COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, March 30, 2006 10:25 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILMAN FRANK DiCICCO COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN JACK KELLY COUNCILMAN JAMES F. KENNEY COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER COUNCILMAN MICHAEL A. NUTTER COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILMAN JUAN RAMOS COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO PATRICIA RAFFERTY, CHIEF CLERK V A R A L L O Incorporated Litigation Support Services Eleven Penn Center 1835 Market Street, Suite 600 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103 215.561.2220 215.567.2670
Can I have your attention, please. Thank you. I note that the hour has come and that a quorum of this Council is present. Council will please come to order. Members will take their seats, and visitors will retire to the seats outside the rails. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair welcomes Father Herman Brinkman of St. Peter of the Apostle Roman Catholic Church. Father Brinkman is also a retired Lieutenant Colonel who served in Vietnam. He is here today as the guest of Councilman Ramos. At this time, I would ask all members and guests to please rise. (Everyone rises.)
I can't tell you how happy I am to be here standing in such an important place in this beautiful is where I was born. My mom and dad were born here and all the family. When I left here to go to school, I stayed here with my heart. Philadelphia is very important to me. An invocation is a calling upon our God and creator to be with us in the works of our lives. You, ladies and gentlemen, are called upon for many difficult tasks of leadership. Your election and selection for these tasks is the will of the electorate, either directly or indirectly. They trust you to make honest, unbiased judicious and vital decisions. May the God of wisdom guide you in your deliberations. As I think of your making these deliberations, I am reminded of a great man who graced the Catholic Bishopric in this City short of two centuries ago. His preserved body lies in state in a glass encasement beneath the altar of the basement church at St. Peter's at 5th and very Reverend St. John Bishop Neumann, the fourth Bishop of this Diocese of Philadelphia. By the way, I wonder how many of you people know that here in these United States, from coast to coast, we have four Bishops of the Catholic Church, four, two of them in Philadelphia. We have St. Katharine Drexel there in Bensalem, who took care of the Negro and India missions. She was from a very wealthy family, inherited a lot of money, went into the convent and spent every penny of it on the Negro and Indian missions. St. John Neumann came to Philadelphia after a long period in Buffalo, New York working as a priest, and his work was so important and so wonderful and so saintly of the holy Father, the Pope at that time appointed him as the Bishop of Philadelphia. He was a man like so many of you, just interested in people. He would and the most poor and the most needy, the most deserving and spend time talking with them, blessing them and trying to ease their hurt in life. That's the kind of persons I believe that you people are, and that's the reason why I mention him here at a meeting such as this. St. John Neumann could minister to everyone. He was famous for entering unannounced into a classroom of children and just talk with the kids, but always talking about the love of God with them. I conclude with an exhortation, that each of us should live lives worthy of our calling, as did St. John Neumann. If you have chosen this life, make it an opportunity to give good example in the way we give honor to ourselves, our families, our country and our fair city, Philadelphia, Philosadelphas in the Greek, City of Brotherly Love. Brothers and sisters, it's so talk to you, and may God bless you, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen. The Chair thanks Father Brinkman for his very inspiring invocation. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, March the 23rd, 2006, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, March 23, 2006 stand approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, March 23, 2006 stand approved. All in favor will please (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, March 23, 2006 is approved. The next order of business is requests for leave of absence, and, again, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. Today a leave of absence is requested for Councilwoman Krajewski and a leave of absence is requested for Councilman Mariano.
Thank you. Leave will be granted. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Madam President, on behalf of the republicans, for leave of absence.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. 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. 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. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell, who will present a resolution marking the 40th anniversary of the broadcasting career of Edie Huggins. Will Ms. Huggins and those accompanying her please join the Councilwoman.
Councilman Ramos, Councilwoman Reynolds absolute honor and pleasure for me, and we note that all members of City Council join in this honor. And I always think of Lou at times like this because of our longstanding history. Resolution marking the 40th anniversary of Ms. Edie Huggins' television broadcasting career and honoring Ms. Huggins for more than 40 years of accurate news reporting and community service by declaring Thursday, March 30, 2006 as Edie Huggins' Day. Whereas -(Applause.)
Whereas, Edie Huggins is one of Philadelphia's most accomplished news journalists who began her career in television at WCAU in January 1966 as a feature reporter on the "Big News Team with John Facenda"; and Whereas, Ms. Huggins has news, interviewed scores of personalities and newsmakers, reported on countless news stories, and presented memorable investigative reports on a variety of subjects; and Whereas, back in the early '70s, Edie and Herb Clarke co-hosted "What's Happening," a midday news program, and in the mid '70s hosted "Morning Side," a magazine show featuring interviews with celebrities and politicians, along with segments on health, finance and entertainment; and Whereas, Ms. Huggins, one of NBC's most celebrated correspondents, provides daily reports on NBC 10 News and has given much of her professional life serving her community and being strong in her advocacy for many causes; and
Whereas, Ms. Huggins continues to serve on many boards throughout the Greater Philadelphia region and is one of the National Association of Black Journalists, which honored her in 2005; and Whereas, in giving back to our community, Ms. Huggins created the "Huggins Hero Reports," a Friday segment profiling the heroic life of an ordinary person doing an extraordinary deed; and Whereas, in 2002, Huggins was recognized for her achievements in broadcasting by being inducted into the Philadelphia Broadcast Pioneers Hall of Fame and was chosen by the Urban League of Philadelphia as one of the outstanding African-American Philadelphians of the 20th century; and Whereas, in 1993, she was honored by the Philadelphia Chapter of American Women in Radio and Television as Communicator of the Year; and
Whereas, laude from the State University of New York with a Bachelor's degree in science and, after graduation, worked as a registered nurse while at the same time making national headlines by doubling as an actress and consultant for the NBC daytime drama "The Doctors"; and Whereas, Ms. Huggins resides in the Philadelphia area and is the mother of two adult children, a son, Hastings Edward Huggins, and a daughter, Laurie Lynn Huggins. Now, therefore resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we mark the 40th anniversary of Ms. Edie Huggins' television broadcasting career and honor Ms. Huggins for more than 40 years of accurate news reporting and community service by declaring Thursday, March 30, 2006 as Edie Huggins' Day. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution shall be presented to Ms. Edie Huggins as sentiments of this legislative body. Congratulations. (Applause.)
I just happen to have ten pages of speech, which you all are going to have to sit kindly and listen to. First of all, I thank you so very, very much for this honor, 40 years in the making, so many grand and glorious things, mixed in with a little pain and paranoia. When I came here 40 years ago, I had two children, an apartment full of furniture and a Cocker Spaniel that I couldn't keep in the apartment, and it was a very frightening experience. First of all, I had never planned for a career in broadcasting. I was a nurse. I studied at the University of Nebraska music. I was a wonderful nurse. I was a terrible musician. So I didn't know where I was going. asked to come here, I knew one person in the City of Philadelphia. And I had many questions. Who was I to emulate? In whose footsteps was I to walk? And I often felt like an explorer trying to find my way, trying to find role models, to understand a city, the City of Philadelphia, that was so unlike St. Joe, Missouri, the place where I was born and raised; Lincoln, Nebraska where I went to college, where I was married and started my family; Plattsburgh, New York where I went with my Air Force husband; New York City, Manhattan before coming here. Philadelphia was a different entity altogether. Looking back, I see the places, the events that Philadelphia has given me. I learned about those people who had the character and leadership qualities that I came to admire. Unfortunately, by living so long, but thank God I have, many of the idols have left, judges like Kidd Stout, Leon Higginbotham, ministers with insight and fortitude like the Reverend Leon Sullivan, Reverend William Gray, Sr. As I hit the streets and began to cover stories, I had questions. Why did a city like Philadelphia have to protest to open the doors to Girard College? There were characters that impressed me. I wondered what was Cecil Moore carrying in his briefcase, and then one day he slammed it down and we all found out what he had -- one of the things that he had in his briefcase, 100 proof. But a wonderful, wonderful, brilliant man. But one fight that will always last in my mind, Roxanne Jones. I don't know -- you young people wouldn't remember her, but -(Applause.)
-- we remember Roxanne and her welfare rights movement. Now, Roxanne was probably 5'1", but she Well, she and then-Inspector George Fencil, who was head of Civil Affairs, they had run-ins constantly, and so I had to cover one one day. And Roxanne and her group, they were blocking traffic. So Fencil said, Roxanne, you've got to go. Roxanne said, George, I'm not going anywhere. And so they just kept at it. Roxanne got louder and louder, and George Fencil's face got redder and redder. And pretty soon they were nose to nose. And if you remember Fencil, when he got angry, he got very quiet, but very, very red. So Roxanne just put her arms down by her side. She clenched her fists. George Fencil picked her up by her fists and walked her over to the curb and sat her down. I said, This is going to be a good one. They looked at each other and laughing, because what was going on here was Philadelphia respect. Roxanne knew what she had to do. Fencil knew what he had to do, and they respected each other, even though it was kind of a love-hate thing they were both doing. And I see this so much in the makeup of the City of Philadelphia. Even today, I ask myself questions. Was Commissioner Mayor Rizzo the racist that some people say he was? I knew Frank Rizzo, and, in my opinion, and it is my personal opinion, and I will go to my grave thinking this way, Frank Rizzo didn't like bad things. If you were bad, if you were black, if you were white, if you were anywhere in between, he was going to take you on. So I say no, he wasn't. Did he want fairness? I say yes, he wanted fairness. There were other questions that are not so easy to answer that Philadelphia taught me. How do you explain a Mummer to someone who has never has never seen a Mummer's Parade? Just try it. I mean, where do you start? There's this 6'3" guy who dresses up in sequins. But we love our Mummers because they're part of our City. Other questions were asked. John Facenda, was he a true gentleman? Was he as professional and generous and loving? Was Jack Jones a nice guy? And the answer to both of those, yes, yes, yes. Questions I still can't answer. Why did MOVE exist? Why didn't they take the land that was offered to them out in the country? Why did it get so out of control? I can't answer those questions about my City of Philadelphia. When did we first hear about crack? When did we first hear about crack, the poison that has caused so much crime and caused so many deaths? There have been changes in 40 years. When I came here, there was no going to be taller than Billy Penn. Well, all we have to do is look around us. Would there ever be a black Mayor or black Police Commissioner? Never. Would a woman ever serve on the State Supreme Court? Would there ever be a President, a female President, of City Council? Would there ever be a female District Attorney? Would there ever be an African-American Secretary of Transportation or a head of the Congressional Budget Committee or Inspector General of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania? Never. But, yes, they are and they were. More, I guess now, will we ever see a Philadelphian be the first President, female President, in the White House? We'll have more on that on the 11:00. Well, 20 years ago, I received a proclamation right in this room from City Council, and I'll fondly remember Coleman, David Cohen, Lucien Blackwell.
And for those of you who are still here, I'm overwhelmed that you were kind enough to think that, first of all, I'd make it for another 20 years, because in this business -- first of all, where the majority of my co-workers and supervisor are younger than my children and all of the other pains and problems that come with broadcasting, I am sure you thought I'd be institutionalized by now, but the good news is, Byberry's doors are closed, so they can't put me there. But in closing, for me, it's been a 40-year love affair. I have met and interviewed celebrities, national and international leaders and heroes. But that having been said, part of my family is now Philadelphia. I've created something here in Philadelphia that I didn't have when I arrived, and they're with me here today. They surround me. Here's what blows my mind: I people, and these are people with major commitments. You see them here. They have major responsibilities. And I said, City Council is doing a wonderful thing for me, do you think you could take a few minutes? And they all had the same answer. " And that just fills me up. It fills me up, because what it tells me, I am so blessed. I don't have mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters. My immediate family are my two children, my son and my daughter. But all of these other people, and many of you out there, are part of my extended family, and for that, I am blessed. I mean, there are a few kooks among the group, but what's a family without a few whacky members? You know what I mean? But if you don't have it, you haven't lived. I truly thank you all very much for this honor, and it is indeed an to tell me, Honey, make me proud of you. I hope I have made you proud. Thank you. )
Some of her friends, Edie's friends, in addition to her family who are here, are our own DA, Lynne Abraham. Next to her or on the end, we have the Honorable Judge Nitza Quinones Alejandro, Common Pleas Court. We have Donald Patterson, our State Inspector General. Many of you remember him well. To my right, we have our own Police Commissioner, Sylvester Johnson, and next to him, we have Bilal Qayyum, Men United for a Better Philadelphia. We thank them as well for being here today. (Applause.)
Thank you, Councilwoman Tasco. I'm so used to us honoring in our own stead. We are honored and pleased to have Sally Starr here with us today. We love our Sally Starr. (Applause.)
May we also note, I'm told that Tom Brookshier is here. Where are you? Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you for being here. We love our Philadelphia heroes. God bless you. Thank you for being here. Commissioner O'Neill, we served on a committee together. Commissioner O'Neill, would you stand up? Thank you as well. Council, will we greet Commissioner Joe O'Neill. Thank you for being here. (Applause.)
In fact, you gentlemen might want to come up and join us for our photograph, would you please. Thank you again for being here. (Council at ease.)
The Chair now recognizes Councilman Rizzo, who will present a resolution honoring Azeem, the Wonder Dog. Will Commissioner Sylvester Johnson and those accompanying him please join the Councilman at the podium. Councilman Rizzo is being joined by Councilman Kenney, Councilwoman Miller, Councilman Clarke and Councilman Kelly. And would all of the members of the Police Department please join the Councilmembers.
Commissioner Ayers, all the City officials, please come, associated with this resolution, please. Cal Rudman, who has got a nice surprise for us. Bob Eddis. Thank you. Good morning, everyone. Today we're here to recognize a great member of Department, and before I read the resolution, I just want to point out why Azeem and Officer Paul Bryant were so very important to not just the City of Philadelphia, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, but the nation. Azeem was the most decorated canine in recent years, taking four Pennsylvania quarterly awards and two national quarterly awards from the United States Police Canine Association, which is the largest police canine organization in the United States, Canada and the U.S. Virgin Islands; in 1999, the Knights of Columbus Lawman of the Year Award; the Burlington County Prosecutors Award where Azeem helped solve the Kimberly Szumski -- forgive me for not pronouncing that properly. How is that pronounced? Szumski homicide; the Excellence in Performance Award presented by the Citizens Crime Commission; the Shomron Award; the Fraternal Order of Police 2001, Azeem won the national Case of the Year in 2001, the most prestigious award offered for scent work. So Azeem was certainly a very, very important part of our Police Department, and that's why today recognizing, honoring, celebrating and remembering Azeem, the Brave One, Badge No. K-527, a seven-year veteran of the Philadelphia Police Department for his honorable service and extraordinary talents that personified his commitment to not only the citizens of Philadelphia, but the United States of America.
Whereas, Azeem, the black-and-rust German Shepherd, was born on May 22, 1995, and approximately three years later, after intense training, became a member of the Philadelphia Police Department; and Whereas, Azeem's sense of smell, searching tactics, and recovery schedules exemplifies what it means to be a K-9 in the finest Police Department in
And whereas, Azeem was the only trained cadaver-sniffing dog in the area, and in addition to the Philadelphia Police Department was helpful to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, New Jersey and Pennsylvania State Police Departments and other law enforcement agencies; and Whereas, Azeem participated in the recovery efforts at Ground Zero after the World Trade Center attacks on September 11, 2001.
Whereas, Azeem won the prestigious 2001 Case of the Year Award given by the United States Police Canine Association in the Kim Szumski case in which Azeem remarkably located a body entombed in a concrete wall; and Whereas, Azeem superbly represented the Philadelphia Police Department and the City of Philadelphia, he will be greatly missed. Now, therefore
Be it resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that it recognizes, honors, celebrates and remembers Azeem, the Brave One, Badge No. K-527, a seven-year veteran of the Philadelphia Police Department, for his honorable service and extraordinary talents that personified his commitment to not only the citizens of Philadelphia, but also to the United States of America.
Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Philadelphia Police Commissioner Sylvester Johnson and his partner, Officer Paul Bryant, further evidencing the sincere admiration and gratitude of this legislative body. Before I present the resolution to Officer Paul Bryant and Commissioner Sylvester Johnson, a very significant person in this region who has always stepped forward to help Commissioner Ayers, if it comes to educating firefighters, to buy bullet-proof vests for our K-9 dogs, it's a man named Cal Rudman. We all know that name. So today he's here to present Commissioner Sylvester Johnson a check for $6,500, not just to replace Azeem but to buy two additional cadaver dogs for the Philadelphia Police Department. Cal Rudman, Sylvester. (Applause.)
It has been my pleasure to buy ten police dogs over the past few years. Great need for them. And now the opportunity arose with Azeem passing away for Azeem to be replaced. In addition, a sergeant has been assigned to the K-9, and he will need a dog. So at the present time, I have taken it upon myself for, we call it, Rudman's Ranch or Cal's Corner, to pay for two more police dogs. We will, of course, need a cadaver dog, we will need a narcotics dog and we will also Whatever they need, I step up to the plate to supply. So what also I have done, for those who aren't aware, we had a dog that was left overnight in a car, in the dog car, and the dog died, and, of course, there was consternation throughout the Delaware Valley. I found out about equipment that is placed into the police dog's car, and the way it works is, when the temperature goes above 83 degrees, a siren goes off, the lights go on, the windows come down, a big fan goes on and I like to say the dog then cooks breakfast for himself. But this can never happen again. So it was a great deal of pride for me to supply that equipment. So I am now presenting to Commissioner Johnson, a very dear friend and associate, a check. The dogs now run just around $3,500. We get a pretty good deal on them. So I am supplying $7,000 immediately for two dogs, but we will to have a back-up dog. So that's what I'm here to do.
In a couple minutes, he added 500 bucks to the deal. Thanks, Cal. That's great. (Applause.)
Captain O'Brien, the commanding officer of the K-9 Unit, has joined us. And, Captain, I think eventually one of these dogs needs to be named Cal. So I think that maybe the next boy dog, that you name him Cal. Well, I want to present also Paul Bryant, Officer Paul Bryant, who was Azeem's partner for many years -- and I know that Commissioner won't mind me presenting this to Officer Bryant. This is the resolution here honoring your partner for so many years, and congratulations. (Applause.) OFFICER BRYANT: I hadn't prepared anything to say, but as a first, I thank God for giving me the strength and knowledge to do what I do with these dogs. I thank the Commissioner who believed in the program a long time ago when he got it, wondering what a cadaver dog was, and two people in the back, my wife and sons, who supported me bringing another dog in the house and doing such dirty training. But the Department has been very supportive to me. My new captain, O'Brien, he supports me, the FOP, who sent me to Alabama to receive my award, and a host of other people. The list is too long. But most of all, I thank the citizens of Philadelphia who supported me all throughout my career with Azeem. Thank you very much and God bless. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes Commissioner Johnson for remarks. COMMISSIONER JOHNSON: Very First, I'd like to thank Councilman Rizzo for this resolution and all the rest of City Council. I also want to thank Cal Rudman for not only helping the Philadelphia Police Department, but all the things he does for the citizens of Philadelphia. I'm glad to see that Eddis from the FOP is here and my friend, the Fire Commissioner, Lloyd Ayers, is here. Because we really work as a team. There's a whole lot of things that is impossible for us to do without the support of City Council and the rest of the City. So, again, I want to thank Cal Rudman. I want to thank Councilman Rizzo. I want to thank City Council for giving us this resolution. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
In the resolution, you heard that Azeem worked after September 11th, and I know Commissioner Lloyd Ayers wouldn't want the day to be complete without him thanking Officer Bryant and Azeem for the great work that he provided for the Philadelphia Fire Department. COMMISSIONER AYERS: Good morning. I'd like to thank Officer Bryant, the Police Department for assisting us, our Urban Search and Rescue Team. Pennsylvania Task Force 1 was the first team to hit Ground Zero, outside of the members of the New York Urban Search and Rescue Team, and we began the layout and search, and without Azeem and the support from the Philadelphia Police Department, we wouldn't have been able to make the groundbreaking and the initial search patterns. We wouldn't have been able to do that. So we really appreciate the cadaver dogs. Without them, we can't locate the folks. We wouldn't know where to search. And we appreciate it. So we done. God bless you and your family. (Applause.)
Thank you, and feel free to take a look at Azeem. He was a great member of the Philadelphia Police Department and will be missed. But thank you, Cal, for making sure that the units stay strong, and we appreciate the financial support, not $6,500 but $7,000 to replace the two dogs. Thank you.
Thank you all very much. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you, Madam President. I need to be excused to attend Council business and would like to leave a vote of aye on all bills and resolutions.
Thank you, Madam President. Today in Chambers we have a group of veterans who are putting together a march on Washington on April the 25th and the 26th to protest the continued underfunding of the veterans healthcare system. With this group is the President of the group, called Firing for Effect, Mr. Gene Simes, and with him also is someone on my staff, retired Marine Corporal Tony Jenkins, and also we heard from him this morning with the invocation, retired Lieutenant Colonel Father Herman Brinkman, but also a whole host of veterans who put their lives on the line. A lot of them from the Vietnam War are here this morning, and I would like them to stand up so we can
The next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant-At-Arms deliver the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. The Chief Clerk will please read the messages from the Mayor.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am pleased to advise you that on March 30, 2006, I signed all the bills that were passed by Council at its session on March 16, 2006, except Bill No. 051144-A; and I am pleased to advise you that on March 30th, I signed the following bill that was passed by Council at its on session on March 23, 2006: Bill No. 060092; and I am herewith returning to you 051144-AA, which would amend Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning"; and I am transmitting for the consideration of your honorable body a resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority, the City of Philadelphia, for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area; and An ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 271 by striking from the City Plan and vacating Odd Fellows Avenue; and An ordinance authorizing the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development to file an application with the Office of the Budget in an amount not to exceed $500,000 to assist in the development of Impact Services; and An ordinance authorizing the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development to file an application with the Office of the Budget in an amount not to exceed $2,575,000 to assist in the development of the Cancer Treatment Centers of America.
Thank you. The messages will be printed in the Journal. I would ask the Chief Clerk to please read any other communications in her possession.
Thank you. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for a motion.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended in order to permit the immediate consideration of resolutions at their time of introduction. (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 please indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution authorizing City Council's Legislative Oversight Committee to hold public hearings to investigate the Hero Scholarship Fund, Scholarship Award guidelines, the Fund's administrative decision-making and the status of the 2006 Thrill Show.
Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Kenney.
I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will please indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution will be referred to the Legislative Oversight Committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I introduce one resolution. It is signed by all members of Council, co-sponsored by Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown, Donna Miller, Darrell Clarke and Juan Ramos.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution commending the students of Howard University for spending their spring break in New Orleans helping victims of Hurricane Katrina and congratulating them for being recognized as "Persons of the Week" by ABC News for their important contribution to public service.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will please say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Councilwoman, didn't you have a second resolution to be introduced?
At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Madam President, I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. No bills or resolutions today.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ramos.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer one privileged resolution.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution recognizing Operation Firing for Effect and its effort to bring equal and fair rights to all the brave men and women who have served our country, and urging everyone around the nation to participate in the Veterans March 2006 in Washington, D.C. on April 25th and 26th, 2006.
Thank you, 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. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. I offer three bills and one resolution.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 271 by striking from the City Plan and vacating Odd Fellows Avenue.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development to file an application with the Office of the Budget under the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Section 21-501 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Special Rights, Privileges and Franchises," by increasing the fee related to special ordinances and requiring that such fee be paid prior to the introduction of such ordinance, all under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority for the urban renewal of a portion of the South Central Urban Renewal Area.
The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, 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 please indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer one bill and one resolution. Thank you.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Chapter 22-300 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Retirement Benefits," by amending Section 22-306, entitled "Retirement and Survivorship Benefit Options," by providing for benefits to be paid to certain trusts for disabled children, under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution recognizing the heroic efforts of William and Carole Py in raising their three orphaned grandchildren and commending ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, by giving the Py grandparents a new house, and commending Drexel University for committing college scholarships to the Py grandchildren.
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will please say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Madam President, earlier I indicated I was introducing one resolution and two bills, but I'm going to hold a resolution. So today I'll only introduce two bills.
An ordinance authorizing the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development to file an application with the Office of the Budget, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, under the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Section A-301, entitled "Application for Permit," and Section A-302, entitled "Permits of Chapter 3," entitled, "Permits of Subcode A," entitled "The Philadelphia Administrative Code."
This bill will also be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kelly.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution urging the Pennsylvania General Assembly to work with Governor Rendell in his efforts to end Pennsylvania's reputation as the puppy-mill capital of the East.
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will please indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The next order of business is reports from committees, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke for a report from the Committee on Rules.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Rules reports one bill with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. I would ask the Chief Clerk to please read the report.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Rules, to which was referred Bill No. 060159, entitled "An ordinance to amend the Institutional Development District Master Plan of Holy Family University by allowing for construction of a new student residence building," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Madam President, I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 060159. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 060159. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the bill just read will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for a report from the Committee on Public
Madam President, the Committee on Public Health and Human Services reports one bill with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the report.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Public Health and Human Services, to which was referred Bill No. 060050, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 10-600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Public Places - Prohibited Conduct,' by prohibiting smoking in public places and in the workplace, and providing for penalties, all under certain terms and conditions," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. Again, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Madam President, I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading today of Bill 060050. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 060050. All in favor will please indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the bill just read will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. 3/30/06 - STATED - 1ST READING The next order of business is the consideration of the Calendar. The Chief Clerk will please read the bills on the First Reading Calendar.
Bill No. 060159, entitled "An ordinance to amend the Institutional Development District Master Plan of Holy Family University by allowing for the construction of a new student residence building."
And Bill No. 060050, an ordinance amending Chapter 10-600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Public Places - Prohibited Conduct," by prohibiting smoking in public places and in the workplace, and providing for penalties, all under certain terms and conditions.
The Chair agrees. That completes our First 3/30/06 - STATED - 2ND READING Reading Calendar for today. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for the purpose of calling up bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar to be considered today.
Thank you, Madam President. Today our Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar begins on . We will hear Bill Nos. 060043, 060116. All of , Bill Nos. 060009, 060051, 53 and 57. On , Bill Nos. 060110 and 114, and on our last page, Bill Nos. 060141, 060156 and, finally, Bill No. 060183. All other bills are being held.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 060043.
An ordinance approving the fourth amendment of the redevelopment proposal for the 45th and Sansom Urban Renewal Area. 3/30/06 - STATED - 2ND READING
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Councilwoman Miller voting aye. Councilman Nutter. 3/30/06 - STATED - 2ND READING
Aye. The ayes are 14; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, this bill passes. We will now consider Bill No. 060116.
An ordinance amending Section 14-1610 of The 3/30/06 - STATED - 2ND READING Philadelphia Code, entitled "Old City Residential Area Special District Controls," all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 14; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. 3/30/06 - STATED - 2ND READING The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 060009.
An ordinance authorizing Antoinette McCoy to construct, operate and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 14; the nays are zero. A 3/30/06 - STATED - 2ND READING majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, this bill passes. We will now consider Bill No. 060051.
An ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 143, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Aye. 3/30/06 - STATED - 2ND READING
Aye. The ayes are 14; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, this bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 060053.
An ordinance amending Chapter 12-3000 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Use of an Automated Red Light Enforcement System to Prevent Red Light Violations," all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 14; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, this bill passes. We will now consider Bill No. 060057.
An ordinance amending Title 9 of The Philadelphia Code by prohibiting street and sidewalk vending on certain portions of Spring Garden Street.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 14; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, this bill passes. We will now consider Bill No. 060110.
An ordinance authorizing George Wake to construct, operate and maintain an existing one-story building addition, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please 3/30/06 - STATED - 2ND READING call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 14; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, this bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 060114.
An ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan Nos. 240 and 295, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different 3/30/06 - STATED - 2ND READING days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 14; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, this bill passes. We will now consider Bill No. 060141.
An ordinance amending Section 9-204 of The Philadelphia Code by permitting vending on the west side of 10th Street. 3/30/06 - STATED - 2ND READING
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Councilwoman Miller voting aye. Councilman Nutter. 3/30/06 - STATED - 2ND READING
Aye. The ayes are 14; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. We will now consider Bill No. 060156.
An ordinance amending Section 12-1120 of The 3/30/06 - STATED - 2ND READING Philadelphia Code, entitled "Abandoned Vehicles," by increasing the towing and storage fees, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 14; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, this bill passes. 3/30/06 - STATED - 2ND READING The last bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 060183.
An ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 393, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. 14; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, this bill passes. That completes our Calendar for today. Are there speeches on the part of the Minority? (No response.)
Are there speeches on the part of the Majority? The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. I'd simply like to mention that immediately following Council at 12:00 noon, there will be an opportunity for members of Council to learn more about the Benefit Bank. What we know already is that billions of dollars never get to many of our citizens, and Benefits Bank is about the business of letting citizens know the number of tax credits available for low and moderate-income families. So I'm Council and/or their staff representatives to learn more about Benefit Bank. Thank you, Madam President.
You're welcome. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I rise because on the front of the paper today it says "End of the Line - A Dry Cleaner Says SEPTA's El Project Has Finally Killed His Business." And I think the titles just depict how frustrated we are with the SEPTA project, and albeit my colleague, Councilman Nutter, is quoted in the area, because on that part of Market Street -- he extends to the north side. As all of you know, the Market Street Elevated Project goes from 46th to 63rd. And our frustration has continued to exist because of the disrespect of people. hearings, the Commerce Department came and said that we have 30 businesses that have now closed thanks to the SEPTA Market Street Elevated Project. And the way people have been disrespected and people who have been in business for 40 years and more and to have them continue to lose out because of this project is unconscionable. There are few projects that have made me feel frustrated and have made me feel unsuccessful. This is one of the few in my 30-year career that have made me feel that we're just losing it. And so we're very, very frustrated about it. We continue to say that SEPTA is just wrong in the way it treats people. They have been insensitive as to how they deal with this project. They've been outright disrespectful at the way they've treated people who live and people who function on neighborhood corridors, and we rise to tell this businessman that we're sorry, we're sorry that this continues to be such a failure and that people continue to be treated so poorly. Thank you, Madam President.
You're welcome. Are there any other speeches on the part of the Majority? The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, I'd only add to my colleague, Councilwoman Blackwell, I'm in sympathy with her comments. We feel the same pain. It has been very difficult for many people out there, and I'm going to continue to work with Dave through just a tragic time in his personal and professional career. And I appreciate Councilwoman Blackwell in her continued vigilance on this issue and our you, Madam President.
Thank you. Are there any other speeches on the part of the Majority? (No response.)
Seeing none, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for a motion to adjourn.
Madam President, I move that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, April the 6th, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, April 6, 2006. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. Thank you all very much. (Stated Meeting adjourned concluded 11:35 a.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 March 30, 2006, 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.)