Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. We will now consider Bill No. 110829.
An ordinance amending Subcode "A" (The Philadelphia Administrative Code) of Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code by providing for the manner of payment of building permit fees when a solar electric or photovoltaic system is installed.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill 2ND READING pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution introduced today by Councilwoman Sanchez.
A resolution amending Resolution No. 110453, approving the Annual Program Statement and Budget for the expenditure of the Neighborhood Transformation Initiative Bond Proceeds for Fiscal Year 2012.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. 2ND READING (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. I believe Councilwoman Tasco introduced several resolutions.
A resolution honoring and thanking Councilman Frank DiCicco.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution honoring and thanking Councilman Jack Kelly.
Madam President, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. 2ND READING
And a resolution honoring and thanking Councilwoman Joan Krajewski.
Madam President, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution honoring and thanking Councilwoman Donna Reed Miller.
The 2ND READING Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution honoring and thanking Councilman Frank Rizzo.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It 2ND READING has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution honoring and thanking Council President Anna C. Verna.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. (Applause.)
I believe that completes our Calendar for today. I see that -- they say you never really leave City Council, and to prove it, Rick Auerbach is here, and I'd like him to stand up and be recognized. It's so great to see you, Rick. (Applause.)
Thank you. Thank you for all the service that you gave us. And I see Pat Rafferty is here. Pat, thank you too for all that you've done. (Applause.)
I was going to say a few words, but I is here, so, therefore, I guess he takes precedence over whatever I may say.
No. That's all right. I'll give you the respect that it calls for. Mr. Mayor. (Applause.)
Thank you, Madam President. Good morning, members of City Council. Let me first say for all the matters that you took up today, I do want to be one of the first to commend you for the unanimous vote to dramatically change this great city by the work that you did with the revisions, the reworking, the total revamping of the Philadelphia Zoning Code. Congratulations. Thank you. (Applause.)
Madam President, I came into this room about 30 years ago for the first time. I fell in love with this room and fell in love with this place and this institution that many, many years ago. And as I said five and a half years ago when I stood here leaving this body, I still love this place. This is an incredible place here in our city, a revered institution, a revered building, a revered body that is deserving of great credit and great recognition. It is a place where I've had some of the happiest moments of my life and a place where I've had a couple of very, very sad moments, and today, part of today at least, will be a part of some of those memories. The six members who are leaving this great, great body, we will miss you. I've enjoyed working with all of you. Some of you I've spent my entire with and got to know in the earliest days upon coming to this body. Councilwoman Miller -- where is she? The photo guy is in the way. I had the pleasure of sitting next to Councilwoman Miller for all the time that she was here, that I was here, and we've had some wonderful conversations and done some great, great things together. And, Councilwoman, I want to commend you for a great career here in City Council. God bless you.
Councilman Rizzo, you and I have -- we've shared that little space between us for all of your time here and again my time here, a lot of comments across that little space and across the desk, some never to be repeated and some others we will just But certainly you have brought great honor to this body and maintaining a family name of public service here in the City that will last for a long, long period of time. Congratulations to you, sir.
Councilman Kelly, it has definitely been a blast with you. Councilman Kelly, long-winded, always talking, always making speeches, always something to say, just not out in the public. And, sir, you have brought an elevated, a passion for the concern and care in particular for animals here in the City and driving an agenda to ultimately make Philadelphia a no-kill city in the United States of America. I want to commend you for a great two times in service here in City Council. You decided to take two tours of duty, and we've enjoyed both. you, sir.
Well, Joanie. There's just no one like Joan Krajewski. She is the most straightforward, non -- she has no time for pop and circumstance, ceremony or anything else. You call Joan up, you want to start making your case and making the pitch, when I was in Council and the same thing as Mayor, "All right. What do you want? What are you calling me for? What is this about?" Yes or no, up or down, left or right. And the great, great thing about Joan, of course, is after you go through all that, you have a great conversation, she's rock solid, if she says she's going to do something, she's doing it; if she tells you she's not for you, she's not for you and you should just leave her alone. Otherwise you'll get another conversation which will not be as first one. No one has ever demonstrated more passion and commitment as a district Councilperson for their district and the people in it. And I've enjoyed working with you both in Council and certainly in this capacity. And everywhere you go in the Sixth Councilmanic District she is loved and adored and recognized for having truly provided great public service and constituent service to the folks in the Sixth and has done a whole lot for a whole lot of other people in many, many places and certainly supported me under some difficult circumstances, both as a member of Council and as Mayor. Joan, thank you for giving and giving and giving so much. Thank you.
And Frank DiCicco. Frank never saw a battle that he wasn't willing to take on, whether it good, bad or indifferent, popular or was going to cause him grief and aggravation. He had a controversial project one time. I didn't understand all the controversy, but down at 4th and around Washington. What was that? Something Square. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Jefferson Square.
Jefferson Square. He had a big blowout hearing in here one time. There was so much controversy going on with it, I actually made a site visit down to see what was going on. Ultimately supported the project. Frank is the guy that's been out there seeing whether or not the horses had blankets and routes for carriages and all kinds of other stuff, but probably has had, given the nature of his district, some of the most dramatic development here in the City of of this city will be transformed. And we'll do some and then someone else will do hopefully the rest, but that process started with Frank DiCicco. His fingerprint, palm print, entire handprint is all over the future of what will be one of the greatest waterfronts anywhere in the United States of America, and we all owe a debt of gratitude to Frank DiCicco for taking that battle on. Thank you. (Applause.)
Oh, I know you're there. Council President Verna. Council President was one of the first people I met when I came into this building, and I made the mistake of thinking I knew something. One day I was actually a candidate for City Council in 1987 and I had the temerity to run at that time, a great lady and a good public servant. She's since passed away, Ann Land. The controversy of the day was trash to steam, and while the location was not in the Fourth Council District, there was an incinerator that would close as a result of this new proposed one to be built, and Councilman Cohen was leading the charge -- I'm sure that Councilman Greenlee remembers that -against that particular idea, but I was trying to represent the interest of the constituents in the Fourth district. So I came to testify at a public hearing, the first time, and Council President, of course, was opposed to the proposal because of its impact on the Second District. And I had signed up, but it became known to me, Councilman Jones, that the then-Councilwoman for the Second District had a feeling of what I was going to say and thought that I might -- now, this is stunning to me that that I might use that as a political opportunity given the fact that there was an election coming up. I don't understand why you would have thought that. Well, I learned a great lesson that day, because when you're at the table, when you're on the committee, you get to have a little bit of say about what happens. And that hearing started about 9 o'clock that morning and the Council President made sure that I gave my testimony at about 5:30 that afternoon, and I think there may have been three people left. This is a good lesson. You're really good. The longest serving public servant in the entire City of Philadelphia. (Standing ovation.)
Our Council President was also great, great friends with the person who ultimately brought me off my political career, the late Councilman John Anderson. They were friends, and he always spoke lovingly of her. The great thing about our Council President is she wears her passion and commitment for the City on her sleeve. She cares so much. She's given a tremendous amount, she, of course, and her father who preceded her. She's worked through any number of Administrations. She's a rock-solid person who has her way, has her way of getting things done. And no one else should ever have to be like anybody else, and there will never be another person who gives and gives and gives and asks for nothing in return than our great Council President Anna Verna. I've loved serving my entire political career with you here in this City Council in two different jobs, and I just deeply appreciate all that you have given to me, all of the advice, the support, allowed me to be in places and and participate in discussions that, under any other circumstance, there would be no reason for me to have been in those situations, and you created those opportunities each and every time and never raised a question. So we have a couple things. Why don't I do the big one first. Madam President, I don't know if you're allowed to -
I think since this is the Philadelphia bowl, I think the Board of Ethics will be fine. (Applause.)
You see we're tremendously well prepared and coordinated here, Madam President. Why don't we just -- can I ask members - Councilwoman Miller, Rizzo, Kelly, Krajewski and DiCicco - to come on up. What's the difference? COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: These are blow-ups of the DROP checks. (Laughter.)
Only in the mind and the mouth of Frank DiCicco. Councilman DiCicco, come on up. These are framed pictures and a tribute from the City of Philadelphia, signed by me. Congratulations. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you. Lastly, let me just say on behalf of the entire Administration, all of our folks have enjoyed working with all of you and certainly all the members of City Council. This has been quite possibly one of the toughest four-year stretches in decades here in this city, and I'll say to you what I said just the other day to our various rating agencies. Without your support -- Council President, I know you're over on the side there. But without all of your support, this city would not have been able to do the things that we did that needed to be done. Yes, they were tough. Yes, they were controversial. Yes, people were upset, but we did stabilize the finances of the City of Philadelphia, and that is to all of you. And on behalf of a million and a half people and growing, thank you very, very much. God bless you. God keep you. Have a great holiday. Bye-bye. (Applause.)
Thank you, Madam President. I request permission to approach the podium. (Councilwoman Tasco approached podium.)
We certainly thank the Mayor for coming in this morning to recognize our colleagues who are leaving this body. We've all worked with you, and thank you for your comments and the presentations. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
We're very sad to see our colleagues leave. We know that they're going to enjoy their retirement, and most of them will not retire, we will probably see them around doing something else that they enjoy doing. But I've enjoyed working with them through the years, and in spite of all the knocks and bruises, they withstood the storm, the weather and have come through representing this city, their districts and also all of the members of the City of Philadelphia, and I want to thank them. I've enjoyed working with you. So now I'd like to call Councilman Kenney and Blackwell to the podium. We'd also like Councilman Kelly to join with us. (Councilmembers approached podium.)
This is a resolution honoring you for the service you provided to the City Council and to this city. Whereas, Jack Kelly is a native and lifelong resident of Northeast years of business, municipal and community leadership experience; and
I'm very happy to be up here doing this for Jack Kelly today because on at least three occasions I've been publicly thanked and wished well in my retirement, and I wanted to make sure we got the right guy leaving.
Yes. We look alike, you're right. Whereas, while raising four children with his wife, Kathleen, he began his career in business, climbing the ranks of Gould (formerly ITE Imperial Corporation) and, after twenty-four years of service, Jack parlayed his experience and expertise as a businessman to the public sector as an administrator for the Philadelphia Court System; and Whereas, in 1987, realizing the leadership in a time of crisis, Jack Kelly successfully ran to represent the Seventh Council District and, in January 1988, was sworn into office; Whereas, as a District Councilmember, Jack fought oppressive tax increases and was a champion for neighborhood rights, vehemently opposing federal programs that were infringing on the rights of the community in ensuring fair real estate markets. Through his hard efforts, Jack was successful in stabilizing the markets and market value of homes in the Seventh Council District;
Whereas, as a two-term Councilman At-Large, Jack fought against the closure of libraries in the City; crafted legislation that ensures our firefighters have protective ear equipment; implemented Project Lifesaver which assist our police officers in saving the lives of those who suffer from autism, Alzheimer's disease, and various forms of dementia; lobbied to expand our economic base through business tax reductions; passionately fought for better animal care and control standards; introduced legislation which enables the Philadelphia Police Department to easily track stolen goods and inhibits criminals' ability to sell stolen property; secured funding to support the wonderful arts and cultural institutions throughout our City; held hearings to ensure that Philadelphia's Colleges and Universities are safe and prepared for emergency situations; brought awareness to the deadly staff infection MRSA; and resolved countless quality of life and constituent issues which affect our streets and neighborhoods. He also achieved a leadership position by being elected Minority Whip of City Council.
Now, therefore, be it resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that it hereby recognizes and thanks Councilman Kelly on his retirement after over thirty years of dedicated and excellent service to the people of Philadelphia. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Councilman Jack Kelly further evidencing the admiration and gratitude of this legislative body. This is signed by -- it's a certified copy of -- this is a true and correct copy of the original resolution, adopted by the Council of the City of Philadelphia on the 15th day of December 2011, signed by President Verna and all members of City Council. God bless you and good luck. (Applause. )
Certainly. Well, as the Mayor said, I'm long-winded, so I'm going to be very brief. But I just want to thank, of course, the President of City Council, all of my colleagues who I've worked with over the years. I think they're a great bunch of people. They have done a tremendous job, in my opinion. And I want to welcome the new Councilpeople coming in here. I think that we're going to improve the City. I have great confidence in the present Council and the future Council of this city, and I want to be here to help you in any way that I can. And God bless you all for all the support you've shown me through the years. Thank you. (Applause.)
I would like Councilmembers Greenlee and Sanchez to please join me at the podium to present a resolution honoring Councilman Frank Rizzo. Councilman Rizzo, would you join us as well. (Councilmembers approached
This is a resolution recognizing and thanking Frank Rizzo on his retirement after sixteen years of dedicated and excellent service as a Councilman At-Large to the people of Philadelphia. Whereas, Frank Rizzo was elected Philadelphia Councilman At-Large in 1995 and was reelected in 1999, 2003 and 2007, and has served as Minority Whip; and
Whereas, constituent service has been a hallmark of Frank Rizzo's tenure in City Council, handling over 41,000 issues; and Whereas, further, Councilman Rizzo has served on the following City Council committees: Appropriates, Disabled and the Handicapped, Education, Environment, Ethics, Public Property and Public Works, Public Safety, Rules, Technology and Information Services, and the Committee of the Whole; and Whereas, Councilman Rizzo authored the Property Tax Deferral Ordinance to provide relief to homeowners; helped address problems with Police and Fire Emergency Radio; introduced Red Light Camera legislation to make intersections safer; initiated a Rotational Towing System to improve safety by regulating tow truck operators; successfully advocated that the Commonwealth patrol State highways in the City of Philadelphia; advocated Early Childhood Education initiatives; authored the Zoning Variance Criteria Ordinance requiring that applicants for variances be current on their taxes; and introduced reform Ethics legislation that would have involved regulating Lobbyists, Gifts, Nepotism, Outside Employment, and refined the Campaign Finance Laws; and
Whereas, Rizzo has been very active in the community, having served on the Boards of the African-American Museum in Philadelphia; the Community and Police Interracial Task Force; the Philadelphia Cultural Fund; the Self-Help Movement, Incorporated; the DePaul Catholic School Advisory Board; Art in City Hall; and the Fairmount Historic Preservation Trust, among others. And I could attest to the many events he came to in the Latino community. Rizzo is the past Vice President of the Philadelphia Cultural Fund Board; and Whereas, Councilman Rizzo contributed greatly to Philadelphia's governance through his vision, leadership, and commitment. We look forward to his future contributions to the people of the City of Philadelphia.
Now, therefore, be it resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that it hereby recognizes and thanks Frank Rizzo on his retirement after sixteen years of dedicated and excellent service as a Councilman At-Large to the people of resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Frank Rizzo further evidencing the admiration and gratitude of this legislative body. Certification that this is a true and correct copy of the original resolution, adopted by the Council of the City of Philadelphia on the 15th day of December 2011, signed by President Verna, introduced by Tasco and sponsored by all members of City Council. Congratulations and good luck. (Applause.)
Thank you very much. I'd first like to thank my staff, because this resolution couldn't have been written without all of their hard work, seriously. It's not just one person. It's a real good team to make things happen. And it's been an honor and a privilege to serve with all of you. class group of people. Thank you. (Applause.)
Would Councilmembers Green and Clarke please join me on the podium to present a resolution honoring Councilwoman Donna Reed Miller. Would Councilwoman Miller also join us. (Councilmembers approached podium.)
This is a resolution recognizing and thanking Councilwoman Donna Reed Miller on her retirement after sixteen years of dedicated and excellent service to the citizens of Philadelphia, and particularly the people of the Eighth Council District. Whereas, Donna Reed Miller served with distinction and dedication as a member of Philadelphia City Council, representing the Eighth Council District 1996 to 2011. Throughout this time, she has given unsparingly of her time, energy, and leadership as Chair of City Council's Public Safety Committee, Chair of the Disabled and Handicapped Committee, and Vice Chair of the Public Property and Public Works, and Public Health and Human Services Committee. She has also provided valuable insight as a member of Council's Committee of the Whole, Appropriations, Housing and Homeless, Transportation and Public Utilities, Streets and Services, Ethics, Environment, and Rules. She is also former Chair of the Philadelphia Black Elected Officials; and
Whereas, Councilwoman Miller has introduced and co-sponsored landmark bills and legislation such as the Video Surveillance Camera Referendum, which has made an impact on the City's war on crime; Ban the Box legislation, making it easier for ex-offenders to be considered employment; and the implementation of count-down pedestrian timers. She has also been a staunch defender of workforce diversity and has introduced amendments requiring more inclusive long-term goals, strategies and strict enforcement of minority participation in the Pennsylvania Convention Center Expansion; and Whereas, Councilwoman Miller fought for the City of Philadelphia to control its own gun laws. In 2008, she was part of a joint lawsuit which maintained that the PA General Assembly created a "state of danger" by refusing to act on several ordinances passed in Philadelphia to address the proliferation of illegal firearms that have significantly contributed to the epidemic of gun violence in our city. The suit asked the Court to revisit the 1996 ruling in Ortiz v. Commonwealth of PA which denied two home-rule municipalities, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, the right to regulate gun ownership; and
Whereas, Councilwoman Miller successfully brought to the Eighth District hundreds of millions of dollars in demolition and revitalization projects; has been responsible for countless numbers of commercial and residential development projects. In addition, her efforts have led to a large number of affordable housing units and economic development. These projects have had a positive impact on blighted and have stabilized neighborhoods in the Eighth District. She has been consecutively recognized and honored by the Philadelphia Tribune, the nation's oldest African American-owned newspaper, as one of Philadelphia's most influential African Americans. Between 1996 and 2011, she provided over 10,000 Thanksgiving turkeys and food baskets to families in her district and has coordinated programs providing summer high school students in City Council and the Philadelphia courts; and Whereas, Councilwoman Miller's streetscape project that stretches from Germantown Avenue to Chestnut Hill is considered the longest streetscape project in the United States. Throughout her career in City Council, Councilwoman Miller's principles and compassion have served her well. She has steadfastly championed causes for senior citizens, youth and the economically disenfranchised and helped support disaster relief efforts for victims of Hurricane Katrina and the Haiti Earthquake.
Now, therefore, be it resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that it hereby recognizes and thanks Councilwoman Donna Reed Miller on her retirement after sixteen years of dedicated and excellent service to the people of Philadelphia, and particularly the citizens of the District, who she will sorely miss. We wish her good health and success as she continues to serve her community. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Councilwoman Donna Reed Miller further evidencing the admiration and gratitude of this legislative body. Certification, this is a true and correct copy of the original resolution, adopted by the Council of the City of Philadelphia on the 15th of December 2011, signed President Verna, introduced by Tasco and supported by all members of City Council. Good luck and congratulations. (Applause.)
Thank you. Thank you, everyone. Thank you to all my colleagues and everybody that I see every Thursday here in City Council. And certainly there are going to be days that I'm going to say, Boy, I really miss them, but there are going to be a lot of days I'm going to say, I'm so glad I'm not there, and that's probably true for everybody. I've worked in the helping profession all my life and I always saw City Council as a way to help, and we've had lots of good successes, and nothing is a hundred percent. I've enjoyed it. I look forward to just reinventing me and doing something a little different, and I'll see you guys around. I think Jack Kelly said to me this morning that he's going to miss people. I said, Well, Jack, all you have to do is come back and visit. So that's what I intend to do. Thank you. (Applause.)
Could we please have Councilmembers Reynolds Brown and Brian O'Neill join me at the podium to make a presentation to honor Councilman Frank DiCicco. (Councilmembers approached podium.)
This resolution recognizes and thanks Councilman Frank DiCicco on his retirement after sixteen years of exemplary service to the people of Philadelphia, and particularly the citizens of the First District. Whereas, Frank DiCicco is a proud lifelong resident of South Philadelphia. He began his career in public service as a Committeeperson, representing his neighbors, in 1967. In 1972, he began a long stint as an employee of Philadelphia Traffic Court, where he served as Director of the Scofflaw and Enforcement Units, and as Director of Violations and Cashiers; and
Whereas, after leaving Traffic Court in 1986, Frank DiCicco became a Budget Analyst for the Pennsylvania State Senate, where he gained much of the fiscal experience that helpful to him in the future. In 1990, he brought his fiscal skills to bear as Deputy Director of Special Investigations for the Philadelphia City Controller. In this post, he investigated waste and abuse and supervised the auditing and surveillance functions of the department. In 1993, he returned to Traffic Court as Administrator, where he served with distinction until his decision to run for the First District Council seat. Under his administration of Traffic Court, collections of overdue fines from scofflaws improved dramatically and the Court was run much more efficiently, reducing costs and increasing revenues. DiCicco also proposed legislation to the Commonwealth aiding in the impoundment of unregistered and uninsured vehicles from City streets; Whereas, Councilman Frank DiCicco was first elected to Council in the election of 1995. Since then, he has wide range of legislation, including waterfront development regulations, the creation and continual monitoring of the Zoning Code Commission, various tax reform measures and neighborhood preservation initiatives. He is also the author of the 10-year tax abatement program which has been credited for the redevelopment of many of Philadelphia's neighborhoods. He encouraged responsible commercial and residential development, working cooperatively with developers and communities to realize projects such as the Jefferson Square Housing Development, Schmidts Brewery in Northern Liberties and the revitalization of the 13th Street Corridor. He also spent many, many hours in the long public debate over casinos in Philadelphia. Known as a consensus-builder, Councilman DiCicco was instrumental in helping move City Council forward with intelligent leadership into the 21st Century; and
Whereas, Councilman DiCicco's credo has always been that a strong community begins with community involvement. Towards that end, he actively participated on many boards, including the Historic Philadelphia, Incorporated, the Reading Terminal Market, the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Board, Fund for Philadelphia, Jefferson Square Community Development Corporation, Delaware River Port Authority and the Cultural Fund. He has also been a proud Mummer for many years and is currently a member of the Board of the Mummers Museum; Whereas, Councilman DiCicco has been a difference in the First Councilmanic District; now, therefore Be it resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we hereby recognize and say thank you to Councilman Frank DiCicco for his long and selfless service to the people of this city, and particularly the citizens of Councilmanic District. This is a better city because of his dedication, and we wish him continued good health, great humor and much success in his future endeavors.
Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to City Councilman Frank DiCicco further evidencing the admiration and gratitude of this legislative body. Certification that this is a true and correct copy of the original resolution, adopted by the Council of the City of Philadelphia on the 15th of December 2011. This was introduced by Tasco and supported by all members of City Council. Frank, we're going to miss you. God bless you. (Applause.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you. You know, I have a little bit of levity in me most times when I do things, and to the DROP check obviously certainly bears that out. But I do want to take this opportunity to first thank my family and the folks in the First Councilman District, who took more or less a leap of faith 16 years ago in electing me to represent them. Had it not been for their confidence in me, I would not be standing here today. So I want to publicly thank all those folks in the First Councilmanic District for the opportunity to serve this great city. My colleagues, you know, we're all in the same business here. We legislate, we enact laws, and we do things to hopefully make this city better, a better place. But I want to thank you, more importantly, for being my friend. That is most important. At the end of the day, you know, people call me Councilman, I'd say, Just call me Frank, because we get these titles. Ultimately we leave and the title goes away. We're always who we were when we came in. still the same Frank DiCicco today that I was 16 years ago. So thank you all for being my friend. Council President, particularly to you, I've known you a number of years, I've known your family, and we're kind of -- the Council President lived literally across the street from the division I represent in the 2nd Ward and we have a long history. And thank you for your kindness over the years.
You're welcome. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: And your patience with me. Having said that, members of the press, thank you. All of you have been fair. As to the editorial boards, we'll leave that aside for now, but the press has always been fair, and I want to thank you for the opportunity working with you as well. I wish all of you the happiest and healthiest holiday seasons. And, Brian, it was appropriate that they brought you up. I was a republican for 20 years. So I guess their balance is there as well. Thank you all. I appreciate this very much. (Applause.)
I would like now to have Councilmembers Goode and Jones join me at the podium to make a presentation honoring Councilwoman Joan Krajewski. (Applause.) (Councilmembers approached podium.)
Recognizing and thanking Councilwoman Joan L. Krajewski on her retirement after thirty-two years of dedicated service to the people of Philadelphia, and particularly the citizens of the Sixth Council District. Whereas, Joan L. Krajewski was born and raised in Port Richmond to Sam Kline and had eight brothers and sisters. She attended Nativity BVM Elementary School and Little Flower High School for Girls; and
Whereas, the mother of three boys and grandmother to five, Joan Krajewski's career as a public servant began in 1972, when she accepted a position as an investigator with the City of Philadelphia Revenue Department. While serving in this capacity, she was also elected by her co-workers to serve as President of Local 1660, School District Employees, District Council 33 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). Always active in her community, Joan Krajewski had already established a strong reputation as a fighter and advocate for the Northeast Philadelphia neighborhoods of Port Richmond, Bridesburg, Wissinoming, Frankford, Tacony, Mayfair, Holmesburg and Torresdale, when she was first elected to in 1979; and Whereas, the definition of "diner politics" comes from the practices of Joan Krajewski, whose satellite offices are booths in the Aramingo Diner, Mayfair Diner and The Dining Car where constituents know they can bellow, "Hey, Joanie," and get her undivided attention to find solutions to their problems and concerns related to City government. With accomplishments too numerous to mention, one of Joan's biggest and most successful initiatives was the creation of the Community Life Improvement Program, (C.L.I.P.), which combatted quality of life issues affecting her Northeast neighborhoods. Thanks in part to her wide-ranging legislation and oversight, plans are firmly in place to enhance the North Delaware Riverfront and return this great natural resource to the people for commercial, residential and recreational use; and
Whereas, always championed the rights of her constituents, whether it was the sinking homes of Wissinoming, devastated water main breaks or fighting for the federally mandated prison caps or going after absentee landlords and nuisance rental properties in the Northeast. Joan Krajewski has been a strong advocate, mostly for children and adults with special needs and disabilities; Whereas, dubbed the "Queen of Constituent Service" not only by the media but by those who elected her for eight terms, Krajewski's office has taken care of over 500,000 constituent service calls in her 32 years in office. She has been awarded Philadelphia Magazine's "Best of Philadelphia" as Best Councilperson in three separate years and was ultimately inducted into their Hall of Fame. She was also inaugurated -- the inaugural inductee in the Northeast Hall of Fame and was honored by Glen Foerd On Person of the Year Award.
Now, therefore, be it resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that it hereby recognizes and thanks Councilwoman Joan L. Krajewski on her retirement after thirty-two years of dedicated and excellent service to the people of Philadelphia, and especially the people of the Sixth Council District. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Councilwoman Joan L. Krajewski further evidencing the admiration and gratitude of this legislative body. Certification that this is a true and correct copy of the original resolution, adopted by the Council of the City of Philadelphia on the 15th of December 2011, and supported by all members of City Council. Congratulations and thank you, Joan, for your many, many years of to this city. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you very much. You know, as I travel around, people will ask me, What do you think you're going to miss much, the most? And I think one of them -- I'm going to miss quite a bit, believe me, but one of those is this Council. I love every one of you. You've always been fair. We always got along, and I'm going to miss all of you, believe me. And to you, Madam President, you have always been fair as well as all of them, believe me. And the press, I think Frank DiCicco stole my lines, because I was going to say the same thing, Frank. They have been fair. We may never agree, but you're doing your job and you're doing it well, and I want to thank all of you as well. Thank you all very much. I (Applause.)
Now our final presentation is to our distinguished leader of this body. This woman has served the City very well, with dignity and so much class. It has been a pleasure working with her as President of City Council. When I came in, she was Majority Leader. And she is a very cooperative, sensitive person who cares about everybody's thoughts on whatever piece of legislation we are seeking. And it's going to be lonely. I will miss popping into your office unannounced whenever I wanted. Her door was always open to every Councilmember to discuss whatever issue they wanted with her. She is a true, true leader of her district. She will be sorely missed. She provided many, many services to that district, and I want to say, Madam President, thank you for your leadership. Thank you for working with me, and I'm other Councilmembers will say something, too. So we're going to present this citation to you. Honoring and thanking City Council President Anna C. Verna on her unparalleled sixty years of exemplary service to the citizens of Philadelphia, including thirty-six years representing the people of the beloved Second District. Whereas, her colleagues and friends on the Council of the City of Philadelphia are very pleased and proud to demonstrate their deep and abiding respect and admiration for City Council President Anna Cibotti Verna on the occasion of her retirement. For the last sixty years, she has given selflessly of herself with her exemplary service to the citizens of Philadelphia. She is also the first woman in Philadelphia's over 300-year history to serve as President of the City Council, the second highest in the City.
Whereas, Anna C. Verna was born and raised in the Point Breeze section of South Philadelphia. She and her brother Angelo "Sonny" were born to William and Pauline Cibotti. From her earliest age, public service and a deep affection for the people of her community was deeply ingrained in her, as was an innate sense of fairness and respect for the dignity of all people; and Whereas, Anna C. Verna began her career with the City of Philadelphia on February the 1st, 1951 and first made the news in 1954, when a columnist for The Evening Bulletin noticed a "pretty working girl," quotes, with a passion for TV crime dramas and an aversion to pasta.
At that time, she was serving as secretary to District Attorney, and later mayor, Richardson Dilworth. When her father, William A. Cibotti, was elected to people of the Second Councilmanic District, Anna became his assistant and right arm, soon becoming a popular source to district residents needing services and information from the City.
In 1975, when Councilman Cibotti passed away suddenly, Anna was approached by numerous citizens and community groups imploring her to seek the office. She decided to run and, after successfully running in the Primary and General elections of 1975, won the office; and
Whereas, after stellar service as Chair of Council's Finance Committee and as its Majority Leader, Anna Verna shattered the glass ceiling in 1999 by achieving the Council Presidency and becoming the first woman to do so in the City's 300-year history.
President Verna has been a strong proponent of tax a firm believer that Philadelphia's status as the least business-friendly city in the United States must be reversed in order to propel the City's economy through the 21st century.
She has also championed the need to protect and improve the quality of life of all Philadelphians. President Verna has been at the forefront of efforts to provide jobs and quality housing, especially affordable, handicapped and senior housing for people in need. Throughout her time in Council, the hallmark of her leadership style has been respect for each elected official, public servant and citizens; and
Whereas, Anna was married to Severino "Sevy" Verna for 56 years. Throughout their marriage, he functioned as both her soulmate and most trusted advisor and advocate. He, too, was very active in the community, philanthropic endeavors. Along with Anna, he was the founder and marshal of Philadelphia's Columbus Day Parade from its beginning until his death in June 2010.
Now, therefore, be it resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we hereby recognize and offer a huge thank you to President Anna C. Verna for her unparalleled sixty years of service to the citizens of our city, including thirty-six years representing the people of her beloved Second District and thirteen years as the President of the Council of the City of Philadelphia.
Through her selfless efforts, her respect for all, and her unique ability to get people to work together for the common good, she has earned our enduring respect and affection; and
Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this presented to City Council President Anna Cibotti Verna further evidencing the admiration and gratitude of this legislative body. Thank you for everything.
After hearing that resolution, one would think I'm an old lady. I'm really not. But to my extended family, all of you, and to all of the people that have worked in Council, I really want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. I don't know exactly how to say thank you, but please know that as each of you, I have spent more time in City Hall than I spent at home, and sometimes as I look back, I wonder if that's a very good thing to do. You know, I'm being very honest at the last moment here, because I think we all suffer the effects of that eventually. Again, I want to thank you. I have a few comments I still want to make before the Mayor came in, but thank you all very much. I know I'm going to miss this place, and I'll be like Pat Rafferty and Rick coming back and witnessing Council sessions, et cetera. Again, thank you all very much, love you, and I will say a few words momentarily. Thank you. (Applause.)
I would just like to say a few words, if I may. I have spent so much time in this room over the course of my life that it is full of memories for me that I find it so very difficult to believe that this is my last Council session as a member and as President. It's hard for me to conceive of not being here on a regular basis dealing with the constant flood of activity this job entails. In this room, often we found strongly disagreed on issues, but I think that Washington can take a lesson from us, because although we were on opposing sides of an issue, we always employed the art of compromise and mutual respect to get things done, and we knew in our hearts that our thoughts were always centered on what we truly believed was the best for the citizens of Philadelphia, the people that we were sworn to represent. As I look out on you today, I realize that so many of you have touched my life throughout the years here in Council: my Council colleagues, both past and present, and their staffs, my dedicated staff, the Chief Clerks over the years, the Mayors with whom I have worked and the representatives of their Administrations, the photographers and, oh my, the ever, ever patient stenographer. I think she deserves an applause. Michele. (Applause.)
Those working the sound and video, and although they may not believe it, even the press. You have each contributed to my career in public service in your own special way, and for that I will be eternally grateful. As I close the final session of this Council, I am extremely proud of all we have been able to accomplish working together. I know that my colleagues will be facing some very difficult times. I wish you Godspeed as you continue the important work that still needs to be done for our citizens. And to my colleagues who will be retiring, I wish you continued good health and happiness. Enjoy every minute of it, because you deserve it, you worked for it. So please enjoy yourselves. I want to wish you all well, and I will miss each and every one of you. Thank you again, and God bless. (Standing ovation.)
Thank you. I guess we could all sing a Christmas carol at this point in time, but I would just like to wish each and every one of you a Merry Christmas, a healthy Happy New Year. God bless you all. Thank you. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke for a motion to adjourn.
I guess we've had enough speeches for today. Councilman Jones. Madam President, I'd like to call for an adjournment of this Council session sine die, in addition to which we would like to invite all members to come out into the hallway for a presentation just beyond the Caucus Room, most particularly you, Madam President.
It has been moved and seconded. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. Thank you. (Stated Meeting adjourned at 1:00 p.m.) CERTIFICATE I HEREBY CERTIFY that the proceedings, evidence and objections are contained fully and accurately in the stenographic notes taken by me upon the foregoing matter on December 15, 2011, and that this is a true and correct transcript of same. MICHELE L. MURPHY RPR-Notary Public (The foregoing certification of this transcript does not apply to any reproduction of the same by any means, unless under the direct control and/or supervision of the certifying reporter.)