COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, September 27, 2007 10:10 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 PATRICIA RAFFERTY, CHIEF CLERK V A R A L L O Incorporated Litigation Support Services Eleven Penn Center 1835 Market Street, Suite 600 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103 215.561.2220 215.567.2670
Good morning. I note that the hour has come and that a quorum of this Council is present. Council will please come to order. Members will take their seats and visitors will retire to the seats outside the rails. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair welcomes Reverend R. Hill of the Triumph Baptist Church. He is here today as the guest of Councilwoman Miller. I would ask all members and guests to please rise. (Everyone rises.)
Shall we pray. Oh, Lord, in love thy near, bow down to hear your people pray, and may that love that knows no bound upon us be today. Eternal God, the creative source of our beginning, the sustainer of our lives and our hope for years to come, we thank you for the gift of life and all have. Thank you for minds that can think, hearts that can feel, hands and feet that can do. Thank you for family and friends and associates, for causes that unite us. Oh, Lord, our names and our needs are known to thee and so we do not bring a long laundry list, but we thank you for hearing us. We pray for the Mayor of our city and all who share his rule. We pray for our City Council President and every member of Council. And in these crisis times, grant that City Council may govern and direct this city with wisdom, courage to serve the public well. As we gather here today and we deal with concerns, may they be assessed, reassessed and addressed. Grant that our City Council members might have the needed patience to contend with clamoring and competing voices and the ability to hear these clamoring voices as the language of democracy. May we see our differences as liabilities, and may this occasion be an opportunity for growth rather than grounds for tension. As we concern ourselves here today, may problems be identified, may they be simplified, clarified and rectified. We ask these favors in your name. Enable this convening process as a means of getting our city to where it needs to go and what it needs to be. Grant, we pray, that the powers invested, entrusted, conferred upon City Council members be used wisely. Cause us to remember occasions when, oh, Lord, you have both kept our feet from falling and our faith from giving out. Bless Councilmembers to be faithful to their appointed assigned tasks, firm in their resolve, fruitful in every initiative for the good of this city and its citizens. In a day where the problems that confront us seem more than we can handle, open our eyes to the resources at our command. All of this we pray with the assurance if we ask, it shall be given; if we seek, we shall find; and if we knock, doors shall be open to us. In the name of our Lord we pray. Amen. (Amen.)
The Chair thanks Reverend Hill for his very inspiring invocation. Thank you so much, Reverend. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, September 20, 2007, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, September 20, 2007 stand approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, September 20, 2007 stand approved. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, September 20, 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.
Madam President, on behalf of the republicans, there are no requests for leave of absence.
Thank you. 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 Brown, who will present a resolution honoring Steven Caldwell. Will Mr. Caldwell and those accompanying him please join the It's my understanding that Councilwoman Miller will be joining Councilwoman Brown for this presentation.
Thank you, Madam President. This morning we are honoring and commending Steven Caldwell and the Original Orlons for their work with the Department of Education to improve the qualities of life and service for children, and creating a musical legacy that has brought fame and pride to our city through entertaining audiences worldwide and spreading the Philadelphia sound. Whereas, the Orlons originated with four Overbrook High School students; baritone singer Steven Caldwell, along with Shirley Brickley, Rosetta Hightower and Marlena Davis, supported by a first-rate musical rhythm section; and Whereas, Steven Caldwell and The Orlons recorded their first hit in 1961 with "I'll be true," "Mr. Twenty-One," "Wah-Watusi," "Don't Hang Up," followed by "South Street" in 1963, "Not Me," Cross Fire," "Don't Throw Your Love Away," "Bon-Doo-Wah," "Shimmy Shimmy," "Rules of Love" and "Knock Knock"; and Whereas, The Orlons have made appearances on "Dick Clark's American Bandstand," "At the Drive-In," PBS television special, "10 on 10" and other numerous television programs throughout the '60s to the present; and
Whereas, Steven Caldwell's musical career continues to take him across the United States and to Europe with his group, and regularly performing for thousands upon thousands of people has allowed him to maintain the lineage and heritage of The Orlons. I remember The Orlons. Whereas, The Orlons have recently been featured on Cameo-Parkway release, "Malt Shop Memories," a culmination of all the greatest hits recorded and released by the famous Cameo-Parkway studio label; and Whereas, Mr. Caldwell has contributed through his work with Treasure to the Children and Workers of Philadelphia's Education System, and to our City's worldwide reputation as the Music Capital of the World; and Whereas, The Orlons should not be overlooked for their musical contributions to our city and deserve consideration for recognition on Philadelphia's Avenue of the Arts Walk of Fame; and Whereas, it is the intent that from this resolution Philadelphia will have undoubtedly acknowledged the achievements and contributions to this important musical group. Now, therefore be it
Be it resolved, that the City Council of Philadelphia, hereby honor and commend Steven Caldwell and The Original Orlons for their work with the Department of Education and children to improve the qualities of life and service, and creating a musical legacy that has brought fame and pride to our City through entertaining audiences worldwide and spreading the Philadelphia sound. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to The Orlons as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body. Introduced by Blondell Reynolds Brown, supported and sponsored by all the members of the Philadelphia City Council. Congratulations. (Applause.)
Thank you very much. Good morning, Council President I have a very special thank you for Dr. Robert "Bobby" George Rush, Bobby Rush, who was instrumental in helping get this award to us. He's sick this morning. Out of all the times that he hasn't been sick -- and this has been going on for a few months -- I'd like to say thank you to him, and George Manney, who also was very instrumental in getting this award for us. I would like to extend our warmest thanks and appreciation to all of you that have worked hard and were determined to make this day a reality. The experience, the challenges, the people we meet along the way gave us many memories that will last us a lifetime. What greater joy is there in knowing that our songs and the lyrics aren't forgettable, "South Street" mainly, which represents Philadelphia in every town and venue that we have performed. perseverance, we humbly accept this award. With all the other members in mind, those who have passed and those still living, we cannot forget them. They also made all of this possible, our heartfelt gratitude to all our loving, dedicated fans. We also have this special thanks going out to Councilperson Blondell Brown and Mr. Joseph Meade and Ms. Karen Lewis. God bless you all. Thank you. (Applause.)
The Chair now recognizes Councilman Rizzo, who will present a resolution celebrating the 50th anniversary of WHYY-TV. Will our dear friend Mr. William Marrazzo and those present of WHYY and those accompanying him please the podium. And I see that Councilman DiCicco will be making this presentation with Councilman Rizzo. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
Good morning, everyone. We all know the good work of Bill Marrazzo when he was here in government, and is doing such a great job President and CEO of WHYY, 50 years. And, Bill, Councilman DiCicco and the rest of us thought, and the rest of the Councilmembers, that we just couldn't let that earmark get by, that date get by. So today we're recognizing, honoring and celebrating the 50th anniversary of WHYY-TV and thanking WHYY-TV for the many contributions to the City of Philadelphia through cultural and educational television programming. Whereas, WHYY-TV was founded in 1957; and Whereas, WHYY-TV is a the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and licensed by the Federal Communications Commission to operate Channel 12, the public broadcasting station serving Southeastern Pennsylvania, Delaware and South Jersey; COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: And whereas, WHYY's mission is to connect the community to the world's richest ideas through high-quality programs, trusted services and enlightened community events that build common bonds and make our region a better place; and Whereas, WHYY has received numerous awards over the last 50 years for its excellent on-air programs and educational outreach; and Whereas, WHYY utilizes its reach to more than 1.2 million households to foster a lifelong love of learning for all residents of the greater Philadelphia region;
Therefore, by this resolution, by the Council of the Philadelphia, that it recognizes, honors and celebrates the 50th anniversary of WHYY-TV and that it thanks WHYY-TV for its many contributions to the City of Philadelphia through cultural and educational initiatives. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Bill Marrazzo of WHYY-TV, further evidencing the sincere admiration and gratitude of this legislative body. Commissioner, congratulations, and 50 more years. (Applause.)
Good morning. If I may, Madam President, just reflect for a moment on the quality of the Reverend's blessings this morning. It's always a particular, I think, honor to be in any chamber that conducts such important work for the citizens of the and I from WHYY are particularly honored that you've invited us here this morning. And on a personal note, as I was reflecting upon this opportunity, I can recall in 1971 the first time I had the honor of addressing this august body. And I know I'm not alone in that recollection. Many of us have been in this chamber for a very long time. And I was actually thinking about Bea Chernock, who in some of the most difficult moments in considering issues involving this region's water and wastewater system, she was a very thoughtful participant in trying to dissect some of our complicated water resource problems. So on a personal note, I also would like to thank this Council and its staff for the many years of pleasant and tough conversation in the many roles that I've enjoyed in this community, including the one that I now have the honor of serving for this City's premier public certainly Councilmen Rizzo and DiCicco for introducing this ordinance. Philadelphia is the fourth largest media market in the nation. On average, each of us has 122 TV channel choices in our households here in the City, but there's only one media company that the research says over and over and over again Philadelphians trust, and that's WHYY. WHYY is trusted for the quality of its news and information services. It's the only go-to media outlet to magnify local cultural arts and creative expression, and it's there as a necessity to be a safe haven for our children. For that, for your expression of support, for this resolution, for our appreciation to the citizens of this City and the tristate area for its passion about having one media outlet that can support lifelong learning, my colleagues enterprise I represent thank you for this resolution. If I may, Madam President, also express my thanks to Councilwoman Blackwell, Councilwoman Reynolds, as well as Councilman DiCicco, in whose district we live, for the many, many acts of support and expression in between these very kind and generous resolutions. Ladies and gentlemen, thank you. (Applause.)
The next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant-At-Arms deliver the messages to the Chief Clerk. The Chief Clerk will please read the messages from the Mayor.
To the President and the members of the Council of the Philadelphia, 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 Point Breeze East Urban Renewal Area; 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; and An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City, to enter into a lease agreement between the City and the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development providing for the leasing to PAID of a certain City-owned building located at 2529 to 33 West Lehigh Avenue the Philadelphia Public Access Corporation; and An ordinance authorizing the paving of Edgemont Street from Juniata Street to Berkshire Street; and An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to enter into the amendment of four cable television franchises operated by subsidiaries of Comcast Corporation in order to modify certain of the terms and conditions governing the franchisees' provision of channels, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you. The messages will be printed in the Journal. I would ask the Chief Clerk to please read any other communications in her possession.
Thank you. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for a motion.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended in order to permit the immediate consideration of resolutions at their time of introduction. (Duly seconded.)
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 their introduction. All in favor will please say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance enacting a new Section 12-1131 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Electric Vehicle Parking," to provide for the designation of electric vehicle on-street parking spaces where only electric vehicles may be parked and amending Section 12-2809 of The Philadelphia Code.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I introduce one resolution on your behalf.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority, the City of Philadelphia, for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Point Breeze East Urban Renewal Area.
Thank you, Madam President. I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer two resolutions and one bill.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance authorizing Joseph and Donna Slabinski to maintain an existing encroachment located at 2614 Oxford Street, all under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution honoring Pipeline 52, Engine Company 52 on their 100th anniversary.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority, the City of Philadelphia, deeds located in the 45th Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
Again, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski for a motion.
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 Councilwoman Tasco.
Madam President, I offer three resolutions and I would like to speak on the health -
I offer three resolutions and I would like to speak on the health resolution.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution honoring the Mayor's Commission on Technology and WHYY-TV for developing a community awareness plan for the analog to digital television technology transition.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution honoring the bravery of Police Officer Mike Mroz.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for a motion.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution urging the Mayor to not cut approved and budgeted funds from the City's public health centers.
Thank you, Madam President. Six and three, six and three. You may ask what do these two numbers represent or you may be wondering why they are important. Our great city, Philadelphia, is the sixth largest country (sic) in America. However, our public health system is like a third-world nation. The sixth largest city. How can a city that has a budget over $3 billion provide healthcare as if it has been stricken by war or famine? Philadelphians that are served by the City's public health centers must wait a week for prescriptions to be filled, contrary to what was told to us during the hearings. They also must wait approximately six months for their first examination, and they wait up to four hours on the day of the scheduled exam. This is simply unacceptable. It is about priorities. Last year, City Council allocated over $1 million in the Fiscal Year 2007 budget to hire more staff at City health centers to reduce this access to healthcare. However, the Administration did not spend these funds. This year, City Council has allocated approximately $2.1 million in the Fiscal Year 2008 budget to hire more staff and address other critical needs. The Mayor has stated that he will not spend these funds. I urge him to reconsider his position. Cutting funds from the City health centers is not the right idea. There are 46 million people in this country who do not have health insurance. In our city, 24 percent of our population lives in poverty. Why would we further victimize this community and fail to provide health access that we by Charter are required to do? Today, the Health Coalition, led by Sue Rosenthal, Chair of the Health Center No. 10, and others will deliver to the Mayor 1,600 signatures calling on him to recognize the fact that we are responsible for the health of the citizens of Philadelphia, that the funds should not be cut, and those people who do not have health insurance or even if they do have health insurance and want to access the services of the health centers, they are able to do so. So, again, I ask the Mayor to please spend the money for the health centers, and I ask my colleagues to vote for this resolution. Thank you.
Thank you, Madam President. I certainly agree with everything that Councilwoman Tasco said, but if I could just add for the record, I remember when this Administration took office, health issues was the key thing they talked about. There was a health and fitness czar. Or I'm not sure I'm using that term right. And the Mayor came in here, I guess, last year or early this year to sign the trans fat bill, which I know has become a little controversial. But it seems a total contradiction that now they're not spending or they're talking about spending budgeted money. So it just doesn't make sense, and the health centers are a key factor of our City. So I certainly join Councilwoman Tasco in supporting this resolution. Thank you.
You're welcome. Councilwoman Tasco made a motion that the resolution be adopted, but I don't believe it was seconded. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and 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 Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I have three resolutions.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution proclaiming the week of October 7, 2007 as National Fire Prevention Week.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution proclaiming the day of September 26, 2007 as National Women's Health and Fitness Day.
Again, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia deeds located in the 11th, 12th, 13th, 17th and 59th Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Savage.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer one resolution for today.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title.
A resolution approving a final plan for the re-establishment of the Frankford Special Services District, and authorizing and directing the Committee on Rules to take further action required by the Community and Economic Improvement Act.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. I offer one resolution on your behalf that has been signed by all members of City Council.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution designating the week of Monday, October 1, 2007 through Monday, October 8, 2007 as Christopher Columbus Week in celebration of the festivities commemorating Columbus' historic voyage to the New World, and honoring Lisa Scottoline as the Grand Marshal of the 2007 Philadelphia Columbus Day Parade.
The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer one resolution this morning.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title.
A resolution authorizing City Council's Committee on Education and Committee on the Environment to hold joint public hearings to investigate the steps the School District of Philadelphia is currently taking regarding the use of green technologies in the construction and renovation of school buildings, and to explore the feasibility of using such technologies in all future school construction and renovations.
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 will be referred to the Committee on Education and the Committee on the Environment. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer no bills or resolutions today.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ramos.
Thank you, Madam President. This morning I introduce one resolution and one bill.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Title 22 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Public Employees Retirement Code," by amending Section 22-1303, entitled "Exemption from Attachment," to change the list of designated payees to whom a member, survivor or beneficiary may direct deductions from benefits payments.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution urging Major League Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig to retire Roberto Clemente's uniform No. 21 from Major League Baseball.
The Chair recognizes Councilman Ramos for a motion.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Campbell.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills and no resolutions.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer one bill and two resolutions.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance authorizing the vacating of Byberry and Bensalem Road from Southampton-Byberry Road to the Philadelphia-Bucks County Line.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution authorizing City Council's Committee on Technology and Information Services to hold hearings on implementing a Geographic Information System to combat graffiti.
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 will be referred to the Committee on Technology and Information Services.
And a resolution authorizing City Council's Committee on Technology and Information Services to hold hearings on implementing a ShotSpotter system to combat gun violence.
Madam President, I move 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 will be referred to the Committee on Technology and Information Services. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Thank you, Madam President. I have three bills and one resolution.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance authorizing Richard and Justine Hansen, their successors and assigns, to own and maintain a one-story garage extension and entranceway on the south sidewalk of Poplar Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to enter into an amendment of four cable television franchises operated by subsidiaries of the Comcast Corporation.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City, to enter into a lease agreement between the City and the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development providing for the leasing to PAID of a certain City-owned building.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City deeds located in the 16th, 18th, 20th, 29th, 32nd, 37th, 43rd and 48th Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kelly.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Chapter 20-600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Standards of Conduct and Ethics," by adding provisions restricting City officers and employees from having certain kinds of outside employment or business interests, under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate of business is reports from committees, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke for a report on the Committee on Rules.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, the Committee on Rules reports one bill with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the report.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Rules, to which was referred Bill No. 070512, entitled "An ordinance approving the third amendment of the redevelopment proposal for the Independence Mall Urban Renewal Area," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. Again, the Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Madam President, I move that the rules of Council be suspended this day as to permit first reading of Bill No. 070512. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 070512. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the bill just read will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. Councilwoman Blackwell for a report from the Committee on Finance.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Finance reports out one bill with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the report.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Finance, to which was referred Bill No. 070670, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the creation of a loan or loans to provide funds for and toward various capital municipal purposes; authorizing the Mayor, City Controller and City Solicitor or a majority of them to sell bonds at public or private negotiated sale; and fixing a date for holding the election for obtaining such consent; and providing holding such election," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. Again, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 070670. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 070670. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the bill just read will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. We will now proceed under a special order of business. Council will now reconsider the vote by which Bill No. 070342 was passed. This bill was passed by the Council at its June 14, '07 session and was returned disapproved by the Mayor on September 20, 2007. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Council reconsider Bill No. 070342, which was approved by City Council on June 14, 2007. (Duly seconded.)
All in favor let it be known by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. Council will now reconsider the vote by which Bill No. 070342 was passed. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Section 14-1605 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Regulated Uses," by providing for Special Regulated Uses, prohibiting such uses in the vicinity of certain residentially related uses, and designating overflow storage tanks as a special regulated use, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days was duly approved by City Council on June the 14th, 2007 and was returned to Council by the Mayor as disapproved on September 20, 2007. The question is Bill No. 070342 pass notwithstanding the Mayor's disapproval. Please note 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. At this time, I would ask the Chief Clerk to please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the Mayor's veto is overridden. The next order of business is the consideration of the Calendar. I would ask the Chief Clerk to please read the bills on the First Reading Calendar.
Bill No. 070512, an ordinance approving the third amendment of the redevelopment proposal for the Independence Mall Urban Renewal Area.
And Bill No. 070670, an ordinance authorizing the 9/27/07 - STATED - 2ND READING creation of a loan or loans to provide funds for and toward various capital municipal purposes; authorizing the Mayor, City Controller and City Solicitor; and fixing a date for holding the election for obtaining such consent; and providing for all the arrangements for holding such election.
The Chair agrees. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for the purpose of calling up the bills to be considered on our Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar.
Thank you, Madam President. Today our Calendar begins on at the bottom. We will consider Bill No. 070189-A. On we will consider Bill Nos. 070268-A and 070394-A. We will then skip over to . In fact, we will skip over to . We will consider Bill No. 040904, which is to be amended, Bill No. 070370 and 9/27/07 - STATED - 2ND READING 371. All other bills are being held.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 189-A.
An ordinance amending Title 6 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Health Code," by providing that all persons engaged in the preparation of food and especially those in the fast food establishments shall wear protective gloves and wear a suitable head covering or hair restraint to protect the food from contamination.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. We will now consider Bill No. 9/27/07 - STATED - 2ND READING 268-A.
An ordinance amending Title 15 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Parks and Recreation," by adding a new Chapter relating to parks and playgrounds and by providing for the hours of operation of certain parks and playgrounds, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, this bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 394-A.
An ordinance authorizing the President of the Fairmount Park Commission and the Executive Director of Fairmount Park to 9/27/07 - STATED - 2ND READING enter into a lease agreement between the City of Philadelphia as landlord and the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development as tenant, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, this bill passes. We will now consider Bill No. 904.
An ordinance amending Title 9 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Regulation of Businesses, Trades and Professions," by adding a new Chapter, all under certain terms and conditions.
Councilwoman Brown, do you want to be 9/27/07 - STATED - 2ND READING recognized at this time?
Yes, Madam President. Again, to update my colleagues on why the amendment, this amendment does two things. First, in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Dental Association, I have decided to eliminate for now the language around amalgam separators and deal with that as a separate issue, an environmental issue, at another time. Today's amendment also helps patients understand that they should be offered a choice when it comes to restorative dental materials and they should be given an informed consent, nothing more than disclosure, on what type of restorative dental materials dentists are putting in their mouth. Thank you, Madam President.
Do you want to make a motion to move the adoption of the amendment.
Yes. So 9/27/07 - STATED - 2ND READING moved, Madam President. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the amendment be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the amendment is adopted. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 370.
An ordinance amending Chapter 14-305 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "C-4 Commercial and C-5 Commercial Districts," to revise parking regulations in an area bounded by Broad Street, Carpenter Street, South 13th Street, Kimball Street, South 12th Street, Washington Avenue, all under certain terms and 9/27/07 - STATED - 2ND READING conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The last bill to be considered is Bill No. 371.
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Broad Street, Carpenter Street, South 13th Street, Kimball Street, South 12th Street and Washington Avenue.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. 9/27/07 - STATED - 2ND READING The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. I'm sorry. Councilman Goode, I didn't see your light on.
Oh, you were against it. Okay. The record will reflect that Councilman Goode voted in the negative. The vote then was 16 to one. Again, the majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. 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 Ramos.
Thank you, President, on Sunday we terminate a week of celebration that started many, many years ago, the celebration of Puerto Rican Heritage Week, and today you introduced a resolution so we can start celebrating Italian Heritage Month starting next Monday. This is a city that has been so welcoming -- and we demonstrated that last week -- to people that have come from all parts of this world to this great city, the Cradle of Liberty, to be able to be part of the American dream. Today I introduced a resolution calling on the Commissioner of baseball to consider seriously retiring the number of a great American, a great man that was born on the island of Puerto Rico named Roberto Clemente, No. 21. And this was an extraordinary person that besides all of his accomplishments in Major League Baseball, besides all the obstacles as a black Puerto Rican that did not know the into that era of baseball where people of color were not totally accepted or reluctantly accepted in the great pastime of America. And on a New Year's Eve while he was in the comfort of his home, he was worried about a shipment of medical supplies that he was sending to Nicaragua. Nicaragua had just suffered a horrendous earthquake, and he got anxious that he wanted -- that he didn't know for sure if the right people, the people that had been devastated, would get the medical supplies and other goods that he, out of his own finances, was sending to Nicaragua. So he decided to get on that little plane on New Year's Eve, left his family, to make sure that those medical goods got to Nicaragua. The plane crashed. Everyone on the plane, the handful of people on the plane, was killed and so was Roberto Clemente, an extraordinary humanitarian. The only person whose number I think that Jackie Robinson would say, Welcome, Roberto Clemente. He is the only one, Jackie Robinson, to have been immortalized with the total retirement of his number in Major League Baseball. So today I introduced a resolution, which is something that is going on throughout the country in many cities, that there is an effort for the number and the name of Roberto Clemente be immortalized and his number be retired. So I join many in this country that are calling for the retirement of Roberto Clemente No. 21. And what a better time to do this as the Phillies get ready to go into the playoffs, especially if we win the next few games and the Mets continue to lose. So let's cheer on our Phillies, and what fitting to wrap up Puerto Rican Heritage Week than to honor the great Roberto Clemente. Thank you, Madam President, for letting me speak.
You're welcome. Are there any other speeches on the part of the majority? (No response.)
Seeing no one, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for a motion to adjourn.
Madam President, I move that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, October 4th at 10:00 a.m.
It has been moved and seconded that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, October 4th at 10:00 a.m. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. Thank you. (Stated Meeting adjourned at 11:15 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 September 27, 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.)