civus
Minutes

Stated Meeting, September 16, 1999

Philadelphia City CouncilSep 16, 1999

People mentioned

Names our system found in this transcript. Automatically extracted, so it can include anyone named in the record, not only officials or parties.

Organizations mentioned

COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Thursday, 9/16/99 10:28 a.m. Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA COUNCILWOMAN AUGUSTA A. CLARK COUNCILMAN DARRYL CLARKE COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN DAVID COHEN COUNCILWOMAN JOAN L. KRAJEWSKI COUNCILMAN JAMES F. KENNEY COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER COUNCILMAN MICHAEL A. NUTTER COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO COUNCILMAN ANGEL L. ORTIZ COUNCILMAN FRANK DICICCO COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILMAN RICHARD T. MARIANO COUNCILMAN W. THACHER LONGSTRETH COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO MARIE HAUSER, Chief Clerk VINCENT VARALLO ASSOCIATES, INC. Registered Professional Reporters Eleven Penn Center, Suite 600 Philadelphia, PA 19103 GREETING/INVOCATION P R O C E E D I N G S

Council President Verna

Good morning. I note that the hour has come and that a quorum of this Council is present. The Council will come to order, members will take their seats, and visitors will retire to the seats outside of the rails. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair welcomes Reverend James M. Taylor, Senior Pastor of Grace Epiphany Church. Reverend Taylor is here today as the guest of Councilwoman Miller. Members and guests will please rise. (All rise.)

Reverend Taylor

Let us be in a spirit of prayer. (Pause.)

Reverend Taylor

God of mercy and justice, in your word, you have given us a vision of that holy city to which the nations of the world bring their glory, behold, and visit. We pray, the citizens of the earth, especially our City of Philadelphia, to renew the ties of mutual regard which form our civic life. We pray that GREETING/INVOCATION you send us able and honest leaders and enable us to eliminate poverty, prejudice, and oppression. We pray that peace may prevail with righteousness and justice with order, and that men and women and children from different cultures and with different talents may find with one another the fulfillment of their humanity. We pray that You send down upon those who hold office in this city the spirit of wisdom, charity, and justice, that they may faithfully serve in their offices to promote the well-being of all people. Send Your spirit now to these chambers and help us to understand that when You speak, there is light and life; and when You act, there is justice and love. Grant that Your love may be present in this session of our City Council so that what our leaders say and what they do may be filled be the presence of the spirit of justice and mercy. This we ask in the name of the just one. Amen. ALL: Amen.

Council President Verna

The Chair thanks the Reverend. 6/24/99 JOURNAL ADOPTION And at this time, I would ask the members to please have a moment of silent prayer for Raymond Pearsol, one of our cleaners, who died very suddenly on Tuesday evening, at the age of 45. He had not been sick. So I just ask that we have a moment of silent prayer for him. (Pause.)

Council President Verna

Thank you. Thank you Reverend.

Council President Verna

For the next order of business, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Clark for the adoption of the Journal of June 24, 1999.

Councilwoman Clark

So moved, Madam President. (Duly seconded.)

Council President Verna

It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, June 24, 1999, stand approved. All in favor will vote aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and the motion LEAVES OF ABSENCE/VISITOR RECOGNITION carries. The Journal of Thursday, June the 24th, 1999, is approved.

Council President Verna

The next order of business is leaves of absence. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Clark. Councilwoman, are there any requests for leaves of absence?

Councilwoman Clark

Madam President, there are no requests for leaves of absence on the part of the Majority.

Council President Verna

The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.

Councilman O'Neill

Madam President, on behalf of the Republicans, there are no requests of leaves of absence.

Council President Verna

Thank you, Councilman. At this time, I would like to thank Councilwoman Blackwell. I know she's provided us a great deal of literature here, and she did a profile of the members of City Council. I LEAVES OF ABSENCE/VISITOR RECOGNITION understand that a copy is on everyone's desk. Thank you very much, Councilwoman. Very, very nice.

Councilwoman Blackwell

Thank you, thank you.

Council President Verna

At this time, we 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 invite you to come again.

Council President Verna

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.

Chief Clerk Hauser

September 15, 1999, to the President and Members of the Council COMMUNICATIONS of the City of Philadelphia: I am transmitting herewith for the consideration of your Honorable Body a proposed resolution authorizing the Director of Commerce, 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 Department of Community and Economic Development, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, under the Act of April 12, 1956, P.L. 1449, Section 4, as amended, to prevent and eliminate blight, and to support comprehensive economic development programs in the American Street, Hunting Park West, Port of Philadelphia, and West Parkside Enterprise Zones. And a resolution honoring Brother Michael J. McGinniss, FSC, Ph.D., on the occasion of his induction as LaSalle University's 28th president, on September 24, 1999. And an ordinance amending Chapter 12-310 of The Philadelphia Code entitled "Deferred Retirement Option Plan (DROP)," by specifying that the maximum time an employee may remain in the DROP before being required to separate from City service and retire is four years, not three years, COMMUNICATIONS thereby correcting an error in the section as added by Bill No. 990288-A (Approved June 28, 1999), under certain terms and conditions. I am pleased to advise that you that I have today signed the following bills which were passed by Council at its session on June 24, 1999: Bill No. 990290, 990291, 990292, 990309, 990311, 990313, 990327, 990328, 990329, 990357, 990358, 990359, 990360, 990362, 990363, 990365, 990366, 990367, 990368, 990369, 990370, 990373, 990375, 990376, 990377, 990378, 990379, 990380, 990420, 990423, 990424, 990446, 990447, 990449, 990450, 990451. And on June 25, 1999, I am pleased to advise you that I have signed Bill No.'s 980711, 990158, and 990445. And on June 28th, Bill No. 980834, 980846, 990056, 990150, 990161, 990182, 990198, 990201, and 990288-A. And on June 28th, Bill No. 990289. And on June 29th, Bill No. 990284. And on July 1st, Bill No. 990253. And on July 1st, Bill No.'s 990290, 990291, 990292, 990309, 990311, 990327, 990328, COMMUNICATIONS 990329, 990357, 990358, 990359, 990360, 990362, 990363, 990365, 990366, 990367, 990370, 990373, 990375, 990376, 990377, and 990378, 990379, 990380, 990420, 990423, 990424, 990446, 990447, 990449, 990450, and 990451. And on July 20th, I am pleased to advise you that I signed the following: Bill 990249.

Council President Verna

The messages will be printed in the Journal. The Chief Clerk will read any other communications in her possession.

Chief Clerk Hauser

I have none, Madam President.

Council President Verna

It is my understanding that we do not have any reports from committees, so the next order of business will be the introduction of bills and resolutions. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Clark for a motion to suspend the rules.

Councilwoman Clark

Madam President, I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit immediate reading at the time of their INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS introduction. (Duly seconded.)

Council President Verna

It has been moved and seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit immediate consideration of all resolutions at the time of introduction. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and the motion is carried. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Clark.

Councilwoman Clark

Madam Chair, I have one resolution on your behalf.

Council President Verna

Thank you. The clerk will please read the title of the resolution.

Councilwoman Clark

A resolution declaring October 1999 as "Human Relations Month" in the City of Philadelphia.

Council President Verna

The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Clark.

Councilwoman Clark

I move that the INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS rules of Council be suspended so as to permit immediate consideration.

Council President Verna

Do I hear a second? (Duly seconded.)

Council President Verna

It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and the motion is carried. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.

Councilwoman Blackwell

Thank you, Madam President. This morning, I have one bill and four resolutions.

Council President Verna

The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.

Chief Clerk Hauser

An ordinance amending Section 22-310 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Deferred Retirement Option Plan (DROP)," by specifying that the maximum time an employee INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS may remain in the DROP before being required to separate from City service and retire is four years, not three years, thereby correcting an error in the Section as added by Bill No. 990288-A (approved June 28, 1999), under certain terms and conditions.

Council President Verna

The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.

Chief Clerk Hauser

A resolution authorizing the Director of Commerce, 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 Department of Community and Economic Development, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, under the Act of April 12, 1956, P.L. 1449, Section 4, as amended, to prevent and eliminate blight.

Council President Verna

The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.

Councilwoman Blackwell

Madam President, I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.) INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS

Council President Verna

It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and the motion is carried. The Chief Clerk will please read the second resolution.

Chief Clerk Hauser

A resolution congratulating and commending Joey Jones.

Council President Verna

The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.

Councilwoman Blackwell

I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

Council President Verna

It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and the resolution is INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS adopted. The Chief Clerk will please read the next resolution.

Chief Clerk Hauser

A resolution honoring Plato A. Marikanos on the occasion of his retirement, after 23 years of distinguished service to the Mercy Health System and the citizen of this region.

Council President Verna

The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.

Councilwoman Blackwell

Madam President, I move the resolution be adopted. (Duly seconded.)

Council President Verna

It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and the motion is carried. The Chair recognizes the Chief Clerk to please read the last resolution.

Chief Clerk Hauser

A resolution INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS honoring Reverend William J. Shaw, President, National Baptist USA, Inc.

Council President Verna

The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.

Councilwoman Blackwell

Madam President, I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

Council President Verna

It has been properly moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the motion is carried. The Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen.

Councilman Cohen

Madam President, I have no bills or resolutions.

Council President Verna

The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.

Councilwoman Krajewski

Thank you, Madam President. I offer one bill. INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS

Council President Verna

The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.

Chief Clerk Hauser

An ordinance amending section 12-2409 of The Philadelphia Code entitled "Towing Zone Locations and Hours" by adding a towing zone location in the north side of Brill Street between Torresdale Avenue and Aramingo Avenue, under certain terms and conditions.

Council President Verna

The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano.

Councilman Mariano

I have three bills, Madam President.

Council President Verna

The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.

Chief Clerk Hauser

An ordinance authorizing the installation of multi-way stop signs at the intersection of Calvert and Shelmire Streets.

Council President Verna

The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the second bill.

Chief Clerk Hauser

An ordinance authorizing the installation of multi-way stop signs at the intersection of Calvert and Faunce Streets.

Council President Verna

The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

Chief Clerk Hauser

An ordinance authorizing the installation of multi-way stop signs at the intersection of Tulip and Wakeling Streets.

Council President Verna

The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.

Councilman Kenney

Thank you, Madam President. I offer two bills, one on your behalf, and three resolutions.

Council President Verna

The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.

Chief Clerk Hauser

An ordinance amending Title 10 of The Philadelphia Code entitled "Regulation of Individual Conduct and INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS Activity," to prohibit the attendance of children under the age of six years old at certain movies shown at movie theater establishments after 7 p.m., under certain terms and conditions.

Council President Verna

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

Chief Clerk Hauser

An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Christian Street, both sides, 17th Street to 18th Street.

Council President Verna

The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.

Chief Clerk Hauser

A resolution authorizing the City Council Committee on Licenses and Inspections to hold a public hearing to investigate why the Department of Licenses and Inspections is required to wait up to three months before it is permitted to effectively respond to complaints of insect and vermin infestation from adjoining residential and/or commercial property owners when department personnel are unable to gain voluntary entry into the property.

Council President Verna

The INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee.

Chief Clerk Hauser

A resolution honoring Brother Michael J. McGinnis, FSC, Ph.D., on the occasion of his induction as LaSalle University's 28th president, on September 24, 1999.

Council President Verna

The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.

Councilman Kenney

I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

Council President Verna

It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and the motion is carried. The clerk will please read the title of the next resolution.

Chief Clerk Hauser

A resolution honoring Ron Hextall on the occasion of his INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS retirement from the National Hockey League.

Council President Verna

The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.

Councilman Kenney

I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

Council President Verna

It has been properly moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the motion is carried. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.

Councilwoman Miller

Thank you, Madam President. I offer one bill and two resolutions, one on your behalf.

Council President Verna

Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.

Chief Clerk Hauser

An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia zoning maps by changing the INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS zoning designation of certain areas of land within an area bounded by Carpenter Lane, Greene Street, Westview Avenue, and Sherman Road.

Council President Verna

The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

Chief Clerk Hauser

A resolution honoring and commending grandparents, extended family members, and other adults who provide full-time nurturing and protection to children when they must be separated from their parents, and to Grand Central, Inc. for their advocacy on behalf of individual families and kinship care in Philadelphia.

Council President Verna

The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.

Councilwoman Miller

I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

Council President Verna

It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS The ayes have it, and the motion is carried. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the second resolution.

Chief Clerk Hauser

A resolution recognizing Chestnut Hill College on its 75th anniversary.

Council President Verna

The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.

Councilwoman Miller

Madam President, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

Council President Verna

It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and the motion is carried. The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter.

Councilman Nutter

Thank you, Madam President. I offer seven bills and two resolutions. INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS

Council President Verna

The clerk will please read the title of the first bill.

Chief Clerk Hauser

An ordinance authorizing the installation of all-way stop signs at the following intersections on Indian Queen Lane: Haywood, Krail, Wiehle, and Vaux Streets.

Council President Verna

The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

Chief Clerk Hauser

An ordinance authorizing the installation of all-way stop signs at the following intersection on Green Lane: Silverwood Street and Baker Street.

Council President Verna

The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

Chief Clerk Hauser

An ordinance authorizing the installation of all-way stop signs at the intersection of 65th Street and Lansdowne Avenue.

Council President Verna

The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

Chief Clerk Hauser

An ordinance amending Chapter 17-100 of The Philadelphia Code entitled "Procurement Contract," by adding provisions relating to "wrap-up" contractors and INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS subcontractors on certain City or City-financed public works projects; all under certain terms and conditions.

Council President Verna

The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

Chief Clerk Hauser

An ordinance amending Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code entitled "The Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code," by amending subcode PM (the Philadelphia Property Maintenance Code), by amending Section PM-307.0, entitled "Unsafe and Unfit Structures and Equipment" and Section PM-308.0, entitled "Imminently Dangerous Structures" by providing for the installation of a fence and other related measures after demolition of a dwelling, under certain terms and conditions.

Council President Verna

The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

Chief Clerk Hauser

An ordinance amending Title 17 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Contracts and Procurement," by adding a new Chapter 17-900, entitled "Neighborhood Benefit Strategy," which provides for the applicability,, implementation, and administration of a INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS Neighborhood Benefit Strategy for housing, commercial development, community revitalization, and public development projects sponsored or supported by the City of Philadelphia.

Council President Verna

The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

Chief Clerk Hauser

An ordinance authorizing the Health Commissioner, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into a contract with the health care advocate to represent the City's health consumers in various matters relating to the provision of and access to health care, under certain terms and conditions.

Council President Verna

The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.

Chief Clerk Hauser

A resolution authorizing the City Council of Philadelphia, on behalf of the citizens and taxpayers of Philadelphia, to file a lawsuit against the City of Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Streets Department, and the Commissioner of Streets requiring immediate installation of traffic INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS control devices authorized by ordinance numbers 980651, 980653, 980898, 980899, 980900.

Council President Verna

The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter.

Councilman Nutter

Madam President, I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

Council President Verna

It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and the motion is carried. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the second resolution.

Chief Clerk Hauser

A resolution authorizing the City Council Committee on Streets and Services to conduct public hearings to determine the extent to which the Philadelphia Streets Department complied with provisions of Section 5-500(d.) of the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter pertaining to traffic engineer duties and INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS functions.

Council President Verna

The resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.

Councilwoman Tasco

Madam President, I offer one resolution.

Council President Verna

Councilman Cohen, did you want to be recognized?

Councilman Cohen

Thank you, Madam President. I think the resolution that we passed a motion on in April and this resolution represent the same issue, and I think it's an extremely important one. They reflect that this Council is going to be rejecting a technique used by mayors over many years to not provide the citizens of Philadelphia in one area what they feel they desperately need for safety. A strategy was developed which turned our Streets Department into an agency of the State; and the Streets Department, on behalf of the State, has denied the citizens when they felt they needed a traffic INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS signal. And I want to commend Councilman Nutter and Councilman DiCicco for the introduction of these resolutions. I think it's time we resolve that Philadelphians have the right to go in themselves, and that no department like the Streets Department has a right to veto the actions of City Council. Thank you. (Applause.)

Council President Verna

Thank you, Councilman. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution introduced by Councilwoman Tasco.

Chief Clerk Hauser

A resolution petitioning the Mayor of the City of Philadelphia to establish an advisory commission with local, state, and federal reputation to develop an advanced emergency response plan and team to address the "sinking homes" phenomenon for those neighborhoods which are so impacted .

Council President Verna

The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco. INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS

Councilwoman Tasco

Madam President, I just wanted to say that during the course of the summer, there has been a lot of discussion about the Logan sinking homes area as well as other areas in the city that have been identified or questioned as to whether or not they are sinking. And we believe that there has been -- that there has to be a bigger solution to this problem and that it not be done on a piecemeal basis. So we hope that the present mayor will act on it. But given the time limitation, if that does not happen, we will call on the mayor-elect immediately after the November election to establish this committee because it is going to be a challenge. We haven't finished in Logan, and there are some areas that may be outside of the targeted area that have subsidence issues as well as on the lower south side of the Boulevard and in Councilwoman Miller's district, and I understand that other Councilmembers have the same problem. And we need a unified effort or plan where everybody will be clear on what the game plan will be and what their rights are and what financial assistance they will receive. INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS So I ask my colleagues to vote on this in the affirmative. Thank you.

Council President Verna

Thank you.

Councilwoman Tasco

I move that the resolution be adopted. (Duly seconded.)

Council President Verna

It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and the motion is carried. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ortiz.

Councilman Ortiz

Madam Chair, I have no bills or resolutions today.

Council President Verna

The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco.

Councilman Dicicco

Thank you, Madam President. I offer two bills and one resolution.

Council President Verna

The Chief INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS Clerk will please read title of the first bill.

Chief Clerk Hauser

An ordinance amending Section 19-201 of The Philadelphia Code entitled "City Depositories," by authorizing the City Treasurer to deposit funds in Asian Bank, under certain terms and conditions.

Councilwoman Verna

The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

Chief Clerk Hauser

An ordinance granting permission to Frank Milorey, owner of the newsstand on the northwest corner of 12th and Market Streets, to construct, use, and maintain an electrical conduit and service line and a fiber optic conduit and phone service line in and under 12th and Market Streets, for the purpose of supplying electrical service and phone service to his newsstand, under certain terms and conditions.

Council President Verna

The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The clerk will please read the title of the resolution.

Chief Clerk Hauser

A resolution recognizing September as "Professional Security Month." INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS

Council President Verna

The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco.

Councilman Dicicco

Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution.

Council President Verna

Do I hear a second? (Duly seconded.)

Council President Verna

It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and the motion is carried. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.

Councilman O'Neill

Madam President, I have no bills or resolutions.

Council President Verna

The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.

Councilman Clarke

Thank you, Madam INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS President. I have one bill and one resolution cosponsored by Councilwoman Clark and myself.

Council President Verna

The clerk will please read the title of the bill.

Chief Clerk Hauser

An ordinance amending Title 11 of The Philadelphia Code relating to "streets" by amending Chapter 11-200 entitled "Openings and Excavations in the Streets" by changing various requirements related to the granting of permits that entail closures of City streets, under certain terms and conditions.

Council President Verna

The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The clerk will please read the title of the resolution.

Chief Clerk Hauser

A resolution authorizing the City Council Committee on Commerce and Economic Development to hold a public hearing to investigate possible changes to the Temple University institutional development master plan that may affect economic development of North Central Philadelphia.

Council President Verna

This resolution will be referred to the appropriate INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Longstreth.

Councilman Longstreth

Madam President, I have no bills or resolutions.

Council President Verna

The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.

Councilman Rizzo

Madam President, I have no bills or resolutions.

Council President Verna

Thank you.

Council President Verna

The next order of business is the consideration of the calendar. The Chief Clerk will please read the bills on the first-reading calendar.

Chief Clerk Hauser

Bill No. 990453, an ordinance amending an ordinance approved May 9, 1997 (Bill No. 970168) which authorized the City to sell certain delinquent real-estate tax claims identified on Exhibit A to the ordinance to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development ("PAID") by adding to Exhibit A certain tax claims which were subject of now-defunct payment plan FIRST-READING CALENDAR agreements entered into by taxpayers in May and June 1997 for the sole purpose of allowing the additional claims to be available for substitution pursuant to the terms of the June 1997 tax claim purchase and sale agreement between the City and PAID.

Council President Verna

The Chair agrees.

Chief Clerk Hauser

Bill No. 990454, an ordinance amending an ordinance approved May 7, 1997 (Bill No. 970168) which authorized the City to sell delinquent real-estate tax claims identified on Exhibit A to the ordinance to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development ("PAID") by adding to Exhibit A certain 1998 delinquent real-estate tax claims which affect the same properties acted by the tax claimed sold to PAID for the substitution for sole claims, pursuant to the terms of the June 30, 1997 tax claims purchase and sale agreement between the City and PAID.

Council President Verna

The Chair agrees. FIRST-READING CALENDAR

Council President Verna

The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Clark for the purpose of calling up bills on the second-reading and final-passage calendar.

Councilwoman Clark

Madam President, the following bill is called up for second and final passage: 990221-A. All others are being held.

Council President Verna

The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 990221-A.

Chief Clerk Hauser

An ordinance amending Title 17 of The Philadelphia Code entitled "Contacts and Procurement" by amending Section 17-107 entitled "Contractors' LaborManaged Relationships" by revising the prevailing wage ordinance by extending the requirement to include all building and construction work contracts with City agencies and City-related agencies, and by extending the prevailing wage requirement construction work contracts on which the City, City agencies, and City-related agency funds are allocated or sent, all under certain SECOND READING - 990221-A terms and conditions.

Council President Verna

This bill, having been read two different days, the question now is, Shall the bill pass finally?

Councilman Cohen

Madam President?

Council President Verna

I'm sorry. Councilman Cohen want to be recognized.

Councilman Cohen

I think this bill recognizes a very important issue, and that is the role of government in assuring that working people are treated fairly in an area where government has a responsibility and a right to act, and that's where the work is being done for the government. This bill deals with the upper strata of labor and skilled craftsmen at every level of all sorts of jobs. The concurrent bill on living wages that deals with workers and this bill on prevailing wage is a mystery for people. It was the first time a law was passed by the federal government back in 1931 in which the government assumed a responsibility that when work was done for the government in the construction area, workers had to be paid a prevailing wage. They eliminated the concept of workers having to compete and SECOND READING - 990221-A undercutting the wages, and the same concept applies at the other end of the scale. I hope passage of this bill is step one, and that we will act with respect to the other scale, the lower scale of working people in the living-wage bill. Thank you, Madam President.

Councilwoman Verna

Thank you. The clerk will call the roll.

Chief Clerk Hauser

Councilwoman Blackwell?

Councilwoman Blackwell

Aye.

Chief Clerk Hauser

Councilwoman Clark?

Councilwoman Clark

Aye.

Chief Clerk Hauser

Councilman Clarke?

Councilman Clarke

Aye.

Chief Clerk Hauser

Councilman Cohen?

Councilman Cohen

Aye.

Chief Clerk Hauser

Councilman DiCicco?

Councilman Dicicco

Aye.

Chief Clerk Hauser

Councilman Kenney? SECOND READING - 990221-A

Councilman Kenney

Aye.

Chief Clerk Hauser

Councilwoman Krajewski?

Councilwoman Krajewski

Aye.

Chief Clerk Hauser

Councilman Longstreth?

Councilman Longstreth

Aye.

Chief Clerk Hauser

Councilman Mariano?

Councilman Mariano

Aye.

Chief Clerk Hauser

Councilwoman Miller?

Councilwoman Miller

Aye.

Chief Clerk Hauser

Councilman Nutter?

Councilman Nutter

Aye.

Chief Clerk Hauser

Councilman O'Neill?

Councilman O'Neill

Aye.

Chief Clerk Hauser

Councilman Ortiz?

Councilman Ortiz

Aye.

Chief Clerk Hauser

Councilman Rizzo?

Councilman Rizzo

Aye.

Chief Clerk Hauser

Councilwoman SECOND READING - 990221-A Tasco?

Councilwoman Tasco

Aye.

Chief Clerk Hauser

Council President Verna?

Council President Verna

Aye.

Council President Verna

The ayes are 16, the nays 0. A majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. This concludes our calendar.

Council President Verna

Are there any speeches on the part of the Minority? (No speeches on the part of the Minority.)

Council President Verna

Are there any speeches on the part of the majority? (No speeches on the part of the Majority.)

Council President Verna

There be being none, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Clark for a motion to adjourn.

Councilwoman Clark

Madam President, I move that this Council be adjourned until MEETING ADJOURNMENT Thursday, September 23, 1999. (Duly seconded.)

Council President Verna

It has been moved and properly seconded that this Council stand adjourned until Thursday, September 23, 1999. All in favor signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and the motion is carried. (Adjourned at 11:06 a.m.) C E R T I F I C A T E I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing proceedings of the Council of the City of Philadelphia of Thursday, September 16, 1999, were reported fully and accurately by me, and that this is a correct transcript of same. RE: STATED MEETING __________________________________, JOSEPHINE CARDILLO, Registered Professional Reporter