COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, May 20, 2004 10:10 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILMAN DAVID COHEN COUNCILMAN FRANK J. DICICCO COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN JACK KELLY 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 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
Good morning, everyone. I note that the hour that has come and that a quorum of this Council is present. Members will take their seats, and visitors will please retire to the seats outside the rails. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair welcomes the Reverend Lorraine Bell Dennis, Pastor of the Mount Airy Church of God and Christ. She is here today as the guest of Councilwoman Reynolds Brown. I would ask all members and guests to please rise.
Let us all bow our heads. Father, we come here this morning to acknowledge you and to know that we are frailty in our beings but that we need your help today. And, Lord, we ask that you will touch these Council people, that you will touch their minds, their spirits and their souls, that you, God, will help them to direct the right decisions that will affect this City. And, God, we ask that you will give them compassion and understanding for the the City. And, Lord, we ask that you will touch this President, that you will give her the wisdom and direction to lead this Council. God, I ask that your spirit will abide here, that your peace will be here. And, God, as I heard this morning them quoting that Lincoln said to make your enemy your friend. And I'm asking, God, that you will help the Council people to make every person that comes up against them their friend. So, God, we ask all these things in your name, in Jesus' name we pray, amen.
The Chair thanks Reverend Dennis for her 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, May 13, 2004. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, May 13, 2004, stand approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, May 13, 2004, 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 Thursday, May 13, 2004, is approved. The next order of business is request for leave of absence. And the Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. There are no requests for the part of the Majority.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
Madam President, for the Republicans, there's no request 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 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 Tasco who will present a resolution declaring May 29th through May 31st as Cherokee Heritage Weekend. Will Chief Buffy Redfeather and join the Councilwoman at the podium. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Madam President. Again, it's a great pleasure to welcome my friends and present this resolution declaring May 29th through the 31st, 2004, Cherokee Heritage Weekend in celebration of the 11th Annual Cherokee Indian Festival. Whereas, predating the arrival of the European explorers by almost 500 years, the Cherokee Indians occupied much of the southern Appalachian Mountain area to the border of what is now the United States and provided the new settlers with techniques of working and living on the land; and Whereas, the Cherokee Nation today consists of three major groups, the Eastern Band, the Western Band and the Southeastern Cherokee Confederacy, representing the largest Native American group in the United States; and Whereas, the Southeastern Cherokee Confederacy of Pennsylvania, which was designated as an official Cherokee group in July 1988, with Buffy Redfeather Brown's appointment as Chief and Hamilton Hawk Brown as Vice Chief by the Trial Office at Ochiocknee, Georgia, now counts 18,375 Native Americans within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; and Whereas, the Southeastern Cherokee Confederacy of Pennsylvania has flourished since its formation. The Tribal Council has been successful in preserving the Cherokee language whose written alphabet was invented in 1821 by Sequoia, making the first Native American newspaper, The Phoenix, possible in 1828; and Whereas, the Southeastern Cherokee Confederacy also offers the culture of the Cherokee Nation to students in public and private schools and universities throughout the Commonwealth with exhibits of dance, arts, crafts, music and Cherokee regalia; and Whereas, the Southeastern Cherokee the tradition of great respect for learning and education through its scholarship fund and the sponsorship of the Cherokee festival, enabling the award of four-year scholarships to worthy and needy students; and Whereas, the Southeastern Cherokee Confederation will host representatives from at least 10 states at the Cherokee Festival over the Memorial Day weekend in its fund-raising activities. Now, resolved by the Council of the City of Philadelphia that we declare May 29 through 31, 2004, Cherokee Heritage Weekend and a salute the 11th Annual Cherokee Indian Festival. Further resolved that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Chief Buffy Redfeather Brown for her zealous representation of the Cherokee people and her embodiment of the Indian way and spirit and as expression of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body. Certification that this is a true the original resolution adopted by the Council of the City of Philadelphia on the 22nd day of April 2004. It is signed by President Verna, introduced Marian Tasco, and sponsored by all Councilmembers. And we congratulate you and thank you again. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes Chief Buffy Redfeather for remarks. CHIEF REDFEATHER: Oseo (ph). Oseo in Cherokee means hello. As usual, we're very honored to be here to receive this special award, this special honor. We will be having our Cherokee Festival May 29th, 30th, and 31st, 2004, Temple University, Ambler Campus. It's very important to us because we have the opportunity to share our culture with hundreds of people who come and spend time with us. The culture and the arts are very important in all cities. And in Philadelphia, this is the way they get to know about us and we get to know about them. So I encourage with the arts and get involved with the cultures. Once again, thank you. I do want to acknowledge that I have the Vice Chief Hawk is here with me; the Chief Marshal, Walks With Wolves; the Clan Mother, Cherokee Rose; and Cherokee Sister, Evening Star. And thank them for coming and being my emotional support. Wado (ph). (Applause.) CHIEF REDFEATHER: I do a couple of baskets. We always like to give something when we receive something. So to the President of the Council, we have a basket. Mayor Tasco. And to Blondell Reynolds Brown. Are you here?
I don't think she's in the room at the moment. There she is. CHIEF REDFEATHER: It is so important for all of us to remember to respect each other, honor each other, and that way you became involved in the culture. So once again, wado.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller who will present a resolution celebrating the 50th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka. Will Mr. Jerry Mondesire and those accompanying him please join the Councilwoman at the podium. Would Councilwoman Brown and Councilwoman Blackwell please join Councilwoman Miller.
Good morning. It is an honor and a pleasure to present this citation remembering and celebrating the 50th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, which is the ruling of the Supreme Court of United States that separate educational facilities are inherently unequal. Whereas, on May 17, 1954, the United its decision that separate educational facilities are inherently unequal; and
Whereas, the decision effectively denied the legal basis for segregation in Kansas and 20 other states with segregated classrooms and will forever change race relations in the United States; and Whereas, in the early 1950s, racial segregation in public schools was the norm across America. And although schools in a given district were supposed to be equal, most black schools were far inferior to their white counterparts; and Whereas, in Topeka, Kansas, a black third-grader named Linda brown had to walk one mile through a railroad switch yard to get to her black elementary school even though a white elementary school was only seven blocks away from her home; and Whereas, under, Plessy v. Ferguson, the Topeka School system was segregated on the basis of race and under the separate but equal doctrine, the arrangement was acceptable and legal; and Whereas, the parents of Linda Brown sued in Federal District Court on the basis that separate facilities for black children were inherently unequal;
And Whereas, as the lower courts agreed with the school system that if the facilities were equal that black children were being treated equally with white as proscribed by the 14 amendment; and Whereas, the Browns and other families in other school systems appealed to the Supreme Court that even facilities that were physically equal did not take into account intangible factors that if separation itself has a deleterious effect on the education of black children; and Whereas, in the case of the Browns and other families was supported and encouraged by the National Association For the Add Advancement of Colored People, NAACP, and was argued before the Supreme Court by later become the first black justice on the Supreme Court; and Whereas, the high court ruled unanimously to overturn the 1896 case of Plessy v. Ferguson and that Earl Warren, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, delivered to the decision of the court. Now, therefore, resolved that the Council of the City of Philadelphia celebrates the decision of Supreme Court on the 17th day of May in the year 1954 to end racial segregation in public schools and commends the NAACP for its tenacity in pursuing the end of segregation in public schools; and
Further resolved that the City of Philadelphia and all citizens remember and celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education, which ruled that in the field of public education, the doctrine of separate but equal has no place and that separate educational facilities are inherently unequal. Resolved further that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to a evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body. Certified that this is a true and correct copy of the original resolution adopted by the Council of the City of Philadelphia on the 13th day of May 2004. Signed by Anna C. Verna, President of City Council, introduced by Donna Reed Miller, Jannie L. Blackwell and Blondell Reynolds Brown and cosponsored by all members of City Council. (Applause.)
Thank you, Madam President. Good morning. Thank you, Councilwoman Donna Reed Miller. Thank you, Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown. Thank you, Councilwoman Jannie L. Blackwell. I think this the first time I've been up on this podium when I wasn't protesting. (Laughter.)
And thank you to all Council who are fellow members of the lovely ladies who are standing right next to me. It's very fitting and appropriate that this Council will take a few minutes to remember the famous Brown v. Board of Education case which celebrates its 50th anniversary on Monday. What most Americans don't know is that this case was a compendium of seven cases that began in South Carolina, Florida, Topeka, Kansas and really also nearby Delaware because there was segregated schools enforced by law just a few miles from where we're standing today. And the debate today about Brown v. Board of Education centers on whether or not Brown worked. Of course it didn't desegregate the schools, but it made the humanity of people of color in this country an irrefutable fact enforced by the Supreme Court. That changed this country and, of course, ushered in what we today call the modern civil rights movement. That's the history of Brown, that's the real importance of Brown, and that's why that this Council took a few minutes to remember the Brown v. Board of Education case. And as we look toward the future, the struggle now continues on the equity issue of funding for school children all across the Commonwealth and all across this country. That struggle is what we are enmeshed in today at the NAACP, and we will never forget that we must get justice now in the equity issue just as we did in the race issue. Again, thank you. And as president of the local branch, I'm very proud to receive this resolution on behalf of our 5,000-plus members. Good morning. (Applause.)
At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Ramos who will present a resolution recognizing Campaign For Working Families. Will Mrs. Sharmain Matlock Turner please join the Councilman at the podium, please. Councilman Goode and Councilwoman Tasco will be joining Councilman Ramos. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ramos. And I see Councilman Mariano is now joining.
Good morning, everyone. This is a resolution honoring the Campaign For Working Families. Whereas under the leadership of the Greater Philadelphia Urban Affairs Coalition and its President, Sharmain Matlock Turner, the Campaign For Working Families has launched city-wide campaign in January to bring millions of earned income tax credit monies to working Philadelphia families this year; and Whereas, the Campaign For Working Families and its constituent community groups have partnered with the Internal Revenue Service to staff volunteer income tax assistance sites in Philadelphia at 18 locations; and
Whereas, in 2003, its first year in existence, the Campaign, through its volunteer tax preparers brought in $3,924,622 in additional income to struggling working families in Philadelphia; and Whereas, the Philadelphia Tax Reform Commission estimates that in 2002, 45,000 eligible Philadelphia households did not file for the federal earned income tax credit, EITC or analogous state relief; and
Whereas, the Philadelphia Tax Reform Commission estimates that 75.6 million in tax credits available under the federal EITC Program alone were not received by low and moderate income Philadelphia working households; and Whereas, in hard economic times when federal tax relief is primarily targeted at high net worth individuals and multi-national corporations, it is critically important that the working Philadelphia families get the fullest benefits possible from all EITC programs, and the Campaign deserves recognition for its progressive. Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the City of Philadelphia that we hereby honor the Campaign for Working Families for its progressive dedication to the working people in Philadelphia. Further resolve that an engrossed copy of this resolution shall be presented to the Campaign For Working Family as evidence of this legislative body's intention to work closely with the Campaign to lead the fight to help working Philadelphians apply for state and federal relief. Certification this is a true and correct copy of the original resolution adopted by the Council of the City of Philadelphia on the 15th of April 2004. Signed by Anna C. Verna, President of City Council; introduced by Juan F. Ramos, Richard T. Mariano, Marian B. Tasco and W. Wilson Goode, Jr.; and sponsored by all Members of Council. (Applause.)
Thank you very much President Anna Verna for this opportunity. I certainly want to thank the cosponsors of this resolution, Councilman Ramos, Councilman Goode, my good friend Councilwoman Marian Tasco, and Councilman Mariano for really recognizing the Campaign For Working Families. You'll notice that in the resolution, the Council was nice enough to give us the opportunity this morning to actually announce the results of the Campaign for this year. We're excited to say that the Campaign has done really, really well; and not because of me, but because of all of the hard working people who participated in this effort. This was a city-wide effort with groups and organizations and volunteers from across the entire area working hard to make sure that they reached out to those who really, really needed to know about these dollars that actually belong to them. season, hundreds of volunteers boosted the paychecks of thousands of low-income workers. And I'm proud to announce that this year we brought in $15 million in tax crest to Philadelphia's families. We did this by operating 19 free tax preparation sites in neighborhoods throughout Philadelphia. The tax returns were prepared by 460 Campaign volunteers, all certified by the Internal Revenue Service. Volunteer recruitment was coordinated by the United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania. For those who don't know what the Earned Income Tax Credit is, it is for working families who earn under $35,000 a year. And so $15 million went to low and moderate income working families in Philadelphia. We filed taxes for more than 10,000 people in the City of Philadelphia. And we prepared more than 3600 taxes for those who are eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit which was a 54 percent increase over last year. We had wonderful partners. We had banks in Philadelphia who participated in the to open 278 bank accounts for those who had been unbanked as a part of this effort. And we really want to thank the Department of Public Property for their work in helping us set up the interactive telephone line. We received this year more than 17,000 phone calls from Philadelphians to learn about the campaign. And we are very cost-effective. For every dollars that is spent on this campaign, we bring $19 back to Philadelphia. So I want to thank all of you. I want to thank all of our partners for making this Campaign work. We have been recognized nationally as being one of the best start-up campaigns in the country, and it's really because of all of the work of all of our volunteers. So again, thank you so very, very much for this recognition for the Campaign. And we look forward to working with you in the future to bring even more dollars to those who are deserving in the City of Philadelphia. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you very much. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
The next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant-at-Arms deliver the message from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. The Chief Clerk will please read the messages from the Mayor. THE
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am transmitting for the consideration of your honorable body a draft of a resolution entitled, a resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the New Kensington Fishtown Urban Renewal Area. And an ordinance amending an ordinance approved July 12, 1968, as last June 26, 2002, relating to pension benefits for employees working on behalf of the Philadelphia Gas Works. And an ordinance authorizing a trial program under which advanced approval is given to the Philadelphia Facilities Management Corporation on behalf of the Philadelphia Gas Works, subject to certain terms and conditions. And an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development without consideration a deed situate at 815 Spring Garden Street. And an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development without consideration a deed situate at 3033-63 East Ontario Street. And I am transmitting for the consideration of your honorable body the following ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan 205 by striking from the City plan and vacating Fairhill Street from Wingahocken Street to Annsbury Street. And an ordinance authorizing striking from City Plan No. 271 and 146 of Penn Street from Ellen Street to Shackamaxon Street. And an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 107 bounded by 46th Street and Westminster Avenue. And an ordinance authorizing revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 222 in the vicinity of Hunting Park Avenue and Kingsessing Avenue, under certain terms and conditions.
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. THE
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 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. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Madam President. On behalf of myself, Councilman Ramos and Councilmember Blackwell, I over one resolutions. And on behalf of myself and Councilman Nutter, I offer another.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution. THE
A resolution honoring Tuskegee Airmen in commemoration of the 60th anniversary of flying 200 missions without losing an escorted bomber to enemy aircraft.
Point of order. I would really like to know the contents of the resolution. I would ask the Clerk to read a little more slowly.
Councilman, you want her to read the title again? Is that what you're asking? THE
Whereas, the Tuskegee Airmen are the African-American 332 fighter group which was assigned in June of 1944 -
You don't have to read the whole thing, just read the title but he wants you to read it more slowly. THE
A resolution honoring Tuskegee Airmen in commemoration of the 60th anniversary of flying 200 missions without losing an escorted bomber to enemy aircraft.
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 signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. The Clerk will please read the next resolution. THE
A resolution honoring St. Francis de Sales Elementary School in West Philadelphia for providing immigrant children with an education that not only prepares them for life but also provides them with the keys to succeed in their new found home as citizens of the United States.
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 Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. Today, I introduce two bills and two resolutions; one resolution is on your behalf.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the first bill. THE
An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 107 bounded by 46th Street, 47th Street, Fairmount Avenue and Westminster Avenue.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
And an ordinance authorizing the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development to purchase certain tracts of land situated at 1601 and 1603 South 49th Street.
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 deeds located in the 24th and 60th Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
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 indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. THE
And 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 Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
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 Councilman Cohen.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
The Clerk will please read the title of the first bill. THE
An ordinance amending Section 9-212 of the Philadelphia Code entitled newsstands by deleting a provision relating to prohibiting newsstands within the area bounded by Dyre Street, Cheltenham Avenue and Penn Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
And an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development without consideration a deed located at 3033-63 East Ontario Street.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
And an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of the Public Property on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to purchase from the School District of Philadelphia a certain parcel of land located on the grounds of Mayfair Elementary School 3001 Princeton Avenue.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano.
Madam President, I have one bill and two resolutions.
The Clerk will please read the title of the bill. THE
An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 222 in the vicinity of Hunting Park Avenue and Kensington Avenue.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority deeds located in the 19th and 37th Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
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.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. THE
And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute Redevelopment Authority deeds located in the 19th and 31st Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
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 indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the first bill. THE
An ordinance authorizing a trial program under which advanced approval is given the Philadelphia Facilities Management Corporation to enter into a certain contract and transaction arising thereunder for the purchase, storage, distribution, transportation and/or transmission of natural and other gas on behalf of the Philadelphia Gas Works.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
And an ordinance amending an ordinance approved July 12, 1968 as last amended and restated effective June 26, 2002, relating the pension benefits for employees working on behalf of the Philadelphia Gas Works.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you, Madam President. Today, I offer two bills.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the first bill. THE
An ordinance regulating the direction of movement of traffic on 20th Street from Belfield Avenue to Olney Avenue, northbound. (Audience reacts.)
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
And an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades in an area of City Plan No. 178 bounded by Olney, Belfield Avenue, Ogontz Avenue and Wister Street. (Audience reacts.)
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter.
I'm sorry, Councilman. You are not going to interrupt our Council Session. The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter.
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 38th Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you, Madam President. 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 indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer no bills this morning.
The Chair thanks Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ramos.
Madam President, I offer one privileged resolution cosponsored by Councilman DiCicco and Councilwoman Blackwell.
The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution. THE
A resolution honoring Joe Hand Gym and their Philadelphia-born boxer Chaz Whitherspoon and Tion Kennedy who both won their respective weight classes at this year's National Golden Gloves Championship.
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 indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Councilman Ramos.
I wish to be excused for the remainder of this meeting. I will be voting aye on all bills and resolutions.
Leave is granted. Thank you. Councilman DiCicco.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer two bills and two resolutions.
The Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance authorizing the installation of all-way stop signs at the intersection of Front Street and Elfreths Alley.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
And an ordinance authorizing striking from City Plan No. 271 and 146 Penn Street from Ellen Street to Shackamaxon Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority deeds located in the 1st and 21st 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 signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. THE
And a resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the New Kensington Fishtown Urban Renewal Area.
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 indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the first bill. THE
An ordinance requiring the Philadelphia Gas Works to include with all monthly billing statements to customers information regarding the portion of a customer's bill attributable to the cost of services provided or to be provided to other customers for which the company has determined it cannot or will not be able to collect payment.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
And an ordinance requiring the Philadelphia Water Department to include with all monthly billing statements to customers information regarding the portion of the customer's bill attributable to the cost of service provided or to be provided to other customers for which the department has determined it cannot or will not be able to collect payment.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
And an ordinance amending Title 10 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Regulation of Individual Conduct and Activity" by generally prohibiting the keeping of certain farm animals, including concern poultry and livestock, under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Thank you, Madam President. I have three resolutions and four bills.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the first bill. THE
An ordinance establishing a advisory commission to recommend cost-effective means of implementing the recommendation of the Tax Reform Commission without detriment to City services.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
And an ordinance granting permission to Nirlesh C. Desai and C&N Newsstand, owner and operator of the newsstand located on northwest corner of 16th and JFK Boulevard.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
And an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 205 by striking from the City Plan and vacating Fairhill Street to Wingohocken Street to Annsbury Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
And an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development a deed located at 815 Spring Garden Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
And an resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority deeds located in the 32nd, 37th and 47th 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 is adopted. THE
And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority deeds located in the 37th 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
And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City deeds located in the 16th, 32nd, and 37th 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 resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kelly.
Madam President, I offer one resolution which is cosponsored by yourself.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution. THE
A resolution urging Mayor John F. Street, Governor Edward Rendell, Speaker of the House John Perzel, and State Senator Vincent Fumo to combined their efforts to ensure that the Philadelphia Regional Produce Terminal remains in Philadelphia.
The Chair recognizes Councilman Kelly. (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 is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The next order of business is reports from Committees. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown for a report from the Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs reports one bill with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the report. THE
To the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs to which was referred Bill No. 040311 entitled, an ordinance naming and designating the Mantua Recreation Center located at 34th Street and Haverford Avenue as the James Lee Wright Recreation Center; respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable consideration.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 040311. (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. 040311. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the bill just read will be placed on today's First Reading Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller for a report from the Committee on Public Safety.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, the Committee on Public Safety reports one resolution with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the report. THE
To President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Public Safety to which was referred Resolution No. 040378, entitled a resolution authorizing the City Council Committee on Public Safety to hold hearings on the possible expansion of Section 10-608 of The Philadelphia Code to include the posting of the photographs and names of 05/20/04 - STATED - 1ST READING individuals accused or found guilty of soliciting prostitutes; respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached resolution to Council with a favorable recommendation. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
We're not asking for a rule suspension, Council President.
Thank you. It's a resolution. Resolution No. 040378 will be considered at the end today's Calendar. The next order of business is the consideration of the Calendar. The Clerk will please read the bill on the First Reading Calendar. THE
040311, an ordinance naming and designating the Mantua Recreation Center located at 34th Street and Haverford Avenue as the James Lee Wright Recreation Center.
The Chair agrees. 05/20/04 - STATED - 2ND READING That completes our First Reading Calendar for today. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for the purpose of calling up the bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar.
Thank you, Madam President. Today, Bill No. 040207 is 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 the Bill No. 040207. THE
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded Umbria Street, Paoli Street, Cliff Street, Lodge Street, Livesey Street, Silverwood Street and Parker Avenue.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. 05/20/04 - STATED - 2ND READING The Clerk will please call the roll. THE
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The Clerk will please read the title of Resolution No. 040378. 05/20/04 - STATED - 2ND READING THE
A resolution authorizing the City Council Committee on Public Safety to hold hearings on the possible expansion of Section 10-608 of the Philadelphia Code to include the posting of photographs and names of individuals accused or found guilty of soliciting prostitutes. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
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 Resolution No. 040378 has been adopted. for today. Are there speeches on the part of the Minority? The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, today, Resolution 040298, a resolution authorizing City Council Committee of Transportation and Public Utilities to hold public hearings to investigate the proposed 43 percent increase that would be effective July 1. I just want to have remind everyone of the significance of this issue today.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kelly.
Madam President, first of all, I want to thank you for your support and help in drafting the resolution which we introduced today to keep the Food Distribution Center in Philadelphia. I think I also want to thank, of course, our for signing on and approving this resolution. After all, this facility is an economic jewel in our City, and I think we have to do everything possible to make sure that it stays where it rightfully belongs, and that is in South Philadelphia. So, again, I want to thank you and I want to thank all of my colleagues. I think we have to do everything we possibly can to keep that facility where it is. And I think that all of us here are behind this. And I think if our powers that be get behind it, I think we will be successful.
I concur with your remarks, Councilman. And I know I have personally been involved with that with our State Senator and the people from the Food Distribution center to see what we could do to make sure that they stay there. Are there any other speeches on the part of the Minority? (No response.)
Thank you, Madam President. I think the people of this City Council and the people in Philadelphia are entitled to know why Councilwoman Miller was so roundly booed by the people from the 17th Ward area, the area that surrounds LaSalle University. They booed her because she engaged in what is, to me, the worst act political sabotage one can do. She got elected to an office to represent the 8th Councilmanic District of which the 17th Ward is a basic issue. And instead of championing the people's believes in the 17th Ward, what she has done is systematically attacked that and felt they had no rights.
Now, that's the worse action that can be taken for people to find out an elected official has turned against them right after an election instead of supporting them. The reason we elect people in Philadelphia is to support us, not to become objects that have to be attacked. 17th Ward area around LaSalle has been very patient. They didn't like what was done because it was done quietly in the night. Just shortly before Christmas, a notice appeared in a batch of material issued by the Streets Department about as wide as my hand show, about 6 inches s of press releases were put and amongst them was a single sheet announcing that on December 29 -- this we discovered on Christmas Eve day with nothing else there was an announcement that 20th Street was going to be a one-way street instead of a two-way street.
I'm talking about the reaction of the people in the audience here who have been acting like good citizens coming to talk to Councilmembers this week.
I understand that, but at the appropriate time when the bill is scheduled for a public hearing, that will be able to voice their opinion.
Councilwoman Miller has shown no regard whatever for the people in the area. And that will be a political decision made at a later time as to what that yields. But I'm saying that here we seek to encourage people to participate in the government, and the government acts as the worst enemy of the people by acting quietly, hiding its decisions, acting clearly against the way they know the people. (Applause.)
That's the reason the people are so outraged here. And they have every right to be. (Applause.)
And this Council will never be at peace until it takes an action to make sure that Council represents people and doesn't try to rule them and dictate to them in a dictatorial fashion. This is truly what we fought the revolution for, to prevent ruling without representation. People elect the district Councilmembers to support them, not to oppose (Applause.)
And this is just step one. But there can be no peace in this City Council as long as the district Councilmember or any member of Council believes they have the right, once elected, to make all the decisions and that they've taken away the voting power and the decision-making power of each community to make its own basic decisions.
That's what the issue is here, and that will be dealt with in an orderly fashion.
Thank you, Madam President. I'd just like to bring you up to date on the latest scenario on the Bennett College issue.
Bennett College issue. You know that's my passion. I'd just like to acknowledge the fact that this evening at the Women's Way Dinner, Dr. Jeanetta B. Cole, President of Bennett College, will receive the Lucretia Mott Award, and we're very pleased and happy for that award. And I didn't have anything to do with that.
That's great. Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you, Madam President. I just want to remind people concerning the ordinance that I introduced today that there is going to be a public hearing and people's points of views and whatnot will be heard. I'm just absolutely following the established conduct and business of Council. Thank you.
It was an inadvertent event touch, Madam President, anticipating actions to be taken that are no longer necessary.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I'm only reminding us that we are a body of rules and we have to go by our rules. You so indicated that. At the appropriate time, we are to have public hearings any legislation introduced, and we have to go by the rules that govern us.
Are there any other speeches on the part of the majority? (No response.)
Seeing none, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for a motion to recess.
Madam Chair, I move that this Session of Council be recessed until Tuesday, May 25, 2004 at 3:30 p.m.
It has been moved and properly seconded that Council stand in recess until Tuesday, May 25th. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The motion carries. Thank you. (Council adjourned at 11:15 a.m.) C E R T I F I C A T I O N I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing proceedings of the Council of the City of Philadelphia of Thursday, May 20, 2004, were reported fully and accurately by me, and that this is a correct transcript of the same. RE: STATED MEETING _________________________ Lisa C. Bradley, RPR