COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, February 23, 2006 10:20 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILMAN FRANK DiCICCO COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN JACK KELLY COUNCILMAN JAMES F. KENNEY COUNCILWOMAN JOAN L. KRAJEWSKI COUNCILMAN RICHARD T. MARIANO COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER COUNCILMAN MICHAEL A. NUTTER COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILMAN JUAN RAMOS COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO MICHAEL DECKER, CLERK V A R A L L O Incorporated Litigation Support Services Eleven Penn Center 1835 Market Street, Suite 600 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103 215.561.2220 215.567.2670
Good morning, everyone. I note that the hour has come and that a quorum of this Council is present. Councilmembers will please take their seats. Visitors will retire to the seats outside the rails. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair welcomes Rabbi Moshe Goldman of Temple Beth Ami. He is here today as the guest of Councilman O'Neill. I would ask all members and guests to please rise. (Everyone rises.)
Madam President, Councilmen, Councilwomen, leaders of our City, ladies and gentlemen, let us pray. Lord God, you have given us a world so various, so wonderful and yet so horrible. It's beautiful and majestic, full of disaster and disease. There is in this world of ours light and darkness, poverty, kindness and cruelty. You expect us to choose good and not evil. Please show yourself, God. Grant wisdom to the leaders entrusted by the citizens of our City to lead them with courage and compassion, to harmony, involvement and hope. May the spirit of devotion that animated the founding fathers in Philadelphia continue to guide us. Grace us with your presence, God. Teach us how to increase the health, joy, abundance and peace of this, our city, so that it be a city of brotherly love in fact as it is in name. Bless this Council, Lord, with joy and peace. May God be with you. May health and strength sustain you. May nothing harm you. May wisdom and kindness enrich you. May you be a blessing to the City and may blessings surround you now and always. Amen.
Amen. The Chair thanks Rabbi Goldman for his very inspiring invocation. Thank you. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, February 16, 2006, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, February 16, 2006 stand approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, February 16, 2006 stand approved. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, February 16, 2006 is approved. The next order of business is requests for leave of absence, and, again, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. Today there are no requests for leaves of absence on the part of the Majority.
Thank you. The Chair thanks the Councilwoman, and the Chair at this time recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Madam President, on behalf of the republicans, there are no requests for leave of absence.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. 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. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown, who will present a resolution honoring the African-American Museum. Will Ms. Romona Riscoe Benson and those accompanying her please join the Councilwoman at the podium. Councilwoman is also being accompanied by Councilman Goode and also Councilman DiCicco.
Thank you, Madam President. It gives me a wonderful pleasure to introduce to some and present leadership of the African-American Museum of Philadelphia. She has done an enormous job in putting the Museum on its feet and anchored it in a wonderful way as we look towards the next 30 years of its service to our City. Honoring the African-American Museum in Philadelphia on the occasion of both Black History Month and the 30th anniversary of the Museum. Whereas, citizens of the United States have recognized black history since 1926, first as Negro History Week and then as Black History Month; and
Whereas, the celebration of Black History Month and, more importantly, the study of African-American history can trace its roots to one Dr. Carter W. Woodson; and Whereas, Dr. Woodson established the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, now called the Association for the Study of Afro-American Life and History, in 1915; later, founded the widely respected Journal of Negro History in an effort to ensure that black Americans had their proper place in American history; and COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Whereas, one of the primary institutions in this City that celebrates black history 365 days a year was founded in 1976 as the Afro-American Historical and Cultural Museum and is now known today as the African-American Museum in Philadelphia; and Whereas, AAMP's mission is dedicated to collecting, preserving and interpreting the material and intellectual culture of African-Americans in Philadelphia, the Delaware Valley, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the Americas; and
Whereas, the Museum promotes three tenets that describe the Museum's public programming, which are the African Diaspora, which gifts, lineage and unique cultural expressions that people of African ancestry share throughout the Americas of the world; the Philadelphia Story, which celebrates local and regional cultural achievements while enlightening our audience about the thirst for freedom and liberty shared by past generations; and the Contemporary Narrative, which relates current events and focus on our ever-changing universe; and Whereas, AAMP will be celebrating its own history at the Inaugural Heritage Gala at the Pennsylvania Convention Center on February 24, 2006, the theme of celebrating 30 years of rekindling the spirit of reclaiming the legacy. Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the City Council of Philadelphia, that we hereby honor the African-American Museum in Philadelphia on the occasion of and the 30th anniversary of the museum. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Romona Riscoe Benson, President and CEO of the African-American Museum in Philadelphia for her devotion, intellect, hard work and unwavering efforts in the promotion of black history and art as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body. Introduced by Councilman Frank Rizzo, a current member of the AAMP Board; Councilman W. Wilson Goode, a former member of the Board; Councilman Frank DiCicco, wherein the African-American Museum sits, and co-sponsored by all members of the Philadelphia City Council. (Applause.)
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Ms. Benson for remarks.
Madam President, member Reynolds Brown, Councilman and AAMP Board member Rizzo, Councilman Goode and Councilman DiCicco and all members of Council, on behalf of the Board of Directors, staff and stakeholders of the African-American Museum, we thank you for this very important honor. The African-American Museum has moved from challenging times to an important recovery phase and now stabilization. We appreciate the support of Council on the eve of our first Heritage Gala celebrating 30 years of existence with over 800 guests tomorrow evening. We look forward to what the future holds for this very important institution to the City of Philadelphia. We invite all of you to become members. We ask that you attend our Silent Voices-Loud Echoes exhibition that will open on March the 17th, and hope to see all of you tomorrow evening. for this honor. (Applause.)
Thank you, Madam Chair. I wanted to announce some guests that we have here in City Council this morning. They're from the Simon Gratz High School, which is located in the Eighth Council District. I'd like to recognize the students that are Simon Gratz High's student government. They are 11 bright future leaders of our City who are here to observe the inner workings of Council. I'd like to extend a warm welcome to the students, who are accompanied by their teacher. (Applause.)
Welcome. time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Ramos.
Thank you, Madam President. I also want to welcome some guests in Chambers. I want to welcome back home RE Specialist Carlos Veltez. He just returned from the battlefields of Iraq. He is a recipient of many medals and badges for his bravery and courage. He is joined today by his mother, Carmen, and brother, Jose. If they can stand so we can recognize them.
The 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.
To the President Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am pleased to advise you that on February 23, 2006 I signed the remaining bills that were passed by Council at its session on February 9, 2006, and I am transmitting for the consideration of your honorable body a draft of a resolution, entitled "Resolution approving an amendment to the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of an additional portion of the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area designated as Parcel No. 490, also identified as 2144 Stewart Street."
Thank you. The Clerk will please read any other messages in his possession.
Thank you very much. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended in order to permit the immediate consideration of resolutions at their time of introduction.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit immediate consideration of resolutions at the time of introduction. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer one resolution honoring the 167th birthday of one of Philadelphia's greatest educators, soldiers, athletes, civil rights leader and martyr.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I introduce one resolution on your behalf.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title.
A resolution adopting findings of fact and conclusions of law with respect to certain appeals filed in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas regarding Council's decision disapproving applications to sell malt and brewed beverages for consumption off premises.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will please say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
Madam President, on behalf of yourself, Councilman DiCicco and myself and sponsored by all members, I introduce one resolution.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk -- I'm sorry. The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution calling on the Bush Administration, its approval of the acquisition of Dubai Ports World of the Peninsula and Oriental Steam Navigation Company, a company that conducts port operations in Philadelphia and several other major ports in the United States.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will please indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Is Councilman Mariano in the room? The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter.
Thank you, Madam President. I have one bill and one resolution.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Chapter 21-1100 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Community Development," by extending the applicability period.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution recognizing February 25, 2006 as Reparations Awareness Day and urging the U.S. Congress to pass HR 40 and the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to pass HB 765, both entitled "The Commission to Study Reparation Proposals for African-Americans Act."
Thank you, Madam President. I move the adoption of the resolution. I wish to speak briefly on it. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Nutter.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, I'd simply like to recognize the great efforts of a local organization named Cobra, some of whose members are here with us this morning, and I'd just like to ask them to stand and be recognized.
Madam President, I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will please say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano.
I have no bills or resolutions, Council President. Thank you.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer no bills or resolutions.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. I offer two bills.
The Chief Clerk will please read -- I'm sorry. I'm making you a chief clerk today, Michael. You will read the title of the bill, please.
An ordinance amending Section 14-305 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "C-4 Commercial and C-5 Commercial Districts," by deleting the provision that increased the permitted floor area of lots designated C-4 in the area bounded by Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Vine Street, Water Street and Summer Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Section 9-204 of The Philadelphia Code by permitting vending on the west side of 10th Street, from Market Street to Ludlow Street.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee, and the Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Madam President, I offer two bills and one resolution on which I'd like to speak briefly.
The Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of landed located within an area bounded by Southampton Road, a Railroad Right-of-Way, Hornig Road and the Roosevelt Boulevard.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City, to enter into a further amendment to a lease between the City and the Far Northeast Senior Citizens, Inc. for the use of certain property located on the northeast corner of Byberry-Southampton Road and Townsend Road.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution in solemn recognition during the week of April 24 through April 30, 2006 as the annual remembrance of the six million Jewish martyrs who perished during the Holocaust.
Thank you, Madam President. Councilman Cohen has always introduced this resolution. He was the last or the only Jewish member of Council, and I feel honored to be asked to introduce it, having represented a very large Jewish population for the last 26 years. But I also want to say that having been in Israel just once, a haunting memory was the Yad Vashem Museum, and it really brings it home much more than anybody could tell you about it, seeing the exhibits, the photographs, the stories that came out of this slaughter. No other way of saying it. But today we have just ironically -- and I guess it was meant to be -- Rabbi Goldman, who is here, and it turns out Rabbi Goldman is a Holocaust survivor who was hidden in a Polish family's home as a young boy and managed to survive, and they risked their lives sheltering him. But I would ask, and hopefully this can be an annual tradition whether I'm introducing it or not, that we pass this resolution by a standing vote. Thank you. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and seconded that the ordinance be adopted by a standing vote. (All Councilmembers standing.)
The resolution has been adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Madam President, I have one bill and one resolution. I'm actually still getting signatures, so I'll try to expedite this.
While we're waiting, the Chair recognizes Councilman Kelly.
Thank you. Would someone get Councilman Clarke's -- you still have signatures to obtain?
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution recognizing, honoring, celebrating and remembering Azeem: The "Brave One," Badge No. K-527, a seven-year veteran of the Philadelphia Police Department, for his honorable service and extraordinary talents that personified his commitment to not only the citizens of Philadelphia, but also the United States of America.
Madam President, I move for the adoption of this resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Clerk will please read the title of the second resolution.
A resolution authorizing City Council's Committee on Streets and Services to hold a public hearing to investigate the current intergovernmental relationship, policies and practices of the City of Philadelphia and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, specifically the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, PennDOT.
Madam President, I ask for this resolution to be forwarded to the appropriate committee.
Would you make a motion, please, for the adoption.
I move for the adoption of this resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will please indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution will be referred to the Committee on Streets and Services. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Thank you, Madam President. I have one bill and one resolution.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending the ordinance approved June 28, 1966, Bill No. 1845, as amended, known as the "Philadelphia Housing Development Agreement Ordinance," and entitled, "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City, to enter into an agreement with the Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation to provide for low cost residential development and redevelopment in the City."
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution approving an amendment to the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of an additional portion of the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area designated as 2144 Stewart Street.
Madam President, I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will please say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The next order of business is reports from committees, and the Chair a report from the Committee on Rules.
Madam President, the Committee on Rules reports three bills with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the report.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Rules, to which was referred Bill No. 051144, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, by amending Section 14-104, entitled 'Non-Conforming Structures and Uses,' by amending provisions relating to the reconstruction of non-conforming structures"; and Bill No. 051198, entitled "An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land bounded generally by Butler Street, Sepviva Street, Wheatsheaf Lane and Aramingo Avenue," and Bill No. 051200, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 14-1610 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Old City Residential Area Special District Controls,' extending the boundaries of the District," respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Madam President, I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill Nos. 051144 and 051200. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill Nos. 051144 and 051200. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the bills just read will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. Bill No. 051198 will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for a report from the Committee on Finance.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Finance reports out two bills with a favorable recommendation.
The Committee on Finance, to which was referred Bill No. 050371, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 19-203 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Payroll Deductions,' by adding a new subsection permitting payroll deductions for contributions to FIREPAC"; and Bill No. 060015, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 19-200 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'City Funds Deposits, Investments, Disbursements,' by clarifying the requirements for City depositories," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill Nos. 050371 and 060015. (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. 050371 and 060015. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the bills just read will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski for a report from the Committee on Appropriations.
Madam President, the Committee on Appropriations reports four bills out with a favorable recommendation.
The Committee on Appropriations, to which was referred Bill No. 051139, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 17 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Contracts and Procurement,' by providing for a price preference for hybrid-electric or alternative fuel vehicles when the City purchases vehicles"; and Bill No. 060047, entitled "An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2006 within the Grants Revenue Fund to the Streets Department, the Department of Public Property and the Department of Human Services - Office of Emergency Shelter Services"; and Bill No. 060048, entitled "An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2006 within the Water Fund from the Managing - Office of Fleet Management to the Managing Director - Office of Fleet Management"; and Bill No. 060049, entitled "An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2006 within the General Fund from certain or all City, offices, departments, boards and commissions to certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions," respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bills 051139, 060047, 060048 and 060049. (Duly seconded.)
It 2/23/06 - STATED - 1ST READING has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill Nos. 051139, 060047, 060048 and 060049. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the bills just read will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. The next order of business is the consideration of the Calendar. The Clerk will please read the bills on the First Reading Calendar.
Bill No. 051144, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Zoning and Planning,' by amending Section 14-104, entitled 'Non-Conforming Structures and Uses.'" 2/23/06 - STATED - 1ST READING
And Bill No. 051200, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 14-1610 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Old City Residential Area Special District Controls,' extending the boundaries of the District."
And Bill No. 050371, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 19-203 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Payroll Deductions,' by adding a new subsection permitting payroll deductions for contributions to FIREPAC.
And Bill No. 060015, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 19-200 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'City Funds - Deposits, Investments, Disbursements,' by clarifying the requirements for City 2/23/06 - STATED - 1ST READING depositories."
And Bill No. 051139, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 17 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Contracts and Procurement,' by providing for a price preference for hybrid-electric or alternative fuel vehicles when the City purchases vehicles."
And Bill No. 060047, entitled "An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2006 within the Grants Revenue Fund from the Director Finance to the Streets Department, the Department of Public Property and the Department of Human Services."
And Bill No. 2/23/06 - STATED - 1ST READING 060048, entitled "An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2006 within the Water Fund from the Managing Director Office of Fleet Management to the Managing Director Office of Fleet Management."
And Bill No. 060049, entitled "An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2006 within the General Fund from certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions to certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions."
The Chair agrees. That completes the Calendar for today regarding our first reading. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for the purpose of calling up bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar to be considered today. 2/23/06 - STATED - 2ND READING
Thank you, Madam President. Today on , Bill No. 051028-AA at the bottom of ; at the top of , Bill No. 060010-A; and, finally, one bill at the bottom of , Bill No. 051230, are being called up for second reading and final passage. All other bills are being held.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 051028-AA.
An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by adopting a new Chapter 14-400, entitled "Commercial Entertainment District," 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 2/23/06 - STATED - 2ND READING roll.
Aye. The ayes are 16; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The Clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 060010-A.
An ordinance amending Subcode "PM" of Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code, by providing for a Certificate of Rental Suitability to be provided by the owner of any rental 2/23/06 - STATED - 2ND READING property prior to the inception of any tenancy.
This bill having been read on -- Councilman Mariano, you wish to be recognized?
This bill is a bill that I sponsored with the help of a lot of people, basically the people sitting in the back of the room over there. This is one of them kind of bills that when you get involved with it, you want to do it because you know it's the right thing. And a lot of people that you know and people you don't know call, and a lot of your friends and a lot of your colleagues call and say, We should look at this. When my colleagues call, I noted that they're all good people and it's all with the best of intentions, 2/23/06 - STATED - 2ND READING regardless of what's happening around here the last 12 years or however long it is I've been here. It seems 100. I, frankly, don't know how much longer I'll be here, but this is a bill that we really need to do, and it's the right thing to do. We could debate this bill for another ten years probably, but it is the right thing to do, because it's for people that are taken advantage of. And it's not against people that could take advantage of people, if you know what I'm trying to say. I had a conversation with the L&I Commissioner that you know about, and Councilman Nutter was on the other line, and now suddenly the L&I Commissioner, who I actually like the gentleman, they're not sure if they can do something on this bill. Well, I'm going to say where were they a month ago when we had the hearings? Where were they the last three weeks when my Legislative Aide and my Chief of Staff were meeting with the 2/23/06 - STATED - 2ND READING people that are for this bill and even the people that were against this bill? So I made a promise the day we did this legislation. And the papers get to write a nice thing, because I refuse to speak to them anymore, and the reason I don't speak to them has nothing to do with this bill. Basically, the reason I don't speak to them is because they're basically full of crap and they can't never get the truth if it hits them in the head. But the truth here today is this: This is a bill that we should do, and if anybody doesn't want to vote against it, fine. That's what we get elected for, to make choices, and we make choices on what we think is right. I think it's the right time, and I'll be voting in favor of this bill, and I ask everyone else to vote for it. And the people that told me they couldn't, I understand it. I'm not going to say their names. They have legitimate 2/23/06 - STATED - 2ND READING reasons and they have legitimate concerns, but I'm going to go with this bill. Okay? Thank you.
You're welcome. Again, I will state that this bill -(Applause.)
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally.
Yes. I just want to have this opportunity to point out some things that's been happening over the last week regarding this bill. 2/23/06 - STATED - 2ND READING I've been contacted by the Homeowners Association of Philadelphia, as well as other property owners throughout Northeast and Center City. They have some questions about this bill, and I think they would like to have some input to make some improvements on this bill which would make everyone happy. I think what we need, we need time to do it, and I'm asking the sponsor of the bill if he would hold it for at least a week or so until we could get this information from these people so we could make this bill better than what it is today. I'm not saying at this point that the bill -- I think the intent of the bill is good, but I think it can be improved. Therefore, I am asking the sponsor of this bill to hold it at this time.
Thank you, Madam President. I love Jack Kelly. 2/23/06 - STATED - 2ND READING He's a great guy, and normally I would do whatever he asked, to an extent, but not today. They had a lot of time to be involved in this bill. My Chief of Staff and my Legislative Aide have been working and going over it with people. Some people are just not going to be for this bill, and I would be against holding it and I can't hold it. I'd rather it came up and didn't happen than we would hold it, just for the effect that the people that are taking advantage of this City by a small group of people need to know that someone is in their corner. It's not about me, believe me. They're going to write whatever they write anyhow. They never get it right anyhow, so it don't matter. But these people in here need something. It's not about me. It's about all of us. So thank you. Sorry, Councilman, but I wouldn't be in favor of that.
Thank 2/23/06 - STATED - 2ND READING you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney. (Applause.)
Thank you, Madam President. I do believe this bill is well-intentioned and I believe that people who have crafted it, along with the sponsor of the bill, are well-intentioned. My concern, however, and I want the record to reflect that, is that it is very difficult to find affordable rental housing in the City of Philadelphia. The concerns expressed by L&I, albeit recently, is that the inability to process the paperwork and the inspections necessary to certify a property as rentable could in fact hurt the very people that this bill is intended to help, and, that is, by making less apartment units available in a timely fashion and also by getting people who want to go into the rental business 2/23/06 - STATED - 2ND READING to stay away from the rental business because of this additional requirement. So in the end, I understand the need for people to be protected and for the people to have rights that are clear, but I think that because of the additional burdens that are going to be put on property owners and people who would at some point in time become property managers and landlords, that there may wind up being less apartments available for people at an affordable price than there are today. So for that reason, I'm voting no. Not because I disagree with the intent of the bill, but because I think what's going to happen as a result of the implementation of the bill is going to be a disaster for poor renters. Thank you.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke. 2/23/06 - STATED - 2ND READING
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, I was present at the public hearing on this particular bill, and there were several issues raised, a couple of issues raised by representatives of the Homeowners Association. There was actually an amendment that was requested by the Homeowners Association, and I believe the sponsor agreed and we did amend that portion out of the bill that talked about certain provisions as it related to defects in properties. At that hearing, the Homeowners Association representative indicated that he was satisfied with that. I also talked to Mr. Otis Haigler, who is a representative from the Department of License and Inspection. He indicated at the time that there were certain regulatory things that the Department of L&I would do to determine the level of the provisions of the bill 2/23/06 - STATED - 2ND READING that could be applicable to this particular situation. So I believe that this bill, like a number of other bills that we've recently passed that I, frankly speaking, had some concerns about our ability to adequately implement them, can be dealt with on the regulatory side of government. We pass bills and more often than not, we have certain terms and conditions that are attached to the bill. I believe that from a regulatory perspective, the Department of L&I could adequately address any concerns that any of the homeowners have, particularly the homeowners who are doing the right thing. And I think that we need to send the right signal to support these individuals who are in positions. And I understand Councilman Kenney's concern about affordable housing. I obviously have a big problem with that with a number of my constituents, but affordable housing 2/23/06 - STATED - 2ND READING should still be appropriate housing, and I don't think that we should allow people to continue to have inappropriate conditions in some of these properties. So I think I will be voting for this bill today.
Then I will repeat. 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.
A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. (Applause.)
The Clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 051230.
An ordinance dissolving the West Philadelphia Retail Tax Increment Financing District and creating the Park West Tax Increment Financing District, being the area generally bounded by Columbia Avenue on the north, North 50th Street on the east, Merion Avenue on the south and North 52nd Street on the west.
This bill having been read on two different 2/23/06 - STATED - 2ND READING days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally.
Aye. The ayes are 16; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, this bill passes. That completes our Calendar for today. Are there speeches on the part of the Minority? (No response.)
Seeing none, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for a motion to adjourn.
Madam President, I move that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, March the 2nd, 2006. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, March the 2nd at 10:00 a.m. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, the motion carries, and Council will be adjourned. much. (Stated Meeting adjourned at 11:10 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 February 23, 2006, 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.)