COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Thursday, March 16, 2000 10:17 a.m. Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE L. BLACKWELL COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILMAN DAVID COHEN COUNCILMAN FRANK J. DICICCO COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN JAMES F. KENNEY COUNCILWOMAN JOAN L. KRAJEWSKI COUNCILMAN W. THACHER LONGSTRETH COUNCILMAN RICHARD T. MARIANO COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER COUNCILMAN MICHAEL A. NUTTER COUNCILMAN ANGEL L. ORTIZ COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO PATRICIA RAFFERTY, 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 seats outside the rails. At this time, I would like to thank Councilman Kenney for presenting to all the Members of Council -- and to Miss Mason, I see -the lovely flowers as his way of saying, "Happy St. Patty's Day." To give our invocation the Chair welcomes Father Anthony Janton, Pastor of St. Martin of Tours Roman Catholic Church. He is here today as the guest of Councilman Mariano. Members and guests will please rise. (All rise.)
And thank you very much for the opportunity to be back with you to begin this program today by asking God's blessing upon us. GREETING/INVOCATION Almighty and ever-loving God, You have given us this day so that we might continue to grow in our faith and in our appreciation of Your presence in our lives. We gather here from many areas, many countries, many places, where You have blessed and strengthened us and helped us to appreciate the meaning of peace and justice. Today as we come before You to begin our work, like the psalmist, we pray: Lord, give success to the work of our hands. And we know that You will bless us and guide us in Your love so that as we continue to proclaim Your message of good news, our work, our presence and our service will be given to the glory of Your name. Lord, we ask Your special blessing upon those in Council. May they continue to serve our city well. We ask Your blessing on those who are visiting us today and who are celebrating in a very special way their traditions. And, Lord, help us in all that we do to celebrate our faith, to proclaim Your love, and to serve you in one another. We ask this through Christ, our Lord, APPROVAL OF 3/10/00 JOURNAL amen. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, amen. ALL: Amen.
The Chair thanks Father Janton for his very inspiring words. Council will be at ease. (Council rests at ease.)
The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of March 9, 2000. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Journal of March 9th be approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, March 9, 2000, stand approved. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed, nay. REQUESTS FOR LEAVES OF ABSENCE The ayes have it, the motion carries. The Journal of Thursday, March 9, 2000, is approved.
The next order of business is requests for leaves of absence. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. There are no requests for leaves of absence on the part of the Majority.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Longstreth.
Madam President, we have no requests for leaves of absence.
Correction. Brian O'Neill will be out of town. VISITOR RECOGNITION, PRESENTATIONS
Leave of absence will granted for Councilman O'Neill.
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 this morning. 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 Councilman Ortiz.
Madam Chair, Melissa Batzer, from our staff, our technical staff, and I have the honor today of welcoming the kindergarten class of the Montessori School where our children attend. Omar and Naomi are here with their classmates from the Montessori School - Greentown, and they're here today in City Hall, going through all of the phases and looking as to how government looks. There they are. (Applause.) VISITOR RECOGNITION, PRESENTATIONS
We welcome you and invite you to come back again.
I understand that Councilman Mariano is hosting a group from Ireland, and I call upon him at this time to introduce them.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, today we have a group of young boxers from the town of Newry, in County Down, Northern Ireland. And they fought a few very successful matches last night against a contingent from Jack Costello's gym, from the 6th Councilmatic District. And Councilwoman Krajewski did not fight last night; I think she's on the card next time. So if they could all stand up. (Applause.)
Thank you. Councilman Kenney today has asked that a group of Irish dancers and Irish musicians join us. At this time, I would like the Councilman, if VISITOR RECOGNITION, PRESENTATIONS he would, to present your guests to us.
Thank you very much, Madam President. As is our tradition here in Council, we take time from time to time to celebrate the various ethnic and racial groups that make up our great city. Today happens to be the day before St. Patrick's Day, so in honor of St. Patrick and the Irish contribution to our city and nation, we would like to have Cletus McBride, Harold Dunn, and Bernadette McBride take their places and play some music for our dancers, which are Darren Larady, Bridget Fisher, Colleen Buckley, and Megan Kelly, and I'd ask them to please come forward. (Applause.) (Dancers and musicians come forward, then perform.) (Applause.)
Thank you all very much. Can we give them another round of applause. Happy St. Patty's Day. (Applause.)
At this time, VISITOR RECOGNITION, PRESENTATIONS I call upon Councilwoman Brown to please come forward for a presentation declaring and celebrating March 2000 as "Women's History Month." I invite Delores Dowdy, of the National Council of Negro Women and those accompanying her to please come forward. (Councilwoman Reynolds-Brown andHonorees come forward.)
Good morning, everyone. Good morning. Declaring and celebrating March as "Women's History Month": Whereas, women of every race, class, and ethnic background have made historic contributions to the growth and strength of Philadelphia in countless recorded and unrecorded ways; and. . .
Whereas, women have played, and continue to play, a critical economic, cultural, and social role in every sphere of the life of our city by constituting a VISITOR RECOGNITION, PRESENTATIONS significant portion of the labor force, working inside and outside of the home; and Whereas, women who are particularly important in the establishment of early charitable, philanthropic, and cultural institutions in our nation; and. . .
Whereas, women of every race, class, and ethnic background served as early leaders in the forefront of every major progressive social change movement; and Whereas, American women have been leaders, not only in their securing own rights of suffrage and equal opportunity, but also in the abolitionist movement, the emancipation movement, the industrial labor movement, the civil rights, and other movements, especially the peace movement, which create a more fair and just society for all; and. . .
Whereas, despite these contributions, the role of the American woman in history has been consistently overlooked and undervalued in the literature, teaching, and study of American history; and Whereas, women hold the top three VISITOR RECOGNITION, PRESENTATIONS positions in this distinguished body, creating history today and providing examples for the women leaders of tomorrow; and. . .
Whereas, the National Council of Women, founded by Dr. Marian McCloud, established its Philadelphia Council in 1945, one of the first organized in the country; and Whereas, the Philadelphia Council of the National Council of Negro Women is a longstanding exemplary example of positive and powerful leadership for women in this city. . .
Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Council of the City of Philadelphia declares and celebrates March as "Women's History Month." Resolved further that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the Philadelphia Council of the National Council of Negro women, further evidencing the sincere sentiments of this legislative body. This resolution is certified true and correct of the original resolution adopted by the Council of the City of Philadelphia on the 9th Day of March, VISITOR RECOGNITION, PRESENTATIONS 2000, signed by President of City Council, Anna C. Verna, and cosponsored by all Members of City Council. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes Miss Delores Dowdy for remarks.
Good morning, President and City Council and all Councilmembers.
This is indeed an honor. And we, the members of the National Council of Negro Women, truly, truly thank you for having us and recognizing that women do contribute quite a bit to our society and to our daily endeavors. We thank you and may God bless you. (Applause.)
We're delighted today to have the presence of a number of women representing a diverse culture in our city, and we would be remiss not to share we have with you who some of them are. We have with us Min Suh, who's President of the Asian-American Women's Coalition, VISITOR RECOGNITION, PRESENTATIONS and you should know that that is a multicultural group dedicated to the concerns of all Asian-American women. Why don't you please step forward. Thank you very, very much. (Applause.)
Also joining us is Chris Van Orden, Co-President of the Chestnut Hill Community Center, and representing an agency that was created in 1919 by Gertrude Houston Woodward. Then, as is now, they have a preschool there as well as provide assistance in housing and other community activities here in our city. Please? Where are you? (Applause.)
Iris Violeta Colon Torres is the representative for the National Conference of Puerto Rican Women, Philadelphia Chapter. This agency was established in 1972. It, too, is a nonprofit-nonpartisan organization. And, of course, its goals are defending the rights of Puerto Rican and other Hispanic origin women here in our city. Please, Miss Torres. (Applause.) VISITOR RECOGNITION, PRESENTATIONS
Melissa Weider Gerber, the new President of Women's Way. We know that it was founded here in Philadelphia in 1976, and over the many years has raised more than $1.5 million designed to serve men and women here in our city -- more than 260,000 citywide. It, too, is a nonprofit organization providing services and support to women here in our city. Thank you and congratulations. (Applause.)
National Coalition of 100 Black Women was established in 1981. We have a local chapter here in our city. There are currently 80 across the country. And Linda Watson, our President, could not be with us, but we are represented here today by both the First Vice, President Rosetta Smith, and the Second Vice President, Jacqueline Manns Smalley. Thank you, ladies. (Applause.)
2000 AfricanAmerican women may be the newest among us. It was sparked -- or the organization of it was sparked in 1992 by the presidential convention at that VISITOR RECOGNITION, PRESENTATIONS time. And in essence, it is designed to be an organization that reaffirms that no one can speak for us but us. Its founder and president, Miss Edwina Baker. (Applause.)
It behooves us to recognize that women wear all uniforms, and we're delighted to introduce Sherry Adrienne Butler. She's a ranger with the Independence National Park, and she's here, too, to represent that we come in all shapes, colors, and sizes. Please -- and age. (Applause.)
And then, finally, Reverend Sarah Potter Smith, a rich history of service in our community. In brief, at age 72, she enrolled in Temple's New Careers Ladder Program, and three years later, completed her degree, at age 75. (Applause.)
She didn't stop there. She went on and pursued graduate studies at the University of Edinburg and earned a doctor of divinity in 1985, at age 83. VISITOR RECOGNITION, PRESENTATIONS (Applause.)
She's a long-standing member also of the National Council of Negro Women. Thank you very, very much for joining us in this very important celebration.
And I'm just grateful to be here today. And I do sing so I'd like just to sing a verse of something for you. (Ms. Potter sings.)
Council will be at ease. (Council stands at easy.)
The next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant-at-Arms deliver the messages from the Mayor to the clerk. The Chief Clerk will please read the messages from the Mayor.
To the President and Members of the Council City of Philadelphia, I am transmitting for the consideration of your COMMUNICATIONS honorable body a draft of a resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area, identified by respective house number and street address as 1936 Diamond Street; and authorizing the Redevelopment Authority to execute the redevelopment contract with Thelma Fullwood and Leonard Knox; and to take such action as may be necessary to effectuate the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement.
The bill will be printed in the Journal. The clerk will read any other communications in her possession.
Thank you, Madam President. Sorry to be a little late. My group just got here. I just wanted to recognize some 6th-grade students from the Fitzsimons Middle INTRODUCTION - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS School in my district. I'd like to ask them to stand right now. (Fitzsimons students stand.) (Applause.)
Thank you. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for a motion.
Madam President, I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit consideration of resolutions at the 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 those in favor will signify by saying aye. INTRODUCTION - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS Those opposed, nay? The ayes have it and the motion is carried. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I have one bill on your behalf and two resolutions.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance, Bill No. 980709, approved December 30, 1998, authorizing the revision of lines and grades in a portion of City Plan No. 46 in an area of Geary Street and 20th Street by placing on the City Plan Geary Street, from 20th Street to Davinci Drive, Davinci Drive and Justinian Circle, and from Davinci Drive westward. INTRODUCTION - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the motion is carried. The clerk will please read the title of the second resolution.
The Chair INTRODUCTION - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Madam President, I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has 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 motion is carried. The Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen.
The clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution proclaiming the week of March 19th through March 25th, 2000 as "Media Democracy Week," in recognition of the important role of media democracy in perpetuation of liberty and freedom and in honor of the work of the Philadelphia Community Access Coalition.
The Chair INTRODUCTION - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS recognizes Councilman Cohen. (Applause.)
Thank you, Madam President. I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the motion is carried. (Applause.)
Madam President, I have no bills or resolutions today.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano.
Madam President, I have two resolutions, one cosponsored by myself and you. INTRODUCTION - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS
The clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution designating Sunday, March 26, 2000 as "Knights of Columbus Day" in the City of Philadelphia.
It has 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 motion is carried. The clerk will please read the title of the second resolution.
A resolution commending the United States Senate for declaring March as "Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month" and INTRODUCTION - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS encouraging Philadelphians to take steps to prevent colorectal cancer.
Madam President, I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has 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 motion is carried. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Madam President, I have no bills or resolutions today.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you, Madam INTRODUCTION - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS President. I offer one bill.
Thank you. The clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance, Bill No. 980717, approved March 23, 1999, authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 128 of an area bounded by Cambria Street and 19th Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter.
Madam President, I offer one bill and one privileged resolution.
The clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Title 10 of the Philadelphia Code relating to regulation individual conduct and activity by amending Section 10-610, entitled, "Skateboarding INTRODUCTION - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS on Public Property," by prohibiting skateboarding on all public property, unless otherwise authorized.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution calling upon the Office of the Director of Finance to conduct a survey, publish, and disseminate a consumer guide on bank fees of the City depository bank.
Madam President, I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed, nay? The ayes have it and the motion is carried. INTRODUCTION - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Good morning, Madam Chair. Today I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer one privileged resolution.
The clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution declaring March 28, 2000 as "UniverSoul New Soul 2000 Day" 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 those in favor will signify by saying aye. INTRODUCTION - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS Those opposed? The ayes have it and the motion is carried. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ortiz.
Thank you. The clerk will please read the title of resolution.
A resolution honoring Doris "Granny D" Haddock, a 90-year-old greatgrandmother of 12, upon the completion of her 3200-mile cross country walk in support of campaign finance reform. (Applause.)
Madam President, I move the approval of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by INTRODUCTION - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the motion is carried. (Applause.)
The clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Title 12 of the Philadelphia Traffic Code by adding provisions relating to the parking of motorcycles at metered parking spaces within certain portions of the area generally bounded Front Street, Pine Street, and 11th Street, and Bainbridge.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer two bills, one cosponsored by Councilman Kenney and myself, and one resolution. INTRODUCTION - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS
The clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance amending Title 10 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Regulation of Individual Conduct and Activity," by adding a new Section 10 A. (28), entitled "Prohibition of Sale of Box Cutters and Similar Utility Knives to Persons Under the Age of 18."
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Chapter 9-601 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Garages, Parking Lots, Sales Lots, and Sale Showrooms," by adding a definition for automated parking garages and restricting the operation and maintenance of said automated parking garages to within 300 feet of any residential zoned property.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the INTRODUCTION - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area identified by house number and street address as 1936 Diamond Street.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed, nay? The ayes have it and the motion is carried. The Chair recognizes Councilman Longstreth.
Madam President, I have no bills or resolutions today.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo. FIRST READING - BILL 000106
The next order of business is the consideration of the calendar. The clerk will please read bills on the first-reading calendar.
Bill No. 000106, an ordinance amending Section 19-201 of the Philadelphia Code relating to City depositories by clarifying and updating the list of institutions in which the City's authorized to deposit funds, and by amending certain conditions.
The Chair agrees. The bill read by the Chief Clerk will be placed on the second-reading and final-passage calendar for our next meeting. This concludes the bills to be considered on the first-reading calendar. SECOND READING - BILL 000080
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for the purpose of calling up bills on the second-reading and final-passage calendar.
Madam Chair, I move that all bills listed for second reading and final passage be called up this morning.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. I would ask the clerk to hold Bill No. 000082 as the last bill being called for consideration, please. The first bill to be called is Bill No. 000080.
Bill No. 000080, an ordinance authorizing the Mayor, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into agreements with the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development ("PAID") providing for lease from PAID to the City of a football practice facility to be developed at Broad Street and Pattison Avenue, and for lease-back of the said practice facility from the City to PAID; the obligations of SECOND READING - BILL 000080 the City under the said agreement to become effective only in the event that ordinances necessary for the financing, development, and leasing of a new football stadium are not enacted by City Council and approved by the Mayor by November 3, 2000.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will call the roll.
Aye. The ayes of 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for SECOND READING - BILL 000083 consideration is Bill No. 000083.
Excuse me, excuse me, Miss Rafferty. Councilman Cohen, did you want to be recognized?
An ordinance amending Title 19 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Finance Taxes and Collections," by adding a new chapter imposing a tax on the rental of vehicles, all under certain terms and conditions.
Yes. Madam President, I am speaking in opposition to this bill because I find no justification for levying an additional tax on the population that's already overburdened with taxes. It's admittedly so. We always admit that we're one of the heaviest taxed cities, so I see no SECOND READING - BILL 000083 justification for levying a tax. I know of no particular purpose that this will serve at this given time. And I -- also with respect to the tax itself, it seems to me that it's a tax that cannot be effectively enforced, and it is unfair in its operation in picking out a particular group of people, who I think we want to keep in the City but who find it very difficult to maintain a car on a yearlong basis. And, therefore, this group of people are going to be unfairly subjected to a tax on the occasions in which they need to rent a car. So I will be voting no on this bill.
Thank you. This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will call the roll.
Oh, I'm sorry, the nays are 1. A majority of all Members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 000020.
An ordinance amending Section 19-201 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "City Depositories," by authorizing the City Treasurer to deposit funds in Pennsylvania Bank, under certain circumstances and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The clerk call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 000016.
An ordinance establishing a no-parking regulation on both sides of the 4300 block of Belgrade Street from 100 feet south of Gillingham Street to where Belgrade Street dead-ends south of Gillingham Street.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill 000017.
An ordinance authorizing Catherine Avella, owner of the property 256-258 East Allegheny Avenue, to construct and maintain a two-story building addition onto and over the south footway of Allegheny Avenue, adjacent to the property 256 East Allegheny avenue, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 000018.
An ordinance establishing a no-truck-parking regulation on Arrott Street, both sides, from Leiper Street to Oakland 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.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be call for consideration is Bill No. 000024.
An ordinance granting permission to 60-80 Ridge Avenue Corporation, trading as Coyle's Cafe, located at 60-80 Ridge Avenue, to operate and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe on the west footway of Ridge Avenue and the south footway of (unintelligible) Street, adjacent to 60-80 Ridge Avenue, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? SECOND READING - BILL 000024 The clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 000026.
An ordinance amending Section 14-1607 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Special Controls for Center City Commercial Area," by providing that nothing in that section shall prohibit the maintenance of licensed sidewalk cafes along certain portions of Chestnut Street and Walnut Street; and amending Section 9-208 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Sidewalk SECOND READING - BILL 000026 Cafes," by requiring the main restaurant use more than 25 percent of its interior gross floor area for seating, and that all food served be in non-disposable containers.
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 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 000087.
An ordinance amending SECOND READING - BILL 000087 Section 2 of an ordinance, Bill No. 970348, approved July 1, 1997, authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 58 of an area bounded by Poplar Street, 12th Street, and Watts Street by extending the period for compliance with the authorization and conditions therein.
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 16 the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. SPEECHES Council will stand in recess for a few minutes, please. (Council stands in recess.) (Proceedings resume.)
Bill No. 000082 will be held. This concludes the business of the Council calendar.
Are there any speeches on the part of the Minority? (No speeches on the part of the Minority.)
Are there any speeches on the part of the Majority? The Chair recognizes Councilman Ortiz.
Madam Chair, I'd like to speak. During the presentation of Blondell Reynolds, we heard a 95-year-old -
A 97-year-old woman give us an example of the mental acuity that a person of that age has and the vitality that that SPEECHES person still brings to everyday life and to her society and her neighborhood. We in this Council have been very fortunate of having that type of individual, and I've enjoyed that type of colleague in this Council for the last 15 years in David Cohen. I think for the last 15 years that I've been in this body, the intellect, the commitment, the effervescence that David Cohen shows for issues and people has been exemplary. It has been one of the most enjoyable times when Gussie Clark, David, and other individuals in this Council would just begin to defend issues and causes because of the linguistic ability that was shown, the use of the English language, it elevated not only the debate but this body to another level. I'm just -- I just want to say thank you for David Cohen being here in this body and being who he is, and I want to say thank you to my colleague. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter. SPEECHES
Thank you. Thank you, Madam President. Just a comment on Councilman Ortiz's remarks before I talk about what I wanted to talk about. There is a rumor that after the presentation this morning that Reverend Potter did call Councilman Cohen "sonny." (Laughter.)
And I acknowledge Councilman Ortiz's remarks, and we enjoy Councilman Cohen and wish him much longer continued service. Madam President, I wish to speak today to express a concern that has been raised during the course of our budget hearings. We had the School District in just in the past week. And there was a story in this morning's newspaper that attributes some remarks to Mayor Street, and I'd like to comment on those remarks and hope, quite honestly, that they were either taken out of context -- I was not at the meeting -- or there is further meaning to what he said. This was a meeting of education, parents and advocates, apparently, last night. SPEECHES And the Mayor was talking about the need for more funding for the School District, which, I believe, all of us generally agree is greatly needed. The story goes on to talk about the Mayor saying that there was, quote, a complete and total breakdown in the way public education is funded, a statement that I could no more -- I could certainly agree with and support no. There's no truer statement. It goes further to say that if it's not a money problem, why is everyone else in the richer suburbs throwing so much money at it? The Mayor added, "We're going to run out of money, people. We're going to run out of money, and that's the plan." And during last week's hearings with the School District, the question was asked of the Superintendent and the Board President about the funding issue and situation with the School District, and they said that they are working on a plan. I know that Mayor Street cares deeply about public education. He has been a champion for sometime, all of his public-service career, for the public schools. And as I mentioned earlier, I can only hope, Madam President -- and SPEECHES ask if you would, on behalf of the body, do some follow-up -- that there was either a context to that or that the Mayor was being somewhat facetious. My concern is that we are in the course of the process of developing, and we will have voted on shortly, a contingency plan for the Eagles practice facility and the prospect of whether or not we have new stadiums. And we in Council spent a fair amount of time working on that, and there was a fair amount of anguish and serious time and effort that went into that. My concern is that it does not appear at the moment that we have a contingency plan for the School District -- or even a Plan B, because I'm not sure that we have a Plan A at the moment for an intentionally impending funding crisis. If the teachers' contract expires at the end of August and the District potentially runs out of money, how will we negotiate a contract with them. And if there is, following this out, no contract, will schools in fact open in September? And we could find ourselves, as the Council, once these other bills pass, we have SPEECHES committed to taking action on stadiums by a particular date certain. And I quite honestly don't know how we will be able to meet those particular commitments and deadlines if our schools are not open in the fall. It seems to me that the one clearly outweighs in importance the other. And so I would ask, Madam President, on behalf of the body, if you would, to have conversation with the Mayor about this particular issue, if there could provided to Councilmembers some update as to what is going on, and what is the plan other than the prospect of just running out of money. I'm not necessarily sure that that is a plan for the 213,000 school students and their parents. And I know that the Mayor cares very deeply about this issue, I know he's very serious about this issue, and I tend to think that he might actually have more than just that particular plan up his sleeve. If there's some other strategy going on, then that's fine. But as a public official. I'd actually like to know what in the world is going on. SPEECHES Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I was at that meeting in my district last night, where the Mayor spoke and talked about education. He did talk a lot, as the article indicates, about uniforms, but he also talked to people about standing up, parents and community leaders, about standing up and demanding the things they want in schools -- like uniforms, like smaller classes, like a lack of violence. We had a lot of discussion about school violence last night in that particular school and in another school in the same neighborhood. And he really, really tried to make people realize that it is parents and community members who have to stand up for what they want in the schools. And I think at the core of it -- I don't assume or presume to speak for him -- but he was really trying to get people to be involved in the future of our city and in the future of education of our SPEECHES children. Thank you, Madam President.
You're welcome. The Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen.
Thank you, Madam President. I just wanted to note that since the beginning of the year, there has been a different approach by the executive office with respect to how people are dealt with. And I just hope that what has happened over the last two and a half months changes again before Philadelphia, known as "The City That Loves You Back," becomes known as "The City That Kicks You Out." Thank you, Madam President.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco. Councilwoman Tasco, do you want to be recognized?
Yes, yes, excuse me. Yes, I'd just like to say that the other day -- I can't remember which day it was, it must have been Tuesday, I believe -- the Mayor SPEECHES appointed an interim team for the Philadelphia Gas Works. It has taken a long time, and I've been pushing for new leadership at PGW. Although this is not a permanent team, I feel confident that this is a team that we can work with and we will have confidence in working with and receiving information from them so that any decisions that the Council or the Gas Commission may have to make will be made on information that is, I guess, correct. Mr. Kumar Kishinchand, our Water Commissioner, is going to be the acting interim CEO, and we know his record in the Water Department. Tom Knudsen is someone who has been working with the Commission and has been an advocate for a number of years, and certainly I have a lot of confidence in his ability to understand the financial aspects of PGW. But I will tell you, they will be challenged. But the Commission, as well as the Members of Council who represent this Council on the board, will be working very closely with them to see that we can hopefully turn around PGW. So we welcome them aboard, and I'm very SPEECHES glad to see the new leadership there, someone that I can have confidence in. Thank you very much.
Thank you. Are there any other speeches on the part of the Majority? (No further speeches.)
There being none, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for a motion to adjourn.
Madam President, I move that we adjourn Council until Thursday, March 23rd, 2000, at 10 a.m.
It has been moved seconded that Council stand adjourned. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the motion is carried. Thank you. ADJOURNMENT (Adjourned at 11:26 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 16, 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