COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, January 22, 2009 11:05 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILMAN FRANK DiCICCO COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN BILL GREEN COUNCILMAN WILLIAM GREENLEE COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILMAN JACK KELLY COUNCILMAN JAMES F. KENNEY COUNCILWOMAN JOAN L. KRAJEWSKI COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILWOMAN MARIA QUINONES-SANCHEZ COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO PATRICIA RAFFERTY, CHIEF CLERK V A R A L L O Incorporated Litigation Support Services Eleven Penn Center 1835 Market Street, Suite 600 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103 215.561.2220 215.567.2670
Good morning. 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 Pastor Brian Jenkins of the Chosen 300 Ministries. He is here today as the guest of Councilwoman Blackwell. I would ask all members and guests to please rise. (Members and guests rise.)
Let us pray. Dear Father in heaven, we just thank you, God, for the opportunity to stand before this Council. We thank you for the business that is going to be taken care of today. We pray, God, for the laws that are passed, God, the rules that are made City, but they would be not for political gain, God, but they would be for the benefit of the people of this city. We pray, God, for all of those in power. We pray for our new President, Barack Obama. We pay, God, for our Governor. We pray for our Mayor Nutter. We pray for the President of this Council and every Councilmember that is in this place, God. We pray that the presence of God would rest on them, that you would guide them and give them the wisdom that they need to lead this city. And we thank you, God, for the victory of this session. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen. (Amen.)
The Chair thanks Pastor Jenkins for his invocation. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
The next order of business -- the noise level is much too high. The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, December 11th, 2008, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, December 11th, 2008 stand approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, December 11, 2008 stand approved. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The the Journal is approved. The next order of business is requests for leave of absence, and, again, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Madam President. On behalf of the majority, there are no requests for leave of absence today.
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 City Council, I welcome 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. The next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant-At-Arms deliver the messages to the Chief Clerk. The Chief Clerk will please read the messages from the Mayor.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am pleased to advise you that on December 16th and December 22nd, 2008, I signed all of the bills that were passed by Council at its session on December 11th, 2008, except Bill No. 080724-A. Also, on December 23rd, 2008, I signed the remaining bills that were passed by Council at its session on December 4th, 2008; and Pursuant to Section 2-307 of the Home Rule Charter, I am today the recommendations of the City Planning Commission on the following bills: Bill No. 080883, 080900, 080902, 080903, 080905, 080949; and I am transmitting for the consideration of your honorable body an ordinance authorizing Tony Elebah, owner and operator of Larry's Steaks, to operate and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe at 2457-2459 North 54th Street; and An ordinance authorizing Hardev Singh, owner and operator of the New Deli Restaurant, to operate and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe and planters located at 4004 Chestnut Street; and An ordinance authorizing Hossein Elbanna, owner and operator of Philly Deli, to operate and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe at 3901 Walnut Street; and An ordinance authorizing the extension of the trial program authorized by Bill No. 060799 under which advance approval is given to the Philadelphia Facilities Management Corporation to enter into certain contracts on behalf of the Philadelphia Gas Works.
Thank you. The messages will be printed in the Journal. The Chief Clerk will please read any other communications in her possession.
Thank you. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I have two bills and one resolution.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance authorizing the University of Pennsylvania to construct, own and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe on the west side of 39th Street.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing Hardev Singh to construct, own and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe and planters at 4004 Chestnut 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 deeds located in the 6th, 24th, 27th and 44th Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for a motion on the resolution.
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 Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Madam President, I have three resolutions on your behalf and I have one bill.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance authorizing the extension of the extended trial program authorized by Bill No. 060799 under which advance approval is given to the Philadelphia Facilities Management Corporation.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver deeds located in the 36th 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.)
And a resolution adopting a Right to Know policy and designating an Open Records Officer for the Council of the City of Philadelphia.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution amending Resolution No. 080001, which provides Rules for the Government of Council of the City of Philadelphia, by revising the procedure for the first reading of bills on the same day they are reported from committee.
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 Miller.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I offer three resolutions.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution proclaiming January 2009 as "Poverty in America Awareness Month."
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 proclaiming January 2009 as "National Mentoring Month."
Again, 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 signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution proclaiming January 2009 as "National Glaucoma Awareness Month."
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Sanchez.
Thank you, Madam President. I have three bills and one resolution.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Allegheny Avenue, Hurley Street, Clearfield Street and Boudinot Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Erie Avenue, "K" Street, Venango Street and "I" Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance correcting the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by conforming the dimensions of a property located within an area bounded by "B" Street, Erie street, "G" Street and Tioga Street to more accurately reflect the area rezoned by Bill No. 080754.
This bill will also be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution recognizing and honoring the Frankford Chargers on winning the Pop Warner Football 160-Pound National Championship.
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 Green.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer one bill co-sponsored by Councilman DiCicco.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Section 19-203 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Payroll Deductions," to add the Friends of the Free Library of Philadelphia to the list of designated payees to whom an employee may direct payroll deductions, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Madam President. Four bills, two resolutions, one on behalf of the Administration.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance authorizing Tony Elebah to construct, own and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe at 2457-2459 North 54th Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on 27th Street, west side, Allegheny Avenue to Clearfield Street.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Arnold Street, west side, Midvale Avenue to No Outlet.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Hirst Street, west side, Arch Street to Market Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution honoring and celebrating the ongoing commitment and work of the Philadelphia Club of Frontiers International.
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 recognizing Bilal Abdul Qayyum on the occasion of his retirement, and honoring and celebrating his longtime commitment and dedicated service to the City of Philadelphia.
Point of information. That is Qayyum, Bilal Qayyum. 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 Goode.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Chapter 19-2600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Business Privilege Taxes," by providing for the "New Philadelphia Job Creation Tax Credit," under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer three resolutions this morning.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution honoring and recognizing America I AM, the African American Imprint, as a historic exhibit on display at the National Constitution Center.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution recognizing April 22nd, 2009 as Earth Day in 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 say aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution urging Governor Edward G. Rendell and the Pennsylvania General Assembly to develop a statewide global warming strategy guided by the emissions reduction goals of the PennFuture's Cool Pennsylvania Campaign.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. I offer one resolution and 14 bills.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance amending Section 12-918 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Parking for Car Sharing Organizations," by adding locations.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending the provisions of Section 12-918 of The Philadelphia Code, which regulates the provision of on-street parking restricted to vehicles owned by car sharing organizations.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Section 9-212 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Newsstands," to permit the placement of commercial advertising on newsstands and revise the fee for a newsstand license, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will also be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Title 13 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Water and Sewer," by amending Section 13-101, which provides standards for the setting of water rates and charges, by amending the provisions establishing special rates.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Moore Street, both sides, 12th Street to 13th Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Morris Street, both sides, Broad Street to 13th Street.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Ellsworth Street, both sides, 12th Street to 11th Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Federal Street, both sides, 12th Street to 13th Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Clarion Street, west side, Federal Street to No Outlet.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Sartain Street, east side, McKean Street to Mifflin Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on 7th Street, both sides, Carpenter Street to Christian Street.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Packer Avenue, north side, 16th Street to 17th Street.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Tasker Street, north side, 11th Street to 12th Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Darrah Street, both sides, Brill Street to Bridge Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution honoring and commending Ricardo "Ric" Dunston for his contributions to the Reading Terminal Market and the City of Philadelphia.
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 signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Madam President, I offer one resolution co-sponsored by you, Council President, and Councilwoman Joan Krajewski.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution honoring Charles Isdell, Jr. on his retirement.
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 Clarke.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by amending Section 14-231, entitled "Residential District Rules and Exceptions," by providing for restrictions on placement, installation and maintenance of certain satellite dishes and antennas, under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kelly.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
Thank you. The next order of business is reports from committees. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke for a report from the Committee on Public Property and Public Works.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, the Committee on Public Property and Public Works reports one bill with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the report.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Public Property and Public Works, to which was referred Bill No. 080879, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Department of Property to enter into a franchise agreement with Verizon Pennsylvania, Inc. pursuant to which Verizon shall have the right to operate and maintain a cable television service within the City of Philadelphia through its cable television system in and along the public rights-of-way and streets of the City, under certain terms and conditions," respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. Bill No. 080879 will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for our next session of Council. Council will now proceed under a special order of business, a resolution re-calling Bill No. 080724-A. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer one resolution, because this resolution was not circulated yesterday, I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit consideration of the resolution at this time. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit consideration of Councilman Clarke's resolution at this time. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. I would ask the Chief Clerk to please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution requesting the Mayor to return to Council Bill No. 080724-A, entitled "An ordinance Section 14-305 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'C-4 Commercial and C-5 Commercial Districts,' by negating any setback over 65 feet in height for lots designated C-5 in the area bounded by 15th Street and Arch Street," for the purpose of reconsideration by the Council of the vote by which the bill passed Council.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Madam President, I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The have it and the resolution has been adopted. The Clerk will please read the letter from the Mayor.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am returning herewith as requested by your resolution adopted January 22nd, 2009 Bill No. 080724-A, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 14-305 of The Philadelphia Code and entitled 'C-4 Commercial and C-5 Commercial Districts,'" for the purpose of reconsideration by the Council of the vote by which said bill passed Council.
The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke for a motion that Council reconsider the vote by which Bill No. 080724-A was passed.
All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the motion carries and the vote by which Bill No. 080724-A was passed has been reconsidered. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer an amendment to Bill No. 080724-A. A copy of this amendment has been circulated to all members of Council. I move for the adoption of the amendment. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the amendment to Bill No. 080724-A be adopted. All in favor will indicate by 1/22/09 - STATED - 2ND READING saying aye. (Aye.)
Can we try that one more time, please. All those in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and Bill No. 080724-A has been amended. This bill will be placed on our Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for our next session of Council. The next order of business is consideration of the Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for the purpose of calling up bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar to be considered today.
Thank you, Madam President. Bill Nos. 080905, 080874, 080883, 080900, 080902, 080903 1/22/09 - STATED - 2ND READING and 080881 are being called up for Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar today. All other bills are being held.
Thank you. I would ask the Chief Clerk to please read the title of Bill No. 080905.
An ordinance authorizing Philadelphia Regional Port Authority to construct, own and maintain various encroachments to be installed in conjunction with a warehouse development.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. We will now consider Bill No. 080874.
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by 1/22/09 - STATED - 2ND READING changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Tacony Street, Homestead Street, Milnor Street extended and Dark Run Lane.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, this bill passes. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 080883.
An ordinance amending Sections of an ordinance, Bill No. 080383, approved June 5, 2008, by extending the period for compliance and revising the extent of the encroachment, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill 1/22/09 - STATED - 2ND READING pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, this bill passes. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 080900.
An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan Nos. 314 and 356 by placing on the Plan an extension of Tinicum Boulevard from its existing terminus at 86th Street to Bartram Street, and authorizing the opening of the extension of Tinicum Boulevard through City property, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, this bill 1/22/09 - STATED - 2ND READING passes. We will now consider Bill No. 080902.
An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 231 by striking from the City Plan certain unopened portions of Umbria Street from Leverington Avenue to Wright Street, all in order to conform more closely to existing conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Councilman 1/22/09 - STATED - 2ND READING DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Aye.
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, this bill passes. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 080903.
An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 297 1/22/09 - STATED - 2ND READING by relocating, widening and extending Keely Street from Henry Avenue northwestwardly and placing on the City Plan a cul-de-sac turnaround, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The last bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 080881.
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Spring Garden Street, Broad Street, Buttonwood Street and 15th Street.
This bill having been read on two different 1/22/09 - STATED - 2ND READING days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. That completes our Calendar for today. Are there speeches on the part of the minority? (No response.)
Are there speeches on the part of the majority? Councilman Green, did you want to be recognized?
Thank you, Madam President. It has been 42 days since we last gathered as a legislative body to the City, and in the meantime, history has been made. This week, we bore witness to and celebrated the swearing in of our nation's first African American president. " This spirit of unity is all the more amazing given that it comes during such a dark period in our country's history. As President Obama observed, the challenges we face in the upcoming year are real, are serious and they are many. At a local level, we have seen Philadelphia's projected budget deficit balloon from one billion to two billion. Nevertheless, Americans are looking at this economic crisis not as a hopeless situation, but as a challenge to be faced head on. As we have witnessed from the of Philadelphians across the City over the past few months around budget issues, our citizens are ready to rise to the occasion. And I believe that the 18 elected officials tasked with leading Philadelphia are also ready to ban together and work toward achieving shared goals in this time of challenge. We all want to see Philadelphia not just survive this economic crisis, but emerge from it a stronger, safer, better educated and more fully employed city. But in order to do so, we need to heed President Obama's call to, quote, "proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations, warn-out dogmas that for far too long have strangled our politics," end quote. In this time of new challenges, we need to find new ways of working together. Council has shown its willingness to work with the Mayor. We passed all of his budget-related ourselves to be willing partners in generating proactive solutions to this budget crisis. But we also need the Mayor to work with us. The drafters of the Charter modeled the structure of our city government on the tried partite federal system. They vested City Council with the exclusive legislative power and also with significant oversight authority. As the Charter History Draft Committee notes made clear, drafters did not envision City Council as a mere rubber stamp on the initiatives of the executive branch. Rather, they envisioned Council enacting policy through legislation and working in partnership with the Mayor to make sure this policy was enforced. So just as we expect President Obama and Congress to work hand in hand at the federal level to address this economic crisis, we must do so at the local level. Putting this kind of will require some changes in the way we have done things over the past year. True collaboration means communicating with one another honestly and having substantive, open conversations about our disagreements. True collaboration means leaving aside our biases, prejudices and traditional allegiances. True collaboration means being receptive to good ideas from unexpected sources. True collaboration means admitting to and learning from our mistakes. Chances are we will make some mistakes in responding to this crisis, but it is the lessons we learn from these mistakes that will determine whether or not we reach our final goals. We will have many difficult decisions to make over the coming budget season. We should not fear those tough decisions, however, but embrace them as an opportunity to transform our city government by eliminating programs that work, streamlining operations, implementing technology that can save tens of millions of dollars per year and improving, not deteriorating, city services. The citizens of Philadelphia have proven that they are ready for the challenge. They are looking to this legislative body to serve as leaders and their voices in city government.
They elected us to ask questions, to challenge assumptions, to propose new ideas and to play an active, engaged role as their representatives. It will not stand for us to sit on the sidelines. It will not stand for us to abdicate responsibility. It will not stand for us to deem ourselves powerless to help confront this budget crisis. It is time for Council to stand up and lead. Thank you, Madam President.
Thank you. Are there any other speeches on majority? (No response.)
Seeing none, the Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke for a motion to adjourn.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, January 29th, 2009, 10:00 a.m. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, January 29th, 2009. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. Thank you. (Stated Meeting adjourned at 11:45 a.m.) CERTIFICATE I HEREBY CERTIFY that the proceedings, evidence and objections are contained fully and accurately in the stenographic notes taken by me upon the foregoing matter on January 22, 2009, and that this is a true and correct transcript of same. ______________________________ MICHELE L. MURPHY RPR-Notary Public (The foregoing certification of this transcript does not apply to any reproduction of the same by any means, unless under the direct control and/or supervision of the certifying reporter.)