COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Tuesday, January 23, 2007 10:10 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILWOMAN CAROL ANN CAMPBELL COUNCILMAN DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILMAN FRANK DiCICCO COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN WILLIAM GREENLEE COUNCILMAN JACK KELLY COUNCILMAN JAMES F. KENNEY COUNCILWOMAN JOAN L. KRAJEWSKI COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILMAN JUAN RAMOS COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO COUNCILMAN DANIEL SAVAGE COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO PATRICIA RAFFERTY, CHIEF CLERK V A R A L L O Incorporated Litigation Support Services Eleven Penn Center 1835 Market Street, Suite 600 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103 215.561.2220 215.567.2670 (Music playing.)
Good morning, everyone. I note that the hour has come and that a quorum of this Council is present. Council will please come to order. Members will take their seats, and visitors will retire to the seats outside the rails. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair welcomes Reverend Paul Andell of St. James Lutheran Church. He is here today as the guest of Councilwoman Krajewski. I would ask all members and guests to please rise. (Everyone rises.)
Good morning and thank you for this opportunity. Let us pray. Lord God, we approach you with humility, recognizing that before you the generations rise and pass away. So forgive us if ever we conduct business in this room as if you were for another time and not our present reality. Instead in come in faith, praying for uncommon strength and wisdom beyond our abilities and for light to cut through the unsettling and uncharted waters before us. In this new year give us the grace to put the past behind us and to together create trust and confidence for those we are committed to represent, resisting always the temptation to be self-serving, for such a time as this we pray for your presence in the City to free us up that we might dream big, push the boundaries, seize opportunities for the future we cannot yet see. So give us courage to look beyond the present and its daunting tasks and exude confidence and leadership befitting a great city and its leaders, bold enough always seeking finally to do what would be pleasing in your sight. Visit this leadership with the light of your countenance even as we thank you for your special mercy to Joan Krajewski and those who have been elected to this office. May they each live in the brightness of your glory and love. Amen.
Amen. The Chair thanks Reverend Andell for his very inspiring invocation. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, December 14, 2006, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, December 14, 2006 stand approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, December 14, 2006 stand approved. All in favor will indicate by (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. The Journal of the meeting of Thursday, December 14, 2006 is approved. The next order of business is requests for leave of absence, and, again, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. On behalf of the majority, there are no requests for leaves of absence today.
Thank you. The Chair now recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Madam President, on behalf of the republicans, there are no requests for leave of
Thank you. The Chair will dispense with the regular order of business to recognize the guests and visitors joining us in Chambers this morning. On behalf of all members of City Council, I welcome you to our Council session. We appreciate your taking the time to join us as we attend to the legislative affairs of our city. We certainly invite you to come again. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo, who will present a resolution honoring the Academy of Music on its 150th anniversary. Will Mr. Jim Undercofler, President of the Philadelphia Orchestra, and those accompanying him please join the Councilman at the podium. And I see that Councilwoman Brown is joining Councilman Rizzo. (Music playing.)
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, since the Academy is in your district, could you arrange to have the music every session, please. It's very mellowing. It would be a great idea. Well, thank you, everyone, for being here this morning. My colleague, Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown, will be joining me on this very, very significant presentation, the 150th anniversary of the great Academy of Music. Just to digress for just a second, I thought back to the early 1970s when not just my father but Councilman Wilson Goode's father was sworn in and took their oaths of office at the Academy of Music and many of us in this room also sworn in there. So this wonderful jewel in our city has served so many fond memories, especially to me and I'm sure to Councilman Wilson Goode and the many of us that had the honor of taking the Honoring, congratulating and celebrating the august legacy and important contributions to the City of Philadelphia of the Academy of Music on its 150th anniversary, 1857 to this year, 2007. Whereas, the Academy of Music opened in 1857 and is the oldest grand opera house in the United States that is still used for its original purpose. The Academy quickly became America's most prestigious opera house; and Whereas, over the years, the Academy not only served as a venue for the performing arts community but has also hosted many graduation ceremonies, along with several presidential conventions and other important public events.
And whereas, in 1963, the Academy of Music was designated a National Historic Landmark and has benefited from millions the Restoration Fund during the past 50 years; and Whereas, the Academy has served as the Philadelphia Orchestra's main concert hall for more than a century. The Orchestra purchased the Academy in 1957 and performs each year for the Academy's anniversary; and Whereas, the Academy of Music has had a host of legendary artists grace its stage from the disciplines of classical to popular music, dance and drama, including Maria Callas, Joan Sutherland, Marian Anderson, Frank Sinatra, George Gershwin, Duke Ellington, Anna Pavlova, Ruth St. Denis, Ted Shawn and Margo Fontane; and Whereas, the Academy of Music has also hosted several sporting events. In 1866, the Academy was turned into an indoor skating rink. In 1889, a wooden floor was installed over the parkade level to create space for an indoor football game between the University of Club of Princeton, and then in 1892, for the University of Pennsylvania, they had a track meet; and
Whereas, the Academy of Music has also been part of other historical and cultural events, such as the demonstration of the telephone by Alexander Graham Bell in 1877, where Leopold Stokowski and the Philadelphia Orchestra gave the first ever concert in stereophonic sound in 1933. In 1937, the film "100 Gentlemen and a Girl" featured the Academy and the Philadelphia Orchestra, and also in 1939, the Orchestra recorded the soundtrack to the Disney classic "Fantasia" at the Academy. Now, therefore resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that it honors, congratulates and celebrates the august legacy and important contributions to the City of Philadelphia of the Academy of Music on its 150th anniversary, 1857 to 2007. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy be presented to Mr. Undercofler -- and he'll introduce the other representatives of the Academy -- who is the President and CEO of the Philadelphia Orchestra. We all congratulate you. And Stephanie Naidoff will have a few remarks and certainly will tell how important the Philadelphia Academy of Music is to Philadelphia. So, Mr. Undercofler, congratulations and all your colleagues on the 150th anniversary.
The Chair recognizes Mr. Undercofler for remarks.
Councilwoman Verna, thank you. Councilman Rizzo, Councilwoman Reynolds Brown, thank you so very much. And members of the Council, truly honored and flattered by your attention and by this resolution. I'd like to introduce to you from my right Jody McNeil Lewis, Ms. Linda Scribner and Dr. Luther Brady who are with me. These are the people who carry the heavy water for the Academy of Music and I'm very grateful to them and to have them with me here today. We Philadelphians host and boast one of the world's great cultural landmarks, something that we can all be proud of every single day. This monument on Locust and Broad is something that has drawn some of the greatest performing arts acts and organizations from around the world and makes Philadelphia so very special, along with so much else that makes us special. I just want you to know that it is our great honor to maintain the Academy of Music, to be responsible for its restoration and to be your partner in great city. Thank you. (Applause.)
Council President Verna, members of Council, guests, I am honored to be here today on behalf of Mayor Street to join with City Council in honoring this great institution. The Grand Old Lady of Locust Street is what we used to call it. Now we call it the Grand Old Lady of the Avenue of the Arts. Certainly a crown jewel not only in Philadelphia but around the nation and around the world, just as the Philadelphia Orchestra is such an extraordinary ambassador for Philadelphia around the world and certainly here at home. So we are delighted to join in this great celebration, and the Mayor extends his warmest wishes and heartfelt congratulations to all of the people who work so hard to preserve and sustain this great institution, the Academy of Music. 150th anniversary along with all of you and join in this great celebration. Thank you. (Applause.)
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.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am pleased to advise you that on December 20th, December 26th of 2006 and January 23rd of 2007, I signed all of the bills that were passed by City Council at its session on December 7th and December 14th, 2006, except Bill No. 060833, which I am returning without my signature; and I am transmitting herewith for the introduction and consideration of your honorable body an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development a deed located 1244 North 4th Street; and An ordinance granting permission to Marilyn Straud, 1543 Dickinson Street, to operate and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe at the northeast corner of South 16th Street; and An ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan Nos. 1142, 43, 97, 269 and 308 by placing on the City Plan South Street from its current terminus northwest of the northwesterly Pierhead and Bulkhead Line of the Schuylkill River.
Thank you. The messages will be printed in the Journal. The Chief Clerk will please read any other communications in her possession.
Thank you. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for a motion.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended in order to permit the immediate consideration of resolutions at their time of introduction. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit immediate consideration of resolutions at the time of introduction. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. This morning I introduce one resolution on your behalf and one bill on my own.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Chapter 17-1400 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Non-Competitive Bid Contracts; Financial Assistance," by requiring applicants for and recipients of non-competitively bid contracts and financial assistance to certify compliance with contract eligibility rules.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution authorizing the Council President to appoint Rosalie Leonard to serve as the Council President's representative on the Philadelphia Historical Commission.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer two bills and one resolution.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Aramingo Avenue, a Railroad Right-of-Way, Delaware Expressway, Luzerne Street, Almond Street and Wheatsheaf Lane.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Orthodox Street, Garden Street, Lafevre Street, Richmond Street, Buckius Street and the Delaware River.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution honoring Sister Francesca Olney on her 25 years as President of Holy Family University.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will please signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Madam President, I have no bills or resolutions today.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Good morning, Madam President. Today I have two bills and two resolutions.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance establishing a neighborhood improvement district in an area that generally includes both sides of Germantown Avenue from 6300 to 7631 and certain blocks of streets that intersect that portion of Germantown Avenue, to be known as the Mt. Airy Business Improvement District.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance transmitting a bill authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to purchase from the School District of Philadelphia, for nominal consideration, certain tracts of land with buildings and improvements thereon, known as 4000-4010 Germantown Avenue.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution initiating action to establish a neighborhood improvement district in an area that generally includes both sides of Germantown Avenue from 6300 to 7631 and certain blocks of streets that intersect that portion of Germantown Avenue.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chief Clerk will please -
Yes, I do, Council President. The Chief Clerk now has it.
And a resolution authorizing City Council's Committee on Public Safety to hold public hearings to examine and evaluate the feasibility of equipping emergency call centers with "Incident Linked Multimedia" type response systems, and the crime fighting and security benefits they offer.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Savage.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no resolutions and no bills for today.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. I have eight bills, three resolutions to be voted on today and one resolution will be assigned to committee.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to prohibit the enactment of any zoning ordinance that creates a district in which licensed gambling is permitted.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Chapter 14-400 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Commercial Entertainment District," by deleting the provision authorizing the City Planning Commission to approve temporary facilities.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Reed Street, Tasker Street, Christopher Columbus Boulevard and the Delaware River.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Chapter 14-400 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Commercial Entertainment Districts," by prohibiting districts within one mile of one another; providing additional restrictions for gross floor area, open area and waterfront setback requirements; and providing for additional signage controls, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will also be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Section 14-1600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Miscellaneous," by adding a new section entitled "Prohibition on Licensed Gaming Facilities."
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Chapter 14-400 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Commercial Entertainment District," by providing that no ordinance designating a Commercial Entertainment District may be enacted unless a Neighborhood Improvement District has first been created that includes within its service area the proposed Commercial Entertainment District.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Section 14-1605 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Regulated Uses," by prohibiting regulated uses within 1,000 feet of any Commercial Entertainment District and adding "Payday Lenders" as a regulated use, all under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Section 14-1605 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Regulated Uses," by adding "Licensed Gaming Facilities" as a regulated use, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to prohibit the enactment of any zoning ordinance that creates a district in which licensed gambling is permitted, unless the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter is amended to authorize Council to enact such an ordinance, and providing for the submission of the amendment to the electors of Philadelphia.
The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President.
Oh, I'm sorry. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: This is the Charter change? Which was the last one?
That would be referred to the appropriate committee.
Would the Chief Clerk please read that resolution again.
A resolution proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to prohibit the enactment of any zoning ordinance that creates a district in which licensed gambling is permitted. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: I move for the adoption of the resolution.
No. We just refer that to the appropriate committee. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Oh, okay. Thank you.
Madam President, Councilman DiCicco I believe had a resolution dealing with the appointment of Council to challenge the selection of the two casinos.
I don't believe that's been read as yet. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: It hasn't been read yet.
That's right. That's the one that I had mentioned that Councilman DiCicco will be speaking on. Thank you.
But the resolution just read will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution authorizing City Council to retain outside counsel to commence legal proceedings on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to challenge the decision of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board to issue gaming licenses to HSP Gaming LP Sugarhouse Casino and Philadelphia Development and Entertainment Partners Foxwoods Casino Philadelphia.
Councilwoman Brown, your light is on. Did you want to be recognized?
Madam Chair, I'd like to direct a couple questions to the sponsor of the resolution. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Fine. Thank you.
Councilman DiCicco, I just have a couple of questions, and I briefly went over them with you a minute ago. One, the opinions are not yet filed by the Gaming Board. I think they're waiting until they get a complete group. And it's sometime around February 1st there's going to be opinions. I was just asking on the timing why we're not waiting for the opinions or why you're not waiting for the opinions, if you could just put that on the record, because normally we would wait until the opinions that would be appealed. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: I understand your question. First, on December the 20th of '06 when the Gaming Control Board made its selection of the two sites, they had reported then that within 20 days they would have an opinion. It is now about 33 or 34 days since then. I keep hearing next week or two weeks from now. Not knowing exactly when, I thought it would be a good idea to at least have the approval from Council so that at such time when the opinion is finally made public, we would be ready from almost day one to go forward with any possible legal action. It has been very difficult for me to find an attorney or a law firm that has not had some involvement with any of the five potential sites and/or the Gaming Commission. There are few attorneys out there we've come recently to know that are not affiliated or their firms have not been affiliated. I just wanted to get a start from day one. Once the opinion is made, have attorneys look at it, see what the possibilities of the lawsuit would be and then to be able to move forward, because I think we have 30 days from the date the opinion is made public to file a suit.
That's my understanding. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: I want to be in a position to move forward from the day the opinion is made and not waste any time in between.
That's my understanding. And, again, I said I was going to vote for this. This is your district. And if it were my district, I'd be hoping you would support me. There's been a lot of concern that I've heard expressed that if we seem to be delaying these casinos, that they may take away the zoning and other authority that people have fought for in Harrisburg on your behalf actually and your community's. Could you just answer that? I'm going to go along with you. I just want a little on the record, if I could, as to what the thought process is to go ahead even though that may be a risk. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, and I appreciate your question. But first before I answer that question, let me remind you, and I do appreciate the fact that you're supporting this because the sites are in my district, but the implications of gaming in the City of Philadelphia are going to reach far beyond the First Councilmanic District. If we don't get this right -- and I've said this on numerous occasions before -if we don't get this right, this will affect the City of Philadelphia for decades to come. Jobs will be available throughout the City. It's not just for people in my district. True, the local impact with traffic and other quality of life issues will be more severe in my district and Councilman Clarke's district, by the way. Councilman Clarke represents the neighborhood that lives within 100 feet of the entrance of the Sugarhouse Casino. I happen to be on the east side of Delaware Avenue. Councilman Clarke's district starts on the west side literally of the front entrance to the Sugarhouse. So Councilman Clarke has been at a number of community meetings that we've been having lately in talking to folks. Yeah, you're absolutely right, Councilman, there is a risk, and I've pointed that risk out to the community folks that I've been meeting with over the last 12, 13 months that if we push too hard and we make the case that we're going to be able to either slow this process down or even get remotely close to prevent it from happening, we run the risk that the state will come back and take whatever powers we have gotten back as a result of Senator Fumo's amendments this past summer and basically strip us. There's such anger and concern in these communities from the folks that I represent, they are willing to take that risk. They are just so concerned with the quality of life issues that they're going to be confronted with, and especially with the Foxwoods site. And I don't want to go on for hours because I can get into a long, long story on this, but the Foxwoods site -- and for anyone who travels in South Philadelphia or shops down at Ikea, you know the traffic conditions today. They're going to add somewhere between 15 and 25 thousand cars per day to Columbus Boulevard and Delaware Avenue. No one can figure out what the rationale was behind the Gaming Board's decision to choose the Foxwoods site. On merit, it certainly should not have even made the first five. There are only five picks. It should not have made the short list, in everyone's best estimation. So there's such anger out there and concern that people say, Frank, we want you to fight this and fight it as hard as you can, understanding that we could possibly push the envelope too far and maybe lose all those controls. But that's the risk that they're willing to take.
My last question is just in the resolution, similar to another resolution you're going to bring up, and that resolution deals with the traffic consultant and the Chair of the Streets Committee picking that. I have no problem. I don't know who else would be in a better position. But in this resolution, it lists the Chair of the Streets Committee -- Your Honor -- picking the attorney, and I just would hope we could strike that, because it's been a tradition that the Council President with the consultation naturally of the Streets Committee Chairman. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: The long and short of it, I have no problem with that. I concede that to the Council President.
Excuse me, please. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, as Councilman DiCicco indicated earlier, one of the facilities is in proximity to my councilmanic district, and I just want to say for the record there is a little different dynamic in that particular facility as opposed to the Foxwoods site on the southern end of Delaware Avenue. There is not a consensus, from my estimation based on the discussions that I've had with residents in that community, in support or in opposition. There are a number of people who want to have some substantive dialogue, if in fact the casino ultimately ends up being at the Sugarhouse site, the community is made whole in terms of any community benefits agreement. So I just wanted for the record to understand. And I am going to support the resolution, because I have sat in the meetings and there is a real concern by a number of members. Even the individuals who do support the casinos at that particular location want to make sure that there is a way for them to be made whole as it relates to this impact on that particular location. So I just wanted to get some clarity on the sentiments between the two sites.
Councilman DiCicco, may I suggest you make a motion for the adoption of the resolution. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will please say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chief Clerk will please read a copy of the second resolution.
And a resolution authorizing Philadelphia City Council to retain an independent traffic consultant to study the impact of the construction and operation of two gaming facilities on Christopher Columbus Boulevard/Delaware Avenue and authorizing City Council's Streets and Services Committee to hold public hearings concerning the results of said study and further authorizing the Committee to issue subpoenas to compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of documents and other evidence.
The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution authorizing Philadelphia City Council's Committee on Legislative Oversight to hold public hearings investigating the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board's award of Category 2 Slot Machine Licenses, whether or not the awards comply with the requirements of Act 71, and whether there are more appropriate sites available for the Slot Machine facilities, and further authorizing the Committee to issue subpoenas to compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of documents and other evidence.
Again, the Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted and will be referred to the Legislative Oversight Committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer one bill and one resolution today.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Section 14-2007 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Historic Buildings, Structures, Sites, Objects and Districts," by providing for the designation of City Treasures, prohibiting removal of City Treasures without first obtaining a Removal Permit, and providing for opportunities for fair compensation to prevent removals that would constitute a material loss to the historic, culture or artistic fabric of the City, all under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution honoring the African American Children's Book Project on the occasion of the Annual African American Children's Book Fair.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will please indicate by saying aye (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title.
An ordinance amending Section 19-1301 of The Philadelphia Code, relating to real estate taxes imposed by the City, and Section 19-1801 of The Philadelphia Code, relating to real estate taxes imposed by the School District of Philadelphia, by shifting an additional portion of the real estate tax from the City to the School District of Philadelphia, without changing the overall combined rate of the City and School District real estate tax, all under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ramos.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer one resolution co-sponsored by Councilwoman Tasco and Councilman Savage.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution recognizing the month of March as Latino Health Month in Philadelphia.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Campbell.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia deeds located in the 52nd ward of the City.
The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Campbell.
I move the resolution be adopted. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Madam President, I offer two bills and one resolution.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance amending Title 11 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Streets," by prohibiting the construction or establishment of curb cuts for vehicular access to certain shopping areas, under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter relating to the creation, appointment, powers and duties of an independent Philadelphia Zoning Code Commission, as approved by Resolution of the City Council; fixing the date of a special election for such purpose.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to provide for the creation, appointment, powers and duties of a Zoning Code Commission, and providing for the submission of the amendment to the electors of Philadelphia.
This resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2007 within the General Fund from certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions to certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions, to enable the purchase, installation and maintenance of additional public safety video surveillance cameras.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Bill No. 040328-A, approved September 30, 2004, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the creation of a loan or loans to provide funds for and toward various capital municipal purposes."
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing the creation of a loan or loans to provide funds for and toward various capital municipal purposes; authorizing the Mayor, City Controller and City Solicitor or a majority of them to sell bonds at public or private negotiated sale.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance approving the reallocation of a portion of capital loan funds borrowed pursuant to Bill No. 040328-A, approved September 30, 2004, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will also be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kelly.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, one resolution.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution recognizing, celebrating and honoring the life of Philadelphia native Ed Bradley, an outstanding American citizen, journalist and television reporter for his many contributions to society.
Madam President, I move for the adoption of this resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? 1/23/07 - STATED - 2ND READING (No response.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. We do not have any reports from committees, and the next order of business will be the consideration of the Calendar. As there are no bills on the First Reading Calendar, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for the purpose of calling up the bills to be considered on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar.
Thank you, Madam President. Today the only bill we will be hearing is on , Bill No. 060636-A. All other bills are being held.
Thank you very much. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 060636-A.
An ordinance amending Section 9-605 and Chapter 1/23/07 - STATED - 2ND READING 12-2400 and Chapter 12-2500 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Snow Emergencies," to provide that owners of vehicles which have been stolen or which have been illegally used without the owner's permission shall not be required to pay the towing, storage or recovery charges after their vehicle has been towed, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. That completes our Calendar for today. Are there speeches on the part of the minority? (No response.)
Are there speeches on the part of the majority? (No response.)
Seeing none, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for a motion to adjourn.
Madam Chair, I move that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, February 1st, 2007. Happy new year, everyone.
The ayes have it, and Council will stand adjourned until Thursday, February 1st, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. Thank you. (Stated Meeting concluded at 11:00 a.m.) CERTIFICATE I HEREBY CERTIFY that the proceedings, evidence and objections are contained fully and accurately in the stenographic notes taken by me upon the foregoing matter on January 23, 2007, and that this is a true and correct transcript of same. ______________________________ MICHELE L. MURPHY RPR-Notary Public (The foregoing certification of this transcript does not apply to any reproduction of the same by any means, unless under the direct control and/or supervision of the certifying reporter.)