written alphabet was invented in 1821 by Sequoia, making the first Native American newspaper, the Phoenix, possible in 1828. And whereas, the Southeastern Cherokee Confederacy also offers the culture of the Cherokee Nation to students and public and private schools and universities throughout the Commonwealth with exhibits of dance, arts, craft, music and Cherokee regalia and ideals. And whereas, the Southeastern Cherokee Confederacy of Pennsylvania preserves the tradition of great respect for learning and education, through a scholarship fund and the sponsorship of the Cherokee Festival, enabling the award of 14 scholarships to worthy and needy students. They're four-year scholarships. CHIEF REDFEATHER: Yes.
Whereas, the Stated - 5/26/05 Southeastern Cherokee Confederacy will host representatives from at least ten states at the Cherokee Festival over the Memorial Day weekend in its fund-raising activities. Now, therefore, resolved by the Council of the City of Philadelphia that we declare May 28th through the 30th, 2005, Cherokee Heritage Weekend, and salute the 12th annual Cherokee Indian Festival. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Chief Buffy Redfeather Brown for her zealous representation of the Cherokee people and her embodiment of the Indian way and spirit as an expression of the sincere sentiments 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 19th day of May, 2005. We congratulate you and thank you so much for your leadership. (Applause.)
The Chair Stated - 5/26/05 recognizes Chief Buffy Redfeather for remarks. CHIEF REDFEATHER: Oco. Oco is Cherokee for hello. Oco. AUDIENCE: Oco. CHIEF REDFEATHER: Oco. Thank you so much for this wonderful, wonderful honor. We are dedicated not just to our people but to the City of Philadelphia. And it's going to be -- It's very important that we have our festival every year. It's our way to raise funds for our Native American college scholarship. And today I'm here alone. I usually come with my Tribal Council, but all of my people are out at Temple University, Ambler Campus, preparing everything for this weekend. We have nations, tribes coming from all over the country. We have them from Tollequa, Oklahoma; Wichita, Kansas; Florida; North Carolina; Georgia. So, we had over 50 different nations who will be represented at Stated - 5/26/05 Temple Ambler Campus. So, we would appreciate it if you could come and enjoy the Native American food. We will have over 150 dancers in full regalia. So, it's going to a busy, busy weekend. But I do thank the President of City Council, Marian Tasco, and all of City Council for the way, the great way they always show their support for us. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you. Thank you very much. Council will be at ease. I'm sorry. Go ahead. Did you want to say something? CHIEF REDFEATHER: I just wanted to let you know, I just presented the President and also Mrs. Tasco with white sage. And what happens, when you burn it, the smoke comes up, the same smoke that you can see in various churches. So we have a habit of saying, the smoke, whether it's in a church or whether Stated - 5/26/05 it's at the Cherokee Festival, it's all holy smoke. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you. Thank you very much. Council will be at ease. (Pause.)
The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Tasco who will present citations to the winners of the Black History Month oratorical contest. Will Miss Dana King and the winners of the contest please join the Councilwoman at the podium.
Madam President, today we are honored to have in our presence three of the finalists of the School District of Philadelphia's African American History oratorical competition. During this competition, school winners representing the best entries from the lower, middle and upper grade levels were selected to compete in the City-wide finals Stated - 5/26/05 by delivering their orations before a diverse panel of judges. This annual event is coordinated by the efforts of Dana King, lead academic coach and supervisor of the School District's African American Studies Department. Mrs. King has put her and soul into organizing this program. This is Dana King. The finalists for the contest are, first place winners, lower level, Najah Jacobs of the Amy at J.M. Central East. The middle level, Michelle Roane, Amy Northwest. Upper level, Anthony Miller, Gant South. Second place winners, lower level, Latesha Johnson, McCloskey Elementary. Middle level, Brianna Wood Dobson. Upper level, Jean Garilias, Parkway Northwest. Third place winners, lower level, Joshua Lynch Reynolds. Middle level, Keona Ishay Al-Islam, Reynolds. Stated - 5/26/05 Upper level, Aida Pietro, Widener Northwest. Fourth place winners, lower level, Samantha Purnell, Hill Freeman, Jessica Whitacker, Henry Northwest. Middle level, Arthur Evans, Jasmine Gould, Salzberger West. Upper level, Sandal Jawill, Olney High School. We are going to now hear from three of the students in this order. The first student who will present her oration will be Michelle Roane, eighth grade, Amy Northwest; Latesha Johnson, fifth grade, McCloskey. And she is the niece of Eric White who works for me. And his sister and her mother Wanda White is present. Miss White. There she is right there (Indicating), very proud mother. And the third student is Samantha Purnell, sixth grade, Hill Freedman Middle School. So we'll begin with Michelle Roane who will present her oration.
(Singing) It's story, Stated - 5/26/05 story telling time. Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. My name is Michelle Roane. I am an eighth grade student attending the Amy Northwest Middle School, and it's story telling time. African Americans have always had a story to tell. We have told stories before slavery, during slavery, throughout the Holland Renaissance, and as we fought for our civil rights. And the story-telling continues to evolve today. It's story telling time. In remembrance of African American ancestors, Ramsey Lewis told a story through a slave song. The song, Wade in the Water, gave literal escape instructions as slaves caught out for liberty and freedom. It's story telling time. The slaves were instructed to run in... (Singing) Wade in the water... Wade in the water, children. Wade in the water. God's going to trouble the water. Did you know that Lift every voice and Sing was written by James Baldwin Stated - 5/26/05 Johnson, for a presentation in celebration for the birthday of Abraham Lincoln? His brother and songwriting partner, J. Rosenman Johnson, composed this story of liberty. We are proud to sing. (Singing) Lift every voice and sing, till there's an anthem ring. Ring with the harmonies of liberty. Many wrote stories during the 1900s. One such songstress and activist was a woman by the name of Billie Holliday. Some of you may know her for her beautiful songs and melodies, but she spoke loudly for liberty, and was dedicated and told stories about the injustice of African Americans. She wrote against the anti-lynching of African Americans and spoke out against injustice for people from all backgrounds. One song that hit the top charts was Strange Fruit. Strange Fruit tells a story of the horror many lynchings African American men, women and children endured. It's story-telling time. Stated - 5/26/05 (Singing.) Southern trees bear a strange fruit. Blood on the leaves and blood at the root. Black by day swinging in the summer breeze. In the 1950s and 1960s, African Americans continued to struggle to fight for civil rights. Many stories were written and told by everyday people and freedom fighters. We wanted the right to stay in hotels, eat in restaurants, go to schools, and even attend theaters and movies with other Americans. One song that was written and sang by freedom fighters was... (Singing) Ain't nobody going to turn me round, turn me round, turn me round. Ain't nobody going to turn me round. I'm going to keep on walking, Lord, keep on talking, Lord, marching to the freedom land. It's story telling time as we fought for our freedom. It's now 2005 and we continue to tell our stories. We won't give up reading Ebony, Jet, Essence, Emerge, Black Enterprise, Upscale Stated - 5/26/05 Magazine or Heart and Soul. We will continue telling our stories of Medgar, Malcolm, Mandella, Marley, Marcus, Muhammad Ali, Michael Jordan, and of the African American people who make us proud. It's story telling time. And I'm telling you today to... (Singing) Wake up everybody. No more sleeping in bed. No more backward thinking. Time for thinking ahead. Thank you. (Standing ovation.)
Outstanding. Great, Michelle. Look out, American Idol; here we come. Great talent, in terms of your oration, as well as your ability of singing is just outstanding. Michelle Roane from Amy Northwest. Give her another round of applause. (Applause.)
Now we'll hear from Latesha Johnson, fifth grade, McCloskey School. (Applause.)
Good morning, Council Stated - 5/26/05 members and fellow guests. My name is Latesha Johnson. I'm a fifth grade student at McCloskey Elementary School. The title of my oration is, From Emmett Till to James Byrd, Racial Violence in America. The roots of racial violence in America go way back in our history. It is well documented that black slaves were often victims at the hands of their white slave owners. When slavery was abolished, you might have thought that blacks would no longer have to suffer such cruelty. Unfortunately, that was not the case. Racial violence continues and is still going on today. Two of the most well-known incidents are the stories of Emmett Till and James Byrd. These men suffered greatly at the hand of prejudiced white men. The incident with Emmett Till occurred in 1955 which was a long time after slavery was abolished. Stated - 5/26/05 On August 24th of that year, Emmett joined a group of teenagers to go to a grocery store for refreshments after a long hot day of picking cotton. Emmett, who was from Chicago, was spending the summer with relatives in Mississippi. So, he probably was not used to the way African Americans were treated by whites in the south. It was claimed that Emmett was with a white woman who was working in the food market. Next came a horrifying chain of events. The woman's husband and his half-brother kidnapped Emmett from his uncle's home. They later confessed to brutally beating him, taking him to the edge of the Tallahassee River and shooting him in the head. Then they fastened a large metal fan to his neck with barbed wire and pushed him into the river. Despite the brutality of the crime and the overwhelming evidence against the two men, they were acquitted of murdering Emmett Stated - 5/26/05 Till. Who was on the jury? 12 white men. 12 white men. The James Byrd tragedy occurred in 1999. It happened in a small town in Texas. James Byrd was drunk and walking home from a bar. Two men, named Shawn Murray and John King, stopped their truck and offered him a ride home. However, instead of taking him home, they drove to a deserted road, they cut his throat, hooked him up to their truck with chains and dragged him for miles to a black church where his body remains were deposited. The two men -- The two men who committed this horrible crime were convicted of murder. What amazes me is that this incident of racial violence occurred only six years ago. Only six years ago. It didn't happen during the time of slavery or during the years when hate crimes against African Americans were occurring on a regular basis. Wouldn't you think racial violence should have been a thing of the past by 1999? Stated - 5/26/05 Well, it sure wasn't. And sadly enough, it's still not a thing of the past. Sometimes when I turn on the news, I hear stories that make me realize that there is still racial violence occurring today. There have been reports of African Americans being victims of police brutality. There has also been racial profiling where African Americans and other minorities are suspected of doing something illegal based on their skin color or the way they look. On the news I also hear about crosses being burned on the lawns of African Americans who have moved into a predominantly white neighborhood. Can we put an end to racial violence? Unfortunately, I do not believe we will ever live in a world with no racial violence. I do not think we will ever go back to the times when most blacks were victims of prejudice. I don't believe most of us will ever have to endure physical torture due to our skin color such as today's, when the Stated - 5/26/05 public ritual of lynching was so common that 4,472 of them were recorded between the years 1886 and 1960. But I do think there will always be some narrow-minded people who will decide to judge others by their skin color. And when these narrow-minded people get angry, there's a strong likelihood that racial violence will occur.
I would like to end my speech with a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. If we don't know our past, how can we enjoy our future? It is important to remember how far we have come in decrease of racial violence. And we must never give up the hope and desire to reduce it even more. Thank you very much. )
Thank you so much, Latesha. Wonderful presentation. I want you to know she lives up there in the 50th Ward, right up the street from me. And she's the niece of Eric White. Next is our last presenter, Samantha Stated - 5/26/05 Purnell, sixth grade, Hill Freedman Middle School. Welcome, Samantha Purnell. (Applause.)
Hello. My name is Samantha Purnell. And the speech I am doing is how do we end violence among African American youth. Before we can end violence among African American youth, we must know how bad the problem really is. So, put it in words that everyone can understand. It's plain to see that African American youth are at war with themselves. The war they face to survive every day is not in Iraq but right here on the streets of America. Yes, America, the land of the free or for African American youth, the land of no tomorrow. They are dying and being injured by the thousands. And their families are left to deal with the pain of their being gone. In Philadelphia, every time you turn on the T.V. you hear about another African American Stated - 5/26/05 youth being shot and killed. Some are shot because of retaliation and others were just trying to go to school and were innocent victims of random violence. Since 1988 the main cause of death for teenage males was by a gun. If they are killed by a gun, they may wind up in prison for using a gun. If we don't do something soon to stop the violence, there could be more people in prison than in college. So, what can we do to end the violence among African American youth? We can start by getting everyone involved who is concerned about young African Americans. We have to get the schools, teachers, police, churches, religious leaders and community groups to come together to form a stop-the-violence-and-start-to-live movement. The first thing they would need to do is to teach African American youth that violence can be prevented. They need to show them there are other ways to deal with Stated - 5/26/05 problems they might have with each other. The schools could have a stop-the-violence-and-start-to-live assembly where students could put on plays that show how you should deal with violence. Other students could sing or rap about how violence needs to end, so we could all live to see our dreams come true. There could also be a display of art at the assembly that shows how students feel about violence. A policeman could also come to the assembly to talk to the children about the dangers of carrying a gun and tell them about other ways to solve their problems. The preachers at church could talk to their members about finding peaceful ways to deal with problems. The most important thing we need is activities for the youth to do after school so they don't get into any trouble. We have to get more recreation centers, more boys' and girls' clubs and especially free music programs. Stated - 5/26/05 When children are doing things they really love, they spend less time getting into things that could lead to violence. Community groups could help by getting the government to give us money to have more activities for the African American youth. Instead of spending a whole bunch of money building more prisons, they could use some of that money to help the youth have peaceful activities to do. It's sad to think that more African American youth are picking out their caskets instead of picking out a college they want to go to. I heard this on the television show. And they said a lot of African American youth had already accepted that they could die young because of the violence in their communities. The government really needs to step in and do something because African American youth are dying every day, just like our troops in Iraq. But at least they are considered heroes. What are young African Stated - 5/26/05 American children considered? Victims of violence. And no one seems to care. I myself worry about travelling to school on a public bus. Will someone accidentally shoot me when they are trying to shoot somebody else? I see it on T.V. And this happens to other children all the time. Whatever we decide to do, to end violence among African American youth, we need to do it soon. So, take the time to give so that we can stop the violence and start to live. Thank you. (Standing ovation.)
A most appropriate message, because we in City Council are trying to stop the violence through our legislation on guns. Thank you all so much. Dana King, the advisor, would like to say a couple of words. We thank you so much for coming. And congratulations to you. I will remind you that all Sherell Parker was the winner in 1990 who came to this City Council and made her presentation. Stated - 5/26/05 And that's how she ended up in my office.
Thank you, Madam President and City Council. Just briefly wanted to show you that, first of all, that particular competition is 25 years old. It's probably the district's largest competition in which our children receive scholarship money. We have over 300 participants all over the district and from a variety of races but not all African American children. Quite a few of our children that participate are from other backgrounds. Of course, you could see that those orations were especially selected for this particular audience. I wanted to say that this year for the first time I wanted to try and build a relationship between the students of Philadelphia and maybe some young people who are actually activists in communities or who are actually involved in politics. So, this year we presented the David Stated - 5/26/05 P. Richardson Future Leadership Award, and that award did go to Sherell Parker who was a former oratorical winner. I'd like to thank you again. And if I may, Madam President, I want to leave the program here for our members of City Council so they can see what we're doing in the district. Thank you very much.
The next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant-at-Arms deliver the messages 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 pleased to advise you that on May 26, 2005, I signed all the bills that Stated - 5/26/05 were passed by Council at its session on May 12, 2005. And I am transmitting herewith for the introduction and consideration of your honorable body six resolutions reappointing current members to the Board of Directors of the Center City District of Philadelphia, and five resolutions appointing new members to the Board of Directors of the Center City District of Philadelphia; 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 for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Mantua Urban Renewal Area; and an ordinance authorizing the Streets Commissioner on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to enter into an agreement with the BFI Waste Systems of North America; and an ordinance authorizing the Streets Commissioner on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to enter into an agreement with Stated - 5/26/05 Trans River Marketing Company; and an ordinance authorizing the Streets Commissioner on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to enter into an agreement with Waste Management Inc.; and an ordinance authorizing the Streets Commissioner on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to enter into an agreement with Republic Services of Pennsylvania; and an ordinance amending Chapter 19-3200 entitled, Keystone Opportunity Zone, by renaming said Chapter, Keystone Opportunity Zone and Economic Development District; and an ordinance constituting the fifth supplemental ordinance to the amended and restated general airport and revenue bond ordinance in a maximum aggregate principal amount not to exceed $125 million; and an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to enter into a sublease or lease agreement under which the City will sublease a certain portion of the building commonly known as One Parkway Building located at 1515 Arch Street; and an Stated - 5/26/05 ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Rittenhouse Street, 17th Street, Manning Street and 18th Street; and an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development a deed located in the vicinity of 3061 Island Avenue; and an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to extend the term of the sublease agreement with the Philadelphia Municipal Authority located on the second and third floors of 111 South 15th Street; and an ordinance authorizing the paving of Uber Street under certain terms and conditions; and an ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan Number 120; and an ordinance authorizing the Water Commissioner on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to enter into an agreement with the owners of the properties Stated - 5/26/05 and their successors at 1500 South Front Street for drainage, sewer and water main purposes; and an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to enter into an agreement to sublease from the Philadelphia Municipal Authority portions of a building located at One South Penn Square; and an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property and the Executive Director of the Fairmount Park Commission on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to enter into an agreement to lease to Friends of Father Judge High School ground located Roland and Solly Avenues; and an ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan Number 307, under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you. The messages will be printed in the Journal. I would ask the Chief Clerk to please read any other communications in her possession. Stated - 5/26/05
Thank you. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for a motion.
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. UNIDENTIFIED COUNCIL PERSON: Second.
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. (Chorus of "ayes.")
The ayes have it, and the motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenny.
Thank you, Madam President. In an effort to maximize our City's revenues in a tight fiscal time, I offer one bill.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Title 17 of The Philadelphia Code entitled contracts and procurement, by providing that if any existing or new City contract grants the City the right to use or control the use of the suite box or other portion of the sports stadium, ballpark arena or other sports facility, such City suite must leased by the City to the highest responsible bidder, all under certain terms and Stated - 5/26/05 conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Today I introduce 11 bills, three on your behalf, seven administration bills, one on my own behalf, as well as one resolution on my behalf.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first 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 Rittenhouse Street, 17th Street, Manning Street and 18th Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate Stated - 5/26/05 committee.
And an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development a deed located on city-owned land located in the City of 3061 Island Avenue.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Chapter 19-3200 entitled, Keystone Opportunity Zone by renaming said chapter Keystone Opportunity and Economic Development District.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to extend the term of the sublease agreement with the Philadelphia Municipal Authority for space that the City Stated - 5/26/05 of Philadelphia subleases from Philadelphia Municipal Authority, located on the second and third floors of 111 South 15th Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of the Department of Streets on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into an agreement with the Republic Services of Pennsylvania.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of the Department of Streets on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to enter into an agreement with the Waste Management Systems of Pennsylvania.
Bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Department of Stated - 5/26/05 Streets on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to enter into an agreement with the Trans River Marketing Company.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of the Department of Streets, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into an agreement with the BFI Waste Systems of North America.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing the creation of a loan or loans to provide funds for and toward various capital municipal purposes, authorizing the Mayor, City Controller, and City Solicitor or a majority of the them, to sell bonds at public or private negotiated sale.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. Stated - 5/26/05
And an ordinance constituting the fifth supplemental ordinance to the amended and restated general airport revenue bond ordinance authorizing the Mayor, the City Controller, and the City Solicitor or a majority of them, to issue airport revenue bonds to the City of Philadelphia in a maximum aggregate principal amount not to exceed $125 million.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing revision of lines and grades on City Plan Number 44, by striking from the City Plan and vacating Race Street from 33rd Street to 34th Street.
This bill will also be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the Stated - 5/26/05 redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Mantua Urban Renewal Area.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution.
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will please indicate by saying aye. (Chorus of "ayes.")
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen.
Thank you, Madam President. Stated - 5/26/05 I have no bills or resolutions.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to purchase from the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development all of its rights, titles and interest any parcel of real estate known as part of Kensington and Tacony Industrial Tract.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Stated - 5/26/05 Property and the Director of the Fairmount Commission on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to enter into an agreement to lease to the Friends of Father Judge High School for further subleasing to the Archdiocese of Philadelphia approximately 3.98 acres of ground located east of the intersection of Roland and Solly Avenues.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority deeds located in the 7th, 19th and 23rd wards of the City of Philadelphia. Stated - 5/26/05
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Chorus of "ayes.")
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Madam President, I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller. Stated - 5/26/05
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Chorus of "ayes.")
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Chorus of "ayes.")
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Stated - 5/26/05 The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the second resolution.
A resolution authorizing Council's Committee on Law and Government to conduct hearings to explore the benefits of creating a computerized database containing information on companies doing business with the city.
I'm sorry. Do you mind reading that title again.
A resolution authorizing Council's Committee on Law and Government to conduct hearings to explore the benefits of creating a computerized database containing information on companies doing business with the city.
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted, and it will be referred to the Stated - 5/26/05 Committee on Law and Government and Public Safety? Is it also Public Safety or just Law and Government?
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Madam Stated - 5/26/05 President. I have no bills or resolutions.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ramos.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution recognizing and honoring the week of June 4th through June 12th as Philippine Independence Week.
Madam President, I move for the adoption of the resolution. UNIDENTIFIED COUNCIL PERSON: Second.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. Stated - 5/26/05 All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Chorus of "ayes.")
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. I offer 3 bills and 12 resolutions. 11 of the resolutions are being introduced on behalf of Councilman Clarke, me, and yourself, Madam President.
I would ask the Chief Clerk, if she would, to read all of the Center City District bills so that we wouldn't have to consider them individually, please.
A resolution reappointing Ronald Rubin to the Board of Directors of the Center City District of Stated - 5/26/05 Philadelphia. And a resolution reappointing Larry Harra to the Board of Directors of the Center City District of Philadelphia. And a resolution reappointing Randall Scott to the Board of Directors of the Center City District of Philadelphia. And a resolution reappointing Evelyn Smalls to the Board of Directors of the Center City District of Philadelphia. And a resolution appointing Christopher Terlizzi to the Board of Directors of the Center City District of Philadelphia. And a resolution appointing Edward D'Alba to the Board of Directors of the Center City District of Philadelphia. And a resolution appointing Wayne Fisher to the Board of Directors of the Center City District of Philadelphia. And a resolution appointing Terry D'Alessandro to the Board of Directors of the Center City District of Philadelphia. And a resolution reappointing Ernest Stated - 5/26/05 Jones to the Board of Directors of the Center City District of Philadelphia. And a resolution reappointing Valerie Ferguson to the Board of Directors of the Center City District of Philadelphia. And a resolution appointing John Gattuso to the Board of Directors of the Center City District of Philadelphia.
Thank you. The resolutions will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing the Water Commissioner on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to enter into an agreement with the owners of the properties and their successors at 1500 South Front Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Chapter 9-200 of The Philadelphia Code entitled commercial activity on streets, by amending Section 9-204 entitled, sidewalk Stated - 5/26/05 vendors in Center City.
The bill will 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 Allegheny Avenue, Collins Street, Westmoreland Street and Tulip Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. And we have one resolution.
And a resolution also naming the 300 block of South Juniper Street as Eltons Way in honor of singer Sir Elton John, for his humanitarian efforts and his dedication to battling H.I.V., A.I.D.S.
The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the Stated - 5/26/05 resolution.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Chorus of "ayes.")
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Madam President, I offer one resolution co-sponsored by all Council members.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution authorizing City Council's Committee on Labor and Civil Service and the Committee on Public Stated - 5/26/05 Safety to hold public hearings to make inquiries, investigations relating to the reemployment rights of city employees who return from active duty in the National Guard and Reserve components of the Armed forces of the United States.
It has been moved and seconded. All in favor will say aye. (Chorus of "ayes.")
The ayes have it. The resolution will be referred to the Committee on Law and Government and Public Safety. The Chair recognizes Councilman Stated - 5/26/05 Clarke.
Thank you, Madam President. I have seven bills and one resolution.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to enter into an agreement to sublease from the Philadelphia Municipal Authority portions of a building located at One South Penn Square.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing and directing the Revision of Lines and Grades on a portion of City Plan Number 307 by relocating the westerly curb line of house line 15th Street between Arch and Cherry Street. Stated - 5/26/05
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to enter into a sublease or lease agreement under which the City will sublease or lease to CBS Broadcasting a certain portion of the building commonly known as One Parkway Building.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades in a portion of City Plan Number 120, and striking from the City Plan and vacating Harlan Street, Steward Street, Nassau Street, each from 21st Street to 22nd Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. Stated - 5/26/05
And an ordinance authorizing the paving of Uber Street, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development to purchase a certain tract of land located at 2620, 2638 West Girard Avenue.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to accept from the School District of Philadelphia conveyance of title to a parcel of land located 843 to 47 North 12th Street.
This bill will also be referred to the appropriate committee. Stated - 5/26/05
And a resolution also naming Cumberland Street between 10th and 11th Street Eleanor Dawkins Way.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Chorus of "ayes.")
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kelly.