COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, June 1, 2006 1:30 p.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 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 afternoon, everyone. I note that the hour has come and that a quorum of this Council is present. The Council will come to order. Members will take their seats, and visitors will retire to the seats outside the rails. To give our invocation this afternoon, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell. I would ask all members and guests to please rise.
Thank you, Madam President. Heavenly Father, we thank you once again for bringing us here this afternoon. We ask that you bless we who are leaders in our City. We ask that you bless our families. We ask that you bless those who came here and couldn't stay, and we ask that you bless as we try to do thy will in our deliberations this afternoon. Finally, we ask that you bless those in nursing homes and boarding homes. Bless those who are in shelters today, those who are incarcerated. We ask that you bless those who unfortunately are on the streets, those who don't know where they are and who they are. Lord, we ask that you give them peace. All these blessings we ask in thy name for thy sake. Amen.
Amen. The Chair thanks Councilwoman Blackwell. The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, May 25, 2006, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, May 25, 2006 stand approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, May 25, 2006 stand approved. All in favor will please indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, May 25, 2006 is approved. The next order of business is requests for leave of absence, and, again, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. On behalf of the Majority, there are no requests for leaves of absence today.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. time, 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 today. On behalf of all members of Council, I welcome you to our Council session. We appreciate your taking the time to join us as we attend to the legislative affairs of our City. We certainly invite you to come again. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo, who will present a resolution recognizing and honoring Alexandra Maratea, who has been extremely, extremely patient, and we thank her and her parents. Maratea, would you join the Councilman, please. Councilman Rizzo is being joined by Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you very much, Madam President. And thank you for your patience today. You saw what we do here. First, I'd like to explain, because this is a very important issue today here, but this lady, Loretta Wilson, reached out to me to tell this very, very nice story, and today we've invited to the Council Chamber a young lady by the name of Alexandra Maratea, and what she did is just so wonderful. You want to come over here, her mother. This is Cheryl, her mom, and Darien, this little three-week-old. And I'll read the resolution. Recognizing, honoring and celebrating Alexandra Maratea for her heroism in the face of danger, rescuing her three-week-old nephew after his tracks of SEPTA's El station. Whereas, Alexandra is a fourth grade student at Stone Hurst Hill Elementary School. Whereas, on February the 17th, 2006, at around 4:00 p.m., Darien and his stroller fell into the tracks at 63rd Street and Market, pushed there by some strong winds, causing Darien to fall face first into the tracks dangerously close to the electrified third rail. Whereas, Darien's mother, Nikki, attempted to save Darien. However, she became tangled, unable to reach the tracks. Whereas, Alexandra, putting her personal safety aside, jumped into the tracks in front of an oncoming train. Whereas, Alexandra was able to rescue Darien from the jaws of death. Darien suffered a broken arm and cuts from the incident. You want to finish it up, Jannie? I kept going.
And whereas, when asked why she did it, Alexandra Maratea replied, "You got to do what you got to do and he's my nephew, so I wanted to take care of him." Therefore resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that City Council hereby recognizes, honors and celebrates Alexandra Maratea for her heroism in the face of danger, rescuing her three-week-old nephew after his stroller fell onto the tracks of SEPTA's El train. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Alexandra as further evidence of the sincere admiration of this legislative body.
Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Alexandra as further evidencing the sincere admiration and gratitude of this legislative body. (Applause.)
And Loretta Wilson, who made sure that she communicated and she did everything humanly possible to make sure that Alexandra got the recognition today that she so deserved. Loretta, I want to thank you, because without you, we wouldn't be here today recognizing her. Do you want to say something.
We're going to have her mom say something first, then we're going to let -- you're going to get right to it? Okay.
Thank you very to thank Councilman Rizzo and all the City Council members, but mostly I would like to thank Ms. Loretta for this honor. But I am mostly grateful that Darien and I are okay. Thank you all. (Applause.)
The next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that 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.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am pleased to advise you that on June 1, 2006, I signed all of the bills that were passed by Council at its session on May 18, 2006; and the consideration of your honorable body a resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority, the City of Philadelphia, for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the South Central Urban Renewal Area; and A resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area; and A resolution for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Cecil B. Moore Urban Renewal Area; and A resolution for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Cecil B. Moore Urban Renewal Area; and An ordinance authorizing Temple University Hospital to construct, own and 24 freestanding directional signs at various locations within the Temple University Hospital campus; and An ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 307; and An ordinance removing a portion of a property in the 41st Ward of the City from the Philadelphia Keystone Opportunity Zone; and An ordinance authorizing and approving the execution and delivery of a service agreement between the City of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development relating to the comprehensive program to improve and enhance the City of Philadelphia's cultural and commercial corridors; and An ordinance constituting the eleventh supplemental ordinance to the Restated General Water and Wastewater Revenue Bond Ordinance; and tenth supplemental ordinance to the Restated General Water and Wastewater Revenue Bond Ordinance; and An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2007 within the Grants Revenue Fund from the Director of Finance - provision for other grants to Personnel Director.
Thank you. The messages will be printed in the Journal. I would ask the Chief Clerk to please read any other communications in her possession.
Thank you. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for a motion.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended in order to permit the immediate consideration of resolutions at their time of introduction. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit immediate consideration of resolutions at the time of introduction. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I introduce one resolution on your behalf and three bills and three resolutions on my own.
Councilwoman, I thought you had indicated you had four resolutions.
Yes. They said one was your property, so instead of a bill, it was a resolution.
Okay. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by adding certain definitions of Section 14-207 relating to R-11, R-11A and R-12.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing the Director of Housing and Community Development, on behalf of the City, to file an application with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development for a Community Development Block Grant.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance repealing Bill No. 050059, approved July 8, 2005, entitled "An ordinance adding Chapter 21-1600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Housing Trust Fund.'"
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, without consideration, a deed 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 please say aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution calling on Governor Rendell and the Pennsylvania General Assembly to delay implementation of Senate Bill 999 as it relates to locating polling places in personal residences, neighborhood bakeries and barber shops, and to further provide reasonable and appropriate exemptions to the law in hardship cases.
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.)
And a resolution honoring and recognizing the achievement of Andrew Wallace of the Andrew Hamilton School in West Philadelphia for taking first place in the 2006 Philadelphia Tribune Scripps Howard Regional Spelling Bee Competition.
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 say aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution honoring and congratulating the Electric Vehicle Team of West Philadelphia High School for taking first place in the 18th Annual Tour de Sol Alternate Fuel Vehicle Competition.
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 say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer two bills and two resolutions.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2007 within the Grants Revenue Fund from the Director of Finance - provision for other grants to Personnel Director.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance removing a portion of a property from the 41st Ward of the City from the Philadelphia Keystone Opportunity Zone.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution honoring Father Judge High School achieving top honors at Model United Nations.
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 a deed located in the 45th Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Madam President, I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I have two resolutions and one bill, and I'd like to speak on one of the resolutions.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance authorizing Temple University and Temple University Health Systems, its successors and assigns, to construct, own and maintain 24 freestanding signs at various locations on the public sidewalk.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution congratulating the Simon Gratz High School Track and Field Team for winning the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association State Championship.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution calling on our congressional representatives to support the reauthorization of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Thank you, Madam President. The voting rights reauthorization statement, I basically just want to make a statement that 2005 marked the 40th anniversary of one of America's most important pieces of civil rights legislation. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 has been an enormous importance in opening the political process up to people of color. About 40 years ago, on March 7, 1965, Americans were shocked by the spectacle of law enforcement officers brutally assaulting more than 500 non-violent civil rights marchers attempting to cross the Edmond Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama. The protesters had set off on a 54-mile trek to the State Capitol of Montgomery to call for voting rights and highlight the deadly police shooting of 26-year-old Jimmy Lee Jackson two weeks earlier. It all ended suddenly in a cloud of tear gas and a swarm of nightsticks when state troopers and mounted sheriff deputies descended on the marchers. The Voting Rights Act has become one of the most successful civil rights laws in American history. In the 40 years since its passage, it has guaranteed millions of minority voters the opportunity to participate in elections and have their voices heard. It ended literacy tests, poll taxes and other purposefully prejudiced mechanisms that are against the true nature of our democracy. At a time when America is vigorously engaged in promoting the idea of multi-ethical democracy in Iraq and across the globe, we need to ensure that lawmakers preserve and strengthen the necessary tools to ensure the continued success of democracy here at home. So I'm urging Congress to reauthorize the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and let all Americans have a voice in the electoral process. Thank you.
Thank you. 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 motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer three bills and one resolution.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Section 22-310 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Deferred Retirement Option Plan," by providing an extraordinary extension for purposes of enhancing public safety for participants in the DROP program who are public safety employees, under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of the proposal set forth in a resolution approved by Council proposing amendment of the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter relating to a preference in civil service regulations for children of firefighters or police officers who were killed or who died in the line of duty.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance, Bill 010268, approved August 31, 2001, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the vacating of River Road, from a point approximately ten feet, by extending the time for compliance with the authorization conditions therein."
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to provide for a preference in civil service regulations for children of firefighters and police officers who are killed or died in the line of duty.
The resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. No bills or resolutions today.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ramos.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution recognizing the Philadelphia School Reform Commission and the Philadelphia Building Trades Council upon their agreement to create additional opportunities for the School District graduates.
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 say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. I offer two resolutions and one bill.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance authorizing the Director of Housing and Community Development, on behalf of the City, to file an application with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development for a Community Development Black Grant.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority, the City of Philadelphia, for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the South Central Urban Renewal Area.
The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution calling on the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board to extend the public comment period on individual slot licenses and further calling on the PGCB to create a second public comment period following the Board's declaration that the applications are complete and final in order to assure all Philadelphia voices are heard.
Again, the Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. I would ask for a moment to have some remarks, please. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. I know that the hour is late, as you would normally say in caucus, and it's been a very long day, but this issue of gaming is of such importance that I believe that I need the indulgence of this Council to listen to some of the things I have to say. Tomorrow the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board will close the public comment period for all proposed gaming licenses throughout the state. Tomorrow the PGCB gags the residents of the City of Philadelphia. Five applications have been filed for sites in the City of Philadelphia. Four of those applications are in my district and are less than one mile apart. No application has been completed, and many portions of applications have not yet been made public. Of course, since those applications aren't complete, they are still in a continued state of flux. Already we have seen every applicant make significant changes to their design, traffic study on local impact reports, and they are still changing. The Gaming Board, however, in their infinite wisdom, doesn't feel it's necessary to have continued public comment after the applications are final. Instead, they prefer to close the public comment period before they close the applications. In essence, the Board is saying that they think the developers' voice is more important than our constituents. Since the gaming applications were announced in January and it became known that four of the five proposals were in my district, I have taken a very cautious approach to gaming. While I have tried to make sure that my constituents' voices are heard and I have also avoided taking too strong a stance because I have been afraid to take myself out of that conversation, I tried to do the right thing. I have organized public meetings with developers and community groups, and a number of those meetings, my colleague, Councilman Clarke, had attended as well. I have introduced, and this body had enacted, appropriate land use controls for gaming locations. I have testified in front of the Board to help voice my constituents' concerns, and I will be submitting written testimony tomorrow. And in each case, I have taken a level-headed approach. I've been reasonable and I've been a leader. I've purposefully chosen to do the right thing rather than the popular thing. I could have just ignored it and blamed it on the state and said it's a state issue and not a city issue. I didn't take that approach. How happy would my constituents have been today in particular at the protest at the state building if I would go out there and protest along with them and ask the State Assembly to repeal Act 71. I know that that's not going to happen. Or how easy it would have been for me to simply hide under my desk and dodge the issue completely. I could have made my life a lot easier. My staff, my legislative assistant would have all had an easier time over the last several months, but it wouldn't have been the right thing to do. Realistically, the General Assembly is not going to repeal Act 71. There's too much money at stake and too much political heavyweights are behind this and involved. If I was to appear at today's rally, I would have guaranteed that no casino developer would speak to me again. I would have taken myself out of the conversation. I would have lost my ability to negotiate on behalf of my constituents. And while I might hope that these residents' efforts are successful, I also hope someone in the press helps explain why I cannot join them, because it's the right thing to do to make sure I remain in that conversation, just like it's the right thing to do not to duck and run for cover. If the members of our General Assembly refuse to help carry the conversation to our constituents, I will.
If our legislators would prefer to simply ram this down our throats, I'll at least make sure the facts are made available so that we can have the discussion. If Representatives like John Perzel and Representative Bill Keller and their pals want to plaster my picture all over the City as some sort of a casino flunkie, when he himself, State Representative Keller, voted to remove us as a local zoning authority, then I'm willing to grin and bear it, because it's the right thing to do. And not only that, they cut off the public discussion even before the applications are complete. Just when I thought we were playing it nice, they decide to slap us in the face again, "they" meaning the state legislature. I want everyone in this Chamber to know in Harrisburg and in the City that I've decided that I'm not going to take it. We are going to fight back. I think it's the right thing to do. There are two casinos that would be built in this City, although four sites are in my district and I have the potential for two. Mathematically, I wind up with one. I believe this is such an important issue for all of us, because if it's not done right, we will pay the price forever. It's too big of a deal for us to be cut out of this conversation, for the City to be excluded from having any say in this process. And I don't know if this resolution will mean anything in Harrisburg, but I thought it was important for those reasons I just stated to place it on the public record. The City's future depends on getting gaming right. Whether it's in my district, the two casinos, or one in my district or the other one in Councilman Nutter and Donna Reed Miller's district, it must be done right. They just can't keep mandating things on us and then decide to remove us from the process. They've been doing it and they may continue to do it, but we as a body, I think, need to fight this and let them know that we will not take this lying down. Thank you, Madam President.
Thank you. It has been moved and 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 O'Neill.
Madam President, I offer one resolution co-sponsored by Councilman Nutter.
Thank you The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution designating the City of Philadelphia Planning Commission as a local redevelopment authority for the purpose of developing a redevelopment plan for the Philadelphia Memorial AFRC located 2838 Woodhaven Road and the Germantown Veterans Memorial located at 5200 Wissahickon Avenue.
It has been moved and 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 Clarke.
Thank you, Madam President. I have five resolutions and one bill.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 307 by striking from the City Plan and vacating Ranstead Street from 15th Street eastwardly.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority, the City of Philadelphia, for the urban renewal of a portion of the Cecil B. Moore Avenue Urban Renewal Area.
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will please indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area.
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority, the City of Philadelphia, for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Cecil B. Moore Avenue Urban Renewal Area.
It has been moved and seconded that resolution be adopted. All in favor will please say aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority deeds located in the 16th, 18th, 28th, 32nd, 37th and 47th Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority deeds located in the 14th Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kelly.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution honoring Ray Keough of the Torresdale Boys Club Nine-Year-Old Division Basketball Team.
It has been moved and 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 Rizzo.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution recognizing, honoring and celebrating Mary Kaye Jacono, Miss Philadelphia 2006, for her talents and well-rounded persona that earned her the title Miss Philadelphia 2006 and wishing her well in the Miss Pennsylvania 2006 Pageant.
I move for the adoption of this resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The next order of business is reports from committees, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for a report from the Committee of the Whole.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee of the Whole reports out one bill 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 of the Whole, to which was referred Bill No. 060007, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 19-1500 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Wage and Net Profits Tax,' by provisions and related definitions and rates, all under certain terms and conditions," respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 060007. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of the bill just read by the Chief Clerk. All in favor will please say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the bill just read will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke for a report on the Committee on Rules.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, the Committee on Rules reports one bill with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the report.
The Committee on Rules, to which was referred Bill 060286, entitled "An ordinance approving the thirteenth amendment of the redevelopment proposal for the Mantua Urban Renewal Area," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Madam President, I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 060286. (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 the bill just read by the Chief Clerk. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the bill just read will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski for a report from the Committee on Licenses and Inspections.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on License and Inspection reports six bills out 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 License and Inspection, to which was referred Bill No. 050790, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 9-1800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Use of Checkout'; and Bill No. 060091, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 10-400 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Noise and Excessive Vibration,' by adding and making changes to certain definitions"; and Bill No. 060161, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code, the Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code, by prohibiting the placement and maintenance of certain temporary fences in certain portions of the City"; and Bill No. 060339, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 9-1000 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Trades,' by clarifying the exception from the contractor license requirement for property owners who perform work on their properties"; and Bill No. 060340, entitled "Construction excavations," requiring that construction excavations be made safe where no work has been done within the past six months"; and Bill No. 060346, entitled "An ordinance amending Subcode A of Title 4 by amending Section A-302, entitled 'Permits,' by requiring the posting of certificates of insurance along with posted construction permits, under certain terms and conditions," respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
She is good. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill 050790, 060091, 060161, 060339, 060340 and 060346. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of the bills just read by the Chief Clerk. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the bills just read will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for a report from the Joint Committees on Education and Public Safety.
Thank you, Madam President. The Joint Committees on Education and Public Safety report, which I will hand her another copy of momentarily, pursuant to Resolution 051205.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the report.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Joint Committees on Education and Public Safety, after conducting the investigation authorized pursuant to Resolution No. 051205, entitled "Resolution calling for the Committee on Education to conduct hearings on the incidence of violence in Philadelphia schools and explore ways in which violence in schools can be reduced," respectfully reports that they have adopted a report on school violence and recommends that the report be adopted by the full Council.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that Council adopt the school violence report issued by the Joint Committees on Education and Public Safety pursuant to Resolution 051205. (Duly seconded.)
All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the report issued by the Joint Committees on Education and Public Safety pursuant to Resolution No. 051205 is adopted. The next order of business is the consideration of the Calendar, and I would ask the Chief Clerk to read the bills on the First Reading Calendar. 6/1/06 - STATED - 1ST READING
Bill No. 060007, an ordinance amending Chapter 19-1500 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Wage and Net Profits Tax," by deleting certain special tax provisions and related definitions and rates, all under certain terms and conditions.
And Bill No. 060286, an ordinance approving the thirteenth amendment of the redevelopment proposal for the Mantua Urban Renewal Area.
And Bill No. 050790, an ordinance amending Chapter 9-1800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Use of Electronic Scanners for Customer Checkout."
And Bill No. 6/1/06 - STATED - 1ST READING 060091, an ordinance amending Chapter 10-400 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Noise and Excessive Vibration."
And Bill No. 060161, an ordinance amending Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code, by prohibiting the placement and maintenance of certain temporary fences in certain portions of the City.
And Bill No. 060339, an ordinance amending Chapter 9-1000 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Trades," by clarifying the exception from the contractor license requirement for property owners.
And Bill No. 060340, an ordinance amending Subcode PM, Property Maintenance Code, of Title 4 of 6/1/06 - STATED - 1ST READING The Philadelphia Code, by adding a new section entitled "Construction Excavations."
And Bill No. 060346, an ordinance amending Subcode Title A of Title 4, entitled "Permits," by permitting the posting of certificates of insurance along with posted construction permits, under certain terms and conditions.
The Chair agrees. That completes our First Reading Calendar. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for a motion concerning the bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit the use of a Consent Agenda to consider on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar: , Bill No. 050570. , Bill No. 050571, 051199, 060225, 060241, 060291. On , Bill Nos. 060315 and 16. On , Bill Nos. 060320, 337, 341, 343 and 376. On , Bill Nos. 060379, 380, 382, 383, 384 and 385. On , Bill Nos. 060386, 391, 392 and 395. And for our final Consent Agenda, on , Bill Nos. 060396, 398, 399 and 400. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules be suspended so as to use a Consent Agenda to consider the bills just read by Councilwoman Blackwell. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The it, the motion carries, and we will consider the Consent Agenda shortly. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for the purpose of calling the bills up on the regular Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar.
Thank you, Madam President. In addition to the bills being considered on the Consent Agenda, on , Bill No. 060058 is being called up. On , Bill Nos. 050268, 060205, 263, 285 and 288. And, finally, on , Bill Nos. 060313, 335, 408 and 388. All other bills are being held.
Thank you. Madam President, I know in caucus we talked about , but that bill number is being held.
We will now consider today's Consent Agenda. is read, any member may object to the inclusion of the bill on which the Consent Agenda is being read. Upon such an objection and without debate, and without debate, the bill will be immediately removed from the Consent Agenda and placed on our regular Final Passage Calendar. The Clerk will now read the title of the bills on the Consent Agenda.
Bill No. 050570, an ordinance authorizing the paving of Driftwood Drive, Falls Circle, Riverview Lane and the extension of Founders Place; and Bill No. 050571, an ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 163 of an area bounded by Ridge Avenue and an extension of Founders Place; and Bill No. 051199, an ordinance amending Section 9-213 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Farmers Markets"; and Bill No. 060225, an ordinance authorizing the Church of New Hope and Faith to construct, operate and maintain a one-story vestibule entrance; and Bill No. 060241, an ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 271; and Bill No. 060291, an ordinance amending Section 9-407 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Tour Passenger Carriers"; and Bill No. 060315, an ordinance establishing a no motor home parking regulation on Livezey Street; and Bill No. 060316, an ordinance amending Section 4 of an ordinance, Bill No. 030341, approved July 31, 2003, by extending the time for compliance with the authorization conditions therein; and Bill No. 060320, an ordinance amending Title 12 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Traffic Code," to include an automatic red light camera enforcement system; and Bill No. 060337, an ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 299; and Bill No. 060341, an ordinance authorizing Laura Vernola and LW Restaurant to construct, operate and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe; and Bill No. 060343, an ordinance amending Section 9-213 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Farmers Markets"; and Bill No. 060376, an ordinance authorizing Nick's Roast Beef, 2212 to 16 Cottman Avenue, to construct, own and maintain a vestibule addition; and Bill No. 060379, an ordinance authorizing the construction of a stormwater sewer for drainage and sewer purposes in former Greene Street; and Bill No. 060380, an ordinance authorizing the Water Commissioner, on City, to enter into an agreement with the owners of 627 Saint Georges Road; and Bill No. 060382, an ordinance establishing a no truck parking and tow-away zone regulation on Conshohocken Avenue; and Bill No. 060383, an ordinance establishing a no truck parking and tow-away zone regulation on Ford Road; and Bill No. 060384, an ordinance authorizing the paving of portions of City Avenue, Monument Road and Presidential Boulevard; and Bill No. 060385, an ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 190; and Bill No. 060386, an ordinance establishing a no truck parking and two-away zone regulation on Upland Way; and Bill No. 060391, an ordinance Nathan Ross and Samuel Lynagh, owners of New Wave Cafe, to operate and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe; and Bill No. 060392, an ordinance authorizing Francis X. Smith, 2112 South Howard Street, to construct and maintain a garage extension; and Bill No. 060395, an ordinance authorizing the United States Department of the Treasury, United States Mint, to construct, own and maintain anti-terrorist bollards and planters at the visitors entrance; and Bill No. 060396, an ordinance authorizing Rockledge/Fox Chase Business Associates to construct, own and maintain a clock tower; and Bill No. 060398, an ordinance authorizing One Meridian Partners to construct and maintain a building encroachment under the south footway of South Penn Square; and Bill No. 060399, an ordinance 1500 Net-Works Associates to construct, own and maintain four raised planter clusters; and Bill No.
060400, an ordinance authorizing Temple University, 3401 North Broad Street, to construct, own and maintain an overhead weather protection structure.
These bills having been read on two different days, the question now is for each bill shall it pass finally. The Clerk shall call the roll and upon being called, each Councilmember shall vote aye on each of the bills, nay on each of the bills if they so desire or indicate those bills for which the member is voting aye and those bills for which the member is voting nay. I would ask the Chief Clerk to please call the roll.
Aye on all bills. A majority of all of the members having voted in the affirmative for each of the bills, the bills on the Consent Agenda are passed. We will now consider the bills on the regular Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar. The Chief Clerk will please read Bill No. 060292-A.
Since that is being held, I would ask the Chief Clerk to please read the title of Bill No. 060058.
An ordinance 6/1/06 - STATED - 2ND READING amending Bill No. 990728, approved December 6, 1999, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to convey to the Redevelopment Authority of Philadelphia certain premises located 1823-35 Callowhill Street."
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 15; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, this bill passes. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 050268.
An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, relating to "Zoning and Planning," by modifying the conditions under which certain uses are permitted, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 15; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 060205.
An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning, by 6/1/06 - STATED - 2ND READING adding a new section entitled "Off-Street Parking Controls."
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 15; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. We will now consider Bill No. 060263.
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Bridge Street and Frankford Creek.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 15; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, this bill passes. We will now consider Bill No. 060285.
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within the Schuylkill Expressway and the Penrose Ferry Road.
This bill having been read on two different 6/1/06 - STATED - 2ND READING days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 15; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. 6/1/06 - STATED - 2ND READING We will now consider Bill No. 060288.
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Roberts Avenue and Henry Avenue.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 15; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. We will now consider Bill No. 060313.
An ordinance amending Section 14-1619 of The Philadelphia Zoning Code, entitled "Frankford Avenue Special District Controls."
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 15; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. We will now consider Bill No. 060335.
An ordinance authorizing the City Solicitor, on behalf of the City, to enter into a multi-year 6/1/06 - STATED - 2ND READING contract with a provider for codification, editing and marketing services.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 15; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Resolution No. 060408.
A resolution proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to require the Finance Director to issue an annual report that analyzes the participation of disadvantaged business enterprises on City contracts.
The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode for a motion on Resolution No. 060408.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
Since Resolution No. 060408 is a Charter change to the Home Rule Charter, it requires a 6/1/06 - STATED - 2ND READING two-thirds majority. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 15; the nays are zero. A two-thirds majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the resolution is adopted. 6/1/06 - STATED - 2ND READING I would ask the Chief Clerk to please read the title of Bill No. 060388.
An ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of the proposal set forth in a resolution approved by Council, and authorizing the appropriate officers to publish notice and to make arrangements for the special election.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Councilman DiCicco. 6/1/06 - STATED - 2ND READING COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Aye.
Aye. The ayes are 15; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. That completes 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 Goode.
Thank you, Madam President. Very quickly. A short Yesterday, May 31st, the City Treasurer was to receive long-term strategic plans from all nine City depositories to resolve their lending disparities disclosed in studies conducted by the National Community Reinvestment Coalition. Wachovia, our largest depository, refused to respond to the City Treasurer's request. In a statement, which took the place of Wachovia's fair lending plan, Wachovia contends that since the City Treasurer does not have to certify compliance until July 1, that Wachovia will not submit a fair lending plan until City Council recesses. Wachovia did this yesterday after meeting with me on Tuesday to review their plan. Thank you.
You're welcome. Are there any other speeches on the 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, June the 8th at 10:00 a.m. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, June the 8th at 10:00 a.m. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. Thank you all very much. (Stated Meeting adjourned at 2:30 p.m.) CERTIFICATE I HEREBY CERTIFY that the proceedings, evidence and objections are contained fully and accurately in the stenographic notes taken by me upon the foregoing matter on June 1, 2006, and that this is a true and correct transcript of same. ______________________________ MICHELE L. MURPHY RPR-Notary Public (The foregoing certification of this transcript does not apply to any reproduction of the same by any means, unless under the direct control and/or supervision of the certifying reporter.)