COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, December 13, 2007 10:35 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILWOMAN CAROL ANN CAMPBELL COUNCILMAN DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILMAN FRANK DiCICCO COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN WILLIAM GREENLEE COUNCILMAN JACK KELLY COUNCILMAN JAMES F. KENNEY COUNCILWOMAN JOAN L. KRAJEWSKI COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILMAN JUAN RAMOS COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO COUNCILMAN DANIEL SAVAGE COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO PATRICIA RAFFERTY, CHIEF 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. 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 his Eminence John Cardinal Foley. He is here today as the guest of Councilman Ramos. I would ask all members and guests to please rise. (Everyone rises.) CARDINAL FOLEY: Thank you very much, Madam President and Councilman Ramos. Before offering the opening prayer, I want to thank the members of City Council for this most gracious invitation and for the great honor of having this day declared Cardinal Foley Day in Philadelphia. They even allowed the sidewalk outside City Hall, a one and only time. As a resident of Philadelphia and its near suburbs for the first 48 years of my life and as one who has proudly and gratefully considered Philadelphia home, even during my 23 years in Rome, I want you to know how much I truly appreciate your great thoughtfulness and this honor which means so much to me. And now, let us pray. All powerful and ever-loving Father who has called us out of nothingness to know you, to love you and to do your will in this world for the benefit of all our brothers and sisters, all your children, look kindly on this great city in which all men and women have been free from the beginning to acknowledge and worship you according to their consciences and to help those who lead it to act always justly without fear or favor, to create a society of peace protect the rights of all, especially the weakest and most vulnerable, in a community which should be in reality what it is so proudly in name, the City of Brotherly Love. Let this be done in your name, oh, Lord. Amen. (Amen.)
The Chair thanks his Eminence for his very inspiring invocation. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
I see we have in the audience former Mayor Green. Nice seeing you, Mr. Mayor. Welcome. (Applause.)
The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, December 6, 2007, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, December 6, 2007 stand approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, December 6, 2007 stand approved. All in favor will please indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, the motion carries, and the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, December 6, 2007 stands approved. The next order of business is requests for leave of absence, and, again, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. There are no absence today on the part of the majority.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
Madam President, there are no requests for leave of absence from the republicans.
Thank you. The Chair will dispense with the regular order of business to recognize the guests and visitors joining us in Chambers this morning. On behalf of all members of City Council, I welcome you to our Council session. We appreciate your taking the time to join us as we attend to the legislative affairs of our City. We certainly invite you to come again. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Ramos, who will present a resolution honoring his Eminence John Foley, a Philadelphian, on his elevation to Cardinal in the Roman Catholic Church. Will his Eminence please join Councilman Ramos at the podium and whoever is joining you, your Eminence, certainly can join you at the podium. Councilman Ramos. Anyone joining his Eminence today can certainly come up to the podium.
Good morning, everyone. It is an honor for me today. Probably unless we have an extended session of Council, it will be my last legislative day, and I am so honored to have served the people of Philadelphia and all of you in the last four years. It couldn't get better than for me today introducing an extraordinary and call for the honoring of an extraordinary Philadelphian today. His name is Cardinal John Foley. Whereas, Cardinal John P. Foley 11, 1935 in Fitzgerald-Mercy Hospital in Darby, Pennsylvania and grew up in Holy Spirit Parish in Sharon Hill, the only child of John and Regina (Vogt) Foley; and Whereas, Cardinal John P. Foley graduated from Holy Spirit School, St. Joseph's Preparatory School and graduated summa cum laude -- that means that he was very smart, right? -- from St. Joseph's College, now St. Joseph's University, in 1957, where he was President of the student body; and Whereas, Cardinal John P. Foley entered the priesthood in 1957, studied at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary on City Avenue and was obtained a priest of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia on May 19, 1962. Later that same year, the late Cardinal John Krol, then Philadelphia's Archbishop, sent the young priest to Rome to report on the Second Vatican Council for the Philadelphia Catholic Standard and Times, the Archdiocese newspaper; and Whereas, Cardinal Krol saw great promise in Cardinal John P. Foley and sent him to Columbia University's School of Journalism where he earned a Master's Degree in 1966; and
Whereas, in 1966, Cardinal John P. Foley was appointed Assistant Pastor or Philadelphia's St. John the Evangelist Church and served on the faculty of the Cardinal Dougherty High School, with residence and St. Bernard Church, also in Philadelphia. From 1966 until 1974, Cardinal John P. Foley also was co-producer and co-host of the Philadelphia Catholic Hour on local radio station WFIL; and Whereas, Cardinal John Foley served as editor of the Philadelphia Catholic Standard and Times for 14 years, 1970 to 1984, taught at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, and in 1976, he was named as an honorary prelate of His Holiness with the title of Monsignor. He the Pennsylvania State Ethics Commission, 1979 to 1984; and Whereas, Cardinal Krol recommended Cardinal Foley to the late Pope John Paul II in 1984 to become the first President of the new Pontifical Council for Social Communications at the Vatican, whose role is to explain church teachings through the worldwide media; and Whereas, Cardinal John P. Foley went to Rome to serve the world, but never forgot his friends, his family and his Philadelphia. He was consecrated an Archbishop in 1984 at the Philadelphia's Cathedral of Sts. Peter and Paul. He was 48 at the time and was the youngest head of a papal office at the Vatican; and
Whereas, Cardinal John P. Foley had served for 23 years as head of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications when Pope Benedict XVI the 17th, 2007 as Pro Grand Master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem; and Whereas, the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem lends financial support to the Catholic Church in the Holy Land and helps maintain Christian shrines in that region; and Whereas, Philadelphia and the entire Delaware Valley rejoiced when Pope Benedict XVI publicly announced on October 17, 2007 that he would elevate Archbishop John P. Foley to Cardinal; and Whereas, Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, hailed Cardinal John P. Foley's appointment as one that will unite the people of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia more closely with Pope Benedict XVI. Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we declare Thursday, December 13, 2007 as Cardinal John P. Foley Day in the City of Philadelphia.
Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to his Eminence Cardinal John P. Foley. Signed by all members of City Council, President of City Council, Ann Verna, and yours truly, Juan Ramos. Congratulations, your Eminence. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes his Eminence for remarks. CARDINAL FOLEY: Thank you very much, Councilman Ramos, Council President Verna, Councilman Blackwell. It is truly an honor for me. Here I've lived in the Philadelphia area all my life -- well, at least up until I was 48 -- and I have never been in City Council before. What a nice way to come to City Council. So it's truly an honor for me and for -- I know I speak for Cardinal Rigali also, for the Catholics of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, but I think Philadelphians, because in naming me a Cardinal, Pope Benedict XVI has shown recognition to the faith, the wonderful tradition that comes from this City, which has known religious liberty since the beginning. And I think all of us can be proud of the spirit of tolerance, of mutual respect and understanding which has existed in this City from its foundation. I know I am proud to be a Philadelphian, and I pray that that spirit may remain and that God may bless our wonderful City of Brotherly Love. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
Silence, please. We're continuing with our session. Thank you. The Chair now recognizes Councilman DiCicco, who will present a of the Arts' School of the Theatre Arts on the occasion of their 25th anniversary. I would ask Dean Rick Lawn and those accompanying him to please join the Councilman at the podium. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you and good morning. This is a resolution honoring, recognizing and celebrating the University of the Arts' School of Theatre Arts on the occasion of its 25th anniversary. Whereas, the University of the Arts is the nation's only university devoted exclusively to education and professional training in the media and performing arts. Located in the heart of Philadelphia, the University of the Arts was founded in 1987 through the consolidation of two century-old institutions, the Philadelphia College of Performing Arts and the Philadelphia College of Arts. Offering undergraduate and graduate degrees, the University assume careers in traditional and emerging arts and related fields; and
Whereas, Dr. Walter Dallas founded the School of Theatre Arts in 1983 as part of the Philadelphia College of Performing Arts. Dr. Dallas was followed by Paul Berman, and Gene Terruso is the current Director of the school; and Whereas, the School of the Theatre Arts trains practitioners for the live theatre, entertainment media, communication production through its four highly focused programs of Acting, Design and Technology, Musical Theatre and Theatre Management, and Production. Through these programs, SOTA is committed to developing the skills and professionalism of its students and preparing them for careers in the theatre and related fields or for advanced study in graduate or conservatory training;
Whereas, a professional approach to training and a highly rigorous standard for evaluation and retention. The season of subscription and studio productions serves as an important means of gauging a student's growth in his or her respective program. Our efforts both in the classroom and on stage are enhanced by participation and involvement with the Philadelphia community through a range of outreach efforts. The school has produced dozens of recognized, highly successful artists, many of whom remain in Philadelphia to develop the artistic environment of the City. Now therefore COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Resolved, that the Council of the City of Philadelphia, honors, recognizes and celebrates the University of the Arts' School of Theatre Arts on the occasion of its 25th anniversary. Further resolved, that as evidence of the sincere sentiments of body, engrossed copies of this resolution be presented to the University of the Arts. Certification, this is a true and correct copy of the original resolution, adopted by the Council of the City of Philadelphia on the 20th of September 2007. Presented by Council President Anna C. Verna, introduced by myself, Councilman Kenney and Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown, co-sponsored by all members of City Council. Congratulations. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes Dean Lawn for remarks. DEAN LAWN: Good morning and thank you, Council President Verna, and good morning to all of you distinguished Councilmembers and invited guests. On behalf of the College of Performing Arts and our new President who joins us today, Sean Buffington, I extend our heartfelt for making this a very special occasion for the University of the Arts' School of Theatre Arts as we celebrate our silver anniversary. I've often thought about how similar our commitments as civic leaders are. To be simple, we strive to make society better. While the specific nature of our responsibilities and ways in which we accomplish this mission are obviously different, there is a similarity in terms of this fundamental civic duty. Our charge is to provide audiences with a window into the human condition, both past, present and future. We regularly take audiences on journeys that inspire them to think about interpersonal relationships, history and life's many challenges, while also helping them to experience or perhaps even rediscover the importance and joy of feeling a wide range of human emotions. you laugh, we make you cry, we make you think, and I'm sure at times we even make you angry, and we do this because there is nothing more in life that we would rather do, and we are able to do this because you have fulfilled your civic responsibility by fostering one of the nation's most vibrant performing arts districts on the Avenue of the Arts. And we are particularly grateful to the Council who have helped us to create the Skyline Performing Arts Center. We are partners in a shared mission. Our entire theatre season underscores Philadelphia themes. So while we celebrate our 25th year tradition, we also commemorate our City. How do we know we are successful in this mission? In what I consider to be a relatively short time, a mere 25 years, which I would remind you barely exceeds the entire lifetime of our current seniors, we can claim a number of without saying that our students, alumni and faculty are regularly showcased in the Philadelphia and regional theatres, but we are also proud to point to alumni stars who have seen success on stage and screen, including recent television shows and film such as The Office, Ugly Betty, Wedding Bells, NYPD Blue, ER, Commander in Chief, American Idol, Without a Trace, the Stepford Wives, the Sixth Sense and a long list of others, including Broadway and off-Broadway productions. You have helped us to make these 25 years incredibly rich and memorable. Under the current leadership of Gene Terruso, Director of the School of Theatre Arts, and his faculty, we are building on the accomplishments and the tradition of those like Dr. Walter Dallas, who joins us today, who preceded us. I can assure you, however, we've only just begun. Thank you again for making this very, very special day for us at the University of the Arts, and may we all continue to find joy and fulfilling opportunities in fulfilling our civic responsibilities. Happy holidays, everyone. (Applause.)
I believe I recognize Federal Judge Savage in the audience. May I say welcome, nice to see you. (Applause.)
Thank you, Madam President. I speak on behalf of Councilwoman Campbell. As you know, she has a bad cold and has been ill and has laryngitis, so we will speak on her behalf. Last week this Council passed a A. Brady for a lifetime of service, and certainly since he was called to Washington last night, he's unable to be here, we want to show him his respect, and per her request, mine and all who are here, we ask that we respect him and his achievements by standing to give him an ovation.
Thank you. All members will please stand for the recognition of the resolution. (Standing ovation.)
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. In our efforts here to be courteous to special guests, I'd like to bring to the attention Mr. Terry Mayfield, who is here with his son, an eighth grade student at Delaware County School, who wishes one day to sit in the legislative body. So we'd like to ask them to stand. And we would be remiss not to acknowledge the presence of our former colleague, Councilman Angel Ortiz. (Applause.)
Thank you. The next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant-At-Arms deliver the messages to the Chief Clerk. The Chief Clerk will please read the messages from the Mayor.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am pleased to advise you that on December 7, 2007, I signed the following bill that was passed by Council at its session on November 29, 2007: Bill No. 070827; and I am pleased to advise you that today, December 13, 2007, I signed all of were passed by Council at its session on November 29, 2007, except 070937; and I am transmitting for the consideration of your honorable body a resolution approving the redevelopment contract for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Ellsworth Urban Renewal Area; and A resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the New Kensington/Fishtown Urban Renewal Area; and A resolution approving the redevelopment contract for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Old City Redevelopment Area.
Thank you. The messages will be printed in the Journal. Does the Chief Clerk have any other communications in her possession?
Thank you. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for a motion.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended in order to permit the immediate consideration of resolutions at their time of introduction. (Duly 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 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 have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I introduce one resolution on your behalf.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Redevelopment Authority, the City of Philadelphia, for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Ellsworth Urban Renewal Area.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for a motion.
Thank you, 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 say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Madam President. I actually changed from what I said in caucus. I introduce one resolution, please.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority deeds located, and the ground and buildings with the improvements thereon, in the 4th Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you, 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 say aye. (Aye.) (Councilwoman Campbell abstained.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I have one resolution.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution recognizing, honoring and celebrating the Violence Free Alliance for their vision and through a collaboration of diverse organizations dedicated to addressing the current entrenched epidemic of violence in the City of Philadelphia.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Savage.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer two resolutions today.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolutions.
A resolution authorizing the use of Neighborhood Transformation Initiative bond proceeds for the acquisition of 3051-3053 Hutchinson Street and 3059, 61 and 68 Percy Street.
Thank you, 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 indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority deeds located in the 7th, 18th, 19th, 23rd, 31st, 37th and 43rd Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you, 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 indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. I offer one resolution.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title.
A resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Redevelopment Authority, the City of Philadelphia, for the redevelopment and renewal of a portion of the Old City Redevelopment Area.
The Chair again recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, 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 say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer no bills or resolutions this morning.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer no bills or resolutions.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ramos.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution declaring January 6, 2008 Three Kings Day in the City of Philadelphia.
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 say aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution calling on the United States Congress and the President of the United States to declare March 31st as a national holiday in honor of the late great farm worker leader Cesar Chavez.
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 say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Campbell.
Madam President, four resolutions. I have four resolutions.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution authorizing the Committee on Education to hold public hearings on the situation at the Thomas Mifflin Elementary School.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution honoring Mitchell Allen for his lifetime of exceptional longstanding commitment and his tireless dedication to improve the quality of life for the youth throughout Philadelphia.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution honoring the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas on the occasion of their 215th year anniversary.
The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Campbell.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution honoring and commending Reverend Ellis I. Washington on his election as the President of the Black Clergy of Philadelphia and Vicinity.
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. Is Councilman O'Neill in the room? (No response.)
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority deeds located in the 16th, 28th and 37th Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution approving the redevelopment contract for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the New Kensington/Fishtown Urban Renewal Area.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority deeds located in the 37th Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority deeds located in the 28th and 47th Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kelly.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution recognizing, honoring and celebrating the Traffic Club of Philadelphia on the occasion of their 100th year anniversary.
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. We will now proceed under a special order of business. Council will reconsider the vote -- at this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell. One moment, please. Today is one of those days. We will now proceed. There are no reports from committees. Therefore, the next order of business will be the consideration of the Calendar. There are no bills on the First Reading Calendar. 12/13/07 - STATED - 2ND READING Therefore, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for the purpose of calling up the bills on Second Reading and Final Passage.
Thank you, Madam President. Today our Calendar begins on . We will hear the first bill listed, 050341-AA. The next bill to be considered is on , Bill No. 040904-AAAA. The next bills to be considered are , Bill Nos. 070203-A and 071005-A. Our Calendar continues on . We will consider the bill at the bottom, Bill No. 050303. We will skip . We'll skip . On , we will hear the bill at the bottom, Bill No. 070540. On , we will hear Bill Nos., starting at the middle of the page, 070940, 941 and 942. On , we will consider Bill Nos. 070994 and 936 and 943. On , from there to we will hear all bills. They are Bill Nos. 070944, 946 and 948. , Bill 12/13/07 - STATED - 2ND READING Nos. 070957, 998, Bill No. 071081 and 082. On , Bill No. 071083, 070987, 988 and 989. On , Bill Nos. 070990, 991, 992 and 993. On , Bill Nos. 070995, 996, 997 and 071006. On , Bill Nos. 071007, 070390, 556, 679 and 870. On , Bill Nos. 070876, 914, 999, 071085. And, finally, on , 071002. All other bills are being held.
Thank you. At this time, I would ask the Chief Clerk to please read the title -
Thank you, Madam President. I would like to seize this time to ask the sponsor of Bill Nos. 070955-AA and 070956-A why they're not being called up for a vote, and I have a subsequent question. 12/13/07 - STATED - 2ND READING
Councilwoman, the reason they're both not being called up for a vote is, there's a very high likelihood we're going to have another session and I was asked as an accommodation by Fox Chase Cancer Center, the party of interest, to instead of holding -- assuming this was our last session, instead of holding both bills, to move forward with the master plan zoning bill and hold the second bill, which is the agreement lease with the City and let it go into the beginning of the new term. If we can get both done in another week, I think it's only right to give the accommodation to do that. So before we adjourn today, I will know whether I'm holding one bill or both. And if we are going to have another session, I would hold both so they could run together.
Okay. Thank you, Councilman O'Neill. I raise the issue, Madam 12/13/07 - STATED - 2ND READING President, because during the hearing in the Parks and Recreation Committee, it was clear that Fox Chase more than met the goals with the Equal Opportunity Plan and I needed to know if holding it would put at risk the more than 3,000 jobs that potentially will be tied to this project.
The project, which Fairmount Park approved in the spring of '05 and which I and two community associations have been working on for the last two and a half years after Fairmount Park and the Commerce Department reached an agreement with the hospital on the business terms of the lease, those jobs have always been at risk, but I am told by the hospital that they expect what they asked me to do last night, which was move the one bill and then let the other, if this was our last session, go into the next term, we would be fine. I heard that right through their attorney, and I asked the specific question of them that Councilwoman just 12/13/07 - STATED - 2ND READING asked of me.
So that I'm clear, so the City will not be at risk in losing those more than 3,000 jobs by holding it, should we have to, until the next session?
No, and that's why I wanted to reach that accommodation on the zoning bill if we were going out of session, so they would know that we were serious about this and wanting to accommodate their interest.
The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode for a point of information.
If I could ask the sponsor a couple of questions. One, there has been some discussion in the media and some discussion among a few Councilmembers about the possibility of a special session. There is not yet a special 12/13/07 - STATED - 2ND READING session, and generally when there is a special session, we hold a special session limited to one issue rather than continue the entire Calendar. And I don't understand how Fox Chase could know and contact you last night if we might be having a special session -
-- when we have not decided that we're going to have a special session yet. So Fox Chase wants to move the project forward. This is supposed to be our last session. This is a project with a ton of jobs where there was a substantial Economic Opportunity Plan negotiated, and either we're going to move forward or we're not going to move forward, and this may be the last opportunity to move forward of this term.
Yes. Having insisted on that Economic Plan, I'm very aware of it. The conversation I 12/13/07 - STATED - 2ND READING had with the party, Fox Chase Cancer Center, last night was at a time when I was not aware that there might be a another session, so what I said -- it was really a two-tiered answer. One was if there were no more sessions after today, the request was could I run the bill and Council vote on the master plan zoning bill, hold the second bill to the beginning of the next term, and I just added because we may have another session next week, before we adjourn today, I will hold both of them if we're having another session. I will go back to my original agreement at their request last night, that the one bill run and the other bill be held.
And the request is made for holding the second bill why?
I asked the hospital if there was some information, and they just asked that I state that it was at their request. 12/13/07 - STATED - 2ND READING
So we don't know why we'd be holding the second bill, although it's a major -
I think if we're going to have to bring them in to ask why, we would need a -
The hearing process is over. We're at the point where it's on the Calendar and what's supposed to be the last day of the term. We at least deserve to know why a major project like that would be held.
-- I just told you why. I can't give you any more information than they gave me.
That it was being held at their request and they were happy and content to move forward with the second bill in the next term. 12/13/07 - STATED - 2ND READING
Madam President, in the rules of Council, can any member call up that bill?