COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, December 1, 2005 10:10 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILMAN FRANK DiCICCO COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN JACK KELLY COUNCILMAN JAMES F. KENNEY COUNCILWOMAN JOAN L. KRAJEWSKI COUNCILMAN RICHARD T. MARIANO COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER COUNCILMAN MICHAEL A. NUTTER COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILMAN JUAN RAMOS COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO 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 to convene today's Council session. I would like to announce that an Executive Session of Council will now be held in the Caucus Room for the purpose of deliberating on applications for take-out beer permits under Act 39. Council will reconvene immediately after the conclusion of that Executive Session. I assure you we will not be more than five or ten minutes. So we will be back very shortly. Thank you. (Short recess.)
I note that a quorum of this Council is present. This Council session shall now reconvene, and the Council will 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 welcomes Pastor Samuel Peterson of the Sharon Baptist Church. He is here today as the guest of Councilwoman Blackwell. I would ask all members and guests to please rise. (Everyone rises.)
Good morning to all of you at City Council and to the President of City Council and to one of our great members at Sharon Baptist Church, Councilman Jannie Blackwell. It's a privilege and honor to be able to stand before you this morning for us to be able to go to God in prayer to ask his blessings on this session. If you would, let us go to the Lord. Dear Gracious and Eternal Heavenly Father, once again, God, we come to you just to say thank you, Lord. Thank you for this opportunity for to you, God. We come asking right now, God, that you would bless this session, God. We ask that you would bless all of those that make the great decisions here in the City of Philadelphia. God, we ask that you would give them the wisdom, God, the wisdom that they need to make those decisions, God. We pray, God, right now for the schools, God, for those schools existing in Philadelphia. We pray for the students, God. We pray right now, God, that your hand would guide those going to schools so that those in the schools will be safe each and every day that they go to school. We pray, God, for this great City, God. We pray that you continue to keep your hands upon it, God. We pray that you can continue to do what you do best, and we pray, God, that you would just have your way each and every day in the City, God. that we will make decisions that are good for those that need it and, God, we just ask that you just continue to bless us and keep us, for we ask these things in Christ's name. Amen.
Amen. The Chair thanks Pastor Peterson for his very inspiring invocation. Council will be at ease. Deacon Wayne Johns is also with the Pastor. (Council at ease.)
The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, November 17, 2005, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, November 17, 2005 stand approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, November 17, 2005 stand approved. All in favor will please indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, November 17, 2005 is approved. The next order of business is requests for leave of absence, and 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
Madam President, on behalf of the republicans, there are no requests for leave of absence.
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 Council, I welcome you to our 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. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo, who will present a resolution honoring the Philadelphia Film Office. Will Ms. Sharon Pinkenson and those accompanying her please join the Councilman at the podium. I understand that Councilwoman will be joining Councilman Rizzo in the presentation. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
Good morning. Thank you, Madam President. Good morning, everyone. Recognizing, honoring and celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Greater Philadelphia Film Office, which has done such excellent work attracting and facilitating films and television productions in the Philadelphia area. Whereas, since 1985, the film industry in the Greater Philadelphia region has experienced enormous growth; and Whereas, the total economic impact from the film and TV production attracted and facilitated by the Greater Philadelphia Film Office to the region since 1992 exceeds a billion; and
Whereas, Office facilitated the production of TV series such as Hack, Philly and It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia; and also facilitated movie block busters such as National Treasure, In Her Shoes, 12 Monkeys, The Italian Job, Unbreakable, The Sixth Sense, The Rocky Film Series and Philadelphia; and Whereas, the Greater Philadelphia Film Office is a film commission representing Southeastern Pennsylvania that officially serves the counties of Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery; and
And whereas, the Greater Philadelphia Film Office serves to attract film video production to the region, including everything from feature films to TV commercial to music videos and industrial films; and Whereas, the Philadelphia Film Office provided the producer free parking, permits, hotels, labor, locations and generally acts as a liaison between the production and the local community, cutting red tape as they go; and Whereas, the Philadelphia Film Office serves to grow the local film and video industry in every way possible, recognizing its huge economic impact in job creation and its unparalleled public relations effect in the region; and
Whereas, the Greater Philadelphia Film Office meets the needs of local media artists and technicians through seminars, business and technical training to improve the skills of professionals that help launch careers. Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the City Council hereby recognizes, honors and celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Greater Philadelphia Film Office, which has done such excellent work attracting, production in the Philadelphia area. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the Greater Philadelphia Film Office as further evidence, sincere admiration and gratitude of this legislative body. Congratulations. (Applause.)
Yes, Rocky is coming back, Councilman. Thank you, all. Thank you to Councilman Rizzo and to all of City Council, thank you, and President Verna. The entire film office staff is with us today. I'm very proud of this loyal and wonderful group, without whom we would not be able to have achieved so much. So thank you for this recognition, and we're going back to work. Thanks. (Applause.)
The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Tasco, who will present a resolution honoring the Fisher Park Alliance. Will Ms. Laurel Sweeney and those accompanying her please join the Councilwoman at the podium. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you very much, Madam President. I'd just like to say that we are recognizing this wonderful group this morning for their participation in the Horticultural Society competition, but I want to let the world know that this is one of the finest community organizations in the City of Philadelphia. They have taken on the responsibility of maintaining Fisher Park, working with the School District and the children in the neighborhood, and they have done many, many wonderful projects, and I'm proud of them. I'm proud to have them in my district. I enjoy working with them, and they keep me busy. So I want to say thank you to them. But today we're presenting this resolution honoring the Fisher Park Community Alliance for their award-winning performance in Pennsylvania Horticultural Society competitions. Whereas, the Fisher Park Community Alliance is an organization of committed and concerned neighbors residing in the Olney section of Philadelphia who maintain and support Fisher Park; and Whereas, three years ago, the Fisher Park Community Alliance created a mid-sized vegetable and flower community garden affectionately known as Roots Garden in Fisher Park, which has improved surrounding community; and Whereas, from its inception, the Roots Garden has been successful in the Philadelphia Horticultural Society's garden contest, winning first prize the first two years and second prize this year; and Whereas, the gardeners who care for Roots Garden were invited to participate in this year's flower show in the Garden Competition Class where the theme was America the Beautiful and the category was Community Pride, and the gardeners' exhibit won second prize for the depiction of a party scene at a community garden that was based on the real Roots Garden in Olney; and Whereas, the Fisher Park Community Alliance continues to maintain the Roots Garden at Marshall and Spencer Streets, where there are approximately six four-foot-by-eight-foot plots being gardened by individuals, families and students, and through the garden, the community provides an important cultural component to community services in their neighborhood; and Whereas, the Olney residents participating in the Roots Garden have enjoyed learning to garden and sharing their new gardening techniques with each other and their families, and the residents have received the added benefit of getting to know each other through the garden, a valuable and pleasant unifier of the community. Now, therefore resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we hereby honor and commend the Fisher Park Community Alliance for their award-winning performance in Pennsylvania Horticultural Society competitions and for developing the Roots Garden as a positive vehicle for neighbors to socialize while enhancing the aesthetics of their community. a true and correct copy of the original resolution adopted by the Council of the City of Philadelphia on the 28th day of October 2005, and supported by all members of City Council. Congratulations and thank you. (Applause.)
Good morning, Councilmembers. Thank you for having us here. That was incredible. On behalf of the Fisher Park Community Alliance, I thank Councilwoman Tasco for her support during our trials and tribulations as we were reorganizing the Friends of Fisher Park to become the alliance seven years ago. You helped us in so many ways, none the least of which through the Philadelphia Activities grant each year, which is what helped us to build that garden. You've attended many of our very encouraging words to us about our work in the Park. We know you understand the value of having the land remain clean, safe and healthy, and this is the mission of our Alliance. So I thought since I'm not much of a speech-maker, I'm going to read an editorial that I wrote that ran in the Olney Times last week, because this describes the partnerships that have breathed life into Fisher Park over the years. Fisher Park used to be a place that had little soul in terms of neighborhood connection. As anyone knows who has lived in that area, it was a pretty forbidden place for many, many years. Very few healthy activities happened there. That has changed, and it's time to share the progress report. In the past three years, under the direction of the Fisher Park Community Alliance, a community garden, arboretum, a contemplative meditation garden and a native plant garden have been built by neighbors, friends and Middle School students. The group also participated in the Flower Show this year with a 22-by-22-foot garden depicting something that looked like Roots. It was a lot of work and a lot of fun, and we were very excited about it. Fisher has developed growing relationships with the Olney Times, the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society's Philadelphia Green Program, the Recreation Department and the Fairmount Park Commission, the offices of Councilwoman Marian Tasco and Representative Dwight Evans, the 35th Police District, the Family Court Community Service Program, Mayor John Street's Office of Community Relations and Grover Washington, Jr. Middle School, the large base of residents who enjoy the park for its ability to provide a outdoor recreation and social activities. These important additions have infused new life into the Park's usefulness and overall safety. Fisher Park is a 23-acre oasis from the stress, noise and tons of concrete that harden our lives around us. Statistics show that the presence of trees cleanses the atmosphere, reduces blood pressure and increases attention span. When Joseph Wharton offered this land to the City in 1908, his plan was to provide residents with a healthy alternative to a rapidly changing environment, and here we are nearly 100 years later with even more reasons to enjoy a peaceful setting. In the spring, the Park will improve even more when a new basketball and tennis court are developed. Playground equipment is going in and more lighting will be added. Very exciting. Plans are being made to bring the Park in the summer. We have a bandstand there. Thanks and congratulations go out to the Fisher Park Board behind me. There are many more of us that couldn't make it. They had to work. And to the many Park partners for their vision for a safer, more useful and pleasant place to enjoy nature at its finest. And on that note, I took some pictures of our park. You can't see that probably too well, but this is for you. This is just a couple of weeks ago. And Fisher Park is absolutely stunningly gorgeous in the fall, so this is for Councilwoman Tasco's office. And on that note, I will introduce those whom I know. This is Allysane Manning, is my first attendant. Loretta Moss has been with us all these years.
Brian O'Neill is a teacher at Grover Washington Middle School, and Mary Black has been with us for the entire duration. introduce your students. This is Brian O'Neill. He's going to explain a little more about what Grover Washington has done.
Just briefly. Thank you. I just wanted to introduce some future stewards of the park system. These folks are with my Science Club. They've worked hard over the last three years identifying trees in the Park, and it's good to see them take an interest in the environment, since that affects all other aspects of our life, I think. Thank you very much. ROY BOUSER: Hello. My name is Roy Bouser. I am Treasurer of the Grover Washington, Jr. Middle School Science Club, and what I do is, I balance the money. Any trips that we go on, I collect money to give to the people who are taking the trip to. TRACY LLOYD: Hi. I'm Tracy Lloyd. I'm the Vice-President for the and assist the President and manage transportation and research also. JENNY NUIA: My name is Jenny Nuia (ph) and I'm the President of the Science Club, and I have my assistant with me to help plan trips and community service. (Applause.)
We have one more. And we also want to thank our Commissioner, Victor Richards, for working so hard with the Fisher Park. He's really been a true leader in revitalizing Fisher Park. ABDUL HAKEEN ZUDAN: Hi. I'm Abdul Hakeen Zudan (ph). I'm Sergeant-at-Arms for Grover Washington, Jr. Middle School. Thank you. (Applause.)
The Chair now recognizes Councilman Mariano, who will present a resolution honoring St. Christopher's Hospital of Philadelphia. At this time, I would ask Ms. Jill Tillman and those accompanying her to please join the Councilman at the podium. I see that the Councilman is being joined by Councilmembers Krajewski, Ramos and Kelly. The Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano.
Thank you, Madam President. Resolution honoring St. Christopher's Hospital for Children on the occasion of its 130th anniversary. Whereas, on November 30th, 1875, St. Christopher's Hospital for Children opened its doors; and Whereas, St. Christopher's charitable one-room clinic mainly for children of mill workers in North Philadelphia; and Whereas, today St. Christopher's serves the entire region as one of the leading pediatric medical centers in the United States; and
Whereas, St. Christopher's Hospital for Children has built a reputation for leadership, innovation and compassion; and Whereas, the hospital also has established set standards of excellence for other pediatric facilities in the country to follow.
Whereas, St. Christopher's Hospital for Children will continue their 130-year-old tradition of providing specialized pediatric care for children both living in the Delaware Valley and those around the world. Now, therefore
Whereas, 30th, 2005 will be recognized as St. Christopher's Hospital for Children's Day; and Whereas, St. Christopher's Hospital for Children will continue their 130-year-old tradition of providing specialized pediatric care for children both living in the Delaware Valley and those around the world. Now, therefore
Now, therefore be it resolved further, that an engrossed copy of this resolution has been presented to the representatives of St. Christopher's Hospital for Children as further evidence of the sincere respect and admiration of this legislative body, signed by Councilman Rick Mariano and everyone else in City Council. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you. On Christopher's, I'd like to thank all of the Councilmembers, not just for today's resolution, but for you and for your predecessors for 130 years of support in helping us to meet our goal of caring for the children. We grew from a one-room hospital to today a vibrant 161-bed hospital that admits more than 8,000 children every year and sees more than 48,000 children every year in our emergency room. We look forward to your continued support and our next 130 years with our vision of what we can be in the future. Thank you. (Applause.)
The next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant-At-Arms deliver the messages 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 1, 2005 I signed all the bills that were passed by Council at its sessions on November 10th and November 17th, 2005, and I am transmitting herewith for the consideration of your honorable body a proposed resolution, entitled "A resolution authorizing the Director of Commerce, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to file an application to obtain a grant from the Department of Community and Economic Development, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, in the Huntington Park West Enterprise Zone"; and An ordinance authorizing, generally, the continued issuance and sale by the City of Philadelphia of the Gas Works Revenue Notes of the City; and Seventh Supplemental Ordinance to the General Gas Works Revenue Bond Ordinance of 1998; and An ordinance authorizing an amendment of the Philadelphia Facilities Management Corporation Agreement to extend the repayment period for temporary financing that the City may provide the Philadelphia Gas Works; and An ordinance authorizing the transfers in appropriation for Fiscal Year 2006 within the General Fund from certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions to certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions.
Thank you. The messages will be printed in the Journal. The Chief Clerk will please read any other communications in her possession.
Thank you. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
Thank you, Madam President. I'd like to welcome the City Year Berwyn team serving the Harding Middle School, which is in my district. This team of young people provides tutoring and in-class support in Harding. I'd like to welcome them to City Council.
Thank you. If they're here, if they'd stand, we'd like to recognize you. Welcome. Welcome. (Applause.)
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 of the motion will please say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Madam President. On behalf of myself and Councilwoman Reynolds Brown, I offer one bill.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Title 17 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Contracts and Procurement," by providing for a price preference for hybrid-electric or alternative fuel vehicles when the City purchases vehicles, and by making technical amendments; all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you. This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I introduce three PGW bills, four resolutions on my behalf and two resolutions on your behalf.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance constituting the Seventh Supplemental Ordinance to the General Gas Works Revenue Bond Ordinance of 1998.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing, generally, the continued issuance and sale by the City of Philadelphia of Gas Works Revenue Notes of the City.
This bill will also be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing an amendment of the Philadelphia Facilities Management Corporation Agreement to extend the repayment period for temporary financing that the City may provide the Philadelphia Gas Works.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution honoring Linda E. Howard for her 31 years of outstanding service in 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 Chief Clerk.
The Chief Clerk just indicated that there is another ordinance, so I would ask her to please read the bill.
An ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 356 and 378 by striking from the City Plan the Industry Highway.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority deeds located in the 36th Ward 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 signify 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 6th and 27th 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.)
And a resolution deferring Drexel University's proposed amendment to its Institutional Development District Master Plan pursuant to Chapter 14-1107 of The Philadelphia Code.
The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
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 please indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution authorizing the Committee on Housing, Neighborhood Development and the Homeless to issue a subpoena to compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of documents at the public hearing authorized by Resolution No. 050871.
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 Chief Clerk will please read the next resolution.
A resolution calling on the Board of Revision of Taxes to delay raising real estate tax assessments on Philadelphia property owners under the Board's Full Valuation Project.
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 Krajewski.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriation for Fiscal Year 2006 within the General Fund from certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions to certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano.
Thank you, Madam President. I have one bill and two resolutions. And I just want to say it's nice to be back and be part of the legislative process and see your smiling face once more on a Thursday morning.
Good to see you back. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance authorizing the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development to file an application with the Office of the Budget of Pennsylvania, under the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, in an aggregate amount not to exceed $3,600,000.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority deeds located in the 18th, 19th, 23rd, 37th, 42nd and 43rd Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
Madam President, I move for the adoption of that 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 calling for the Committee on Recreation to conduct hearings on the closed status of Scanlon Ice Rink and Recreation Center.
Madam President, I move for the adoption of that 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 will be referred to the Committee on Recreation.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution authorizing the Council Committees on Public Safety and Public Health and Human Services to hold hearings regarding the findings and recommendations of the Blueprint for a Safer Philadelphia.
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 please indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The resolution has been adopted, and will be referred to the Committee on Public Safety and Public Health. The Chief Clerk will please read the second resolution.
A resolution urging the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to pass House Bill 1539, which will provide, for the first time, supplemental state funds for the federally funded Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
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 please indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
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 please say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I offer two resolutions.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution authorizing City Council's Committee on Public Safety to conduct public hearings to examine ways to increase the number of people who have been trained on cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
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 please say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The resolution has been adopted, and will be referred to the Committee on Public Safety.
And a resolution authorizing the Director of Commerce, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to file an application to obtain a grant from the Department of Community and Economic Development.
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 please indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution honoring the 50th anniversary of the Professional Convention Management Association.
Thank you, Madam President. This resolution was co-sponsored by all members, and 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 please 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.
The Chair thanks the gentleman, and I would ask the Chief Clerk to please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution calling on the Office of the City Treasurer to commission an annual study of lending disparities by City depositories.
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will please say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ramos.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer one resolution co-sponsored by Councilwoman Marian Tasco.
A resolution authorizing the Committee on Public Health and Human Services to conduct hearings to investigate the policies and procedures of the City's Medical Examiner's Office with regard to identifying missing persons.
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 please say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution will be referred to the Committee on Public Safety and Human Services. And at this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance amending Section 10-112 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Keeping Farm Animals," by deleting the provision permitting the keeping of farm animals on parcels of three acres or more.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by amending Section 14-104, entitled "Non-conforming Structures and Uses," by amending provisions relating to the reconstruction of non-conforming structures, all under certain terms and conditions.