COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Thursday, June 1, 2000 10:15 a.m. Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE L. BLACKWELL COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILMAN DAVID COHEN COUNCILMAN FRANK J. DICICCO COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN JAMES F. KENNEY COUNCILWOMAN JOAN L. KRAJEWSKI COUNCILMAN RICHARD T. MARIANO COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER COUNCILMAN MICHAEL A. NUTTER COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILMAN ANGEL L. ORTIZ COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO PATRICIA RAFFERTY, 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
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 the rails. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair welcomes the Reverend Theophilis Wright, Pastor of the 46th Street Baptist Church. He is here today as the guest of Councilwoman Blackwell. All members and guests will please rise. (All rise.)
Let us pray. O, Lord, our Lord, how excellent is Thy name in all the earth from everlasting to everlasting power of God. Our Heavenly Father in Your word, You have given us a vision of that holy city which the nations of the world will bring their glory. Look upon and visit this City of Brotherly Love today, renew the ties of mutually good which forms our civic life. Send us honest and able leaders. Help us to eliminate poverty, prejudice, and GREETING/INVOCATION oppression, that peace may prevail with righteousness and justice with order, and that men and women from various cultures and with different talents may find with one another a fulfillment of their humanity. We pray for our illustrious Mayor, the Honorable John Street, the President of City Council, the Honorable Anna Verna, all Councilmembers, and our citizens who are present here today. Lord, we would be all-inclusive. We pray for the world, for the whole world belongs to Thee. May we entertain the thought biblically written and tenets of many of our faiths that soon, and very soon, we may realize that portion of scripture which states, one day, one day, peace will prevail, and all of mankind will come together in the beatitude of faith. Yes, peace on earth and goodwill to all of mankind, for God is the author of the same. Bless this great city, O, God, that we do more than just be in harmony but have a deep sense of understanding of fairness, that we can bring into fruition the great commandment of God APPROVAL OF JOURNAL OF 5/18/00 when he said, Love ye, one another, for they shall know you by this if you have the same. We pray this prayer in faith to our Lord and sovereign God. Amen. All: Amen.
The Chair thanks Reverend Wright for his very inspiring words. Thank you. Thank you, Reverend. Council will be at ease. (Council stands at ease, then proceedings resume.)
The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of May 18, 2000, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. Thank you, Madam President. I move the approval of the Journal of Thursday, May 18, 2000. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of REQUESTS FOR LEAVES OF ABSENCE the meeting of Thursday, May 18, 2000, stand approved. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed, nay? The ayes have it, and the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, May 18, 2000, is approved.
The next order of business is requests for leaves of absence, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. There are no requests for leaves of absence on the part of the Majority.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
Madam President, I believe that we are asking for a leave for Councilman Longstreth and, I believe Councilman O'Neill is in the building.
The Chair VISITOR RECOGNITION, PRESENTATIONS thanks the gentleman, and leave will be granted for Councilman Longstreth.
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 City Council session this morning. We appreciate your taking the time to join us as we attend to the legislative affairs of our city. We certainly invite you to join us again. We are pleased to welcome the Strawberry Mansion Boys Basketball Team who are here today at the invitation of Councilman Clarke. Will coach Gerard Hendricks and his team please join the Councilman at the podium. (Councilman Rizzo, Councilman Clarke and team members come forward.)
Thank you, Madam President. VISITOR RECOGNITION, PRESENTATIONS Madam President, I feel a little short today. I think I need Councilman Longstreth and Councilwoman O'Neill -- I see they're not here today. Again, Madam President, it gives me a pleasure to talk about another one of the fine schools in the 5th Councilmatic District, and I understand we also have another one coming up a little later. We've said all along that we have some of the finest academic sports facilities in the City of Philadelphia, and once again we have an opportunity to honor them. This is also another one of my alumni schools. It seems like every week I'm saying that, and I know some of you wonder how many schools I've actually gone to. (Laughter.)
But I'd like to say that it gives me a pleasure to read this resolution honoring the Strawberry Mansion High School Basketball Team on winning the Public League Championship. Whereas, Strawberry Mansion has been a high school since 1981; and VISITOR RECOGNITION, PRESENTATIONS Whereas, this is the first time the Strawberry Mansion Boys Basketball Team have been in a public league final; and Whereas, in the final, Strawberry Mansion faced North Philadelphia Rival Simon Gratz -- sorry, Councilwoman Miller, but we had to beat your team. (Laughter.)
Whereas, the members of the Strawberry Mansion team are (team members names read); and Whereas, Strawberry Mansion's Boys Basketball Team had several players named to the All Public League Boys Basketball Team; and Whereas, the number-one vote-getter on the Coaches All Public League team, Mr. Omar Tomas, scored 22 points, 13 rebounds, and two steals in Strawberry Mansion High School Knights' victory of 60 to 49 over Simon Gratz; and. Whereas, the entire team was the pride and joy of North Philadelphia Strawberry Mansion neighborhood; now, therefore Be it resolved by the Council of the City of Philadelphia that we extend our heartfelt VISITOR RECOGNITION, PRESENTATIONS congratulations to the Strawberry Mansion Boys Basketball Team in winning the Public League Boys Basketball Championship. Resolved further that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Coach Gerard Hendricks as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body, signed by Council President Anna Verna, introduced by Darrell Clarke, and cosponsored by all members of City Council. Gentlemen, I want to thank you for a job well done. (Applause.)
I also forgot to mention the fine principal, Mr. Highsmith. Do you want to say a couple words? PRINCIPAL HIGHSMITH: On behalf of the young men standing behind me and the coach and athletic director, we want to thank City Council for recognizing the hard work of the young men here today. They work real hard, they're athletes, they're scholars, and I'm very proud of 'em, and thank you very much again. VISITOR RECOGNITION, PRESENTATIONS (Applause.)
Coach Hendricks, I am certain you would like to say a few words. COACH HENDRICKS: I thank you also. I am also very proud of these guys. They worked hard, they had a goal this year, and they accomplished it. And I'm just pleased with them because they worked so hard. All right, thank you. (Applause.)
Council will be at ease. (Council stands at ease, then proceedings resume.)
The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo, who will make our second presentation. Will the Masterman School Chess Team and Coach Steve Shutt please come forward. (Masterman chess players et al. come forward).
Thank you, Madam VISITOR RECOGNITION, PRESENTATIONS Present. I'd like to ask Councilman Darrell Clarke, the District Councilperson, the Chair of the Education Committee Councilwoman, Councilwoman Donna Reed Miller, and a student at one time of Masterman, Councilman Wilson Goode, to join me, please. (Councilmembers come forward.)
Thank you, Madam President. Today we're going to be honoring and congratulating the Masterman School for placing first in the 2000 United States Chess Federation National Scholastic High School Chess Championship. Whereas, the National High School Chess Championship Tournament this year was the largest high school chess championship ever held. Every spring, players from across the nation converge on a selected host city to participate in a three-day tournament of mental agility and stamina. This year, the event was hosted in Charlotte, North VISITOR RECOGNITION, PRESENTATIONS Carolina, and included 1,395 from 32 states representing 185 schools; and Whereas. . .
The various accomplishments that have been achieved by Masterman School by placing first in the National Chess Tournament, Masterman School has once again exhibited the intelligence and talent that are not only responsible for making Masterman School among the elite magnet schools of Philadelphia, but also one of the premiere educational institutions in the nation; and Whereas. . .
Whereas, for eight consecutive years, Masterman High School's Chess Team has placed among the top three teams and has received first-place distinction in four out of the last five years among high school chess teams that compete in the tournament; and. . .
Whereas, the talented participants who secured the win for Masterman School include Scott Middleman, Andrew Read, Roman Reznick, and Stan Ritvin, who himself placed third in the individual competition as VISITOR RECOGNITION, PRESENTATIONS well. Also on the team were: Caitlin Coslett, Luke Donahue, David Friedell, and Jonathan Levy. Also, this talented was team led to victory by a successful and very dedicated coach, Steve Shutt. Now, therefore. . .
Resolved by the Council of the City of Philadelphia that we hereby honor and congratulate Masterman High School for placing first in the 2000 United States Chess Federation National Scholastic High School Chess Championship. Resolved further that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Masterman as evidence of the sincere admiration of this legislative body. Let's congratulate our chess team. (Applause.)
Coach, congratulations to all the members of your team. We'd like you to say a few words. And we have to figure out how to get this tournament here in Philadelphia. COACH SHUTT: Ah, that would be nice. Thank you very much, Madam President, VISITOR RECOGNITION, PRESENTATIONS Councilmembers, distinguished guests, and visitors. I want to thank the Council for honoring the chess team today. The kids worked very hard. Chess becomes more difficult to be competitive at the top level every year. Millions of games are now available on the Internet, and to be competitive nationally, players must study a great many of those games, looking for new ideas, techniques, strategy and tactical ideas. So chess is more and more difficult to become very good at it. These kids have worked hard in order to become the best in their country. As Councilman Rizzo pointed out, our team has won the National Championship four of the last five years, so this is the latest group that is keeping that tradition alive, and they feel the pressure of that. There's an incredible amount of tension that goes into a national event like that where, you know, one wrong move could cost the team the victory. So in addition to the kind of concentration and memory, nerves of steel are also important to be good at chess. I just wanted to also add that we're VISITOR RECOGNITION, PRESENTATIONS losing our ace this year, sort of our Iverson and Lindros, if you will. Stan Ritvin did place third in the country, which is an extremely terrific accomplishment. He will be graduating from Masterman. And to see him off and his farewell, we are going to have a chess game in which Stan will play against the next six members of the team. They will act together in consultation to challenge Stan. The moves will be carried out on a human chess board by middle-school chess team players at Masterman all dressed up in chess costumes. So if you'd like to come and see that game, that will be on the patio at Masterman, 17th and Spring Garden on Wednesday, June 7th, at 12:30. And a final note. Scott Middleman was unable to make it. He is at home with a broken leg, and I bet you didn't know chess was also dangerous. So, again, I want to thank the Council, and I do hope that some of you may be able to see us compete at Stan's farewell game on June 7th. Thank you very much. (Applause.) COMMUNICATIONS
Thank you. Council will be at ease. Congratulations. (Council stands at ease, then proceedings resume.)
The next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant-at-Arms deliver the messages from the Mayor to the clerk. The clerk will read the messages from the Mayor.
To the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am pleased to advice you that today I have signed the following bills that were passed by Council at its session on May 4th: Bill No. 000014, Bill No. 000062; and Bill 000108, which was passed by Council at its session on May 11, 2000; and Bill No. 000021, Bill No. 000149, which were passed by Council at its session on May 18th. And I am transmitting for the consideration of your on honorable body a COMMUNICATIONS 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, identified by house number and street address as 1405 North 19th Street; And for the consideration of your honorable body, the following: An ordinance declaring that it is desirable for the health, safety, and welfare of the people of the City of Philadelphia served by the Wills Eye Hospital to have a project for Wills Eye Hospital financed through the Hospital and Higher Education Facilities Authority of Philadelphia;. And an ordinance authorizing the striking of 36th Street between Grays Ferry Avenue and Wharton Street; And an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property and the Director of Commerce, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to convey to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development from time to COMMUNICATIONS time all or any portion of the City-owned real estate in the vicinity of Red Lion Road; And an ordinance authorizing the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development to file an application with the Office of the Budget, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, under the Capital Redevelopment Assistance Program, in an aggregate amount not to exceed $34 million.
The messages will be printed in the Journal. The clerk will read any other communications in her possession.
The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for a motion.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the rules of Council INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS be suspended so as to permit immediate consideration of resolutions at the time of their introduction. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that resolutions be considered immediately after introduction. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the motion is carried. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I have one ordinance and two resolutions on your behalf, and one -- and two ordinances and one resolution on my own. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS
Thank you. The clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance granting permission to Sophia Saritsogloy, owner and operator of the Sophia's Lunch Truck, located at the north side of Market Street between 39th Street and 40th Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development to file an application with the Office of Budget, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, under the Capital Redevelopment Assistance Program, in an aggregate amount not to exceed $34 million.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 18-S by striking from the City plan and vacating 36th Street.
This bill INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS will be referred to the appropriate committee. The clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, a deed situate in 6th, 24th, and 60th wards of the City of Philadelphia.
Madam President, I move the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Excuse me. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes apparently have it, and the resolution has been adopted. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS The clerk will please read the title of the second resolution.
A resolution honoring the life of the late Governor Robert P. Casey.
Madam President, on your behalf, I move the adoption of the resolution.
May I suggest that we do this by a standing vote, please, and a moment of silent prayer. (Councilmembers stand in honor of Governor Robert P. Casey.)
The resolution has been adopted, and we certainly offer our condolences to the Casey family, who have given so much, not only to the City, but to the State. The clerk will please read the title of the third resolution.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS of Philadelphia a deed situate in the 36th Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you, Madam President. I move the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen.
Madam President, on behalf of myself and chief cosponsor, President of City Council Verna, Wilson Goode, Richard Mariano, and Donna Miller, I offer -- and all other City Council Councilmembers, I offer this resolution.
The clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution authorizing the Committee of Law and Government to conduct a INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS full and comprehensive investigation into the recent outbreak of property theft in Philadelphia in which scam artists have been forging deed transfers and fraudulently selling real property to unsuspecting buyers.
This resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano.
Thank you, Madam President. I have two resolutions. The first one is signed by 16 members of City Council.
The clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution authorizing INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS the City Council Committee of the Whole to hold hearings concerning the management of public right-of-ways in the City of Philadelphia and to hear testimony on reasonable fees for the same for the telecommunications industry, pursuant to Section 253 of the Federal Telecommunications Act of 1996.
This resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution honoring the Pennsylvania State Military Reserve Philadelphia Volunteers for their efforts on behalf of the citizens of Philadelphia and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Either I am having trouble with my hearing this morning, but I don't know whether we're voting in favor or in opposition. Can we try this one more time.
I think it was the cigarette hearings yesterday, Madam President. (Laughter.)
All those in favor of the adoption of the resolution will say aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the motion is carried. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Madam President, I have no bills or resolutions today.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you, Madam INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS President. I offer 1 bill and 14 resolutions.
The clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance adopting the amendment to the articles of incorporation of the Germantown Special Service District of Philadelphia to extend the term of that authority, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. And the clerk will please read the title of the resolutions.
A resolution appointing Bob Emberger to the Board of Directors of the Germantown Special Services District of Philadelphia.
This resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution appointing Brenda Stovail to the Board of Directors of the Germantown Special Services District of Philadelphia.
This INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution appointing Jamil Jordan to the Board of Directors of the Germantown Special Services District of Philadelphia.
This resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution appointing Marilyn Tadlock to the Board of Directors of the Germantown Special Services District.
This resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee of Philadelphia.
A resolution appointing Larry Simmons to the Board of Directors of the Germantown Special Services District of Philadelphia.
This resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS appointing Tracy Beers to the Board of Directors of the Germantown Special Services District of Philadelphia.
This resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution appointing David Alexzczyk to the Board of Directors of the Germantown Special Services District of Philadelphia.
This resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution appointing Donna Miller to the Board of Directors of the Germantown Special Services District of Philadelphia.
This resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution appointing Leroi Simmons appointing to the Board of Directors of the Germantown Special Services District of Philadelphia. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS
This resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution appointing Steve Vaughan appointing to the Board of Directors of the Germantown Special Services District of Philadelphia.
This resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution appointing Sabryia Hadi to the Board of Directors of the Germantown Special Services District of Philadelphia of Philadelphia.
This resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution appointing Anita Hamilton to the Board of Directors of the Germantown Special Services District of Philadelphia.
This resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS
And a resolution appointing Mark Nicoletti to the Board of Directors of the Germantown Special Services District of Philadelphia.
This resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution appointing Steve Kuzmicki to the Board of Directors of the Germantown Special Services District of Philadelphia.
The resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter.
The clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance designating the Criminal Justice Center, located at 1301 Filbert Street, as "The Edgar C. Campbell, Sr. Justice Center." INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance (Bill No. 990143), entitled "An ordinance authorizing the striking from the City Plan No. 163 of East River Road from Calumet Street to the line of Fairmount Park."
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance (Bill No. 990369), approved July 1, 1999, authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 297.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Section 9-205 of the Philadelphia Code relating to sidewalk sales by adding a new provision prohibiting sidewalk sales in an area bounded by and within Wissahickon Avenue from the Schoolhouse Lane to the Roosevelt Boulevard Extension. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Good morning, Madam Chair. I have no bills or resolutions today.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ortiz.
Madam Chair, on behalf of Frank DiCicco and myself, I have one privileged resolution.
The clerk will please read the tile of the resolution.
A resolution recognizing the achievements of Philly Pride presence, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered Pride Parade and Festival, as they continue their mission of proactive education to create an INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS atmosphere of sensitivity and awareness that will lead to a greater acceptance of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual, and transgender community of Philadelphia; and proclaiming June as "Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month" in Philadelphia.
Madam President, I move the approval of the resolution.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and the resolution has been adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco.
The clerk will please read the title of the first bill. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS
An ordinance authorizing Wall Street Partners, owners of the property 2400 South Weccacoe Street, to construct and maintain a fence on the western footway of Weccacoe Street in the south footway of Wolf Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 307 by relocating a portion of the westerly side of Independence Mall East.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing granting permission to Conectiv Communications, a Delaware corporation, and its successors to remove a telecommunications system over and under the streets of Philadelphia.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing Keystone Properties to construct and maintain various encroachments above and over the INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS north footway of the 1000 block of Market Street.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing the Reading Terminal Market Corporation, 51 North 12th Street, tenant of the Reading Terminal Market, to construct and maintain various electrified icon signs entered into the facade of the Reading Terminal Market.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance declaring that is desirable for the health, safety, and welfare of the people of the area served by Wills Eye Hospital to have a project for Wills Eye Hospital financed through the Hospitals and Higher Education Authority of Philadelphia.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 271 of an area bounded by Girard Avenue, Hancock Street, Wildey Street, and Germantown Avenue. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Title 14 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by providing for the issuance authorizing entitled zoning an planning issuance of license permitting temporary advertising to cover scaffolding erected in connection with the repair, construction, or maintenance of a building, all under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Subcode P.M. of Title 4 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "The Property Maintenance Code," which requires owners of vacant buildings to prevent unauthorized entry to the building by securing or sealing doors, windows, or other entrances.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance designating the Criminal Justice Center, located INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS at 1301 Filbert Street, as the "Justice Juanita Kidd Stout Center for Criminal Justice."
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance granting permission to Sunesys, its successors and assigns to construct and maintain, replace and remove a telecommunications system in and under the public rights-of-way in the City of Philadelphia.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Section 9-210 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Telephone Booths," by prohibiting installation and maintenance of any public pay telephone in or encroaching on the public right-of-way without the grant or concession of the Department of Public Property.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Madam President, I INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS offer one bill by request.
The clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property and the Director of Commerce, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to convey to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development from time to time any or all portion of certain City-owned land in the vicinity of Red Lion Road.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Thank you, Madam President. I have one bill and two resolutions.
The clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 58 by striking from the City Plan and vacating Melon Street Ridge Avenue to 13th Street.
This bill INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS will be referred to the appropriate committee. And the clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor of the adoption of the resolution will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the resolution has been adopted. The clerk will please read the title of the second resolution.
A resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS urban renewal of a portion of the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area identified by house number as 1405 North 19th Street.
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 those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the resolution has been adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The clerk will please read the title of the first resolution. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS
A resolution honoring the West Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce upon celebrating its 60 anniversary.
I move for the adoption of this resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the resolution s has been adopted. The clerk will please read the title of the second resolution.
A resolution honoring all emergency-services personnel for their management of the crisis that surrounded the Pier 34 collapse and the search-and-rescue mission that followed.
The Chair INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
I move for the adoption of this resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the resolution has been adopted. The clerk will please read the title of the third resolution.
A resolution celebrating 20 years of the outstanding artistry and vision of artistic directors Blanka and Jiri Zizka.
I move for the adoption of this resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the resolution has been adopted. The clerk will please read the title of the fourth resolution.
A resolution honoring Sergeant Joseph Itzko for his 50 years of meritorious service to the City of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Police Department.
I move for the adoption of this resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that this resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the resolution has INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS been adopted.
The next order of business is reports from committees, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for a report from the Committee of the Whole.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee of the Whole reports out three bills with a favorable recommendation.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee of the Whole, to which was referred: Bill 000179, an ordinance amending Section 12-2809 of the Philadelphia Code, which prescribes the civil penalties and costs for violations of the Philadelphia Traffic Code by increasing the civil penalty for violations of Section 12-1120, which prohibits a person from leaving parked any vehicle not capable of being moved under its own power; and Bill No. 000221, an ordinance creating REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES the Networks Tax Increment Financing District and approving the project plan of the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development for the redevelopment of the Networks Tax Increment Financing District; and Bill No. 260, an ordinance granting the Silver City Tax Increment Financing District Respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended in order to permit first reading of Bill No. 000179 in today's calendar under. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading of Bill No. 000179 on today's calendar. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES The ayes have it and the motion is carried. Bill No. 000179 will be placed on our first-reading calendar for today, and Bill No.'s 000221 and 000260 will be placed on our firstreading calendar for our next meeting. The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee of the Whole also reports out 11 resolutions.
The Committee of the Whole Council, to which was referred Resolution No. 000192, appointing Norman Tissian to the Board of Directors of the South Street/Headhouse District of Philadelphia.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of Resolution No. 000192. (Duly seconded.) REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES
It has been moved and seconded that Resolution No. 000192 be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and Resolution No. 000192 is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of Resolution No. 000193. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 000193 be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the Resolution No. 000193 is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES
Madam President, I move for the adoption of Resolution 000194. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 000194 be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted.
The clerk will please the read the title of Resolution No. 0000195.
Resolution 000193, a resolution appointing Alan Greenberg to the Board of Directors of Old City Special Services District of Philadelphia. And Resolution No. 000194, a resolution appointing Bush Bell to the Board of Directors of the Old City Special Services District of Philadelphia.
They have REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES just been adopted. The clerk will please read the tile of Resolution No. 000195.
And Resolution No. 000195, appointing Fluffy Palmer to the Board of Directors of the South Street/Headhouse District of Philadelphia.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of Resolution No. 000195. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that Resolution No. 000195 be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and Resolution No. 000195 has been adopted.
I would ask the clerk to please read Resolution No. 000196.
Resolution 000196, REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES appointing Howard Lander to the Board of Directors of the South Street/Headhouse District of Philadelphia.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of Resolution No. 000196. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that Resolution No. 000196 be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and Resolution No. 000196 has been adopted.
The clerk will please the title of read Resolution No. 000197.
Resolution 000197, appointing Marlene Weinberg to the Board of Directors of the South Street/Headhouse District of Philadelphia. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of Resolution No. 000197. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that Resolution No. 000197 be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and Resolution No. 000197 has been adopted.
The clerk will please read the title of Resolution No. 000198.
Resolution 000198, appointing Al Sitnick to the Board of Directors of the South Street/Headhouse District of Philadelphia.
Thank you, REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES Madam President. I move for the adoption of Resolution No. 000198. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that Resolution No. 000198 be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and Resolution No. 000198 has been adopted. The clerk will please read the title of Resolution No. 000199.
Resolution 000199, appointing Bob Pierson to the Board of Directors of the South Street/Headhouse District of Philadelphia.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES moved and seconded that Resolution No. 000199 be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and Resolution No. 000199 has been adopted. The clerk will please read the title of Resolution No. 000230.
A Resolution confirming the appointment of Kenneth I. Trujillo, Esquire, City Solicitor.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of Resolution No. 000230. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 000230 be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES The ayes have it and Resolution No. 000230 is adopted. The clerk will please read the title of Resolution No. 000329.
A resolution appointing Michael McMahon to the Board of Directors of the City Avenue Special Services District of Philadelphia and Lower Merion.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of Resolution No. 000329. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 000329 be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and Resolution No. 000329 has been adopted.
The clerk will please read Resolution No. 000330]. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES
Resolution 000330, appointing Howard Wurzak to the Board of Directors of the City Avenue Special Services District of Philadelphia and Lower Merion.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of Resolution No. 000330. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that Resolution No. 000330 be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and Resolution No. 000330 has been adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney for a report from the Rules Committee.
Thank you, Madam President. The Rules Committee reports out one bill with a favorable recommendation.
The clerk REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES will read the report.
The Committee on Rules, to which was referred Bill No. 000081, an ordinance amending Title 14 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by an amending Chapter 14-200 and adding new requirements to allow for the preservation of historically significant buildings, respectfully reports that it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
I move the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading of Bill 81 today. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading of Bill No. 000081 at today's session. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES The ayes have it, and Bill No. 000081 will be placed on our first-reading calendar for today. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for a report of the Finance Committee.
Thank you, Madam President. The Finance Committee reports out two bills with a favorable recommendation.
The Committee on Finance, to which was referred: Bill No. 000258, an ordinance amending Section 19-200 of the Philadelphia Code City, entitled "City Funds, Deposits, Investments, Disbursements," by amending Section 19-201, entitled "City Depositories," and by authorizing the City Treasurer to deposit funds in the Sovereign Bank; And Bill No. 000280, an ordinance approving the Fiscal Year 2001 Capital Budget providing for expenditures for the capital purposes of the Philadelphia Gas Works, including the supplying of funds to be obtained in REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES connection therewith and rejecting the forecast for Fiscal Years 2001 through 2005 Respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for a suspension of the rules in order to permit first reading of Bill No.'s 000258 and 000280 on today's calendar. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended in order to permit first reading of Bills No. 000258 and 000280 at today's session of Council. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed, nay. The ayes have it, and Bill No.'s 000258 and 000280 will be placed on today's first-reading calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES Krajewski for a report from the Appropriations Committee.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Appropriations offers one bill with a favorable resolution.
The Committee on Appropriations, to which was referred Bill No. 000345, an ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2001 within the Grants Revenue Fund from the Director of Finance Provision for Other Grants to the Mayor's Office of Housing and Community Development, respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Madam President, I move that the rules of Council be suspended in order to permit first reading of Bill No. 345 at today's session. (Duly seconded.) REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended in order to permit first reading of Bill No. 000345 at today's session of Council. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and Bill No. 000345 will be placed on today's first-reading calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney for a report from the Committee of Public Property and Public Works.
Madam President, the Committee on Public Property and Public Works reports out one bill with a favorable recommendation.
The Committee on Public Property, to which was referred Resolution No. 000375, entitled "A resolution approving the closed-circuit television system design and installation services contract between the REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority and Advanced Electronic Solutions," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached resolution to Council with a favorable recommendation.
I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 000375 be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and Resolution No. 000375 is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco for a report from the Committee on Streets and Services.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer three bills with a favorable recommendation. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES
The Committee on Streets and Services, to which was referred: Bill No. 000317, an ordinance authorizing McDonald's Corporation, tenant of the property 942 Market Street, to construct and maintain an electrified marquee and three-dimensional icon attached to the building; And Bill No. 000318, an ordinance granting permission to PECO Energy to construct and maintain and remove a wireless communications system and appurtenances in the public rights-of-way of the City of Philadelphia; And Bill No. 000320, an ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 120 and by striking from the City Plan and vacating Carlyle Street from Oxford Street to Cecil B. Moore Avenue Respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
The Chair REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES recognizes Councilman DiCicco.
Madam President, I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading today of Bill No.'s 000317, 000318, and 000320. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended in order to permit first reading of Bill No.'s 000317, 000318, and 000320 at today's session of Council. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed, nay. The ayes have it, and Bill No.'s 000317, 000318, and 000320 will be placed on today's first-reading calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for a report from the Committee on Public Health and Human Services.
Madam President, the Committee on Public Health and Human Services reports out one bill with a favorable recommendation. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES
The Committee on Public Health and Human Services, to which was referred Bill No. 000314, an ordinance amending Chapter 10-600 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Public Places - Prohibited Conduct," by prohibiting smoking in certain public places and in the workplace, with certain exceptions and by repealing current provisions set forth in Section 10-602 regulating smoking, all under certain terms and conditions, respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable resolution.
This bill will be placed on the first-reading calendar for our next session. Are there any other committee reports? (No further committee reports.)
The next FIRST-READING CALENDAR order of business is consideration of the calendar. The clerk will please read the bills on the first-reading calendar.
Bill No. 000212, an ordinance creating the West Chestnut Tax Increment Financing District and to do all things necessary to carry out the intent of this ordinance.
Bill No. 000222, an ordinance creating the Schmidts Plaza Tax Increment Financing District and approving the project plan of the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development for the redevelopment of the Schmidts Tax Increment Financing District and do all things necessary to carry out the intent of this ordinance.
Bill No. 000233, an ordinance creating the South Ninth Retail Tax Increment Financing District and do all things necessary to carry out the intent of this FIRST-READING CALENDAR ordinance.
Bill No. 000179, an ordinance amending Section 12-2809 of the Philadelphia Code which prescribes the civil penalties and costs for violations of the Philadelphia traffic code by increasing the civil penalty for violations of Section 12-1120, which prohibits a person from leaving parked any vehicle not capable of being moved under its own power.
Bill No. 000081, an ordinance amending Title 14 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by adding new requirements to allow for the preservation of historically significant buildings and structures.
Bill No. 000258, an ordinance amending Chapter 19-200 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "City Funds, Deposits, Investments, Disbursements," by amending Section FIRST-READING CALENDAR 19-201, entitled "City Depositories," and by authorizing the City Treasurer to deposit funds in Sovereign Bank, under certain terms and conditions.
Bill No. 000280, an ordinance approving the Fiscal Year 2000 Capital Budget providing for expenditures for the capital purposes of the Philadelphia Gas Works, including the supplying of funds to be obtained connection therewith and rejecting the forecast for Fiscal Years 2001 through 2005.
Bill No. 000345, an ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2001 within the Grants Revenue Fund from the Director of Finance - Provision for Other Grants to the Mayor's Office Housing and Community Development.
Bill No. 000317, an FIRST-READING CALENDAR ordinance authorizing McDonald's Corporation to construct and maintain an electrified marquee and three-dimensional icon attached to the building.
Bill No. 000317, an ordinance granting permission to PECO Energy, a Pennsylvania corporation, to construct, install, maintain, operate, use, replace, and remove a wireless communications system and appurtenances in, under, over, and across the public rights-of-way in the City of Philadelphia.
And Bill No. 000320, an ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance approved June 24th, entitled, "An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 120 by extending the time for compliance with the conditions stated therein."
The Chair agrees. The bills read by the clerk will be FIRST-READING CALENDAR placed on the second-reading and final-passage calendar at our next meeting. This concludes the bills on our first-reading calendar.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for the purpose of calling up bills on the second-reading and final-passage calendar to be considered today.
Thank you, Madam President. Today, Bill No.'s 000216, 000214, 000215, 000166, 000183, 000213, 000259, and 000262, as well as 000263, are called up for second reading and final passage.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 000216.
An ordinance approving the redevelopment proposal of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment of a portion of the Germantown Redevelopment Area Wister III Urban Renewal Area. SECOND READING - BILL 000216
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 000214.
An ordinance authorizing the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development to purchase a certain area tract of land situate at 3101 East Oxford Street.
This bill SECOND READING - BILL 000216 having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 000215.
An ordinance authorizing the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development to purchase a certain tract of land situate at 4501 Richmond Street.
This bill having been read on two different days, the SECOND READING - BILL 000216 question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 000166.
An ordinance amending Chapter 9-200 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Commercial Activities on Streets," by adding a new section regulating the location, size, operation, and maintenance of newsstands on the public sidewalk.
This bill SECOND READING - BILL 000166 having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 000183.
An ordinance authorizing Gino DeJesse, owner of the property 1824 East Passyunk Avenue, to construct and maintain various encroachments onto and over the east footway of Passyunk Avenue.
This bill SECOND READING - BILL 000183 having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 000213.
An ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance (Bill No. 980547), approved December 15, authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 187.
This bill SECOND READING - BILL 000213 having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. Bill No. 000259 is to be called next.
An ordinance granting permission to Chestnut Hill Academy, 500 Willow Grove Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, to construct, use, and maintain one water distribution line, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the SECOND READING - BILL 000259 question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 000262.
An ordinance authorizing Whole Foods Market Group, tentative property located at 929 South Street, to construct and maintain various encroachments in and under the north footway of South Street.
This bill having been read on two different days, the SECOND READING - BILL 000262 question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next and final bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 000263.
An ordinance granting permission to Gervish Sanghvi, owner of the newsstand located at the northwest corner of Tenth and Market Streets, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the SECOND READING - BILL 000263 question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes.
Are there any speeches on the part of the Minority? (No speeches on the part of my Minority.)
Are there any speeches on the part of the Majority? The Chair recognizes Councilman Ortiz.
Madam Chair, today, SECOND READING - BILL 000263 earlier this morning, Tito Puente, one of the icons of Latin music passed away. Just a few months ago at the University of Pennsylvania, he gave a concert, and the University of Pennsylvania honored him at that time. He is one of the geniuses of music, a person that created what today we see as this Latin mania that is going on all over the world in terms of music, and today we lost the father of that in Tito Puente. So I ask my colleagues if we could give him a moment of silence by standing up to give him honor.
Everyone will please stand for a moment of silence. (Councilmembers stand in honor of Tito Puente.)
Thank you, Councilman Ortiz. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Cohen.
Thank you, Madam President. I was very pleased to hear the rumors SPEECHES yesterday and the confirmation by this morning that we are not immediately confronting a school closing -- apparently not in the next year. But I did -- so I congratulate Mayor Street on that accomplishment. But I do admit to having some concerns about the cutback in adult education. I think it's extremely important that just the reverse happen, that the City and School District's efforts on behalf of adult education or increased, and certainly not decreased. I'm also concerned, but I must admit I don't know too much about the substance of professional development for educators. It sounds very good, and I hate to see something sounding so good and maybe important be cut from the budget of the School District. I'm also concerned about the reports of the fact that the Mayor has pledged $20 million to the School District -- not that I don't support additional funding; I support probably much more funding than either the Governor or maybe the Mayor or maybe most members of City Council would like. SPEECHES But I think we have a process, and I don't recollect any amendment to the Home Rule Charter that authorizes contributions from the City money without some process including the City Council, and the only action so far of City Council with respect to that $20 million pledge is been to raise questions. So I'm just hoping that we don't have amendments to the Home Rule Charter by default. I think we have a process. As far as I know, any such contribution of whatever amount would have to go through a procedure of some kind of a transfer ordinance. If it was sought for out of this year's budget, it would have to occur pretty soon, there would have to be a bill introduced so we can have public hearings and find out where the money's coming from, a question that's been raised before. So I'm just hoping that we have not adopted a new method of amendment to the Home Rule Charter by fiat. Just as the hearing's beginning today at 2 o'clock on the Home Rule Charter amendments proposed on campaign finance reform, I think we have to take very seriously budgetary matters. SPEECHES Perhaps at the State government, they have other techniques for achieving -- for solving financial matters, but all I know is that in the City, we go through an appropriate budgetary process, and I'm certainly hoping we're going to be doing the same thing. Thank you, Madam President.
Thank you, Councilman. I think we all have the same concerns, and I just want to remind my colleagues that there will be a briefing at 12:30, and perhaps at that time, we can be given certainly much more information than what we have read in the papers. And I would also like to remind my colleagues that on Monday, there will be a public hearing on the Committee of Fiscal Stability, and of course, every Councilmember is welcome to be there, so that we could get some of the answers that we're all looking for as far as the school findings. Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter.
Thank you, Madam SPEECHES Chair. In line with the comments expressed by Councilman Cohen, I would certainly like to express my concern about some of the announced proposed or possible cuts with regard to the School District. I first recognize that given their financial situation, some cuts will be necessary. The question then becomes, what are those cuts and what are the impact of those particular cuts? The one area that the Councilman didn't mention was, I saw on television last night discussion that one of the proposed areas was comprehensive day care. I could -- of the many things that could possibly be cut at the School District, it would seem to me virtually unconscionable to have a discussion about cutting day care in our schools, given the need of those services, not only by the parents who have an opportunity to send their children to day care, but the recognized benefit that children get from participating in day care programs to prepare them to be good young people and grow up and be good citizens here in our city. SPEECHES Along with that, Councilwoman Blackwell informs me that during the course of our session, some young people are here in the chambers from the John Barry School, which is a school in my district, and I'd like to recognize those young people at this time.
Please do. Would you please stand. (Students stand.) (Applause.)
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen.
Just very briefly, I concur with what Councilman Nutter added, and there may be other matters that we're concerned and once we find out what they are. But haven't we, Madam President, approved a school budget?
Well, doesn't the new budget have to come before us somehow? It's been changed, it's not the school budget that we approved. And I would urge that we look into that matter so that we can have hearings on the matter of the cuts as well as on the matter of any additional appropriations that may be requested from the City Council.
Thank you, Madam President. With regard to Councilman Cohen's question, and I'm sure this issue will come up on Monday, but the fact of the matter is that there is a perception that City Council approves the budget of the School District, while we know in our direct capacities that City Council does not approve the budget of the School District; the Board of Education approves the budget of the School District. We reauthorize every year the SPEECHES taxes that the City puts forward in terms of revenues to the School District. We have not one ounce of legal authority to change a decimal point, a dollar, or a nickel of the School District budget, and the only power and authority we potentially have is to either push them, encourage them, suggest to them what should go on over at the School District. And that is the issue that would have to be addressed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the legislature to give City Council the authority over the School District's budget, similar to the authority and oversight that we have for the City's budget. And that perception has gone on for so long gone and has been carried on for so long that people actually think that we approve their budget. We actually have virtually no participation in their budget, although they come here to seek our approval for the tax revenues. And we have -- as the Councilman points out, we have reauthorized the taxes to support that budget, and this year, just for the record, we had no budget documents from the School SPEECHES District when they were here back in March. Their information technology system apparently did not allow them to have the usual big binders for us detailing what their proposed budget was going to be. They came subsequent to the hearings on the tax reauthorization, and now we are finding out what their proposals are for this school year going forward and now we hear about these additional cuts. So I think that Monday's hearing will be quite critical to getting information now that, in theory, we should have had access to back in March. Thank you, Madam President.
I totally concur with everything you've said, Councilman Nutter. Councilman Cohen?
I concur again with Councilman Nutter on that, but I think there's an obligation on the part of the School District to come to us with some documents to support the tax authorization we presented to them. And I should not have omitted SPEECHES congratulating Governor Ridge. He has furnished the City with -- the School District with $69 million without spending a penny of the huge State surplus. (Laughter.)
And that kind of fiscal legerdemain is great. I wish we could do that at the City level. The 59 million comes from money that none of us knew was apparently in the School District budget money that was going to be paid by the City to the State. We were fighting to get money from the State to the School District; instead, apparently, this budget that we never got to see, because it was never presented to us, carries $59 million going to the State from the School District. Had we seen that, we would have all had that simple answer: let's not pay the State 59 million. The 10 million is apparently taken away from the banks who otherwise would have gotten interest on loans to the School District, 'cause the State's going to furnish us the same money they're obligated to pay us already, but they're SPEECHES just going to send it to us in advance. So it's quite a trick they can do at the State level that's not open to us at the City level. But, again, congratulations to the governor. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ortiz.
Madam Chair, thank you. I concur with my colleagues. What we have to remember is what we have is a stopgap measure and not the solutions to the problem. And as my colleague Councilman Nutter stated, although we do not have a direct responsibility over the school budget, it seems that increasingly, the General Fund of this City that we approve and we have monitoring power over and appropriating over is being called to add monies to the school budget, but as outright grants. We already have a $15 million grant that has become institutionalized, that we put in every year. It's a grant that we don't know how it is spent, where it goes, what happens to it once it leaves the General Fund. And now we're being asked to approve a $20 million grant that will become SPEECHES institutionalized. So from the General Fund every year, this Council will be asked to approve $35 million and not be given any details as to how that money is going to be spent and where it's going to go. I wrote a letter to David Hornbeck this week in which I asked for answers to several questions. I would hope that before he comes before us, those answers are mailed to us so that we can have at least some sense of where it is that this budget is going and how they plan to not stopgap measures in terms of the budget, but what plans do they have to really resolve the issue of funding long-term for the children of the School District of Philadelphia.
Thank you, Councilman. Are there any other speeches? (No further speeches.)
Before we adjourn, I heard yesterday that one of our colleagues is celebrating a birthday, or celebrated a birthday yesterday, and I think remiss if did not all join in wishing her a very ADJOURNMENT happy, healthy birthday and much success, Joan. Would you all join me in wishing join Krajewski a very happy birthday. (Applause.) (Members and audience sing "Happy Birthday" to Councilwoman Krajewski.)
I want to thank all of you very much. I want you to know that I called up Stu Bykovsky and I want a retraction. It should have been 36.
He does that all the time, Joan, so don't hesitate to do that. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for a motion to adjourn.
I move that the Council be adjourned until Thursday, June 8th, year 2000, at 10 a.m.
All in favor of the motion to adjourn until June 8, 2000 will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? ADJOURNMENT The ayes have it, and Council will stand in adjournment until Thursday, June 8, 2000, 10 o'clock. Thank you. (Adjourned at 11:40 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, June 1, 2000, were reported fully and accurately by me, and that this is a correct transcript of same. RE: STATED MEETING __________________________________, JOSEPHINE CARDILLO, Registered Professional Reporter