COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA PUBLIC HEARING - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, March 31, 2005, 10:05 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN DAVID COHEN COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN JACK KELLY COUNCILMAN JUAN F. RAMOS COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO COUNCILMAN FRANK DI CICCO COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE L. BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN MICHAEL A. NUTTER COUNCILMAN DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILMAN RICHARD T. MARIANO COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL V A R A L L O Incorporated Litigation Support Services 1835 Market Street, Suite 600 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103 215.561.2220 215.567.2670 Stated - 3/31/05 P R O C E E D I N G S
Good morning, everyone. 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 Dr. Keith W. Reed, Sr., Senior Pastor of the Sharon Baptist Church. He is here today as the guest of Councilwoman Blackwell. I would ask all members and guests to please rise. (All rise.) Reverend.
Let us pray. Our Father and our God, again we come in Your divine presence to thank You for another day's journey. Thank you for life, health and strength, a sound mind. We bless You for who You are, and for the things that You have Stated - 3/31/05 done, and the things that you do. This day we ask that You would crown these persons that are in authority of this City with wisdom, insight and foresight, so that they may be able to make decisions and laws and precepts that will govern this City, a city that we pray that will reflect His name, phileo, brotherly love. Bless even now and we ask these things, in the name that's above every name. And in Your name we pray, amen. CHORUS OF VOICES: Amen.
Amen. The Chair thanks Dr. Reed for his very inspiring invocation. Council will be at ease. (Pause.)
The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the Meeting of Thursday, March 24, 2005, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. Stated - 3/31/05 I move that the Journal of the Meeting of Thursday, March 24, 2005, stand approved.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the meeting of Thursday, March 24, 2005, stand approved. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Chorus of "ayes.")
The ayes have it. The motion carries. And the Journal of the Meeting of Thursday, March, 24, 2005 is approved. The next order of business is a request for leave of absence. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Stated - 3/31/05 Madam President. On behalf of the majority, a leave of absence is requested for Councilwoman Krajewski and one for Councilman Kenney.
Madam President, the Republicans have no requests for leave of absence.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair will dispense with the regular order of business to recognize the guests and visitors joining us in Chambers this morning. On behalf of all members of City Council, I welcome you to our Council session. We appreciate your taking the time to join us as we attend to the legislative affairs of our City. We certainly invite you to come again. Stated - 3/31/05 At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
Madam President, I have a guest with me today. And I'd like to introduce a retired police officer that wanted to see what we do here. And I'd like to introduce a retired police officer Joe McAllister who worked for over 30 years in the department and finished up at the airport. So, let's all welcome Joe McAllister.
Thank you, Madam President. Today we have 30 students from Central High School which is, of course, located in the 8th District. And they are a part of the Philadelphia Chapter of Student Voices. They are accompanied by their social science teacher, Mr. William Graham, and they're seated to my right. Stated - 3/31/05
If they would stand, we would like to welcome you. (Students stand.) (Applause.)
At this time the Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco, who will present a resolution, honoring Richmond Elementary School and their fifth grade class. Will their principal, Mr. Ciampoli, and those accompanying him please join the Councilman at the podium. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, and good morning. Resolution honoring Peggy Marie Savage's fifth grade class at Richmond Elementary School, and congratulating Renad Rapi for the respective team and individual second place finishes in the First in Math National Competition. Whereas, Suntext International, Inc., introduced the computer game number 24 as a tool to make math appealing and accessible, thereby helping students to move Stated - 3/31/05 on to excel in math, science and related fields. Whereas, first introduced in 2002, the First in Math Online Team concept used the game number 24 to offer substantive content that supports core curriculum and ties into national and state standards. Students progress at their own pace, and their individual and team scores are recorded, to be compared against 100,000 students in 25 different states; And whereas, the School District of Philadelphia began using First in Math last year to supplement the math curriculum and to help boost student test scores, and Richmond principal Anthony Ciampoli believe the game has succeeded and helped the school meet national requirements required by the No Child Left Behind Act. And whereas, in an environment where approximately 50 percent of the students speak English as a second language, First in Math has made numbers and mathematics a universal language. Stated - 3/31/05 And whereas, in November Peggy Marie Savage's 30 fifth grade students, including Mr. Rapi, competed in the first math contest, as a team and as an individual the class and Rapi finished second. Now, therefore, resolved that the Council of the City of Philadelphia honors Peggy Marie Savage's fifth grade class at Richmond Elementary School and congratulates Mr. Rapi for their respective team and individual place finishes in the first math national competition. Certification. This is a true and correct copy of the original Resolution adopted by the Council of the City of Philadelphia on the 3rd day of February, 2002. Presented by the Council President, Anna C. Verna, introduced by myself and Councilman Mariano, co-sponsored by all members of City Council. Congratulations.
I want to thank Councilman DiCicco for recognizing this amazing achievement by this class and Mrs. Savage -- raise your hand, Mrs. Savage, so everybody can see you -- and Mr. Rapi who's second in the nation. And this entire class is second in the nation in this online math program. So, thank you for the recognition. (Applause.)
At this time the Chair recognizes Councilman Ramos who will present a Resolution honoring the Partners for Civic Pride. Will Miss Brenda Exon and Mr. Rob Stoller and those accompanying them please join the Councilman at the podium. The Councilman is being accompanied Stated - 3/31/05 by Councilman Mariano and Councilwoman Tasco. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ramos.
Thank you, Madam President. Before I read the Resolution, I want to acknowledge in the Chambers today are members of the Philadelphia Pride Club from Ben Franklin High School and their Vice Principal, Eileen Butler. They marched from Ben Franklin High this morning to be present here today for the proclamation in honor of our City flag. Can you please stand up so we can acknowledge you. (Students stand.) (Applause.)
Resolution honoring the Partners for Civic Pride, Inc., for their diligent efforts on spreading the history and pride of the Philadelphia Civic Flag, and marking the 110th anniversary of the Philadelphia Civic Flag by recognizing March 27, 2005, as Philadelphia Flag Day. Stated - 3/31/05 Whereas, Reverend Dr. Henry C. McCook created and established the Philadelphia Civic Flag, as recorded in his 1894 letter to then Mayor Edwin S. Stuart; and...
Whereas, the sentiments expressed in that original letter are still valid and vital, as quoted herein, and I quote, moreover, a civic flag is calculated to inspire a spirit of civic loyalty. The display and constant use of a Philadelphia Civic Flag would act towards the strengthening of civic pride, precisely as similar use of the National Flag tends to foster a spirit of national loyalty. I know of no other City that needs more than their own beloved municipality, just such an influence, end of quote. And whereas, Philadelphia's universal reputation as the City of brotherly love was born from the original slogan displayed in Latin on our City flag's emblem, quote, Philadelphia Maneto or Let Brotherly Love Continue; and. Stated - 3/31/05 Whereas, Partners for Civic Pride, Inc., has done extensive field research in and around Philadelphia to discover a widespread lack of awareness of our City's colors, though they may be displayed throughout Philadelphia; and.
Whereas, PFCP is developing educational initiatives in conjunction with the Board of Education, beautification programs with the aid of the Department of Streets, and awareness campaigns in cooperation with several major broadcast entities; and. Whereas, PFCP is undertaking a concerted city-wide effort to raise awareness of the Philadelphia Flag as a unifying symbol, and include the flag in programs and at establishments throughout Philadelphia; and. Whereas, the adoption of this resolution will represent an important step in furthering PFCP'S mission of increasing Philadelphia's social capital, a measurable standard of civic engagement, community Stated - 3/31/05 interaction, industrial cooperation and cultural connectivity; Now, therefore, be it.
Resolved by the Council of the City of Philadelphia that we hereby honor the Partners for Civic Pride, Inc., for their diligent efforts on spreading the history and pride of the Philadelphia Civic Flag and marking the 110th anniversary of the Philadelphia Civic Flag by recognizing March 27, 2005, as Philadelphia Flag Day. Resolved further, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Brenda Exon, better known as the flag lady, and Rob Stoller, as evidence of the sincere respect and admiration of this legislative body. Presented by all members of City Council. Signed by Anna C. Verna, President of the Council, and yours truly. Congratulations. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes Miss Exon and Mr. Stoller for Stated - 3/31/05 remarks.
Yahoo. Yeah. Yeah. Really huge, you guys. This is a great day for Philadelphia, our City colors, azure blue and gold and yellow and the Philly Flag. All of you here today are charged to spread the word that we've got a flag, a Philly Flag, and it's our universal connector. It connects me to you -- don't be too scared about that -- and everyone in the City. And once a year we hope to have a great celebration, where we all come together, living up to the motto on this flag, Philadelphia Maneto, Let Brotherly Love Continue. And after Rob is finished here, we have a very special way to let brotherly love continue, before we leave the floor. Rob.
Thank you very much. I want to thank Councilman Ramos for stewarding this resolution and consenting to join our board and actually being our flag Stated - 3/31/05 man, as he said, and his excellent staff Andrew Zilenski for helping pen the resolution, and Josh Cohen. I want to recognize Will Smith behind me, the entire board. But Will is one of our founders and has been a driving force here. And as Brenda said, it's a great day for Philadelphia. It's the beginning of awareness on the City's part of this great flag that's celebrated its 110th anniversary this month. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
And now, will Jerome Russell and Jeremy Morrison please walk forward with the four foot by six foot Philadelphia Flag, followed by the Ben Franklin Junior R.O.T.C. flag folders. (Aforementioned comply with request.)
Irma, with the Philly Pride Flag Box that is going to go to Baghdad, Iraq, in honor of Anthony Fucetti, Stated - 3/31/05 Specialist Anthony Fucetti. His mother, Debbie Fucetti and his father, Luke Fucetti, would you please come forward to receive the first Philly Flag for a Philly soldier, on behalf of the Partners of Civic Pride, Ben Franklin High School Pride Club, and the beautiful Philadelphia City Council. (Color guard folds flag.)
This is for Specialist Anthony Fucetti who requested this Philadelphia Flag, and sent his mother and father on a mission to get the flag, of which luckily Partners for Civil Pride... (The remainder of Ms. Exon's remarks were delivered away from the microphone, not reportable.) (Color guard salute.) (Color guard places flag in box.) (Ms. Exon delivered remarks away from the microphone, not reportable.) (Applause.) (Flag presented to parents.)
Council Stated - 3/31/05 will be at ease. (Pause.)
Would the parents please come forward. (Parents comply with request.)
Can we have another round of applause for the Civic Pride? (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 March 31, 2005, I signed all of the bills that were passed by Council at its session on March 17, 2005. And I am transmitting for the consideration of your Honorable Body a draft Stated - 3/31/05 of a resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the New Kensington Fishtown Urban Renewal Area; and a resolution approving the redevelopment contract for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the New Kensington Fishtown Urban Renewal Area, designated as parcel number 89; and a resolution approving the redevelopment contract for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Fairhill Street New Urban Renewal Area; and a resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the 44th and Aspen Urban Renewal Area; and a resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the 44th and Aspen Urban Renewal Area designated as parcel number 29; and a resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition Stated - 3/31/05 supplement for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the 44th and Aspen Urban Renewal Area designated as parcel number 32; and an ordinance approving the 12th amendment of the redevelopment proposal for the Mantua Urban Renewal Area; and an ordinance amending Title 14 of the Philadelphia Code entitled Zoning and Planning, by increasing the permissible height for fences located on the front line lot of certain properties and residential districts; and an ordinance dissolving the 1600 North Broad Tax Increment Financing District and creating the Avenue North Tax Increment Financing District; and an ordinance amending Title 14 of the Philadelphia Code, relating to Zoning and Planning, by amending Chapter 14-500 entitled Industrial Districts, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you. The message will be printed in the Journal. I would ask the Chief Clerk to please read any other communications in her Stated - 3/31/05 possession.
Thank you very much. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. 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. UNIDENTIFIED COUNCIL PERSON: Second.
It has been moved and 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. Stated - 3/31/05 (Chorus of "ayes.")
The ayes have it. And the motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I introduce one bill and three resolutions.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance approving the 12th amendment of the redevelopment proposal for the Mantua Urban Renewal Area.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee?
And a resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Stated - 3/31/05 Authority of the City of Philadelphia for a redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the 44th and Aspen Urban Renewal Area.
The chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. UNIDENTIFIED COUNCIL PERSON: Second.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Chorus of "ayes.")
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted.
And a resolution for Stated - 3/31/05 the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the 44th and Aspen Urban Renewal Area designated as parcel number 32.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. UNIDENTIFIED COUNCIL PERSON: Second.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Chorus of "ayes.")
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted.
And a resolution approving the redevelopment contract and Stated - 3/31/05 disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the 44th and Aspen Urban Renewal Area, designated as parcel number 30 and 31.
The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. UNIDENTIFIED COUNCIL PERSON: Second.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Chorus of "ayes.")
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Stated - 3/31/05 The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution recognizing April 2005 as Parkinson Disease Awareness Month in the City of Philadelphia.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. UNIDENTIFIED COUNCIL PERSON: Second.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Chorus of "ayes.")
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. UNIDENTIFIED COUNCIL PERSON: Second.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Chorus of "ayes.")
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you, Stated - 3/31/05 Madam President. Today I have no bills or resolutions.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution calling upon United States Senators Specter and Santorum to support a federal energy bill that is both economically and environmentally responsible, to oppose any bill not meeting the standard, and urging Philadelphia community groups and businesses to lead Pennsylvania and the nation toward clean, responsible, substantial energy by joining a coalition for a new energy future.
The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter. Stated - 3/31/05
Thank you, Madam President. I move the adoption of the resolution, and I'd like to make brief remarks.
Thank you, Madam President. Just very briefly, but to make this record clear, in 2003 the National League of Cities signed on to a coalition urging Senators across the country to oppose H.R. 6, an energy bill similar to the one currently under consideration by the House of Representatives. This bill would have provided liability immunity to producers of gasoline with the fuel additives MTBE which would have Stated - 3/31/05 caused a $29 billion cleanup to be paid for by local taxpayers. Taxpayers in Pennsylvania have already paid more than $50 million to clean up abandoned toxic waste in 2004, a 315 percent increase from 1995. If Pennsylvania had displaced 40 percent of its dirty fossil fuel power with wind and solar energy and increased its energy efficiency, the state could avoid an estimated 900 early deaths, 15,000 plus asthma attacks and 127,000 lost work days each year. Clearly we need to look at our energy policy. I understand that we're the Philadelphia City Council, but we do have representatives in the Congress and in the Senate. And having them understand our concerns about federal policy as it affects local governments I think is critically important. And, so I urge my colleagues to support this resolution and send the right Stated - 3/31/05 message to our two Senatorial representatives.
Thank you. It has been moved and seconded. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
I'm sorry. We didn't vote. I thought you wanted to speak on Councilman Nutter's resolution. It has been moved and seconded that Councilman Nutter's resolution be adopted. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Chorus of "ayes.")
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Chief clerk will please read the title of the next resolution.
A resolution Stated - 3/31/05 authorizing City Council's Committee of the Whole to hold public hearings, to make inquiries and investigations, relating to the financial condition of the City, authorizing the committee to issue subpoenas to compel the attendance of witnesses, and the production of documents and other evidence, and further authorizing the committee to employ and fix the compensation of experts to assist the committee in its inquiry and investigation.
Thank you, Madam President. I move the adoption of the resolution. UNIDENTIFIED COUNCIL PERSON: Second.
It has been moved and seconded... Councilwoman Blackwell, you're light is on.
Yes. I Stated - 3/31/05 would like to ask the sponsor, if I might, just a question. I should have asked him when he came around with the resolution.
And that is, is this an investigation into the current budget process? And were you talking about for future? Or just what did you have in mind?
We are suddenly in the middle of it and almost toward the end of our process.
The primary purpose of the resolution is to understand over time what our fiscal condition is, and a and a series of factors that have led to us where we are today. So, it would be not only a look backward but also a look forward, to help us in our future budget process to better Stated - 3/31/05 understand the impact of a wide variety of factors, some of which are possibly within our control, some of which are not within our control, like health care costs, our pension system, other spending priorities, the impact of tax reform, and a whole host of other issues that do affect us. So, we're going through -- as you point out, we are going through our budget process and we're going to pass a budget. But I think it is helpful to this Council to understand over time the impact of various factors, some of which are within our control, some of which are not. And how do we adjust to many of those factors, that while we may not be able to control them, we can certainly try to put policies in place that better contain our fiscal condition. I think everyone agrees that we do have a challenging fiscal situation, not just this year, but for many years to come, based on decisions that we make today and some of which have been made in the past. Stated - 3/31/05
And may I ask one more question, Madam President?
How do you see the Century 21 hearings in that whole study? How does that fit into what you would like to do?
You're challenging my recollection. Are you talking about the 21st Century Review Forum?
I think that dealt with five subject areas. I know ethics was obviously one of them. And I think that the other four talked about specific areas. I don't necessarily know that they went into the finances of the City. I think they were more programmatic driven and how some of the systems can work better. But I don't have any recollection... I read through that report. I don't think Stated - 3/31/05 they dealt with the finances of the City and how we might run a more fiscally sound operation.
You're welcome. Councilman Nutter did make a motion that the resolution be adopted. I believe it was seconded; was it not? It has been moved and seconded. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Chorus of "ayes.")
The ayes have it. The resolution will be referred to the Committee of the Whole. The Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano.
Thank you, madam president. Stated - 3/31/05 I have four bills and two resolutions.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance amending Title 14 of the Philadelphia Code entitled Zoning and Planning, by amending Chapter 14-200 entitled residential districts, by amending requirements relating to courts in certain residential districts, under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing transfers and appropriate for fiscal year 2005 within the Grants Revenue Fund from the Director of Finance for other grants to the Department of Public Property.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance Stated - 3/31/05 amending Title 14 of the Philadelphia Code entitled Zoning and Planning, by increasing the permissible height for fences located in the front lot line of certain properties and residential districts.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Title 14, entitled Zoning and Planning, to add definitions for certain architectural features that are commonly located on residential buildings.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Fairhill Street New Urban Renewal Area.
Thank you. Stated - 3/31/05 The Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano.
Madam President, I move for the adoption of that resolution.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Chorus of "ayes.")
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted.
And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority deeds located in the 7th, 18th, 23rd and 37th wards of the City of Philadelphia.
Again the Stated - 3/31/05 Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano.
Madam President, I move for the adoption of this resolution.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Chorus of "ayes.")
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. My position has not changed. I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode. Stated - 3/31/05
Thank you, Madam President. I offer one bill. I would like to speak on it.
Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Title 17 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled Contracts and Procurement, by enacting a new Chapter 17-1100, entitled Philadelphia 21st Century Minimum Wage Standard, requiring a new minimum wage standard within the City of Philadelphia, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I introduce a Philadelphia 21st Century Minimum Wage Standard Bill, a living wage type bill that requires City supported employers to pay at least 150 percent the minimum wage to its employees. This wage standard is already Stated - 3/31/05 required in Philadelphia under both local and state job creation tax credit laws, requiring a minimum hourly wage of $7.72 per hour, rather than just $5.15. For the record, someone being paid only $5.15 an hour, even if they work 40 hours per week and work all 52 weeks of the year, will earn only $10,712. Obviously, the purpose of this legislation is to assure that as many employees as possible within the City of Philadelphia earn a new wage that enables them to live with more dignity and increase economic self-sufficiency. The City contracts with businesses and organizations to provide services to the public, provides financial assistance to developers for the purpose of promoting economic development and job growth. Such public expenditure should also be invested in a better community economic standard. It is an investment in those who are most vulnerable economically. We need more of the economic hope Stated - 3/31/05 that is missing in many of our neighborhoods, leading to despair, drug addiction, crime and violence. Philadelphia is far behind other major cities, in terms of enacting this type of legislation. Chicago, in July of 1998, created a minimum wage standard of $9.43 per hour. And as of July 2004, that standard remains constant. Los Angeles, in June of 1999, created a minimum wage standard of $8.32 per hour. And as of July 2004, that standard has been raised to $9.46 per hour. In November of 2002, post 9/11, New York created a minimum wage standard of $9.10 per hour. And as of July of 2004, that standard has been raised to $10.60 per hour. Philadelphia has never set its own minimum wage standard. This bill sets our new standard 150 percent of the federal and state minimum wage, whichever is higher. Under Pennsylvania House Bill 257 and Senate Bill 369, a minimum wage worker would not earn $7 or more until 2007, two Stated - 3/31/05 years from now. Enactment of this local legislation would take covered employees to $7.72 now. Enactment of both state and local legislation would take covered minimum wage employees to $9 per hour now, and as much as $10.72 in two years, more in part with other major cities. The issue today is not whether minimum wage should be raised or if the state or federal government will raise it, but why we haven't set our own minimum wage standard. Today I'm pleased to offer a bill that addresses our responsibility to set our own minimum wage standard and proud to say that the bill's co-introduced by 12 other members of Council.
Thank you. The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ramos.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer one privileged resolution. Stated - 3/31/05
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
Madam President, I move for the adoption of the resolution. UNIDENTIFIED COUNCIL PERSON: Second.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Chorus of "ayes.")
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. Stated - 3/31/05 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, madam president. I offer one bill and one resolution, and I wish to speak on the bill.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance, repealing an ordinance approved by the Mayor on January 25, 2005, Bill Number 041041, entitled an Ordinance Authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property and Director of Commerce, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into a ground lease agreement, the Library ground lease, with the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, providing for the leasing by the City to PAID, of certain parcels of land and the improvements thereon, owned or to be acquired by the City, and further authorizing said officers to enter into a prime lease between PAID and the City.
The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. Stated - 3/31/05 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. This bill, if enacted, would repeal the bond approval that City Council granted to the City for the purpose of library expansion. But before I go any further, let me be perfectly clear. I understand the necessity behind this project. And I believe the expansion would benefit the City. Unfortunately, I do not believe that that is enough. When Mr. Shelkrot testified before this body, several members, including myself, brought up concerns about our neighborhood libraries. We did not want them to close. We did not want their hours reduced. We did not want qualified staff members fired, demoted or replaced by volunteers. We questioned what we can tell our constituents, how we can explain how we approved a $30 million bond for the Central Library, when most of our constituents never even visit the Central Library. Stated - 3/31/05 Mr. Shelkrot promised that he had a plan. We were told discussions were ongoing, and we were told that because of those discussions the plan could not be revealed. We were promised that before any changes were made, we would be consulted. If I had known then what I know now, if I had known then what this administration plan was, if I had known that library staff were going to be fired, if I had known that branch hours were going to be cut, I would have never voted to approve the expansion. But hindsight is 20/20. It's time for the future. It's time to figure out a way to maintain our library services. I ask you today, Madam President, to schedule this bill for a hearing as soon as possible. At the hearing I will ask my colleagues to report the bill out of committee with a favorable recommendation. And if the administration insists to follow through with this plan, and if the administration does not release the funds Stated - 3/31/05 that this Council allocated to the library system in 2005, if the administration does not accept how we reallocate funds to the library system in fiscal year '06, if this administration continues its total disregard of City Council's wishes and the thousands of voices of our constituents, then I will ask Council to vote on this bill. It's time for this Council to stand up for what is right, and it's time for the administration to listen. If they do, I will withdraw the bill. If not, I guess we'll have to wait and see what happens. Thank you, Madam President.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, for the record, with respects to this issue, I just wanted to tell Councilman DiCicco and other members of this body, at the time of the discussion, as it relates to the expansion project for the Stated - 3/31/05 library, there were three bills that were given to me as the sponsor because they were in my district. And I held one of those bills. I held one of those bills because of my concern about another matter, the parking issue. Without the passage of that bill that was held, the library cannot be built because it is required for certain changes in street patterns, lines and grades, while somewhat innocuous, it is very pertinent to the construction of that building. And you recall we had the discussion about our concerns.
So while I'm not suggesting that you should not proceed with the matter that you... But there already is a bill that is being held that would prohibit the construction and the expansion project of the library. And until we get the appropriate responses on that issue -- and now you now have new issues -- I will not be moving that Stated - 3/31/05 particular bill.
Thank you. Councilman DiCicco, did you want to be... COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: No comment at this time. Thank you, Councilman Clarke.
Thank you. The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the New Kensington Fishtown Urban Renewal Area.
The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. Stated - 3/31/05 UNIDENTIFIED COUNCIL PERSON: Second.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Chorus of "ayes.")
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Madam President, I have no bills or resolutions. Stated - 3/31/05
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Thank you, Madam President. I have two bills, two resolutions.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance dissolving the 1600 North Broad Tax Increment Financing District, and creating the Avenue North Tax Increment Financing District.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Chapter 16-200 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled Sales, Leases, and Other Grants of City-owned buildings and facilities.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. Stated - 3/31/05
And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia deeds located in the 18th, 28th, 37th and 43rd 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. (Chorus of "ayes.")
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted.
And a resolution Stated - 3/31/05 recognizing April as Community College Month in Philadelphia.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will please say aye. (Chorus of "ayes.")
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Councilman O'Neill, your light is on. Did you want to be recognized?
Chair Stated - 3/31/05 recognizes Councilman Kelly.
Yes. Madam President, I offer one privilege resolution on behalf of Councilwoman Krajewski.
And if she is watching or listening, I want her to know that we miss her, we love her, and we're anxiously awaiting her return. So, at this time I would ask the Chief Clerk to please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution commemorating the 80th anniversary of Temple Menorah Keneseth Chai of the Northeast Jewish Community Center.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. Stated - 3/31/05 All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Chorus of "ayes.")
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 first resolution.
A resolution. The Philadelphia City Council designates the month of April 2005 as Chastity Awareness Month in Philadelphia, and encourages participation in Chastity Day for presentation for school and youth groups.
I move for the Stated - 3/31/05 adoption of the resolution.
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Chorus of "ayes.")
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted.
And a resolution recognizing, honoring, celebrating and thanking David Auspitz and his family, owners of Famous Fourth Street Deli, the accommodations of choice for election day socializing and strategies, business deals and union activities, journalists and journalees, and the general of the local celebrities after four generations and 82 years of commitment to the City of Philadelphia.
Again the Stated - 3/31/05 Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Chorus of "ayes.")
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted.
And a resolution recognizing, honoring, and celebrating Ronica Licciardello Miss Philadelphia 2005 for her talents and well-rounded personna that earned her the title Miss Philadelphia 2005 and wishing her well in the Miss Pennsylvania 2005 pageant.
The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo. Stated - 3/31/05
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Chorus of "ayes.")
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. The next order of business is reports from committees, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke for a report from the Committee on Rules.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, the Committee on Rules reports one bill with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. Stated - 3/31/05 The Chief Clerk will please read the report.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia: The Committee on Rules to which was referred Bill Number 050164 entitled An Ordinance Approving the Redevelopment Proposal of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the Redevelopment of the West Fairhill, East Tioga, Hunting Park Urban Renewal Area, being the area generally bounded by Wingohocking Street and Roosevelt Boulevard on the north, North Fifth Street and North Sixth Street on the east, Lehigh Avenue on the south, and Broad Street and Venango Street on the west, respectfully reports it has considered the same, and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Clarke.
I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill Number 050164. UNIDENTIFIED COUNCIL PERSON: Stated - 3/31/05 Second.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill Number 050164. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Chorus of "ayes.")
The ayes have it, and the bill just read will be placed on today's first reading calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for a report from the Committee on Finance.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Finance reports out one bill with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chief clerk will please read the report. Stated - 3/31/05
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Finance to which was referred Bill Number 050214 entitled, An Ordinance Constituting the Sixth Supplemental Ordinance to the Amended and Restated General Airport Revenue Bond Ordinance, Authorizing the Mayor, the City Controller and the City Solicitor or a Majority of Them to Issue Airport Revenue Bonds of the City of Philadelphia in a Maximum Aggregate Principal Amount not to Exceed $230 million, respectfully reports it has considered 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 Number 050214. Stated - 3/31/05
Do I hear a second? UNIDENTIFIED COUNCIL PERSON: Second.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill Number 050214. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Chorus of "ayes.")
The ayes have it, and the bill 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. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Streets and Services reports one bill out with a Stated - 3/31/05 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 Streets and Services to which was referred Bill Number 050065 entitled, An Ordinance Amending Chapter 9-300 of The Philadelphia Code Entitled Communication, and amending Title 11 of The Philadelphia Code entitled Streets, and adding a new Chapter 11-700 to the Philadelphia Code entitled, Right-of-way Management, and Provision for Enforcement of Such Provisions, all under certain terms and Conditions, respectfully reports it has considered the same, and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Stated - 3/31/05 Madam President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day on Bill Number 050065. UNIDENTIFIED COUNCIL PERSON: Second.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first raiding this day of Bill Number 050065. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Chorus of "ayes.")
The ayes have it, and the bill just read will be placed on today's first reading calendar. The next order of business is the consideration of the calendar. The Chief Clerk will please read the bills on the first reading calendar.
Bill Number 050164, an Stated - 3/31/05 ordinance approving the redevelopment proposal of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment of the West Fairhill, East Tioga, Hunting Park Urban Renewal Area, being the area generally bounded by Wingohocking Street, Roosevelt Boulevard on the north, North Fifth Street and North Sixth Street on the east, Lehigh Avenue on the south, and Broad Street and Venango Street on the west.
And Bill Number 050214, an ordinance constituting the sixth supplemental ordinance to the amended and restated general airport revenue bond ordinance, authorizing the Mayor, the City Controller and the City Solicitor or a majority of them to issue airport revenue bonds of the City of Philadelphia in a maximum aggregate principal amount not to exceed $230 million.
And Bill Number 050065, an ordinance amending Chapter 9-300 of The Philadelphia Code entitled Communications, and amending Title 11 of The Philadelphia Code entitled Streets, and adding a new Chapter 11-700 to The Philadelphia Code entitled Right-of-way Management, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you. The Chair agrees. That completes our first reading calendar for today. We do not have any bills on the second reading and final passage calendar to be considered. So, at this time I would ask, are there any speeches on the part of the minority? (No response.)
Are there speeches on the part of the majority? The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Stated - 3/31/05 Madam President. One of every six children is two or more grade levels behind in reading, and 80 percent of those children have vision problems. To that end, I wish to announce a partnership my office has joined in with the Junior League of Philadelphia, wherein on Saturday, April 9, 2005, we will have free vision screenings for children across the City. The location will be in councilman Darrell Clarke's district, Church of the Advocate, Washington Community Center, 1801 West Diamond Street. These are free vision screenings for children throughout the City. And the time for that is 12:00 noon to 3:00 p.m. for Philadelphia's children. Again, they will be offering free vision screenings and free glasses.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen. Stated - 3/31/05
Thank you, Madam President. Several weeks ago I introduced a bill commonly known as the Predatory Superstore Bill. It's a bill aimed at these large developments by companies such as Wal-Mart. And the feeling is among many people in the community that these stores threaten, the great size of them just threaten the existence of many smaller stores, including those we usually call mom and pop stores. In order to answer the questions, Local 1776 of the Food and Commercial Workers Union has agreed to a presentation next Wednesday, April 6th, at 9 o'clock in the morning in the Caucus Room for the information of Council members and their staffs, as to the exact contents of the bill, and the additional zoning requirements that would have to be met before such a store can be built. So, I'm urging all of my colleagues and their staffs to come and to hear this. Stated - 3/31/05 More than 20 communities have already adopted such legislation throughout the country, and I'm sure it's going to provide a great deal of interest in the City. And this is a good way, prior to the official hearing, to get information to be able to probe whatever aspects of the bill any member or staff member wishes to do.
So next Wednesday morning in the Caucus Room at 9:00 a.m.
I would suggest that a member of your staff send a memorandum.
To all Council members so they can mark their calendars accordingly.
Very good suggestion. Thank you, Madam President. Stated - 3/31/05
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ramos.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, I've been informed Terry Shiavo has passed away, and I ask that we have a moment of silence to pray for her eternal rest.
Thank you. I think everyone should stand for a moment of silence, please. (A moment of silence was observed.)
Thank you. Are there any other speeches or comments from members? (No response.)
Seeing none, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for a motion to adjourn.
Madam President, I move that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, April 7, at 10:00 a.m. Stated - 3/31/05 UNIDENTIFIED COUNCIL PERSON: Second.
It has been moved and properly seconded that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, April 7th at 10:00 a.m. All in favor will say aye. (Chorus of "ayes.")
The ayes have it, and the motion carries. Thank you all very much. (Council adjourned at 11:11 a.m.) CERTIFICATE I HEREBY CERTIFY that the proceedings and evidence are contained fully and accurately in the stenographic notes taken by me upon the stated hearing of The Philadelphia City Council, taken on March 31, 2005, and that this is a true and correct transcript of same. _____________________________ DAVID A. DEIK, RPR and Commissioner of Deeds (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.)