COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, March 11, 2004 10:10 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILMAN DAVID COHEN COUNCILMAN FRANK J. 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 03//11/04 - STATED - INVOCATION
Good morning, everyone. I note that the hour has come and that a quorum of this Council is present. Council will please come to order. Members will take their seats and visitors will retire to the seats outside the rails. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair welcomes the Reverend Robert Harrison, Executive Pastor of the Mount Airy Church of Christ. He is here today as the guest of Councilman Rizzo. Members and guests will please rise.
Let us pray. Our Lord, our God, we come first of all thanking you, thanking you for this day, thanking you for waking us up this morning. We thank you for keeping us in our right mind today. God, we pray right now that you just hover your spirit over this Council. We ask that the communication be done by your spirit. Cover the leaders of this City. And most of all, Lord, God, we ask that it be done in your spirit, everything be said by your spirit, for the protecters and they are leaders of our communities, but nothing is done without you. So we usher you in right now to have your way in this place. We come against anything, any type of division that has tried to separate us from making this City a better City, for making our communities better communities. We ask you to put a special covering upon our seniors and our youth within this City, for it is that reason we come here and we do it in the spirit of the one and only God. Amen.
The Chair thanks Reverend Harrison for his very inspiring invocation. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, March 4, 2004. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, March 4, 2004, stand approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, March 4, 2004, stand approved. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the motion carries. And the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, March 4, 2004, is approved. The next order of business is request for leave of absence. And again, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you much, Madam President. Today, no leaves of absence are requested on the part of the Majority.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Madam President, on behalf of the Republicans, there are no requests for leave of absence.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair will dispense with the regular order of business to recognize the guests and visitors joining us in Chambers this morning. On behalf of all members of City Council, I welcome you to our Council session. We appreciate your taking the time join us as we attend to the legislative affairs of our City. We certainly invite you to come again. At this time I am delighted to welcome to City Council Chambers the City Year Team serving McDaniel Elementary School in of young people provides tutoring and in-class support at McDaniel School. They also provide a variety of anti-violence initiatives to students around the City. Will Mr. Rex Carney and the City Year Team please stand so that we can recognize you? And I say welcome and we applaud your work. Please stand. (Applause.)
Thank you very much. At this time the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller who will present a resolution honoring Managing Director Phillip G. Goldsmith and Project Manager Fran Dougherty of the Office of the Managing Director. Will Mr. Goldsmith, Mr. Dougherty and those accompanying them please join the Councilwoman at the podium. (Applause.)
That includes the Fire Department and all those other part of the emergency response.
Thank you, Madam President. It gives me pleasure to present this resolution to Philadelphia's Emergency Response Team and agencies. Honoring and recognizing Phillip Goldsmith, the City of Philadelphia's Managing Director, and Fran Dougherty, Office of the Managing Director who served as project manager and commending them for their quick actions and prompt response to a major fire on February 13, 2004, that threatened to engulf the lives and properties of the near neighbors and the surrounding communities. Whereas, on the afternoon of Friday, February 13, 2004, at the start of the evening rush, a 20-inch gas main was accidentally breached as an open evacuation at the intersection of Ogontz and Olney Avenues; and Whereas, the reputed main ignited a engulf structures in the surrounding communities. And within minutes of the incident, the Office of the City Managing Director implemented the emergency plan of the City of Philadelphia; and Whereas, the City Managing Director coordinated the responses of officials from City departments, City agencies, utility companies, the private sector, LaSalle University, and the American Red Cross to contain the fire and to secure the safety of the surrounding community; and Whereas, LaSalle University offered its facilities and personnel for the purpose of allowing the Red Cross to set up a community emergency response center to provide shelter, food, and housing for neighborhood residents at the Tom Gola Arena; and Whereas, the dedicated men and women of the Philadelphia Fire Department, Police Department, Streets Department, the Philadelphia Gas Works, the Water Department, the Philadelphia Electric Company, the District, Fairmount Park Commission, License and Inspections, the Office of Emergency management, the Red Cross, PennDOT, Comcast Cablevision, Verizon Communications, LaSalle University, the Philadelphia City Managing Director's Office worked tirelessly to protect the lives and property of the community surrounding Ogontz and Olney Avenues and restored all utility, street services, and access in the quickest time possible; and Whereas, the City Council of the City of Philadelphia expressed to all involved in this massive undertaking our sincere gratitude and appreciation for outstanding courage and competence in the face of difficult circumstances to prevent a dire situation from growing into a tragic one and for ensuring that no lives were loss and no injuries were sustained as a result of this unforeseen event. Now, therefore, resolved that the Council of the City of Philadelphia honors and recognizing Phil Goldsmith, the City of Director, and Fran Dougherty, Office of the Managing Director who served as Project Manager, commending them for their quick actions and prompt response to a major fire on February 13, 2004, that threatened to engulf the lives and properties of the near neighbors and surrounding communities. Further resolved that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Mr. Phillip Goldsmith, the City of Philadelphia's Managing Director as expression of the sincere sentiments of the legislative body. Certified that this is a true and correct copy of the original resolution adopted by the Council of the City of Philadelphia on the 19th day of February, 2004. Signed by Anna C. Verna, President of City Council, introduced by Donna Reed Miller and sponsored by all Members of City Council. (Applause.)
Thank you very much, accept this on behalf of the men and women behind me and many of those that were there that night and the following weekend. I did little except we have a great team. I particularly want to thank Commissioner Hairston because it was an enormous pleasure for me to be by his side that night and watch leadership right there and his team that was there. And Fran Dougherty who's just done a great job for us in organizing the effort afterwards to make sure that street and that neighborhood was restored as soon as possible. This was, I think, public service at its best in cooperation with the private sector and Comcast and Verizon and PECO and PGW is really a great effort. As I say, sometimes it only takes one person to create a crisis; it takes many people to resolve a crisis. And this was a case t point. So we thank you, and we hope that you will love us as much in a couple weeks as you do today. Thank you.
Before Mr. Goldsmith and all others leave, I want to add my word of thanks to Councilwoman Miller and to Mr. Goldsmith and all the fine people engaged in fighting that fire. I happen to be, I guess, the only Councilmember who had to be evacuated that night because I live within about 35 feet of where the fire was and was on the block that immediately faces it. And I can tell you it was very comforting. On a number of occasions I called Phil Goldsmith. I found him very attentive. The whole force was working. It was difficult for him to give the time, but he did, to keep me informed, and I was able to inform other neighbors. And when the emergency passed, his people were very efficient. They stayed around for long hours to let people know it was safe to come back in the house. That's when I came back. the time people were being evacuated. And I just want to say seeing the City's forces in action was a very encouraging response to the situation. I felt at all times perfectly safe even though the fire seemed to get within a few feet because of the fine work of all the City's departments. And so personally I want to thank both Mr. Goldsmith and Councilwoman Miller for memorializing the activity by the City. It was a great show of what the City can do. It was a very honorable moment and a very difficult time for many people were just a little younger than me and who had lived in the area for many, many careers. So thank you directly as a Member of the City Council. Thank you, Mr. Goldsmith. (Applause.)
And now the Chair recognizes Councilman Kelly who will present a resolution honoring Mr. Joseph Mammana and the Citizens Crime Commission. Will Mr. Mammana and those accompanying him please join the Councilman at
Thank you, Madam President. Before I make this presentation, I just want to make a few comments about who Joe Mammana is. I'm going to tell you he's a businessman. Of course, he could run his business, locate his business anywhere. But he decided to remain in Philadelphia, North Philadelphia, one of the most undesirable neighborhoods in North Philadelphia, and I think by doing so he has given some hope and a lot of help to those people who reside in that area. He has been doing it very, very low key. He does it without any publicity. He's been helping those people. He's helping with medical costs. He's helped the people who are victims of crime in that area. And unfortunately, he's also had to pay for funerals for the families that were too poor ones. He's been doing this for many, many years. And I'm very, very happy to be here this morning to give him the recognition he really truly deserves. I think that with him and with the help and all the work that he's been doing with the Crime Commission, I think that he's making this City a much safer place to work and to live. And with that, Madam President, Councilman Mariano and I would like to honor Joe with a resolution. And the resolution is honoring Joseph Mammana and the Citizens Crime Commission. Whereas, the Citizens Crime Commission of Philadelphia was chartered in 1955 as a small non-profit organization and has grown to cover the entire Delaware Valley; and Whereas, the Citizens Crime Commission's objective is to enhance the quality of life in the Delaware Valley by improved safety and security initiates; and Whereas the Commissions's most program, the Tipline, has been in continuous 2operation since 1986, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, helping to make the City a safer place to be while saving the City countless man hours in over time for officers; and
Whereas, the work of the Commission could not be possible without the help of Joseph Mammana who was elected to the Board of Directors in 2001; and Whereas, Joseph Mammana through his generous financial support allows the Commission to offer rewards to those who assist in the capture of violent criminals and to provide financial support to families who have been devastated by crime; and Whereas, Mr. Mammana has dedicated his life to improving the City of Philadelphia as evidence in his commitment to operate a multi-million dollar international corporation, Cutler Eggs, in the heart of North Philly, employing over a hundred citizens from the local community. Now, therefor be it
Be it resolved by this Council of the City of Philadelphia that we hereby commend and thank Joseph Mammana and the Citizens Crime Commission for the commitment to the safety and well-being of every citizen in Philadelphia. Further resolved that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Joseph Mammana and John Apledorn, President of the Citizens Crime Commission, in recognition of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body. It has been signed by President of City Council Anna Verna and all Members of City Council. Thank you.
The Chair recognizes Mr. Mammana for brief remarks.
I'd like to thank everyone for this moment. Again, I'm here, as I always say before, not as a businessman but as a father. I just want to see our City, you know, get back in control. We need to be able to walk the streets, South Street, the Vet, Delaware Avenue, all these different areas without having to worry about what's in front us, behind us or on the side of us. Anything that any of one of you can do with the Crimes Commission with the toll free number, it's going only make each and every one of you a little safer with your children, your families. Again, we're all at any given moment can be a victim of crime, just sitting in your car. So please, we need to work together, all groups, everybody. Thank you. (Applause.)
John Apledorn from the Citizens Crime Commission. It's people like Joe Mammana and his company that help make this City a safer place. He steps forward. He puts money up for rewards. We operate the Tipline. We get that information to law enforcement. It makes it easier for everybody. It makes Philadelphia safer. So I would personally like to thank Joe Mammana.
The next order of business is communications. the Sergeant-at-Arms deliver the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. The Chief Clerk will please read the messages from the Mayor. THE
To the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am pleased to advise you that today, March 11, 2004, I signed all the bills that were passed by Council at its Session on February 26, 2004. And I've signed the following bill that was passed by Council at it Session on March 4, 2004: Bill No. 040033. And I am transmitting for the consideration of your honorable body a draft of a resolution entitled, 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 New Kensington Fishtown Urban Renewal Area, designated as Parcel No. 73. And a resolution for the of a portion of the New Kensington Fishtown Urban Renewal Area, designated as Parcel No. 75. And a resolution for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the New Kensington Fishtown Urban Renewal Area, designated as Parcel No. 50. And a resolution for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the New Kensington Fishtown Urban Renewal Area, designated as Parcel No. 81A. And a resolution for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the New Kensington Fishtown Urban Renewal Area, designated as Parcel No. 12. And a resolution for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the New Kensington Fishtown Urban Renewal Area, designated as Parcel No. 48. And a resolution for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the New Kensington Fishtown Urban Renewal Area, designated as Parcel No. 62. And a resolution for the of a portion of the New Kensington Fishtown Urban Renewal Area, designated as Parcel No. 47. And a resolution for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the New Kensington Fishtown Urban Renewal Area, designated as Parcel No. 57. And a resolution for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the New Kensington Fishtown Urban Renewal Area, designated as Parcel No. 45. And a resolution for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the New Kensington Fishtown Urban Renewal Area, designated as Parcel No. 55B. And a resolution for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Grays Ferry Urban Renewal Area. And a resolution for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the New Kensington Fishtown Urban Renewal Area, designated as Parcel No. 14. And a resolution for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion Fishtown Urban Renewal Area, designated as Parcel No. 51. And a resolution for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the New Kensington Fishtown Urban Renewal Area, designated as Parcel No. 13B. And a resolution for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the New Kensington Fishtown Urban Renewal Area, designated as Parcel No. 67. And a resolution for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the New Kensington Fishtown Urban Renewal Area, designated as Parcel No. 55A. And a resolution for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the New Kensington Fishtown Urban Renewal Area, designated as Parcel No. 74. And a resolution for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the New Kensington Fishtown Urban Renewal Area, designated as Parcel No. 13A. And a resolution for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion Redevelopment Area.
And an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property and the President of the Fairmount Park Commission to grant various temporary construction easements and a permanent easement to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for the reconstruction and repairs of a portion of Interstate 95 bounded by Linden Street on the north, under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you. The messages will be printed in the Journal. The Chief Clerk will please read any other communications in her possession. THE
Thank you. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Madam President. I wanted to take the time to acknowledge some guests with us today. of Central High School's Public League Champion Boys and Girls Cross Country Teams. Also present is their coach Pennsylvania High School Track and Filed Hall of Fame Member Fred Rosenfeld. This year was the fifth consecutive Public League title for Central's boys' team and the fifth of the last six Public League title for Central's girls' team. I'd like to welcome them and offer congratulations to these representatives from my alma mater.
If they would stand, we would like to recognize them. (Applause.)
Congratulations. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions.
I would like to ask the Chair to recognize the presence of about a dozen members of the Coalition to Save 20th Street. As a result of the City's action in changing the directions of traffic during a test period, the people in the area have become very much concerned about how the City works since they did not know in advance that it was occurring. And they've decided to get to know City government better, so they're here today, a group of them who have been out during the cold winter months protesting the City's, as they see it, unilateral decision. I'm urging Members of Council whom they plan to visit to extend every courtesy to them. From a bad start maybe good things will develop. So thank you, Madam President. They're facing you. They're the ones carrying the signs about saving 20th Street.
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 so as to permit 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 indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Madam President. Although this is becoming to be quite a habit for me, I'm introducing a resolution on behalf of myself, Councilman O'Neill and Councilman Nutter. It's very good habit, I must say.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the resolution. THE
A resolution congratulating the Varsity Basketball Team of St. Joseph's Preparatory School for winning the 2004 Philadelphia Catholic League Championship.
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.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution has been adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. This morning I introduce one resolution.
The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution. THE
A resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment urban renewal of a portion of the West Philadelphia Urban Renewal Area.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
Madam President, I offer one bill and two resolutions.
The Clerk will please read the title of the bill. THE
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property and the President of the Fairmount Park Commission to grant various temporary construction easements and a permanent easement to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for the reconstruction and repair of portions of Interstate 95 bounded by Linden Street on the north, under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
And a resolution urging President George W. Bush and the members of the United States Congress to restore the Superfund Polluter Pays Tax in 2004.
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 Clerk will please read the title of the second resolution. THE
A resolution honoring the memory of Medical Mission Sister M. Benedict, M.D.
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.)
Madam Chair, I'd just like to notice that Councilman Rizzo is also the cosponsor of the first resolution.
The record will so indicate that. All in favor of the adoption of the resolution just read will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano.
The Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution. THE
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City deeds located in 7, 18th, 19th, and 37th Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. The Clerk will please read the title of the second resolution. THE
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 Tasco.
Madam President, I offer one resolution for which I ask for a suspension of Rules because of the lateness of the hour yesterday in which it was circulated, but I explained in Caucus why that was. So, therefore, it's a very timely and important resolution and because of the inability to secure the information, we need to secure that today. (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 at this time I would ask the Clerk to please read the title of the resolution. THE
A resolution authorizing City Council's Committee on Transportation and Public Utilities to investigate and hold hearings on the petition of the Philadelphia Gas Works to the Pennsylvania Utilities Commission to establish a cash receipt reconciliation clause in order to reconcile PGW's projected and actual cash receipts with billed revenues on an ongoing basis, the causes and necessity for a CRRA and further authorizing the Committee to issue subpoenas and such other process as may be appropriate to compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of documents in furtherance of the investigation to the full extent authorized by Section 2-401 of the Home Rule Charter.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Madam President. I would just like to offer an explanation on this resolution. We have three resolutions that will be pending and hopefully the sponsors can work out some way we could possibly have a joint discussion about the whole financial situation with PGW. It is a company that is in crisis and we had been meeting with the PFMC Board, that is the Gas Commission, to talk about the financial circumstances at PGW. And we have met with the State Democratic Delegation. We will be meeting with the Republican Delegation on the 15th. This resolution addresses the issue, the fact that those bills that are outstanding and not paid will added to the bills of those people who do pay and back on the bills again of those people who are not paying. So it is not the way to run a company. We need to talk about not only this resolution, I believe Councilman O'Neill has one, Councilman Rizzo has put one in. We need a full blown discussion about PGW, because all of us, not only the City Council and the Mayor, but the State and the federal government will have some way to run this company. It can't continue to go on as it goes. And we cannot ask the ratepayers to burden themselves again with additional costs for those people who are not able to pay.
I don't know of anyone that would disagree with you.
Thank you. So 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 will be referred to the Committee on Transportation and Public Utilities. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you, Madam President. Today, I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter.
The Clerk will please read the title of the first bill. THE
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Umbria Street, Paoli Street, Cliff Street, Lodge Street, Livesey Street, Silverwood Street and Parker Avenue.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
And an ordinance authorizing Homewood Suites Hotel, Stout Road Associates, 4200 City Avenue, owners of the property 4200 City Avenue their successors and assigns to construct and maintain a building addition and footing into the public right-of-way of Stout Road east of City Avenue, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will also be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions this morning.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer no bills or resolutions.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ramos.
The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution. THE
A resolution urging the United States House of Representatives to enact HR-1336 and the S-846, the Mortgage Insurance Fairness Act of 2003 which would make mortgage insurance payments tax deductible for low to moderate income families.
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 has been adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco.
Thank you, Madam President. Earlier today in the Caucus Room, I reported I would be introducing a resolution. As I entered the Chambers, I was handed 10 additional resolutions, so all tolled there are 11 resolutions.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the first resolution. THE
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City deeds located in the 25th and 31st 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 say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution has been adopted. THE
And 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 New Kensington Fishtown Urban Renewal Area designated Parcel No. 74.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted.
Would Councilman DiCicco be good enough to explain to us generally the purpose of these resolutions so we know what we're voting on.
I'm sure he'd be delighted to. Councilman DiCicco.
As I mentioned before I introduced the resolutions, Councilman Cohen, I was just handed 10 resolutions this morning. My belief is that the resolution speak to side yard programs which I've been working on for a number of years where individual property owners are going to now be entitled to own additional land next to their houses. And I think also that some of the resolutions may now be in Councilman Clarke's district. We're not sure, Councilman Clarke or I are not sure as to whether or not they're in my old district, my new district or his new district. In any event, it's important to the people who have been waiting for these properties to have them conveyed to those individuals, and we decided to introduce them today.
Either I or Councilman Clarke. Probably more likely I am because I think a number of these resolutions had been worked on for two or three years when I was representing most of Fishtown and Kensington.
I just want to be sure that each one of them had the approval of a Councilmember who had worked on it, because all of Council is accepted the responsibility based upon our confidence that the resolutions generally is not presented unless a Councilman has thoroughly studied it.
I appreciate that. And again, without having a map of my former district and my new district in front of me, Councilmember Clarke and myself agree that it is the appropriate thing to do to move these resolutions forward at this time.
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
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 New Kensington Fishtown Urban Renewal Area, designated as Parcel No. 57.
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
And a resolution for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the New Kensington Fishtown Urban Renewal Area, designated as Parcel No. 73.
Thank you, Madam President. 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
And a resolution for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the New Kensington Fishtown Urban Renewal Area designated as Parcel No. 81A.
Thank you, Madam President. 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
And a resolution for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the New Kensington Fishtown Urban Renewal Area designated as Parcel No. 12.
Thank you, Madam President. 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.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution has been adopted. THE
And a resolution for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the New Kensington Fishtown Urban Renewal Area designated as Parcel No. 14.
Thank you, Madam President. 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
And a resolution for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the New Kensington Fishtown Urban Renewal Area designated as Parcel No. 51.
Thank you, Madam President. 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 has been adopted. THE
And a resolution for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the New Kensington Fishtown Urban Renewal Area designated as Parcel No. 45.
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 has been adopted. THE
And a resolution for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the New Kensington Fishtown Urban Renewal Area designated as Parcel No. 48.
Thank you, Madam President. 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 Clerk will please read the final resolution. THE
And a resolution for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the New Kensington Fishtown Urban Renewal Area designated as Parcel No. 13A.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Madam President, I offer one bill and one non-privileged resolution for which I ask for a Rules suspension because it was circulated after the time it should have been. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the bill. THE
An ordinance establishing a "No Truck Parking" regulation on the 1900 block of Gutton Road.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
And a resolution calling upon the Committee on Finance to conduct hearings in the audit of the senior citizens discount program offered by the Philadelphia Gas Works.
Moved and seconded. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. I would ask that we have a motion.
I move that this resolution be adopted. Thank you. (Duly seconded.)
It has been properly 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 Finance. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution. THE
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority deeds located in the 16th and 28th Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution has been adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kelly.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer one privileged resolution.
The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution. THE
A resolution honoring retired United States Army Specialist Shoshona Johnson.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The next order of business is reports from committees. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown for a report from the Committee on Parks, Recreation and the Cultural Affairs.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs reports two bills with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the report.
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. 040031 entitled, an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to purchase fee simple title to a certain parcel of land with the buildings and improvements thereon situate on the northwest side of Algon Avenue at Fox Chase Road; And Bill No. 040093 entitled, an ordinance renaming the Recreation Department facility identified as Manayunk Park located on the 4300 block of Silverwood Street as Pretzel park; Respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, that the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bills No. 040031 and 040093. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill Nos. 040031 and 040093. All in favor will please indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the bills just read will be placed on today's First Reading Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller for a report from the Committee on Public Safety.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Public with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the report. THE
To the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Public Safety to which was referred Bill No. 040113 entitled, an ordinance amending Chapter 10-800 of The Philadelphia Code entitled "Safety" by adding a new Section 10-832 entitled "Firearms Tracing" to require that the City of Philadelphia Police Department conduct traces of firearms illegally possessed by anyone under 21 years of age; And Bill No. 040117, entitled an ordinance amending Chapter 10-800 of The Philadelphia Code entitled "Safety" by adding a new Section 10-831 entitled "Straw and Multiple Gun Purchase Reduction" to limit purchases of firearms by Philadelphia residents to one a month and to prohibit the straw purchases of firearms utilized by criminals; 040118, entitled an ordinance amending Chapter 10-800 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Safety" by adding a new Section 10-834 entitled "Sale or Transfer of Ammunition" to require all sales of ammunition for firearms to be reported to the City of Philadelphia Police Department and to require that the Department maintain a registry of such reports; And Bill No. 040132, entitled an ordinance amending Chapter 10-800 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Safety" by adding a new section entitled "Prohibited Possession, Sale and Transfer of Firearms by Persons Subject to Protection from Abuse Orders"; And Bill No. 040136, entitled an ordinance amending Chapter 10-800 of The Philadelphia Code entitled "Safety" by adding a new section entitled "Acquisition or Transfer of Firearms" to regulate the acquiring or transferring of any firearm within the City of Philadelphia; And Bill No. 040137, entitled an ordinance amending Chapter 10-800 of the "Safety" by adding a new section entitled "Reporting Requirements Upon the Application For or Renewal of a License to Carry a Firearm" to provide for certain reporting requirements for the issuance or renewal of licenses to carry firearms within the City of Philadelphia, all under certain terms and conditions; Respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. Again, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
I move that the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit reading this day of Bills No. 040113, 040117, 040118, 040132, 040136 and 040137. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill Nos. 040113, 03/11/04 - STATED - 1ST READING 040117, 040118, 040132, 040136 and 040137. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the bills just read will be placed on today's First Reading Calendar. Our next order of business is the consideration of the Calendar. The Chief Clerk please read the bills on the First Reading Calendar. THE
Bill No. 040029, an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located in the vicinity of McNulty and Townsend Roads, certain terms and conditions.
And Bill No. 040030, an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia 03/11/04 - STATED - 1ST READING Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Roosevelt Boulevard, Southampton Road Carter Street and Poquessing Creek.
And Bill No. 040066, an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Snyder Avenue, Swanson Street, Oregon Avenue and Fifth Street.
And Bill No. 040031, an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to purchase fee simple title to a certain parcel of land located with the buildings and improvements thereon situate northwest corner of Algon Avenue at Fox Chase Road, all under certain 03/11/04 - STATED - 1ST READING terms and conditions.
And Bill No. 040093, an ordinance renaming the Recreation Department facility identified as Manayunk Park located on the 4300 block of Silverwood Street as Pretzel Park.
And Bill No. 040113, an ordinance amending Chapter 10-800 of The Philadelphia Code entitled "Safety" by adding a new Section 10-832 entitled "Firearms Tracing" to require that the City of Philadelphia Police Department conduct traces of firearms illegally possessed by anyone under 21 years of age, all under certain terms and conditions.
And Bill No. 040117, an ordinance amending Chapter 10-800 of The Philadelphia Code entitled "Safety" by 03/11/04 - STATED - 1ST READING adding a new Section 10-831 entitled "Straw and Multiple Gun Purchase Reduction" to limit purchases of firearms by Philadelphia residents to one a month.
And Bill No. 040118, an ordinance amending Chapter 10-800 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Safety" by adding a new Section 10-834 entitled "Sale or Transfer of Ammunition" to require all sales of ammunition for firearms to be reported to the City of Philadelphia Police Department.
And Bill No. 040132, an ordinance amending Chapter 10-800 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Safety" by adding a new section entitled "Prohibited Possession, Sale and Transfer of Firearms by Persons Subject to Protection from Abuse Orders."
The Chair agrees. 03/11/04 - STATED - 1ST READING THE
And Bill No. 040136, an ordinance amending Chapter 10-800 of The Philadelphia Code entitled "Safety" by adding a new section entitled "Acquisition or Transfer of Firearms" to regulate the acquiring or transferring of any firearm within the City of Philadelphia, all under certain terms and conditions.
And Bill No. 040137, an ordinance amending Chapter 10-800 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Safety" by adding a new section entitled "Reporting Requirements Upon the Application For or Renewal of a License to Carry a Firearm" to provide for certain reporting requirements for the issuance or renewal of licenses to carry firearms within the City of Philadelphia, all under certain terms and conditions.
The Chair agrees. That completes the First Reading Calendar. 03/11/04 - STATED - 2ND READING Councilman Cohen, your light is on. Did you want to be recognized?
Thank you. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for the purpose of calling up bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar to be considered today.
Thank you, Madam President. Today, Bill No. 040007 is being called up for second reading and final passage. All other bills are being held.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 040007. THE
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Tacony Street, Barnett Street, Levick Street, the Delaware River, Cottman Avenue and New State Road.
This bill 03/11/04 - STATED - 2ND READING having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Clerk will please call the roll. THE
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. That concludes our Calendar for today. Are there speeches on the part of the Minority? (No response.)
Are there speeches on the part of the Majority? The Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen.
This is just one week away before the Mayor issues his budget message. But for some weeks before, there have been rumors in the press as to what took place between meetings of the Mayor and Councilmembers, or on a few occasions what took place at meetings of the Administration. And the signs are pretty ominous, but I would want to -- because I expect the Mayor wants people to think about it and that it may well influence his decisions -- I want it make it clear that I think it would be wrong to try to balance the budget by setting up huge funds for various business groups and to then pay services by requiring the kind of fees from job seekers and from those who borrow books from the library. I think a man who says he wants to be the Mayor of the neighborhoods has to think long and hard before he advocates a program which seems more appropriate to someone of a business mind than someone whose responsibilities are all the people of Philadelphia. And I urge the Mayor to please rethink these issues. Or if he's sending them out for a message, I'd like to douse some cold water on the notion that the right way to go is by cutting services and making people pay for things that they never paid before in Philadelphia. How we would handle, as people in office, in getting calls from constituents who are interested in City jobs, telling them to go down and pay a fee in order to apply for a job, I don't think that will sell well. And I think the cuts threatened in Recreation are not good. I've never known Philadelphia to be over-packed with recreation centers. And I think the Council should require and will of evidence to support any cuts in services at a time when we're anxious to stop people from leaving the City. Originally, it was thought the only problem was that businesses were leaving the City, but recently people have come to understand that even more threatening to the City's future is the exodus of people from the City. It's important that Philadelphia be a world class city with world class services. We've never quite achieved that, and this is not the time to cut back. So I hope the Mayor is listening. I hope many people let the Mayor know what they think about his tentative proposals. It's one week to act and then, of course, the fun will begin. How long it will last may well depend upon the nature of the proposals. Thank you, Madam President. (Applause.)
You're welcome. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman
Thank you, Madam President. Certainly on a lighter note, on behalf of all Members of Council, we would like to say thank you to Councilman Jack Kelly for sharing with us St. Patrick's Day in such a tangible way. I'm sure we will all enjoy it. And we say, thank you very much, Councilman.
Thank you. Are there any other speeches on part of the Majority? (No response.)
Seeing none, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for a motion to adjourn.
Madam President, I move that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, March 18th at 10:00 a.m. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, March 18th. say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the motion carries. Thank you very much. (Council adjourned at 11:15 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 March 11, 2004, were reported fully and accurately by me, and that this is a correct transcript of the same. RE: STATED MEETING _________________________ Lisa C. Bradley, RPR