COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Thursday, March 25, 1999 10:00 a.m. Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA COUNCILWOMAN AUGUSTA A. CLARK COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN DAVID COHEN COUNCILWOMAN JOAN L. KRAJEWSKI COUNCILMAN JAMES F. KENNEY COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER COUNCILMAN MICHAEL A. NUTTER COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO COUNCILMAN ANGEL L. ORTIZ COUNCILMAN FRANK DICICCO COUNCILMAN RICHARD T. MARIANO COUNCILMAN W. THACHER LONGSTRETH COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO MARIE HAUSER, Chief Clerk VINCENT VARALLO ASSOCIATES, INC. Registered Professional Reporters Eleven Penn Center, Suite 600 Philadelphia, PA 19103 GREETING/INVOCATION P R O C E E D I N G S
I note that the hour has come and that a quorum of this Council is present. The Council will come to order, members will take their seats, and visitors will retire to the outside rails. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair welcomes Monsignor Francis Beach of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. He is here as the guest of Councilwoman Blackwell. Members and guests will please rise. (All rise.)
Let us all just take a moment to bow our heads before God and to ask for His guidance and His peace throughout this day. O, mighty God, our Lord and giver of life, both human and divine, You have created each one of us for one reason, and that is to know You and to love You and to serve You. As we begin the work of this day, we pause to praise Your holy name and to ask You to send Your spirit upon our minds and our hearts, and our souls. We pray for Your light to help us GREETING/INVOCATION to see clearly that the work we do at City Council may be Your work, and not our work; that the kingdom we are building may be Your kingdom, and not our kingdom; and that our deliberations may be centered on Your will, and not our will. Lord, may we never forget that the power and the authority that has been entrusted to our hands bring with it a tremendous responsibility for which we must give and account not only to the people whom we serve, but some day to You, the source of all power in this world. We pray for wisdom and courage and grace for all members of City Council to work for truth and for equality and for justice for all who live in this great City of Philadelphia, especially those who are in most need, those who are less fortunate than ourselves. Show us, Lord, how we can work together as religious leaders and political servants, as people of good will, united under one God, to bring healing and new life to all the peoples and neighborhoods in the City of Philadelphia. And when the sun sets on this day, may the blessing of Aaron in the book of Numbers be on GREETING/INVOCATION our lips as we pray for peace in Yugoslavia, as we pray for peace in our neighborhoods, and in our family homes. May the Lord bless you and keep you, may His face shine upon you each day and be gracious to you, may He look upon you with kindness and give you His peace. Amen. ALL: Amen.
The Chair thanks Monsignor Beach for his inspiring invocation. (Council stands at ease.)
The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of March 18, 1999. The Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen for approval of the Journal.
Madam Chair, I move the approval of the Journal. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, March the 18, 1999, stand LEAVES OF ABSENCE approved. All in favor will say aye. Those opposed will say nay. The ayes have it, the motion carries. The Journal of Thursday, March the 18th, 1999, stands approved. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for requests for leaves of absence.
Madam Chair, there are no leaves of Absence for members of the Majority.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Longstreth.
There's a request for a leave of absence for Councilman O'Neill, who's out of the city.
The Chair will dispense with the regular order of business to recognize guests and visitors joining us in the LEAVES OF ABSENCE chambers this morning. On behalf of all members of City Council, I welcome you to our Council session this morning. We appreciate your taking the time to join us as we attend to the legislative affairs of our city. We invite you to come again.
The next order of business is communications. The Chair recognizes the sergeant-at-arms for the purpose of delivering the messages from the Mayor to the chief clerk.
March 18, 1999, to the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am pleased to advise you that I have today signed all bills which were passed by Council on March 11, 1999. And March 18th, I am blessed to advise that you I have today signed the following bill which was passed by Council at its session on March 18th: Bill No. 990037. March 23rd, I am pleased to advise you that I have today signed the following bills which were passed by Council at its session on March VISITOR RECOGNITION/COMMUNICATIONS 18th: bills starting with 980717 and ending at 990078, which were budget bills and streets bills. And the Honorable Edward Rendell, Mayor. Dear Mayor Rendell, I am submitting herewith for your consideration a proposed ordinance entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Director of Commerce and the Commissioner of Public Property to purchase for use by the Philadelphia International Airport a certain parcel of property owned by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, through its Department of General Services, located at 8350 Enterprise Avenue Philadelphia, PA," under certain terms and conditions. And an ordinance authorizing the Director of Finance of the City of Philadelphia to enter into an agreement with the Philadelphia Parking Authority providing for the Parking Authority to issue and sell its parking revenue bonds to finance and to proceed with a project consisting of the acquisition and/or construction of off-street parking garage facility at Eighth and Chestnut Streets, including under certain circumstances acquisition of an adjacent property HONORING OF TOM MACDONALD for development.
The messages will be printed in the journal. Are there any other messages in the clerk's possession?
Thank you. This morning, we are honoring Mr. Tom MacDonald. I invite Councilwoman Krajewski to come and make this presentation. (Councilmembers Krajewski, DiCicco, and Rizzo come forward.)
You're one of my favorite reporters. This is an honor. A resolution honoring Tom MacDonald on the occasion of his departure as City Hall news reporter for WWDB 96.5 FM Radio and Metro Network. Whereas news reporter Tom MacDonald is leaving on Friday, March 26, 1999, to take a new assignment for WWDB and Metro Network; Whereas Tom MacDonald has been covering City Council hearings for the past 17 years. HONORING OF TOM MACDONALD During those years, he has interviewed numerous City and elected officials on various issues impacting the citizens of Philadelphia. . .
And whereas Tom MacDonald was born and raised in Philadelphia. He attended Northeast Catholic High School and then moved to Temple University -- moved on to Temple University, where he received a bachelor of arts in broadcast journalism. While attending school, Tom launched his career by working for RTI, Temple's radio station; And whereas, in 1986, Tom joined WWDB and Metro Network as a news reporter. He has become a permanent fixture in the Chambers of City Hall, listening, reporting, and asking questions every Thursday; and. . .
Whereas Tom was elected President of the City Hall Reporters Association in 1989, a position he still holds today; And whereas Tom is leaving his current post to pursue new and exciting opportunities as a news reporter in New Jersey, on the beach, for WWDB and Metro Network; HONORING OF TOM MACDONALD Now therefore resolved. . .
. . . that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Tom MacDonald as evidence of the great respect and deep admiration of this legislative body. This is a true and correct copy of the resolution introduced by myself and all members of City Council. (Applause.)
I guess the tables are turned a little. My esteemed colleagues over at the desk wanted me to do my Roberto Benigni impersonation and walk over all the Council desks and come up here. (Laughter.)
But I'm going to be brief because I've sat through enough of these, and I know that everybody wants to get on with it. Thank you, too. Thank you, everybody. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS It's been a long time here, and I'm real excited about the new job, and maybe we'll see each other again someday, somewhere. But thank you to everybody and thank you for putting up with my microphone for all these years. (Applause.)
Council will stand add ease. (Council stands at ease.)
The next order of business is introduction of bills and resolutions. The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter to suspend.
Madam President, I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit immediate consideration of all resolutions introduced today.
All in favor of the motion to suspend the rules of Council to permit first reading of the resolutions INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS immediately after introduction will say aye. Those opposed will say nay. The ayes have it, the motion passes. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Madam President, the Council Committee on Finance reports out Bill No. -
No, I'm sorry, we're introducing bills and resolutions at this time.
The clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution designating the last Sunday of August as "The Black Bottom Day" in the City of Philadelphia in fitting tribute to the great history and legacy of this great and historic community.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS
Madam President, I move the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the motion be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed will say nay. The ayes have it, the motion is carried. The Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano.
Madam President, no bills or resolutions. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer three bills, one on your behalf.
Thank you. The clerk will please read the titles of the bills.
An ordinance amending Section 19-2602(4) of The Philadelphia Code to include a provision requiring the execution of a certificate of non-indebtedness by residential rental property owners.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
An ordinance amending the provision of Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code, the Philadelphia Building and Construction Occupancy Code, to include a provision requiring the execution of a certificate for non-indebtedness by residential rental property owners.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS
And an ordinance authorizing the Director of Commerce and the Commissioner of Public Property to purchase for use by the Philadelphia International Airport a certain parcel of property owned by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania through its Department of General Services located at 8350 Enterprise Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer two resolutions.
The clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution honoring and commending the Center in the Park for its contributions toward providing services and programs that enhance the lives and endeavor to re-awaken the creative voices of seniors within Germantown.
The Chair INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, the motion is carried. The clerk will please read the title of the second resolution.
A resolution recognizing and commending the Greater Philadelphia Coalition Against Hunger, its members, agencies, and affiliated organizations, for their efforts to address issues and policies affecting poverty, hunger, malnutrition within the greater Philadelphia region.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS (Duly 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, the motion is carried. The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter.
The clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Title 21 of The Philadelphia Code entitled "Miscellaneous" by adding a new chapter 21-1400 entitled "Tax Increment Financing Districts" and providing for certain reporting requirements.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS
Madam President, I offer one bill and one resolution.
Thank you. The clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Section 9-205 of The Philadelphia Code relating to sidewalk sales by adding new provisions prohibiting sidewalks sales on Godfrey Avenue, from Fifth Street to Broad Street, both sides.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution recognizing and saluting James A. MacIntosh, Special Agent, Federal Bureau of Investigation of Investigations.
Madam President, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, the motion is carried. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ortiz.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco.
Thank you, Madam President. I have four bills, and I offer one resolution on your behalf.
Thank you. The clerk will please read the titles of the bill, please.
An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on York Street, both sides, Jasper Street to Front Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
An ordinance authorizing Gino DeJesse, owner of the property INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS 1824 East Passyunk, Philadelphia, to construct and maintain various encroachments.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
An ordinance authorizing the Director of Finance of the City of Philadelphia to enter into an agreement with the Philadelphia Parking Authority providing for the Parking Authority to issue and sell parking revenue bonds.
An ordinance authorizing G & G Enterprise, owner of the property 1605 through 1627 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, to construct and maintain a building encroachment with electric lights.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution congratulating St. John Neumann High School on winning its third consecutive Catholic League INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS Bowling Championship.
Madam President, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying ayes. Those opposed? The ayes have it, the motion is carried. The Chair recognizes Councilman Longstreth.
I have no bills or resolutions today, Madam President.
The chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
Thank you. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Clark.
Madam President, I have one resolution on your behalf.
The clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution recognizing May 1, 1999 as "Law Day" in the City of Philadelphia.
Madam President, 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 signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, the motion is carried.
The next COMMITTEE REPORTS order of business is reports from committees. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for a report from the Finance Committee.
Thank you, Madam President. We report Bill 990115 out of committee.
To the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Finance, to which was referred Bill No. 990115 entitled, "an ordinance authorizing the creation of a loan or loans to provide funds for and toward various capital municipal purposes authorizing the Mayor, the City Controller, and City Solicitor or a majority of them to sell bonds at public or private negotiated sale."
Thank you, Madam President. We move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading of Bill No. 990115. COMMITTEE REPORTS (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rule of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading of Bill No. 990115 today. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and Bill No. 990115 will be placed on our first-reading calendar for today. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco for a report from the Streets and Services Committee.
Thank you, Madam President. The Chair reports out 14 bills from the Committee on Streets and Services.
To the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Streets and Services, to which was referred Bill No. 980763, entitled "an ordinance amending Chapter 12-2700 of COMMITTEE REPORTS The Philadelphia Code relating to permit parking districts by adding a new subsection designating a new permit parking district." And Bill 990004, an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on the west side of the 4200 block of Penn Street and the north side of the 1400 block of Church Street. And Bill No. 990054 an ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance, Bill No. 970348, approved July 1, 1997, entitled an ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines grades on a portion of City Plan No. 58 of an area bounded by Poplar Street, 12th Street, Parrish Street, and Watts Street. And Bill No. 990057, an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Snyder Avenue, both sides, 12th Street to 13th Street. And Bill No. 990058, an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Fitzwater Street, north side, Sixth Street to Seventh Street. And Bill No. 990079, an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Eighth Street, west side, Fitzwater Street to Catharine COMMITTEE REPORTS Street; and on Eighth Street, east side, Fitzwater Street to St. Albans. And Bill No. 990080, an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Salter Street south side, Seventh Street to Eighth Street. And Bill No. 990081, an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Decatur Road, east side, between Darnell Road and Drummond Road. And Bill 990088, an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 307 by relocating a portion of the westerly curb line of 20th Street, between Cherry Street and Race Street, under certain terms and conditions. And Bill No. 990090, an ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance Bill No. 970827, Approved March 2, 1998, entitled "an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan 307." And bill 990100, entitled "an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 329 of the area bounded by Pratt Street, Penn Street, Bridge Street, Bustleton Avenue, and Frankford Avenue, by COMMITTEE REPORTS relocating the northeasterly curb line." And Bill No. 990101, entitled "an ordinance authorizing the Courtyard Annex LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, owner of 23 through 31 North Juniper Street, Philadelphia, to construct and maintain various encroachments under, over, and on the public right-of-way of Juniper Street, between Commerce Street and Filbert Street." And Bill No. 990146, an ordinance authorizing Lights of Liberty, 150 South Independence Mall West, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to construct, operate, and maintain four raised panel boxes on various public rights-of-way for a light show production in the Independence Mall area. And Bill No. 990147, an ordinance granting permission to Procacci Brothers Sales, 3655 South Lawrence Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to construct, use, and maintain two four-inch ducts for fiber optic lines. And a withdrawn Bill No. 980965 entitled "an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. COMMITTEE REPORTS 187."
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco.
Thank you, Madam President. The Chair of Streets and Services Committee moves that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading on Bills No. 990004, 990054, 990088, 990090, 990100, 990101, 990146, and 990147. (Duly seconded.)
All in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and Bill No.'s 990004, 990054, 990088, 990090, 990100, 990101, 990146, and 990147 will be placed on our first-reading calendar for today. Bill No.'s 980763, 980057, 990058, 990079, 990080, and 990081 will be placed on our first-reading calendar for our next meeting. Are there any other reports today? (No response.) COMMITTEE REPORTS
Seeing none, the next order of business is consideration of the calendar. The clerk will please read the bills on the first-reading and final-passage calendar.
Bill No. 990115, an ordinance authorizing the creation of a loan or loans to provide funds for and towards various capital municipal purposes, authorizing the Mayor, City Controller, and City Solicitor, or a majority of them, to sell bonds at public or private negotiated sale.
Bill No. 990004, an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on the west side of the 4200 block of Penn Street and the north side of the 1400 block of Church Street.
Bill No. 990054, an ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance, Bill No. 970348, approved July 1, 1997, entitled CALENDAR CONSIDERATION "an ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 58 and bounded by Poplar Street, 12th Street, Parrish Street, and Watts Streets."
Bill No. 990088, an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 307 by relocating a portion of the westerly curb line of 20th Street, between Cherry Street and Race Street.
Bill No. 990090, an ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance, Bill No. 970827, approved March 2, 1998, entitled "an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 307 by widening 11th Street."
Bill No. 990100, an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and CALENDAR CONSIDERATION grades on a portion of City Plan No. 329 of the area bounded by Pratt Street, Penn Street, Bridge Street, Bustleton Avenue, and Frankford Avenue.
Bill No. 990101, an ordinance authorizing Courtyard Annex, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, owner of 23 through 31 North Juniper Street, Philadelphia, to construct and maintain various encroachments over, under, and on the public right-of-way of Juniper Street between Commerce Street and Filbert Street.
Bill No. 990146, an ordinance authorizing Lights of Liberty, 150 South Independence Mall West, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to construct, operate, and maintain four raised panel boxes on various public rights-of-way for a light show production in the Independence Mall area.
And Bill No. 990147, an ordinance granting permission to RECOGNITION OF VISITING RUGBY PLAYERS Procacci Brothers Sales, 3655 South Lawrence Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to construct use, and maintain two four-inch ducts for fiber optic lines.
The next order of business is consideration of the calendar. The chief clerk -- oh, I'm sorry. Councilman Kenney, you want to be recognized?
Thank you, Madam President. I'd like to beg your indulgence to go out of order for a moment 'cause we have a visiting group of people from out of the country. First of all, I'd like to take the opportunity to introduce a very smart group of young guys who happen to be athletes. They are 18 members from the Oxford University Rugby League Team, who are here in the United States representing Great Britain, Ireland, and Australia. They're here with their coach, Paul Johnson, for nine days, and they're going to be playing the USA College Student All-Star Team in a RECOGNITION OF VISITING RUGBY PLAYERS rugby league match, an exhibition game, to show the excitement of the rugby league as compared to the normal rugby that we're used to. So I'd just like to take this opportunity to ask them to stand and welcome them to the United States.
The next order of business is consideration of the calendar. The clerk will -- oh, I'm sorry, I'm sorry I'm getting ahead of myself. We will consider bills on the second-reading and final-passage calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Clark.
Thank you, Madam President. All bills on second and final passage are called up, except: Bills No. 980464 and SECOND-READING, FINAL-PASSAGE BILLS 980239.
Thank you. The clerk will please read the first bill for consideration, Bill No. 980720.
An ordinance authorizing Pietro Coal Oven Pizzeria, Inc., located at 121 through 123 South Street Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to construct and maintain various encroachments onto and over the north footway of South Street adjacent to 121 through 123 South Street, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill, having been read on two different occasions, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 14, the nays are 0. A majority of all members of Council having voted on this bill in the affirmative, the bill passes. The clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 980802.
An ordinance authorizing Richard Grande and Anna Grande, owner of Gianna's Restaurant, 721 through 723 Wharton Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to construct and maintain one bench anchored into the footway and two electrified private street lights and appurtenances in the north footway of Wharton Street, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill SECOND-READING, FINAL-PASSAGE - 980802 having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will please call the roll.
Councilman SECOND-READING, FINAL-PASSAGE - 980802 Mariano?
Aye. SECOND-READING, FINAL-PASSAGE - 980898 The ayes are 14, the nayes are 0. A majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 980898.
An ordinance authorizing the installation of stop signs on Westmoreland Street at the intersection of Amber Street.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will please call the roll.
Councilwoman Tasco? SECOND-READING, FINAL-PASSAGE - 980899
Aye. The ayes are 14, the nayes are 0. A majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 980899.
An ordinance authorizing the installation of stop signs on Venango Street at the intersection of Sepviva Street.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will please call the roll.
Councilman Cohen? SECOND-READING, FINAL-PASSAGE - 980899
Aye. Did Councilman Mariano vote? Do you have him as "aye"?
The ayes are 14, the nayes are 0. I believe I just voted aye, too, Marie?
A majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The clerk will please read the title of SECOND-READING, FINAL-PASSAGE - 980900 Bill No. 980900.
An ordinance authorizing the installation of stop signs on Third Street at the intersection of Georges Street.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will please call the roll.
Councilwoman SECOND-READING, FINAL-PASSAGE - 980900 Krajewski?
Aye. SECOND-READING, FINAL-PASSAGE - 980924 The ayes are 14, the nays are 0. A majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 980924.
An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Broad Street, west side, Elsworth Street to Federal Street.
This bill having been read on two different occasions, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will please call the roll.
Councilman SECOND-READING, FINAL-PASSAGE - 980924 Kenney?
Aye. The ayes are 14, the nays are 0. A majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 980929.
An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 58 by striking from the City Plan an vacating Nectarine Street from Tenth Street to a point approximately 240 feet eastwardly therefrom, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now, is shall the bill pass finally? The bill will please call the roll.
Councilman Ortiz? SECOND-READING, FINAL-PASSAGE - 980946
Aye. The ayes are 14, the nays are 0. A majority of all Councilmembers having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 980946.
An ordinance granting permission to Marvin Bey, 2009 South 20th Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the owner of a newsstand located on the northeast corner of 20th Street and Snyder Avenue, to construct, use, and maintain an overhead electrical line from an existing utility policy on Snyder Avenue.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? SECOND-READING, FINAL-PASSAGE - 980946 The clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. I vote aye. The ayes are 14, the nays are 0. A majority of all members of Council have voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 980948.
An ordinance authorizing Mel Heifetz, 304 South 12th Street, SECOND-READING, FINAL-PASSAGE - 980948 Philadelphia, owner of the property 1132 Spruce Street, also known as 301 South 12th Street, Philadelphia, to construct and maintain a canopy with support columns on and over the east footway of South 12th Street.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will please call the roll.
Councilwoman SECOND-READING, FINAL-PASSAGE - 980948 Krajewski?
Aye. SECOND-READING, FINAL-PASSAGE - 980969 The ayes are 14, the nays are 0. A majority of all Councilmembers having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 980969.
An ordinance granting permission to 1356 Corporation, trading as Nifty 50's, located at 1356 East Passyunk, Philadelphia, to operate and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe on the east footway of South Tenth Street and the north footway of Passyunk Avenue adjacent to 1356 East Passyunk Avenue, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different occasions, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will please call the roll.
Councilman Cohen? SECOND-READING, FINAL-PASSAGE - 980969
Aye. The ayes are 14, the nays are 0. A majority of all Councilmembers having vote in the affirmative, the bill passes. This concludes the consideration of our calendar
Are there any speeches on the part of the Minority? (No speeches on the part of Minority.)
Are there any speeches on the part of the Majority? The Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, I want to call attention to two things. One is electric SPEECHES deregulation. We spent a lot of time in this City Council, and many people did throughout the State, to get the opportunity to have competition amongst electric companies in the hope that the rates could be lowered, electricity rates. We've had some benefits. For example, the City has been enabled to enter into a contract saving the City $5 million a year. And at the same time, individuals have the opportunity to choose amongst electric companies and effectuate a big saving. There are TV commercials being put on by various companies, some aimed at spreading the story of saving money, others aimed at trying to hide the fact that you can save money, but only 14 percent of all Pennsylvanians who are eligible for the program to save money merely by changing your electric company. You do not have to have PECO as your retailer of electric energy. PECO will continue to service. Under the new law that was adopted, PECO has to make available its electric transmission lines to other companies. And many other companies are offering discounts as high as 10 percent higher than what SPEECHES PECO offers. But there are a variety of companies available. For those interested in environmental matters, there's a company that specializes in questions of environment. But there's a lot of competition out in the field, and I urge my colleagues to let their constituents know one easy way of increasing the money in the pockets of the people we represent is to have them go shopping. It's very simple to go shopping and pick your own electric company. You will continue to get service in the identical way you're getting it now. You may decide to stay with PECO, or you may choose any among some 20 different companies that are competing for business today. And I would like to urge that message. The other thing I'd like to just note is, we often hear bad news about Philadelphia, but The Inquirer this morning carries the story of a great community in Philadelphia, the Mt. Airy community, which has been cited by the federal government as one of the best examples throughout the nation of integrated living in Philadelphia. Sometimes, we're called "the most SPEECHES segregated city," but I think that's when we get under attack. But I think everybody ought to read that article in this morning's paper, and it gives you a sense of pride as to how Philadelphians really can live together. Thank you, Madam President.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I note that with regard to shopping for utilities that many of the companies call residential areas and really inundate them, especially where there are a lot of seniors about this 10 percent discount. But after one looks at it more carefully only, it talks about for a very limited amount of time, so a lot of residents think they're getting some big discount, but that's for some short period, and then the rates will be whatever they will be determined at a later date. So when we shop, we have to be really, really careful because they appear to say one ADJOURNMENT thing until you read the fine line and you find out there may be a whole other story. Thank you, Madam President.
Thank you are there any other speeches on the part of Majority? (No response.)
There being none, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Clark.
Madam President, I move that this Council be adjourned until April 7, 1999.
It has been moved and seconded that Council stand adjourned until Wednesday, April 7, 1999 at 10 a.m. All in favor will say aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it. Council stands adjourned until Wednesday, April 7, 1999. (Adjourned at 10:50 a.m.) C E R T I F I C A T E I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing proceedings of the Council of the City of Philadelphia of Thursday, March 25, 1999, were reported fully and accurately by me, and that this is a correct transcript of same. RE: STATED MEETING __________________________________, JOSEPHINE CARDILLO, Registered Professional Reporter