COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 696, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, September 11, 2003 10:00 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILMAN FRANK J. DICICCO COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILWOMAN JOAN L. KRAJEWSKI COUNCILMAN RICHART T. MARIANO COUNCILMAN MICHAEL A. NUTTER COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILMAN ANGEL L. ORTIZ COUNCILMAN RICHARD T. MARIANO COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER 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
I note that the hour has come and that a quorum of this Council is present. The Council will please come to order. Members will please take their seats. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair welcomes the Reverend Steven Avenger, Pastor of Greater St. Matthew's Church. Pastor Avenger is here today at my invitation. Members and guests will please rise.
Gracious God, we are grateful for this day. We thank you for your mercies towards us. And now, God, as this august body gather to conduct the business of this City, we pray your bountiful, blessings upon them. We ask for wisdom, for understanding, and for guidance. We pray for this City. We pray, oh, God, for the leadership of this City. We particularly remember our children as they begin another school year. We pray, oh, God, that this year of business would mark a tremendous move towards cooperation as they conduct the business of this City. Be with them, guide them, and get glory out of what is done. In the name of our Lord, we pray. Amen.
The Chair thanks Reverend Avenger. standing, may we please have a moment in silence in commemoration of the tragedy that we all experienced on September 11, 2001. (Moment of silence.)
In commemoration of the tragedy of September 11, 2001, Councilman Rizzo graciously has invited a special guest. At this time, the Chair recognizes Mr. N. Cameron Chandler who will honor America by singing our National Anthem and God Bless America. (Singing.)
Absolutely magnificent. Thank you very much. At this time the Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo. No, I don't think he's going to sing.
Not after that. Everyone, I'd like to tell you a little bit about N. Cameron Chandler. He's a tenor, as we know now.
He has performed in and locally with sacred, classical and standard programs. And again, we welcome him here today. He's a local guy from Norristown, Pennsylvania. I heard him perform and I knew we would all enjoy him. Isn't he great? Let's give him another hand.
Madam President, he'll never talk to me again if I don't introduce him. The gentleman that's with him is a retired sergeant from the Norristown Police, Hank Cisco, and he was involved with Police Athletic League. He was a boxer also, he reminds me. And he is also involved with the Salvation Army and other good programs, sending clothes to needy people. So from the police department to community service, Hank Cisco, we thank you, too.
The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of June 12, 2003. And. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, June 12, 2003, stand approved.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, June 12, 2003, stand approved. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. The Journal of the meeting of the Thursday, June 12, 2003, is approved. The next order of business is requests for leaves of absence. And again, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. On behalf of the Majority, a leave of absence is requested today for Councilman Kenney.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman, and leave will be granted. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Madam President, the AND RESOLUTIONS Minority Leader and Minority Whip are present.
Thank you very much. The Chair will dispense with the regular order of business to recognize the 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 welcome today the Mayor's Honors Attorneys to our Council Session. These accomplished young professions are recent law school graduates who have been hired as City Solicitors. We wish them much success in their new jobs. If they're here, we would like you to stand so that we can recognize you. (Applause.)
Can Councilman Cohen quiz them now? Could you quiz them now, Councilman, so they can get ready? (Laughter.)
The next order of business communications. AND RESOLUTIONS The Chair requests that the Sergeant-at-Arms deliver the messages from the Mayor to the Clerk. The 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 I have signed all of the bills that passed at its Council session on June 5th except that I am returning unsigned the following bills: 020760, 030337, 030387, and 030394. And I am pleased to advise you that I have signed all of the bills that passed the Council Session on June 12th except I am returning herewith as disapproved Bill No. 030340 passed by the Council at its Session on June 12, 2003. I am also returning herewith 030339 unsigned, and thus it will go into law without my signature.
Thank you. The messages will be printed in the Journal. The Clerk will please read any other communications in her possession.
Thank you. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. And at this time the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for a motion.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Rules of Council be suspended so as 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 of the motion will please indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the motion carries. At this time we will consider a special order of business. A resolution recalling Bill No. 030222A. AND RESOLUTIONS The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution requesting the Mayor to return to Council Bill No. 030222A, entitled an ordinance creating the Progress Plaza Tax Increments Financing District, being the area generally bounded by Broad Street on the West, Oxford Street on the north, 13th Street on the east and Jefferson Street on the south, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
The ayes have it. The resolution has been passed. AND RESOLUTIONS The Clerk will please read the letter from the Mayor.
To the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am returning herewith as requested by your resolution adopted today, September 11, 2003, Bill No. 030222A, entitled an ordinance creating the Progress Plaza Tax Increments Financing District for the purpose of reconsideration by the Council of the vote of which said bill passed Council.
The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke for a motion that Council reconsider the vote by which Bill No. 030222A was passed.
All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. A majority of all Members having voted in the affirmative, the motion carries. And the vote by which Bill No. 030222A was passed has been reconsidered. AND RESOLUTIONS Again, the Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Thank you, Madam President. I would like to offer an amendment to Bill No. 030222A. A copy of the amendment has been circulated to all Members of Council. I move the adoption of the amendment. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the amendment to Bill No. 030222A be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. And Bill No. 030222A has been amended. The bill will be placed on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for our next Session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for introduction of bills and resolutions.
Thank you, Madam President. Today, I introduce two resolutions and one bill on your behalf and four resolutions and two bills on AND RESOLUTIONS my own.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the first bill.
An ordinance amending Section 9-205 of the Philadelphia Code entitled sidewalk sales by prohibiting sidewalk vending on portions of Chester Avenue and South 54th Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance naming and designating the Passyunk Branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia located at 20th and Shunk Street as the Thomas F. Donatucci Branch of Free Library of Philadelphia.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Title 18 of the Philadelphia Code to add a chapter related to gambling enterprises by establishing the Office of Gambling; providing for the duties of such Office; providing certain minority participation goals applicable to City relationships with gambling enterprises.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. AND RESOLUTIONS The 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 deeds located in the 36th and 40th Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
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 signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. The Clerk will please read the next resolution.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to AND RESOLUTIONS the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia deeds located in the 30th and 36th 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. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. The Clerk will please read the next resolution.
And a resolution honoring Mr. Jack Franklin and Mr. Kendel Wilson.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell. AND RESOLUTIONS
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution authorizing the Commission of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City deeds located in the 3rd, 51st, and 60th Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
It has been moved AND RESOLUTIONS and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City deeds located in the 3rd, 6th and 24th Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. AND RESOLUTIONS
And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City deeds located in the 6th, 51st and 60th 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. (Aye.)
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski. AND RESOLUTIONS
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution approving the revision of the Holy Family University Institutional Development District Master Plan.
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 authorizing the Committee on Appropriations to hold hearings to determine whether an additional appropriation is necessary to fund AND RESOLUTIONS the expansion of the Police Department's Neighborhood Services Unit.
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 say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries, and this resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution honoring the memory of General Friedrich von Steuben, designating the area of 22nd and Benjamin Franklin Parkway as the Steuben Platz and celebration of the 33rd annual German-American Stubin Day Parade to be held on Saturday, September 27, 2003.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski. AND RESOLUTIONS
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.)
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 indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City deeds located in 45th Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
The Chair, again, recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
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 say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano.
Madam President, I have three bills and four resolutions.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. 9/11/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE The Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance amending Chapter 10-1200 of the Philadelphia Code, posting of temporary signs, by amending Section 10-1207 to revise the penalties applicable to the posting and placing of temporary signs stickers, all under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Title 9 of the Philadelphia Code, "Regulation of Business, Trades and Professions", by amending Section 9-605, towing, to establish specific limits to the amounts that may be charged for towing illegally parked vehicles from parking lots, private property and driveways.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Section 19-2900 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Senior Citizen Low Income Special Tax Provisions," by allowing deduction of certain medical expenses in determining eligibility, under certain terms and conditions. 9/11/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The 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 deeds located in the 7th, 19th, 23rd, 33rd and 43rd Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City deeds located in 9/11/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE the 23rd, 31st and 37th Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution honoring the Frankford Community Development Corporation on its 10th year of service to the Frankford community.
The Chair, again, recognizes Councilman Mariano.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. 9/11/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Madam President, I offer one resolution cosponsored by you.
The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution recognizing Alzheimer Memory Walks in honor Alzheimer's Association Delaware Valley Chapter.
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 indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer four resolutions, one cosponsored by you.
The Clerk will please read the title of the resolutions.
A resolution declaring September 2003 as Voter Education and Voter Registration Month in the City of Philadelphia and recognizing the League of Women Voters for its continuing efforts to register and educate voters.
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 say aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution designating September 23, 2003, as John William Coltrane Day in the City of Philadelphia.
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 say aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority deeds located in the 12th Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
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 authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City deeds located in 11th, 13th and 59th Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
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 indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. The Clerk will now read another resolution that was introduced by Councilman Mariano.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority deeds located in the 7th, 19th, 23rd and 37th Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter.