COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Thursday, October 14, 1999 10:20 a.m. Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA COUNCILWOMAN AUGUSTA A. CLARK COUNCILMAN DARRYL L. CLARKE COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN DAVID COHEN COUNCILWOMAN JOAN L. KRAJEWSKI COUNCILMAN JAMES F. KENNEY COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER COUNCILMAN MICHAEL A. NUTTER COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO COUNCILMAN ANGEL L. ORTIZ COUNCILMAN FRANK DICICCO COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILMAN RICHARD T. MARIANO COUNCILMAN W. THACHER LONGSTRETH COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO MARIE HAUSER, Chief Clerk VINCENT VARALLO ASSOCIATES, INC. Registered Professional Reporters Eleven Penn Center, Suite 600 Philadelphia, PA 19103 OPENING/INVOCATION P R O C E E D I N G S
I note that the hour has come and that a quorum of this Council is present. Council will come to order, members will take their seats, and visitors will retire to the seats outside the rails. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair welcomes Father John F. Babowitch, who is the Parochial Vicar of St. Barnabas. He is here today as my guest. I would ask members and guests to please rise. (All rise.)
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Almighty and eternal God, You have revealed Your glory to all nations. God of power and might, wisdom and justice, through Your authority is rightly administered, laws are enacted, and judgment is decreed. Let the light of Your divine wisdom direct the deliberations of City Council and shine forth in all the proceedings and all that's framed for our ruling government. May they seek to 10/7/99 JOURNAL APPROVAL preserve peace, promote happiness, and continue to bring us the blessings of liberty and equality. We likewise commend to Your abundant mercy all citizens of Philadelphia, that they may be blessed in the knowledge and sanctified in the observance of Your law preserved. May we be preserved in union and that peace which the world cannot give, and after enjoying the blessings of this life, be admitted to those which are eternal. We pray to You who are lord and God, forever and ever. Amen. (Council stands at ease.)
The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of October 7, 1999. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Clark.
Madam President, I move the acceptance of the Journal of October 7, 1999. (Duly seconded.) REQUESTS FOR LEAVES OF ABSENCE
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, October 7, 1999, stand approved. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the motion is carried.
The next order of business is requests for leaves of absence. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Clark.
Madam President, today, there are no requests for leaves of absence by the Majority.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Madam President, there are no requests for leaves of absence on behalf of the Republicans.
The Chair will dispense with the regular order of business to recognize the guests and visitors joining us in chambers this morning. On behalf of all Members of City Council, I welcome you to our Council session this morning. We appreciate your taking the time to join us as we attend to the legislative affairs of our city. We invite you to come again. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano.
Madam President, at this time, I would like to recognize members of the Teamsters Union who are here. Of course, everyone knows, unless they've been living in a bottle, that the Teamsters were on strike against Wawa Dairies. That was settled last night, and the Teamsters, our District Council 53, and Local 463 -- and I would like to take this time to thank Councilman Bob Brady, Jonathon Saidel, Members of City Council, Blackwell, Cohen, Ortiz and Rizzo, and the rest of the members of Council that came to the rallies and helped the Teamsters. PRESENTATIONS It looks like it's been settled. And an agreement has been signed, right Kenny? And we're just glad for once that labor got what they needed. And hopefully, that will be a message to the rest of management that this is a labor town, Philadelphia, and the Teamsters are here to stay. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you very much. This morning, Council is honoring and commending officers from the 2nd and 15th Police Districts for their heroic conduct in the apprehension of armed bank robbers. I invite Councilman Mariano to come to make this presentation. (Councilman Mariano comes forward.)
For once, all the cops have to listen to me. Can we have everyone come up. That's half the audience. (Honorees come forward.) (Applause.)
Now, in order to do this and not be here till 2 o'clock in the PRESENTATIONS morning, I'm going to -- there's a resolution for every one of these officers. And this was a very scary experience. I was at the end of this pursuit, and when I read this resolution, you're going to understand just how dangerous it is to do this job. I just happened to be an innocent civilian walking by, coming out of the Home Depot. And to see these guys get out of a car and shoot machine guns in the middle of Roosevelt Boulevard is something I'll quite forget. And I want to tell you, the professionalism of the Philadelphia Police Department and the men and women that put their lives on the line every day is not to be just something that's taken lightly. The citizens of Philadelphia are very lucky to have the rank and file of the Philadelphia Police Department 'cause they don't realize what happens till something like this happens and you see it up front. It was incredible. Okay. This is commending Lieutenant Richard Woertz, Sergeant Michael Houck, Detective Steven Nathan, Police Officers William Pullar, Jay PRESENTATIONS Rycek, Richard Kobierowski, Jack Powell, Joseph Wolk, William Devine, Jack Logan, John Faber, and Francis Leaden for their exceptional conduct in pursuing and apprehending heavily armed bank robbery suspects on October 6, 1998. Whereas, on October 6, 1998, two armed men robbed the First Federal Savings Bank located at 7918 Bustleton Avenue; and Whereas, these mens (sic) were spotted while making their getaway by Police Officer William Pullar, who began pursuit; and Whereas, after changing cars and exchanging gunfires with Officer Policy, Lieutenant Richard Woertz became the primary unit in the pursuit and came under heavy semiautomatic weapons fire, which disabled his police cruiser; and Whereas, at this point, Sergeant Michael Houck became the primary unit in the pursuit and attempt to stop the suspect at Loretto Avenue and Hellerman Street, at which time he also came under heavy gunfire and was wounded by flying glass but continued to pursue; and Whereas, the pursuit continued onto PRESENTATIONS Roosevelt Boulevard where Police Officer John Powell, joined by Officers Joseph Wolk and William Devine directed traffic away from the intersection of Somerdale and Roosevelt Boulevard, while Officers Francis Leaden and Jack Logan and John Faber blocked the outer lane of Roosevelt Boulevard with a marked patrol car; and Whereas, as the suspects approached Somerdale Avenue and Roosevelt Boulevard, one of the suspects fired several shots at the officers manning the intersection, causing Officer Leaden to return fire; and Whereas, after striking another vehicle, the suspect's vehicle came to a rest on a grass medium, at which time Detectives Nathan and Walsh attempted to apprehend the suspects and came under heavy fire while the suspects fled on foot; and Whereas, Officer Richard Kobierowski, Joseph Wolk, and Jay Rycek individually apprehended after a short chase; and Whereas, the aforementioned officers, during the 4.8-mile pursuit of heavily armed bank robbers demonstrated extraordinary courage, PRESENTATIONS determination and teamwork, while showing little regard for personal safety while apprehending four armed and extremely dangerous suspects; Now there resolved by the City of Philadelphia, we hereby honor these officers for their exceptional conduct in pursuing and apprehending heavily armed bank-robber suspects on October 6, 1998. Engrossed copies of this resolution will be presented to all officers and was signed by Council President Ann Verna and the rest of City Council. Thank you, men. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes Lieutenant Woertz for remarks. LT. WOERTZ: For the officers that received this award today, I want to thank you very much. You know, today when you hear gunshots, most people will turn around and run the other direction, or at least duck. Every one of these officers, upon hearing that a bank robbery had occurred and people were in fact shooting at COMMUNICATIONS police, they didn't go the other way, which they could have, but they went out of their way to go out and apprehend, putting their own lives in jeopardy. Most importantly, I would like to thank our families for putting up with us. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
Council will be at ease. (Council stands at ease.)
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 read the messages from the Mayor.
To the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia: I am transmitting for the consideration of your honorable body a draft or a resolution approving an amendment to the Redevelopment Contract and Disposition Supplement COMMUNICATIONS of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of an additional portion of Model Cities Urban Renewal Area consisting of 13 properties. And a resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Sarah Allen Urban Renewal Area designated and identified by house number and street address as 4102 through 6 Ogden Street. And an ordinance creating the New Market Tax Increment Financing District and approving the project plan of the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development for the redevelopment of the New Market Tax Increment Financing District. And an ordinance creating the 13th Street Passage Tax Increment Financing District. An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property and the Director of Commerce, on behalf of the City, to grant to the Department of Transportation and the COMMUNICATIONS Commonwealth of Pennsylvania perpetual aerial and structural support easement. And an ordinance creating the Gateway Tax Increment Financing District and approving the project plan of the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development for the redevelopment of the Gateway Tax Increment Financing District. And an ordinance amending an ordinance approved June 25, 1998 (Bill No. 980306) which created the Penn's Landing Tax Increment Financing District by amending certain paragraphs. And an ordinance amending an ordinance approved December 15, as amended, which approved the redevelopment contract and proposal of the urban renewal plan and an amended relocation plan of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment of Grays Ferry Urban Renewal Area. And an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, to execute and deliver to the Philadelphnia for Industrial Development ("PAID"), without consideration, a deed conveying fee simple title to a certain tract of City-owned land with the buildings and COMMUNICATIONS improvements thereon, situate at 4228-4232 Kensington Avenue and 4234-4240 Frankford Avenue, under and subject to certain terms and conditions of the Philadelphia Industrial and commercial Development Agreement between the City, the PAID, and the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation. And an ordinance amending an ordinance approved December 15, 1969, as amended, which approved the redevelopment proposal, the urban renewal plan and the relocation plan of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for a portion of the Model Cities Urban Renewal area. And an ordinance amending an ordinance December 22, 1987, which approved the redevelopment proposal and the urban renewal plan of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment of the Cecil B. Mayor Avenue Urban Renewal Area.
The messages will be printed in the Journal. The Chief Clerk will read any other communications in her possession. COMMUNICATIONS
The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Clark for a motion. Councilwoman Clark?
Madam President, I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit immediate consideration of resolutions at the time of their introduction. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that immediate consideration be given to resolutions immediately upon introduction. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS Those opposed? The ayes have it and the motion is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Clark.
The Chief Clerk will please read the resolution.
A resolution honoring Faith Kline, Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year.
Madam President, I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the motion is INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS carried. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. This morning, I have three resolutions.
Would somebody please get the resolutions. The Chief Clerk will please read the first resolution.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia deeds for properties situate in the 6th Ward of the City of Philadelphia. And a resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the urban renewal -- I'm sorry.
Did you read the first resolution? INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS
Okay, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Madam President, I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the motion is carried. The Chief Clerk will please read the second resolution.
A resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Sarah Allen Urban Renewal Area designated and identified by house numbers street and addresses as 4102 through 766 Sarah Allen. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the motion is carried. The Clerk will please read the third resolution.
A resolution recognizing the Woodland Avenue Presbyterian Church on the occasion of its 90th anniversary.
Madam President, I move the adoption. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the motion is carried. The Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
The Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance authorizing transfers and appropriations for Fiscal Year 2000 within the Grants Revenue Fund from the Director of Finance - Provision for Other INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS Grants to the Department of Recreation, the Department of Human Services, the District Attorney, and the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
An ordinance authorizing transfers and appropriations for Fiscal Year 2000 within the General Fund from certain or all City offices, departments, boards, and commissions to certain or all City offices, departments, boards, and commissions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
An ordinance authorizing transfers and appropriations for Fiscal Year 2000 within the Grants Revenue Fund from the Director of Finance - Provision for Other Grants to the Department of Records.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing transfers and appropriations for Fiscal Year 2000 within the Grants Revenue Fund INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS from the Director of Finance - Provision for Other Grants to the Department of Records.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
An ordinance authorizing transfers and appropriations for Fiscal Year 2000 within the Grants Revenue Fund from the Director of Finance - Provision for Other Grants to the Police Department.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano.
Madam President, I have two bills and two resolutions.
The Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance authorizing transfers and appropriations for Fiscal Year 2000 within the General Fund from certain or all City offices, departments, boards, and commissions to certain or all City offices, departments, boards, and commissions.
The bill will INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS be referred to the appropriate committee.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, without consideration, a deed conveying fee-simple title to a certain tract of City-owned land, with the buildings and improvements thereon situate at 4228 through 32 Kensington Avenue.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution authorizing the Council Committee on Education to conduct immediate hearings to address the problem of school overcrowding in the Philadelphia School District.
The resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee.
A resolution amending Resolution No. 1, the Rules of Council, by adding Section II(13) and adding a new section 5 to the provision for recitation of the pledge of allegiance and re-numbering subsequent selections. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS
I move for the adoption of that resolution, Madam President.
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye.
First, Madam President, let me apologize to my colleague 'cause I didn't have a chance to talk to him in caucus, and it was my mistake for not raising the question with him as to whether or not any particular provision relating to the rules of Council. I'm not speaking on this particular provision. It's the larger issue of any amendment to the rules of Council as to whether or not -- I INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS guess I anticipated that there would actually be a public hearing on that particular matter as opposed to a straight up or down vote today. Again, I'm not saying anything about the substance of this particular issue. It's the larger issue of any amendments to Council's rules. And I just wanted to raise that question.
And if my memory serves me correctly, we never did adopt rules for this term.
Right. I believe, at the most, we may have temporary rules that were put in place on inauguration day.
I believe on inauguration day, we agreed to temporary rules.
All right. So, again, I do not wish to speak to the substance of the matter in front of us. I am raising a procedural issue related to our rules and what the process is for amendments to them. In my time in INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS Council, I do not believe we've ever amended the rules. We may not have ever adopted any formally, so I'm raising a procedural issue, not a substantive issue with regard to the proposal by Councilman Mariano.
Would the sponsor have any objection to us referring to the appropriate committee?
No. I was just checking to see if everybody was awake. No, we could go to committee, and I wouldn't have a problem with that. But you can't blame a guy for trying to get it through.
Very well, agreed. This resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer one bill on your behalf.
The Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending an ordinance approved December 15, 1969, as amended, which approved the redevelopment INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS proposal, the urban renewal plan, and the relocation plan of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment of the Grays Ferry Urban Renewal Area.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia deeds for properties situate in the 43rd and the 59th Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the motion is carried. The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer seven bills and one resolution on which I wish to be heard.
Very well. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance authorizing the Health Commissioner, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into a contract with a health care advocate to represent the City's health consumers in various matters relating to the provision of and access to health INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS care; and amending Chapter 17-100 of The Philadelphia Code entitled "Procurement Contracts" by requiring that a City contract with a hospital, health-management organization, or other health-care provider shall include provisions requiring such health-care provider to make available to a City-contracted health-care advocate information relating to the provision of health care to City residents, all under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into a lease amendment with the Philadelphia Design and Distribution Center LP for use by the City and affiliated agencies of certain space within the building known as Wissahickon Industrial Center.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
An ordinance authorizing the paving of Heritage Drive, INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS Palisades Drive, Merrick Road, East Falls Lane, Capital View, Schuykill Falls Circle.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 163 of the area bounded by Ridge Avenue, Calumet Street, the Philadelphia Germantown and Norristown Railroad, SEPTA.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
An ordinance authorizing the construction of a sewer and appurtenant work required to alleviate unsanitary conditions in a portion of a proposed right-of-way to drainage, sewer, and water-main purposes on Rodney Street in a private street.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance to authorize the Water Commissioner, on behalf of the City, to enter into an agreement with the owners of the properties and their successors of a private street known as Rodney Street, from South INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS Ferry Road to a dead end, approximately 448 feet.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
An ordinance authorizing the construction of a sanitary sewer and appurtenant in a portion of Minerva Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City, to lease an amendment with Philadelphia Design and Distribution Center LP known as -- I'm sorry, I've read that.
A resolution authorizing the Council Committee on Commerce and Economic Development to hold hearings on the current and future tax policy of the City of Philadelphia in order to conduct an analysis of the tax rates and tax base for wage, real-estate, business, and other municipal taxes to examine the impact of the current and future tax policy.
The Chair INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS recognizes Councilman Nutter. Did you want to be recognized?
I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
Do you want that referred to the appropriate committee? No?
No. I'd like to have a vote on that today, and I'd also like to be heard on the matter.
Thank you, Madam President. Just very briefly, there's been a lot of discussion about tax structure and tax levels here in the city. And I believe one of the things that's been lost in that discussion is the very simple fact that -
Excuse me. The noise level is much too high in here. Thank you. Please continue.
Thank you, Madam INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS President. The one issue that's been left out of any of that discussion is the one simple fact that mayors don't raise and lower taxes; City Council does. That is our role, that is a part of the responsibility given to us by the City Charter. And I believe that for us to be able to make decisions going forward, whether into the year 2000 or beyond, this Council should make itself educated about the impact of any structure that we presently have or any that we may have in the future so that we're in a much better position, certainly at budget time, and as we put forward five year plans and the like, to be able to educate ourselves and get the best analysis and best minds independently of what any budget message may come to us in future years. And so with that, that's the purpose of this resolution, to allow the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development to look at a very important issue that all of us care deeply about. But I didn't want the role of City Council in this process, which is critical, to be INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS left out of that debate and that discussion. And whatever those ideas may be, ultimately someone will have to get nine votes to support that particular provision. And I don't think anyone here plans to allow anything happening going forward that sends the City a bad message or sends us back into the fiscal crisis from which we've recently recovered. And so I thank you, Madam President, and I ask all members to support the resolution.
All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the motion is carried. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Madam President, I offer two bills and one resolution.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code relating to zoning and planning by amending Chapter 14-1600 entitled "Miscellaneous," by adding a new Section 14-1617 entitled "5th Street Special District Controls," under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
An ordinance amending Section 9-201 of The Philadelphia Code entitled "City Depositories," by authorizing the City Treasurer to deposit funds in Pennsylvania Business Bank, under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution declaring October as "National Family Sexuality Education Month," and recognizing Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania for its education and training programs to promote positive sexual health.
The Chair INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Madam President, I move for the adoption of the resolution.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (No response.)
All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the motion is carried. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ortiz.
The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution welcoming the distinguished and most honorable INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS Senator Ramon Albuquerque from the Dominican Republic as he visits our great city and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Madam President, I move the adoption of the resolution.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the motion is carried. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer five bills. One of the bills is a TIF that is cosponsored by my colleague Councilwoman Clark. And one resolution.
I offer five INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS bills. One of the five bills is a TIF that was cosponsored by my colleague Councilwoman Clark. And one resolution.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance creating the New Market Tax Increment Financing District and approving the project plan and the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development for the redevelopment of New Market Tax Increment Financing District.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
An ordinance amending Subcode P.M. of Title 4 the of The Philadelphia Code entitled "The Philadelphia Property Maintenance Code," by extending the emergency abatement program to include the 18th Ward and the 31st Ward.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
An ordinance amending an ordinance approved June 25, 1998 (Bill INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS No. 980306), which created the Penn's Landing Tax Increment Financing District by amending the effective of the date of the district and making certain findings and declarations, all in accordance with the Tax Increment -
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
An ordinance creating the 13th Street Passage Tax Increment Financing District and approving the project plan of the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property and the Director of Commerce, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia and the Department of Transportation and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, to a perpetual aerial and structural support easement for the use, operation, occupancy, maintenance, repair, and replacement of certain highway improvements, including roads and related improvements, over a portion of certain INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS land located at Penn's Landing - Stage I.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground, with the buildings and improvements thereon situate in the 5th, 25th, and 31st Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS Those opposed? The ayes have it and the motion is carried. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Thank you, Madam President. I have three bills and one resolution.
The Clerk will please read the title of the first bill, please.
An ordinance creating the Gateway Tax Increment Financing District and approving the project plan of the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development for the redevelopment of the Gateway Tax Increment Financing District.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS amending an ordinance approved December 15, 1969, as amended, which approved the redevelopment proposal, the urban renewal plan, and the relocation plan of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment of Model Cities Urban Renewal Area.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
An ordinance amending an ordinance approved December 22, 1987, which approved the redevelopment proposal and the urban renewal plan of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment of the Cecil B. Moore Avenue Urban Renewal Area by approving the 7th amendment.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution approving an amendment to the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment of an INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS additional portion of the Model Cities Urban Renewal areas consisting of 13 properties.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the motion is carried. The Chair recognizes Councilman Longstreth.
Madam President, I have no bills or resolutions today.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
The Chief INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution requesting that before any agreement is finalized between the City of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Eagles in which public tax money is spent on a new stadium, every attempt be made to ensure in that agreement that Philadelphia Eagles games will not be blacked out.
Madam President, 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 signify by saying -
Yes, the Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS
Thank you, Madam President. With every due respect to my colleague Councilman Rizzo, and I fully understand his reasons for putting forward the resolution today. We did have some discussion about this in the caucus room earlier today, and he and I also had an opportunity to talk a little while ago. And I understand his interest and his need to press forward. I do have a concern that I expressed in the caucus, and I will say it here on the floor, that the larger issue here is that the NFL, the 30-some-odd teams that comprise the NFL have various contracts with the various broadcast networks. And all of the teams agree to this, quote/unquote, blackout provision. And so, one, I'm not sure that unilaterally the Eagles can do anything about that particular provision. They can certainly, as the Councilman points out, buy up any unbought tickets prior to the 72-hour time period. They can do that, they cannot do that. They can do it with our encouragement, they can do it without our INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS encouragement. But I do have a concern about the precedent that -- Council expressed its interests on the stadium proposal a couple weeks ago and tried to lay out a frame work of the kinds of things that we're concerned about with this particular proposal. As best I know, and at least speaking for myself, there is no guarantee that there will be any City dollars in that particular proposal. It's not been ruled in, it's not been ruled out. We don't have a plan in front of us today. But I am concerned that, in the ensuing weeks, we may find ourselves voting on various measures that a piecemeal fashion get into the day-to-day details of a what a particular deal may be. And all of those issues, I'm sure, will have merit, and they should all be the topic of a larger public hearing on the stadium discussion. And so I would only ask, in the most respectful fashion, that the Councilman would accommodate a member like myself -- and there may be others -- to hold this particular resolution for what has traditionally been at least a INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS week-period of time so that there can either be further examination or further discussion about the longer-range implications of this particular proposal. I think the fans want to see the games, they certainly do. Maybe as things improve in the course of this season, there will be more sellouts of the ticket and then there will be no more blackout issue to be concerned about. But that is the nature of the relationship between the teams, the NFL, and the broadcast networks. And I'm not necessarily sure that the Eagles can do anything about that contractual obligation. If there is a vote, Madam President, I will be voting against this particular resolution but I would hope that it would not come to that and that we might have that accommodation from my colleague Councilman Rizzo. Thank you, Madam President.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Madam President. I concur with Councilman Nutter's INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS expressions of concern about both the process and about the fact that the Eagles may not be able to control this process in the least. The blackout rule for the NFL is a stupid rule I think it's antiquated. I think they probably, in the long run, would gain more revenue from having the games on television than they would a movie of the week or some other show that they put on in place of the game that's blacked out. I would remind everyone, though, that despite the Eagles' poor play this year and despite some of the concerns expressed over stadiums and other things, the Eagles are probably the only team -- or are the only team in the city where they appear on free television. So to speak. The Flyers, Sixers and Phillies are now all on cable and in order to see them, you need to pay a cable fee. I don't want to in any way look as if we are attacking the Philadelphia Eagles, who are somewhat bystanders in this situation, number one; and number two, are on network television that anybody can tune in on at any time. And I guess, just tongue in cheek, maybe we'd be better off INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS keeping some of these games blacked out to protect the sensibilities of our seniors and of our viewers 'cause they haven't necessarily been that good this year. So if it does come to a vote, I will also be voting no.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen.
Madam President, there was this discussion that Councilman Nutter talked about in the caucus room, and I expressed yet another reason for being very negative on this resolution. I think when we considerate the stadium matters, we ought to consider all of them. We ought not to work on a presumption of what kind of financing going to occur because there are many different points of view. My position is that I'm opposed to public financing of stadiums. I think the owners are plenty rich enough, and I don't think it's our obligation to enrich them further. I'm convinced, as I believe I heard Councilman Kenney once say, that once the finances of the teams get a big upward boost from a new INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS stadium, the teams will probably be sold at an enormous profit to the owners. I don't think we ought to get into the stadium piecemeal or try to deal with deal with any questions of it. And, therefore, if Councilman Rizzo does not withdraw the motion, out of consideration for the requests made by Councilmembers, I will also be voting no and urging all of our colleagues to also vote no on the resolution. I think the best road would be to withdraw the resolution from the floor.
Madam President, I would urge Mr. Rizzo to grant a one-week layover to permit a less broad drafting because some of the assumptions in the resolution are not very well-founded. I didn't hear the discussion in caucus today, but I'm one who doesn't like blackouts, so I was going to support it. However, having read it fully, there is some language, particularly in the fourth "whereas" clause, that is just to broadly drafted for me to support in its present INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS form. So if we were to hold it over, we could be a little more careful in the drafting and we would not be signing on to things that I think are too blue sky.
Based on my colleagues' comments -- and I appreciate the Members that supported this resolution -- I would agree to hold it for one week and give the other members that have not supported it an opportunity to reconsider it.
At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell. I believe you want to recognize some visitors.
Thank you, Madam President. Certainly. We have students, in fact, who had a charter school in my district, and now the charter school's in your district. They're students from the Communications Charter School. They are interning with the Healthy Family Healthy Life INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS organization. And certainly we would hope that Vernard Johnson, who's the head of the Health Family Healthy Life organization and the students from the Communications Charter School would stand so they can be recognized. (Students stand for recognition.)
We certainly welcome you and wish you to come back again thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen.
Madam President, I note that the members of the Teamsters Union are still here. They showed that same persistence in their struggle against what they felt were very unfair terms proposed and demanded by Wawa. We saw that same diligence, that same effort, the same working together by all of the Teamsters in this labor strike, and I think we set a very good example for all Philadelphia workers and for the whole City of Philadelphia. And I think everybody has benefited INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS from the quick settlement that was issued once Judge Collins got the people together with Congressman Brady to sit at the table until they arrived at an agreement. I think they deserve the full commendation that Councilman Mariano expressed before. Thank you. (Applause.)
The next order of business is reports from committees. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney for a report from the Rules Committee.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Rules reports out two bills with favorable recommendations.
To the President and Members of the Council City of Philadelphia: The Committee on Rules, to which was referred Bill No. 990254, entitled an ordinance amending an ordinance approved December 14, 1971, as amended, which approved the redevelopment proposal, the COMMITTEE REPORTS urban renewal plan and the relocation plan of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment of the South Central Urban Renewal Area, by approving the 10th amendment of the redevelopment proposal and the 10th amendment to the urban renewal plan. And the Committee on Rules reports out Bill No. 990600 entitled an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by 58th Street, Kingsessing Avenue, 59th Street, Greenway Avenue, 60th Street, and Woodland Avenue. . . . . . respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Madam President, I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading of Bill No. 990254 today.
Is there a second? (Duly seconded.) COMMITTEE REPORTS
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to first reading of Bill No. 990254 on today's calendar. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the motion is carried. Bill No. 990254 will be placed on the first-reading calendar. (President Verna confers privately with Councilman Kenney.)
Bill No. 990254 will be placed on our first-reading calendar for today, and Bill No. 990600 will be placed on our first-reading calendar for our next meeting. Are there any other reports from committees? (No response.)
Seeing none, the next order of business is consideration of the calendar. The Chief Clerk will please read the COMMITTEE REPORTS bills on the first-reading calendar.
Bill No. 990463, an ordinance amending Section 19203(4) of The Philadelphia Code entitled "Payroll Deductions" by permitting City employees to authorize payroll deductions for the German-American Police Association.
This bill, having been read on two different occasions, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? I'm sorry, that's the first reading. The Chair agrees. We are mixed up today.
Okay. Bill No. 990254, an ordinance amending an ordinance approved December 14, 1971, as amended, which approved the redevelopment proposal, the urban renewal plan, and the relocation plan of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of the Philadelphia for the redevelopment of South Central Urban Renewal area by approving the 10th amendment of the redevelopment proposal, the 10th amendment to the urban renewal plan, and the amendment to the relocation plan, which provides, inter alia, for certain additional land FIRST-READING BILLS acquisition.
The Chair agrees. There are no bills on the second reading and final-passage calendar being called for consideration.
Are there any speeches on the part of the majority? (No response.)
Are there any speeches on the part of minority. (No response.)
Seeing none, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Clark.
Madam Chair, I move for the adjournment of this meeting until October 21, 1999. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, October 21, 1999. All in favor will signify by saying aye. ADJOURNMENT Those opposed? The ayes have it and the motion is carried. Thank you very much. (Adjourned at 11:15 a.m.) C E R T I F I C A T E I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing proceedings of the Council of the City of Philadelphia of Thursday, October 14, 1999, were reported fully and accurately by me, and that this is a correct transcript of same. RE: STATED MEETING __________________________________, JOSEPHINE CARDILLO, Registered Professional Reporter