COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, November 2, 2006, 10:15 a.m. COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT: Anna C. Verna, President Jannie L. Blackwell Blondell Reynolds Brown Darrell L. Clarke Frank DiCicco W. Wilson Goode, Jr. Jack Kelly James F. Kenney Joan L. Krajewski Donna Reed Miller Brian J. O'Neill Juan F. Ramos Frank Rizzo Marian B. Tasco V A R A L L O Incorporated Litigation Support Specialists 1835 Market Street, Suite 600 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103 215.561.2220 215.567.2670 11/2/06 STATED - GREETING/INVOCATION
Good morning, everyone. I note that the hour has come and that a quorum of this Council is present. Council will please come to order, members will take their seats, and visitors will retire to the seats outside the rails. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Reverend Dr. Alyn Waller, Senior Pastor of the Enon Baptist Church. He is here today as the guest of Councilwoman Reynolds-Brown. At this time, I would ask all members and guests to please rise.
Thank you. Thank you, first of all, God, for allowing us to live where we live. We thank you for this city and we thank you for this state and this country. And, God, we are reminded of your words from the apostle Paul that we have to pray for those that have 11/2/06 STATED - GREETING/INVOCATION leadership and have to rule, and so, today, we are gathered to pray for those who give leadership in the City of Philadelphia. We pray, O, God that the truth of the proverbs that the king is in the hands of the Lord would reign true in this place that has decision-making and the voting takes place, for the least of these would be remembered. And then, God, also recognize that they are men and women in this room today who come to serve this city but who come in the context of their own pain and their own struggles. And so I pray for the marriages of every Councilperson here. I pray for their children, I pray, Lord, for their home life; for as their homes are blessed, they bring health and proper decision-making to this moment. And then, Lord, we pray for those who are here in this room today to exercise what is their duty to call to 11/2/06 STATED - GREETING/INVOCATION attention the gaps between the "is-ness" and "ought-ness" of our city. And so we pray for those who have come to critique and even to criticize. And we thank you, God, for our country and a state and a city where it is not only allowed, but expected. And so, Lord, we say today between those who see it one way and those who see it the other, that your will would be done, and that some would come away from here, knowing that you're still on the throne. And, Lord, I thank you for allowing me to speak life in these chambers today. And so I pray now, God, in the Baptist name, in the only name I know, and in the name of Jesus the Christ. And for his sake, we do pray. Let us all say... amen.
Amen. I thanks, Reverend Waller, for his very inspiring invocation. 11/2/06 STATED - GREETING/INVOCATION Council will be at ease. (Short break taken.) (Proceedings resume.) * * *
The next order of business is the approval of the journal of the meeting of Thursday, October 26, 2006, and the Chair recognizes Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the journal of the meeting of Thursday, October 26, 2006, stand approved. (Motion seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the journal of the meeting of Thursday, October 26, 2006, stand approved. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and the 11/2/06 STATED - LEAVES OF ABS. REQUESTS journal of the meeting of Thursday, October 26, 2006, is approved. * * *
The next order of business is requests for leaves of absence. And, again, the Chair recognizes Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. On behalf of the Majority, there are no requests for leaves of absence today.
Thank you. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
Madam President, there's no requests for leaves of absence from the Republicans.
The Chair will dispense with the regular 11/2/06 STATED MEETING - PRESENTATIONS order of business to recognize the guests and visitors joining us in the 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 to you come again. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds-Brown, who will present a resolution honoring Delilah Winder. Will Miss Winder and those accompanying her please join the Councilwoman at the podium. (Honoree and others come forward.)
Councilwoman Reynolds-Brown has been joined by Councilman Clarke.
Thank you, Madam President. It gives me enormous pleasure to introduce to some and present to 11/2/06 STATED MEETING - PRESENTATIONS others a woman who was highly recognized by the world-renowned Oprah Winfrey, who found her macaroni and cheese to be the best in the world. And I'm always inspired by women who then take the leap and commit their hearts to the written material and write a book. And for that reason and all that she represents, we want to celebrate Philadelphia's own, Delilah Winder. Councilman Clarke? (Applause.)
And that macaroni and cheese, shall we say, is smokin'. Today, we would like to honor Miss Delilah Winder on the occasion of the publication of her first book and longtime promotion of culinary excellence in the City of Philadelphia. Whereas, Delilah has been a beacon of nourishment for the City of 11/2/06 STATED MEETING - PRESENTATIONS Philadelphia. Throughout her 20-year food career, she has become a successful entrepreneur, owning five Delilah Southern Cuisine locations in Philadelphia and one full-service dining location, Bluezette Restaurant; and Whereas, she serves currently as the Chair of the Board of the African-American Chamber of Commerce and also serves on the boards of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Food Trust, Pie in the Sky for MANNA, Old City District, and the Greater Philadelphia Restaurant Purveyors Association; and Whereas, civically, many charitable organizations identify her as a friend to their cause due to Delilah's dedication over the years of giving, such as teaching nutritional cooking classes, facilitating supermarket tours in the urban community for the Food Trust, working with the Food Coalition Against Hunger, Pie in the Sky for 11/2/06 STATED MEETING - PRESENTATIONS MANNA, and providing Meals on Wheels for the Action AIDS; and
Whereas, through all of her work, Delilah finds the time to still serve as a mentor during the summer at the Girl Scout Camp VIP; and Whereas, Delilah has been honored by the culinary community for her outstanding achievements and contributions, which include invitation to cook at the world-renowned James Beard Foundation, and which has seen her favorite features on many national television food shows, including the Food Network-The Best of Southern Cuisine and CBS's Chef on a Shoestring; and Whereas, accolades include 100 Favorite Foods by Saveur Magazine, Best of Philly, and her crowning achievement of being voted as the best macaroni and cheese in the nation by Oprah Winfrey. Now, therefore, be it resolved 11/2/06 STATED MEETING - PRESENTATIONS by the City of Philadelphia that we hereby honor and salute and commend and salute you, Miss Delilah Winder, on the occasion of her newest endeavor, "Delilah's Everyday Soul Cookbook." Further resolved that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Miss Delilah Winder as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body. Introduced by Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds-Brown and sponsored by all of the members of the Philadelphia City Council. Congratulations to you, Delilah Winder. (Applause.)
I just want to say thank you for Councilwoman Reynolds -- I'm hesitant to say "Blondell" because that's how we know 11/2/06 STATED MEETING - PRESENTATIONS each other -- and for Councilman Clarke for supporting me in this endeavor and all of City Council. And for thanking my friends. All of my girls are here. They got them in, and that was a surprise for me. My mom is here, and I have a cousin here and other friends. And I just want to say thank you to everyone. (Applause.)
Council will be at ease. (Short break taken.) (Proceedings resume.)
The Chair now recognizes Councilman Rizzo, who will present a resolution honoring the Parents Patrol of Simon Gratz High School. Will Miss Selma Johnson and those accompanying her please join Councilman Rizzo at the podium, and Councilman Rizzo is being accompanied by 11/2/06 STATED MEETING - PRESENTATIONS Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you, Madam President. Good morning, everyone. Today we're going to recognize a very, very special group of parents in the proximity of the Simon Gratz High School. And we're also very fortunate today to have the principal, Dr. Delores Williams, the principal of Gratz here with us today. And also my colleague Councilwoman Donna Miller, Simon Gratz is in her Councilmatic district. And it reads: Recognizing, honoring, and celebrating the Parent Patrol at Simon Gratz High School for their innovative efforts to help keep students safe to and from school by patrolling areas in 11/2/06 STATED MEETING - PRESENTATIONS close proximity of the school through the use of Push-To-Talk cellphones. Whereas, it is so important that children are safe going to and from school; and Whereas, the Philadelphia Police Department, which does a remarkable job protecting all of us, face even greater demands every day; and
Whereas, the City needs the involvement of its citizens to help keep the city safe, as safe as it can be; and Whereas, the Parent Patrol started at Simon Gratz in January of 2006 under the area's Town Watch, with Selena Johnson as the director of the program; and Whereas, these parents are only asked to volunteer for three hour shifts per day but have instead generously committed themselves to a full day of 9:00 to 4:00, patrolling from Hunting Park Avenue, Germantown 11/2/06 STATED MEETING - PRESENTATIONS Avenue, and Erie Avenue; and Whereas, in these times, it is paramount that parents display courage and dedication to protecting our youth, not only to secure their young lives, but to show them what a role model is and what can be accomplished through hard work; and
Whereas, the brave Parent Patrol workers are Selena Johnson, Heather Smith, Eugenia Harris, Melva Anderson, Devery Moore, Cynthia Geiger, Audrey Ross, Deborah Richardson, Doreen Cooper, Rosemary Benjamen, Diane Washington, Crystal Bryant, and Cindy Cook. Therefore, be it resolved by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the City Council hereby recognizes, honors, and celebrates the Parent Patrol at Simon Gratz High School for their innovative efforts to help keep students safe to and from school by patrolling areas in close proximity. 11/2/06 STATED MEETING - PRESENTATIONS It is further resolved that an engrossed copy of the resolution be presented to Selena Johnson as further evidence of the sincere admiration and gratitude of this legislative body. Now, when we found out that there was an issue with communication, Selena mentioned to me that one of the problems they have when they're out on their patrol is communicating with each other. And so I turned to a company that I know is committed to involving themselves in projects like this in community involvement, and that's Cingular Wireless. And Dan LeFond, the top executive, and some of the team from Cingular stepped forward because they have a product that's called Push-To-Talk, and they are providing six telephones to the Parent Patrol that they can inter-communicate, they can call the school security, they can call 11/2/06 STATED MEETING - PRESENTATIONS 9-1-1 in the event of an issue that they need assistance with, because the walkie-talkies that they had were marginal and they weren't providing the coverage that they needed. So Dan LeFond is here to make the presentation of six Push-To-Talk cellphones to Selena Johnson, and then we will hear from the principal and some of the other folks. Selena? Dan LeFond wants to present the six telephones to you. MR. LeFOND: Selena, on behalf of Cingular Telephone -- first off, I want to thank Councilman Rizzo for getting us involved in such a great, great venture of keeping the city streets safe and our students safe. It is important that Cingular stay active in community in which we serve our customers. And on behalf of Cingular, I have six phones with the service to keep the patrol in constant communication 11/2/06 STATED MEETING - PRESENTATIONS with each other and law enforcement if necessary.
I'd like to say thank you on behalf of myself and the Simon Gratz Parent Patrol. We will definitely make these radios effective; we will wear them out, as the kids would say. We will make sure we do the right thing by them and we will let you know that we will never let you down. Thank you. (Applause.)
As principal of Simon Gratz High School, I'd like to first thank Councilman Rizzo, Councilwoman Donna Reed-Miller, and the executives of Cingular. And when Miss Johnson, a parent, came to me, she said, "I'm going to write to Councilman Rizzo because we need telephones," and I said, "Go ahead 11/2/06 STATED MEETING - PRESENTATIONS and do it," and she did it and she got a response. And I'll tell you, on the high school level, you very seldom see parents involved in their children's -I wouldn't say education, but in the welfare and taking an active part in the welfare of the children. And our parents came together as a result of a crisis that we had at the school involving students. And this is our student government president here, Kasheema Montgomery. (Applause.) MISS MONTGOMERY: Oftentimes, you hear parents saying, What are you doing to the schools to keep our children safe? So Miss Johnson and I said, Well, let's call the parents to task and ask them to join our community and work in and outside of the school. And from that, we have 11/2/06 STATED MEETING - PRESENTATIONS approximately probably about 13 parents, all of them who aren't here today, who are on board every single day and are making an impact on the safety of our school. So I just want to say publicly I thank the parents as well, because they didn't have to do what they do, and they're doing it for free, because they care and they're committed to the Simon Gratz High School community. (Applause.) UNIDENTIFIED STUDENT: Good morning. I just would like to say thank you to everybody for this wonderful presentation. I would like to say thank you also to Simon Gratz parents that help out, great help -- I mean absolutely great help. I feel protected every day coming home from school. We know them very well, we relate very well. They're like parents to us, not only to their 11/2/06 STATED MEETING - PRESENTATIONS own children but to everybody. So I would like to say, Thank you, guys. (Applause.)
And, again, we would like to thank Cingular for stepping forward and recognizing this valuable program. And the parents are just great. And, finally, I'd like to ask Deputy Commissioner Patricia Fox to come along with Inspector Sullivan and Jim Golden, who is the Chief Safety Executive for the School District of Philadelphia also to say thank you. DEPUTY COMMISSIONER FOX: Good morning. On behalf of the Police Commissioner, who was unable to be here today, and the rest of the police department, not only do I want to congratulate the Parent Patrol, but I want to sincerely thank them. As the Police Commissioner says over and over again, we can't do 11/2/06 STATED MEETING - PRESENTATIONS this job by ourselves. And you represent the Cadillac of community partnership, so thank you very, very much for all you do. (Applause.)
And Inspector Sullivan is the commanding officer of the Northwest Police Division, and obviously Simon Gratz is a major responsibility to his officers. OFFICER SULLIVAN: Good morning. And on behalf of the men and women of the Northwest Police Division, I'd like to thank the members of Council, especially Councilman Rizzo and Councilwoman Miller and, of course, Cingular, and most especially the Parent Patrol for helping us keep our children safe. And, of course, there is no more noble endeavor. Thank you all. (Applause.) UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Good morning. 11/2/06 STATED MEETING - PRESENTATIONS On behalf of the School Reform Commission and our CEO, Paul Vallas, I want to thank Councilman Rizzo and certainly Councilwoman Donna Reed-Miller and also Dr. Williams for her fine leadership at Gratz, our partners at Cingular Wireless, and last but not least, certainly our parent volunteers. You know, in the last two years, we've had a 24 percent reduction in serious incidents and violence throughout the city in and around our schools. That doesn't just happen; it happens because of the shining example that you see here this morning, the partnership and community collaboration. And so, again, thank you all very much. (Applause.)
Thank you, Madam President, for your indulgence and, again, Cingular Wireless and the Parent Patrol and all who are involved in this program. Let's hope that this 11/2/06 STATED MEETING - PRESENTATIONS program can grow, and Cingular can stay involved throughout our city. Thanks.
Council will be at ease. Councilman Rizzo, I think the photographer is ready for you.
The chair now recognizes Councilman Kenney. Who will present a resolution recognizing November 13 through November 17, 2006, as "Retirement Planning Education Week" in the City of Philadelphia. We'll Miss Mabel Capolongo and those accompanying her please join the Councilman at the podium. (Councilman Kenney and guests come forward.)
Thank you, Madam President. 11/2/06 STATED MEETING - PRESENTATIONS This a resolution recognizing November 13 through 17, 2006, as "Retirement Planning Education Week" in the City of Philadelphia. Whereas, in recognition of the National Retirement Planning Week, the U.S. Department of Labor, along with the Internal Revenue Service, the Social Security Administration and WHYY, Incorporated is planning an outreach effort designed to do educate the surrounding community about the critical need for workers to begin planning for their retirement; and Whereas, retirement planning is essential to contemporary workers since they have more responsibility to fund their own retirement than workers of a previous generation; and --
I 11/2/06 STATED MEETING - PRESENTATIONS think you deserve a little more respect than you're getting. There is entirely too much noise. To the people having private conversations, I suggest that you do that in the corridor. Please continue.
Thank you, Madam President. Whereas, during National Retirement Planning Week, the Department of Labor will be hosting a free two-day event, "Why Be Broke? Retirement Strategies for the 21st Century Worker," which will provide the public with valuable information that can be used in planning for future financial independence; and Whereas, this event is designed to especially benefit low-income workers, small-business employees, new entrants to the workforce, and workers nearing retirement; and 11/2/06 STATED MEETING - PRESENTATIONS Whereas, on Wednesday, November 15th, the public will be encouraged to call the Labor Department's Employee Benefits Security Administration to have questions answered by experts about federal pension plan protections and other related issues; and Whereas, on Thursday, November 16th, there will be a Meet-the-Expert Information Fair held at Houston Hall on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania, where related federal, state and local government agencies, nonprofits, and professional associations will be onsite, distributing information and providing counsel; and Whereas, this event will equip workers throughout the tristate area with the tools they require to plan for retirement, regardless of where they are in their careers. Now, therefore, resolved by 11/2/06 STATED MEETING - PRESENTATIONS the Council of the City of Philadelphia that we recognize November 13 through 17, 2006, as "Retirement Planning Week" in the City of Philadelphia, and we thank and congratulate all of those involved. Thank you. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes Miss Capolongo for remarks.
Good morning. I'd like to thank Council President Verna, Councilman Kenney, and all members of the Philadelphia City Council for joining the U.S. Department of Labor's Employee Benefits Security Administration and the Women's Bureau, the IRS, the Social Security Administration, the Department of Health and Human Services, and Coming of Age in our unprecedented collaborative effort to raise community awareness about the importance of planning for a secure 11/2/06 STATED MEETING - PRESENTATIONS retirement. This resolution recognizing November 13 through 17, 2006, as "Retirement Planning Education Week" in Philadelphia and the full Council support it received clearly demonstrates your strong commitment to raise public awareness about the need to plan and save for retirement. For workers who think that it is too early to begin planning for retiring, it's time to think again. Times have changed. The pensions earned by our parents and grandparents are fading away. Today's workers have more responsibility to fund their own retirement than workers have had in recent generations. Future retirement security depends on savings, and our current retirement system now puts more of the challenge of retirement savings squarely in the hands of the workers. Most experts agree that in 11/2/06 STATED MEETING - PRESENTATIONS order to maintain a similar standard of living in retirement, households need replacement income at a rate of 70 to 85 percent of pre-retirement income. Unfortunately, despite this reality, many Americans are consuming more, saving less, and accumulating more and more debt. Those who do not start saving early for retirement will miss out on our greatest ally -- time. For every ten years a worker puts off saving for retirement, he or she will need to save three times as much each month to catch up. The primary objective for "Why Go Broke? Retirement Strategies for the 21st Century Worker" is to equip the Greater Philadelphia community with the tools needed to take the vital first steps in the retirement planning process. I'd like to recognize the representatives from our partnering agencies who will join me this morning: 11/2/06 STATED MEETING - PRESENTATIONS Carol Messa, the Department of Health and Human Services; Iris Watts, Internal Revenue Service; Lisa (indiscernible), our Social Security Administration; Lucille Bruce from the Women's Bureau of the Department of Labor; and Dick Goldberg, Coming of Age. Your support of this initiative is appreciated, and we look forward to working with you as we continue to educate the public in this area. Thank you very much.
Council will be at ease. (Short break taken.) (Proceedings resume.) * * *
The next order business is communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant-at-Arms deliver the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. The Chief Clerk will please 11/2/06 STATED MEETING - COMMUNICATIONS read the messages from the Mayor.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am transmitting for the consideration of your honorable body an ordinance approving the 35th Amendment of the Redevelopment Proposal for the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area. And an ordinance approving the third amendment of the Redevelopment Proposal for the American Street Industrial Corridor Urban Renewal Area. And I am transmitting for the consideration by your honorable body an ordinance authorizing and directing the placing upon City Plan No. 350 for water main purposes and draining purpose in the northeast area of Susquehanna Road and northwest of Erie Road. And an ordinance authorizing the paving of Palermo Drive, Colli Drive, Milano Drive, San Vincenzo Drive, Napoli Way, Petro Way, Messina Way, Hartranft Street, Calabria Way, Foggia 11/2/06 STATED MEETING - COMMUNICATIONS Drive, Salerno Way, Roman Drive, Genoa Drive, and Trieste Way, under certain terms and conditions. And an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development a deeds located 1716 to 1732 Frankford Avenue. And an ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 46-S of an area bounded by 26th Street and Penrose Avenue, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you. The amendments will be printed in the journal. The Chief Clerk will please read any other communications in her possession.
11/2/06 STATED MEETING - COMMUNICATIONS Thank you. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Kelly.
Thank you, Madam President. Due to a prior commitment, I request to be excused, but I would like to go on record as voting aye on all resolutions and bills today.
Thank you, Councilman Kelly. Leave will be granted. * * *
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 in order to permit the immediate consideration of resolutions at their time of 11/2/06 STATED - INTRO. BILLS/RESOLUTIONS introduction. (Motion seconded.)
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 those in favor will say aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and the motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer one bill by request.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Section 22-311 of the 11/2/06 STATED - INTRO. BILLS/RESOLUTIONS Philadelphia Code entitled "Cost-of-living Measures for Retirees, Beneficiaries, and Survivors" by amending the provisions governing when deposits are made into the Pension Adjustment Fund.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. Today, I introduce three bills on your behalf and one resolution on behalf of myself and Councilman Clarke.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance naming and designating the South Philadelphia branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia located at the southwest 11/2/06 STATED - INTRO. BILLS/RESOLUTIONS corner of Broad and Morris Street at Paul branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 46-S within an area bounded by 26th Street and the Penrose Ferry Road, Hartranft Street, 22nd Street, and Penrose Avenue.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing the paving of Palermo Drive, Colli Drive, Milano Drive, San Vincenzo Drive, Napoli Way, Petro Way, Messina Way, Hartranft Street, Calabria Way, Foggia Drive, Salerno Way, Roman Drive, Genoa Drive, and Trieste Way, under certain terms and conditions. 11/2/06 STATED - INTRO. BILLS/RESOLUTIONS
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution honoring and congratulating Charles L. Brockston on his career as an educator in African-American studies, collector of African-American artifacts, and wishing him well on his upcoming retirement.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Motion seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. 11/2/06 STATED - INTRO. BILLS/RESOLUTIONS The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer one resolution.
The clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution honoring Police Officer Earnest "Ernie" Rain as the 206th PAL Officer of the Year.
Again, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Motion seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? 11/2/06 STATED - INTRO. BILLS/RESOLUTIONS The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance amending Bill No. 060001, approved June 8, 2006, relating to the Capital Program for Fiscal Year 2007 through 2012 by adding line items for certain capital projects in Fiscal Year 2007.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chief Clerk will read the title of the second bill.
And an ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2007 from the Grants 11/2/06 STATED - INTRO. BILLS/RESOLUTIONS Revenue Fund - Certain or All City Offices, Departments, Boards, and Commissions to the General Fund Certain or All City Offices, Departments, Boards, and Commissions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Bill No. 060002, approved June 8, 2006, relating to the Fiscal 2007 Capital Budget by adding line items for certain capital projects.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I offer one resolution.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please 11/2/06 STATED - INTRO. BILLS/RESOLUTIONS read the title of the resolution.
A resolution recognizing, honoring, and celebrating Fresh Vision Theater Company for its mission on transforming the lives of young people mostly from the largely African-American community of lower Germantown Philadelphia through the arts.
Again, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Motion seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. 11/2/06 STATED - INTRO. BILLS/RESOLUTIONS The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer three resolutions.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution recognizing the 15th annual "My City, My Place Writer Futures Award Event" sponsored by the Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health and Mental Retardation Services.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will 11/2/06 STATED - INTRO. BILLS/RESOLUTIONS signify by saying aye. Those opposed? They ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted.
And a resolution adopting the National League of Cities' City Platform for Strengthening Families.
Thank you Madam, President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Motion seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. The Chief Clerk will read the title of the second resolution. 11/2/06 STATED - INTRO. BILLS/RESOLUTIONS
And a resolution recognizing the week of November 19th through as "National Family Week" in Philadelphia.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Motion seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions. 11/2/06 STATED - INTRO. BILLS/RESOLUTIONS
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ramos.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes 11/2/06 STATED - INTRO. BILLS/RESOLUTIONS Councilman Clarke.
Thank you, Madam President. I have three bills and one resolution.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance granting permission Narid Dezi (ph), owner/operator of the newsstand located at the southeast corner of 16th Street and JFK Boulevard.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance approving the third amendment of the Redevelopment Proposal for the American Street Industrial Corridor Urban Renewal Area.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. 11/2/06 STATED - INTRO. BILLS/RESOLUTIONS
And an ordinance approving the 35th Amendment of the Redevelopment Proposal for the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution recognizing and commending elementary Hall Stanton Elementary School for being one of the five schools nationally to be honored by the Education Trust.
It's been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? 11/2/06 STATED - COMMITTEE REPORTS The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
The next order of business is reports from committees. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski for a report from the committee on Licenses and Inspections.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Licenses and Inspections reports one bill out with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. 11/2/06 STATED - COMMITTEE REPORTS The Chief Clerk will please read the report.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia: The Committee on Licenses and Inspections, to which was referred Bill No. 060345, entitled, "An ordinance amending Chapter 9-600 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Service Businesses' to add new provisions to prohibit the sale from certain retail establishments of blunts, loosies, cigarette papers, cigars, and other items that may be otherwise legal but are not commonly used as drug paraphernalia, under certain terms and conditions" respectfully reports that it has considered and amended the same and returns attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
11/2/06 STATED - COMMITTEE REPORTS Madam President, I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading at the next session of Council on Bill 060345. (Motion seconded.)
It's 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 those in favor will please say aye. Those opposed? 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. The Chief Clerk will please read the bills on the first-reading calendar.
Bill No. 060582, 11/2/06 STATED - FIRST-READING CALENDAR an ordinance amending Title 14 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Zoning and Planning," by adding a definition and providing for day care in certain commercial districts and as an accessory use to churches, all under certain terms and conditions.
And Bill No. 060625, an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning destinations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by the Delaware River, the Tacony Bridge, Eldridge Street, New State Road, and Magee Avenue.
And Bill No. 060631, an ordinance amending Chapter 14-400 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Commercial Entertainment Districts," by adding requirements for, 11/2/06 STATED - FIRST-READING CALENDAR among others things, transportation and parking-management plans.
And Bill No. 060635, an ordinance repealing Section 2 of an ordinance, Bill No. 050418, approved December 1, 2005, by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Fairmount Avenue, Canal Street, and Poplar Street.
And Bill No. 060345, an ordinance amending Chapter 9-600 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Service Businesses" to add new provisions to prohibit the sale from certain retail establishments of blunts, loosies, cigarette papers, cigars, and other items that may be otherwise legal but that are commonly used as drug paraphernalia, under certain terms and 11/2/06 STATED - FIRST-READING CALENDAR conditions.
I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit an amendment to Bill No. 060587. (Motion seconded.)
All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it. The Chair again recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Madam President, I would like to offer on behalf of myself and Councilman Krajewski an amendment to Bill No. 060582. A copy of the amendment has 11/2/06 STATED - FIRST-READING CALENDAR been circulated to all members of the Council. I move the adoption of the amendment. (Motion seconded.)
All in favor of the motion will indicate by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and Bill No. 060582 is amended, and this bill will be placed on our second-reading and final-passage calendar for our next session of Council. Again, the Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit an amendment to Bill No. 060345. (Motion seconded.)
All in favor will signify by saying aye. 11/2/06 STATED - FIRST-READING CALENDAR Those opposed? The ayes have it. And, again, the Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Madam President, I would now like to offer an amendment to Bill No. 060345. A copy of the amendment has been circulated to all members of Council, and I move the adoption of the amendment. (Motion seconded.)
All those in favor of the motion will please signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and Bill No. 060345 is amended. This bill and all other bills read by the Chief Clerk will be placed on our second-reading and final-passage calendar for our next session. That completes the first-reading calendar.
At 11/2/06 STATED - 2ND-READING CALENDAR this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for the purpose of calling bills to be read on the second-reading and final-passage calendar to be considered today.
Thank you, Madam President. Today, we will consider the last four bills on the calendar. Starting on : Bill No. 060544 and 585 are being called up for second reading and final passage, as are the only two bills on , Bill No.'s 060621 and 695. All other bill are being held at this time.
Thank you. At this time, I would ask the Chief Clerk to please read the title of Bill No. 060544.
An ordinance approving the third amendment of the Redevelopment reproposal for the 11/2/06 STATED - 2ND-READING CALENDAR Kingsessing Urban Renewal Area.
This bill, having been read, the question now is: Shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will please call the roll.
Councilwoman Krajewski? 11/2/06 STATED - 2ND-READING CALENDAR
Aye. The ayes are 14, the nays are 11/2/06 STATED - 2ND-READING CALENDAR zero. The bill passes. We will now consider Bill No. 060585.
An ordinance approving the second amendment of the Redevelopment Proposal for the West Fairhill East Tioga Hunting Park 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 14, the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 060621.
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designation of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by 57th Street, Market Street, 56th Street, and Chestnut Street.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? 11/2/06 STATED - 2ND-READING CALENDAR The Chief Clerk will call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 14, the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The last bill to be called for 11/2/06 STATED - 2ND-READING CALENDAR consideration is Bill No. 060695.
An ordinance amending Section 22-310 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Deferred Retirement Option Plan."
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 Kelly 11/2/06 STATED - 2ND-READING CALENDAR voting aye. Councilman Kenney?
Aye. The ayes are 14, the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. That completes our calendar for today. * * *
Are there any speeches on the part of Minority? (No speeches on the part of the Minority.)
Are their any speeches on the part of the Majority? The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Madam President. As we all know, Tuesday is 11/2/06 STATED MEETING - SPEECHES Election Day. In addition to electing three new colleagues to City Council, I would like to briefly outline other things on the ballot. There are three ballot questions; two of them are Charter changes, and I'd like to outline the purpose for Charter change number one. The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter will be changed related to the powers and duties of the Finance Director. The amendment will require the Finance Director to file with the Mayor a brief report on disadvantaged business enterprises at least 30 days before the start of each fiscal year. The report shall include: 1. An up-to-date study that analyzes the participation of disadvantaged business enterprises in City contracts for the purchase of goods and services compared to the percentage of qualified disadvantaged business enterprises available to participate in 11/2/06 STATED MEETING - SPEECHES such contracts. The annual disparity study shall be performed either by the Office of the Director of Finance itself or by contract. 2. City contract participation goals for disadvantaged business enterprises for the upcoming fiscal year. To devise the annual participation goal, the Finance Director shall consider: 1. The present availability of qualified disadvantaged business enterprises; 2. The participation of qualified disadvantaged business enterprises on past contracts; 3. A forecast of eligible contracts to be awarded within the fiscal year; and 4. The latest disparity study. The purpose of this Charter change is to create more diversity in 11/2/06 STATED MEETING - SPEECHES city contracting by employing a data-driven method of determining the underutilization of qualified disadvantaged businesses and requiring annual participation goals based on an up-to-date disparity analysis. It should become a Charter mandate duty at the cabinet of the executive branch. In the last fiscal year, the City did about $600 million in contracting for goods and services with taxpayer dollars. This Charter change is necessary and is a step forward in ensuring fairness in that process and in expanding contract opportunities for Philadelphia businesses. I'm pleased to say that both Chairman Bob Brady of the Democratic Party as well as Vito Canuso of the Republican Party are strongly encouraging voters to vote yes on the ballot question. Unfortunately, that's not the 11/2/06 STATED MEETING - SPEECHES case in the editorial offered today by the Philadelphia Inquirer on the ballot questions. That editorial states: "Neither of the two City Charter amendments before Philadelphia voters next week would ask to the City's costs, but one requiring the City Finance Director to provide annual data on participation by racial minorities and women-owned businesses for City work hardly meets the criteria for amending the Charter. " First of all, the ballot question refers to disadvantaged businesses, but the Inquirer editorial refers to minority and women-owned businesses. The ballot question explicitly states that disadvantaged businesses can be categorized by Council ordinance, but the Inquirer chooses not only to define 11/2/06 STATED MEETING - SPEECHES it for us but to exclude businesses owned by the disabled. Secondly, the Inquirer editorial only refers to an annual report of participation rates and says nothing about comparing those rates to the availability of qualified businesses and setting new participation goals based on the underutilization of qualified businesses. But, of course, the ballot question does. Third, the Inquirer editorial says that ensuring that the $600 million in annual contracts of goods and services is done fairly, and expanding contract opportunities to Philadelphia's businesses hardly meets the criteria for amending the Charter.
Fourth, the Inquirer editorial refers to the City contracting with qualified minority and woman-owned businesses as assisting these businesses as opposed to utilizing these businesses who are qualified. 11/2/06 STATED MEETING - SPEECHES Lastly, the Inquirer editorial says that every city administration should do it but not by Charter mandate. If I didn't know better, I would think that we were trapped in the last century. That's like saying that women and people of color should have the right but not by law or Constitutional amendment. That's like saying that neighborhoods and schools should be desegregated but that there's no need for anti-discrimination laws. So we urge the voters of both the Democratic and Republican parties to vote yes on the ballot questions. It's the right thing to do. After all, it is the 21st century. Thank you.
You're welcome. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank 11/2/06 STATED MEETING - SPEECHES you, Madam President. I certainly would like to associate myself with the comments made by Councilman Goode. I rise again today, as I do every week to, speak about housing reorganization and how it affects people who live and work in our city. I thought about the group we honored in Council who talked about planning their retirement and wished that this group of people had the opportunity to do the same. One of the individuals who's the vice chair of the second-in-charge of the labor union had to opt to get benefits, the five-year benefits individuals can get, and so he's no longer with us today. And people are really torn. You know, it's union against union, employees being bumped against employees being bumped, and people who have to decide that for the sake of getting 11/2/06 STATED MEETING - SPEECHES long-term benefits, they're forced to take a drop, in spite of the fact that they're stuck in between retirement age, they're too young to retire and to collect Social Security, and yet in the work world, they're 40 and 50 and 53 and 54 years old and certainly don't know where they will go and where they will be able to be employed. As we've said before -- only last week, it was two people that we knew of that were reported who had positions and albeit I know that the Mayor and other members of his administration have contacted others, but we're really, really stuck in terms of people being able to fairly receive other jobs in exchange for their, in many cases, 36 years, 35 years, and 34 years of service to our city. So we will be meeting again. I'll be meeting with Kevin Hannah and another member of the board, the RDA Board, this afternoon. 11/2/06 STATED MEETING - SPEECHES We're hopeful that, as always, that as we speak out for people, that you would do your best to certainly continue to support the fact that people deserve a right, given their lives of service to the city, to be treated fairly, to have a place to go to, and to not feel that the city that they served and the City Council that they served so well is a part of pushing them out on the street so that they don't know what to do to support themselves and their families. So we will keep you posted. We'll come to the podium again at our next session. And thank you very much.
You're welcome. Are there any other speeches on the part of the Majority? (No further speeches.)
Seeing none, the Chair recognizes 11/2/06 STATED MEETING - ADJOURNMENT Councilwoman Tasco for a motion to adjourn.
Madam President, I move that Council stand adjourned until November 16, 2006. (Motion seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, November 16th at 10 a.m. All in favor will please say aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it. The motion carries. Thank you very much. * * * C E R T I F I C A T E I HEREBY CERTIFY that the proceedings of the 11/2/06 Stated Meeting of the Philadelphia City Council are contained fully and accurately in the stenographic notes taken by me on Thursday, November 2, 2006, and that this is a true and correct statement of same. __________________________________ JOSEPHINE CARDILLO Registered Professional Reporter (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.)