COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Thursday, March 19, 1998 10:50 a.m. Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT JOHN F. STREET COUNCILWOMAN ANNA CIBOTTI VERNA COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE L. BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN MICHAEL A. NUTTER COUNCILWOMAN JOAN L. KRAJEWSKI COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO COUNCILWOMAN AUGUSTA A. CLARK COUNCILMAN DAVID COHEN COUNCILWOMAN HAPPY FERNANDEZ COUNCILMAN JAMES F. KENNEY COUNCILMAN W. THACHER LONGSTRETH COUNCILMAN ANGEL L. ORTIZ COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO COUNCILMAN FRANK DiCICCO COUNCILMAN RICHARD T. MARIANO COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER MARIE B. HAUSER, Chief Clerk VINCENT VARALLO ASSOCIATES, INC. Registered Professional Reporters Eleven Penn Center Plaza, Suite 600 Philadelphia, PA 19103 INVOCATION
Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. The Chair notes that the hour has come and that a quorum is present. Council will come to order, members will take their seats, visitors will retire to the seats outside the rail. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair welcomes Rabbi Solomon Isaacson of the Beth Solomon Temple. He is here today as the guest of Councilwoman Blackwell. Members and guests will please rise.
With permission of the Honorable President of City Council, I would first like to say thank you to the Honorable City Councilwoman and dear friend, Jannie Blackwell, for inviting me here today. I have, thank God, had the privilege of addressing this august group a few times before today, yet each time I thank The Almighty for giving me this opportunity. We human beings many times take our lives for granted. We forget that we all have to answer to a higher authority. For this honorable group, on whose INVOCATION shoulders rests the responsibility of deciding the future of our great city and its wonderful citizens, I wish to say a prayer from the Book of Psalms. But first, if I may take another moment or two to express a beautiful piece of rabbinical teachings, of which I have just studied. In Hebrew, every letter has a numerical value. A numerical value of the Hebrew word ahava is 13. The numerical value of the Hebrew word of The Almighty is 26. When there is love between two people, 13 and 13, you have The Almighty's presence among you. There is a similar teaching between a husband and a wife. The Hebrew word for husband is esh, and the Hebrew word for wife is eshau. In each word is a symbol of God, one letter. If you take the letter of the symbol of God out of each word, you have the word ashe, which is fire. So that by having The Almighty in the presence of yourself and in your heart, both as a man and as a woman, you prevent the fire consuming you, rather than having the love of The Almighty being part of your life. INVOCATION Therefore, I call upon this honorable group to try and have The Almighty in this room with you at all times, so that the Psalms which I shall be reading will be able to be fulfilled. For all the citizens look at all of you and learn from you how to interact with other people. So that the respect and honor you show to others, even in disagreement, will serve as a reminder to all citizens of our great city how we should interact with each other. For besides the laws that are passed in this room by this august and righteous group, your personal actions serve as an example to all of us on how to behave with one another. I read from the Book of Psalms, Chapter 1:30. Out of the deaths have I cried on to thee Oh, Lord. Lord, hear our voice. Let thine ears be attentive to the voice of our supplications. If thou Lord shouldest mark inequities, Oh, Lord, who shall stand. But there is forgiveness with you, that thy man lest be feared. We wait for you, Oh, Lord. Our soul does wait, and in His word do we have hope. INVOCATION Our soul waits for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning. Let all of us hope in the Lord, for with the Lord there is mercy and with him is plenty redemption. Amen. In closing, I would like to take this opportunity, as a close and personal friend to many of you, whom I have known and shared many happy moments, starting with your Honorable leader, the President of City Council, the Honorable John F. Street, I would like to wish all of you much health and happiness in your lives. And may The Almighty shower his blessings upon all of you and be gracious onto you. May he smile upon all of you and give you the strength and wisdom to make the right decisions on behalf of all of us. Amen.
The Chair thanks Rabbi Isaacson for his inspiring invocation. (Councilmembers greet Rabbi Isaacson.)
The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, March 12, 1998. APPROVAL OF JOURNAL/LEAVES OF ABSENCE The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Clark.
Mr. President, I move the adoption of the record for that date. (Duly seconded.)
All in favor let it be known by saying aye. Those opposed say nay. The ayes have it. The Journal for the meeting of Thursday, March 12, 1998, stands approved. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Verna for leaves of absence.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the majority, there are no requests for leaves of absence.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Longstreth.
Mr. President, I ask for a leave of absence for Councilman O'Neill. WELCOME VISITORS/COMMUNICATIONS
The Chair thanks the Councilman. Leave will be granted. At this time we will dispense with our regular order of business to recognize visitors. To all of our visitors and guests with us, we welcome you here and applaud your interest in the civic affairs of our city and invite you to come again. It is my understanding that the previously scheduled presentation will not be made today. Therefore, our 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. The Chief Clerk will read the messages from the Mayor.
March 16. To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia: I am transmitting for the consideration of your honorable body a draft of a resolution entitled, A resolution approving the WELCOME VISITORS/COMMUNICATIONS program of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the improvement of vacant lots and side yards and rear yards for passive recreation or parking purposes of a portion of the Grays Ferry Urban Renewal Area. And an Ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 1998 within the Health Choice Behavioral Health Revenue Fund from the Department of Public Health, to the Department of Public Health, the Director of Finance, contributions to School District.
The messages will be printed in the Journal. The Chief Clerk will read any other communications in her possession.
Thank you very much. At this time the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Verna, who will introduce a special resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS & RESOLUTIONS I offer one resolution.
The clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A Resolution requesting the Mayor to return Council Bill No. 960823A entitled, An Ordinance amending Title 17 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Contracts and Procurement," by amending Section 17-107 entitled "Contractors, Labor Management Relationships," by revising the prevailing wage ordinance, including extending the prevailing wage requirements to certain service contracts, revising administrative and reporting requirements, providing for payment to persons who file complaints, and prohibiting discrimination against persons who file complaints, imposing costs for filing appeals, providing for enforcement by withholding certain sums due on contracts, providing for interest on underpayments of wages, and providing for increased penalties, all under certain terms and conditions, for the purpose of reconsideration by the Council of the vote by which said bill passed Council.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Verna. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS & RESOLUTIONS
I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
All in favor let it be known by saying aye. Those opposed say nay. The ayes have it, the resolution is passed. The Chief Clerk will read the letter from the Mayor.
March 19, 1998. To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia: I am returning herewith as requested by your resolution adopted March 19, 1998, Bill No. 960823A, entitled An Ordinance amending Title 17 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Contracts and Procurement" by amending Section 17-107 entitled "Contractors, Labor Management Relationships," by revising the prevailing wage ordinance, including extending the prevailing wage requirements to certain service contracts, revising administrative and reporting requirements, providing for payments to persons who file complaints, and prohibiting discrimination against persons who file complaints, INTRODUCTION OF BILLS & RESOLUTIONS imposing costs for filing appeals, providing for enforcement by withholding certain sums due on contracts, providing for interest on underpayment of wages, and providing for increased penalties, all under certain terms and conditions, for the purpose of reconsideration by the Council of the vote by which said bill passed Council.
At this time the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Verna for a motion that the City Council of Philadelphia reconsider the vote by which Bill No. 960823A was passed.
All in favor let it be known by saying aye. Those opposed say nay. The ayes have it. The clerk will call the roll.
The ayes are 15, the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the motion passes, and the vote by which Bill No. 960823A was passed has been reconsidered. This bill is now on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar and will be available at our next Council session for the set of amendments as previously indicated.
The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Clark.
Mr. President, today I have one bill and two resolutions.
An Ordinance authorizing Norman Walgin and Marian Walgin, husband INTRODUCTION OF BILLS & RESOLUTIONS and wife, owners of the property located at 1811 Delancey Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to construct and maintain a garden terrace over a portion of the south footway of Cypress Street, adjacent to the rear of the property 1811 Delancey Street, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The clerk will please read the title of the resolutions introduced by Councilwoman Clark.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia deeds for properties situate in the 28th, 29th, 32nd, 37th, and 47th Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
All in favor let it be known by saying aye. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS & RESOLUTIONS Those opposed say nay. The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. The clerk will please read the title of the second resolution introduced by Councilwoman Clark.
A resolution designating April 1998 as Fair Housing Month in the City of Philadelphia.
I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
All in favor let it be known by saying aye. Those opposed say nay. The resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
The clerk will please read the title of the resolution. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS & RESOLUTIONS
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia deeds for properties situate in the 27th, 44th, and 46th Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
Mr. President, I move the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
All in favor let it be known by saying aye. Those opposed say nay. The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen.
The Chair thanks the Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS & RESOLUTIONS
A Resolution amending Section 9-205 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Sidewalk Sales," by prohibiting sidewalk sales on Frankford Avenue, both sides, from Wakeling Street to Bridge Street. An Ordinance amending Section 9-205 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Sidewalk Sales," by prohibiting sidewalk sales on Torresdale Avenue, both sides, from Harbison Avenue to Cheltenham Avenue. And an Ordinance authorizing Robert Farrell, owner of the property located at 6300 Torresdale Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to construct and maintain a canopy roof over a portion of the north footway of Robbins Avenue adjacent to the side of the property 6300 Torresdale Avenue, under certain terms and conditions. And an Ordinance authorizing Walter Jerzeck, owner of the property located at 4200 Shelmeyer Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to INTRODUCTION OF BILLS & RESOLUTIONS construct and maintain a one-story wood-framed building addition onto a portion of the north footway of Urdrick Street adjacent to the side of the property 4200 Shelmeyer Street, under certain terms and conditions.
These bills will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Verna.
Mr. President, on your behalf, I offer one resolution. I also offer three other resolutions on my behalf.
The clerk will please read the titles of the resolutions.
An Ordinance honoring Anne J. Land. I am sorry. That's a resolution honoring Anne J. Land.
Thank you, Mr. President. I would move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.) INTRODUCTION OF BILLS & RESOLUTIONS
And I believe that Anne Land is in the audience. And I would ask her to please stand, so that we could recognize her and thank her for her many years of service. (Applause.)
All in favor of the resolution let it be known by saying aye. Those opposed say nay. The resolution is adopted. The clerk will please read the title of the second resolution introduced by Councilwoman Verna.
A resolution authorizing the Council Committee on Rules to review the proposed revision of the RC-6 residential planned development district master plan for the former U.S. Naval home site, as approved by the City Planning Commission and received by the City Council on March 16, 1998, and to recommend either to approve, disapprove, amend, or defer change on said proposal pursuant to requirements under Section 14-226(2)(b) of the Philadelphia Code.
This resolution will be scheduled for the appropriate Public INTRODUCTION OF BILLS & RESOLUTIONS Hearing. The clerk will please read the title of the last resolution introduced by Councilwoman Verna.
A resolution approving the program of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the improvement of vacant lots as side yard, rear yard for passive recreation or parking purposes of a portion of the Grays Ferry Urban Renewal Area.
I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
All in favor let it be known by saying aye. Those opposed say nay. The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Mr. President. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS & RESOLUTIONS
I believe there is another resolution that I introduced.
The clerk will please read the title of the fourth resolution.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia deeds for properties situate in the 40th Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
All in favor let it be known by saying aye. Those opposed say nay. The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS & RESOLUTIONS The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
The Chair thanks the Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
The 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 of the City of Philadelphia deeds for properties situate in the 12th and 13th Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.) INTRODUCTION OF BILLS & RESOLUTIONS
All in favor let it be known by saying aye. Those opposed say nay. The resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter.
The 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 of the City of Philadelphia deeds for properties situate in the 4th and 52nd Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
Mr. President, I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
All in favor let it be known by saying aye. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS & RESOLUTIONS Those opposed say nay. The resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Fernandez.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have one resolution to be introduced, which is also co-sponsored by Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell.
The clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution calling on the Committee on Transportation and Public Utilities and the Committee on Education to conduct public hearings to examine the cost of SEPTA tokens for Philadelphia's middle and high school students, and to explore ways in which additional funding can be secured to reduce the financial burden of transportation costs for our city's students.
I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.) INTRODUCTION OF BILLS & RESOLUTIONS
All in favor let it be known by saying aye. Those opposed say nay. The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ortiz.
The Chair thanks the Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one resolution and three bills.
The clerk will INTRODUCTION OF BILLS & RESOLUTIONS please read the titles of the bills.
An Ordinance amending Section 10-717 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Source Separation, Collection, and Disposal of Refuse," by requiring that non-recyclable materials be set out for city trash pickup in rigid, covered receptacles, meeting specified criteria. And an Ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Washington Avenue, Broad Street, Morris Street, and 7th Street. An Ordinance authorizing Frank Borda Lou Gentile, owners of the property located at 1547 through 49 South 13th Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to construct and maintain a one-story masonry building addition onto a portion of the south footway of Tasker Street adjacent to the side of the property 1547-49 South 13th Street, under certain terms and conditions.
These bills will be referred to the appropriate committee. The clerk will please read the title of the resolution introduced by Councilman DiCicco. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS & RESOLUTIONS
A Resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver deeds for properties situate in the 5th, 31st, and 45th Wards in the City of Philadelphia.
The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
All in favor let it be known by saying aye. Those opposed say nay. The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano.
An Ordinance INTRODUCTION OF BILLS & RESOLUTIONS establishing a No Truck Parking regulation on Erie Avenue, both sides, from Castor Avenue to G Street. An Ordinance establishing a No Truck Parking Regulation on Cayhuga Street, both sides, from G Street to Castor Avenue. An Ordinance establishing a No Truck Parking regulation on M Street, both sides, from Erie Avenue to Cayhuga Street. An Ordinance establishing a No Truck Parking regulation on Castor Avenue, both sides, from Erie Avenue to Cayhuga Street. An Ordinance amending Section 9-205 of the Philadelphia Code relating to sidewalk sales on certain blocks in the 7th Councilmanic District. And an Ordinance amending Section 9-205 of the Philadelphia Code relating to sidewalk sales on certain blocks in the 7th Councilmanic District. And an Ordinance establishing a No Truck Parking regulation on Hunting Park Avenue, both sides, from Castor Avenue to G Street.
These bills will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES Longstreth.
The Chair thanks the Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
The Chair thanks the Councilman. The next order of business is Reports from Committees. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Verna for the report of the Council Committee of the Whole.
I am sorry, Mr. President. I am being recognized for what purpose, sir?
For offering the report of the Council Committee of the Whole.
Thank you. The Committee of the Whole reports five bills out of committee and one resolution, with REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES favorable recommendations.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia: The Committee of the Whole Council, to which was referred Bill No. 980001, entitled an Ordinance to adopt a Capital Program for the six Fiscal Years 1999 through 2004 inclusive; Bill No. 980002, an Ordinance to adopt a Fiscal 1999 Capital Budget; Bill No. 980003, an Ordinance adopting the Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 1999; Bill No. 980004, an Ordinance amending Chapter 19-1500 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Wage and Net Profits Tax," by decreasing the rate of the tax; Bill No. 980005, an Ordinance amending Chapter 19-2600 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Business Privilege Taxes," by decreasing the rates of the tax based upon gross receipts and by clarifying the activities which will subject a person to tax for engaging in business within the city; and Resolution No. 980138, entitled Resolution, supporting the transfer of $15 million from the city's General Fund to the School District of Philadelphia, to support the continued REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES improved operation of the public school system, respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached resolution and bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Verna for Rules suspension.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading of Bills No. 980001, 980002, 980003, 980004, and 980005. (Duly seconded.)
All in favor let it be known by saying aye. Those opposed say nay. The ayes have it. The Rules are suspended. Bills No. 980001, 980002, 980003, 980004, 980005, will be added to our First Reading Calendar today. Resolution No. 980138 will be placed on our Second and Final Reading Passage for next REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES week. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney for the report of the Council Committee on Rules.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Council Committee on Rules reports out Bill No. 980024 with a favorable recommendation.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia: The Committee on Rules, to which was referred Bill No. 980024, entitled an Ordinance approving the redevelopment proposal of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia, for the redevelopment of a portion of the 49th and Locust Redevelopment Area, 49th and Locust Urban Renewal Area, being the area generally bounded by Walnut Street on the north, South 50th Street and St. Bernard Street on the west, Locust Street and Spruce Street on the south, and South 49th Street on the east, approving the Urban Renewal Plan and REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES determining that such plan and redevelopment proposal conforms to the General Locality Plan and make adequate provisions for individuals, business concerns, and families who are displaced, determining the necessity for changes in and for zoning streets, alleys, public ways, street patterns, location and relocation of public utilities, determining that the Urban Renewal Plan and Redevelopment Proposal prohibits discrimination because of race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, or handicapped, declaring that condemnation is not imminent with respect to the project, except as otherwise expressly provided for in the proposal, and declaring the redevelopment undertakings in the project to be an important part of the city's program to remove and prevent the spread of urban blight, respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Mr. President, I move the Rules of Council suspended so as to permit REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES first reading of Bill No. 980024 today. (Duly seconded.)
All in favor let it be known by saying aye. Those opposed say nay. The ayes have it. Bill No. 980024 will be added to our First Reading Calendar today. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Clark for the report of the Council Committee on Public Property and Public Works.
Mr. President, the Committee on Public Property and Public Works reports out two bills, Bills No. 970752 and 980019, with a favorable recommendation, and with the recommendation that the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia: The Committee on Public Property and Public Works, to which was referred Bill No. 970752, entitled an Ordinance authorizing Commissioner of Public Property, Director of the Free Library of REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES Philadelphia, and Budget Director, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to execute a term sheet with the Crime Prevention Association of Philadelphia, CPA, a nonprofit corporation organized and existing under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania setting forth the terms and conditions by which the city will, one, convey property located at 2407 South Broad Street to the CPA, and, two, transfer $1 million in city capital dollars to CPA over three fiscal years, and in exchange for which the CPA shall construct a new community center at 2407 through 37 South Broad Street, including a new library facility, and lease the new library facility to the city for 99 years, pursuant to certain terms and conditions set forth in documents acceptable to the Commissioner of Public Property, Director of the Free Library, Budget Director, City Solicitor, and CPA; And Bill No. 980019, an Ordinance to amend an Ordinance approved December 15, 1969, as amended, which approved the Redevelopment Proposal the Urban Renewal Plan, and Relocation Plan of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment of Model Cities Urban Renewal REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES Area by approving the 20th amendment of the Redevelopment Proposal, the 12th amendment to the Urban Renewal Plan, and the 13th amendment to the Relocation Plan, which provides inter alia for certain additional land acquisitions and provisions of certain relocation services as required by law for the individuals, families, and business concerns which will be displaced, respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached two bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Clark for a motion that the Rules of Council be suspended to permit consideration of these bills, placing them on First Reading Calendar.
Mr. President, I move that Bills No. 970752 and 980019 be placed on the First Reading Calendar. (Duly seconded.)
All in favor let it be known by saying aye. Those opposed say nay. The ayes have it. The Rules are suspended. Bills No. 970752 and 980019 will be REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES added to our First Reading Calendar today. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller for the report of the Council Committee on Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Special Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs reports Bill No. 960886 out of committee with a favorable recommendation, and no need for a Rules suspension.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia: The Committee on Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs, to which was referred Bill No. 960886 entitled, an Ordinance amending Section 15-201 of the Philadelphia Code relating to areas under the care and jurisdiction of the Fairmount Park Commission by adding a parcel of land generally bounded by Stevens Road, Walton Street, Barlow Street, and Kevin Avenue, to those lands under the care and jurisdiction of the Fairmount Park Commission, respectfully reports it has considered REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
This bill will be printed and placed on our First Reading Calendar for our next meeting. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Verna for the report of the Council Committee on Fiscal Stability and Intergovernmental Cooperation.
The Committee on Fiscal Stability and Intergovernmental Cooperation reports Resolution No. 980008 out of committee with a favorable recommendation.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Fiscal Stability, to which was referred Resolution No. 980008, entitled Resolution, providing for the approval by the Council of the City of Philadelphia a revised Five-Year Financial Plan for the City of Philadelphia covering Fiscal years 1999 through 2003, and incorporating proposed changes with respect to Fiscal Year 1998, which is to be committed by the Mayor to the Pennsylvania FIRST READING CALENDAR Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority, The Authority, pursuant to the Intergovernmental Cooperation Agreement, authorized by an Ordinance of this Council approved by the Mayor on January 3, 1992, Bill No. 1563A, by and between the City and The Authority, respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached resolution to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Resolution No. 980008 will be placed on our Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar next week. The next order of business is the consideration of the calendar. The Chief Clerk will read the bills on the First Reading Calendar.
Bill No. 980001, an Ordinance to adopt a Capital Program for six Fiscal Years, 1999 through 2004, inclusive.
Bill No. 980002, an Ordinance to adopt a Fiscal 1999 Capital Budget.
Bill No. 980003, an FIRST READING CALENDAR Ordinance adopting the Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 1999.
Bill No. 980004, an Ordinance amending Chapter 19-1500 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Wage and Net Profits Tax," by decreasing the rates of the tax.
Bill No. 980005, an Ordinance amending Chapter 19-2600 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Business Privilege Taxes," by decreasing the rates of the tax based upon gross receipts and by clarifying the activities which will subject a person to tax for engaging in business within the city.
Bill No. 980024, an Ordinance approving the Redevelopment Proposal of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment of a portion of the 49th and Locust Redevelopment Area, 49th and Locust Urban Renewal Area being the area generally bounded by Walnut Street on the north, South 50th Street and St. Bernard Street on the west, Locust FIRST READING CALENDAR Street and Spruce Street on the south, and South 49th Street on the east.
Bill No. 970752, an Ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property and the Director of the Free Library of Philadelphia, and the Budget Director, on behalf the City of Philadelphia, to execute a term sheet with the Crime Prevention Association of Philadelphia, a nonprofit corporation organized and existing under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Bill No. 980019, an Ordinance to amend an Ordinance approved December 15, 1969, as amended, which approved the Redevelopment Proposal, the Urban Renewal Plan, and the Relocation plan of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment of the Model Cities Urban Renewal area by approving the 28th amendment of the Redevelopment Proposal, the 12th amendmentment to the Urban Renewal Plan, and the 13th amendment to the Relocation Plan.
The Chair agrees. The bills read by the Chief Clerk SECOND AND FINAL READING PASSAGE CALENDAR will be placed on our Second and Final Reading Passage Calendar for our next meeting. Council will now consider bills on the Second and Final Reading Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Verna.
Thank you, Mr. President. Bill No. 910118 on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar is being called for consideration. All other bills are being held.
First bill for consideration is Bill No. 980118. The clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An Ordinance authorizing as a place for burial the Founders Grove located on the grounds of the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education 8480 Hagees Mill Road.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The clerk will call the roll
Councilwoman Blackwell. SECOND AND FINAL READING PASSAGE CALENDAR
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are zero. A majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. This brings us to an end of our consideration of the calendar. Are there any speeches on the part of the members of the majority? Are there any speeches on the mart of members of the minority? The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Mr. President. I am sorry. I hit the light late, it was a little difficult hearing you. I would just like to take this opportunity to speak as to the reason why I held SPEECHES Bill No. 970829. About two, three weeks ago there were hearings in the Finance Committee concerning this bill. And at the time there was some serious consideration as to whether or not we would have enough votes to move the bill out of committee, based primarily on some information that I had received and some of my colleagues, that the minority community in Philadelphia for a long time has felt that they have been cut out of the process, basically, by this Administration when it comes to development of hotels. I am not suggesting that that in fact was the case, but we were at least willing to discuss the issue. At my recommendation, the Finance Committee agreed to move the bill out of committee with a favorable recommendation. But at such time I had agreed to at least begin to bring the parties together who felt as though they were being somewhat discriminated against when it comes to the hotel development in Philadelphia. It was reported in today's paper much SPEECHES of the information that I was about to prepare to speak to you about this morning. I guess you can read it if you pick up the paper. But there were a number of issues that we dealt with at a meeting two weeks ago. My colleague Councilman Nutter and Councilwoman Tasco attended that meeting, along with Dr. Chapelle and a group of people from her team that are looking to develop a hotel or hotels in Philadelphia. I am pleased to report that as a result of that meeting, the dialogue is continuing. There were meetings that are scheduled next week with the Redevelopment Authority and a major land owner and developer in the City of Philadelphia, with Dr. Chapelle and her team. And that that there is another hotel developer who will be in the next week or two meeting with Dr. Chapelle to discuss a possible co-development of a hotel. I held up on the bill just one more week to allow those meetings to take place next week, at which time I will get some feedback as to what the results of those meetings will be. Next week I intend to move on that bill. SPEECHES But I wanted to let everyone know that I appreciate the Finance Committee, under the chairmanship of Councilwoman Verna, for allowing that bill to move through. We have lived up to our end of the bargain, and I believe that PIDC, Redevelopment Authority, Commerce Department, are sincere in their efforts and will do everything they possibly can to make this become a reality. Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you very much. The Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen.
Mr. President, at an earlier time, in accordance with your agreement at the beginning of the budget sessions that any agency would be called back for further discussion if a Council member wished, I made a request for the officers of the Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation to appear before Council. I would hope that that matter is in the process of being determined.
Councilman, I can MOTION TO ADJOURN investigate it. I cannot tell you the answer to that question without consulting those people who are responsible for arranging those call-backs. But we can certainly be sure to have them at an appropriate time. And you and I can discuss precisely when you want them.
Thank you. Are there any other speeches? The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Verna.
Mr. President, I move that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, March the 26th, 1998, at 10:00 a.m. (Duly seconded.)
All in favor let it be known by saying aye. Those opposed say nay. The ayes have it. This Council stands adjourned until Thursday, March 26, 1998, at 10 o'clock a.m. (Stated Meeting adjourned at 11:40 a.m.) C E R T I F I C A T I O N I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing proceedings of the Council of the City of Philadelphia of Thursday, March 19, 1998, were reported fully and accurately by me, and that this is a correct transcript of same. RE: STATED MEETING _____________________________________ DEBRA A. WHITEHEAD, RPR