COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, February 24, 2005 10:15 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILMAN DAVID COHEN COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN JACK KELLY COUNCILMAN JAMES F. KENNEY COUNCILMAN RICHARD T. MARIANO COUNCILMAN MICHAEL A. NUTTER COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILMAN JUAN RAMOS COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO PATRICIA RAFFERTY, CHIEF CLERK V A R A L L O Incorporated Litigation Support Services Eleven Penn Center 1835 Market Street, Suite 600 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103 215.561.2220 215.567.2670
Good morning, everyone. I note that the hour 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 Councilman Ramos who will deliver the invocation. All guests and members will please rise.
Good morning, everyone. Let us pray. And supper being ended, Jesus rose from supper and laid aside his garments, took a towel and girded himself. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel with which he was girded. On this snowy day to be, let us remember that we're called to serve. We're called to be servant leaders, to serve our neighbor, the poor and the oppressed, to serve the cause of justice with conviction. In name, amen.
The Chair thanks Deacon Ramos. Thank you very much. The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of Thursday, February 17, 2005. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, February 17, 2005 stand approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of meeting of Thursday, February 17, 2005, stand approved. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes carries, and the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, February 17, 2005 is approved. The next order of business is request for leave of absence. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. On behalf of the Majority, leaves of absence are requested for Councilwoman Krajewski, Councilwoman Miller and Councilman DiCicco.
Thank you. Leave will be granted. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Madam President, on behalf of the Republicans, there are no requests for leaves 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 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 Brown who will present a resolution honoring the National Association of Colored Women's Club. Would Ms. Margaret Cooper and those accompanying her please join the Councilwoman at the podium?
Thank you, Madam President. Just to show you how far we've come, this past weekend I had a conversation with my daughter where for the first time she heard the word colored. She's of a generation where African-Americans is how we acknowledge and recognize people of color. So we've come a long way. And today we honor the National Association of Colored Women's Clubs. Whereas, the National Association of Club, Incorporated, is a fellowship of women united in service to lift the standards of the home and family; and Whereas, the National Association of Colored Women's Club, Inc., was founded in Washington, D.C., in July 1896 by the merger of National Federal of African-American Women and the Women's Era Club of Boston, and the Colored Women's League of Washington, D.C.; and Whereas the birth of NACWC in 1896 marked the beginning of a new era in African-American womanhood and provided a vehicle for action through organized effort; and Whereas, the Association's endeavor is to promote interracial understanding, justice and peace among all people, raise the standard of the home, and advance the moral, economic, social and religious welfare of the family; and Whereas, the Association also strives to promote the education of women and youth through local, state, and regional workshops, seminars, and scholarship assistance; and Whereas, the activities and contributions of the club women help to improve the quality of life for all people; and Whereas, membership includes women and youth in 32 states dedicated to raising to the highest plane the home life, moral standards, and civic life of our race; and Whereas, the City of Philadelphia was honored to host the 108 anniversary and 54th Biannual NACWC convention, women meeting the challenge of social, political, and economic leadership in the global society. Now, therefore, resolved by the Council of the City of Philadelphia that we hereby honor the National Association of Colored Women's Clubs. Further resolved that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Mrs. Margaret J. Cooper, President of the NACWC as the evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body. a true and correct copy of the original resolution adopted by the Council of the City of Philadelphia on the 17th day of February 2005. Signed by our President Anna C. Verna, introduced by Blondell Reynolds Brown, and sponsored by all members of the Philadelphia City Council. (Applause.)
Honorable Chair, members of the City Council of Philadelphia and Councilwoman Brown, it is a particular privilege for me to stand here today and accept this proclamation. On behalf of the National Association of Colored Women's Clubs, Incorporated, and youth affiliates, we have youth affiliates in 32 states as well. It is a pleasure for me to be here today, and I want to thank you on behalf of our Association for this honor this morning. And I want to thank Mrs. Margo Robinson for recommending to Mrs. Brown. Thank you very much. And God bless (Applause.)
The Chair now recognizes Councilman Rizzo who will present a resolution honoring the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. Would Mr. Derek Gillman, Ms. Audrey Schneider and those accompanying them please join the Councilman at the podium. And I understand Councilwoman Brown will be joining Councilman Rizzo. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
Thank you, Madam President. Recognizing, honoring and celebrating the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, home to America's artists for its invaluable contributions to the arts as the oldest art school and museum of fine art in the nation on the occasion of its 200th Anniversary, 1805 to 2005. 26, 1805, painter Charles Wilson Peale and 70 prominent Philadelphians gathered at Independence Hall and signed the Charter of Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts; and Whereas, in the year 2005, the Pennsylvanian Academy of Fine Arts completed its 200th year and begins its third century as the oldest art school and museum of fine arts in the nation; and Whereas, the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts is internationally known for its collections of 19th and 20th Century American paintings, sculptures, and works on paper, and its archives house important materials for the study of American art history, museums, and art training; and
Whereas, the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts collects and exhibits the work of distinguished American artists, and is renowned for training fine artists with a current enrollment of 300 full-time students and an additional 16,000 children and adults through its outreach annually, has become known as "Home to American Artists" because of such notable alumni as Thomas Eakins, Mary Cassatt, Cecilia Beaux, Maxfield Parrish, Robert Henri, John Sloan, Charles Sheeler, Charles Demuth, Arthur B. Carles, John Main, Sarah McEneaney, Vincent Desiderio, and film-maker David Lynch; and
Whereas, the City of Philadelphia looks forward to yet another century of excellent artistic leadership from the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts; now therefore Resolved by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, recognizing, honoring, and celebrating the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, home to America's artists, for its invaluable contributions to the arts and the oldest art school and museum of fine arts in the nation and the occasion of its 200th Anniversary. Further resolved that an engrossed copy of this resolution is presented to the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, further evidencing of the sincere admiration and body. Congratulations on your 200th. (Applause.)
Honorable Chair of the Council, Councilman Rizzo, Councilwoman Brown, distinguished members of Council, on January the 8th when we launched the 200th Anniversary of the Academy, I said that in response to a question about how a brit could be running the oldest art institution in the nation that ever since you kicked us out we've been trying to get back in again. We, in our 200th year, have launched a new building, the fourth major building of the Academy on North Broad Street. And it is absolutely essential to our mission, but also to the well-being of Philadelphia that the regeneration of the Academy opposite the proposed expansion of the Convention Center on North Broad Street will bring glory and distinction and economic prosperity to this very important part of the City. For that, we you, not only for this splendid resolution honoring us, the oldest art institution in the nation, but also for your support and endorsement of the work that we will do as partners with you in the years to come. Thank you. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes Councilman Ramos who will present a resolution honoring Uriel Palti, the new Consul General of Israel. Will Mr. Palti and those accompanying him please join the Councilman at the podium? Councilman Ramos is being joined by Councilmembers Rizzo and Mariano.
Thank you, Madam President. Philadelphia City Council commends the State of Israel for its longstanding efforts to reach peace in the Middle East and of Prime Minister of Israel Ariel Sharon for his mission to provide security for the people of Israel and achieve peace in the region. A new window of opportunity has recently been opened, and Philadelphia City Council wishes success to both sides at the Israeli Palestinian negotiating table. Resolution honoring Uriel Palti for being named the ne Consul General of Israel in Philadelphia. Whereas, prior to his post in Philadelphia, Mr. Palti was the Minister of Foreign Affairs representative to the strategic planning division of the Israeli defense forces; and
Whereas, in 1994, Mr. Palti became a coordinator of the peace talks with Jordan and was present for the historical signing of the peace treaty by the late Israeli Prime Minister Yizak Rabin; Whereas, Mr. Palti has held a position of Consul for information at the Consul General in New York where he eventually of New York. Later he held the same position in Los Angeles; Whereas, Mr. Palti's strong belief and love of his country was even more evident when he entered the Israel Defense Forces in 1973.
Whereas, during his tenure in the Israeli Defense Force, he served in the Information Division including time served in the Lebanon war in 1982; Whereas, Mr. Palti still holds te rank of Major in the Israeli Defense Force; and Whereas, Mr. Palti's parents George and Channah gave early indications of Ureil's path when they became the first ambassadors of Israel in 1948 and helped to introduce and establish the new state throughout the world; now therefore be it
Resolved by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, we hereby honor Uriel Palti for being named the new Consul General of Israel in Philadelphia. further, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Uriel Palti as sincere appreciation and respect of this legislative body. Signed by Anna C. Verna, President of the Council of the City of Philadelphia. Congratulations. (Applause.)
Madam President Anna Verna, honored City Council Members and a special thanks to Councilmember Juan Ramos; my colleague, Mr. Lou Balcher (ph) from the Israeli Consulate; my mentor in community relations in this City, Mr. Bernard Segal from the Jewish Federation who is really showing me the inwards and outwards, day-in and day-out in this City; Ms. Robin Schats from the Jewish Federation; Councilmembers. I'm really moved here today, to get such a reception in the City of Brotherly Love. We've arrived, my wife, my two kids and myself not long ago to this great City. And we enjoy, I must tell you, every minute. You have a great City. The welcome couldn't be warmer, and I thank you from the bottom of our heart. Those are special days, Madam President, for the State of Israel. There is a new window of opportunity in the Middle East. The disappearance of Arafat, Prime Minister Sharon this engagement from the Gaza District to the Israeli government adopted a resolution a few days ago, and within five months we will be out of the Gaza District. The American Administration will, the gestures on behalf of Egypt and Jordan really creates a new atmosphere. We went through terrible four years of uprising. But we hope that all the indicators are showing us that we are really in the beginning of a new era, hopefully era of negotiations, hopefully era of continuing to do all our efforts to reach peace in the Middle East. Madam President, let me use this opportunity to invite you all to come to see life in Israel. I know a few of you already have been to Israel. I know Former Frank Rizzo, the father City Councilmember Frank Rizzo was an Israel, the City of Tel Aviv, the greatest City in Israel. We have the capital of Israel, of course, the City of Jerusalem, the eternal capital of capital of Israel. So I would like to extend an invitation to each and every one of you to come and see our great country, and we'd like to host you, the members of the City of Philadelphia City of the City of Brotherly Love. Again, I'd like to thank you all for welcoming us. Special thanks to Councilmember Juan Ramos for giving us this special privilege. Keep doing this great job of doing everything for this great City, the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you, Madam President. At this time I'd like to be excused for the rest of the Session and be recorded as voting aye on all resolutions.
Thank you. Leave will be granted. The next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant-at-Arms deliver the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. The Chief Clerk will please read the messages from the Mayor. THE
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am pleased to advise you that on February 24, 2005, I signed all of the bills that were passed by Council at its Session on February 10, 2005. And I am transmitting for the consideration of your honorable body an ordinance authorizing Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals and Urban Growth Property Limited Partnership to construct and maintain a pedestrian bridge over and across 10th Street. And an ordinance approving the first redevelopment proposal for the West Fairhill East Tioga Hunting Park Urban Renewal Area.
Thank you. The messages will be printed in the Journal. The Chief Clerk will please read any other communications in her possession. THE
Thank you. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for a motion.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit the immediate consideration of resolutions at their time of introduction. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit immediate consideration of resolutions at the time of introduction. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer one resolution and I offer one bill on behalf of Councilman DiCicco.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill. THE
An ordinance authorizing Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals and Urban Growth Property Limited to construct and maintain a pedestrian bridge over and across 10th Street between Chestnut Street and Sansom Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
And a resolution authorizing City Council's Committee on Legislative Oversight to hold public hearings to investigate how the City of Philadelphia could initiate a strategic sourcing initiative to combine the public relations marketing and advertising contracts of the various City Departments and City-related agencies into one competitively bid contract.
Move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will please indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution will be referred to the Legislative Oversight Committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. Today, I introduce six resolutions, one on my behalf and five with the concurrence of Council leadership.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the first resolution. THE
A resolution supporting Congressman Charles B. Rangel in his House Congressional Resolution recognizing the contributions of Marcus Garvey.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption at 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
And a resolution appointing Councilmembers Juan Ramos and Marian Tasco to the Philadelphia Gas Commission.
The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the next resolution. THE
A resolution appointing Councilmember David Cohen as a member of the Board of Directors of the Atwater Kent Museum.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. THE
And a resolution authorizing the Council President to make appointments to various boards and commissions.
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
And a resolution appointing Councilmember Juan Ramos to the 436 Walnut Tax Increment Financing District Oversight Committee.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. THE
And a resolution authorizing the Council President to appoint certain individuals to serve as the Council President's representative on various boards and commissions.
And everyone received copies of the resolutions. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, I have four resolutions and two bill, but on a previous resolution could I speak for a minute involving Councilman Ramos. I'm just proud he's the first Latino in the City of Philadelphia to be appointed to PGW Board, along with my colleague Councilwoman Tasco. But I just hope he's not going to wear that shirt to the Board meetings. It's totally inappropriate. (Laughter.)
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill. THE
An ordinance approving the redevelopment proposal of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment of the West Fairhill East Tioga Hunting Park Urban Renewal Area.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
And an ordinance providing for the submission of the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter creating a new Chapter 5, entitled "Referendum Approved by the Voters, Article 8, Provisions of General Application," and creating a new Section 8-500 entitled "Smoking in Public Places and in the Workplace."
The bill will also be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
And a resolution proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter creating a new Chapter 5 entitled "Referendum approved by the voters, Article 8, Provisions of General Application," and creating a new Section 8-500 entitled "Smoking in Public Places."
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
And a resolution honoring Joe McCourt for his record-setting career at Lafayette College for being selected by the Maxwell Football Club as the 2004 Tri-State Player of the Year.
Madam President, I move for the adoption of that resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. THE
And a resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to use NTI bond proceeds to acquire certain properties, under certain terms and conditions.
The Chair, again, recognizes Councilman Mariano.
Madam President, I move for the adoption of that 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
And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority deeds locate in the 7th, 18th, 19th and 43rd Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
Madam President, I move for the adoption of that 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.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill. THE
An ordinance amending an ordinance of February 22, 1975, Bill No. 1796, establishing the Prisons's Industrial Revolving Fund and providing for the administration thereof, by establishing a mechanism to authorize changes for goods and services produced by prison industries and by authorizing expenditures from the fund for personnel cost.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution. THE
A resolution recognizing February 25, 2005, as Reparation Awareness Day and urging the United States Congress to pass House Rule 40 and the House of Representative to pass House Bill 7625, both entitled "The Commission to Study reparation proposals for African-Americans Act.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption 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 Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer no bills or resolutions this morning.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ramos.
Madam President, I offer two privileged resolution and I'd like to make a clarification after that.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution. THE
A resolution honoring the Partners For Civic Pride for their diligent efforts on spreading the history and pride of Philadelphia civic flag and marking the 110th Anniversary of the Philadelphia Civic Flag.
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
And a resolution recognizing the week of March 7, 2005, as the National Association of Hispanic Publications.
Madam President, I move for the adoption resolution. (Duly seconded.)
Madam President, if I may, I want to clarify. I wear with disdain today the Jersey of the New England Patriots. With disdain, I said. I lost a bet. I wagered with Councilman Arroyo of Boston, and obviously we know the results today. Part of the deal was that I had to wear his jersey today for this Council Session. And he's feeding with his face with two hoagies today from Primo's and a box of Tastykake. May he have an indigestion. (Laughter.)
However, I want to keep -- I've kept my prayers with the man whose Jersey I wear, and that is Linebacker Bruschi who had a stroke and we all wish him good health. That's it, Madam President.
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will please indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Thank you, Madam President. I have one bill and one resolution.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill. THE
An ordinance granting permission to Rajedra Kothari, owner of the newsstand at the southeast corner of 17th and JFK Boulevard to construct and maintain an electrical conduit and electrical services for telecommunications.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
And a resolution approving the City of Philadelphia 911 plan and authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to submit the amended 911 plan to the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency.
This resolution will also be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kelly.
Madam President, I offer one bill on behalf of Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill. THE
An ordinance amending Title 20 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Officers and Employees" by amending the provisions relating to campaign contributions and expenditures relating to, including, but not limited to the District Attorney and City Controller.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
Madam President, 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. THE
To the President and members Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Public Property and Public Works to which was referred Bill No. 041071 entitled, an ordinance consenting to the transfer of control of Area II cable television franchise from Urban Cable Works of Pennsylvania to Time Warner Cable and to transfer an assignment of Area II Cable television franchise from Urban Cable Works of Philadelphia to Time Warner Cable, both under certain terms and conditions, respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bill to Council with no recommendation.
Madam President, slightly out of order, I'd like to report out recommendation. I should have done that before she read the bill.
Again, the Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke. Are you going to move for a suspension?
Yes. I move that the Rules of Council be suspended to permit the first reading this day of Bill No. 041071. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 041071. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and Bill No. 041071 will be placed on today's First Reading Calendar. business is the consideration of the Calendar. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill on today's First Reading Calendar. THE
Bill No. 041071, an ordinance consenting to the transfer of control of Area II cable television franchise from Urban Cable Works of Pennsylvania to Time Warner Cable and to transfer an assignment of Area II Cable television franchise from Urban Cable Works of Philadelphia to Time Warner Cable, both under certain terms and conditions.
The Chair agrees. The bill will be placed on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for our next Session. There are no bills to be considered on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar today. At this time I am pleased to recognize two very special staff members who will be retiring at the end of this month. and Fran Boyer. And combined, they have 50 years of public service in City Council alone. So at this time, I would ask Alice and Fran to please join Councilman Rizzo and Councilman Nutter at the podium. The ironic part of all this is I'm hoping that Alice didn't have to glue the citation to the backer. And I certainly hope that Fran didn't have to type it. (Laughter.)
Thank you, Madam President. This is citation honoring Frances "Fran" Boyer. The Council of the City of Philadelphia hereby congratulates Frances Boyer's 26 years of outstanding public service to the people of the City of Philadelphia and honors, commends, and congratulates Frances Boyer on the occasion of her retirement. Whereas Frances Rodgers was born and raised in Philadelphia by her parents, Rose Rodgers; and Whereas Frances Boyer began her employment with the City of Philadelphia on July 30, 1979, under the late City Councilman-at-Large Al Pearlman as a clerk typist. In 1982, she was promoted to administrative assistant/secretary. She transferred to the office of City Council President in July, 1984; and Whereas, Frances Boyer's colleagues and coworkers appreciate her support over the years. We all know how efficient Fran is in filling out citation orders and preparing them literally with eyes behind her head; and Whereas, on February 28, 2005, she retires from City employment. Fran's career and service with City Council of 26 years has been remarkable for the commitment, effectiveness, and grace with which she has conducted herself, and she will be sorely missed; and Whereas Fran can now spend time with her family, including son Brendan, her sisters Peggy and Mary Ann; her brothers Joe, Jimmy, Richard, Jack and Michael, and her 10 nieces and 6 nephews. Now therefore, in grateful appreciation for the many years of dedication and diligence to the of City of Philadelphia, the Council of the City of Philadelphia honors, commends, and congratulations Frances Boyer on the occasion of her retirement. Best of luck on your retirement. Sponsored by me as Councilman for the 4th District. I'm pleased that she is a constituent. (Applause.)
We certainly wish you many years of good health and happiness, and thank you so much for all the service that you've given us. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilmembers Rizzo and Kelly.
Thank you. We're Gillespie. Councilman O'Neill would have liked to have been here himself, but can't be here, as you know. The Council of the City of Philadelphia hereby celebrates Alice Gillespie's 23 years of outstanding public service to the people of the City of Philadelphia and honors, commends, and congratulates Alice Gillespie on the occasion of her retirement. Whereas, Alice Davies was born and raised in Philadelphia by Charles and Mary Davies. She has been married to William "Billy" Gillespie for over 40 years. From their union came three daughters, Alison, Tracie and Holly; and.
Whereas, Alice Gillespie began her employment with the City of Philadelphia on November 10, 1982, as a clerk typist in the office of Councilman Brian J. O'Neill of the 10th Councilmanic District. In 1992, she was promoted to administrative assistant/secretary. In 1995, she transferred into City Council's technical staff, and office of City Council President; and Whereas, among her colleagues and her coworkers, friends, and acquaintances, Alice is known for her superb handling of all her duties, and she is gone through cases of rubber cement glue and spools of gold cords putting together citation backers, which, of course, all the Councilmembers are responsible for. Forgive us.
Whereas, on February 28, 2005, she retires from City employment. Alice's 26-year career and service to the City Council has been remarkable for the commitment, effectiveness, and grace with which she has conducted herself; and. Whereas, Alice can now spend time with her family, especially her grandchildren, Gregory, Zachery, Keith, Christopher, and Olivia; and her dog, Forrest. She will now have the time to make her beautiful photo albums and other hand-made crafts. Now therefore, in grateful years of dedication and diligence to the City Council of Philadelphia, the Council of the City of Philadelphia honors, commends, and congratulates Alice Gillespie on the occasion of her retirement. We wish her many happy and healthy years ahead. And obviously, Councilman O'Neill wanted to make sure that that message was delivered, and it took two of us.
Thank you very much. I'm going to miss you guys. I have a lot of fond memories here. Thanks again. (Applause.)
I think before we adjourn it would be appropriate if we took a group shot with the two employees. (Council at ease.)
Are there any speeches on the part of the Minority? (No response.)
Are there speeches on the part of the Majority? The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Madam President. Weather permitting, there is a hearing of the Commerce and Economic Development Committee at 1:00 on one bill. It should be very brief, 10 to 20 minutes at most. And the hearing Economic Development Blueprint will be recess until next week. So if people quorum at 1 o'clock, we can be out of here by 1:10, 1:15.
Thank you. Councilwoman Tasco, did you want to speak?
Yes. I'd just like to state, Madam President, that last Saturday evening at Simon's Recreation Center in West Oak Lane, the Recreation Department opened a Teen Center. The Teen Center will run Monday through Saturday from 5:00 until 9:00. And I'd just like to report that it was wonderful, wonderful event. State Representative Dwight Evans has for the last 15 years had a Fun Night at the Teen Center. There were over 500 families, parents with their children. It got very little, probably no coverage on that, but it was a wonderful, wonderful event for the community. It shows that people can come together, work together without any problems. Young people have had dances there with a couple hundred young people on Friday night with no problem. And it's a wonderful testament to the young people in our community and, I'm sure, throughout the community where there are Teen Centers. I want to thank Victor Richard for his hard work and procuring all the wonderful equipment. We have a gym, we have a game room, we have a TV room, crafts room, ping pong table. A wonderful place for young people to go and have activities in the community, and it's a good thing that it's come out of the Teen Centers in the City. I want to say congratulations to the Recreation Department and also thank State his leadership in working so closely with Simon's and to make it one of the premiere recreation facilities in this City.
It sounds wonderful. Are there any other 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 Council stand adjourned until Thursday, March the 3rd at 10:00 a.m. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, March the 3rd at 10:00 a.m. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. Thank you very much. (Council adjourned at 11:10 a.m.) C E R T I F I C A T I O N I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing proceedings of the Council of the City of Philadelphia of Thursday, February 24, 2005, were reported fully and accurately by me, and that this is a correct transcript of the same. RE: STATED MEETING _________________________ Lisa C. Bradley, RPR