COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, April 19, 2007 10:15 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILWOMAN CAROL ANN CAMPBELL COUNCILMAN DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILMAN FRANK DiCICCO COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN WILLIAM GREENLEE COUNCILMAN JACK KELLY COUNCILMAN JAMES F. KENNEY COUNCILWOMAN JOAN L. KRAJEWSKI COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILMAN JUAN RAMOS COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO COUNCILMAN DANIEL SAVAGE COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO MICHAEL DECKER, 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. 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 Reverend Kevin Palmer, Assistant Pastor of the Second Mt. Zion Baptist Church. He is here today as the guest of Councilman Kenney. I would ask all members and guests to please rise. (Everyone rises.)
President Verna, to Councilman Kenney and to all the Council, we thank you. Let us pray. Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations before the mountains were formed and even you formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God, that, we come to you this morning seeking your mercies, seeking your grace, thanking you that you've kept us thus far. We're ever mindful, Father, that your servant, Solomon, when you asked him, What would you have me to do, could have sought riches, fame and glory, but he asked, Give me wisdom that I might lead your people. So today I ask, Lord, that you would give them wisdom that they might lead your people. We ask it in the name that is above every name, your servant's prayer. Amen. (Amen.)
The Chair thanks Reverend Palmer 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, April 12, 2007, and the Chair recognizes
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, April 12, 2007 stand approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, April 12, 2007 stand approved. All in favor will please indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, April 12, 2007 is approved. The next order of business is requests for leave of absence, and the Chair again 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, there are no requests for leave of absence.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. 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 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. time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller, who will present a resolution commemorating April 21st as National Youth Service Day in Philadelphia. Will Ms. Erin Hartshorn and those accompanying her please join the Councilwoman at the podium. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller, who is being joined by Councilman Greenlee and Councilwoman Brown.
Good morning, everyone. Commemorating April 21, 2007 as National Youth Service Day in Philadelphia and recognizing the host, Greater Philadelphia Cares, whose mission is to give positive direction to our young people and to make a positive difference in our communities. Whereas, Greater Philadelphia Cares will host National Youth Service Day on April 21, 2007 for the greater and celebrate the contributions of vast numbers of young people who participate in their programs; and
Whereas, National Youth Service Day is the largest youth service event in the nation, mobilizing young people to identify the needs of their communities and address them through service - recruiting the next generation of volunteers and educating the public about year-round youth community leadership activities; and Whereas, on National Youth Service Day, a public awareness campaign will highlight the valuable and productive contributions young people are making throughout the region and their communities 365 days a year; and Whereas, young people will design and facilitate service-learning projects in a broad variety of areas, ranging from literacy to healthcare, aid elderly, help for the hungry or homelessness and concern for the environment; and
Whereas, young people, their leaders and young service workers, in coalition with Greater Philadelphia Cares, are operating and producing projects in areas such as community development, blight removal, social services, assistance to seniors or people with disabilities, AIDS/HIV-related services and animal care; and Whereas, Greater Philadelphia Cares continues to succeed in its mission to support the creation of vibrant communities by motivating people to volunteer their time, their talents and resources, providing a clear path to service for all, enhancing the impact of non-profit agencies throughout the greater Philadelphia region; and Whereas, Greater Philadelphia Cares, through its mission, strives to of us all regarding the critical social and quality-of-life needs in all communities in and around our city, our region and nation, which then increases our capacity to care and serve. Now, therefore
Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we commemorate April 21, 2007 as National Youth Service Day in Philadelphia and recognize the host, Greater Philadelphia Cares, for its valuable contributions to our communities. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Greater Philadelphia Cares, as further evidencing the sincere admiration and gratitude of this legislative body. Certification, this is a true and correct copy of the original resolution, adopted by the Council of the City of Philadelphia on the 15th day of 2007, signed by Anna C. Verna, President of City Council, introduced by Donna Reed Miller and Blondell Reynolds Brown and co-sponsored by all members of City Council. Thank you. (Applause.)
Good morning. On behalf of Greater Philadelphia Cares, it is my honor to accept this resolution. Since 1994, Greater Philadelphia Cares has been mobilizing volunteers to participate in community service projects that produce tangible results. Whether it has been cleaning a park, teaching a child to read or spending time with seniors, Philadelphia Cares' volunteers have answered the call to address our community's most pressing needs. This commitment to action has resulted in over one million hours of service to the City. 21st, National Youth Service Day, we will be sending some 45 teams totalling 800 youth volunteers to 27 agencies and parks across the City. These young people experience firsthand the transformative power of community engagement. This group represents the future leadership of our city, and we are honored to partner with them in helping to shape the future of Philadelphia. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you, Madam President. Today we are pleased to have a visit from eight autism students from Germantown High School. They're accompanied by their teacher, Ms. Joan Bommentre, Ms. Huggins and Mr. Hayes, and we're just going to take a coming today. (Applause.)
The next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant-At-Arms deliver the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. The Clerk will please read the messages from the Mayor.
There are no messages from the Mayor at this time, Madam President.
Thank you. Does the Clerk have any other communications in his 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.)
Thank you. 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 indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer six resolutions and I also offer one resolution on my behalf and on behalf of Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the first resolution.
A resolution approving the appointment of Peter J. Fischer to the Veterans' Advisory Commission.
I move 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.)
A resolution approving the appointment of Joseph C. Waters, Jr. to the Veterans' Advisory Commission.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
A resolution approving the appointment of Ernest Landers to the Veterans' Advisory Commission.
I move 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.)
A resolution approving the appointment of R. Edward Speller to the Veterans' Advisory Commission.
I move 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.)
A resolution approving the appointment of Samuel Blow to the Veterans' Advisory Commission.
I move 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.)
A resolution approving the appointment of Delano Stones to the Veterans' Advisory Commission.
I move 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.)
A resolution authorizing City Council's Committee on the Environment and the Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs to hold joint public hearings to examine the conditions, maintenance policies and irrigation methods used to maintain functional and safe outdoor athletic fields citywide.
I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
The ayes have it and the resolution will be referred to the Committees on Environment and the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I introduce one resolution on your behalf and one on my behalf.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution authorizing the Director of Commerce, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to file an application for and, if the application is accepted, to execute contracts to obtain additional grant funds from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Community and Economic Development, to be used for business district revitalization.
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 say aye. (Aye.)
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 30th, 36th and 40th Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
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. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Madam President. Together with Councilman Ramos I offer one bill.
The Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance repealing Section 17-101 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Prequalification of Prospective Bidders for Contracts for Construction of Public Works," and enacting a new Section 17-101 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Prequalification of Responsible Contractors and Subcontractors for Public Works Contracts."
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer two resolutions.
Thank you. 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 to property located in the 45th Ward 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 say aye. (Aye.)
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 is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Madam President, I have no bills or resolutions today.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I have one bill and one resolution.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance granting permission to Peggy Jones Musa, owner and operator of the newsstand located on the northeast corner of Chelten Avenue and Greene Street, to construct, use and maintain overhead electrical and telecommunications lines.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia deeds to property located in the 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 say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Savage.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer one resolution for today.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution authorizing the Committee on Public Health and Human Services to hold hearings to bring together leaders in public health to discuss the mental health component of the crime epidemic 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 indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution will be referred to the Committee on Public Health and Human Services. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. I offer one bill, which is co-sponsored by you, and I offer four resolutions, one on your behalf.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Chapter 19-2600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Business Privilege Taxes," by amending the definition of "Net Income" with respect to the portion of net income that is properly attributable and allocable to the doing of business in Philadelphia.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution authorizing the creation of a Special Committee on Gaming Alternate Site Selection of the City Council of Philadelphia, for the purpose of holding hearings and making written recommendations to identify alternate locations for slot parlors in the City.
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 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 of Philadelphia deeds to property located in the 11th, 25th and 31st Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
The Chair again recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: 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 say aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia deeds to property located in the 31st Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
The Chair again recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: 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 say aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution honoring and congratulating Saint Rita of Cascia Parish and the National Shrine of Saint Rita on its centenary year 1907 through 2007.
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 properly 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 Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer two resolutions, the equal payday resolution co-sponsored by Councilwoman Marian Tasco.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
A resolution honoring Shaping America's Youth on the occasion of SAY Town Meeting on Saturday, April 21, 2007.
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 is adopted. 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 no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Campbell.
Thank you, Madam President. One resolution and two bills.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance amending Chapter 10-600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Public Places - Prohibited Conduct," by amending Section 10-604, entitled "Alcoholic Beverages," by increasing penalties regarding alcoholic beverages in certain City-owned recreation centers.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
An ordinance amending Title 6 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Health Code," by requiring semi-annual inspection of mobile food vendors.
This bill will also be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution authorizing City Council's Committee on Education to hold hearings to investigate and determine the feasibility of imposing by ordinance the requirement that the class sizes in grades kindergarten through third not exceed 20 students and in grades four through 12 class size shall not exceed 25 children.
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 is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia deeds to property located in the 32nd Ward 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 resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kelly.
Madam President, I offer two resolutions, one which is co-sponsored by Councilman DiCicco, and I would also like to be heard on the non-privileged resolution.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution remembering, memorializing, honoring and mourning the 32 people slain at Virginia Tech on April 16, 2007, and authorizing City Council's Committee on Public Safety to hold public hearings to investigate how safe the college campuses in the City of Philadelphia are.
Thank you, Madam President. I think that I can speak for everyone in this Council in saying that we are absolutely horrified over the incident in Virginia that took place earlier this week. I would like to express my sincere condolences and sympathy to those families who were affected by this tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers go out to them. I have, as I'm sure most of my colleagues here, have received numerous phone calls from parents who have children in colleges and universities in Philadelphia. They have a lot of questions and concerns as to their children's safety. As a proud parent who had children in college, I understand their concern. Although I am confident that universities in Philadelphia are working tirelessly to ease and address the concerns of students, parents and professors, I want to in a public, collaborative forum investigate how safe our college campuses are. I think we can learn from these tragic events and I want to do everything possible to improve the safety for all Philadelphia students and faculty. I want to bring all university administrators together to address current concerns and share innovative ideas relating to public safety. I know one university in Philadelphia is currently testing new technology that would allow campus safety officials to communicate directly with students and vice versa by text messages on their cellular phones. Since today mostly all students have cell phones, this sounds like it could be extremely effective. I am concerned about the well-being of our future leaders, and their parents deserve to have peace of mind while their children are in school. I look forward to discussing all of these issues and ideas in a public hearing. Thank you, Madam President.
Thank you. Would you move for the adoption, please.
I would like to move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
I would ask that everyone stand to express our sympathy to those families who have lost loved ones.
And I would also add that we could also have a silent prayer at this time for the victims and their families. (Standing moment of silence.)