COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 401, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, March 2, 2000 10:00 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA, Chair COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE L. BLACKWELL COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILMAN DAVID COHEN COUNCILMAN FRANK J. DI CICCO COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN JAMES F. KENNEY COUNCILWOMAN JOAN L. KRAJEWSKI COUNCILMAN W. THACHER LONGSTRETH COUNCILMAN RICHARD T. MARIANO COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER COUNCILMAN MICHAEL A. NUTTER COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILMAN ANGEL L. ORTIZ COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO PATRICIA RAFFERTY, CHIEF CLERK VINCENT VARALLO ASSOCIATES, INC. Registered Professional Reporters Eleven Penn Center 1835 Market Street, Suite 600 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103 (215) 561-2220. Invocation
I note that the hour has come and that a quorum of this Council is present. The Council will come to order. Members will take their seats. Visitors will retire to the seats outside the rails. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair welcomes Elder C. Regi Rogers, Pastor of Love Christian Fellowship. He is here today as the guest of Councilman Kenney. Members and guests will please rise. ELDER RODGERS: Every head is bowed, every eye is closed. Father, we thank you for this opportunity that we have. We count it a privilege to be able to come and to just say thank you, for this is a day that you have made and we shall rejoice and be glad in this day. Now, God, as we assemble here with the City officials, we pray now, God, that you would guard their minds, they will be able to come together collectively and be in agreement as to the things that this City needs. For your word says that you will bring forth a son, thou name shall be Emanuel, God with us, and the government shall rest Invocation upon his shoulders. And so now, God, we pray that as we assemble today there will be some things that will come out of this meeting that this City, first of all, will begin to have reverence for you because you are the God of all. We pray now, God, that as this City begins to turn topsy-turvy but, God, we know that there have been people that have been elected into office that will look to you because you give health and you give strength and you are able to prop every leaning side. You are able to make strong wherever we are weak. You're able to be build up wherever we may be torn down. And so, God, we just say thank you now. We thank you for the new Mayor that has been elected to this City. We pray, God, that you would guard him and keep him in all of his ways. For we shall forever give your name the praise, we shall forever give your name all of the honor, and we shall forever give your name all of the glory. And all of God's people said Amen.
Amen. The Chair thanks Elder Rogers for his inspiring invocation. Approval of the Journal - Leaves of Absence Council will be at rest. (Council at ease.)
The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of February 24, 2000. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, I move that the Journal of February 24th be approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly second that the Journal of the meeting of February 24th stand approved. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed, nay. The ayes have it. The motion carries. The Journal of Thursday, February 24, 2000, is approved.
The next order of business is requests for leaves of absence. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Madam President, there is no move on for leaves of absence Welcome and Presentations on the part of the majority.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Longstreth.
The Chair thanks the Councilman. The Chair will dispense with the regular order of business to recognize guests and visitors joining us in Chambers this morning. On behalf of all Members of City Council, I welcome you to our Council session this morning. We appreciate your taking the time to join us as we attend to the legislative affairs of our City. We certainly invite you to come again. The Chair at this time recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you, Madam President. There is a visiting school from my district. They just entered the Chambers. I believe they're from the Joseph E. Hill School, and I'd like to welcome them.
If they would Welcome and Presentations stand. We would like to welcome you. (Applause.)
Thank you, Madam President. It is my pleasure and privilege to introduce to you this morning high school students from the Parkway Program here in Center City. It's the law and government course that I've been involved with in the last few months. As an at-large member, I'm honored to introduce them because they represent districts from all over the City. They're here in the back. I'd like to have them stand and be recognized. (Applause.)
We certainly welcome you. I invite Councilwoman Tasco to come forward to make a presentation of a resolution recognizing March as Save Your Sight Month. Will Ms. Sheri Banks and Dr. Eugene Wayne please come forward to accept this presentation.
Good morning. It Welcome and Presentations gives me pleasure again, as it has been my pleasure for many years, to present this resolution declaring March a Save Your Vision Month. Whereas, Save Your Vision Month is a national event sponsored every March by the American Optometric Association; and Whereas, the Pennsylvania College of Optometry is celebrating Save Your Vision Month with a vision health public awareness campaign with the theme, bringing low vision into focus; and Whereas, the Pennsylvania College of Optometry is co-sponsoring Save Your Vision Month; and Whereas, the official 2000 Save Your Vision campaign kickoff in City Council will launch a series of free vision screenings at PAL centers, regional library branches, senior citizens centers, and residential complexes; and Whereas, the College of Optometry hopes that the public awareness campaign will encourage families to develop a greater understanding of the important role vision plays in the entire family by bringing low vision into focus; and Whereas, the majority of individuals who Welcome and Presentations experience low vision which can interfere with normal daily functioning are the elderly; and Whereas, many diseases and conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, muscular degeneration, diabetes, and nerve degeneration can cause low vision; and Whereas, personalized consultations are available for patients with visual impairments to make the best use of their site as well as maintain or improve their quality of life through the William Feinbloom Vision Rehabilitation Center at the Eye Institute of the Pennsylvania College of Optometry; and Whereas, the Pennsylvania College of Optometry is also participating with Vision USA, a national effort to provide free eye examination for working persons with no health insurance who have not had eye examinations in the last 12 months. Now, therefore, resolve that the Council of the City of Philadelphia declares and celebrates March a Save Your Vision Month and encourages bringing low vision into focus. Further resolved that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to representatives Welcome and Presentations of the Pennsylvania College of Optometry as a sincere expression of the Council's gratitude and appreciation and commendation for sponsoring and organizing free vision screening throughout Philadelphia during Save Your Vision Month 2000. Certification that this is a true and correct copy of the original resolution adopted by the Council of the City of Philadelphia on the 17th day of February 2000. It is signed by President Anna C. Verna, introduced by Marian B. Tasco, and supported by all Members of City Council. (Applause.)
We'd just like to say to my colleagues and other visitors to City Hall today and those who are listening by this microphone that the Pennsylvania College of Optometry will have free screening in the Council Caucus Room beginning at 12 noon today, and you're invited to come and have your vision checked. And I know my colleague Councilwoman Brown has agreed to be the first patient. Thank you very much, and congratulations again for all of your wonderful work. And we see Welcome and Presentations our friend Sheri Banks, and we know she's always involved in good health. Thank you.
Thank you, Madam President, Councilwoman Tasco, all the Members of City Council for showing your concern for the vision health of the people of Philadelphia through this resolution. The Pennsylvania College of Optometry and its Eye Institute are very proud to sponsor Save Your Vision Month 2000. We would like to thank NBC 10 who for the second year in the row is a co-sponsor of this important health initiative and to Sheri Banks, NBC medical reporter, who is Honorary Chair. Thank you also to all the community centers in the Philadelphia area, libraries, senior centers, health facilities which are sponsoring free eye screenings at their sites. Our goal during March is twofold. First, to provide free vision screenings to as many people as possible. At sites in the Greater Philadelphia community and at the Eye Institute, the Pennsylvania College of Optometry's clinical vision facility in Oak Lane. Secondly, to reach those Welcome and Presentations individuals in the community who have low vision, a condition that interferes with normal daily living. Individuals with low vision have very limited sight that can't be corrected with regular glasses, bifocals, or contact lenses. We invite people who think they may have low vision to visit the William Feinbloom Rehabilitation Center at the Eye Institute of the Pennsylvania College of Optometry. The optometrists and therapists at the Feinbloom Center are dedicated to helping individuals with low vision, make the best use of their sight, and improve the quality of their lives. I would like to also invite Council and their staff to the vision screening beginning at noon in the Council Caucus Room. Again, thank you very much. (Applause.)
Thank you so much. I just wanted to say, as most of us know, it's more and more difficult to get access to good health care in this area and around the country. And I'm really proud to support an effort like this that allows Introduction of Bills and Resolutions people to have free eye screenings and protect their vision and keep their eyesight. I think it's a wonderful effort, and I'm really proud that we're all part of it. So thank you very much. (Applause.)
The next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant-at-Arms deliver the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk.
I have no messages today, Madam President. There are no messages this morning.
There are no messages from the Mayor, therefore, the next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for a motion.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for suspension of the rules so as to consider resolutions at the time of their Introduction of Bills and Resolutions introduction. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit immediate consideration of resolutions at the time of introduction. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed, nay. The ayes have it and the motion is carried. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution honoring the ALS Hope Foundation for its work in the research and treatment of Lou Gehrig's Disease.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. Introduction of Bills and Resolutions (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed, nay. The ayes have it. The motion is carried. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the second resolution.
A resolution congratulating the varsity wrestling team of St. Joseph's Preparatory School for winning the 1999-2000 Philadelphia Catholic League Championship.
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it. The motion is carried. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Introduction of Bills and Resolutions Blackwell.
Madam President, I introduce one resolution on your behalf.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the City of Philadelphia a deed located in the 30th and 36th Wards of the City.
Madam President, I move the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it. The motion is carried. The Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen.
Madam President, I Introduction of Bills and Resolutions have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution honoring the Philadelphia Daily News on the occasion of its 75th anniversary.
Move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it. The motion is carried. The Chair Councilman Mariano. Introduction of Bills and Resolutions
Thank you, Madam President. I have one resolution today.
The Chief 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 a deed located in the 18th and 19th Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you, Madam President. I just want to make it clear, I didn't want to offend you while you were speaking. Thank you very much. I move for the adoption of the resolution.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? Introduction of Bills and Resolutions The ayes have it. The motion is carried. The Chair recognize his Councilwoman Tasco.
Madam President, I have no bills or resolutions today.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you, Madam President. I have offer one privileged resolution.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution honoring and commending the National Academic League for transforming participating Philadelphia District Schools into teams where academic athletes are honored and student-parent-teacher collective efforts receive the attention and rewards that they so richly deserve.
I move for the Introduction of Bills and Resolutions adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it. The motion is carried. The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter. Is he in the room? (No response.)
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Madam Chair. I have one resolution co-introduced and/or sponsored by every Member of Council.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the Introduction of Bills and Resolutions title of the resolution.
A resolution establishing public benefit criteria for economic development projects with a public investment of more than one million dollars requiring a percentage of jobs for Philadelphia residents, welfare-to-work opportunities, and an Affirmative Action plan consistent with City's Affirmative Action policies.
Move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it. The motion is carried. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ortiz.
The Chair Introduction of Bills and Resolutions thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer four bills and one resolution.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance amending section 2 of an ordinance approved January 5, 1999, entitled an ordinance authorizing the revisions of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 27 by striking from the City Plan and vacating portions of Dilworth Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance approved January 5, 1999, entitled an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 307.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance approved July 24, 1995, entitled an ordinance authorizing the striking from City Plan No. 58 and vacating 11th Street to Ridge Introduction of Bills and Resolutions Avenue.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance granting permission to Cavalier Telephone MidAtlantic, LLC, its successors and assigns to construct, maintain, and operate, replace and remove a telecommunications systems along, over and under the public rights-of-way in the City of Philadelphia.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the City of Philadelphia a deed located in the 5th, 31st, and 39th Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
I move for the Introduction of Bills and Resolutions adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it. The motion is carried. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
The Chair thanks the Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia a deed located in the 16th, 32nd, Introduction of Bills and Resolutions and 37 Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it. The motion is carried. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the second resolution.
A resolution honoring the William Penn High School girl's track team on winning the State Indoor Track Championship and outstanding excellence in track and field.
I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.) Introduction of Bills and Resolutions
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it. The motion is carried. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the third resolution.
A resolution honoring the Community College of Pennsylvania men's basketball team for winning the Pennsylvania Collegiate Athletic Association Championship.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed, nay. The ayes have it. The motion is Introduction of Bills and Resolutions carried. The Chair recognizes Councilman Longstreth.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Title 22 of the Philadelphia Code entitled Public Employees Retirement Code by amending Section 22-1303 entitled exemption from attachment to add the German-American Police Association to the list of designated payees to whom a member made direct deductions from benefit payment.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution honoring Introduction of Bills and Resolutions Community College of Philadelphia upon celebrating its 35th anniversary. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
Madam President, I move for the adoption of this resolution.
I'm sorry. Would you make your motion again, please? I was distracted.
I move for the adoption of this resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it. The motion is carried. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the second resolution.
A resolution authorizing Introduction of Bills and Resolutions Committee on Education to conduct hearings regarding the appropriateness of the policy adopted by the Free Library of Philadelphia which lowers the age required for eligibility to obtain access to R-rated and other adult material in the City's libraries from age 14 to 12 or those who have completed the sixth grade the school.
The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo -- oh, I'm sorry this is to be referred to the appropriate committee. We do not have a calendar, therefore this will conclude the business portion of our Council meeting. Oh, I'm sorry. Councilman Nutter.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance approved December 15, 1998, entitled an ordinance authorizing revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 35 by striking from the City Plan and vacating Cordius Road from Hendren Street. Introduction of Bills and Resolutions
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. This concludes the business portion of our Council meeting. Are there any speeches on the part of the majority? Are there any speeches on behalf of the minority. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for a motion to adjourn.
Madam President I move that Council be adjourned until Thursday, March 9, 2000. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Council stand adjourned until March 9, 2000. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it. The motion is carried. (Adjourned at 10:40 a.m.) C E R T I F I C A T I O N I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing proceedings of the Council of the City of Philadelphia of March 2, 2000, were reported fully and accurately by me, and that this is a correct transcript of the same. RE: STATED MEETING ___________________________ Lisa C. Bradley, RPR and Notary Public