COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 696, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, February 6, 2003 10:15 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILMAN DAVID COHEN COUNCILMAN FRANK J. DI CICCO COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILWOMAN JOAN L. KRAJEWSKI COUNCILMAN RICHARD T. MARIANO COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER COUNCILMAN MICHAEL A. NUTTER COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILMAN ANGEL L. ORTIZ 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
May I have everyone's attention, please? I note that the hour has come and that quorum of this Council is present. The Council will please come to order. Members will take their seats. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair welcomes the Reverend D.J. Lawrence, Pastor of the New Psalmist Baptist Church. Rev. Lawrence is here today as the guest of Councilman Clarke. Members and guests will please rise. REV. LAWRENCE: May we bow our heads in humble submission to God. Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Here in City Council we pray that thy would be done. We pray for the government of our city, the government of our state, but most of all, oh, God, we pray for the government of our nation. We pray that you would guide our president. We pray that you would guide not only him, but we pray for those who are overseas. We pray for their families. We pray, Lord, for this august body. We pray for President Verna. We pray for the Fifth Councilmanic District. We pray for Brother Darrell Clarke. Most of all, God, we pray that you would unify our hearts with truth. Lord, we pray that you would use each of these Councilmen and Councilwomen to serve this City. God, we pray that you would bless us and in the ultimate end you would say to us, "A job well done." We pray this now in the name of truth. And our hearts say, amen.
The Chair thanks Rev. Lawrence for his very inspiring invocation. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Tuesday, January 28, 2003. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Madam Chair, I move for the approval of Journal of Tuesday, January 28th. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the meeting of Tuesday, January 28, 2003, stand approved. All in favor will indicate by saying (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the Journal of the meeting of Tuesday, January 28, 2003, has been approved. At this time the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for requests for leaves of absence.
Thank you, Madam President. This morning a leave is absence is requested for Councilman Kenney.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. Leave will be granted. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Madam President, on behalf of the republicans, leave of absence is requested for Councilman Thacher Longstreth.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair will dispense with the regular order of business to recognize the guests and visitors recognizing Chambers this morning. On of City Council, I welcome you to our Council Session today. 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. We now have a tradition of welcoming the Girl Scouts to City Council during the Annual Girl Scout Cookie Drive which is their primary fund-raiser each year. Today I'm especially pleased to welcome Ms. Sharita Blanding, a senior at West Catholic High School, a resident of Southwest Philadelphia, and a Senior Girl Scout in Troop 517. Ms. Blanding is accompanied by Ms. Kelly Rudick of the Girl Scout organization, and I am pleased to ask both of the young ladies to please step up to the podium for a few brief remarks. Good morning and welcome.
Good morning, City Council. My name is Sharita Blanding and I am a Senior Girl Scout in Troop 517. And on behalf of Girl Scouts of Southeastern Pennsylvania, we would like to dedicate this basket of girl scout cookies to you for your support and in the girl scouts. (Applause.)
Thank you very much. Councilmembers can certainly help themselves to the cookies. The next order of business is communications. The Chair recognizes the Sergeant-at-Arms for the purpose of delivering the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. The Clerk will 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 January 31, 2003, I signed the following bill that was passed by Council at its Session on January 28, 2003: Bill No. 020758. And I am transmitting herewith for the consideration of your on honorable body the following ordinance entitled, an ordinance authorizing the construction of Dobson Run Storm Water Relief Sewer in portions and Allegheny Avenue. And an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property on behalf of the acquire by purchase lease or condemnation a certain temporary easement through 3500 Scotts Lane. And an ordinance authorizing the City Solicitor on behalf of the City to enter in a multi-year lease or lease purchase agreement with a provider of personal computers and associated software. And an ordinance to authorize the Water Commissioner on the behalf of the City to enter into agreements with the owners of the properties and their successors of a private street known as Blakeston Lane. And an ordinance authorizing real estate transactions necessary to permit the City of Philadelphia to acquire property needed for the use by the Philadelphia International Airport.
The messages will be printed in the Journal. The Clerk will please read any other communications in her possession.
Thank you. AND RESOLUTIONS The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit immediate consideration of resolutions at their time of introduction. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit immediate consideration of resolutions at the time of introduction. All in favor of the motion, please signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Madam President, this morning I have no bills or AND RESOLUTIONS resolutions.
Madam President, I offer one privileged resolution which requires a vote.
Madam President, I offer one resolution which will require a vote by the Council on behalf of the 15 members of City Council.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution authorizing the City Council Committee on Law and Government to hold hearings to investigate the state of the air quality in Philadelphia and to recommend ways and means to improve its air quality and, therefore, health of all Philadelphians. AND RESOLUTIONS
Madam President, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
The ayes have it and the resolution will be referred to the Law and Government Committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
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, Tacony Street, and AND RESOLUTIONS the Delaware River and the Frankford Creek.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2003 within the Grants Revenue Fund.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2003 within the Water Fund from certain or all City offices.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2003 within the Grants Revenue Fund from the Department of Licenses and Inspections.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2003 within the Aviation Fund.
This bill will AND RESOLUTIONS also be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano.
Madam President, I have two bills and one resolution.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance establishing a no motor home parking regulation on Nafle Street Loretta Avenue to Summerdale Avenue, both sides.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Section 19-1502 of the Philadelphia Code entitled, "Imposition of Tax," by providing for the reductions in rate of wage and net profits tax, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
And a resolution authorizing Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City AND RESOLUTIONS deeds located in the 18th, 19th, and 23rd Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution has been adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution condemning the AND RESOLUTIONS cynical attempt by the predatory lending industry to undermine the authority of state and local elected officials to effectively respond to the epidemic of predatory lending practices.
Madam President, I'd like to speak on the resolution. Madam President, we offer this resolution today because we're concerned about what's happening in Congress. The resolution points out the action by some congressional members to undermine the anti-predatory legislation that has been passed across this country. As you know, this City Council unanimously passed the toughest anti-predatory lending legislation in the United States in April 2001. While our efforts were hastily preempted by the Pennsylvania Legislature, cities, counties, municipalities, and states across this country followed our lead and adopted legislative measures patterned after our bill. In the meantime ACORN, Michele Lewis of the Northwest Counseling Service and the Philadelphia Predatory Lending Task Force, AND RESOLUTIONS the National Coalition of 100 Black Women and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., have all been on a mission to educate Philadelphians about the abusive lending practices that are used by predatory lenders. State Senator Vincent Hughes and I, along with these, have been participating in seminars and meetings at local recreation centers, senior citizens centers, churches and many other venues to further educate people about how to protect themselves while borrowing money. But while our education campaign has been touching the lives of many, predatory lending runs rampant in our neighborhoods, camouflaged in many forms exampled by the well-advertised pay-day loans, sell your houses for cash, get an early loan on your tax refund, and a slew of other examples. With this in mind, I want the record to show that we have been in contact with the Philadelphia Delegation of the US House of Representatives. I will be presenting this resolution along with other educational material to our congressional representatives about the impact that predatory lending has had on the Philadelphians and Pennsylvanians at large. As in the past, I will AND RESOLUTIONS also make the case as to why we need them to stand tall and fight against any federal legislation that strips the power of state and local elected officials to enact legislation to protect their constituents from predatory lending home loans and other types of predatory lending. Tomorrow, we will be hosting a meeting with anti-predatory lending advocates from across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. They come because predatory lending is not just a problem in urban areas, but rural communities as well. Some of our state representatives have reached out to us to discuss this issue because they recognize that predatory lending is class and color blind. As our group will also be working with members of the State Legislature in a effort to gain bipartisan support to address this issue, and I will certainly keep my colleagues informed. And Madam President, what I'd like have to happen is have the Clerk read the resolution in its entirety.
Whereas, predator lending AND RESOLUTIONS abuses that take away homeowners' equality and lock borrowers into high interest rates pervade the subprime mortgage market as evidenced most recently by predatory lending settlements entered into by two of the very largest subprime lenders, and Fannie Mae estimates that are up to half of all borrowers of subprime loans, Grade B and Grade C, should have qualified for Grad A loans with substantively lower rates and fees; and Whereas, the targeting of subprime loans to people of color, low and moderate income families, and senior citizens, cost those who can least afford it billions of dollars each year and reverses hard-won progress that has been made on reducing the racial home ownership gaps; and Whereas, after conducting a comprehensive investigation into the nature of abusive mortgage lending practices in Philadelphia, this Council unanimously enacted our nation's strongest anti-predatory lending ordinance on April the 5, 2001, with republicans joining democrats in a clear and unmistakable message to the financial industry, you have utterly failed to police yourselves and through your failure you have given a AND RESOLUTIONS green light to unscrupulous predators to strip the wealth from the hard-working citizens of our City. The only proper and credible response to this crisis was swift and decisive government action; and Whereas, inspired by Philadelphia's bold legislative approach to combatting predatory lending, numerous states and localities have responded to the crisis by protecting their residents with laws that provide crucial safeguards on high-cost home loans without cutting off access to credit, preventing most predatory loans from even being made in the first place; and Whereas, within a few short weeks after the enactment of the Philadelphia anti-predatory lending ordinance, the predatory lending industry successfully lobbied for passage of State Legislation in Harrisburg which stripped the Home Rule powers of Philadelphia and all other Pennsylvania municipalities from enacting anti-predatory lending legislation and eroding existing consumer protections to counter predatory lending under Pennsylvania law; and Whereas, the same forces which successfully stopped Philadelphia from ending this AND RESOLUTIONS scourge of predatory lending in our City and are now posed to push legislation through the United States Congress which would nullify all state and local anti-predatory lending laws without providing any meaningful new protections for consumers; and Whereas, this Council is committed to working with the Pennsylvania General Assembly and the United States Congress to restore Philadelphia's Home Rule powers to bring real and immediate relief to the past and future victims of predatory lending. Therefore, be it resolved by the Council of the City of Philadelphia that Council calls upon United States Congress to respect the authority to stat and local elected officials to enact legislation for the protection of their constituents from predatory home loans that strip away hard-earned home equity, trap borrowers in excessive interest rates, and frequently cause families to lose their homes. Be it further resolved that Council calls upon the members of the Pennsylvania Congressional Delegation to strongly oppose the dangerous legislative assault led by the predatory industry against the state and local anti-predatory AND RESOLUTIONS lending legislation.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Madam President, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
All in favor of the adoption of the resolution will please say aye.
Thank you, Madam President. I think much of the nation and certainly those of us in Philadelphia really owe a great debt to Councilwoman Tasco for her continuing perseverance in the fight against predatory lending. She emphasizes the different techniques that are used, and in that regard I want to point out the very bad influence exerted by two media groups in Philadelphia that are spending a great deal of time, meaning they're making a lot of money because they're publishing ads for the latest pay day practice. They put up to 500 in your checking AND RESOLUTIONS account, and their interest is really reasonable, it's 1,040 percent interest charged by them, interest rates that would drive anybody out of their mind. Yet in the interest of profit, the Philadelphia Daily News and KWY, both generally good papers and radio stations that most of us depend on consistently, are making a profit out of predatory lending and they ought to put an end to it. Research indicates that media do not have to publish ads if they feel they're not in the best interest of the public. And these ads are clearly -- as the resolution by Councilwoman Tasco shows, these ads are not in the best interest. They make it sound simple. It's deceptive, it's enticing, it seduces a lot of people to get into debt over their head. And this astronomical interest rate, imagine an interest rate of more than 1,000 percent. The going rate is that for a week's loan of $500, you pay $100 in interest. That's 20 percent for one week. Multiply that one-week rate by 52 and you get an interest rate of 1,040 percent. It would be unfair even if they were charging rich people that, but when they charge poor working people who struggle so hard to earn a dollar an AND RESOLUTIONS interest rate like that, they drive people desperate. So I call on cooperation from the Philadelphia media in support of the fine work being done by the coalition assembled by Councilwoman Tasco. And my thanks and I'm sure the thanks of all Philadelphians go to Councilwoman Tasco for her continuing efforts in this direction. Thank you.
Thank you, very much, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
I'd like to thank Councilman Cohen for those comments. And he points out a very graphic example of what's happening. And I would say that as we spend $350 million on blight, remember what is happening with the predatory lending lends to the blight of the City because it sucks the equity out of our homes in our community and sucks away the equity from people who can least afford it. So I thank you and ask all my colleagues to vote on this resolution.
Thank you. It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. AND RESOLUTIONS All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution has been adopted. The Clerk will please read the second resolution.
A resolution recognizing February 9th to the 15th as Black Family Technology Awareness Week.
Madam President, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
All in the favor of the adoption of the resolution will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution has been adopted. AND RESOLUTIONS The Clerk will please read the title of the third resolution.
Madam President, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution has been adopted. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer two resolutions.
The Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution. AND RESOLUTIONS
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City deeds located 11th, 12th, 13th and 59th 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 in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution has been adopted. The Clerk will please read the title of the third resolution.
A resolution honoring and recognizing the United Negro College Fund for its contributions to American society and education of AND RESOLUTIONS America's youth.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution has been adopted. The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you, Madam President. I'm requesting that this body have a standing moment of silence mourning the death and honoring the memory of Jean Christine William Smith who was Granddaughter Ruler of the Improved Benevolent Protection Order of Elks of the World, a Philadelphia resident who died last week. AND RESOLUTIONS
Thank you. Everyone will stand for a moment of silence, please. (Moment of silence.)
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to acquire by purchase, lease, or condemnation a certain temporary easement through 3500 Scotts Lane.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance the construction of sanitary sewers and appurtenant work in portions in the Fairmount Park property.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing the construction of Dobson Run Storm Water Relief AND RESOLUTIONS Sewer all appurtenant work in portions of Allegheny Avenue and 32nd Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. It is with a great sense of sadness and yet a sincere honor for me to introduce one bill on behalf of myself and all members of this legislative body.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance naming and designating the West Philadelphia Regional Branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia, located 125 South 52nd Street as Lucien E. Blackwell Regional Branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions.
The Chair AND RESOLUTIONS thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ortiz.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco.
The Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Section 12-2703 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Designation of Permit Parking Districts," by amending definition of District 5, the area generally bounded by Market Street the Delaware River, South Street, and 7th street.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Thank you, Madam AND RESOLUTIONS President. I have two bills, one cosponsored by Councilman DiCicco and myself.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance amending Chapter 12-400 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Right of Way Regulations and Penalties," by increasing the penalty for violations of Section 12-407 which prohibits the operator of a vehicle from entering an intersection or crosswalk unless there is sufficient space beyond the intersection or crosswalk.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance declaring that it is desirable for the health, safety, and welfare of the people in the area served by Temple University Hospital, a Pennsylvania non-profit cooperation, in the vicinity of 3401 North Broad Street of Philadelphia to undertake the project whereby the Authority will finance the cost of the development and construction of the multi-level ambulatory healthcare building and other hospital
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
Madam President. No bills or resolution. But I do have something, Madam President. I'd like to ask you if it's appropriate to remember -- ask this Council to remember, I think, a person that affected us all and did a great job in the City of Philadelphia who died suddenly this week, Reilly Harrison. A moment of silence, please.
We will all stand for a moment of silence for Reilly Harrison. (Moment of silence.)
Councilman, thank you for remembering that. Our next item of business is reports from committees. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter for a report from the Rules Committee.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Rules reports six bills with a favorable recommendation.
To the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee he Rules to which was referred Bill No. 020649, 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 Norris Street, Broad Street, Diamond Street and 15th Street; And Bill No. 020689, entitled, an ordinance amending Title 14 of the Philadelphia Code, relating to "Zoning and Planning," by adding a new Section 14-1626 entitled, "Logan Square Special District Controls." And Bill No. 020733, entitled, an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area generally bounded Annsbury Street, H Street, Ramona Street and G Street; 020760, entitled, an ordinance amending Chapter 14-1600 of the Philadelphia Code entitled, "Miscellaneous," by adding a new section prohibiting the demolition of buildings or other structures located with an area, and providing that such prohibition shall expire after a specified period of time; And Bill No. 020811, entitled, an ordinance approving the redevelopment proposal of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment of the Kingsessing Urban Renewal Area; And Bill No. 020812, entitled, an ordinance approving redevelopment proposal of the Redevelopment Authority of City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment of the Logan Urban Renewal Area and declaring the redevelopment undertakings in the project to be an important part of the City's program to remove and prevent the spread of urban blight; Respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Madam President. I move the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bills No. 020649 and 020689, 0203733, 020760, 020811 and 020812. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Rules be suspended as to permit first reading this day of Bill Nos. 020649, 020689, 020733, 020760, 020811, and 020812. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the bills just read will be placed on Today's First Reading Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco for a report from the Committee on Streets and Services.
Thank you, Madam Streets and Services reports out seven bills with a favorable recommendation.
To the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Streets and Services to which was referred Bill No. 020437, entitled, an ordinance amending Chapter 12-400 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Right-of-Way Regulations and Penalties," including not limited to intersections on South Street, from Front street to Broad Street as Don't Block The Box intersections; And Bill No. 020762, entitled, an ordinance granting permission to Cogent Communications, its successors and assigns and remove telecommunications service connections and fiber cables in and under the public rights-of-way and city streets; And Bill No. 020763, entitled, an ordinance amending Title 12 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Traffic Code," to revise the penalties for certain parking violations and making certain changes, all under certain terms and conditions; And Bill No. 020815, entitled, an ordinance authorizing Tenet HealthSystems Hahnemann, known as the Hahnemann University Hospital, Broad and Vine Streets, to construct own and maintain 11 precast concrete planters, all under certain terms and conditions; And Bill No. 020822, entitled an ordinance authorizing the Business Association of West Parkside to construct, own and maintain various encroachments, all under certain terms and conditions; And Bill No. 020825, entitled, an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 27S by striking from the City plan and vacating Water Street from Jackson Street; And Bill No. 030011, entitled an ordinance authorizing Lawrence Goldfarb and Gerda Paumgarten of 630 West Cliveden Street to construct and maintain a privately owned water main and electrical service conduit in the roadway of Rex Avenue and Navajo Street; considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of the seven bills that have just read into the record. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill Nos. 020437, 020762, 020763, 020815, 020822, 020825, and 030011. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the bills just read will be placed on today's First Reading Calendar. The Chair at this time recognizes Councilman Mariano for a report from the Committee
The Committee and Licenses and Inspections reports one bill with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the report.
To the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Licenses and Inspections to which was referred Bill No. 020732, entitled, an ordinance amending Title 4 of the Philadelphia Code, the Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code, by adding provisions relating to the maintenance of exterior property areas, respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. Bill No. 020732 will be placed on the First Reading Calendar for the next Session of Council. That concludes from reports committees. Our next order of business is the consideration of the calendar. The Clerk will bills on the First Reading Calendar.
Bill No. 020649, an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Norris Street, Broad Street, Diamond Street and 15th Street.
And Bill No. 020689, an ordinance amending Title 14 of the Philadelphia Code, relating to "Zoning and Planning," by adding a new Section 14-1626 entitled, "Logan Square Special District Controls."
And Bill No. 020733, entitled an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area generally bounded by Annsbury Street, H Street, G Street.
And Bill No. 020760, entitled an ordinance amending Chapter 14-1600 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Miscellaneous," by adding a new section prohibiting the demolition of buildings or other structures located with an area, and providing that such prohibition shall expire after a specified period of time.
And Bill No. 020811, an ordinance approving the redevelopment proposal of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment of the Kingsessing Urban Renewal Area.
And Bill No. 020812, entitled an ordinance approving the redevelopment proposal of the Redevelopment Authority of City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment of the Logan Urban Renewal Area.
Bill No. 020437, entitled an ordinance amending Chapter 12-400 of the Philadelphia Code entitled, "Right-of-Way Regulations and Penalties," by increasing the penalty for violations of Section 12-407 as Don't Block The Box intersection and by designating certain intersections in the City, all under certain terms and conditions.
The Chair agrees. And Bill No. 020762, an ordinance granting permission to Cogent Communications, to construct, maintain, operate, replace and remove telecommunications services in and under the public rights-of-way and city streets, all under certain terms and conditions.
And Bill No. 020763, an ordinance amending Title 12 of the Philadelphia Code entitled, "Traffic Code," to revise the penalties for certain parking violations and making certain changes, all under certain terms and conditions.
And Bill No. 020815, an ordinance authorizing Tenet HealthSystems Hahnemann, known as the Hahnemann University Hospital, Broad and Vine Streets, to construct, own, and maintain 11 precast concrete planters.
And Bill No. 020822, an ordinance authorizing the Business Association of West Parkside to construct, own, and maintain various encroachments between Belmont Avenue and Parkside Avenue.
And Bill No. 020825, an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 27S by striking from the City plan and vacating Water Street, under certain terms and conditions.
The Chair 2/6/03 - STATED - 2ND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE agrees.
And Bill No. 030011, an ordinance authorizing Lawrence Goldfarb and Gerda Paumgarten of 630 West Cliveden Street, owners of the property 8605 Navajo Street, to construct and maintain a privately owned water main, under certain terms and conditions.
The Chair agrees. The bills read by the Clerk will be placed on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for our next Session of Council. That concludes the First Reading Calendar. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for the purpose of calling up bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar to be considered today.
Thank you, Madam President. Today Bill No. 020761A is being called up for second reading and final passage. Bill No. 020808A will be called up for an amendment, as well as Bill No. 020496 for amendment. Thank you very much. 2/6/03 - STATED - 2ND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE
Thank you. All other bills will be held. At this time the Clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 020761A.
An ordinance amending Bill No. 010519, entitled an ordinance Section 2501 of the Philadelphia Code relating to boundaries of Councilmanic districts by revising the boundaries of Councilmanic districts, under terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally? The Clerk will please call the roll.