Are there speeches on the part of the majority? The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Madam President. As you heard in Council Caucus chambers, there was a lively discussion, ample debate about two resolutions. One I was to introduce on behalf of some of my colleagues to call for a moratorium on the closing of the free libraries. The second resolution was going to be offered by Councilman DiCicco calling for cuts in Council to fund an independent study to see what Department could be done as opposed to closing firehouses or at least reducing the ladders and firehouses. What we decided to do was to hold both resolutions in abeyance so that we could have further dialogue with the Administration about how we can come to conclusion on this difficult subject of our budget. We've asked you to lead us in that dialogue. There's members of the Free Library that will be meeting with the Administration. They are here today in support of the libraries, as you can see, and we -- I think non-binding resolutions aren't as important as sincere dialogue, bringing great minds together to solve some of the problems this city is going to face budgetarily. So we're going to work together on this with the Administration. We're going to work together as colleagues, as colleagues, who see things differently often, but we are all committed to solving this problem together. We refuse to be Washington, DC where we point fingers and blame, and we're going to come together to resolve this matter collectively. Thank you, Madam President. (Applause.)
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. I have two announcements and two comments. I would also like to introduce to Council high school seniors, high school seniors from the Nueva Esperanza Charter School, who are studying urban politics at Eastern University. They're visiting with us today to see government in action, and I would remiss not to bring them to the attention of our audience.
If here, if they would kindly stand, we'd be very happy to recognize them.
You're welcome. The Chair recognizes Councilman Green.
Thank you. Secondly, a reminder to my colleagues that today we have representatives from the not-for-profit organization Innovation Philadelphia, our leader in the City when it comes to the and/or their staff are welcome to join us immediately following Council in the Caucus Room for a presentation, lunch and reception around this new potential economic driver for our city. Thirdly, I would like to say thank you, thank you to all of my colleagues who listened and considered my case for seeking support on our city's first menu labeling bill. I especially wish to acknowledge my colleagues who asked very, very tough questions, those who attended the menu labeling task force meetings over the last 18 months, those colleagues like Councilman Brian O'Neill and Councilman Curtis Jones who with candor raised and expressed serious concern about this bill, principally because it would directly impact franchise owners in their councilmanic districts. I also would like to thank and acknowledge Councilman Goode and Clarke, who cautioned me to be not too careful in trying to reach a consensus, because at the end of the day, it's nine that matters and not 17, and then those like Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell and Marie Quinones-Sanchez and Krajewski who said, Please move this bill, let's vote on it. So I thank them for that. And then, finally, a huge thank-you to our Mayor, who signed this bill into legislation. This bill will provide nutrition information not on menus, because not on menus is like placing pamphlets on the side of highways to provide speed limits rather than posting the information on prominent signs visible while people are driving on the highway. We now join New York City and the State of California. Our bill will go into effect January 2010 to allow local franchise owners to become in compliance. And the good news, Madam President, is that menu labeling works. Current proof is how chain restaurants of all types in New York City are complying with this law. So, again, I thank my colleagues. We now join three other locations around the City and another dozen who have this on their legislative agenda. And I might add, as recently as Sunday on the morning news, I learned that currently in Congress a bill has been put forth to consider menu labeling because of the alarming rise of obesity. So, again, in closing, I thank my colleagues and I thank the Mayor. Lastly, while we endure this budget crisis, I wish to go on record to remind all of us that while respectful debate, open dialogue is needed, expected and beneficial -- and, parenthetically, let me commend Councilmen Jones and DiCicco -- we all have to be disciplined in recognizing that this is unprecedented financial economic times and, therefore, disciplined and thoughtful in how we attack these serious issues facing the City. Thank you, Madam President.
You're welcome. The Chair recognizes Councilman Green.
Thank you, Madam President. I, too, want to echo the comments of Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown and Councilman Jones. I'd sum them up this way: We are in this together. We need to get out of it together, respectfully, with open dialogue, with full information on all sides so that we can propose alternative funding sources for the things that this body may find to be a priority. As Councilman Jones said yesterday, great minds don't just meet in the library. Let's get together here and see if we can't help solve some of these problems. you, Madam President.
Any other speeches on the part of the majority? (No response.)
Seeing none, the Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke for a motion to adjourn.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, December 4, 2008, 10:00 a.m. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, December 4th at 10:00 a.m. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. Thank you. (Stated Meeting adjourned at 10:55 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 November 20, 2008, 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.)