COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 401, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, December 13, 2001 10:25 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILMAN DAVID COHEN COUNCILMAN FRANK J. DI CICCO COUNCILMAN WILSON W. GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN JAMES F. KENNEY COUNCILWOMAN JOAN L. KRAJEWSKI COUNCILMAN W. THACHER LONGSTRETH COUNCILMAN RICHARD T. MARIANO COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER COUNCILMAN MICHAEL A. NUTTER COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILMAN ANGEL L. ORTIZ COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO PATRICIA RAFFERTY, CHIEF CLERK VINCENT VARALLO ASSOCIATES, INC. Registered Professional Reporters Eleven Penn Center 1835 Market Street, Suite 600 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103 INVOCATION
Good morning. I note that the hour has come and that quorum of this Council is present. The Council will come to order. Members will take there seats, and visitors will retire to the seats outside the rails. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair welcomes the Reverend Henry Floyd Johnson, Pastor of Mount Tabor Baptist Church. He is here today as the guest of Councilwoman Tasco. All members and guests will please rise.
Let us pray. Our Father, we approach thy throne this morning as dear children. You told us that you are father and that you knew how to give good gifts if we ask for them, so we ask all good things from you. Grant us wisdom and grant us knowledge and grant us peace. Grant us the conviction of our hearts and our minds to do the right thing at all times. We come to you because we know no other source of power to look to except thee and thee alone that would help us through every situation. We pray for peace and for wisdom in this country and all over the world and know that you are able to grant it. Pray for those who are less fortunate than we are when we have plenty food and APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL plenty clothing. If you will lead us, we will always be thankful and we will return to you to give thanksgiving for your mighty hand of guidance. Through our Lord who died to save us. Amen.
The Chair thanks Reverend Johnson for his inspiring invocation. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
The next order of business is the approval of the journal of the meeting of Thursday, December 6, 2000. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Journal of the Meeting of Thursday, December 6, 2001 stand approved.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the Meeting of Thursday, December 6, 2001, stand approved. LEAVES OF ABSENCE All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, December 6, 2001 stands approved. The next order of business is requests for leaves of absence. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. There are know requests for leaves of absence today on the part of the majority.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair now recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Madam President, on behalf of the Republicans, there are no requests for leave of absence.
Thank you. The Chair will dispense with the regular order of business to recognize the guests and visitors LEAVES OF ABSENCE 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. It gives me great pleasure to present a group of 60 students from John Bartram High School. These young people are studying law and they are accompanied by there teacher Dr. MaryJo Lackey. I would ask that Dr. Lackey and the students please rise so we can recognize them. (Applause.)
We welcome you. At this time the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco who will make a presentation honoring Lincoln University and Dr. Ivory Nelson. Will Dr. Nelson and those accompanying him please join the Councilwoman at the podium.
Madam President, Members of Council and guests, this morning we have the distinct honor and privilege of recognizing one of our areas regional treasures. I am referring LEAVES OF ABSENCE none other than Lincoln University and its president, Dr. Ivory Nelson. For the record, we should note that Lincoln University is the alma mater of the late Chief Justice Thurgood Marshall, Port Langston, Philadelphia's own Sheriff John Green, Judges Jackie Allen, Gregory Smith and Laban Gordon, and the list goes on. So this morning I am pleased to have Dr. Nelson and members of the Lincoln University family in our presence. And I will read the resolution honoring Lincoln University and its president, Dr. Ivory Nelson. Whereas, Lincoln University was founded in 1854 in Chester County, and since that year the university has continued to grow in size, reputation, academic offerings and tradition. It was America's first historically black university and today it ranks second among all colleges and university in this entire country and graduating African-Americans with baccalaureate degrees in the physical sciences; and Whereas, this national distinction, especially commendable since the university's enrollment is only 1,850 students, represents Lincoln's commitment to excellence in teaching, LEAVES OF ABSENCE scholarly activity and learning. The university has displayed determination to teach honesty, to preserve and expand knowledge, and to remain an intellectual and cultural resource for the region. Thus, it has come to be counted among our regional treasures and is held in highest esteem throughout the economic community; and Whereas, in August 1999, Lincoln gained additional luster with the appointment of Dr. Ivory V. Nelson as its president. A trained chemist, Dr. Nelson is among the world's top scientists. His career includes a lectureship at the presidency of Central Washington University. While remaining true to the university's mission, Dr. Nelson has taken dramatic steps to move the university forward and community outreach and economic achievement. In addition, Dr. Nelson has also successfully lobbied for and obtained a $29.4 million state appropriation for Lincoln University; and Whereas, Lincoln University has especially distinguished itself in the physical and computer sciences ranking in the very top of colleges and universities throughout the nation and graduating minorities with baccalaureate degrees in PRESENTATIONS computer and information sciences, as well biological and life sciences. We note with great pride that Lincoln is the only university in Pennsylvania and one of only 20 universities nationwide where 40 percent of its physics graduates are women. Now therefore, resolved by the Council of the City of Philadelphia that we do hereby honor the Lincoln University family and commend as president Dr. Ivory V. Nelson. Together they have made this Commonwealth, our country, an individuals all walks of life stronger, smarter, and more humanitarian, and we are grateful for there contributions. Further resolved that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Dr. Ivory Nelson as evidence of the deep respect and sincere admiration of this legislative body. Certification that is a true and copy of the original resolution adopted by the Council of the City of Philadelphia on the 15th day of November, 2001. It is signed by President Verna, introduced by Marian Tasco and supported by all PRESENTATIONS Members of City Council. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
Madam President, Honorable Councilpersons, Councilwoman Tasco, and especially a member of Councilwoman Tasco's staff, Ms. Sherelle Parker, a distinguished Lincoln alumnus, I want to personally thank you for taking the time and a moment of your very precious time and your very busy day to honor Lincoln University. It is really a tribute and an honor to be president of an institution that was founded in 1854 to provide for quality education to African-Americans. Although we are 50 miles away, I think you would be quite surprised that 600 of our 1400 undergraduate students are Philadelphians. We are indeed and truly a part of Philadelphia. As a representative of the university, I get to stand here and receive the limelight and the public honors. But I want to tell you, ladies and gentlemen, that success that has occurred at this PRESENTATIONS university is because of a lot of hard work by its fine faculty, a lot of hard work by its alumni, a lot of hard work by supporters of this university. So I get to share the limelight, but they are a lot of folks around who have made this university a success. We are indeed a part of this state. You need to know that we are a part of this state. You need to know that we have touched significant lives in this state. You need to know that many of our alumni reside in this state. And so when you hear the Governor talk about technology and you want to find African-Americans with technology, you look to Lincoln University. And you need to know that. We are here, we are an indigenous part of this great state, and we need your support. We need your support. So on behalf of the faculty, the staff, the board of trustees, and our 1800 plus students and our 13,000 alumni who have graduated from this great university in this past 147 years, I want to thank the Council and especially you, Councilwoman Tasco, for this resolution recognizing and singling out the success that this university has had. And PRESENTATIONS we will be looking to you as we move forward to continue what we have done in the past because we are indeed needy, to promote, to assist, and to provide quality education for our young African-American students and all other students who choose to attend Lincoln University. So I want to thank you this morning and God bless. (Applause.)
I have with me this morning Mr. Michael Hill, Vice President for Development and External Affairs; Dr. Julia Thomas, our Dean of Social Science, Dr. Gladys Willis, our Dean of Humanities, Mr. Ray Bond, who is President of our Philadelphia alumni chapter, and Mr. Sam Presley who is Director of our Marketing and Communications. (Applause.)
Thank you. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
At this time the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski who will present a resolution honoring the crew of the USS Cole. Will Lieutenant Lex Walker and those accompanying him please join the Councilwoman at the PRESENTATIONS podium.
Is this beautiful or is this beautiful? (Applause.)
This indeed is a privilege to stand here to honor a crew of gentlemen and ladies. Believe me, I'm very, very proud. A resolution honoring and commending the officers and crew of the USS Cole for their heroic acts of bravery and remembering those who gave their lives in the service of our country on board the USS Cole on October 12, 2000.
Whereas, the USS Cole was certified and deployed from Norfolk, Virginia on August 8, 2000; and Whereas, the ship was sent to conduct operations in the Mediterranean Sea which lasted until October 2000 and then was ordered to travel to Suez Canal in order to conduct maritime operations in the north on the Arabian Gulf in support of the enforcement of the United Nations Security Council Resolution; and
Whereas, on PRESENTATIONS October 12, 2000, the USS Cole while making a brief refueling stop in the Port Yemen was rammed by a boat filled with explosives, a deed perpetrated by nameless, faceless cowards; and Whereas, due to this gutless and spineless act of terrorism, 17 crew members lost their lives and an additional 39 seaman were severely injured; and
Whereas, in the face of this enormous tragedy, the officers and crew of the USS Cole continually manned the ship, doing a significant job in stabilizing the conditions on board, moving the injured to safety, saving the ship from sinking in the ensuing aftermath, and finally making preparations for returning the ship to the continental United States for repair; and whereas
Since that faithful October day, the officers and members of the Cole have received numerous awards, including 54 purple hearts and over 100 other decorations for their heroic acts on; and Whereas, on September 14, 2001, in a symbolic message to the rest of the world about this nation's resolve, the USS Cole was relaunched to PRESENTATIONS defend our country against the terrorism that it tried to sink the ship less than one year before. Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Council of the City of Philadelphia that we hereby honor and commend the officers and crew of the USS Cole for their heroic acts of bravery and also remember those who gave their lives in the service of our country on board the USS Cole on October 12, 2000. Resolved further that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the crew of the USS Cole as further evidence of the sincere admiration of this legislative body. This is a true and correct copy. Signed by the President of City Council and adopted Council of City of Philadelphia on the 29th of November 2001. Signed by the President of City Council, Anna C. Verna, and sponsored by all members of City Council. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes Lieutenant Walker for remarks. LIEUTENANT WALKER: Thank you. Over 14 months, our nation was called to task and rallied PRESENTATIONS greatly around the crew of the Cole. We had an unfortunate situation and everyone showed their strength, the unity of this nation, and the pride behind us and our resolve. Standing with me today are but a small cross-section of our crew, some of which were there on that 12th day of October, 2000. This past September, the nation was again called to task and again responded with great courage, morals, support, and strength. We showed our resolve and we will return Cole to sea just like our nation will return to its prominence throughout the world. We thank you very much for your hospitality, Philadelphia, for gratuitousness and, again, thank you for having us here. (Applause.)
Thank you very much. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney who will make our next presentation, a resolution honoring the United States Postal Service. Will Leonard Thomas, our City Hall postal carrier and those accompanying him please join the Councilman at the podium. PRESENTATIONS (Applause.)
Thank you, Madam President. It is right and proper that since 9/11 we are honoring members of the military, our armed services, public safety workers, police officers and fire fighters who we have often taken for granted every day until 9/11 and witnessed firsthand their valor and integrity and courage. There's also another group of workers that often are unrecognized, taken for granted, and sometimes maligned unfairly, and these are the people who are standing behind us. Since 9/11 there's been a terrible situation on continued terrorism through our mail system. And despite those terroristic acts and the loss of life and the fear that they must encounter every day, they push on valiantly and bravely. So in our neighborhoods when we see that blue uniform, we should remember their work everyday through rain, snow, sleet, dark of night, and anthrax they come through. This is a resolution honoring the US Postal Service and its mail carriers and inspectors both locally and nationally for their service to our region and country. PRESENTATIONS Whereas, the United States Postal Service as 12,000 full-time employees and another 2,000 part-time employees in the City of Philadelphia, thus serving as a critical engine for our region's economy providing essential middle class jobs for our residents; and Whereas, in the last two months, the postal service and the rest of the country has been struggling to adjust to the national anthrax outbreak tragedy which has resulted in numerous injuries and several fatalities so far, including two postal workers.
Whereas, this anthrax outbreak has caused a decrease in the amount of mail being sent by Americans and has disrupted the postal service in many ways, including 320 postal facilities that have been evacuated for varying amounts of time largely because of 7,000 hoaxes, threats, and suspicious mailings; and Whereas, thus far, the regional processing and distribution facility at 30th and Market Streets has experienced no major disruption, and has, in fact, seen an increased in activity because of mail being rerouted from the Belmawr, New PRESENTATIONS Jersey, processing facility where several anthrax outbreaks have been traced to; and
Whereas, the postal workers nationally and especially in our region have performed their duties admirably in the face of much public fear and very real concern for their own personal health implementing tighter security measures and more inspections without an increase in absence or a disruption in service because all of our country's postal employees are committed to making sure that the nation's mail is delivered on time. Now, therefore, it be
Resolved by the Council of the City of Philadelphia that the Council honor the US Postal Service and its mail carriers and inspectors both locally and nationally for their service to our region and our country. And we truly from our bottom of our hearts thank you for your work. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
On behalf of the PRESENTATIONS Philadelphia Postal Service and all its employees, I'd like to thank you for our recognition. It is appreciated. I do have to say the last few months has been very stressful, especially for my letter carriers. I'd also like to ask that if you see your carrier in the next two weeks, please wish him a happy holiday. And thank you again. (Applause.)
Good morning. I'm John Sinin (ph), the assistant postal inspector in charge here in Philadelphia. And thank you, Councilman Kenney and the rest of the Councilmembers for honoring heros in uniform this morning. And I want to take this opportunity to thank the City of Philadelphia. Your hazmat crews and your city police did a commendable, outstanding job through this whole effort. Postal inspectors over the past few months have responded to over 2,000 calls from concerned citizens in the City of Philadelphia about suspected anthrax mailings. None of those mailings contained anthrax, but there were 54 hoax mailings. It caused a lot of panic. A Home Depot was closed down for four days. 19 post offices were evacuated and 50 Planned Parenthood clinics here in PRESENTATIONS Philadelphia received suspect anthrax mailings. But thanks to the dedicated tips, leads, and work from these men and women in uniform, the postal carriers, the clerks and supervisors, we were able to working with the FBI and the police from the City of Philadelphia arrest those five individuals responsible. And thank you, Councilman Kenney. Again, I would like to again give a hand of applause to these men and women who help restore calm to the City of Philadelphia. (Applause.)
Next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant-at-Arms deliver the messages from the Mayor to the Clerk. The Clerk will please read the messages from the Mayor.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read any other communications PRESENTATIONS in her possession.
Thank you. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for a motion.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit immediate consideration of resolutions at their time of introduction. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and presently seconded that immediate consideration of resolutions at the time of introduction be made. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Madam PRESENTATIONS President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. This morning I introduce one resolution sponsored by myself and Donna Miller dealing with dogs, and another Action Voting Rights Act sponsored by Councilman Clarke, Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds-Brown, and Councilman Rick Mariano as well as myself.
The Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
Excuse me, Madam President. Both were signed by all Members of Council.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the first resolution.
A resolution authorizing a joint hearing before the Committee on Public Safety and the Committee on License of Inspection regarding the City's enforcement procedures and practices with respect to the registration of dogs and the City's leash law and the coordination of efforts from the Health Department and the Department of License and PRESENTATIONS Inspections.
Madam President, I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. And the resolution has been adopted. The Clerk will please read the title of the second resolution.
A resolution urging United States Senators Arlen Specter and Rick Santorum to support Senate Bill No. 565 and House Bill No. 1170 entitled, "The Equal Protection of Voting Rights Act of 2001," sponsored by US Representative John Connors of Michigan and US Senator Christopher Dodd of Connecticut. PRESENTATIONS THE COURT: The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The resolution has been adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen.
The Chair thanks the Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
Thank you. PRESENTATIONS The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Madam President, I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution declaring December 14, 2001, as Read for 2002 United We Read Day in 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 signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter.
The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution calling upon Mayor John F. Street to publicly release to the citizens, taxpayers, and parents of the City his long-term educational and financial reform plan for improving the quality performance and fiscal management of the public school system and to share with the public his expectations and reasons for entering into a memorandum of understanding with both Governor Ridge and Governor Schweiker which authorized a state takeover of the public school system.
Madam President, I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The resolution has been adopted. 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 President. I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer one privileged resolution co-sponsored by all Members of City Council. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution honoring Police Commissioner John Timoney for his leadership and dedication to the City of Philadelphia.
Move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the motion carries. Councilman Ortiz, your light is on. Did you want to be recognized?
Thank you. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
The Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance authorizing Highway Tabernacle Church, owner of the property located 1801 Spring Garden Street to construct, use, and maintain encroachments on and over the north footway of Spring Garden Street between 18th and 19th Streets.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Longstreth.
The Chair INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution honoring the City Employees Combined Campaign Choir.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
I move for the adoption of this resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The resolution has been adopted. The next order of business is reports from committees. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for a report from the Finance INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS Committee.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Finance reports out one bill with a favorable recommendation.
To the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia. The Committee on Finance to which was referred Bill No. 010694 entitled, an ordinance authorizing and approving the execution and delivery of the service agreement between the City of Philadelphia and the Redevelopment Authority relating to comprehensive neighborhood transformation program for revitalization, renewal, redevelopment, and transformation of blighted areas within the City of Philadelphia, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading today of Bill No. 010694. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly that the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 010694. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and Bill No. 010694 will be placed on today's First Reading Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney for a report from the Committee on Public Property and Public Works.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Public Property and Public Works reports four bills out with favorable recommendations.
The Committee on Public Property and Public Works to which was referred Bill No. 010543 entitled, an ordinance amending Chapter INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS 16-400 of the Philadelphia Code entitled, "Vacate and Surplus Properties," by adding a subsection to the Philadelphia Association of Community Development Corporations. And Bill No. 010633 -
Madam President, I move the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bills No. 010543, 010633, 010696 and 010712. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill Nos. 010543, 010633, 010696 and 010712. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the bills just read will be placed on today's INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS First Reading Calendar.
The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco for a report from the Committee on Streets and Services.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Streets and Services reports 13 bills our -
I'm sorry, Councilman. We failed to read other bills from the committee.
The Committee on Public Property and Public Works to which was referred Bill No. 010633 entitled, an ordinance authorizing the Commission of Public Property on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to accept a quit claim deed from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania that is commonly known as the Pennsylvania Hall parcel. And Bill No. 010696, an ordinance authorizing Commissioner on Public Property and Director of Commerce on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to accept from the School District of Philadelphia all or any portion of a certain real estate in the vicinity of Red Lion Road and Roosevelt Boulevard. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS And Bill No. 010712 entitled, an ordinance authorizing the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development to purchase a certain tract of land situate 2114 to 60 North American Street, all under certain terms and conditions, respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
A motion was previously made regarding the bills just read by the clerk. They will be placed on today's First Reading Calendar. The Chair now recognizes Councilman DiCicco for a report from the Committee on Streets and Services.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Streets and Services reports out 13 bills with a favorable recommendation.
To the President and Members of Council of the City of Philadelphia. The Committee on Streets and Services to which was REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES referred Bill No. 010335 entitled, an ordinance revising parking regulations on Pine Street, south side, from 42nd Street to 43rd Street. And Bill No. 010341 entitled, an ordinance establishing a regulation on 7100 block of North Uber Street. And Bill No. 010496 entitled, an ordinance authorizing Richard Lay to construct, own, and maintain a private pole, electrical appurtenances, and area wire, all under certain terms and conditions. And Bill No. 010559 entitled, an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 58 by placing on the City Plan Marvin Street from Brown Street to Parrish Street. And Bill No. 010603 entitled, an ordinance granting permission Nick Manginni, owner of the newsstand located on the north footway of Oregon Avenue for purposes of supplying electrical and phone service to his newsstand. And Bill No. 010606 entitled, an ordinance establishing a no truck parking and tow away zone regulation on Vine Street from 54th Street REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES to 63rd Street, both sides. And Bill No. 010616 entitled, an ordinance authorizing Ben Franklin Foods to construct, use, and maintain two one-story building additions, all under certain terms and conditions. And Bill No. 010618 entitled, an ordinance establishing a no truck parking and tow away zone regulation on Haverford Avenue from 68th Street to Brockton Road, both sides. And Bill No. 010619 entitled, an ordinance amending Section 9-403 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Motor Buses," by adding a provision which prohibits the loading and unloading of passengers at the off street locations on City Avenue. And Bill No. 010620 entitled, an ordinance amending Section 10-722 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Use of Dumpsters," by adding a subsection providing for hours of collection on City Avenue from 47th Street to Belmont Avenue, east side. And Bill No. 010659 entitled, an ordinance amending Chapter 10-700 of the Philadelphia Code concerning refuse and littering by REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES adding a new section entitled residential eligibility for municipal collection. And Bill No. 010661 entitled, an ordinance authorizing National Railroad Passenger Corporation to construct, own, and maintain a pedestrian bridge and vertical transportation structure, all under certain terms and conditions. And Bill No. 010667 entitled, an ordinance authorizing the revision of City Plan No. 19S by relocating a certain right-of-way for drainage purposes, water main purposes and gas main purposes, under certain terms and conditions.
I move that the rules of suspended permitting first reading these 12 bills just read into the record.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit Bill Nos. 010335, 010341, 010496, 010559, 010603, 010606, REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES 010616, 010618, 010619, 010620, and 010661, also 010669. All in favor -- yes?
The one other bill that was introduced reported out is not being asked for first reading.
So Bill No. 010659 will be placed on the First Reading Calendar for our next Session of Council.
The bills read will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. The next order of business is consideration of the Calendar. The Clerk will REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES please read the bills on the First Reading Calendar.
Bill No. 010694, an ordinance authorizing and approving the execution and delivery of the service agreement between the City of Philadelphia and the Redevelopment Authority relating to comprehensive neighborhood transformation program for revitalization, renewal, redevelopment, and transformation of blighted areas within the City of Philadelphia.
Bill No. 010543, an ordinance amending Chapter 16-400 of the Philadelphia Code entitled, "Vacate and Surplus Properties," by amending Section 16-404, the Vacant Property Review Committee, by adding a subsection to the Philadelphia Association of Community Development Corporations.
And Bill No. 010633, an ordinance authorizing the Commission of Public Property on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to accept a quit claim deed from the Commonwealth of REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES Pennsylvania for a certain parcel of land that is part of the site of the former Philadelphia Civic Center and that is commonly known as the Pennsylvania Hall parcel.
And Bill No. 010696, an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner on Public Property and the Director of Commerce on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to accept from the School District of Philadelphia all or any portion of a certain real estate in the vicinity of Red Lion Road and Roosevelt Boulevard.
And Bill No. 010712, an ordinance authorizing the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development to purchase a certain tract of land situate 2114 to 60 North American Street, all under certain terms and conditions.
And Bill No. 010335, an ordinance revising parking regulations on Pine REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES Street, south side, from 42nd Street to 43rd Street.
And Bill No. 010341, an ordinance establishing a regulation on 7100 block of North Uber Street.
And Bill No. 010496, an ordinance authorizing Richard Lay to construct, own, and maintain a private pole, electrical appurtenances, and area wire for supplying electrical service to his vending truck, all under certain terms and conditions.
And Bill No. 010559, an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 58 by placing on the City Plan Marvin Street from Brown Street to Parrish Street.
And Bill No. 010603, an REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES ordinance granting permission to Nick Manginni, owner of the newsstand located on the north footway of Oregon Avenue, west of Swanson Street, to construct, use, and maintain overhead electrical telecommunication wires, all under certain terms and conditions.
And Bill No. 010606, an ordinance establishing a no truck parking and tow away zone regulation on Vine Street from 54th Street to 63rd Street, both sides.
And Bill No. 010616, an ordinance authorizing Ben Franklin Foods, tenant of the property 3801 Salmon Street, to construct, use, and maintain two one-story building additions, all under certain terms and conditions.
And Bill No. 010618, an ordinance establishing a no truck parking and tow away zone regulation on Haverford Avenue from 68th REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES Street to Brockton Road, both sides.
And Bill No. 010619, an ordinance amending Section 9-403 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Motor Buses," by adding a provision which prohibits the loading and unloading of passengers at the off street locations on City Avenue.
And Bill No. 010620, an ordinance amending Section 10-722 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Use of Dumpsters," by adding a new section providing for hours of collection on City Avenue from 47th Street to Belmont Avenue, east side.
And Bill No. 010661, an ordinance authorizing National Railroad Passenger Corporation to construct, own, and maintain a pedestrian bridge and vertical transportation structure on, over, and below the Arch Street public FIRST READING CALENDAR right-of-way adjacent to 30th Street Station, under certain terms and conditions.
And Bill No. 010667, an ordinance authorizing the revision of City Plan No. 19S by relocating a certain right-of-way for drainage purposes, water main purposes and gas main purposes, under certain terms and conditions.
The Chair agrees. The bills read by the Clerk will be placed on the second reading and final passage calendar for our next session. That concludes the First Reading Calendar. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for the purpose of calling up the bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar to be considered.
Thank you, Madam President. Today bill Nos. 010646, 010 -
We are on FIRST READING CALENDAR page -- I wanted to read those amended last.
Excuse me a moment. Councilman Mariano, are you going to move on Bill No. 657 or are you holding that?
I'll begin again. Today Bill Nos. 010646, 010647, 010648, 010649, 010662, 010663, 010664, and 010689 are being called up for second reading and final passage. Bill Nos. 010493, 010577 and 010690 are to be amended today. All other bills are being held.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 010493.
An ordinance amending Section 20-101 of the Philadelphia Code entitled, "Residence Requirements," by providing that an employee in the civil service need not be a bona fide resident of the City when appointed, but must establish and maintain bona fide residence in the FIRST READING CALENDAR City within six months after appointment.
Thank you, Madam President. I'm offering an amendment to Bill No. 010493. That amendment has been circulated. The amendment was made as a friendly suggestion by Councilmember Clarke which I think improves the bill, and I urge the passage of the amendment.
Everyone has a copy of the amendment? (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the amendment be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the motion carries. The Clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 010646.
An ordinance amending chapter 20-500 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled FIRST READING CALENDAR "Councilmanic Districts," by revising the boundaries of the Councilmanic Districts, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally? The Clerk will please call the role -Oh, I'm sorry. Councilwoman Blackwell, you have your light on. I'm sorry, I didn't see it.
Thank you. This morning I would like to speak regarding Bill 010646, commonly known as the redistricting bill. As a member of the committee who recommended another bill, a third bill, I rise to request that we work harder in the future to make sure that every member feels included in the process. The two Councilpersons who introduced the second redistricting bill -- because all of us know there are three; we have three prepared maps -- were the last to be included in the process and so felt FIRST READING CALENDAR compelled to fight to represent their constituents and not just accept whatever 15 other members of Council recommended. Again, it is my hope in the future that we work harder to ensure that all members of this Council feel that they have equal representation and equal inclusion across the board. Having said that, I will be voting to support Bill No. 010646 this morning, the redistricting bill. Thank you, Madam President.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, I circulated an amendment to this bill and I want to speak on the amendment, if possible. I'll speak on the bill, too. Everyone in Council has the amendments.
Yes, it has, Madam FIRST READING CALENDAR President. And I would like to speak on the amendment.
Amended and seconded, thank you. The amendment to this redistricting bill is based on the compromise that was reached in your office, Madam President, and the charts and materials were circulated by your office on November 16th, and it includes the provisions given to Councilwoman Krajewski in the 6th Councilmanic Districts, divisions in the 56th Ward and divides the 23rd Ward by giving six divisions to the 1st District and six divisions to the to 5th District and the remainder in the 7th District. This amendment would create a 43.5 percent Latino district, which I thought was one of the numbers that we were going after. I have to agree with Councilwoman Blackwell on this. I personally have tried to worked this out and I was SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE CALENDAR on the phone from my sick bed yesterday. I seem to have caught the flu over the weekend. And never in the history of City Council has a District Councilperson ever have to give up anything he or she didn't want to give up in a compromise. I'm not willing to give up Frankford in the 23rd Ward, but I'm willing to compromise. I think this amendment would be perfect because it's not a win for me or a defeat for someone else or a win for someone or a defeat for me; it is in the true spirit of compromise that I'm offering this amendment.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco.
Thank you, Madam President. I wish to speak on the amendment as well. It's interesting listening to my colleague talk about compromise. From Day One when Council began the process of developing a redistricting plan, I basically sat back and waited and watched. I can't ever recall when I came into the room where the folks were drawing up the plan where I suggested, recommended, or asked for anything. I just sat back and watched the process SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE CALENDAR as it moved forward because I was basically was satisfied with what I originally had, what I represent today, and there weren't too many changes being requested of me at that time. As the process moved forward and the plan began to develop even further, there was an issue which we all understand regarding the 1st District and the 5th Councilmanic District. On the day that plan was introduced and subsequently supported by a vote of 15 to 2, including the sponsor of the amendment that's being offered today, there was some discussion as to the plan itself. The majority leader, Councilwoman Blackwell spoke very eloquently on the issue of coming together as a Council, we needed to work together, we had to work things out. And it really only boiled down, if I can paraphrase what the Councilwoman said at that time, to three divisions in the 8th Ward. The bill passed by a majority vote 15 to 2 million. It later, as we all know, was vetoed by the Mayor. Some of the folks who original voted for the original plan went with the Mayor on the veto. That's okay. That's the way things happen sometimes. SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE CALENDAR If you recall, Madam President, I entered your office either that day or the day after and I said to you, "Council President, whatever it takes for you and the Councilman in the 5th District to resolve the issue in the 8th Ward, you can take it from my district anyway you see fit. I want to get it done. " You convened a committee. The committee sat down and dealt with the issue of the 8th Ward and some other issues that were raised on the day the original bill was passed. One of the issues that was raised on that day was again raised by the Councilperson who is sponsoring an amendment today, and that issue not only dealt with the 8th Ward, but also dealt with the Latino issue. The sponsor of the amendment said on the floor of Council that day that Councilman Ortiz basically failed in his responsibility to represent the Latino district in a fair way in the City by accepting only a 40 percent Latino district and he was delinquent in representing his people, as he said. Councilman Ortiz is the only Latino representative on Council, so it's the only person I guess the sponsor of this SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE CALENDAR amendment meant. So the committee went back to deal with what I understand are two issues: How do you deal with the issue in the 8th Ward and resolve those three divisions? What does the committee do to get a fair representation of the Latino community in the City of Philadelphia. The committee that you convened made up of leadership and other folks and even people on the other side of the aisle, the Republican side, sat down and worked out a compromise bill, a compromise bill. And again, I sat back and I waited and I watched. What was proposed for me now is that not only go into the 45th Ward which no one wanted to share with me, by the way, on the first plan. But now I move further north into the 23rd and the 62nd Ward. I was never in the 23rd Ward on the first bill that the sponsor of the amendment is concerned about. " Councilman DiCicco, the 1st District, SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE CALENDAR was never considering moving into the 23rd Ward or the 62nd Ward. " Which ultimately brings me from Oregon Avenue in South Philadelphia to just below the Oxford Circle in the lower northeast.
And I said, If this gets us to where we have to get and this is the compromise that is necessary to get a bill that is supported, I will buy in, including the four or five divisions that I gave up in my base in South Philadelphia to the 2nd District so you can resolve the issues with the 5th District Councilperson. And I took it and I said, fine. That became unacceptable to the sponsor of the amendment today because the 23rd ward, as he says, was being taken away. The one I never had in the first place, the one he voted for and subsequently supported the Mayor on the veto which took him out of the 23rd for the most part and put me in it. I did not create the scenario. I don't think there's a District Councilperson in this Chambers who has made the concessions I have made from Day One. And all I'm asking is for my colleagues to understand that it is SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE CALENDAR time for us to get on with the business of this City. I will represent people in whatever divisions and wards in this City the same way I've been representing the people that I represent today, and so will the rest of us. It's time to move on. I'm asking my colleagues to vote against this amendment and support the bill that came out of your committee. Thank you, Madam President.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, as many of you all recall, I was involved in the original, quote/unquote, controversy associated with the redistricting issue. At that time, I had indicated to members that I felt that the process was somewhat unfair. I felt that I did not have an opportunity to have adequate input. As a result of that and other things that happened, a process was set up that was fair that did include members of Council. There was in my mind an attempt to include all interests of all Councilmembers by setting up a committee. That committee in fact met with me first, I do believe, on the issues of the 8th Ward. SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE CALENDAR I don't characterize my issues solely as the 8 Ward as my friend and colleague Councilman DiCicco represented. My issues always was the number of new residents that I will pick up into the district. That happened as a result of a substantial number of divisions taken out of the 8th Ward, but that was never solely the issue related to my concerns about my district. With respect to the 8th Ward, the changes that were made were not as a result of the 39th Ward divisions. Those were simple swaps from divisions that you had given to me under a former plan. You took those back. You gave me divisions back that I formerly represented, so I just want to clear that up. But as it related to that particular process, we sat down in a room and we talked about compromises. I was asked by members and even by yourself to talk to certain members who had some levels of concerns about their districts, and I did that. I did that after a heated discussion in your office and I was dispatched as an envoy. I kind of felt like Colin Powell on that particular day. And I was actually able to get what I thought people to SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE CALENDAR commit to some things. And it was my impression, and I was subsequently told later on that I didn't hear what I thought I heard, that members agreed to swap divisions and to come up with a compromise. And as a result of that, there was a map that was produced by your staff and I thought also by the Redistricting Committee that I though reflected a reasonable compromise. But now we find ourselves here questioning whether or not what compromise was the accurate compromise. I continue to always hold out hope that we at some point can come to some agreement that's reasonable that reflects the interest of the Latino community, that reflects best case scenario for all Members of Council. So I ask that we consider the interest of everybody. Over the recent weeks and months, there has been a certain level of divisiveness in the Council, and I'm extremely concerned, as I talk to you last night about that issue. We are going to have to work together at a minimum for the next two years. So I ask us to come up with some solution to resolve this issue, Council President. I don't have a solution today. I don't know what we SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE CALENDAR should do. Members will vote the way they will vote. But I ask for all of the members to truly take to this into consideration and hopefully bring us back together so we can handle the business of today. Thank you, Madam President.
Thank you very much, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano.
Thank you, Madam President. I'll make this quick and then we'll put it to rest. I was amazed by Councilman DiCicco's theory of history, and what he pretty much was doing was verbatim something that he told the Northeast News Leader. But he left one part out of it which will make a whole lot of sense, I'll put that part into the record. This is from yesterday's Northeast News Leader. It says, Mariano's biggest backer is influential electricians party voice John Dougherty who is also treasurer of Democratic City Committee. DiCicco said that the talk in South Philadelphia is a Dougherty protege will challenge him int he '03 Democratic primary. He said he has incentive to help a Dougherty alli like Mariano in the redistricting process, since that would allow SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE CALENDAR Dougherty to focus more on ousting him in two years. That's the point in a nutshell. I'm a big boy. I can play politics. In the spirit compromise, Council President, I will withdraw my amendment and we'll see what happens after we roll the dice. Thank you.
Thank you. We will move forward with the consideration of the adoption of the ordinance. The Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 15, the nays are 2. This bill passes as a result of a majority of Council voting in the affirmative. The next bill to be called for SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE CALENDAR consideration is Bill No. 010557.
An ordinance amending Title 14 of the Philadelphia Code relating to "Zoning and Planning," by amending Chapter 14-1600, entitled "Miscellaneous," by adding a new section 14-1623, entitled "Frankford Special Services District Controls," under certain terms and conditions.
Does everyone have a copy of the amendment? Councilman, would you offer your amendment, please?
The amendment on Bill 010557 does the following: It places the sunset provision in the bill that would rescind the overlay on December 31, 2005 or at the expiration of the Frankford Special Service District, whichever is latter. It exempts new car dealerships from the provision of the overlay. And that's pretty much it.
Thank you. SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE CALENDAR Would you move for the adoption, please?
Move for the adoption, Madam President. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the amendment be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. I'm sorry. I am really ahead of myself today. The Clerk will please read the title of 010647.
An ordinance amending an ordinance approved June 13, 1997, as amended, which approved the redevelopment proposal, the urban renewal plan and the relocation plan of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment of the new Kensington Fishtown Urban Renewal Area.
This bill SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE CALENDAR having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally? The Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 010648.
An ordinance amending an ordinance approved December 15, 1969, as amended, which approved the redevelopment proposal, the urban renewal plan and the relocation plan of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment of the Model Cities Urban SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE CALENDAR Renewal Area, all as contained in the 28th amendment of the redevelopment proposal and the 20th amendment to the urban renewal plan.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally? The Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 010649.
An ordinance amending an ordinance approved December 22, 1987 which approved SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE CALENDAR the redevelopment proposal and urban renewal plan of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment of the Cecil B. Moore Avenue Urban Renewal Area.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill being called for consideration is Bill No. 010690.
An ordinance amending Title SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE CALENDAR 9 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Regulation of Businesses, Trades and Professions," to require the sponsors of a "planned event" held at any premises to obtain a permit for such event, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you, Madam President. I would like to offer an amendment to Bill No. 010690. A copy of the amendment has been circulated to all members of Council. And I further move for the adoption of the amendment. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the amendment be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? (No response.) The ayes have it, and the motion carries. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 010662. SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE CALENDAR
An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2002 from the Grants Revenue Fund, the Director of Finance to the General Fund, the City Representative and the Director of Commerce.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally? The Clerk will please call the roll.
Councilman Longstreth. SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE CALENDAR
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill being called for consideration is Bill No. 010633. SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE CALENDAR
An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2001 within the General Fund from certain or all city offices, departments, boards and commissions to certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally? The Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill being called for SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE CALENDAR consideration is Bill No. 010664.
An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2001 within the Water Fund from certain or all City offices, departments boards and commissions to certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally? The Clerk will please call the roll.
Councilwoman Krajewski. SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE CALENDAR
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE CALENDAR The last bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 010689.
An ordinance authorizing the City Solicitor, on behalf of the City, to enter into a mutli-year contract with a provider of codification and editing services, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally? The Clerk will please call the roll.
Councilwoman Krajewski. SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE CALENDAR
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE CALENDAR This concludes our Calendar. Are there any speeches on the part of the minority? The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
Thank you Madam President. Madam President, I'm pleased to report after consultation with you and conversation with the health commissioner, Commissioner Su that covered employees that are associated with the city health plan will be eligible for flu shots. This has been a pretty tough winter with colds and flu, as you know of. The fire fighters have started to receive their flu shots last week; the police department, this week; and City Council staff will be eligible for flu shots right here in the building. So through your office, communication circulated to make those arrangements so I wanted everyone to be aware that the Health Department will be making flu shots available to Council staff. Thank you.
Thank you very much, Councilman. That's wonderful. Are there speeches on the part of the SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE CALENDAR majority? The Chair recognizes Councilman Ortiz.
Thank you, Madam Chair. For a week ago, two weeks ago, we were told that the Edison issue was off the table. Today we're told by the Philadelphia Inquirer that Edison is very much on the table and that a deal with Edison -- and obviously Edison is very much on the table because they have begun putting full-page ads in the Philadelphia newspapers. I imagine TV and radio is forthcoming. This is all taxpayers money, money that should be going towards education, money that should going towards books, recreation, and teachers salaries is being spent really on trying to win the hearts and minds of Philadelphia citizens for Edison. Well, it says that among the deal that the Governor has already entered into, it seems, Edison will cut 500 teaching positions. That means that probably we will have bigger class sizes. They will fire at least half of the principals, over a hundred of them. Who they're going to be bring in, what the leadership is going to be, we don't know because we have not been told; we're not privy to SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE CALENDAR the negotiations, Madam President. They're also going to begin charging community groups for the use the public schools. I sponsor a league together with the Sixers that has over 300 kids in that league and they play every Saturday, 300 kids from the ages of 6 to 16. We could not afford to have those kids playing every Saturday if we had to pay for the facilities. The volunteers that run the league, that coach, that maintain the whole organization would have to dedicate their time really to begin fund-raising in order to be able to pay for the facilities. I have recommended that we do a task force and that we look at places like Hartford and Chicago where state takeovers have happened and really have not succeeded.
Councilman, on that issue. At your request, I did write a letter to Mayor Street. He was ill on Monday, but he did send Debra Kahn in. A copy of that letter was given to her and indicated that they would get back to us.
Well, we are in a time line obviously that -- and I believe, Madam President, that we've never had a conversation with SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE CALENDAR the Governor. This Council has never had a conversation with Governor Schweiker. It's as if Governor Schweiker has met with ever community group in the City of Philadelphia. He's been in North Philadelphia, he's been in Germantown, he's been in South Philly. He's been everywhere across the City. He's like the scarlet pimpernel, he's here, he's there, he's everywhere. We need to be able to get a real grasp as to what is going on and what is going to happen a week and a half from now. It isn't only the payroll issue that is on the table, it is the governance issue of the City of Philadelphia of the public school system. I think it's time that Governor Schweiker at least held a meeting with this Council. Let us not have anyone brokered or meeting -because he's met with everybody else. Let him come to the table and tell us what is it that he's going to do. At least at that point we will hear it from his mouth. We will be able to decide what we as a body would want to do legislatively, politically, organizationally, and otherwise. We can decide whether we're going to go along with it, oppose it, sit in in schools, be with the parents, do civil SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE CALENDAR disobedience if necessary to prevent the takeover, because it might come to that. Madam President, I would wish that you would call him up, pick up the phone, say we want to talk. We want to sit down at the table. We want to hear it from you, because we're not hearing it from anybody else. We're hearing it from the Philadelphia Inquirer. And I'm tired of that. I think we should hear it from him and I think we should have that conversation. Thank you, Madam President.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. I would like to first thank those who have participated in our annual warmth and winter drive and appeal to the generosity of both my colleagues and their staff to help us meet the goal of 2,000 new hats, mittens, scarves, and gloves for the children in the homeless shelters. We are as of this hour 700 short, so any support we could get from my colleagues and staff and those in attendance who care about little ones in the homeless shelters, we'd welcome it. Thank you very much. The final SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE CALENDAR day is Monday, December 17th.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. This morning I rise to say thank you and certainly to Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds-Brown. There will be -- we will be getting about 300 coats but they'll be men's coats from Today's Man, so I don't know if that will help with regard if you're just doing children, but certainly we wanted you to know that. And I wanted to say thank you today to just some of the people, people like Kevin Parker from 3801 Cafe and Simply Delicious Caterers, and Miss Tootsie's and people like Neil Stein from Stripe Bass and Gabe Marabella from Avenue B, people like Giuseppe Sena from La Familia and Penn Mutual Company, just to name a few, people like Power 99 and Rob Hess and Lou Sauder from OESS and the police department, the University City District, committeeman, town watch leaders, certainly community groups in West like Spruce Hill, Clark Park, Squirrel Hill Substation, so many people, people from all walks of life who help to feed over SPEECHES a thousand children two nights ago at 3801. Madam President, they really deserve a thank you. We had people from all walks of life, some wearing suits, some with spiked hair and orange hair who were helping children find there mothers. I will tell you that the food never ran out nor did gifts. I want to thank my staff and all those who for the last week have been wrapping a thousand gifts here at City Hall that made it look like we were looking for Santa and a reindeer ourself. I contend and have always contended that people give if you just give them a forum in which to do so. We believe and it is my philosophy that we are our brother's keeper and that if we do our part to improve life that the quality of life for those at the bottom rung of the ladder, those most in need, that the top rises. So, again, to all of those for people, to people I haven't mentioned, I can only say thank you, thank you, thank you, and God bless you.
Thank you, Madam President. I will be brief. I would echo the SPEECHES comments of my colleague Councilman Ortiz, possibly with the exception of the scarlet pimpernel. I have no expertise in that particular area. I do wish to express my continued concern. There was a resolution that was passed this morning. There was a fair amount of activity this morning. I chose not to speak on the resolution at that time. With eight days to go in a deadline for possible school takeover, I don't know whether that deadline will be met or possibly extended, but it is astounding, I guess, at a certain level that we've read about the Edison report, we've read about the Governor's report, we now hear more news about what Edison will be doing, and it seems like they're going to be taken care of. The one group that seems not to know what's going to happen are the citizens, taxpayers, and parents of 212,000 school children who continue not to know what will happen to the future of their individual schools and the educational opportunity for their young people. I do not understand why there is no information about what the City proposes to do in that regard. This is not a union contract SPEECHES negotiation. I understand that you can't negotiate those out in public and there has to be some level of secrecy. But for the issue of public education, with eight days to go, many extensions, documents signed and offered and sent back and forth across the table, for the citizens of this City and especially, again, the parents not to know what's going on I think is inappropriate. I think the Mayor does have obligation to at least let us know, not only what he's against because many of us are against either privatization by private for-profit or even possibly a takeover by the State, but I think leadership also requires that you articulate not only what you're against, but what you're for so that people in this City can rally around something, so we can have a better understanding of the issues of class size and educational outcomes, what our schools will look like. We had two days of hearings about blight. I think if you go into some of our public schools, both the interior as well as the physical plant and outside, some of those buildings are blighted as well and I've not heard about a blight rehabilitation program for our schools. There's an SPEECHES estimate five years ago that it would take at that time $700 million to bring our school buildings up to code. We've renovated, created new buildings and facilities that we were told were greatly needed, whether it was sports stadiums or other facilities. Veteran's Stadium was 30 years old. It was no longer good enough for our teams. I agree. But we have over 10 buildings that are a hundred years old in our school system, and the average age of a school building in Philadelphia is over 65 years old. Most of us would not want spend much time in some of those places. Yet we hear nothing about what will happen to those facilities in any kind of blight proposal -- not the one that's on the table with the Mayor's NTI program, but from a School District perspective. And so I think that the public does need to know what's going on, because many of us who have children in the schools or have relatives in the schools are just regular taxpayers. Madam President, I cannot tell you the level of inadequacy that a person might feel if you go to a home and school association meeting, as I have on a couple of occasions, to sit around with SPEECHES parents who do not know what's going to happen. They care about their schools. All they are left to do is read the newspaper. But I will share in a very personal way, Madam President, the experience of reading over a paper one day and the headlines were about the schools and being asked a question by a person that means a great deal to me.
When my daughter asked, "Daddy, what's going to happen to my school," and to not to be able to answer that question is a really bad feeling for anyone, but especially if you're a public official and you cannot explain what's going to happen in that young person's life. And so I think the time has come to let the public know. What is the problem with telling people what it is that we're trying to accomplish for our kids and for this City? I ask, Madam President, as Councilman Ortiz has asked you, to be in touch with the Governor. I think we do need to have a conversation with the Mayor. A public announcement needs to be made. We cannot wait until 11:59 on the 21st and we can all sit up and wonder if there's going to be a major announcement at some hotel or out on the SPEECHES sidewalk or somewhere else. The public needs to know what's going on with schools, and I think they need to know today. Thank you, Madam President.
Thank you very much. The Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen.
Thank you. I see that we have Harold Thomas. Thank you also Harold Thomas, Belmont affordable housing. And thank you, Mary, for letting the public know about us and for saying nice things when somebody criticized us this morning for talking feeding homeless people and they thought we ought to be above that when we elected, as if the world changes. Thank you. Thank you.
Madam President. THE COURT: The Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen.
I want to express my compliments to all four of my colleagues who have spoken before. To Councilwomen Blondell Reynolds-Brown and Jannie Blackwell, I think it's SPEECHES wonderful to think of the holiday spirit. But when I saw the youngsters March into the Chambers a few minutes ago and then leave, it seemed to me real gift-giving means giving something of substance beyond the immediate need. And I can think of nothing more important to gift-giving to children than a healthy public educational system which will prepare them for the future. To Councilmembers Nutter Ortiz, I join with them, but I think they're much too mild. I don't think we just have a right to know what's going on; I think we have a right to participate in the decision-making. I don't want to just be informed, because as I read Governor Schweiker and maybe or maybe not Mayor Street's proposal, it's a sure prescription for disaster. If people are looking for trouble, they're certainly going in the right direction because if a decision is made to take away control of the public schools from Philadelphians without our right to participate, if the continued contempt for this body seems to continue to pervade the state levels of government as well as the local city government levels, I think we're headed in a very disastrous way to begin the new year of 2002. SPEECHES So I urge, Madam President, I support the recommendation by Councilman Ortiz and Councilman Nutter that you call the Governor. I have to confess I did that and I got absolutely nowhere. Two weeks ago I spoke to the Governor's office here in Philadelphia, expressed a strong concern that we as the budgetary body for the City of Philadelphia, as the ones who have to provide the other money that the State does not provide, we who represent the constituents, the parents of all the school kids have been totally left out of the picture. Nobody wants to know what we think or cares about. They're going to have to think about what we want. They're going to have to care a lot what the people of Philadelphia want. They can do it in nice, easy, successful way by acting in a civilized fashion and including City Council and the people of Philadelphia in the participation of decision-making or they're going to do it the hard way because I can tell you, Madam President, it's my reading of the people of Philadelphia that they are not going to likely give up total participation and decision-making about the schools of Philadelphia. Their children, their families mean much too much SPEECHES for them to do that. So you're going to have two roads to go. We can have a good constructive road if the Governor and the Mayor both participate us in arriving at a sensible solution, or it can be a hard road because I for one and speaking to constituents, I can tell you that all over city they have a right to participate in the decision-making about the education of their kids. And we're go can to see to it that their right is enforced. Thank you, Madam President.
Thank you very much. Are there any other speeches on the part of the majority. The Chair recognizes Councilman Longstreth.
I would like to congratulate Councilman Ortiz for his use of the masterpiece Scarlet Pimpernel, however, he didn't finish it. So I thought in the search for perfection it would be all right for me to take 30 seconds to finish it.
He started off, "They seek him here, they seek him there, those Frenchies seek him everywhere," then the rest that he left out which I'll finish for him was, "Is he in heaven or is he in hell, that damned elusive pimpernel." (Applause.) THE COURT: The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for a motion.
Madam President, I move that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, December 20, at 10:00 a.m. 2001. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, December 20, 2001 at 10:00 a.m. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and Council will stand adjourned until Thursday December 20, 2001 at 10:00 a.m. Thank you all very SPEECHES much. (Council adjourned at 12:05 p.m.) C E R T I F I C A T I O N I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing proceedings of the Council of the City of Philadelphia of December 13, 2001, were reported fully and accurately by me, and that this is a correct transcript of the same. RE: STATED MEETING ___________________________ Lisa C. Bradley, RPR and Notary Public