COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 696, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, March 27, 2003 10:40 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE 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 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 V A R A L L O, INCORPORATED LITIGATION SUPPORT SERVICES Eleven Penn Center 1835 Market Street, Suite 600 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103
I note that the hour has come and a quorum of this is present. Council will come to order. The members will take their seats. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair welcomes the Reverend Roger Broadly. The Reverend is Pastor of St. Luke of the Epiphany Church. He is here today as the guest of Councilman Ortiz. Guests and members will please rise. REV. BROADLEY: Before I say the prayer, I'd like us to be in silence just for a moment. Hold up in our thoughts and our prayers our nation in this time of war and moment of crisis, our President and leaders of the world, the women and men of our deployed armed forces. Let's pray for a rapid end to the war leading to a viable and lasting peace, for the innocent people of Iraq, for their protection from disease and violence during these hostilities. (Moment of silence.) REV. BROADLEY: Let us pray. Grant, oh mighty God, that your holy and life-giving spirit may so move every human heart and especially the hearts of the people of this land and great City, that barriers which divide us may crumble, suspicions disappear, and hatreds cease, that our divisions being healed we may live and work together in justice and peace for justice and peace. Send down upon this City Council the necessary spirit of wisdom and charity, diligence and truth that united in steadfast purpose its members may faithfully serve in their offices to alleviate poverty, prejudice, and oppression and to promote the well-being of all the people of Philadelphia and the great promise offered in their glorious diversity. We ask this in your holy name. Amen.
The Chair thanks Rev. Broadly 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 20, 2003. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Journal of the Thursday, March 20th, stand approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, March 20, 2003, stand approved. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, March 20, 2003, has been approved. The next order of business is requests for leave of absence. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. There are no requests for leaves of absence on the part of the majority.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Madam President, on behalf of the Republicans leave of absence is Councilman Thacher Longstreth.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. Leave will be granted. 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 today. 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 next order business is communications. The Chair recognizes the Sergeant-at-Arms for the purpose of delivering messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. The Clerk will please read the messages from the Mayor. THE
Does the Clerk have any other communications in her possession? THE
Thank you very much. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit 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 say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions today. AND RESOLUTIONS
The Chair thanks the Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. This morning I introduce one resolution on your behalf.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution. THE
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority deeds located in the 36th and 40th Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
Madam President, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. AND RESOLUTIONS All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution has been adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer one bill and a concurrent resolution providing for an amendment to the Home Rule Charter related to healthcare.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the bill. THE
An ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of an amendment to Section 5-300 of the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter by adding a new subsection as approved by resolution of the City Council requiring the Health Department to prepare a plan for universal healthcare coverage that permits everyone in the City of Philadelphia to obtain decent healthcare on a regular basis, fixing the date of a special election for such purpose AND RESOLUTIONS proscribing the form of the ballot question to be voted on.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
The resolution, Madam President, my understanding is that both are referred to committee.
I realize that, sir. I was asking the Clerk to read the title of the resolution.
A resolution proposing an amendment to Section 5-300 of the City Charter relating to the functions of the Department of Health adding a new subsection declaring that healthcare is an essential safeguard of human life and dignity and that they're an obligation for the City of Philadelphia to ensure that every resident is able to realize this fundamental right. AND RESOLUTIONS
The resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions.
Madam President, I have no bills or resolutions today.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution. THE
A resolution AND RESOLUTIONS authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority deeds located in the 11th, 12th and 13th 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 signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution has been adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer seven bills in support of Governor Rendell's property tax relief and wage tax reduction proposals from his newly introduced budget. AND RESOLUTIONS
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the first bill. THE
An ordinance amending Chapter 19-1500 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Wage and Net Profits Tax," by decreasing the rates of the tax, under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
And an ordinance amending Chapter 19-1300 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Real Estate Taxes," by providing that for tax year 2004 real estate taxes levied under that chapter shall not increase by more than a specific percentage as the result of an increase in the assessed value of the property as returned by the Board of Revision of Taxes.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
An an ordinance amending Chapter 19-1800 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "School Tax Authorization," by providing that for tax year 2004 real estate taxes imposed by the Board of Education of the School District of Philadelphia on a property shall not increase by AND RESOLUTIONS more than a specific percentage of an increased in the assessed value of the property as returned by the Board of Revision of Taxes.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
And an ordinance amending Chapter 19-1300 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Real Estate Taxes," by providing that real estate taxes levied under that chapter shall not increase in any one year by more than a specific percentage as the result of an increase in the assessed value of the property as returned by the Board of Revision of Taxes.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
And an ordinance amending Chapter 19-1800 of Philadelphia Code, entitled "School Tax Authorization," by providing that real estate taxes imposed by the Board of Education of the School District of Philadelphia on a property shall not increase in any one year by more than a specific percentage as a result of the increased in the assessed value of the property as returned by the Board of Revision of Taxes. AND RESOLUTIONS
He bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
And and ordinance amending Chapter 19-1800 of the Philadelphia code entitled school tax authorization by specifying a rate for tax year 2004 that is dependent on the total taxable assessed values certified by the Board of Revision of taxes.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
And an ordinance amending Chapter 19-1800 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "School Tax Authorization," by specifying a rate for tax year 2004 that is dependent on total taxable assessed values certified by the Board of Revision of Taxes.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer two resolutions this morning.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution. AND RESOLUTIONS THE
A resolution proclaiming the week beginning Sunday, April 6, 2003, as Week of the Young Child.
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 resolution has been adopted. The Clerk will please read the title of the second resolution. THE
A resolution declaring the week of May 25-June 1, 2003, as Wellness Community of Philadelphia Week.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown. AND RESOLUTIONS
Thank you, Madam President. I was remiss to mention that this particular resolution is cosponsored by my colleagues Councilman Nutter and Councilman Rizzo. And I move for the adoption. (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 resolution has been adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ortiz.
Thank you, Madam President. I have one resolution. AND RESOLUTIONS
The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution. THE
A resolution finding that the Bush Administration temporary assistance to needy families re-authorization proposal as passed by the US House of Representatives will both undo those successes that Welfare reform has had and fail to address the worsened problems of poverty and barriers to employment that those currently on TANF continue to face, and in particular Congress and in particular Pennsylvania's two United States Senators Arlen Specter and Rick Santorum.
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 signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer one bill and two resolutions.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the bill. THE
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Clearfield Street, Trenton Avenue, West Moreland Street and Richmond Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution. THE
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the redevelopment of the City deeds located in the 25th and 31st Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you, Madam AND RESOLUTIONS 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 say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution has been adopted. The Clerk will please read the title of the second resolution. THE
A resolution celebrating the 10th Annual Easter Promenade on South Street.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been AND RESOLUTIONS moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution has been adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
The Chair thanks the Gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Thank you, Madam President. I have one bill and one resolution.
The Clerk will please read the title of the bill. THE
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Cecil B. Moore Avenue, 15th Street and Oxford Street. AND RESOLUTIONS
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution. THE
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority deeds located in the 20th and 28th 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 resolution has been adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo. AND RESOLUTIONS
The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution. THE
A resolution honoring and commending Philadelphia Gas Works service person Mike Buckley for his quick, decisive, and heroic actions that saved the life of a victim from carbon monoxide poisoning.
Madam President, 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. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution has been adopted. The next order of business is reports chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for a report from the Committee on Finance.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Finance reports out two bills with a favorable recommendation.
To the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Finance to which was referred Bill No. 030015, entitled an ordinance amending Title 17 of the Philadelphia Code entitled, "Contracts and Procurement," by adding a new chapter requiring that a bill or resolution approving funding for certain development projects must include an economic impact statement; And Bill No. 030022, entitled an ordinance amending Chapter 19-200 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "City Funds, Deposits Investments, Disbursements," by prohibiting the City Treasurer from depositing funds in banks and institutions that have failed to submit statements of community re-investment goals for low and City of Philadelphia, under the certain terms and conditions; Respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading today of Bill Nos. 030015 and 030022. (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 Nos. 030015 and 030022. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the bills just read will be placed on The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter for a report from the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Commerce and Economic Development reports three bills with a favorable recommendation. The Clerk will please read the report. THE
To the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia. The Committee on Commerce and economic development, to which was referred Bill No. 020816, entitled an ordinance amending Title 21 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Miscellaneous," by adding a new chapter creating the economic opportunity task force to develop plans for increasing employment for minority, women, and disabled persons in connection with publically funded construction contracts; And Bill No. 020827, entitled an ordinance amending Title 17 of the Philadelphia Code entitled, "Contracts and Procurement," to improve compliance with certain participation, Affirmative Action, and reporting requirements, including by 17-500 entitled goals for the participation of minority, female, and disabled owned businesses in City contracts by barring from participation in certain contracts contractors that fail to comply with certain low and moderate income hiring requirements and adding certain reporting requirements, all under certain terms and conditions; And Bill No. 030125, entitled an ordinance repealing Chapter 17-500 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Goals for Participation in Minority, Female, and Disabled Owned Businesses in City Contracts," and enacting a new Chapter 17-500 of the Philadelphia Code to establish City contract participation goals for disadvantaged owned business enterprises; Respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading today of 020816, 0208277 and 030125. (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 Nos. 020816, 020827, and 030125. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the bills just read will be placed on today's First Reading Calendar. That concludes reports from Committees. Our next order of business is the consideration of the Calendar. The Chief Clerk will please read the bills on the First Reading Calendar. THE
Bill No. 030073, an ordinance amending Section 19-1502 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Imposition of Tax," by providing for reductions in the wage and net profits tax, under certain terms and conditions.
And Bill No. 020813, an ordinance amending Section 19-1303 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Authorization to Offer Exemption from Real Estate Taxes on Improvements to Residential Properties," by amending the definition of eligible residential properties, all under certain terms and conditions.
And Bill No. 030018, an ordinance authorizing the installation of all-way stop signs at the intersection of Valley Avenue and Renz Street and Valley Avenue and Shalkop Street.
And Bill No. 030019, an ordinance authorizing the installation of all-way stop signs at the interest of Parkwood Lane and Summit Avenue.
And Bill No. 030020, an ordinance authorizing the installation of all-way the intersection of 51st Street and Overbrook Avenue.
And Bill No. 030021, an ordinance authorizing the installation of all-way stop signs at the intersection of Acorn Street and Henry Avenue.
And Bill No. 030080, an ordinance amending Chapter 12-400 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Right-of-Way Regulations and Penalties," by increasing the penalty for violations of Section 12-407, and by requiring that certain signs and painted stripes be installed at intersections designated by ordinance as "Don't Block the Box."
And Bill No. 030102, an ordinance authorizing the installation of all-way stop signs at the intersection of 13th Street and Brown Street.
And Bill No. 030140, an ordinance authorizing the striking from City Plan No. 97 and abandoning of a portion of certain right-of-way for drainage purposes lying within the lines of former Jessup Street, under certain terms and conditions.
And Bill No. 030015, an ordinance amending Title 17 of the Philadelphia Code entitled, "Contracts and Procurement," by adding a new chapter requiring that a bill or resolution approving funding for City development projects must include an economic impact statement, all under certain terms and conditions.
And Bill No. 030022, an ordinance amending Chapter 19-200 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "City Funds, Deposits Investments, Disbursements," by prohibiting the City Treasurer from depositing funds in banks and failed to submit statements of community re-investment goals for low and moderate-income neighborhoods in the City of Philadelphia.
And Bill No. 020816, an ordinance amending Title 21 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Miscellaneous," by adding a new chapter creating the economic opportunity task force to develop plans for increasing employment for minority, women, and disabled persons in connection with publically funded construction contracts, all under certain terms and conditions.
And Bill No. 020827, an ordinance amending Title 17 of the Philadelphia Code entitled, "Contracts and Procurement," to improve compliance with certain participation, Affirmative Action, and reporting requirements, including by amending Chapter 17-500, entitled Goals for the participation of minority, female, and disabled owned businesses in city contracts, all 3/27/03 - STATED - 2ND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE under certain terms and conditions.
And Bill No. 030125, an ordinance repealing Chapter 17-500 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Goals for Participation in Minority, Female, and Disabled Owned Businesses in City Contracts," and enacting a new Chapter 17-500 of the Philadelphia Code to establish City contract participation goals for disadvantaged owned business enterprises, all under certain terms and conditions.
The Chair agrees. The bills just read by the Chief Clerk will be placed on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for our next Session. That concludes the First Reading Calendar. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for purpose of calling up bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar to be considered today.
Thank you, 3/27/03 - STATED - 2ND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE Madam President. Today Bill Nos. 030081, 030096, 020647, 020757, 030026, 030076, 030077, 030079, 030124, 030137, and 030139 are being called up for second reading and final passage. All other bills are being held.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 030081. THE
An ordinance declaring that it is desirable for the health, safety, and welfare of the people in the area served by Temple University Hospital to undertake a project whereby the authority will finance the cost of the development and construction of a multi-level ambulatory healthcare building and other hospital improvements and related costs.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally? The Clerk will please call the roll. THE
Councilman Clarke. 3/27/03 - STATED - 2ND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE
This is a bill which abstained at the Rules Committee hearing and stated on the record the reasons. I'll state them again. The law firm with which I am associated is involved in this financing and I, therefore, am 3/27/03 - STATED - 2ND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE abstaining. Thank you.