COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, April 22, 2010 10:15 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILMAN FRANK DiCICCO COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN BILL GREEN COUNCILMAN WILLIAM GREENLEE COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILMAN JACK KELLY COUNCILMAN JAMES F. KENNEY COUNCILWOMAN JOAN L. KRAJEWSKI COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILWOMAN MARIA QUINONES-SANCHEZ COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO MICHAEL A. DECKER,
Good morning, everyone. (Good morning.)
I note that the hour has come and that a quorum is present. Council will come to order. Members will take their seats, and visitors will retire to the seats outside the rails. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Pastor David Brown of the United Methodist Church of the Redeemer. He is here today as the guest of Councilman O'Neill. I would ask all members and guests to please rise. (Members and guests rise.)
Let us pray or be in silence. Gracious and loving God, persistent for justice and peace in every place and heart, I pray this day for Philadelphia City Council. Citizens who serve, may all their service, especially those who love you and follow you, display your love and compassion for all your children. As they do their difficult and demanding work and conduct their deliberations, may they listen to each other and all who come before them with your ears and judge with your compassionate heart, being especially mindful, as you are, of the least, the last and the lost, so shaping the policies, finances and services of this great city that the love of neighbor for which it is named may be enacted in the lives of each and every neighbor, whatever their status. May the minor divisions of politics give way to finding just solutions to the major issues our city faces, as articulated by Jesus, to show special tangible care for people who hunger and thirst, including for justice, for those who are most exposed and vulnerable, for ones well known to you but strangers to us, and for any who are brought low by illness or whatever sort of prison, that they may be healed and released to new life, able to realize all the promise you have placed in them. In this time of economic and civic scarcity, may this Council turn all the abundant resources with which you have blessed us, whether material, relational, moral or spiritual, to your purposes. In your most holy and precious name. Amen. (Amen.)
The Chair thanks Reverend Brown for his invocation. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, 15th, 2010. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Madam Chair. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, April 15th, 2010 stand approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, April 15th, 2010 stand approved. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the Journal is approved. The next order of business is requests for leave of absence, and, again, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Madam President. On behalf of the majority, there are no requests for absences today.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Madam President, on behalf of the republicans, there are no requests for leave of absence.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair will dispense with the regular order of business to recognize the guests and visitors joining us in Chambers this morning. On behalf of all members of City Council, I welcome you to our Council session. We appreciate your taking the time to join us as we attend to the legislative affairs of our city. We certainly invite you to come again. time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo, who will present a resolution honoring the Guardian Civic League. Will Officer Bilal and those accompanying her please join the Councilman at the podium. I see that Councilman Rizzo is being joined by Councilman Clarke and Councilwoman Miller. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
Good morning, everyone. I'm pleased to be here this morning to honor and celebrate the Guardian Civic League of Philadelphia on the occasion of its hosting of the 2010 National Black Police Association Eastern Region Conference held here in Philadelphia, and we're so happy you brought it to Philadelphia. Whereas, the Guardian Civic League of Philadelphia, local chapter of the National Black Police Association, 1956 for the purpose of bringing together those members of the Philadelphia Police Department who were interested in civic betterment through close cooperation between the Police and the community which they serve; and
Whereas, since its inception, the League has spoken out on many important matters that affect the lives of all Philadelphians; and Whereas, the League has developed and implemented various programs throughout the City which are today benefiting both African American and low-income Philadelphians, including sponsoring classes on police practices and procedures, recruiting and educating prospects regarding career opportunities as police officers, holding community meetings to improve communications and trust between residents and police, providing after-school employment for youth, working with other community-based crime, and conducting many other socially beneficial activities; and
Whereas, in 1972, the League and 12 other black police organizations from around the country met in St. Louis, Missouri and formed the National Black Police Association; and Whereas, National Black Police Association currently has a membership of 33,000 officers; and Whereas, the City of Philadelphia welcomes the delegates to the National Black Police Association Eastern Region 2010 Conference in Philadelphia and appreciates the leadership, vision and commitment of the Guardian Civic League of Philadelphia that led to this honor, and wishes them all a successful and beneficial conference. Now, therefore
Now, therefore, be it resolved, by the Council Philadelphia, recognizing, honoring and celebrating the Guardian Civic League of Philadelphia on the occasion of its hosting the 2010 National Black Police Association Eastern Region Conference in Philadelphia. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the Guardian Civic League of Philadelphia, further evidencing the sincere admiration and gratitude of this legislative body. And, by the way, Council Lady Donna Reed Miller is the Chair of the Public Safety Committee and Councilman Clarke is also a member, along with me, of the Public Safety Committee. I would like to take this opportunity to have Deputy Commissioner Charlotte Council and then the President, Rochelle Bilal, will be making a few -saying a few words. Commissioner. DEPUTY COMMISSIONER COUNCIL: morning, Councilmembers. It is my pleasure on behalf of Commissioner Ramsey, who unfortunately could not be here this morning, to congratulate the Guardian Civic League on 54 years of service to our communities. I'm proud to say that I've been a member for over 28 years, and our organization is standing so strong, and that's indicative of our leadership, our current and past leadership, and you'll see a number of our past Presidents here. So I'm wishing them a fruitful conference. I thank you for what you do. I thank you, Councilman Rizzo, for taking the time for honoring our Guardian Civic leader and kicking off our conference. Thank you.
And now the President of the Guardian Civic League, Rochelle Bilal. Thank you, Madam President.
You're welcome. ) OFFICER BILAL: To the President of City Council, Ann Verna, thank you very much. We would like to thank Frank Rizzo for taking the time to do this for us. Donna Reed Miller, we appreciate you and all that you do. Darrell Clarke, we appreciate the fact that y'all all three stood up there and read all the good things that we do. And to the Councilpeople here, we want to thank all of y'all, because we support all of y'all and what you do for this city and for us. Here stands with me many of the shoulders in which that we stand on today, and I just want to give a few of them -- introduce a few of them to you today. We have our past President and the first female President of the Guardian Civic League, Kathy Battles. ) OFFICER BILAL: Past President Willie Williams, III. ) OFFICER BILAL: Past President David Fisher. ) OFFICER BILAL: Past President Bill Blackman. ) OFFICER BILAL: A few that are not here, we want to mention them, though they are not here. Sheriff John Green is a past President of the Guardian Civic League. ) OFFICER BILAL: Also retired State Representative Harold James is a Guardian Civic League. ) OFFICER BILAL: Some of our executive Board members that stand here today, just raise your hand. Crystal Williams, Vice-President of Community Affairs; Mike Kennedy, Vice-President of Programs; Recording and Correspondence Secretary, Police Officer Elaine Thomas; Vice-President of Membership, Michelle -because she'll beat me up if I mess her last name up -- Dennard-Sherard. Shaun Butts is our Treasurer. William Donald Rodgers is our Executive Vice-President. Denise Wood is our Chaplain. Michael Coleman is our Director of Education, and our retired Police Officer, Howard Williams, is our Parliamentary. Where are you, Howard? Police Officer -- retired Police Officer Bill Mahoney is our Regulatory Compliance Committee person. ) BILAL: And all the members. And one of our best friends, State Representative Vanessa Brown, that stands here with us today. ) OFFICER BILAL: Basically just giving you a little thing -- and our out-of-towners. I could not do this conference without them being here. Let me let you know what states are represented in the City today. Wilmington, Delaware -- raise your hand, fellows -- Cleveland, Ohio; Laurel Maryland; Nashville, Tennessee; Baltimore, Maryland; Washington, DC; Greenville, Rhode Island; Chattanooga, Tennessee; Newark, New Jersey; Mansfield, Virginia; St. Stephen, South Carolina; Goose Creek, South Carolina; Dallas, Texas; and especially your own Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. ) OFFICER BILAL: I want to thank our Regional Chair, Reggie Miller, who is Nashville, Tennessee, for being here. Were are you, Reggie? ) OFFICER BILAL: And we have the distinct pleasure of our newly elected National Chair, Deputy Chief out of Dallas, Texas, Malik Aziz. ) OFFICER BILAL: We thank City Council for recognizing the things that the Guardian Civic League does. Today is a day that we put past situations behind us and move forward. Rizzo has been a supporter of our organization. So if you see why we asked him is because he answers every letter we send to him. So this is to say to all of y'all, not that you don't get any letters, it's that you don't answer them. So we really appreciate him, because he does respond. ) OFFICER BILAL: Our organization is moving forward. We have a lot of programs in building a bridge community. We ask that we're going to now, starting in 2010, support and deal with the issues of politics and policing. We active members cannot get involved in certain things, but we got about 550 retired members who are going to be actively involved in politics and policing in the City. We just want to let you know, so the next time you get the letter, please respond.
) OFFICER BILAL: Thank you very much, City Council. Thank you very much, Frank Rizzo, and we appreciate it. And that's the end.
Thank you very much. OFFICER BILAL: Thank you very much. We appreciate it. (Applause.)
At time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I have two guests with me for Take Your Daughter or Son to Work Day. Actually, I have two of my nieces with me today, and they are sitting behind me, Salima Williams -Salima Davis, I'm sorry, and Mahati Reed. Those are my great nieces, actually. (Applause.)
And I see that Jeff Shields has two of his children. If they would stand, we'd like to recognize you. Welcome. (Applause.)
Okay. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Brown, who will present a resolution recognizing 40 years of Philadanco. Will Mrs. Joan Myers Brown and those accompanying her please join the Councilwoman at the podium. I see that Councilwoman Brown Councilwoman Tasco and Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, I've asked my colleague Councilwoman Majority Leader Marian Tasco to join us because her granddaughter has been a student at Danco for years and Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell where the Philadelphia Dance Company has resided for many of those years. For 35 of the last 40 years, dance has been a part of my life, and I remain eternally grateful to Joan Myers Brown for the opportunity to be a part of an institution like Philadanco and a chance really for me to live my life dream. So I'm thrilled to introduce to some and present to others Philadanco, which is really a triumph under the leadership of choreographer, teacher, mentor, friend, administrator, disciplinarian Joan Myers Brown. And with that said, we're celebrate 40 years of the Philadelphia Dance Company, affectionately known as Philadanco. Recognizing and celebrating 40 years. Whereas, in 1970, Joan Myers Brown founded the exceptional Philadelphia Dance Company located at No. 9 North Preston Street, also known as Philadanco Way, with the magnificent mission of providing free or low-cost professional dance training and performing opportunities to young people in Philadelphia; and
Whereas, since then, Philadanco has shared its passion with and taught dance to thousands of children throughout the City; and Whereas, the caliber of Philadanco's training in ballet, jazz, modern and many diverse dance forms does more than just instruct our City's youth in perfect pirouettes and elegant arabesque, but also boosts their self-esteem, teaches the value of health and fitness, and imparts the art of discipline the Joan Myers Brown way; and
Whereas, in 1988, Philadanco was honored to receive a grant from the Pew Charitable Trust, which they used to further their unending dedication to the arts and establish The International Association of Blacks in Dance; and Whereas, Philadanco has been able to act as a cultural ambassador of Philadelphia to the world, and January 13th to the 17th, 2010, Philadanco hosted the 22nd annual International Association of Blacks in Dance Conference for dance companies and professionals from around the world right here in Philadelphia; and Whereas, Philadanco was widely regarded as one of the top three African American dance companies in the nation, joining the ranks of Alvin Ailey and the Dance Theatre of Harlem; and
Whereas, Philadanco performs before people of all ages, creed, ethnicity and cultural traditions who routinely pack sold-out audiences both nationally and internationally; and Whereas, Philadelphia is fortunate to be the home of such a jewel, drawing attention from the international arts and cultural community and helping to produce the next leaders of our city. Now, therefore, be it resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we recognize, honor and celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Philadelphia Dance Company. This resolution was introduced by Council colleagues Jannie Blackwell and Marian Tasco and myself and sponsored by all the members of the Philadelphia City Council. Let's celebrate and lift up Philadanco. (Applause.)
Allow me to introduce the dancers before we hear from the founder. Thirty-five years ago when I was a member, all of the dancers were from Philadelphia. Forty years later, one of the dancers is from the area. And so I'll ask the dancers to please stand to my right down front as I call your name. Justin Bryant from Atlanta, Georgia. (Applause.)
Joan Kilgore from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. (Applause.)
Howard Sid Lucas, one of my classmates, from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Applause.)
Alicia Lundgren from Oakland, California. (Applause.)
Rosita Adamo, Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Applause.)
Lindsey Holmes from Los Angeles, California. (Applause.)
And with us today also are Philadanco's staff, Marlisa Brown-Swint, Ingrid Bullock and Beverly Dorsey. Madam President.
Thank you. At this time, the Chair recognizes Mrs. Brown for remarks. Thank you.
Good morning, Madam President, members of Council and our guests. This is indeed a great honor for us, and on behalf of all the dancers and myself, we want to say we sincerely appreciate the opportunity to stand before you and receive this citation. I want to ask one of my dancers, Chloe Davis, because I have a terrible cold, to say something on behalf of the dancers.
Good afternoon - morning, everyone. On behalf of the dancers, we would love to say thank you very much for this honor, for receiving this resolution. Philadanco is truly a treasure of Philadelphia, because we honed a legacy and tradition of black dance, and we hope to continue it for another 40 years. Thank you so much. (Applause.)
The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Brown, who will present a resolution acknowledging Barbershop Talk Human Family Day. Will Mr. Woody Woodward and those accompanying him please join the Councilwoman at the podium. I see that Councilman Jones is being accompanied.
Thank you, Madam President. Today we're celebrating Barbershop Talk Human Family Day. Whereas, the Barbershop Talk Network is a non-profit, community-based organization which recognizes the importance of dialogue and shared experiences as an opportunity to develop positive human relations; and Whereas, Robert "Woody" Woodward is a dedicated humanitarian who has built a movement based upon the values of respect in all human interaction that he has nurtured within the peaceful confines of Woodward's Barbershop in West Philadelphia; and Whereas, Robert "Woody" Woodward spreads these values through Barber Shop Talk Radio and the many community activities he organizes and promotes as founder of the Barbershop Talk Human Family Day Foundation Inc.; and
Whereas, Network hosts Barbershop Talk Human Family Day; Whereas, this event will coincide with the anniversary of the late assassinated Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., making it a true and fitting testimony for his teachings, beliefs and tribute to his memory; Whereas, the City of Philadelphia joins the State of Pennsylvania and the United States Congress, as well as local civic associations in recognizing the importance of this event and the goals and mission of Barbershop Talk. Now, therefore
Be it resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we hereby observe April 25th, 2010 as the Barbershop Talk Human Family Day. And further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the Barbershop Talk Family a symbol of this legislative body's gratitude for initiating this courageous, unprecedented venture. Introduced by Councilman Jones and myself and supported by all the members of the Philadelphia City Council. Congratulations. (Applause.)
Thank you, Council President Verna. I'm just happy to say here today that all of you -- I see so many of you that I'm so very proud of through the years at the barbershop. Just think, all of this started at the barbershop, and as I look at everyone, I just say -- I'm just overwhelmed with how you guys come together here every year and -- I mean, every week and share with WURD 900 bringing that information to all of you. thank you to Blondell Reynolds Brown, Philly Counts. I want to say that for our Mayor, Michael Nutter, who has been one of our customers for many years. When I stop and think about how blessed I actually am to have met so many people, it takes me back to the beginning, the very first day of me opening. I remember I had all white customers, and one of the barbers shared with me that, Woody, I'm going to sell my shop to you because I can't sell it to anybody white, I'll be honest with you. The neighborhood is changing. He said, But you can do straight hair. Well, I learned to do all cultures and all textures of hair, and that brought me a lot of information pertaining to cultural differences. One of the things I did learn is that the true identity is the red, and I ask all of you that inside when you dig inside yourselves, understand that. What you is not what you are. You are a spirit. So I learned from the very first customer. He came in and I said, Can I help you? He was a white gentleman. I said, May I help you? He said to me, Yes, you can help me, but just tell me something. Not a haircut. I want to know why do black people follow white people wherever they go. He wanted to know that. And I was very upset, because I didn't know he was going to say that. So the pressure came, and I said, Wait a minute, control yourself, control yourself, and I did. So I said, Sir, I don't think black people are trying to follow white people wherever they go, but for some strange reason, seemingly all the nice things in life seem to be surrounded around whites. So it's not that I'm following whites. I'm following those nice things that are in life. And he walked out and slammed the door. However, the next customer that came in was a customer and another customer and another customer, and I had all white customers for one solid year, and I learned a lot about people of all different cultural backgrounds, from rabbis to Jewish people to you name it. I've learned a little bit about everybody. So I just want to thank you guys. That's how we came up with the Human Family Day. That's how we came up with the value of human life. We are not teaching that nearly enough. We teach the value of buildings. We teach the value of cars. We teach the value of everything but human life. So on this day we call Earth Day, let's don't forget the human being, because that lies within us. Before you're anything, you are first a human being. So let's celebrate. Come out. Philadelphia Ethical Society, 1906 Rittenhouse Square, it will be this Sunday, people. So be there. We'd love you to come. We're going to share around the Square in prayer for the value of human life. I thank you very, very much. (Applause.)
I just want to briefly cite that Wynnefield, like many other communities around the City of Philadelphia, went through cultural and demographic changes. Unlike other communities, it was a peaceful transition that was brought about by conversations that happened in this barbershop, which put this concept forward. One other note, other than the famous Mayor Nutter who gets his hair cut and Congressman Fattah gets his hair cut there, but the first African American customer in Wynnefield was Al Spivey by which this is -- this hero is scripted at, and I just wanted to put that on the record.
Curtis, hold it. in here. Al is over there in the corner, and all these guys I remember when they were in Overbrook. So, people, please, I didn't mean to just jump up, but I can do this with these guys. The Melanin Man stands for one color. We've been fighting over color for so many years, it's ridiculous. There's only one color. It's called melanin, many shades of that color. It's in apples, it's in oranges, it's in all kinds of different fruits, it's in the bark of trees and grass. It's also in human beings. That's what makes us look so good to lions, tigers and bears. We're one color: Melanin. One race: Human. Many cultures. (Applause.)
The next order of business is communications. the Sergeant-At-Arms deliver the messages to the Chief Clerk. The Chief Clerk will please read the messages from the Mayor.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, pursuant to Sections 4-604 and 2-307 of the Home Rule Charter, I am today transmitting to the Council the recommendations of the City Planning Commission regarding the following bills: Bill No. 100161, 100195, 100196 and 100197; and I am pleased to advise you that on April 21, 2010, I signed all of the bills that were passed by Council at its session on April 8, 2010; and I am transmitting herewith for the introduction and consideration of your honorable body the following: One resolution reappointing a current member to the Board of Directors of the City Avenue Special Services District of Philadelphia and Lower Merion; namely, Howard Wurzak, term ending December 31, 2014.
Thank you. The messages will be printed in the Journal. I would ask the Chief Clerk to please read any other communications in his possession.
Thank you. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I introduce one bill.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance granting permission to Roxanne Maddrey, owner and operator of the newsstand located on the southwest corner of 55th Street and Pine Street, to construct, use and maintain conduits for fiber optic facilities in, under and across the southwest corner of 55th Street and Pine Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
An ordinance amending Section 9-703 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Special Assembly Occupancies," by imposing various requirements on promoters of events at special assembly occupancies.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. Councilman Greenlee.
Madam President, I should have added that was co-sponsored by Councilman Clarke.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer one resolution and then I offer one resolution which I'd like to speak on that is co-sponsored by Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Dorothy I. Height.
Thank you, Madam President. I have to speak today because this week we lost a warrior from our midst, Dr. Dorothy I. Height, who was the President of the National Council of Negro Women and the tenth national President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. They were here last week. Some of our Quaker City members were here, and Councilwoman Brown and I hosted them. And she was a founding matriarch of the American Civil Rights Movement, and she departed this life as a true public servant dedicated to the issues of racial justice and gender equality. And she began her professional career as a case worker with the New York City Welfare Department. At the age of 25, she became a civil rights activist working with the Reverend Adam Clayton Powell, Sr. and Jr. and joined the National Council of Negro Women and was recruited by Mary McLeod Bethune -- a lot of people might not know her, but she was an outstanding civil rights leader and an educator -- to work at the Harlem Young Women's Christian Association, the YWCA. In 1940, Dr. Height went to Washington, DC as the Chief of the Phyllis Wheatley Y, and in 1944, she joined the National YWCA staff for approximately 31 years, and she developed a lot of leadership training programs for their organization. In 1957, Dr. Height was named President of the National Council of Negro Women, and she held that position for 40 years, and that was until her death this week. Dr. Height was the consummate civil rights advocate and participated in protests in Harlem in the 1930s, lobbied First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt on city rights causes, and in the 1940s prodded President Dwight D. Eisenhower to desegregate schools, and in the 1950s encouraged President Lyndon Baines Johnson and John F. Kennedy to appoint African American women to positions in government. And she has counseled numerous Presidents at any White House function, any congressional function. She was always front and center. We will truly miss this outstanding lady. I had the opportunity to meet her and work with her in a very small capacity, but truly the United States and the world has lost a true citizen of the world. Thank you, Madam President.
I'd like for us to have a standing moment of silence in her honor.
All those standing will be voting in favor of the adoption of the resolution. (All Councilmembers standing.)
And a resolution honoring the Pennsylvania Bar Association for hosting the 27th Annual National High School Mock Trial Championship 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 say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I offer three resolutions, one on your behalf and co-sponsored by myself.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution authorizing Council's Committee on Public Safety to hold public hearings for applicants seeking nomination to serve on the Police Advisory Commission.
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 indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Thirteenth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution recognizing May 3rd through May 9th, 2010 as Correctional Employees Week.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Sanchez.
Thank you, Madam President. I have two resolutions and a bill.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution. I believe there's also a bill that you're introducing, Councilwoman.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Chapter 16-400 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Vacant and Surplus Properties," by providing additional requirements for the disposition of properties pursuant to that Chapter.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution recognizing and honoring Frankford High School on the occasion of its 100th Anniversary.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution authorizing Council Committee on Public Property to hold hearings to investigate the appraisal methods used by the Vacant Property Review Committee to determine Fair Market Value for surplus properties in the City inventory.
Again, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Sanchez.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Green.
Thank you, Madam Chair. I have no bills or resolutions today.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Madam President. I have one resolution today.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title.
A resolution reappointing Howard Wurzak to the Board of Directors of the City Avenue Special Services District of Philadelphia and Lower Merion.
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 indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. No bills or resolutions this morning.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. No bills or resolutions.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance authorizing the installation of all-way stop signs at the intersection of Whiting Road and Whiting Place.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
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 of the City of Philadelphia, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Fifteenth, Sixteenth, Twenty-Ninth and Thirty-Second Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kelly.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I appreciate you taking this at this time, because one member has to leave. As all of you know, today is Take our Daughters and Sons to Work Day, and I would like to introduce a special niece of mine, who is the daughter -- and I want to make several introductions. This is one of the first families in my life, and my niece Mary Ellen Cavery is back there. Mary Ellen, raise your hand, please. That's Mary Ellen, and she is immortalized on the wall of Hahnemann Hospital. You will see her sitting there in her wheelchair if you look. And so I ask that you recognize her. (Applause.)
And certainly her parents. And Marty is here, and Della has to go back to work. This is a special day in Marty's life. All of you know him. He's my community person and is Chair of my zoning. And not only is this Earth Day, which we remember it, but it is Marty's fourth birthday. This is receiving a double lung transplant. So this is a special day for him, too. (Applause.)
Thank you, Della, too. Thank you. Thank you, Madam President.
You're welcome. Continued good health, Marty. The next order of business is reports from committees. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco for a report from the Committee on Streets and Services. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Streets and Services reports eight bills out with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the report.
To the President Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Streets and Services, to which was referred Bill 090905, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 322 by relocating the southeasterly curbline of State Road, from Pennypack Street to Linden Avenue"; and Bill No. 090908, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance (Bill No. 070392), entitled 'An ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 271 by striking from the City Plan and vacating the legally open portions of Lewellen Street from Delaware Avenue to Canal Street'"; and Bill No. 090924, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 55 by striking from the City Plan and vacating the legally open portions of Adams Avenue from Aramingo right-of-way line of the Delaware Expressway"; and Bill No. 100100, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 9-213 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Farmers' Markets,' by adding as a permissible location the sidewalk of the east side of South Broad Street between Porter and Ritner Streets"; and Bill No. 100157, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan Nos. 11-S, 42, 269 and 308 by relocating the houselines and curblines of South Street from a point approximately one-hundred seventy feet northwest of Convention Avenue to the northwesterly Pierhead and Bulkhead Line of the Schuylkill River"; and Bill No. 100215, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 312 by striking from the City Plan Hegerman Street from Aubrey Avenue one-hundred eighty-seven feet southwestwardly therefrom"; and Bill 100220, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 2 of an Ordinance (Bill No. 080279), entitled 'An ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan Nos. 52-S and 53-S by placing on the City Plan Twenty-Sixth Street from Penrose Avenue southwardly'"; and Bill No. 100227, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 123 by relocating the northerly houseline of Montgomery Avenue from Fifteenth Street to Broad Street, thereby reducing the width of said Montgomery Avenue," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day on all the bills that have been read into the record, with the exception of Bill No. 100215. (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 the bills just reported from committee, with the exception of Bill No. 100215. All those in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the bills just read our First Reading Calendar for today. Bill No. 100215 will be placed on the First Reading Calendar at our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for a report from the Committee on Public Health and Human Services.
Madam Chair, the Committee on Public Health and Human Services reports one bill with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the report.
The Committee on Public Health and Human services, to which was referred Bill No. 100185, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 10-602 of The Philadelphia Code, known as the 'Clean Indoor Air Worker Protection Law,' by providing a limited period of time, expiring June 30, 2010, during Club, as defined, may apply for and obtain a waiver of the provisions of the Section prohibiting smoking in certain places, under certain terms and conditions," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading today of Bill 100185. (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 the bill just reported from committee. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. 4/22/10 - STATED - 2ND READING (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the bill just read will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. The next order of business is the consideration of the Calendar. I note that the bills just reported from committee with a suspension of rules have been deemed to have had a first reading. The bills will be placed on our Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for the next session of Council. There are no additional bills on the First Reading Calendar. Therefore, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for the purpose of calling up the bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar to be considered today.
Thank you, 4/22/10 - STATED - 2ND READING Madam President. Bill 100212, 090837, 100096, 100161, 100184, 100186 and 090923 are being called up for Second Reading and Final Passage today. Bill No. 100133 will be amended.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 100212.
An ordinance amending Section 20-304, entitled "Compensation for Members of Boards, Commissions, Committees and Councils," by revising the compensation for members of the Board of Revision of Taxes.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please 4/22/10 - STATED - 2ND READING call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 16; the nays are 4/22/10 - STATED - 2ND READING one. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. We will now consider Bill No. 090837.
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Wayne Avenue, Walnut Lane and Penn Central Rail Road Right-of-Way.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Councilman 4/22/10 - STATED - 2ND READING DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Aye.
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. We will now consider Bill 100096.
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of 4/22/10 - STATED - 2ND READING certain areas of land located within an area bounded by 59th Street, Lancaster Avenue, 62nd Street, Woodbine Avenue, and Upland Way.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. I would ask the Chief Clerk to please read the title of Bill 100133.
An ordinance to amend the Institutional Development District Master Plan of Temple University by allowing for the construction of additions to Pearson and McGonigle Halls which are located at 1800 North Broad Street.
Thank you, 4/22/10 - STATED - 2ND READING Madam President. Madam President, I would like to offer this amendment. The amendment essentially adds an exhibit, which is a map, that's required by the Law Department to a bill that will allow Temple to redevelop the existing McGonigle Hall by adding an additional floor. So at this time, I believe the amendment has been circulated to all members and I would like to make a motion to adopt an amendment to Bill No. 100133. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the amendment offered on Bill No. 100133 be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the amendment has been 4/22/10 - STATED - 2ND READING adopted. We will now consider Bill No. 100161.
An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by amending Section 14-703.2, entitled "Passive Recreation District," by revising the rules and regulations that apply within passive recreation districts.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally.
Thank you, Madam President. I have spoken with Councilman O'Neill about this bill, and just for the record, I have had a lot of calls from some parks and environmental 4/22/10 - STATED - 2ND READING groups about this bill and just wanted to confirm for the record from Councilman O'Neill that this bill applies to only one park in the City, the Benjamin Rush Park. Thank you.
That is correct. And it's a State park that will be built according to zoning, and the zoning is kind of tailored to the State's plan. They changed their plan. We had to modify some of the provisions in the Passive Recreation category. But the only mapped site in this City is the Benjamin Rush State Park site at Southampton and the Boulevard.
Very well. This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. 4/22/10 - STATED - 2ND READING The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. We will now consider Bill No. 100184.
An ordinance amending Section 19-513 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Tax Amnesty Program," by providing for treatment of additions to tax, and making technical amendments.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. We will now consider Bill No. 4/22/10 - STATED - 2ND READING 100186.
An ordinance further amending Bill No. 090325, entitled "An ordinance approving the Fiscal Year 2010 Capital Budget providing for expenditure for the capital purposes of the Philadelphia Gas Works," by approving a further amended Capital Budget for Fiscal Year 2010.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Aye. 4/22/10 - STATED - 2ND READING
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The last bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 090923.
An ordinance amending Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code, amending Subcode "B" (The Philadelphia Building Code), by adding a provision requiring that certain 4/22/10 - STATED - 2ND READING buildings have roof coverings that are white in color or Energy Star rated as highly reflective.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. That concludes our Calendar for today. Are there speeches on the part of the minority? (No response.)
Are there speeches on the part of the majority? The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. First let me wish my colleagues and all others a happy Earth 40 years of honoring Mother Earth. Councilman Jim Kenney joins me in that effort. I have a T to cross, so I will be unable to call up Bill -- did not call up Bill 080758 today, but I intend to call up this bill next week. This bill will require businesses to close their doors when the air conditioning is blasting. This may sound like a no-brainer, but it is a huge waste and damaging to the environment. So as we endeavor to be more conscientious around this environmental issue, we're asking everyone to be cognizant of this and to look forward to a vote on this bill next week. So today we celebrate Earth Day and next week I'll be calling up the bill for a final vote, and hopeful for a favorable outcome as we move further to protect our planet. Thank you, Madam President.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I rise to talk about our resolution that we passed, Resolution 090608, which dealt with pharmacy-owned health clinics. Shortly after that resolution was passed by this body, we met with pharmacists and pharmacy-owned clinics. They had a conference here in Philadelphia. We talked about the need for healthcare. We recognized in that timeframe that Obama had done his job by bringing national healthcare a step closer, but by us passing this resolution, the pharmacists had begun to expand pharmacies that are inside of urban areas into communities like mine. Two of them are opening up, one on 63rd Street operated by Rite Aid and another owned by ShopRite, with more to come in places like Target. body for doing their part to help bring national healthcare to local communities. But our job is not yet done. A young lady by the name of Aissa Finesse is a one-and-a-half-year-old young lady who should be out exploring her world, finding out what grass, trees and sunshine do for a human being. But she is holding on to her life because of a failed liver transplant from a cadaver that should not have been given to her in the first place. As we look at people, hundreds and even thousands of them, that fall between the cracks of healthcare, her mother in this case had to take off of school, Temple student, took away from her education, to give the type of intensive care to her daughter. So as the calvary begins to arrive from Washington, a lot of people are still in a vulnerable position waiting for this healthcare to happen. out to her, and I hope that people in the healthcare community can find ways to creatively allow people to find existence in waiting for this help to come from Washington. Finally, I hope that my colleagues will join me in this effort up at the Abbotsford Community Center, 3226 McMichael Street, for a health fair. Thirty-five healthcare providers and doctors, physicians and dentists will be there to bring healthcare to a public housing facility. We want to see more of that, because these are underutilized communities that don't take advantage of the healthcare that is there. So I thank you and this body for passing that resolution and finally seeing pharmacies coming into the inner city. So thank you again.
Thank you, Madam President. We mentioned Martin Cabry earlier, and certainly on Saturday, Jim Kenney was there as well and we both walked in the 3K race -- he a little faster than I -- to celebrate organ donation, and that's the whole point. That was the whole point of it. So we certainly support that every year and join with Councilwoman Krajewski in remarks she made about organ donation, as it is such an important issue and affects so many people in our society. I also want to note that our Partnership for Prescription Assistance table is available with brochures and information for your constituents to help them get their prescriptions paid. Thank you.
Thank you. Are there any other speeches? (No response.)
Seeing none, the Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke for a motion to adjourn.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, April 29th, 2010, 10:00 a.m. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, April 29th at 10:00 a.m. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. Thank you all very much. (Stated Meeting adjourned at 11:30 a.m.) CERTIFICATE I HEREBY CERTIFY that the proceedings, evidence and objections are contained fully and accurately in the stenographic notes taken by me upon the foregoing matter on April 22, 2010, and that this is a true and correct transcript of same. ______________________________ MICHELE L. MURPHY RPR-Notary Public (The foregoing certification of this transcript does not apply to any reproduction of the same by any means, unless under the direct control and/or supervision of the certifying reporter.)