COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Thursday, May 14, 1998 11:33 a.m. Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT JOHN F. STREET COUNCILWOMAN AUGUSTA A. CLARK COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN DAVID COHEN COUNCILWOMAN JOAN L. KRAJEWSKI COUNCILWOMAN ANNA CIBOTTA VERNA COUNCILMAN JAMES F. KENNEY COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER COUNCILMAN MICHAEL A. NUTTER COUNCILWOMAN HAPPY FERNANDEZ COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO COUNCILMAN ANGEL L. ORTIZ COUNCILMAN FRANK DICICCO COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILMAN RICHARD T. MARIANO COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO MARIE B. HAUSER, Chief Clerk VINCENT VARALLO ASSOCIATES, INC. Registered Professional Reporters Eleven Penn Center, Suite 600 Philadelphia, PA 19103 STATED MEETING - GREETING, INVOCATION P R O C E E D I N G S.
Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. The Chair notes that the hour has come and that a quorum is present. Council will come to order, Members will take their seats, and visitors will retire to their seats outside the rail. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair welcomes Reverend Frank Sirolli, of Our Mother of Consolation Church, who is here is today as a guest of Councilman Longstreth. Members and guests will please rise.
May I ask for a moment of silence to acknowledge the presence of God among us in this room. (Moments of silence.)
Lord, enable to us bring about justice in these halls today, the kind of justice that bring praise to your name. Grant that legislators be keenly aware of your presence in this room and of their accountability to you for the welfare of the people. Grant that the ordinary citizens gathered here be more aware that the common good STATED MEETING - GREETING, INVOCATION is far superior to their own special interest or selfish objectives, that all of us show the generosity apart that listens carefully to one other without necessarily agreeing, that asserts one's position without acrimony or personal invective. Grant that the proceedings in this hall today reflect the harmony of your nature, the mutual respect due to every one of your creatures, and the conscious awareness of your love. We ask this from you, our creator, source of all authority on earth, and the destiny of all of us who believe in you. Amen. AUDIENCE: Amen.
The Chair thanks Reverend Sirolli for his inspiring invocation.
The next order of business is the approval of the journal of the meeting of, Thursday, May 7, 1998. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Augusta Clark.
Mr. President, I STATED MEETING - JOURNAL APPROVAL AND LEAVES OF ABSENCE move for the adoption of the journal of Thursday, May 7, 1998. (Duly seconded.)
All those in favor, let it be known by saying aye. Those opposed, say nay. The ayes have it. The journal for the meeting of Thursday, May 7, 1998, stands approved.
The next order of business is leaves of absence. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Verna.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the Majority, there are no requests for leaves of absence.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Mr. President, on behalf of the Republicans, a leave of absence is requested for Councilman Thacher Longstreth.
The Chair thanks STATED MEETING - RECOGNITION OF VISITORS AND PRESENTATIONS Councilman O'Neill. Leave will be granted.
At this time, we will dispense with our regular order of business to recognize visitors. To all of our visitors and guests with us this morning, we welcome you here and applaud your interests in the civic affairs of our City and certainly invite you to come again. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco.
Thank you, Mr. President. It gives me great pleasure this morning to introduce 25 students from the seventh grade of Adaire School and eight parents who are here today with us. These students are studying politics and government and are here with their teacher, Mr. Ron Solaff (ph.). Please stand. (Adaire School students, parents, teacher stand for recognition.) (Applause.)
Thank you very much STATED MEETING - RECOGNITION OF VISITORS AND PRESENTATIONS for being with us. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Mr. President, we had half of a third-grade group from Martha Washington School, in my district. And half is gone and half is supposed to come. So if they're not here now, they'll be here, but we would still like to welcome them, Mr. President.
Thank you very much. Are they still here? Is there part of the group that's here? Will they please stand. (No response.)
Well, we thank you in your absence for having come to visit with us. At this time, our first presentation honors Mr. Edmond Bacon on the occasion of his 88th birthday. To make this presentation, the Chair appoints Councilman DiCicco. The Chair invites Mr. Bacon and those with him to come and receive this resolution. STATED MEETING - RECOGNITION OF VISITORS AND PRESENTATIONS (Mr. Bacon et al come forward.) (Applause.)
Thank you, Mr. President. It gives me great pleasure to introduce this resolution this morning. Is Miss Diane Dalto still here? UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: No, she isn't.
Miss Dalto, the First Deputy Representative for Arts and Culture, was here earlier this morning. With me make presenting this resolution is Councilwoman Happy Fernandez. This is a resolution designating that part of Dock Street from Christopher Columbus Boulevard to Second Street as "Edmond Bacon Way." Whereas Edmond Bacon has been a -- you didn't know about this, right, Ed? This is a surprise, by the way. Whereas Edmond Bacon has been a vital STATED MEETING - RECOGNITION OF VISITORS AND PRESENTATIONS participant in the development and growth in Philadelphia in his capacity as an architect, city planner, author, and educator since his graduation from Cornell University, with a bachelor's degree in architecture, in 1932; and Whereas Edmond Bacon has had vast experience in city planning and architectural design, working at various times as an architectural designer in Shanghai, China; Supervisor of City Planning, in Flint, Michigan; and Managing Director of the Philadelphia Housing Association; as well as having served with distinction as the Executive Director of the City Planning Commission for over 20 years; and. . .
Whereas Edmond Bacon was the visionary behind the revitalization and development of Society Hill as well as Market Street East and Penn Center; and Whereas Mr. Bacon has received numerous awards during his long and distinguished career -among them, the Art Alliance Medal of Achievement, the American Institute of Planners Distinguished Service Award, and the American Institute of Architects Metal, and the American Institute of STATED MEETING - RECOGNITION OF VISITORS AND PRESENTATIONS Certified Planners Planning Pioneer Award; and Whereas his passion for the City of Philadelphia and urban planning has never waned, and he is in the hearts and minds of Philadelphians as much a treasure as the Liberty Bell, City Hall, the Phillies, and soft pretzels; Now therefore. . .
. . . resolved by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, in celebration of Edmond Bacon's 88th birthday, on May 16, 1998, and in honor o his vast contributions to the City of Philadelphia, that the part of Dock Street from Christopher Columbus Boulevard to Second Street be designated as "Edmond Bacon Way," with appropriate signage to be placed below the existing street sign; And that all City Councilmembers join in congratulating, honoring, and commending Edmond Bacon who has contributed so much to the City of Philadelphia, be it further resolved that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Edmond Bacon, with the sincere good wishes of this legislative body, on this 88th birthday, and our wishes for his continued good health. STATED MEETING - RECOGNITION OF VISITORS AND PRESENTATIONS This resolution is signed by the President of City Council, John F. Street, introduced by me, and sponsored by all Members of City Council. Congratulations, Mr. Bacon. (Standing ovation.)
Well, my goodness. I'm absolutely overwhelmed, and this is positively the -- I mean, you mentioned a few honors I've gotten, but this is absolutely the best of the whole bunch. And it was worth waiting 88 years for this. (Applause.)
But I do have to tell you one curiosity -- that to have a street in the Northeast named for me is magnificent, that actually somebody else beat you to it. There already is a Comley Street up there, and that's my mother's family. (Laughter.)
And so, Papa, we Bacons are creeping up on it. STATED MEETING - RECOGNITION OF VISITORS AND PRESENTATIONS But it's so strange because I'm used to being in this room -- over there where the desk is, where I came during the 21 years when I was Director of the Planning Commission and beseeched you as a very humble servant of yours to give, number one, money to the Planning Commission; and, number 2, to do what I wanted. And your response to that varied according to the circumstances. But it is so strange to be here now. And yet, there's something totally wonderful about it because -Oh, by the way, I really do have to mention that it was exactly 50 years ago in City Council that I was accused of having been a Communist being, of being a Communist, of subverting the United States government, and I was fired from my job and thrown out of town in disgrace. But that was not this City Council. (Laughter.)
That was the City Council of Flint, Michigan. And so I returned, a broken and beaten man, to my native city. And I said to myself, My goodness, if I'm too radical for the STATED MEETING - RECOGNITION OF VISITORS AND PRESENTATIONS little town of Flint, what is ultra-, ultraconservative going to think of me? And, I assure you, you are answering the question today in the most marvelous way. But there's another little secret I will share with you now, and it won't take very long, but that is this: That you are the reason that everything I tried to do got done. If you remember, when I said that we must revive East Market Street, the leaders of the City said that man is crazy, he's totally impractical, he should be fired from his Planning Commission job. But you in Council thought, Well, that's a good idea. And it took you 20 years to do it you. But you all of the rest of the regular people in Philadelphia stuck with that idea, and you finally penetrated the brains of the leaders who had rejected it in the beginning. And in 1977, 20 years later, they built the beginning of it. And so I say that you shouldn't be thanking me, I'm thanking you. But I must say, as having been the original perpetrator of the idea, that right now, STATED MEETING - RECOGNITION OF VISITORS AND PRESENTATIONS at this minute, I think that the treatment of the Head House of the Reading Terminal is one the most wonderful thing in architecture in this country. And if anybody hasn't seen it, go and look at it. It's marvelous. And, secondly, the most important thing in my entire career is right there -- and that is the Hard Rock Cafe, on East Market Street. (Applause.)
And, by the way, let's save those trees in Independence Mall. But I thank you very, very much, from the bottom of my heart. And this is terribly exciting. (Applause.)
Our second presentation celebrates Israel's 50 years of independence. To make this presentation, the Chair appoints Councilman Cohen. The Chair invites Ruth Laibson, President of the Jewish Community Relations STATED MEETING - RECOGNITION OF VISITORS AND PRESENTATIONS Council, and those with her, to come and receive this resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. This is a resolution recognizing Israel's 50 years of independence celebration taking place on May 17, 1998. Whereas the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Philadelphia will sponsor the Israel 50 Independence Day celebration on May 17, 1998, at Penns Landing; and Whereas Philadelphia has a strong cultural connection to the State of Israel through its sister City relationship with Tel Aviv; and Whereas the State of Israel has been a haven for individuals seeking religious liberty and freedom from religious persecution since 1948; and Whereas the organized Jewish community feels a profound identification with Israel and a deep commitment to its survival and security; and Whereas this year, in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Israel independence, the Jewish Community Relations Council will sponsor a STATED MEETING - RECOGNITION OF VISITORS AND PRESENTATIONS community-wide celebrate, which includes: the Israel 50 Walk; exhilarating open ceremonies; Israeli dancing -- that's for Councilwoman Krajewski, particularly; two stages with live entertainment; and an Israeli bazaar featuring information, crafts Judaica, and kosher foods -for me; a fun fair for children, including educational activities, performances, a carnival, and camel rides; and much more. Now therefore resolved by the Council of the City of Philadelphia that the City of Philadelphia extends its congratulations to the State of Israel on this momentous occasion, and proudly recognizes the Jewish Community Relations Council's role in commemorating this anniversary; And resolved further that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the Jewish Community Relations Council as sincere sentiments of this legislative body. And Ruth Laibson, President of the Jewish Community Relations Council, is here to receive this resolution. Thank you very much. (Applause.) STATED MEETING - RECOGNITION OF VISITORS AND PRESENTATIONS
I want to thank City Council for extending this very significant resolution to us, and especially to Councilman Cohen. This resolution refers to the fact that the organized Jewish community feels a profound identification with Israel. But I think it's actually very honest to say that the whole City of Philadelphia feels a profound connection and identification with the State of Israel. This is a very significant moment for Israel, it's a very significant moment for all of us who admire Israel's strength as the democracy in the Middle East that we turn to. And I would hope that all of you would be able to take a few minutes on Sunday to join us at this very important juncture in our community. It will be a special day for all of us. Please come and join us at Penns Landing for the opening ceremony at 11 o'clock, and for all of the activities that go on during the day. We are one community, and we stand STATED MEETING - RECOGNITION OF VISITORS AND PRESENTATIONS together, and we really appreciate all of the support that we have felt over the years from City Council, from individual Councilmembers, and from this body as a whole. And we will continue to hope for that relationship. Thank you very much. Shalom. (Applause.)
At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for the purpose of introducing a visiting group of students.
Thank you, Mr. President. This is the second time -- now they are here. We would like to welcome some third-graders from Martha Washington School.
Please have this group stand, the third-graders from Martha Washington School. (Martha Washington School students stand to be recognized.) STATED MEETING - RECOGNITION OF VISITORS AND PRESENTATIONS (Applause.)
Thank you very much for being with us. Our final resolution for today commends Central High School Girls' Basketball Team. To make this presentation, the Chair appoints Councilwoman Clark. The Chair invites Coach Vince Parziale and the team to come and receive this resolution. Will Councilwoman Verna please approach the Chair.
Thank you, Mr. President. I cannot tell you how pleased I am to read this resolution. But before I do, skeptics say that the best way to get even is to be better. All those people who said that girls going to Central was going to be the rack and ruin and the school was going to hell in a handbasket should now see the degree to which young women working with young men have ennobled a graceful institution. This resolution congratulates Central High School on winning the Philadelphia Public League Girls' basketball title. STATED MEETING - RECOGNITION OF VISITORS AND PRESENTATIONS Whereas in a phenomenal come-frombehind second half, Central High School's Lancers rallied to a 52-51 victory over Overbrook High School's Panthers, winning their school's first Public League title; and Whereas before a crowd of 3,000 at the Pallestra on Sunday, March, 1, 1998, Central, with an 18-and-7 record started the second half with a 12-point deficit and defined the strategy from Coach Vince Parziale to play man-to-man, apply pressure, and make sure to penetrate inside. Overbrook continued to hold the lead, but the momentum shifted in the third quarter as Central concentrated on closing the gap; and Whereas Central played with confidence, poise, and -- most of all -- heart, they had listened to the man at the end of the hall and put his words into action. Suddenly, it was a different ball game, and the Lancers were in the zone exercising their shooting options and making them count; and Whereas, with only two minutes remaining in the final quarter and still a few points shy, Central's sophomore Becky Richmond STATED MEETING - RECOGNITION OF VISITORS AND PRESENTATIONS made a stealing zoom down court for a lay-up. Junior Guard Lauren Clark followed with a jumper and then finished her game high, 27 points with a 3-pointer that gave Central's Lancers the lead, the game, and its first Public League title. Now therefore resolved by the City Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we congratulate the Central High School Girls' Basketball Team on winning the Public League title. We proudly recognize the athleticism and hard work of Lillian Brenner, Lauren Clark, Amy Richmond, Becky Richmond, Deanna Miller. We congratulate every member of the winning team on their championship performance, and we commend Coach Vince on an outstanding job, a terrific season, and a precedent-setting victory. Resolve that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Central High School Girls's Basketball Team and to Coach Vince, further evidencing the sincere congratulations and high commendation of this legislative body. This is a true and correct copy of the original resolution adopted by the City Council of STATED MEETING - RECOGNITION OF VISITORS AND PRESENTATIONS the City of Philadelphia, on the 5th day of March, 1998, signed by President John Street, introduced by Augusta Clark and Donna Miller -- who I wish would join us here -- and sponsored by every Member of Council. (Applause.) (Councilwoman Verna assumes the Chair.)
The Chair recognizes Coach Vince Parziale for remarks. COACH PARZIALE: President John Street, Members of Council, thank you very much for recognizing us. It was quite a season. The young ladies you see behind you are an example of student athletes of the highest quality and who have worked extremely hard to achieve this award. Thank you very much. (Applause.) COACH PARZIALE: Over on your right is Brandy Watson, manager; Elliot Carter, manager; Dominic Barber, manager -- I'm nervous, I know her name. It's Tiarra Jeeder; Tiffany Coleman; my assistant coach, Ronald Montgomery; another manager, Lauren Miller. Behind Lauren, another STATED MEETING - RECOGNITION OF VISITORS AND PRESENTATIONS manager, Jennifer Williams. Right here we have Tiarra Bogerty. And behind Tiarra is Dionna Miller. Behind Dionna Miller is Captain Amy Richmond; Adrienne Kazinsky, who is another one of our managers; score keeper Robin Rawls. Behind her, Tina Greco; Becky Richmond, another captain; Lillian Brenner; Dana Deshields; LaKesha Collins, Brooke Melino, and Lauren Clark. (Above-mentioned proper names of Central High students and staff are spelled phonetically.) (Applause.) COACH PARZIALE: By the way, if you think my memory isn't too good, my wife told me that next Easter, I could hide my own eggs. (Laughter.)
If I could have the Councilmembers' attention, please. The next order of business is communications. The Chair recognizes the Sergeant-At-Arms for the purpose of delivering the STATED MEETING - MESSAGES FROM MAYOR messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. (Sergeant-At-Arms delivers messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk.)
May 8, 1998, to the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am pleased to advise you that I have today signed Bills No. 970592, 980232, and 980233, which were passed by Council on April the 30th. And a resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development ("PAID") to file an application with the Office of the Budget, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, under the Capital Redevelopment Assistance Program, in an aggregate amount not to exceed $78 million, to assist in the development of the Regional Performing Arts Center, the Philadelphia Zoo's Primate House, the Constitution Center Gateway Project, the Lonnie Young Recreation Center, and the Rox School Ballet. And a resolution approving the actions of the Boards of the Philadelphia Industrial STATED MEETING - MESSAGES FROM MAYOR Corporation and the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development to sell Parcel F-11 in the Eastwick Urban Renewal Area, Stage A industrial. And an ordinance amending an ordinance approved April 2, 1998 relating to the Capital Program for the six fiscal years 1994 through 2004, inclusive by transferring from Fiscal 1998 to Fiscal 1999 projects in amounts in various departments and by adding, increasing, and/or decreasing projects in amounts in various departments. And an ordinance amending an ordinance approved April 2, 1998, relating to the Fiscal 1999 Capital Budget. And an ordinance declaring that it is desirable for the health, safety, and welfare for the people served by the Community College of Philadelphia for the Hospitals and Higher Education Facilities Authority of Philadelphia to participate with the Philadelphia Community College of Philadelphia in a project. And an ordinance authorizing the placing on City Plan No. 163 of a certain right-of-way for drainage purposes, water main STATED MEETING - MESSAGES FROM MAYOR purposes, and gas main purposes extending from Wissahickon Avenue at a point approximately 98 feet northwest of Midvale Avenue. And an ordinance authorizing the Director of Commerce and the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into a deed of dedication of easement and agreement with Tinicum Township granting Tinicum a perpetual easement for public roadway and right-of-way purposes.
These messages will be printed in the journal. The Chief Clerk will read any other communications in her possession.
The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. At this time, I would like our staff to distribute the resolutions that I would like to refer to at this time. So if I could have all Members of Council's attention for just a minute. If I could STATED MEETING - INTRODUCTION OF BILLS have every Member of Council's attention. If I could have your attention. If I could have all Members of Council, have your attention.
Mr. President, I have no resolutions or bills. (Laughter.)
Thank you very much, Councilman Cohen. What you have in front of you is pink copies of -- it should be five resolutions that were introduced into the City Council of Philadelphia by various Councilmembers on April 30th of 1998. The State law, which authorizes the creation of tax increment financing districts, requires that City Council take a variety of different actions at different times in relationships to other actions that we take and that are taken by other public bodies. We are required, under the State Enabling Legislation, to approve a resolution -the ones that are in front of us, which authorize the City to negotiate in behalf of the Tax Increment Financing District. STATED MEETING - INTRODUCTION OF BILLS These resolutions have to be approved prior to the time a public hearing is held on the underlying legislation. And the underlying that's legislation associated with these resolutions is scheduled for a public hearing on May 28th -- I'm sorry, on May of 27th. The next Council session after the Council session that we are having today is May 28th. So that we either have to approve these resolutions today or have a special session of Council in order to approve them prior to the public hearing. Nothing in these resolutions in any way affects our public hearing, it doesn't constitute an approval of a project in any way, shape, or form. This is a part of the process that the General Assembly of our commonwealth sought to impose upon us in developing these projects. It is my recommendation today that we approve these resolutions today so that we do not have to run into a problem with the State Enabling Legislation which sets forth this process. We had a briefing on these tax increment financing districts this morning. A STATED MEETING - INTRODUCTION OF BILLS public hearing is listed. Nothing can happen, of course, without the approval of the bills, but we do not want to run into a timing problems with the resolutions. Is there any member of Council who has any questions? Actually, we have run into this problem before, particularly with the PNC District. We ended up having to do legislation two or three different times. It took the Law Department and various people that long to figure this all out. So does anyone have any objections to approving these resolutions today, to avoid any timing problems in considering Tax Increment Financing Districts? (No response.)
Seeing none, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Verna for a motion.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that Resolution No.'s 980346, 980350, 980351, 980352, and 980353 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
All those in favor, STATED MEETING - INTRODUCTION OF BILLS let it be known by saying aye. Those opposed, say nay. The ayes have it. And each of these resolutions stands approved. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Clark at this time for the introduction of bills and resolutions.
Mr. President, today, I have one resolution. And on your behalf, I have two bills and two resolutions.
An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Aspen Street, both sides, 25th Street to 26th Street. And an ordinance establishing a parking regulation Aspen Street, both sides, 26th Street to 27th Street.
These bills will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution introduced by Councilwoman Clark.
A resolution STATED MEETING - INTRODUCTION OF BILLS honoring Emilio Maticolli (ph.).
All those in favor, let it be known by saying aye. Those opposed, say nay. The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. The Clerk will please read the title of the second resolution introduced by Councilwoman Clark.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia deeds for properties situated in the 16th, 29th, 37th, and 43rd Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
Mr. President, I move the adoption of the resolution. STATED MEETING - INTRODUCTION OF BILLS (Duly seconded.)
All those in favor, let it be known by saying aye. Those opposed, say nay. The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. The Clerk will please read the title of the next 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 situated in the 14th, 16th, 20th, and 43rd Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
Mr. President, I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
All those in favor, let it be known by saying aye. Those opposed, say nay. The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. STATED MEETING - INTRODUCTION OF BILLS The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Mr. President, I have one bill and one resolution.
An ordinance authorizing the striking from City Plan No. 166 and abandoning of a certain right-of-way for gas main purposes from 40the Street to Preston Street, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred 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 deeds for properties situated in the 3rd, 24th, 27th, 51st, and 60th Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
Mr. President, STATED MEETING - INTRODUCTION OF BILLS I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
All those in favor, let it be known by saying aye. Those opposed, say nay. The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen.
Mr. President, I had intended to introduce a resolution today involving this take-over by the State legislature of the School District. I've agreed to not introduce that resolution for a period of two weeks, with the understanding that the Councilmembers will be fully discussing this resolution, and we will make efforts to reach as close to unanimity as possible on an approach to the various problems. Therefore, I am not introducing the resolution. And I have no bills, either.
The Chair thanks Councilman Cohen. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski. STATED MEETING - INTRODUCTION OF BILLS
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Verna.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer three bills by request and one resolution, which I request be referred to the appropriate committee. And I also introduce one resolution on your behalf.
An ordinance amending an ordinance approved April 2, 1998 relating to the Capital Program for the six fiscal years 1999 through 2004, inclusively, by transferring from Fiscal 1998 to Fiscal 1997 projects in amounts in various departments. And an ordinance amending an ordinance approved April 2, 1998 relating to the Fiscal 1998 Capital Budget by transferring from Fiscal 1998 to Fiscal 1999 projects and amounts in various STATED MEETING - INTRODUCTION OF BILLS departments by adding, increasing, and/or decreasing projects in amounts in various departments. And an ordinance authorizing the Director of Commerce and the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into a deed of dedication of easement and agreement with Tinicum Township granting Tinicum a perpetual easement for public roadway and right-of-way purposes.
These bills will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution introduced by Councilwoman Verna.
The actions of the Boards of the Philadelphia Industrial Corporation and the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development to sell Parcel F-11 in the Eastwick Urban Renewal Area, Stage A industrial, containing possibly two acres to Piazza Management or its nominees.
This resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee. STATED MEETING - INTRODUCTION OF BILLS The Clerk will read the title of the second resolution introduced by Councilwoman Verna.
A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development ("PAID") to file an application with the Office of the Budget Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, under the Capital Redevelopment Assistance Program, in an aggregate amount not to exceed $78 million, to assist in the development of the Regional Performing Arts Center, the Philadelphia Zoo Primate House, the Constitution Center's Gateway Project, the Lonnie Young Recreation Center, and the Rox School Ballet.
This resolution will also be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
The Chair thanks the Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller. STATED MEETING - INTRODUCTION OF BILLS
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 situated in the 13th and 17th Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
All those in favor, let it be known by saying aye. Those opposed, say nay. The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one bill and one resolution. STATED MEETING - INTRODUCTION OF BILLS
An ordinance authorizing the placing on City Plan No. 163 of a certain right-of-way for drainage purposes, water main purposes, and gas main purposes extending from Wissahickon Avenue at a point approximately 98 feet northwest of Midvale Avenue.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution celebrating the 100th anniversary of Roxborough Memorial Hospital School of Nursing.
Mr. President, I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
All those in favor, let it be known by saying aye. Those opposed, say nay. The ayes have it. The resolution is STATED MEETING - INTRODUCTION OF BILLS adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Fernandez.
Mr. President, I have one resolution for introduction today.
The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution commending and honoring Jerry and Sandra Finley who brought the 1998 United States Figure Skating Championship to Philadelphia.
Mr. President, I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
All those in favor, let it be known by saying aye. Those opposed, say nay. The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Mr. President, I STATED MEETING - INTRODUCTION OF BILLS offer two resolutions and one bill.
An ordinance declaring that it is desirable for the health, safety, and welfare for the people served by the Community College of Philadelphia for the Hospitals and Higher Education Facilities Authority of Philadelphia to participate with the Community College of Philadelphia in a project.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution congratulating the Simmons Drill Team and Drum Corps.
Mr. President, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
All those in favor, let it be known by saying aye. STATED MEETING - INTRODUCTION OF BILLS Those opposed, say nay. The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. The Clerk will please read the title of the second resolution.
A resolution congratulating the Oak Lane 65 LB Wild Cats on winning the Keystone State Midget Football League Championship.
Mr. President, I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
All those in favor, let it be known by saying aye. Those opposed, say nay. The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ortiz.
The Chair thanks the Councilman. STATED MEETING - INTRODUCTION OF BILLS The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco.
An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion City Plan No. 307 by widening a portion of Juniper Street on the easterly side between Arch and Cherry. And an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Tasker Street, both sides, 13th Street to Juniper Street. And an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Fifth Street, both sides, Catherine Street to Queen street. And an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Front Street, both sides, York Street to Dauphin Street. And an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Seventh Street, both sides, Fitzwater Street to Catherine Street. And an ordinance establishing a parking STATED MEETING - INTRODUCTION OF BILLS regulation on Climber Street, north side, Seventh Street to Eighth Street. And an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Clarion Street, west side, Street Tasker to Morris Street. And an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Howard Street, both sides, Girard Avenue to Thompson Street. And an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Kauffman Street, south side, Passyunk Avenue to Fifth Street. And an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Catherine Street, both sides, Seventh Street to Eighth Street. And an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Juniper Street, both sides, Dickinson Street to Tasker Street. And an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Queen Street, both sides, Fifth Street to Sixth Street.
These bills will be referred to the appropriate committees. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill. STATED MEETING - INTRODUCTION OF BILLS
The Chair thanks the Councilman. Will Council O'Neill please approach the Chair. (Councilman O'Neill approaches the Chair.)
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 situated in the 7th, 19th, and 37th Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
Mr. President, I move for the adoption of the resolution. STATED MEETING - INTRODUCTION OF BILLS (Duly seconded.)
And at this time, I also ask for leave for the rest of this Council session to attend Council business in my district, and to vote yes on all bills and resolutions on today's docket.
Leave is granted. All those in favor, let it be known by saying aye. Those opposed, say nay. The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
The next order of business is reports from committees. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Clark for the report of the Council Committee on Public Property and Public Works.
Thank you, Mr. STATED MEETING - COMMITTEE REPORTS President. The Committee on Public Property and Public Works reports out three bills with a favorable recommendation and moves that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading of Bills No. 970743, 980225, and 98312.
To the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Public Property and Public Works, to which was referred Bill No. 970743 entitled, An Ordinance Authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development a deed conveying fee simple title to a certain tract of City-owned land, with the buildings and improvements thereon, situated on the northeast side of 70th Street south of Lindbergh Boulevard. Bill No. 980225, an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into a sublease agreement with the Philadelphia STATED MEETING - COMMITTEE REPORTS Municipal Authority for use by the City and affiliated agencies of office space located at 100 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. And Ordinance 980312, an ordinance amending an ordinance approved May 9, 1997 (Bill No. 970183), which ordinance authorized the Commissioner of Public Property to convey to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia certain premises located at 2121-37 N. Howard Street by amending the legal description of the premises being conveyed to the Redevelopment Authority.
All those in favor of the motion, let it be known by saying aye. Those opposed, say nay. The ayes have it. The motion passes, and these bills will be added to our first-reading calendar today. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney for the report of the Council Committee on Licenses and Inspections.
Thank you, Mr. President. Council Committee on Licenses and STATED MEETING - COMMITTEE REPORTS Inspections reports out eight bills with favorable recommendations.
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. 960517 entitled, An ordinance amending Section 9-205 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Sidewalk Sales" by prohibiting sidewalk sales on Northeast Boulevard, both sides, from Red Lion Road to Woodhaven Road. And Bill No. 970550, an ordinance amending Section 9-205 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Sidewalk Sales" by prohibiting sidewalk sales except for certain sidewalks sales by business owners in front of their business properties at the following locations: the 100 block of West York Street, the 1800 of East York Street, the 2300 block of North Jasper Street, the 100 block of West Dauphin Street, the 2300 block of North Hope Street, the 2400 block of North Front, and on Kensington Avenue from York Street to Lehigh Avenue. STATED MEETING - COMMITTEE REPORTS And Bill No. 970551, an ordinance amending Section 9-206 of The Philadelphia Code entitled "Sidewalk Vendors in Neighborhood Business Districts" by designating the 2300 block of North Front Street as a neighborhood business district in which sidewalk sales are subject to the provisions of Section 9-206. And Bill No. 970675, an ordinance amending Chapter 9-200 of The Philadelphia Code entitled "Commercial Activity on Streets" by amending Section 9-206 entitled "Sidewalk Vendors in Neighborhood Business Districts." And Bill No. 970676, an ordinance amending Section 9-205 of The Philadelphia Code relating to sidewalk sales by adding a new provision prohibiting sidewalk sales in the area bounded by Washington Avenue on the north side, 12th Street on the east side, Oregon Avenue on the south side, and 17th Street on the west side. And Bill No. 970695, an ordinance amending Title 9 of The Philadelphia Code of General Ordinances entitled "Regulation of Businesses, Trades and Professions" by amending Section 9-204(8)(a) by extending the ban on STATED MEETING - COMMITTEE REPORTS vending on Chestnut Street to Front Street. And Bill No. 980163, an ordinance amending Section 9-205 of The Philadelphia Code entitled "Sidewalk Sales" by prohibiting sidewalk sales on Frankford Avenue, both sides, from Wakeling Street to Bridge Street. And Bill No. 980164, an ordinance amending Section 9-205 of The Philadelphia Code entitled "Sidewalk Sales" by prohibiting sidewalk sales on Torresdale Avenue, both sides, from Harbison Avenue to Cheltenham Avenue.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading of these bills today. (Duly seconded.)
All those in favor, let it be known by saying aye. Those opposed, say nay. The ayes have it. The rules are suspended. And these bills will be added to our STATED MEETING - COMMITTEE REPORTS first-reading calendar today. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Fernandez.
Mr. President, I would like to request a leave of absence from the rest of this Council session due to Council business outside of City Hall. I'd also like to be recorded as voting yes on all the bills before us today.
Thank you very much, Councilwoman. Leave will be granted. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller for the report on the Council Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Special Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs reports Bill No. 980277 out of committee, with a favorable recommendation.
To the President and Members of the Council of the City of STATED MEETING - COMMITTEE REPORTS Philadelphia, the Special Committee on Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs, to which was referred Bill No. 980227, an ordinance renaming the Cobbs Creek Skate House in the Park to the "Laura Sims Ice Rink in Cobbs Creek Park" respectfully that it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council, with a favorable recommendation.
In addition, we request that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading. (Duly seconded.)
All those in favor, let it be known by saying aye. Those opposed, say nay. The ayes have it. The motion passes. And this bill will be added to our first-reading calendar today.
The next order of business is consideration of the calendar. The Chief Clerk will read the bills on the STATED MEETING - FIRST READING - BILL 960367, 970743, 980225 first-reading calendar.
Bill No. 960367, an ordinance amending Title 9 of The Philadelphia Code entitled Regulation of "Businesses, Trades, and Professions" by adding a new chapter prohibiting cigarette vending machines and providing penalties.
Bill No. 970743, an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development a deed conveying fee simple title to a certain tract of City-owned land with the buildings and improvements thereon situated on the northeast side of 70th Street south of Lindbergh Boulevard, under and subject to the terms and conditions of the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation.
Bill No. 980225, an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into a sublease agreement STATED MEETING - FIRST READING - BILL 980312, 960517, 970550 with the Philadelphia Municipal Authority for use by the City and affiliated agencies of office space located at 100 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Bill No. 980312, an ordinance amending an ordinance approved May 9, 1997, which ordinance authorized the Commissioner of Public Property to convey to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia certain premises located at 2121 through 37 North Howard Street.
Bill No. 960517, an ordinance amending Section 9-205 of The Philadelphia Code entitled "Sidewalk Sales" by prohibiting sidewalk sales on Northeast Boulevard, both sides, from Red Lion Road to Woodhaven Road.
Bill No. 970550, an ordinance amending Section 9-205 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Sidewalk Sales" by prohibiting sidewalk sales except for certain sidewalks sales by business owners in front of STATED MEETING - FIRST READING - BILL 970551, 970675, 970676 their business properties at the following locations: the 100 block of West York Street through the 1800 of East York Street.
Bill no. 970551, an ordinance amending Section 9-206 of The Philadelphia Code entitled "Sidewalk Vendors in Neighborhood Business Districts" by designating the 2300 block of North Front Street as a neighborhood business district.
Bill No. 970675, an ordinance amending Chapter 9-200 of The Philadelphia Code entitled "Commercial Activity on Streets" by amending Section 9-206 entitled "Sidewalk Vendors in Neighborhood Business Districts."
Bill No. 970676, an ordinance amending Section 9-205 of The Philadelphia Code relating to sidewalk sales by adding a new provision prohibiting sidewalk sales in the area bounded by Washington Avenue on the north side, 12th Street on the east side, Oregon STATED MEETING - FIRST READING - BILL 980163, 980164, 980227 Avenue on the south side, and 17th Street on the west side.
Bill No. 980163, an ordinance amending Section 9-205 of The Philadelphia Code entitled "Sidewalk Sales" by prohibiting sidewalk sales on Frankford Avenue, both sides, from Wakeling Street to Bridge Street.
Bill No. 980164, an ordinance amending Section 9-205 of The Philadelphia Code entitled "Sidewalk Sales" by prohibiting sidewalk sales on Torresdale Avenue, both sides, from Harbison Avenue to Cheltenham Avenue.
Bill No. 980227, an ordinance renaming the Cobbs Creek Skate House in the Park to the "Laura Sims Ice Rink in Cobbs Creek Park."
The Chair agrees. The bills read by the Chief Clerk will be placed on the second- and final-reading passage calendar for the next reading. STATED MEETING - FIRST READING - BILL 980163, 980164, 980227 The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. We had a typing error in the title of the bill from Parks and Recreation that should say "Skate House in the Park" as opposed to "Ice Rink." So we would hope that that correction could be made.
It will be so noted in the record, and I will ask the Chief Clerk to make that change in the formal copy of the bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. It should say "Laura Sims Skate House in the Park."
And we'd like for this to be corrected prior to the printing of the bill.
Council will now consider bills on the second- and final-reading STATED MEETING - FIRST READING - BILL 980163, 980164, 980227 passage calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
My light is not working. Mr. President, I'd like to be excused from this session and reported as voting aye on all bills. Thank you.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. Leave will be granted. My understanding is that all Members of Council requesting a leave of absence during this session are going to pay for our next Council lunch. (Laughter.)
Thank you very much. Council will now consider bills on the second- and final-reading passage calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Verna.
Thank you, Mr. President. Bill No.'s 970742, 980228, and 980193 on the second-reading and final-passage calendar STATED MEETING - 2ND READING - BILL NO. 970742, are now being called for consideration; all other bills are being held.
The Chair thanks Councilwoman. The first bill for consideration will be Bill No. 970742. The Clerk will please read the title of the Bill.
An ordinance amending Section 19-201 of The Philadelphia Code relating to City depositories by clarifying and updating the list of institutions in which the City is authorized to deposit funds and by amending certain conditions.
This bill, having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The Clerk will call a roll.
Councilman Cohen. STATED MEETING - 2ND READING - BILL NO. 970742,
Councilwoman Fernandez is voting aye. Councilman Kenney.
Councilman Mariano is voting aye. Councilwoman Miller is voting aye. Councilman Nutter.
Councilwoman STATED MEETING - 2ND READING - BILL NO. 980228 Tasco.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. The majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill for consideration will be Bill No. 980228. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance authorizing the Mayor, on behalf of the City, to file am application with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development for a community block grant as required by Section 104 of Title 1 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974.
This bill, having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? STATED MEETING - 2ND READING - BILL NO. 980228 The Clerk will call a roll.
Councilwoman Fernandez is voting aye. Councilman Kenney.
Councilman Mariano is voting aye. Councilwoman Miller is voting aye. Councilman Nutter.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. The bill passes. The next bill for consideration is Bill No. 980193. The Clerk will please read the title of the Bill.
An ordinance authorizing transfers and appropriations for Fiscal Year 1998 within the HealthChoices STATED MEETING - 2ND READING - BILL NO. 98193 Behavioral Health Revenue Fund from the Department of Public Health to the Department of Human Services Office of Emergency Shelter and Services and the Director of Finance contributions to School District.
This bill, having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The Clerk will call a roll.
Aye. Councilman Mariano is voting aye. Councilwoman Miller is voting aye. Councilman Nutter.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. The STATED MEETING - SPEECHES majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Mr. President. I would like to be are recorded as voting aye on all previous bills I may have missed while off the floor.
Thank you very much. The record will so note. This completes our consideration of the second- and final-reading passage calendar.
Are there any speeches on the part of Members of the Minority? (No speeches on behalf of Members of the Minority.)
Are there any speeches on the part of Members of the Majority? The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. As the Council will note, we circulated copies of a resolution to be introduced today STATED MEETING - SPEECHES calling for private meetings on the part of the -certainly the President and Council with the Administration, the School Board, the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, and State government officials. Previously, we introduced a resolution calling for public hearings to deal with the issue of the proposed State takeover, but we did not. In the spirit of cooperation, we agreed to hold the resolution, not to introduce it. But we would like the Council to note that the Mayor has agreed, and the Council President will concur, that these private meetings will take place within the next two weeks, and we will certainly be in touch with all of you so that you can so set your calendar to make it a point to attend. We have been very, very concerned about our role as the Education Committee with all talks that are going on and the lack of communication that we've had with the members of committee and Council on this issue. Everyone is concerned. All of us feel we bear special responsibility. There's talk every day about the 217,000 students STATED MEETING - SPEECHES and what role -- and what role we have in all of this. So we felt it certainly is our duty and responsibility as Chair to try to make sure that we feel some level of inclusion, and at least we understand just what's going on. So I am happy to say again that the Mayor has agreed that those talks will take place with us within the next two weeks. Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you very much. I appreciate Councilwoman Blackwell's concern about this and would like very much to support her. And as my schedule will allow, I will attend those meetings. This is a very serious matter, and I appreciate her concern for it. Thank you very much. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no speech, just an announcement. The Council Committee on Rules will be meeting at 1 o'clock. And in an effort to obtain STATED MEETING - SPEECHES a quorum as soon as possible, I'd ask that the members remain afterwards and establish that quorum so that we can have our hearing.
The Chair thanks the Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen.
Mr. President, I would just like to disagree with my esteemed colleague Councilwoman Blackwell. I get very concerned when we talk about private meetings concerning public business. There are always occasions where there are private meetings in the course of discussion. People want to caucus together. If there are different parties from different vantage points, they want to get together, and they have a right to do that. But I think when the legislature passes an act in Harrisburg that takes away basic union rights from large groups of workers, that's a matter of public business. And, in my judgment, it's a very bad display of how public business should be enacted. The action in Harrisburg was a stealth attack on old labor everywhere. There was no STATED MEETING - SPEECHES public discussion whatever. And the attack on the union and that so-called takeover bill -- the attack was limited by naming the bill to the Federation of Teachers. But, you know, there are a number of other unions in the School District -the Oilers Union, which is a part of the Service Employees International Union, is also affected. And if they can take rights away from one union, they can certainly do with all unions. I believe they had no legal power to do it, and that it was a very bad exercise of power. And I don't understand why there hasn't already been a much more open attack on the action by the legislature. Also, I'm obviously very concerned about the fact that Philadelphia has been treated as if we don't exist. Does the State really believe it has the right to take over our school system? If that's the case, let's just abolish the whole City of Philadelphia and operate merely one government -- the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. We have a Home Rule Charter that guarantees us certain rights. That's been STATED MEETING - SPEECHES violated, and I think we've got to respond. But in the interest of trying to find a way to get as broad an agreement as possible, to have everybody have a full opportunity to discuss every aspect of their particular concern, I agree to withhold -- as Councilwoman Blackwell did with her resolution, I agreed to withhold this resolution for two weeks. But, Mr. President, I have to emphasize that I believe that we are in an absolute emergency state. I think the situation has gone far beyond any effort by the Mayor and the City of Philadelphia working either alone or with the President of City Council to handle this matter. I think we're a legislative body, and we ought to act as such. And I think there ought to be a sharp response by this body to the effort by the State legislature. And if the Republicans are sensitive, I don't think it's a question of a couple of Democrats who may have voted for the bill. The fact is, it was an Administration bill, Governor Ridge's bill, that the legislature passed. And I think we're being told by one of STATED MEETING - SPEECHES the two major parties that cities don't have any rights. And that when Republicans are in control, they feel free to disrespect us at any time and to take over control. In any event, I believe that this is a matter that requires immediate attention. And I hope this two-week period between this meeting and the meeting two weeks from now will be constructively used. I will be available to discuss any aspect of the resolution I've introduced, and I would like to see the matter brought before this Council for the two weeks. And I hope that if the Mayor and the Council President get involved in the discussions, that they will discuss it fully and share what's going on with other Members of the Council. Thank you very much, Mr. President.
Thank you very much, Council Cohen. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ortiz.
Thank you, Mr. President. I would like to associate myself with STATED MEETING - SPEECHES the remarks Councilman Cohen and Councilwoman Blackwell. And today's editorial in The Philadelphia Inquirer offers a stark contrast as to how two state legislatures deal with the same problem. One decides to go ahead and try to take over and not meet its responsibility, and the editorial today talks about the legislature in Hartford, Connecticut. And I'd like to read the editorial into the record because it shows very, very -- in clear contrast what the problems are and why they are not being handled here in the state of Pennsylvania, and how the state Connecticut decided to confront it. ) Today's reading lesson begins in the town where Mark Twain invented Huck Finn. Up in Hartford, the Connecticut legislature has passed unanimously a sweeping measure aimed at improving the reading skills of young children stuck in the state's poorest school system. Contrast that to STATED MEETING - SPEECHES what our legislature in Pennsylvania has done. With less courtroom tussling than it is taking in Connecticut, this became another state to realize schools in poor areas really do need more resources to help their children master education's vital skills, something our legislature does not recognize that we need more resources. While Connecticut is smaller than Pennsylvania, its demographics are not unlike southeastern Pennsylvania's poverty-plagued central cities surrounded by mostly well-off suburbs. But up there, city and suburban Democrats and Republicans somehow got to say yes on this issue instead of settling for broad size and gimmicks -- very different, again, than what our state legislators have been doing. And look at what was done and why it might be instructive. The slogan of the 20 Million Early Reading Success Act passed last week as 4 by 4, meaning all students should be reading at grade level by the fourth grade. It aims aid at schools where at least 40 percent of students receive free or STATED MEETING - SPEECHES reduced-price lunches. The focus is on providing early help to struggling readers and ensuring that districts develop long-range improvement plans. The plans must address teacher training, methods of assessment students' progress, and ways to involve parents and libraries. We're closing libraries. I visited six schools during the last couple of weeks, and there's not a librarian in any of them. This law is a complement to an $80 million school initiative the state passed last year which aims to ensure quality preschool for all three- and four-year-olds. Can you imagine that happening in Pennsylvania? Quality education for all preschool, all three- and four-year-olds. Together the laws hope to help about 250,000 children. The harmonic convergence of political and judicial ferment led to these initiatives -- not vindictiveness, as is being showed to us in Harrisburg. Legislative leaders were chagrined when an analysis of, Education and Health & Human Services spending found that only 8 percent of it STATED MEETING - SPEECHES was going to prevent the programs. Our state legislature passed a huge prison increase -- very much in contrast. Meanwhile, the State Supreme Court held that children in Hartford were not getting educational opportunities equal to those in other districts. Pennsylvania does not recognize that our students here in Philadelphia are not getting equal opportunities as those in other districts. And a study commission found that the state's poor children had little access to good preschool programs; or that kids who did, scored much higher in fourth grade mastery tests. Child advocates pointed out that with the state 21-month limit on welfare, 27,000 children would have to scramble for quality day care while their mothers went to work or job training. The facts in Connecticut don't differ much from those in Pennsylvania -- only the quality of political will does.
Today we have Russell Beyers talking about the Governor not blinking, as if that was a statement that could make public policy. The key situation is that our kids are STATED MEETING - ADJOURNMENT being denied resources, and the State, the only thing that they can do is pass takeover legislation. Shame on them.
Thank you very much. Are there any other speeches? (No further speeches.)
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, May 28, 1998. (Duly seconded.)
All those in favor, let it be known by saying aye. Those opposed, say nay. The ayes have it. This Council session stands adjourned till Thursday, May 28, 1998, at 10 o'clock a.m. (Adjourned at 12:56 p.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, May 14, 1998, were reported and accurately by me, and that this is a correct transcript of same. RE: STATED COMMITTEE __________________________________, JOSEPHINE CARDILLO, RPR