COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, March 29, 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, THE 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 recognizes Father Jack Kaloejey. He is from Father Judge High School and is here as the guest of Councilman Kelly. I would ask all members and guests to please rise. (Everyone rises.)
Good morning. Before we begin the busyness and the work of our daily routine, our meetings, our sessions, all the things that happen to us each and every day, let us take a moment to seek the strength and the guidance that is within us to ask our God to be with us and bless us. God of all goodness and love, today to do your work. By virtue of our office, you have called all of us here to serve one another, especially those in most need. Hear our prayers, those we hold within the silence of our hearts. You know our needs and our petitions. You know the decisions we need to make and the things we need to do. Give us your grace and your strength this day to reach out to others to see the God within one another and to always keep foremost in our mind those who are in most need, those who are very much in need of your help and your grace this day. Be pleased with all that we do and bless us as we begin these proceedings that we may make the right decision guided by your spirit to always seek what is above and to help those here below. Bless us and all those who will be affected by our meetings and our decisions and help us to love one another. this in your holy name. Amen. (Amen.)
The Chair thanks Father Kaloejey for his very inspiring invocation. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, March 22, 2007, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, March 22, 2007 stand approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, March 22, 2007 stand approved. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, March 22, 2007 is approved. The next order of business is requests for leave of absence, and, again, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. On behalf of the majority, there are no requests for leaves of absence today.
Thank you. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, there are no requests for leave of absence from the republicans.
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 Blackwell, who will present a resolution honoring someone we certainly all know and respect, James J. Binns, for his many years of service in the Philadelphia legal community. Will Mr. Binns and those accompanying him please join the Councilwoman at the podium. I see that the Councilwoman is being joined by Councilman Kenney and I is also joining the Councilwoman.
Good morning. We are joined by the head of the Firefighters, the Police, certainly by Monsignor McCulken, by the eMOM shop, Sadine Ali (ph), and many, many others. I will let Jimmy Binns certainly make the presentation. And as I read this resolution, we would like to say that he will likewise be honored by Men United with the annual Lucien E. Blackwell Award on Monday morning at 9 o'clock in the Mayor's reception room. Resolution honoring James J. Binns for his years of practice in the Philadelphia legal community, in support of the City's charitable institutions and the establishment of the Hero Plaque programs commemorating police and firefighters killed in the line of duty. Whereas, James J. Binns is a lifelong Philadelphian who graduated with honors from LaSalle University and School; and Whereas, Mr. Binns has practiced law in Philadelphia and throughout the country for more that 43 years; and Whereas, he is licensed to practice law in 20 states and is admitted to the federal courts of every state where he is licensed, including all 11 Circuit Court of Appeals and the United States Supreme Court; and Whereas, Mr. Binns' practice includes, inter alia, white-collar criminal defense, complex and multi-district litigation; and Whereas, Mr. Binns is the former Boxing Commissioner initially appointed by Governor Rick Thornburgh and reappointed by Governor Robert P. Casey and a member of the Pennsylvania Boxing Hall of Fame; and
Whereas, he enjoys celebrity status for his roles in the major motion picture Rocky V and Balboa; and Whereas, his support of charitable institutions in the City of Philadelphia includes endowing scholastic scholarships at St. Paul's Parochial School, Roman Catholic High School and LaSalle University where he dedicated the James J. Binns Fitness Center; and Whereas, he serves as a Director of the Philadelphia Charity Ball, Incorporated, and chairs the Hero Scholarship Thrill Show for children of deceased police officers and firefighters and established the Judeo-Christian School at Roman Catholic High School; and Whereas, Mr. Binns established the Hero Plaque Program commemorating police officers and firefighters who were killed in the line of duty; and Whereas, these programs commemorate the 274 deceased Philadelphia police officers and 285 deceased Philadelphia firefighters by placing plaques at the locations where they died.
Whereas, the program has received national recognition; and Whereas, the City of Philadelphia and indeed the nation owes Mr. Binns a heartfelt debt of gratitude for his dedication and generosity. Now, therefore resolved, that the Council of the City of Philadelphia, honors James J. Binns for his years of practice in the Philadelphia legal community, his support of the City's charitable institutions and establishment of the Hero Plaque Programs commemorating police and firefighters killed in the line of duty. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented as a sincere expression of this Council's appreciation for his dedication and generosity. Certified that this is a true and correct copy of the original resolution, adopted by the Council of the the 29th day of March 2007, signed by Anna C. Verna, President of City Council, introduced by Jannie L. Blackwell, James F. Kenney and Donna Reed Miller and co-sponsored by all members of City Council. (Applause.)
Monsignor, would you like to say a few words? Monsignor McCulken. MONSIGNOR McCULKEN: This is a wonderful day, an opportunity for the City to recognize the wonderful work that Mr. Binns has done in so many ways. Certainly the reading of the proclamation allows us to give recognition to all the many things that he has accomplished in his life, but is a day also to give thanksgiving to God for not only blessing him with so much talent and so many graces and such a spirit of generosity, but also to thank God for all who have benefited by it. May God bless him and God bless (Applause.)
Thank you, Monsignor. The Chair recognizes Mr. Binns for remarks.
Madam President, it is indeed a wonderful honor for me to be up here with my dear friend, Jannie Blackwell, because I go back to Lou, and all of you know Congressman Blackwell was an avid boxing fan and, in his day, a wonderful boxer. And Lou and I were soul mates for his entire time here on earth, and now I've been able to prolong my affiliation with the family through this wonderful woman, whom all of you know and who is a wonderful leader here in this august body. I was told at the beginning that I would be able to bring my family, so I brought my family. I have my son Jimmy. I have my brother Bobby Eddis, my other brother Brian McBride, my other got the Monsignor with me. I've got Donna Reed Miller. I've got Mikey Fera here, who has got his own contingent that he brought with him from the head of the Cement Masons Union. And our Plaque Program, as you may all know, is a wonderful partnership of Philadelphians and it flows right from the top. We have, of course, the most wonderful Police Commissioner in the United States of America, Sylvester Johnson. (Applause.)
He's another one of my brothers. He's a younger brother. And in addition to Sylvester Johnson and the entire Police force, who we all know now, they're in the trenches and all of us should be supporting these heroes, and I have some of them up here with us. These are the highway patrol officers, some of them, under Mike Cochran. (Applause.)
And they're the people that this Plaque Program is designed for, because in addition to paying homage to the fallen heroes who have given their life in the line of duty, we want to send a message loud and clearly that we support these heroes in uniform. And so every time you see a child who wants to get an autograph from somebody who plays on a team that's in a uniform, I always tell them, Go and seek out a police officer or a firefighter and get their autograph, because they are the ones who are wearing our uniform and they're on the front line every day for us. So I'd like to give a round of applause to our police officers. (Applause.)
And they're the ones who we really should be rallying behind, because you know we're in a war that Jannie and Anna and Donna and Jimmy and the rest of these City Councilpeople are fighting for us right now. We have 100 murders in the first three months, and that is something that we all have to ban together behind them. But the people that we're pushing out in front are the people in uniform, and so when the bullets start flying and we all start diving for cover, you got to remember that they're the ones that have to run to where the fire is coming from. They have the only profession in this life, the only profession where in one eight-hour tour of duty -- and I'm borrowing this from our Police Commissioner, but it's so appropriate -they can either give a life, take a life or save a life. Nobody else can do that. And so that's why this Plaque Program is important. And the same holds true for the Plaque Program that has been now implemented on behalf of the firefighters. To date, we've done 31 police plaques. We've done 12 firefighter plaques. Brian McBride from Local 22, he's the President of Local 22, I'm working with for the firefighters. We're going to do 285. Imagine, 285 human lives given fighting our fires. Bobby Eddis, of course, is my partner in the Plaque Program for the police officers. Two hundred and seventy-four police officers have given their lives. And one thing everybody has to bear in mind, these programs are blue. There's no race. There's no creed. There's no color. There's no religion. We have honored Muslims, Jewish, Protestant, Catholic, white, African-American, male, female members of these two departments. We will continue to do that until the message goes loud and clear that we care for our brothers and sisters in blue. (Applause.)
I'm not going to belabor this, but the man in the white here, Mike Fera, the President of the Cement Masons Union - (Applause.)
There's another one of my little brothers. Get up here, Mr. Gillespie. Here's the President of the Building Trades Union, Pat Gillespie. He's here for some other reason, but he's one of my younger brothers, too, and he lends total support. We have total support of the building trades. Sam Staten and the Laborers Union alone sponsored 20 plaques a year. Just imagine that, one faction of the labor movement. But Pat Gillespie is responsible. (Applause.)
But now little Mikey Fera is the guy who he and his men go out, they break the cement, they pour the concrete, and it's beautifully cured for each one of our plaque ceremonies. They won't accept a cup of coffee for it. All of our plaque ceremonies are catered by the IBEW, Johnny Doc's guys. (Applause.)
You must have labor people. I don't understand this. And we have another important member of our team, and that's the Philadelphia Daily News and the Inquirer, but the Daily News writes a story every time we have a plaque dedication and they recount and chronicle the heroism of these heroes that we honor. And, of course, you all know that each of our plaques are sponsored by individual citizen sponsors. So it's a ground-swell movement. It's a grassroots movement. And I am just honored to be a part of it, and I thank, once again, my dear friend, Jannie, for bringing this to the attention of all of you and to our citizenry in general. Thank you, and God bless you all. (Applause.)
Council will be at ease. joining us, so I'm sure he wants to get in the photo. (Council at ease.)
The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Miller, who will present a resolution proclaiming March 2007 as Justice Month. Will Ms. Judith Trustone and those accompanying her please join the Councilwoman at the podium. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you. Thank you, Madam President. Before we start, I'd just like to make an announcement.
Councilwoman, just a minute, please. The noise level is much, much too high. Anyone having conversation, please do so in the corridor. Please proceed.
Thank with this citation, there is an all-day conference -- there's actually a whole lot of activities affiliated with Justice Month, but on Saturday at the Broad Street Ministry at 315 South Broad Street, there is an all-day conference titled "Locked Up: Keys to Prison Change." And I just wanted to let Philadelphia know, in addition to some of our local activists, we're also going to have at that conference Angela Davis, Civil Rights Activist; Sister Helen Prejean, who is an author; and Devon Brown, who is Director of the Department of Corrections in Washington, DC. So everyone is invited to attend, and the entire day, the cost is $25, and that includes lunch, and you can pick up tickets from Robin's Bookstore. With that, thank you. Resolution proclaiming March 27th as Justice Month. Philadelphia designates the month of March 2007 as Justice Month in Philadelphia and encourages participation in a month-long "Festival of Justice" in the City of Philadelphia. Whereas, now, at the beginning of the 21st Century, the United States has a higher percentage of citizens in prison than any other country in the world. Almost two and a half million people are in prison and close to eight million are in the system, either in prison, on parole or on probation; and Whereas, the prison industrial complex has become a $52 billion a year industry and is one of the United States' few growth industries; and Whereas, the City of Philadelphia spent $263 million in the 2005 fiscal year; and Whereas, the cost of running the criminal justice system is causing a strain on the economy at both local and levels, and the system exhibits an almost 70 percent recidivism rate; and Whereas, roughly 40 percent of prisoners suffer from HIV, Hepatitis C, Tuberculosis or are acutely mentally ill; and Whereas, as a society, it is necessary for us to look more closely and critically at who makes up this prison population. For instance, the war on drugs has created a situation where 70 percent of the incarcerated are now non-violent offenders. Likewise, with one in three African-American men serving time in penal institutions, at some point in their lives this should be regarded as an acute situation; and Whereas, it is time for us to look collectively at some of the alternatives available to the current practices of punitive justice; and Therefore, in order to work towards achieving this goal here in Philadelphia, we do hereby declare March 2007 Justice Month and initiate a month-long "Festival of Justice" in the City. This festival brings various regional organizations and persons together to tackle difficult social questions; and Therefore, we invite the hundreds of organizations in the greater Philadelphia region who are working on solutions to these problems to contribute through their thoughts and energies in order to expand this important dialogue on public safety, incarceration and reentry; and Now therefore, be it resolved, by the City Council of Philadelphia that the month of March 2007 be declared Justice Month and City Council encourages participation in the "Festival of Justice" in the City of Philadelphia. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Judith Trustone from Sagewriters. Certification, this is a true and correct copy of the original resolution, adopted by the Council of the City of Philadelphia on the 14th day of September 2006, signed by Anna C. Verna, President of City Council, introduced by Donna Reed Miller and sponsored by all members of City Council. (Applause.)
Thank you so much for the opportunity to be here today. I'd like to acknowledge Larry Robin, whom I'm sure you all know from Robin's Bookstore, who has worked with me on this project for almost two years. (Applause.)
And Byard Lancaster, someone else that you might know. (Applause.)
And Michael Forrest, whose devotion to the work is truly remarkable. (Applause.)
I have a few words, and I appreciate your patience. Philadelphia City Council, I honor you for your courage and common sense in choosing to bring to the public through your resolution for Justice Month a public conversation about whether or not we wish to continue mass incarceration of our fellow citizens or seek more humane, effective and less costly alternatives to our complex and serious social problems. It's time to examine whether "lock them up and throw away the key" is serving our communities. I offer to you copies of the second edition of "Celling America's Soul: Torture and Transformation in Our Prisons and Why We Should Care," which I wrote with prisoners, for you to read what those behind bars suggest as effective alternatives. Month, a massive public safety educational initiative, an appliance of the justice community, the many organizations working on prison change, is culminating in a March 31st conference, which you've just heard about. Here's an opportunity to create community dialogue about alternatives to begin to think outside the cellblock. Most of us are not interested in what goes on in prisons until someone we care about is caught up in them. Then it's a shock. People, we have to talk about the growth of the prison industrial complex, which has gotten so out of control that we now must choose between schools and prisons. We've got to talk about our lust for punishment and our obsession with guns, human-killing guns, not squirrel rifles, men's Viagra in a toxic planet needing a new healthier pro-life forum of masculinity. We've got to talk about how we to adapt to the planetary needs of the 21st Century, to let go of the patriarchal 19th Century man with his propensity for violence, competition and dominance and hunger for war. What we have now is a system of men gone wild, from Bush on down to Former PA Prison Guard Charles Grainer, more recently convicted for abuses at Abu Ghraib. Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo grew out of the American criminal justice system, which even the American Bar Association acknowledges is broken. Imagine what healthcare, housing and education every community could have with the two billion dollars a week we're spending on the war in Iraq. Charles Dickens was right, in the 1840's when he visited Philadelphia's new Eastern Penitentiary, he announced that the Quaker-sponsored model would never work. Those who devise this system and those benevolent gentlemen who carry it know what they're doing. I hold this slow and daily tampering with the brain to be immeasurably worse than any torture of the body. People, what are we doing? Despite his warning, we build more prisons like it as a response to our acceptance of a high level of poverty, lack of healthcare, an inadequate social safety net, racism, poor education and an obsession with firearms and the military in a culture that loves violence. Out-of-control guns and mandatory sentencing have filled prisons and made too many Philadelphia streets like Baghdad. Are we stuck with prisons the same way we're stuck in Iraq? How can we switch from institutions of punishment to institutions of healing? Prisons clearly are obsolete. " We need to talk about why we incarcerate more of our citizens than any other country, where at least 10,000 innocents a year go to prison. Why does Pennsylvania have more lifers than any other state in the country? Yes, we need to protect the community from violence, but only 20 percent of prisoners are violent. A government-sponsored survey of prison administrators showed that 92 percent said we have to look at alternatives and that they could release half the people in prison tomorrow with little or no threat to the community. One high-level prison official said to me, Just because we run prisons doesn't mean we believe in them.
Pennsylvania is only one of five states where a sentence of life without parole means the only way for sentence to be freed is through commutation by the Governor upon the recommendation of the Board of Pardons, which has pardoned only three people in the last 11 years. Prior to the Thornburgh Administration, hundreds of Pennsylvania lifers were pardoned each term. If the almost 5,000 lifers in Pennsylvania had been convicted across the river in New Jersey, most would have been freed years ago. Paroled lifers have a two percent rate of recidivism. We need to talk about why we continue to imprison so many lifers more than any other state, costing us $350 million a year. Imagine what Philadelphia schools could do with that money. Then there's the slavery issue. " A real wakening civil rights movement demands the removal of that clause allowing slavery. If inmates were treated like citizens, paid minimum wage, not tortured, and allowed to vote, as they are in Europe, imagine politicians campaigning to prisoners. There will be a rally Sunday at noon at the Liberty Bell about this. There's so many reasons why we should care, but what are the alternatives? For the non-violent, there's house arrest, electronic monitoring, community service -- remember all the bridges that were built during WPA -- restorative justice, restitution and other approaches used in more progressive countries. People come here from Europe to visit our prisoners. As long as we think in terms of us and them, the fear-controlled public can be easily manipulated. As we silently support the continuation of 19th prisons, we need to stop ourselves and ask what can we do. I suggest that we get together and brainstorm ways to make vital changes. Here are a few ideas to stimulate dialogue: I propose that City Council and communities of conscience establish ongoing public forums at all levels to discuss whether or not we want to continue mass incarceration. Just as citizens are standing up against the Iraq War and standing up against casinos in our neighborhoods, so we must stand up against the continuation of prisons with institutionalized torture and replace them with restorative justice and houses of healing. Let's explore programs like those at the San Francisco jail, the Delancey Street Project, the Center for Therapeutic Justice in Williamsburg, the Creative Arts programs in Philadelphia prisons and those of our neighbor across the river in Camden. We need to look to other countries where those who break the laws spend little time in prison but are moved quickly into treatment and training. Here are some ideas: Establish a coalition for prison change with the formerly incarcerated families of prisoners, corrections professionals, political leaders, activists and visionaries. Do a survey of prisoners at a sampling of prisons to see what ideas they might have that might work. Let's establish a series of community education initiatives, work to eliminate laws blocking successful reentry and mandatory sentencing, return discretion to judges. Let's work with our legislators. Let's give voice to the voiceless. Let's provide continuing support, not for a month of justice but a year for justice. Let's get corporations to agree to train and hire formerly incarcerated people. Let's work on federal Second Chance Act sponsored by Arlen Specter, Barack Obama and others, and let's learn what other countries do. People, it's time we talked about this. Thank you. )
Thank you. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Brown, who will present a resolution supporting the recommendations from the Maternity Care Coalition's Report "Childbirth at a Crossroads." Will Ms. Letty Thall and those accompanying her please join the Councilwoman at the podium.
Thank you, Madam President. On February 16th of this year, an alarming announcement about another closing of an obstetric hospital here in our city, and it raises a lot of questions, because no one knows now what will happen with the 1,500 births previously delivered at Jeanes where they will go now in the future. When that hospital closing took place, Jeanes actually absorbed much of the volume of births that were taking place at Frankford Hospital and, before that, Parkview Hospital, which closed in 2003. So the work of the Maternity Care Coalition becomes incredibly invaluable and more needed as our city confronts yet another closing of a major hospital in our city providing obstetric services to prospective moms. Thus, today we are supporting the recommendations from the Maternity Care Coalition Report of "Childbirth at a Crossroads" and calling on both the Governor and our state Legislature to issues from this report into the ultimate healthcare plan that comes from the Commonwealth. Whereas, Governor Edward G. Rendell has prescribed a healthcare plan for Pennsylvanians, which will attempt to, A, reduce growing costs of affordable healthcare and uninsured adults, expand access to healthcare services, make healthcare more affordable, and increase wellness through promotion of preventive healthcare; and Whereas, "Childbirth at a Crossroads" is an outline of issues and recommendations that can be implemented into the Governor's health plan's four broad goals; and Whereas, the state should provide diversity in the population of Pennsylvanians by requiring healthcare facilities to comply with federal standards and identifying the predominant language needs of the community to overcome language barriers; and Whereas, many women lack access to adequate healthcare, thus sufficient funding provisions through state and local sources to ensure all women receive care; and Whereas, an increase in the number of healthcare professionals to aid low-income or minority women to help prevent a decline in the pool of qualified health practitioners by making changes in laws that create reimbursements for use of their skills would be beneficial; and Whereas, each county in the Commonwealth should issue an annual health "report card" that will highlight maternal and child health indicators to identify significant racial disparities in conjunction with national statement of health goals; and Whereas, the final recommendation of the report suggests balancing medicine of the current day with needs of our families; and Whereas, the state's healthcare plan must recognize the importance for all families to be equipped with family-friendly practices, along with sufficient financial support to participate in statewide healthcare; and Whereas, "Childbirth at a Crossroads" is an outline of issues and recommendations to be implemented into the Governor's health plan's four broad goals. Now therefore, be it resolved, that the City Council support the recommendations from the Maternity Care Coalition Report and call on the Governor and our state Legislature to incorporate the five major issues from the report into the ultimate healthcare plan that comes from our Commonwealth. Certified, this is a true copy of the original resolution, adopted by the City Council, signed by President Anna C. Verna, introduced by Blondell Reynolds Brown, sponsored by all the City Council. Thank you, Madam President. (Applause.)
Thank you, Madam Chair and Councilwoman Brown. I'm JoAnne Fischer, the Executive Director of Maternity Care Coalition, and with me is Letty Thall, our Director of Public Policy. Most of you know us through the MOMobile Program in the neighborhoods where your constituents find support around having a baby, or the Cribs for Kids Program where our staff is out educating folks about safe sleep and providing cribs with your support to families who can't afford them, or our MOMobile newly established at Riverside Correctional Facility for Women. What you may not know is that we have long waiting lists with people who have questions every day about having they can get. That's what drove us to developing this report, "Childbirth at a Crossroads," which all of you received in September, and where we discovered some startling facts, like one out of ten families in our community speak a language other than English. Is our healthcare system ready and able to serve those families? That even though infant mortality in our community has been reduced since Maternity Care Coalition was established -- and that was the reason we were established 26 years ago -- the disparities and inequities, particularly among African-American families, continue. It is still true that an African-American baby has twice a chance of dying in their first year. It is also a startling fact to learn that breastfeeding in Philadelphia -- we see ourselves as a community with lots of healthcare resources, but we are number ten among in the United States in initiating breastfeeding, something that can support families bonding, reduce obesity and a variety of other things, and we don't even know why. So we're addressing the issues around health insurance, but we have decided that in September we were childbirth at a crossroads. Now we are childbirth in crisis. With the decision -- and I don't know how many of you knew that Jeanes had closed. It was buried in an article on Temple laying off staff that said that Jeanes Hospital would be closing their obstetrical unit. That is an additional 1,500, 1,600 births to be absorbed, right after Frankford closed nine months ago and Parkview before that. So Northeast Philadelphia is in a particularly difficult situation. And we have to ask this question: Is this the kind of decision that an individual hospital or healthcare system can make line or do we need to look at the needs of the community? We still have 50,000 births in this community and there's been 14 closures of OB units over the past 11 years. Who is making these decisions on what basis? One thing we know, the needs of the community is not the basis for that decision-making and it needs to be. So we ask you to join with us to find out what can be done so that every hospital isn't deciding that it is no longer profitable to be doing obstetrics and, therefore, eliminating that service so that the young people in this room will have no place to have their babies. We need your help so that we can make sure that every baby born in our community is welcomed into the world in a safe and healthy and loving way. So thank you very much for endorsing these recommendations, and please join with us in creating truly a welcoming world for babies in our (Applause.)
The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Tasco, who will present a resolution honoring the Philadelphia Department of Recreation's Swim Team. Will Mr. Jim Ellis and those accompanying him please join the Councilwoman at the podium. I see the Councilwoman is being joined by Councilwoman Miller and Councilman Clarke, also Councilwoman Brown. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Good morning, Madam President and members of Council and guests. This is indeed an honor today to present this resolution the Philadelphia Department of Recreation, "PDR," Swim Team. Whereas, the City Council of Philadelphia is pleased and proud to honor Mr. Jim Ellis for over 40 years of civic and community service to the City of Philadelphia through his outstanding work as a competitive swimming coach, mentor to youth and motivational speaker, as well as the founding and development of the nationally recognized Philadelphia Department of Recreation Swim Team; and
Whereas, the newly released "Pride" is a Liongate film starring Terrence Howard, Bernie Mac and Kimberly Elise, is based on the true events surrounding U.S. Swimming Coach Jim Ellis and the PDR Swim Team. "Pride" tells a story of a swim coach and youth mentor who built a successful swimming program in North Philadelphia in the 1970s; and Whereas, Philadelphia's own Jim Team based at the Marcus Foster Recreation Center in the Nicetown section of Philadelphia in 1971; and
Whereas, over the past 35 years, Jim Ellis has been introducing competitive swimming to inner city youth and their families. His coaching has provided a healthy and stimulating environment in which young athletes can grow and compete; and Whereas, Jim Ellis teaches the PDR swimmers more than how to compete in the water. He teaches them success through hard work, dedication, team work and other important life-changing lessons that prepare them for a better future; and
Whereas, today PDR Swim Team is the City's nationally recognized competitive swim team, has sent numerous swimmers to the U.S. Olympic team trials, is the nation's best predominantly African-American team model for urban swim programs around the country; and Whereas, the City of Philadelphia, no doubt, greatly and knowingly privileged to hold within its borders the bright and enduring light of this vibrant leader, groundbreaker, public servant and devotee to youth and athletes. Now therefore
Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we hereby recognize and congratulate Mr. Jim Ellis for his 35 years of civic and community service to the City of Philadelphia through his outstanding service as a swimming coach and youth mentor and the release of the major motion picture based on his life and experiences in building on one of the country's premier African-American swim teams; and Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be Ellis as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body. Certification, that 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 February 2007. It is introduced by Councilwoman Tasco, Councilman Darrell Clarke, Blondell Reynolds Brown and Donna Reed Miller and supported by all members of City Council. Congratulations and thank you so much. (Applause.)
Good morning. I'd like to take the time to thank Councilpersons Clarke, Brown, Miller and Tasco for presenting us with this honor, and I say "us" because I am the one that's accepting it, but this is something that's been a community project. I'd like to take the time to me to Philadelphia from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I'd like to thank Philadelphia for embracing me as a young man. I'd like to thank the City of Philadelphia for hiring me. I'd like to thank the Philadelphia School Board for putting up with me. I'd like to thank all the community people who have made some type of donation to our program. I'd like to thank all the community people who were instrumental in sending me their young people to participate in a program that was a dream of mine and a passion. I'd like to thank you, City Council, and everyone else who had a hand in this. I'd also like to take the time to say that although this program may have seemed to be an elite program for so long in the City of Philadelphia, the young people, parents and the community people who went out and represented the City on the highest level possible, these are the people who should be named in this, and the list is long. These young people have gone on to become productive citizens, not only in the City of Philadelphia but in the United States all across the country. I would like to think that the City, City Council, can find in their hearts a way to put more money into facilities in the City of Philadelphia so we can bring more young people -(Applause.)
-- so we can bring more young people off the streets to participate in a program such as this. My father always told me actions speak louder than words, and I think we've given you the actions for 30-plus years and I think now is the time for the City to reach back, sit back and look at what they need to do for our young people, not only in the classroom, because I'm a teacher at one of the most finest high schools in the City, Bodine High School, High School of International Affairs, and young people are putting it down every day achieving. I work with the Rec Department, two of the finest facilities, Sayre Recreation Center and Foster Pool. These facilities have fallen into disrepair, and it's not fair to our young people, who didn't ask to be here. They're here, and we need to let them know that we care about them and we're concerned. They'll continue to produce for you, but we have to stand behind them and we have to give them their support, day in and day out. (Applause.)
So, again, I accept this award, not for myself but for all the young people who have come, participated in the program and have represented the City of Philadelphia on its highest level. Thanks again. (Applause.)
Thank you very much, Mr. Ellis. ease. (Council at ease.)
The next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant-At-Arms deliver the messages to the Clerk. The Clerk will please read the messages from the Mayor.
From the Mayor to the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am pleased to advise you that today, March 29, 2007, I signed all of the bills that were passed by Council at its session on March 15, 2007, except Bill No. 070112, which I am returning as disapproved; and I am transmitting for the consideration of your honorable body 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 Model Area; and A resolution authorizing the Secretary of Housing, or his designee, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to file an application and, if the application is accepted, to execute a contract to obtain a grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Conservation; and An ordinance authorizing Kevin Alsbrook to own, use and maintain an existing deck to be used for accessory outdoor seating for a restaurant; and An ordinance authorizing Liberty Property Trust Limited Partnership, owner of the Comcast Center at 1701 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, to place raised planters and stainless steel security bollards adjacent to the Comcast Center; and An ordinance authorizing Rimas Properties, owner of the property 1352 South Street, to construct, operate and maintain a raised plaza encroachment; and East Falls Development Corporation, 3654 Midvale Avenue, to install a gateway entrance sign; and An ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 305 by placing on the City Plan Edgemont Street from Juniata Street to Berkshire Street; and An ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 63 by striking from the City Plan and vacating Carlton Street from 20th Street eastwardly approximately 98 feet 4 inches to a dead-end; and An ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 187 by striking from the City Plan and vacating the legally opened portion of Belgrade Street from Butler Street to Wheatsheaf Lane; and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 306 by striking from the City Plan Buckius Street from Miller Street to Belgrade Street; and An ordinance authorizing Northstar Developments, owner of the property 1617 North Second Street, to construct, operate and maintain multi-level bays and balconies, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you. The messages will be printed in the Journal. I would ask the Clerk to please read 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.
Sorry, Madam President. I was not paying attention. Madam President -
I'm so sorry. Councilwoman, just a moment, please. The Chair at this time recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Madam President, thank you. At this time, I would like to introduce Dr. Joseph Procopio, a pharmacologist at Jefferson Medical School here in Philadelphia, but more than that, his two guests from the University of Naples in Naples, Italy: Dr. Gabriella Bianca, Professor of Architecture, and her husband, Dr. Alfredo Bianca, Professor of Pharmacology and Toxicology, also at the University of Naples. I'd like the Council to give them a big welcome.
We do hope you enjoy your visit. Nice seeing you. Councilwoman Blackwell.
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.)
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 please say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer three resolutions, one on your behalf.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution recognizing Northern Ireland's Catholic and Protestant political parties on the occasion of reaching a historic deal to form a power-sharing government beginning May 8, 2007.
The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney for a motion on the resolution.
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.)
The ayes have it and the resolution has been adopted. The Clerk will please read the title of the second resolution.
A resolution recognizing, honoring and celebrating John F. Collins for his enormous contributions to Philadelphia's urban design.
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 honoring the Christian Brothers for the dedicated service and commitment to the people of Philadelphia and throughout the world.
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 on your behalf.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance authorizing the Director of Commerce to enter into Use and Lease Agreements between the City of Philadelphia and each of the airlines servicing Philadelphia International Airport.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance constituting the Seventh Supplemental Ordinance to the Amended and Restated General Airport Revenue Bond Ordinance.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Title 21 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Miscellaneous," by adding a new Chapter providing for notice requirements whenever any deed, mortgage, lien or other legal instrument connected with real property is presented for recording.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer three bills and one resolution.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 306 by striking from the City Plan Buckius Street from Miller Street to Belgrade Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 305 by placing on the City Plan Edgemont Street from Juniata Street to Berkshire Street.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 187 by striking from the City Plan and vacating the legally opened portion of Belgrade Street from Butler Street to Wheatsheaf Lane.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution authorizing the Secretary of Housing, or his designee, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to file an application and, if the application is accepted, to execute a contract to obtain a grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Conservation.
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. The Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance authorizing Kevin Alsbrook, 400 Gypsy Lane, Apartment 735, Philadelphia, PA 19129, owner of Bazini's Cafe and the property at 1800 Lindley Avenue, his successors and assigns, to legalize an existing deck encroachment.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Savage.
Thank you, Madam President. I have one resolution for today.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution recognizing, honoring, celebrating and thanking George Edward "Butch" Ballard for his outstanding contributions to jazz music both in Philadelphia and nationally.
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 DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. I offer two bills and one resolution.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance amending Section 9-204 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Sidewalk Vendors in Center City," by prohibiting vendors from within 15 feet of any emergency egress.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing Rimas Properties, 11 through 15 North Second Street, Philadelphia, PA, owner of the property 1352 South Street, to construct, own and maintain a raised plaza encroachment.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution honoring and recognizing the Honorable Alan K. Silberstein on the occasion of his retirement.
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 indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. I have one bill and one resolution today.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Chapter 9-200 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Commercial Activities on Streets," by adding a new section providing for the certification of tour guides.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution urging the members of the General Assembly to enact Senate Bill Nos. 167 and 171 in support of State Senator Anthony Williams and Senator Rafael Musto for their leadership role on kinship care.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
The Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Chapter 19-200 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "City Funds Deposits, Investments, Disbursements," by amending Section 19-201, entitled "Depositories," by authorizing the City Treasurer to deposit funds in Citibank.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Ramos.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer no bills or resolutions today.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Campbell.
Thank you, Madam President. I have four ordinances.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance authorizing the East Falls Development Corporation, 3654 Midvale Avenue, owner of the property at 3800 Midvale Avenue, for the installation of a gateway entrance sign for the East Falls community.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Title 21 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Miscellaneous," by amending certain provisions, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Chapter 10 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Regulation of Individual Conduct and Activity," by amending certain provisions, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will also be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Chapter 10 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Regulation of Individual Conduct and Activity," by amending certain provisions, all under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Madam President, I have three bills and one resolution.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the first bill.
An ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 63 by striking from the City Plan and vacating Carlton Street from 20th Street eastwardly.
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 West Jefferson Street, North Mascher Street, West Oxford Street and North Howard Street.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing Liberty Property Trust Philadelphia Limited Partnership, Eight Penn Center, Suite 1100, 1628 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, owner of the Comcast Center at 1701 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, for the placement of raised planters on John F. Kennedy Boulevard.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
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 Model Cities Urban Renewal Area.
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 Kelly.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
Thank you, Madam President. No bills or resolutions today.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The next order of business is reports from committees, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke for a report from the Committee on Rules.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, the Committee on Rules reports two bills with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the report.
To the President Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on rules, to which was referred Bill No. 070009, entitled "An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Reed Street, Tasker Street (extended), Christopher Columbus Boulevard and the Delaware River"; and Bill No. 070013, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 14-1605 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Regulated Uses,' by prohibiting regulated uses within 1,000 feet of any Commercial Entertainment District and adding 'Payday Lenders' as a regulated use, all under certain terms and conditions," respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Madam President, I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 070009 and Bill 070013. (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 the bills just reported from committee. All in favor will please indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the bills just read will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. The Chair recognizes Councilman Savage for a report from the Committee on Licenses and Inspections.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Licenses and Inspections reports one bill with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the report.
The Committee on Licenses and Inspections, to which was referred Bill No. 070149, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'The Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code,' by requiring that any advertisement or correspondence pertaining to the rental of residential property shall include the housing inspection license number for such property," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
The Councilman Savage. I'm sorry. You're not suspending the rules, are you?
Thank you. The bill just read will be placed on the First Reading Calendar for our next session of Council. Council will now proceed under a special order of business to the reconsideration of Bill No. 070112. This bill was passed by Council at its March 15, 2007 session and was returned disapproved by the Mayor at today's Council session. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Council reconsider Bill No. 070112, which was approved by this City Council on March 15, 2007. (Duly seconded.)
All in favor let it be known by saying aye. (Aye.)
The motion carries. Council will now reconsider the vote by which Bill No. 070112 was passed. The Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of a proposed amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter relating to the location of licensed gaming facilities within the City, as proposed by a petition presented to the Council and approved for submission to the electors by resolution.
This bill having been read on two different duly approved by City Council on March 15, 2007 and was returned to Council by the Mayor as disapproved at today's session of Council. The question is shall Bill No. 070112 pass notwithstanding the Mayor's disapproval. I would like to call your attention to the fact that a vote of aye is a vote to override the Mayor's veto and a vote of no is to sustain the Mayor's veto. Do we all understand that? A vote of aye is to override the Mayor's veto and a vote of no is to sustain the Mayor's veto. I would ask the Clerk to please call the roll.
The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. The majority of all Councilmembers having voted in the affirmative, the Mayor's veto is overridden. (Applause.)
The next order of business will be the consideration of the Calendar. I would ask our visitors to please leave quietly so that we can continue to conduct our business. I would ask the Clerk to please read the bills on the First Reading 3/29/07 - STATED - 1ST READING Calendar.
Bill No. 070009, entitled "An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Reed Street, Tasker Street (extended), Christopher Columbus Boulevard and the Delaware River."
And Bill No. 070013, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 14-1605 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Regulated Uses,' by prohibiting regulated uses within 1,000 feet of any Commercial Entertainment District and adding 'Payday Lenders' as a regulated use, all under certain terms and conditions."
The Chair agrees. That completes our First Reading Calendar, and at this time, the 3/29/07 - STATED - 2ND READING Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for the purpose of calling up the bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar to be considered today.
Thank you, Madam President. Today our Calendar starts on where we will hear at the bottom of the page Bill No. 060964 and 965. On , the bottom bill, Bill No. 060052 will be amended. On , Bill Nos. 060389, 070072 and the last bill, 070089, will be heard. On , we will hear all bills and as well as . They are Bill Nos. 070090 and 91, Bill No. 070150, 169 and on , Bill No. 070129 and 117. All other bills are being held.
Thank you very much. I would ask the Clerk to please read the title of Bill No. 060964.
An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 58 3/29/07 - STATED - 2ND READING by striking from the City Plan and vacating Melon Street from Ridge Avenue to 13th Street.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Clerk will please call the roll.
What bill are we voting on? 3/29/07 - STATED - 2ND READING
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. 060965.
An ordinance to amend the Institutional Development District Master Plan of Temple University by allowing for the construction of a new building on Block B of the Institutional Development District.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Clerk will please call the roll.
Councilwoman Tasco, how are you voting on this bill?
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A 3/29/07 - STATED - 2ND READING majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. I would ask the Clerk to please read the title of Bill No. 060052.
An ordinance amending Section 19-201 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "City depositories," by revoking the depository status of Wachovia Bank and revising the list of City depositories.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Madam President. I'm offering an amendment, which has been circulated to all members of Council, and I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the amendment be adopted. All in favor will please say 3/29/07 - STATED - 2ND READING aye. (Aye.)
I don't think I've seen the resolution. Was it circulated?
The amendment has been circulated. It's on the desk of all Councilmembers.
Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Aye. 3/29/07 - STATED - 2ND READING
The amendment is adopted. We will now go to Bill No. 060389.
An ordinance authorizing the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development to file an application with the Office of the Budget, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, in an aggregate amount not to exceed $1 million to assist in the development of Maria de los Santos Health Center.
This bill having been read on two different 3/29/07 - STATED - 2ND READING days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The 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. 3/29/07 - STATED - 2ND READING The next bill to be considered is Bill No. 070072.
An ordinance amending Chapter 19-2604 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Business Privilege Taxes," by providing a "Green Roofs Tax Credit" for costs incurred to erect a green roof that supports living vegetation.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Clerk will please call the roll.
Councilman DiCicco. 3/29/07 - STATED - 2ND READING COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Aye.
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. We will now consider Bill No. 070089.
An ordinance authorizing the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development to file an application with the Office of the Budget, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, in an aggregate amount not to exceed $1 million to assist in the conversion of the former Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia to the Jefferson Hospital for Neuroscience.
This 3/29/07 - STATED - 2ND READING bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in 3/29/07 - STATED - 2ND READING the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 070090.
An ordinance authorizing the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development to file an application with the Office of the Budget, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, in an aggregate amount not to exceed $2 million to assist in the development of the WHYY Learning Lab.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Clerk will 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 next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 070091.
An ordinance amending Chapter 19-200 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "City Funds Deposits, Investments, Disbursements," by authorizing the City Treasurer to deposit funds in Sovereign Bank.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. 3/29/07 - STATED - 2ND READING The Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. 3/29/07 - STATED - 2ND READING The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called is Bill No. 070150.
An ordinance amending Bill No. 060378, entitled "An ordinance approving the Fiscal Year 2007 Capital Budget providing for expenditures for the capital purposes of the Philadelphia Gas Works."
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Clerk will please call the roll.
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. 070169.
An ordinance authorizing the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development to file an application with the Office of the Budget, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, in an aggregate amount not to exceed $2,100,000 to assist in the development of the Jewish Employment and Vocational Services, the Jewish Community Center of 3/29/07 - STATED - 2ND READING Philadelphia and the Pilgrim Gardens Retirement Community.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, this bill passes. I would ask the Clerk to please read Resolution No. 070129.
A resolution proposing an amendment to Article VIII, Chapter 5 of the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter, entitled "Referenda Approved by the Voters," by adding a new section providing that the citizens of Philadelphia urge the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission to deny the Philadelphia Gas Works' 2006 request for a base rate increase.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for a motion on Resolution No. 070129.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
Since 3/29/07 - STATED - 2ND READING Resolution No. 070129 -- can we pay attention, please. Since Resolution No. 070129 is a Charter change to the Home Rule Charter, it requires a two-thirds majority. The Clerk will please call the roll. Excuse me. There were some that were engaged in conversation. We are presently considering Resolution No. 070129, top of . The Clerk will call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. All members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the resolution is adopted. We will now consider Bill No. 070117.
An ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of an amendment to Article VIII, Chapter 5 of the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter, entitled "Referenda Approved by the Voters," by adding a new section providing that the citizens of Philadelphia urge the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission to deny the Philadelphia Gas Works' 2006 request for a base rate increase.
This 3/29/07 - STATED - 2ND READING bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in affirmative, this 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? (No response.)
Seeing none, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for a motion to adjourn.
Madam President, I move that we stand adjourned until Thursday, April 5, 2007 -- I'm sorry; April 12, 2007. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, April 12th at 10:00 a.m. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. Thank you all very much. (Stated Meeting adjourned at 11:55 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 March 29, 2007, 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.)