COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 696, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, June 12, 2003 10:35 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE 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 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 V A R A L L O, INCORPORATED LITIGATION SUPPORT SERVICES Eleven Penn Center 1835 Market Street, Suite 600 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103
Good morning, everyone. I note that the hour has come and that a quorum of this Council is present. Members will please take their seats. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair welcomes, Monsignor Sharbel who is Pastor of St. Marons Roman Catholic Eastern Right Church. Monsignor Sharbel is here today as the guest of Councilman DiCicco. I would ask members and guests to please rise.
Good morning. Thank you, Madam President and Councilmembers for inviting me. And thank you, my deer friend, Frank DiCicco. I am Monsignor Sharbel, Pastor of the Old Church Lebanese Mennonite Catholic from Middle East in South Philadelphia from 1861. Almighty and loving God, maker and father of us all, we, your servants, gather here in all diversity, diversity of language, gender, culture, religion, talents and vision. Yet we know that you have created us to be one in our differences, one in solidarity, in all hopes and desire of all humankind. One in respecting the dignity of each person. One in striving for a just sources. One in protecting the languages, culture, custom and richness of the communities which are the foundation of our City and nation. Father, we ask your blessing and guidance and in the offices of responsibilities we carry. We ask humility to remember always that we serve our brothers and sister by your grace. We ask wisdom to discern the goodness of all. We ask justice to render to each person in community all they deserve. We ask courage that even in times of hardship we may lead all in keeping out City and beacon of hope, harmony and unity. We ask to ensure to all, even to those who are not yet American citizens, the fullness of American life and opportunities. Bless us, Father, moment by moment and day by day with a deep awareness of your love and care for us. Bless us to direct our hearts and minds to the fulfillment of our responsibilities to the citizens and to the City we serve. We ask all these blessings in your name, Amen.
The Chair thanks the Monsignor 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, June 5, 2003. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, June 5, 2003, stand approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, June 5, 2003, stand approved. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the Journal of the meeting of Thursday June 5, 2003, has been approved. The next order of business is request for leaves of absence. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman
Thank you, Madam President. On behalf of the Majority, a leave of absence is requested for Councilwoman Krajewski.
Leave will be granted. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Madam President, on behalf of the Republicans, there are no requests for leaves of absence.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair will dispense with the regular order of business to recognize the guests and visitors joining us in Council Chambers this morning. On behalf of all Members of City Council, I welcome you to our Council Session today. 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. Today I am pleased and honored to welcome Cleveland City Councilman Kevin Conwell who is visiting our City today. Councilman Conwell, would you please can recognize you. Welcome and thank you. (Applause.)
We are also very pleased to welcome a distinguished group of citizens who are touring the country from Russia, our sister city. The members of the group include the City Council President, several deputies, the Vice Mayor and the Finance Director. Will our visitors, their interpreter and our dear friend Nancy Gillboy please stand so that we can recognize you. (Applause.)
Welcome. We certainly hope you enjoy your visit with us. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown who will introduce a group of visiting students.
Thank you, Madam President. I am absolutely delighted to introduce to our audience and my colleagues today student government officers from the Community College of Philadelphia, if you could you rise. As well as members of the Youth Leadership Foundation, which is business of rewarding and encouraging academic excellence for Philadelphia area high school students. Student officers from CCP, Community College of Philadelphia and Youth Leadership Foundation, please rise. Welcome to Philadelphia City Council. (Applause.)
You're welcome. To my knowledge, I don't know that we have anyone else to be recognized. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, I'd like to introduce and congratulate members of Roxborough High School Student Voices Program -- I think most of the Councilmembers are familiar with that program -- and their coordinator, Michael Horowitz. Before they stand, I'd like to point out that whenever we get a little down on public education, I'd like Ashley Bentley, a recent graduate of Roxborough High School, she's on her way to Chestnut Hill College in September. As a mater of fact, my sister Joanna is a graduate of their fine school. Ashley, would you stand, please? (Applause.).
And other accomplishment is from Councilman Nutter's district, David Henderson. David has been appointed to West Point and will be starting in West Point Military Academy, very prestigious, great honor for Philadelphia that David on his way to West Point to become a military officer. David, stand, please. (Applause.)
And Michael Horowitz who does such a great job there as a teacher and also the coordinator of this program. Michael Horowitz. (Applause.)
On May 28, 2003, they won top overall honors, earning the grand prize for the best overall project in the Philadelphia Student Voices Civic Fair. Again, congratulations to all of you and (Applause.)
Thank you, Madam President. For those who did hear us in Caucus, we would again like to introduce the Assistant to President, the Vice President Community and Government Relations and the person absolutely in charge at the University of Pennsylvania, Carol Sheman. (Applause.)
Thank you for being here. And thank you, Dawn, for always being here.
The next order of business is communications. The Chair recognizes the Sergeant-at-Arms for the purpose of delivering the messages from Mayor to the Chief Clerk. The Chief Clerk will please read the messages from the Mayor. THE
To the President and Members of the Council of the City Philadelphia, I'm that on June 11, 2003, I signed all of the remaining Bills that were passed by Council at its Session on May 29, 2003. And a Resolution approving the action of the Board of the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation and the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development to sell Parcels F3 in the Eastwick Urban Renewal Area, Stage A. And a Resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area. And a Resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Cecil B. Moore Urban Renewal area. And a Resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area. the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the East Poplar Urban Renewal Area. And an Ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia a deed known as 1901-1915 West Oxford Street. And an Ordinance amending Title 14 of the Philadelphia Code relating to zoning and planning by amending Chapter 14-200 entitled "Residential districts," by repealing Section 14-202 entitled "R-1 Residential District," through Section 14-223 entitled "RC-3 Residential District," all under certain terms and conditions. And an Ordinance authorizing the City Solicitor on behalf of the City to ento into a multi-year lease or lease purchase agreement with a provider of personal computers and associated software, all under certain terms and conditions.
The messages will be printed in the Journal. The Chief Clerk will please read any other communications in her possession. AND RESOLUTIONS THE
Thank you. The next order of business is the introduction of Bills and Resolutions. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit 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 of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the motion carries. At this time we will consider a special AND RESOLUTIONS order of business; a Resolution recalling Bill No. 030335. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Could you have a Member of Council explain what the Bill is?
Would you please the read the title, please? THE
An Ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property of the City of Philadelphia on behalf of the City and in cooperation with the Philadelphia Municipal Authority to undertake the project to promote the health, safety and welfare of the residents of the City of Philadelphia, authorizing and approving the AND RESOLUTIONS project, the entering into, execution and delivery of a lease between the City of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia municipal authority, all under certain terms and conditions.
Councilman, I am led to believe that when the Bill was introduced and heard, an attachment apparently did not accompany the Ordinance. Therefore, we're recalling it for that very purpose.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer one Resolution.
A Resolution requesting the Mayor to return to Council Bill No. 030335, entitled an Ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property of the City of Philadelphia on behalf of the City and in cooperation with the Philadelphia Municipal Authority for the purpose of reconsideration by the Council of a vote of which said Bill passed Council.
The Chair AND RESOLUTIONS recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the Resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the Resolution has been passed. The Clerk will please read the letter from the Mayor. THE
To the President and Members of the Council City of Philadelphia, I am returning herewith, as requested by your Resolution adopted today, June 11, 2003, Bill No. 030335, entitled an Ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property in the City of Philadelphia on behalf of the City and in cooperation with the Philadelphia Municipal Authority to undertake the project to promote the health, safety, and welfare AND RESOLUTIONS of the residents of the City of Philadelphia for the purpose of reconsideration by the Council of the vote by which said Bill passed Council.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for a motion that Council reconsider the vote by which Bill No. 030335 was passed.
The ayes have it. A majority of all Members having voted in the affirmative, the motion carries. And the vote by which Bill No. 030335 was passed has been reconsidered. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell again.
Thank you, Madam President. I would like to offer an amendment AND RESOLUTIONS to Bill No. 030335, a cop of the amendment has been circulated to all Members of Council. I move for the adoption of the amendment. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the amendment to Bill No. 030335 be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the Bill No. 030335 has been amended. The Bill will be placed on the final passage calendar for our next Session of Council. At this time 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. AND RESOLUTIONS
Thank you, Madam President. I have four Resolutions and one Bill on your behalf; and three Resolutions and one Bill on my own.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the first Bill. THE
An Ordinance amending the Philadelphia Code by enacting a new chapter 17-1200 entitled "Visitability," by requiring newly constructed single and multi-family dwellings to be constructed according to established design principles, all under certain terms and conditions.
The Bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
And an Ordinance amending Title 14 of the Philadelphia Code relating to zoning and planning by amending Chapter 14-200 entitled residential districts by repealing Section 14-202 entitled "R-1 Residential Districts."
This Bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Clerk will please read the Resolutions. AND RESOLUTIONS THE
A Resolution recognizing Friday, June 27, 2003, as National HIV Testing Day.
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 approving the sale of the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development for the fair market value of the former Convention Hall and Commerce Museum properties situate in the vicinity of 34th Street and Civic Center Boulevard. AND RESOLUTIONS
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.)
A Resolution authorizing the Commissioner of the Public Property to execute and deliver o the Redevelopment Authority deeds located in the 3rd and 6th Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
I move for the adoption of the Resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been AND RESOLUTIONS moved and properly seconded that the Resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the motion carries. The Clerk will please read the next Resolution. THE
A Resolution approving the redevelopment contract and Disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the South Central Urban Renewal Area.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Resolution be adopted. AND RESOLUTIONS All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
And a Resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Point Breeze East Urban Renewal Area.
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 signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
And a Resolution approving the action of the Boards of the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation and the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development to sell F-3 in the Eastwick Urban Renewal Area.
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.)
And a Resolution AND RESOLUTIONS authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia deeds located in the 30th Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
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 say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer two Resolutions, each of which is cosponsored by a majority of the Councilmembers.
Thank you, sir. The Clerk will please read the title of AND RESOLUTIONS the first Resolution. THE
A Resolution honoring and commending the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Philadelphia for its critical role in promoting intergroup harmony and social justice within the City of Philadelphia.
Madam President, I move the adoption of the Resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
And a Resolution authorizing the City Council Committee on Law and Government to hold hearings to investigate whether the gun industry should be granted special AND RESOLUTIONS protections against legal action and calling upon our Congressional delegation to vote against S659 and HR1036 which would take away the rights of gun victims by prohibiting qualified civil liability actions from being brought by the federal government.
The ayes have it, and the Resolution will be referred to the Committee on Law and Government.
The requirement is for a vote because the Resolution also calls for action to be taken by the Congressional Delegation of Philadelphia and Pennsylvania against two Bills.
Yes. I move for the adoption of the Resolution. AND RESOLUTIONS
All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the Resolution will be referred to the Committee on Law and Government. The Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano.
Madam President, I have two Bills and two Resolutions.
The Clerk will please read the title of the first Bill. THE
An Ordinance naming the park currently designated as Northwood Park, located 999 Arrott and bounded by 4700 Castor Avenue as the Joseph Colligan Park.
The Bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
And an Ordinance naming the playground currently designated as the Rhawnhurst Memorial Playground, located at 8101 Bustleton Avenue as the George C. Pelbano Playground.
This Bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. AND RESOLUTIONS I would ask the Clerk to please read the title of the first Resolution. THE
A Resolution honoring Wayne Miller on being honored as the Ancient Order Hibernians, Division 40, Irish American Labor Leader of the Year.
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.)
The Clerk will please read the title of the following Resolution. THE
A Resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to AND RESOLUTIONS execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority deeds located in the 19th and 23rd Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
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 motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
The Clerk will please read the title of the Resolution. THE
A Resolution approving the redevelopment and disposition supplement of the AND RESOLUTIONS Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Stenton Avenue Urban Renewal Area.
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.)
Thank you, Madam President. Today I have no Bills or Resolutions.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter. AND RESOLUTIONS
The Clerk will please read the title of the Resolution. THE
A Resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City deeds located in the 4th and 34th Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
Madam President, I move the adoption of the Resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown. AND RESOLUTIONS
Thank you, Madam President. This jar, two cups of sugar represents the average amount of sugar that children get from soft drinks in our Philadelphia public schools. Thanks be to the voices Harriet Lessey and Dwayne Perry, two strong voices, who care issue. So to that end, I am pleased to introduce a Resolution cosponsored by the Chair of the Education Committee Donna Reed Miller and signed by all Members of City Council.
A Resolution requesting that the School Reform Commission prior to the awarding of any beverage contract, A, hold public hearings on the subject so that the parents and students may give their point of view; and B, give strong consideration to requiring the vendor to provide only healthy drinks such as fruit drinks with at least 25 percent juice and water without sugar additives.
We certainly want to thank Harriet Lessey for calling this to our attention. Thank you very much. AND RESOLUTIONS The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
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 motion carries. (Applause.)
Thank you, Madam President. I offer one Bill co-introduced by Councilwoman Blackwell.
The Clerk will please read the title of the Bill. THE
An Ordinance amending Chapter 19-200 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "City Funds Deposits, Investments, Disbursements," AND RESOLUTIONS by amending Section 19-201 entitled "City Depositories," by authorizing the City Treasurer to deposit funds in Fleet Bank under certain terms and conditions.
The Bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ortiz.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the Resolution. THE
A Resolution calling on Cintas Corporation, the largest uniform rental provider and industrial launderer in North America to cease its pattern of unfair labor practices in opposition to efforts by their employees to unionize and further urging Starbucks Coffee Company, a company with stated mission and a record of high standards of corporate conduct who has recently agreed to purchase services from Cintas to use its managerial discretion to cease doing business with Cintas until Cintas abides by these same standards in the treatment of their employees.
The Chair AND RESOLUTIONS recognizes Councilman Ortiz.
Thank you, Madam Chair. I'd like to speak on the Resolution, Madam Chair.
Cintas is the new type of United States corporation, big, huge, employing a lot of people and paying very low wages with very, very limited health benefits and other benefits that usually accrue to workers. But it it's also part of a pattern that has begun across the United States of hiring workers at low wages and then not allowing them and forbidding them to organize as a union. Cintas is part of this trend. It's a leader in this trend. And right now, it's up before the National Labor Relations Board with multiple, multiple grievances to its practices against workers in their plants. And what we're asking is for the citizens not to drink coffee for a while, at least not to drink coffee in Starbucks in order to support the workers that are trying to unionize in Cintas. Thank you, Madam Chair. I move for the adoption of the Resolution. AND RESOLUTIONS (Applause.)
Councilman Ortiz just made a motion. Do I hear a second? (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 motion carries. (Applause.)
Thank you, Madam President. I offer 1 Bill and 11 Resolutions.
The Clerk will please read the title of the Bill. THE
An Ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Snyder Avenue, Vandalia Street, the former McKean Street and Christopher Columbus AND RESOLUTIONS Boulevard.
The Bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Clerk will please read the title of the first Resolution. THE
A Resolution appointing John Finley to the Board of Directors of the South Street Headhouse District of Philadelphia.
Thank you. I would ask the Clerk to read them all at the same time. THE
A Resolution appointing Abner Silver to the Board of Directors of the South Street Headhouse District of Philadelphia. And appointing George Georgiou of the Board of Directors of the South Street Headhouse District of Philadelphia. A Resolution appointing Denise Cavalieri Fike to the Board of Directors of the South Street Headhouse District of Philadelphia. A Resolution appointing Wendy Verna to AND RESOLUTIONS the Board of Directors of the South Street Headhouse District of Philadelphia. A Resolution appointing Judy Buchsbaum to the Board of Directors of the South Street Headhouse District of Philadelphia. A Resolution appointing Raymond Kauffman to the Board of Directors of the South Street Headhouse District of Philadelphia. A Resolution appointing Rich Frank to the Board of Directors of the South Street Headhouse District of Philadelphia. A Resolution appointing Al Geary to the Board of Directors of the South Street Headhouse district of Philadelphia. A Resolution appointing Julia Zagar to the Board of Directors of the South Street Headhouse District of Philadelphia. And a Resolution appointing John Foy to the board of directors of the South Street Headhouse district of Philadelphia.
The resolutions will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Madam President, I AND RESOLUTIONS offer one Resolution on behalf of Councilwoman Joan Krajewski and myself.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the Resolution. THE
Madam President, I move the adoption. (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 motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, I offer five Bills and AND RESOLUTIONS 21 Resolutions.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the Bills first. THE
An Ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia without consideration a deed located known as 1901 to 15 West Oxford Street.
This Bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
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 Broad Street, Jefferson Street, 13th Street and Oxford Street.
The Bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
And an Ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of City without consideration a deed located 1901 to 15 West Oxford Street. AND RESOLUTIONS
This Bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
And an Ordinance amending Title 14 of the Philadelphia Code relating to zoning and planning by amending Chapter 14-1600 entitled "Miscellaneous."
The Bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
And an Ordinance renaming and designating the Pennrose Playground located 12th and Susquehanna Street as the Reverend Leon H. Sullivan Playground.
This Bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. And the Clerk will please read the title of th first Resolution. THE
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 16th and 32nd Wards of the City.
Move for the AND RESOLUTIONS adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
And 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 designated as Parcels 356, 357 and 358.
It has been moved and seconded that the Resolution be adopted. AND RESOLUTIONS All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
And a Resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area designated as Parcel No. 355.
It has been moved and seconded that the Resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have AND RESOLUTIONS it, and the motion carries. THE
And a Resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Cecil B. Moore Avenue Urban Renewal Area.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
And a Resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority AND RESOLUTIONS of the City of Philadelphia deeds located in the 14th, 15th, 16th, 28th, 29th, 37th and 47th Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
It has been moved and seconded that the Resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
And a Resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal area of a portion of the Cecil B. Moore Avenue Urban Renewal Area.
The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke. AND RESOLUTIONS
It has been moved and seconded that the Resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the motion carries. The Clerk will please read the next Resolution. THE
A Resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area.
The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke. (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 motion carries. The next Resolution, please. THE
A Resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the model cities urban renewal area.
It has been moved and seconded that the Resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. AND RESOLUTIONS (Aye.)
And a Resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the East Poplar Urban Renewal Area.
It has been moved and seconded that the Resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
And a Resolution AND RESOLUTIONS authorizing the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development to file an application with the Office of the budget, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, under the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program in an amount not to exceed $5 million.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
And a Resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for a redevelopment of a AND RESOLUTIONS portion of the Cecil B. Moore urban renewal area.
It has been moved and seconded that the Resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
And a Resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Model Cities Urban Renewal area.
Move for the adoption. AND RESOLUTIONS (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
And a Resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Resolution be adopted. AND RESOLUTIONS All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
And a Resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City Deeds located in the 14th Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have AND RESOLUTIONS it, and the motion carries. THE
And a Resolution approving the redevelop contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Model Cities Urban Renewal area.
It has been moved and seconded that the Resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
And a Resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the East Poplar Urban Renewal Area. AND RESOLUTIONS
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
And a Resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area.
Move for the adoption. AND RESOLUTIONS (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 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 Cecil B. Moore Urban Renewal Area.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Resolution be adopted. AND RESOLUTIONS All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
Councilman Cohen, your light is on. Did you want to be recognized?
Thank you. I ask the Chief Clerk please continue. THE
A Resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment urban renewal of a portion of the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area.
It has been AND RESOLUTIONS moved and properly seconded that the Resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
And a Resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of Model Cities Urban Renewal Area.
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 motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
The Clerk will please read the title of the Resolution. THE
A Resolution recognizing and congratulating the members of the Roxborough High School Student Voices Program and the coordinator of the program, Michael Horowitz, for winning top overall honors, earning the grand prize for best overall project in the Philadelphia Student Voices Civic Fair.
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.)
The ayes have it, and the motion carries. The next order of business is reports from committees. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen for a report from the Committee on Law and Government.
Madam Chair, the Committee on Law and Government reports one Bill and one Resolution with a favorable recommendation.
To the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Law and Government, to which was referred Bill No. 030342 entitled an Ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of an amendment to section 8-200 of the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter providing for the use of cooperative purchasing agreements with other public agencies as the City Council; And Resolution No. 030359 entitled a Resolution proposing an amendment to section 8-200 of the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter providing for the use of cooperative purchasing agreements with other public agencies and providing for the submission of the amendment to the electors of Philadelphia; Respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached Bill and Resolution to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Madam President, I move that the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 030342.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 030342. All in favor will indicate by saying (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and Bill No. 030342 will be placed on today's First Reading Calendar. Resolution No. 030359 will be placed at the end of the Calendar for our next Session of Council.
You're welcome, sir. That concludes reports from committees. Our next order of business is the consideration of the Calendar. The Chief Clerk will please read the Bills on the First Reading Calendar. THE
Bill No. 030342 entitled an Ordinance providing for the submission qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of an amendment to Section 8-200 of the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter providing for the use of cooperative 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE purchasing agreements with other public agencies as approved by Resolution of the City Council.
The Chair agrees. The Bill just read by the Chief Clerk will be placed on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for our next Session. That concludes the First Reading Calendar. At this time the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for the purpose of calling up the Bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar to be considered today.
Thank you, Madam President. Today Bill Nos. 030222-A, 030254-A, 030186-A, 030200-A, 020121, 030336, 030376, 030372, 010500, 030187, 030221, 030248, 030283, 030284, 030285, 030286, 030287, 030288, 030289, 030290, 030291, 030293, 030294, 030295, 030296, 030297, 030298, 030299, 030301, 030302, 030303, 030304, 030331, 030339, 030340, 030386, 030389, 030420, 030244, 030418, 030419, 030423 -
Excuse me, Councilwoman. How about 030417? 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE
030417, I'm sorry if I skipped that. 030418, 030419, 030423, 030216, 030245, 030246, 030292, 030332, 030353, 030370, 030379, and 030300 are being called up for second reading second final passage. Bill No. 020309 has been tabled. And all other Bills are being held.
Councilwoman, I believe that Bill No. 020816 on is being held. Councilman 0'Neill, 020121 is okay on ?
I'm just checking with Councilman O'Neill if that Bill 020121 is to be called up for consideration?
It is? And Councilwoman, I believe in Caucus we were told 020816 will be called up for consideration. However, we're now told that it's to be held.
Right. 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE
Thank you. The first Bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 030222-A. THE
An Ordinance creating the Progress Plaza TIF Increment Financing District and authorizing the Director of Finance and other offices of the City to execute documents and do all things necessary to carry out the intent of this Ordinance.
This Bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the Bill pass finally? The Clerk will please call the roll. THE
Aye. 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE THE
Aye. The ayes are 15, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE the affirmative, the Bill passes. The next Bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 030254-A. THE
An Ordinance amending Title 9 of the Philadelphia Code by amending section 9-208 relating to sidewalk cafes by amending and adding certain provisions for regulating sidewalk cafes.
This Bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the Bill pass finally? The Clerk will please call the roll. THE
Councilman Kenney. 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE
Aye. The ayes are 15, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the Bill passes. 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE Councilwoman Blackwell, you want to introduce someone?
Thank you very much. Thank you, Madam President. Youth Leadership Foundation, we go to their affairs every year. It's a scholarship group. Many of you know Ron White, and they honor many, many people. They are here this morning in the back, Youth Leadership Foundation. Could you stand and be recognized? (Applause.)
Thank you. Te Clerk will please read the title to Bill No. 030186-A . THE
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia zoning maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Clearfield Street, Trenton Avenue, West Moreland Street and Richmond Street.
This Bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the Bill pass finally? The Clerk will please call the roll. 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE THE
Councilwoman 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE Reynolds Brown.
Aye. The ayes are 15, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the Bill passes. The next Bill to be considered is Bill No. 030200-A. THE
An Ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to enter into a sublease agreement to lease from the Philadelphia Municipal Authority portions of a building located at 1601 to 1645 Cherry Street.
This Bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the Bill pass finally? The Clerk will please call the roll. 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE THE
Councilwoman 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE Reynolds Brown.
Aye. The ayes are 15, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the Bill passes. The next Bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 020121. THE
An Ordinance authorizing the paving of Reilly Road and Conwell Avenue, under certain terms and conditions.
This Bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the Bill pass finally? The Clerk will please call the roll. THE
Aye. 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE THE
Councilman Rizzo. 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE
Aye. The ayes are 15, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the Bill passes. Can I see Councilman O'Neill for a moment, please? The next Bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 030336. THE
An Ordinance granting permission to Exclusive Enterprises, owner of the property 210 Lippincott Street to operate and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe.
This Bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the Bill pass finally? The Clerk will please call the roll. THE
Aye. 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE THE
Councilman Rizzo. 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE
Aye. The ayes are 15, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the Bill passes. The next Bill to be called is Bill No. 030376. THE
An Ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion City Plan No. 17-S by striking from the City Plan and vacating Oakford Street from 30th Street to 31st Street.
This Bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the Bill pass finally? The Clerk will please call the roll. THE
Councilman Clarke. 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE
Aye. 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE THE
Aye. The ayes are 15, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the Bill passes. The next Bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 030372. THE
An Ordinance authorizing the Mayor on behalf of the City to file applications with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development for a Community Development Block Grant, 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 Clerk will please call the roll. THE
Councilman Clarke. 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE
Aye. 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE THE
Aye. The ayes are 15, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the Bill passes. The next Bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 010500. THE
An Ordinance authorizing the President of the Fairmount Park Commission and the Executive director of the Fairmount Park on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to enter into a ground lease with the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development.
This Bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the Bill pass finally? The Clerk will please call the roll. THE
Councilman Clarke. 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE
Aye. 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE THE
Aye. The ayes are 15, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the Bill passes. The next Bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 030187. THE
An Ordinance to amend the Philadelphia zoning maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Broad Street, Cecil B. Moore Avenue, 15th Street and Oxford Street.
This Bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the Bill pass finally? The Clerk will please call the roll. THE
Aye. 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE THE
Councilwoman Tasco. 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE
Aye. The ayes are 14, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the Bill passes. The next Bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 030221. THE
An Ordinance to amend the Philadelphia zoning maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Lehigh Avenue, Aramingo Avenue, a railroad right-of-way and the Delaware Expressway.
This Bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the Bill pass finally? The Clerk will please call the roll. THE
Councilman Cohen. 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE
Aye. 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE THE
Aye. The ayes are 14, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the Bill passes. The next Bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 030248. THE
An Ordinance to amend the Philadelphia zoning maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Sixth Street, Randolph Street, Fitzwater Street, and East Passyunk Avenue.
This Bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the Bill pass finally? The Clerk will please call the roll. THE
Aye. 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE THE
Council President 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE Verna.
Aye. The ayes are 15, the nays are 0. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I'd like to be recorded as voting aye for the two Bills that were called while I stepped out of the room.
Thank you. (Councilwoman Blackwell recorded as voting aye for Bill No. 030187 and Bill No. 030221.)
The next Bill to be considered is Bill No. 030383. THE
An Ordinance approving the fifth amendment of the redevelopment proposal for the Franklin Urban Renewal Area.
This Bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the Bill pass finally? The Clerk will please call the roll. THE
Councilwoman 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE Blackwell.
Councilwoman Reynolds Brown. 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE
Aye. The ayes are 15, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the Bill passes. The next Bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 030284. THE
An Ordinance approving the first amendment of the redevelopment proposal for the Kingsessing Urban Renewal Area.
This Bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the Bill pass finally? The Clerk will please call the roll. THE
Councilman Clarke. 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE
Aye. 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE THE
Aye. The ayes are 15, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the Bill passes. Bill No. 030385 is to be called. THE
An Ordinance approving the third amendment of the redevelopment proposal for the Point Breeze East Urban Renewal Area.
This Bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the Bill pass finally? The Clerk will please call the roll. THE
Councilman DiCicco. 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE
Council President Verna. 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE
Aye. The ayes are 15, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the Bill passes. The next Bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 030286. THE
An Ordinance approving the first amendment redevelopment proposal for the 45th and Sansom Urban Renewal Area.
This Bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the Bill pass finally? The Clerk will please call the roll.
The Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen. I'm going to yield to Councilman Ortiz.
Madam Chair, over the last week we've had hearings in this Council attended by an overwhelming number of people from across the City, from West Philadelphia to north, 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE lower northeast. All of them protesting the manner and the way in which eminent domain was being exercised and the taking of houses and properties without really due process and good notice. And in fact, it was admitted by the Administration that notice was really faulty. It was not good. The people were not informed. The people were not knowledgeable as to what was going on and what was happening. And too many times in this City we have seen it over the years. Because this is not the first time that urban renewal is taking place in the City of Philadelphia or other urban cities across the country. And usually what has happened is that many promises are made to the poor people that reside in those neighborhoods. Many promises are made to people. And they tell them, "Don't worry about it. We're going to take your home and you're going to be able to move back to this brand-new home that os going to be beautiful. You're going to have a yard. You're going to have central air conditioning. You're going to have everything in there." And what happens is the history is that that has not been the case. A coalition has been formed, has taken 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE place. It is organizing across the City. The organizing members are here. I don't see how you can vote for the taking of these properties without really fully realizing and giving the people who live in those neighborhoods the real hope that they need, and the real information that they want in order to be able to make a fully informed decision. It was very clear through the hearings that the huge majority of residents in these areas had not been well informed and had not been given the reasons for them to be able to make that informed decision, to take and say, "Yes, I agree to this deal." It is a plan information and a plan information without, obviously, the people that are being impacted support. You cannot, you cannot, government should not be in the business of taking property without due process and notice and government should not be in the business of just removing people without giving them a hell of a good reason for that removal. For these reasons, I'll asking -- and we've asked for a moratorium on these things to take place. And we will vote it down. For these 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE reasons, I will be voting no on the following Bills as they come forward. Thank you, Madam Chair. (Applause.)
Thank you, Madam President. With all due respect to my colleague, Councilman Ortiz, he just voted for three Bills that use exactly the same process in South Philadelphia. It's exactly the same process he voted for Bills in Councilman DiCicco's district and Council President Verna's district. What he is essentially is saying today is that he is voting not to redevelop West Philadelphia and probably not to redevelop areas of North Philadelphia, but he's voting to redevelop areas of South Philadelphia. That's disingenuous, at best.
Madam President, I think there's a misunderstanding about the reason for the no votes. The no votes are going to be in cases where people are going to be evicted from their homes against their will. Wherever people 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE have agreed to sell, even though the City may have used the wrong techniques and not given them the proper information, we are not at this point raising that question. We tried to raise it, but Council voted with only three Members of this Council voting for a moratorium. All the other Councilmembers did not agree that people in their homes had a right to a better procedure. Now, over the summertime, we hope people will be reconsidering their position. And those of us that are going to have vote no on the six Bills that have people living in their homes who have not agreed to sell -- in some cases, it might be one person; in other cases it might be more than one person. We don't think any home should be taken where the people are not willing to go. I see one sign in front of me that expresses correct feeling. It says "Build. Don't kill our community." It's a very telling sign because what happens when government often gets involved, it's the same as big business getting involved, and they forget there are human lives involved. They remember it when the people are rich enough because those rich people have lawyers and 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE lobbyists telling their story constantly and fighting for their rights. But they take advantage of poorer people who don't have lawyers or lobbyists to continually present their case. And therefore, they feel you people who live in a home and you're poor, they feel you're not entitled to those rights. We think you are. And that's the reason for the no votes. This is just the beginning of a battle. Strangely enough, this is time for people in Philadelphia to watch carefully because we have a mayoral campaign right now. The Republican candidate for Mayor says -- he'll have to prove his position -- says he's opposed to the present procedures which take rights away. We've been trying to get our Democratic Mayor to take the same position and prove that he stands for the people. So far, he has said nothing specifically, but his underlings, the people who work in his Administration, have closed their ears to the pleas of the people in the area. We hope that this summer the whole issue will be clarified. And when Council comes back, we hope to re-raise this issue. But today I will 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE joining Councilman Ortiz and I believe a third Councilmember and hopefully others, but at least I believe three of us will be voting no on those Bills where there are people or at least one person living in a home who is not prepared to leave their home. And that's so you'll understand why the votes are yes and no. If there are empty lots or if everybody's agreed to sell and there are no human beings involved, we will be voting yes. So we applaud you for your fight. You're raising a very important issue, because I happen to think that it's not the rich and the wealthy who are the most important part of the City of Philadelphia; I think you are because you are the overwhelming number of people in Philadelphia and it's you the government ought to be thinking about most. Thank you, Madam President. (Applause.)
You're welcome. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Madam President. I'd like to point out for the record again that all the Bills are pretty much identical. 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE The Bills read the same. I don't think that any Members that are voting against these Bills have actually looked at every property in all of these districts. The question I would ask again of those people voting no is, why is urban renewal good for South Philadelphia but not good for other sections of the City?
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, we sat through -- I know I personally sat through pretty much of all of the extensive hearings that we had on this issue. And I agree I think actually I think that actually the Administration Mr. Kevin Hanna who is the Secretary of the Office of Housing acknowledged that there were some mistakes made in this particular process, and he committed to body to correct those mistakes to ensure that we never go through what we went through during that period of time. Some of us asked for some modifications in the process in the interim. There was a commitment to me in my particular district, and I believe that will also extend to other Council districts issues in front of 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE them, by the Redevelopment Authority. It was put in writing by Mr. Wetzel to look at the process, to implement a program that would, first of all, prior to any action or Board approval of issue taking for any property that that District Councilperson has to authorize the taking of a particular property. Also, he indicated in writing that he would be willing to and will submit on a monthly basis the status of every property that has an occupied individual, be it a knock on the door, be it a letter received by the Redevelopment Authority, whatever it may be as it relates to that individual. Third, we have indicated, particularly in the case of the Cecil B. Moore because that was one of the projects that was of particular concern, that a planning process will start discussions with individuals on a one-on-one basis because I don't think that the format we had was conducive to having that type of interaction between the individual and the City in a reasonable way that there will be an opportunity on a one-on-one basis to talk to that individual to find out what that individual needs are both in terms of any compensation or any particular relocation strategies or if that person 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE is not interested at all in relocating. We have committed to provide that person with legal assistance in the event that they want to go to court. Additionally, we have asked and I've gotten a commitment that in the planning process that they will embark on a process that will hopefully reconfigure the particular plan that will minimize the level of individuals that will ultimately have to be relocated. And I believe that can possibly can be achieved. Additionally, there were a number of individuals who were erroneously placed on that list. Still haven't found out why that was done. Those individuals have received a letter. They have been taken off the list. We will continue this process as we move along the line. If an individual has received a notice improperly, erroneously, as a result of some technical glitches, that person will receive confirmation that their property will not be taken. If at the end of day an individual has to have their property taken in order to redevelopment a particular block, that person will 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE be compensated and compensated fully, not simply in dollars and cents. That person will be compensated with all due resources from the City. We understand that there are a number of senior citizens in some of these locations who are concerned. I have and I will plan to continue to visit those individuals as their elected representative to ensure personally that those people are taken care of. Because at end of day, they have been supportive of myself and supportive of my predecessor. And believe me, I know where my bread is buttered. So trust me. And I know I said earlier on "trust me" and politicians sometimes doesn't go together. But in this particular case, I take this particular issue very seriously. These are people who have toughed it out through the raw times and they should benefit from the redevelopment of North Philadelphia, and I'm going to make sure that that happens.
I very much appreciate Councilman Clarke's comments, and I think 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE he's sincere and serious. But I think the questions go beyond individual homes. One reason we're voting yes on certain Bills despite our concerns is this: I believe that the charges of possible gentrification may well have merit in these situations. I don't know. The case is not clear yet. But I think it's wrong to move one group of people away from the community because it's felt that richer people living there would pay more taxes and it would be better for the City. I don't know whether that's true or not, but during the summertime we intend to get into that area too. But for the present time, we want to guarantee that whoever wants to live in a house ought to have the right to live there until the whole process gets cleared. And Councilman Goode, the question isn't if you check with Council President Verna and check with Councilman DiCicco, you will find that they were both intensively questioned by me as to whether there were any people living in their areas in homes that they refuse to be evicted from. Because if so, I would be voting against Bills in their districts. It turns out that in their districts they have 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE accommodated every situation in which there was a person living in a home. That's the reason we're not voting no there. The no's are only where there are currently at this point in time people in a home or more than one group of people living in homes who don't want to move, who are being compelled to move out even though there is no guarantee that they're going to get back. Although they're being disrupted where they lived for 40 years where people's family lives are just being destroyed in the so-called process of achieving a better Philadelphia. I happen to believe you don't achieve a better Philadelphia by breaking up homes. You achieve it by building homes. Thank you, Madam President.
You're welcome. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ortiz.
Madam Chair, I think everything has been said and explained. Again, I think it is a flawed process. It's a process has not been thought out, and people are getting hurt. And I think because of that, if there is one family, two families in different areas of the City, it should not be happening and government should not be 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE the perpetrator of these activities. And for those reasons, this thing should be stopped and a moratorium imposed. If that is not the case, I will vote no on these Bills in these areas because people and families are involved. Thank you.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, I just wanted to respond to one statement that my colleague Councilman Cohen made with respect to gentrification. In our particular district, I'm happy to say that during the past several years we have been successful in rehabilitating or building probably close to more than a thousand homes. In every instance, those homes, be they rental or be they homeownership, have been occupied by low/moderate income individuals. Currently, to date, we have built a substantial number of homeownership properties. Not a single home, although some of these homes actually have three bedrooms, two baths, garages, have sold for more than 55,000. So we are clearly targeting the individuals who currently live in that community and 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE who will hopefully live in that community. So with respect to gentrification, that is not the objective nor will it be the objective in our particular area. Thank you.
Thank you. Are there any other statements from members of the Council? (No response.)
Seeing none. This Bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the Bill pass finally? I would ask the Clerk to please call the roll. THE
Councilman Goode. 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE
Aye. The ayes are 12, the nays are 3. A 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the Bill passes. The next Bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 030287. THE
An Ordinance approving the eighth amendment of the redevelopment proposal for the West Mill Creek Urban Renewal Area.
This Bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the Bill pass finally? The Clerk will please call the roll. THE
No. 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE THE
Aye. The ayes are 12, the nays are 3. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the Bill passes. The next Bill to be called for 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE consideration is Bill NO. 030288. THE
An Ordinance approving the redevelopment proposal of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment of the 44th and Aspen Urban Renewal Area.
This Bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the Bill pass finally? The Clerk will please call the roll. THE
Councilman Mariano. 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE
Aye. The ayes are 12, the nays are 3. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the Bill passes. The next Bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 030289. 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE THE
An Ordinance approving the redevelopment proposal of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment of the Fairhill and St. Hugh Urban Renewal Area.
This Bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the Bill pass finally? The Clerk will please call the roll. THE
Aye. 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE THE
Aye. The ayes are 15, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the Bill passes. The next Bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 030290. THE
An Ordinance approving 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE the redevelopment proposal of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment of the Frankford Creek Urban Renewal Area.
This Bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the Bill pass finally? The Clerk will please call the roll. THE
Councilwoman Miller. 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE
Aye. The ayes are 15, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the Bill passes. The next Bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 030291. THE
An Ordinance approving the second amendment of the redevelopment proposal 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE for the American Street Industrial Corridor Urban Renewal Area.
This Bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the Bill pass finally? The Clerk will please call the roll. THE
Councilman Nutter. 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE
Aye. The ayes are 15, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the Bill passes. The next Bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 030293. THE
An Ordinance approving the redevelopment proposal of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment of the Tioga Urban Renewal Area. 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE
This Bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the Bill pass finally? The Clerk will please call the roll. THE
Councilman O'Neill. 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE
Aye. The ayes are 15, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the Bill passes. The next Bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 030294. THE
An Ordinance approving the first amendment of the redevelopment proposal for the West Parkside Urban Renewal Area.
This Bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the Bill pass finally? 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE The Clerk will please call the roll. THE
Aye. 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE THE
Aye. The ayes are 15, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the Bill passes. The Clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 030295. THE
An Ordinance approving the first amendment of the redevelopment proposal for the Jefferson Square Urban Renewal Area.
This Bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the Bill pass finally? The Clerk will please call the roll. THE
Councilwoman Blackwell. 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE
Aye. 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE THE
Aye. The ayes are 15, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the Bill passes. The next Bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 030296. THE
An Ordinance approving the tenth amendment of the redevelopment proposal al for the Whitman Urban Renewal Area.
This Bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the Bill pass finally? The Clerk will please call the roll. THE
Aye. 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE THE
Councilwoman Tasco. 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE
Aye. The ayes are 15, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the Bill passes. The Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano.
Thank you, Madam President. I would like your permission to leave Council at this time and leave voting yes for the rest of the Bills on second reading.
Thank you. Leave will be granted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you, Madam President. I too need to request a leave and would like to be recorded as voting aye on all Bills and Resolutions.
Leave will be granted. Will you be in the building Councilwoman? 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE
An Ordinance approving the tenth amendment of the redevelopment proposal for the Mantua Urban Renewal Area.
This Bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the Bill pass finally? The Clerk will please call the roll. THE
Councilman Kenney. 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE
Councilman Mariano and Councilwoman Miller voting aye. Councilman Nutter.
Aye. The ayes are 12, the nays are 3. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the Bill passes. The next Bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 030298. 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE THE
An Ordinance approving the fourth amendment of the redevelopment proposal for the New Kensington and Fishtown Urban Renewal Area.
This Bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the Bill pass finally? The Clerk will please call the roll. THE
Councilman Mariano and Councilwoman Miller voting aye. Councilman Nutter. 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE
Aye. The ayes are 15, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the Bill passes. The next Bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 030299. THE
An Ordinance approving the 14th amendment of the redevelopment proposal for the South Central Urban Renewal Area.
This Bill 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the Bill pass finally? The Clerk will please call the roll. THE
Councilman Mariano and Councilwoman Miller voting aye. Councilman Nutter.
Councilwoman 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE Reynolds Brown.
Aye. The ayes are 15, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the Bill passes. The next Bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 030301. THE
An Ordinance approving the 11th amendment of the redevelopment proposal for the Cecil B. Moore Urban Renewal Area.
This Bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the Bill pass finally? The Clerk will please call the roll. THE
Aye. 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE THE
Councilman Mariano and Councilwoman Miller voting aye. Councilman Nutter.
Councilwoman Tasco. 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE
Aye. The ayes are 12, the nays are 3. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the Bill passes.
The Clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 030302. THE
An Ordinance approving the first amendment of the redevelopment proposal for the Brewerytown Urban Renewal Area.
This Bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the Bill pass finally? The Clerk will please call the roll. THE
Councilman DiCicco. 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE
Councilman Mariano and Councilwoman Miller voting aye. Councilman Nutter.
Aye. The ayes are 15, the nays are 0. A 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the Bill passes. The next Bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 030303. THE
An Ordinance approving the 31st amendment of the redevelopment proposal for the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area.
This Bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the Bill pass finally? The Clerk will please call the roll. THE
No. 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE THE
Councilman Mariano and Councilwoman Miller voting aye. Councilman Nutter.
Aye. The ayes are 12, the nays are 3. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the Bill passes. The next Bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 030304. THE
An Ordinance approving 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE the seventh amendment of the redevelopment proposal for the Southwest Temple Urban Renewal Area.
This Bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the Bill pass finally? The Clerk will please call the roll. THE
Councilman Mariano and Councilwoman Miller voting aye. Councilman Nutter.
Councilman O'Neill. 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE
Aye. The ayes are 15, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the Bill passes. The next Bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 030331. THE
An Ordinance declaring that it is desirable for the health, safety, and welfare of citizens of City of Philadelphia that the Hospitals and Higher Education Facilities Authority of Philadelphia undertake a project involving the current refunding of the Authority's revenue 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE refunding bonds.
This Bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the Bill pass finally? The Clerk will please call the roll. THE
Councilman Mariano and Councilwoman Miller voting aye. Councilman Nutter.
Aye. 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE THE
Aye. The ayes are 14, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the Bill passes.
Thank you, Madam President. I have to step into the hallway for a moment. I would like to be recorded voting aye on anything that comes up while I'm out there. Thanks.
Thank you. The next Bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 030339. 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE THE
An Ordinance amending Title 20 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Officers and Employees," by enacting the W. Thacher Longstreth Memorial Survivors and Dependents Medical Care Ordinance.
This Bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the Bill pass finally? The Clerk will please call the roll. THE
Councilman Kenney voting aye. Councilman Mariano Councilwoman Miller voting aye. 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE THE
Aye. The ayes are 14, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the Bill passes. I see Councilman Clarke running in the room, and I would recognize him. I'm sure he wants to cast his votes on Bill Nos. 030331 and 030339.
Yes, Madam President. Thank you. I'd like to vote aye on both 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE of those Bills.
The record will so reflect that. Thank you. (Councilman Clarke recorded as voting aye on Bill No. 030331 and Bill No. 030339.) The next Bill to be called for consideration is 030340. THE
An Ordinance amending Title 20 of the Philadelphia Code by providing for certain health and welfare benefits for pensioned employees, 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 Clerk will please call the roll. THE
Aye. 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE THE
Councilman Kenney voting aye. Councilman Mariano and Councilwoman Miller voting aye. THE
Aye. The ayes are 15, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE the affirmative, the Bill passes. The next Bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 030386. THE
An Ordinance amending Title 14 of the Philadelphia Code, relating to zoning and planning by extending the boundaries of the area subject to special controls.
This Bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the Bill pass finally? The Clerk will please call the roll. THE
Councilman Kenney voting aye. 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE Councilman Mariano and Councilwoman Miller voting aye. Councilman Nutter.
Aye. The ayes are 15, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the Bill passes. The next Bill to be called is Bill No. 030389. THE
An Ordinance amending 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE Title 14 of the Philadelphia Code relating to zoning and planning by extending the said controls to conform with the City Council Ordinance.
This Bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the Bill pass finally? The Clerk will please call the roll. THE
Councilman Kenney voting aye. Councilman Mariano and Councilwoman Miller voting aye. THE
Aye. 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE THE
Aye. The ayes are 15, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the Bill passes. The Clerk will please read the title 030420. THE
An Ordinance declaring it is desirable for the health, safety and welfare for the people in the area served by the Philadelphia Health and Education Corporation to undertake the project for the Drexel University 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE College of Medicine.
This Bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the Bill pass finally? The Clerk will please call the roll. THE
Councilman Kenney voting aye. Councilman Mariano and Councilwoman Miller voting aye. Councilman Nutter.
Aye. 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE THE
Aye. The ayes are 15, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the Bill passes. The Clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 030244. THE
An ordinance approving the Fiscal Year 2003 Capital Budget providing for expenditures for the capital purposes of the Philadelphia Gas Works.
This Bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the Bill pass finally? 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE The Clerk will please call the roll. I'm sorry. The Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen.
Thank you, Madam President. I'm going to vote no on this Bill because I think it's time for Council to be a legislative body and no longer to continue to be intimidated by the Mayor or to have the Mayor outlast us. This is the Capital Budget for the Gas Works. Gas Works which twice repudiated City Council as an authority refused to obey the law in Philadelphia on the senior citizen discount and the Mayor, as usual, outlasted City Council because the Mayor is clearly apparently turned his back on the people of Philadelphia when he changed the senior citizen discount. And City Council -- the papers were very kind to City Council. They said we accepted a compromise. Councilman O'Neill lauded the City because he said the senior citizens were getting something when they were fearful they were getting nothing. But they're getting less than what they had before, and senior citizens ought to be getting 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE at least what they had before and probably more because the old law was 30 years old. And by this time, we should have developed enough resources to recognize senior citizens better than we do, not worse. Which is what we're doing. This Capital Budget ought not to be passed by this body. Why doesn't the Gas Works go to whoever they took their orders from. They didn't take it to this City Council. They gave us the back of their hand. They insulted us. They came here and asked us for help after on two separate occasions they said no to us. I hope that if this Bill passes today it will be the last time this City Council acts as if it has no backbone, no guts, no understanding what a legislative body's duties are. Apparently, my colleagues have a feeling that it's our job to go along. I don't think it's our job to go along because the people of Philadelphia waited through 10 candidates to elect Councilmembers-at-Large. They waded through many other candidates to choose the District Councilmembers, and the voters expect this legislative body to act like a legislative body and not to be subject to control by anybody else. 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE In Philadelphia we have a separate court system which is independent, and that's the way it ought to be. We have a Mayor who is independent; that's the way it ought to be. And we have a legislative body which ought to be independent, but which fails, always goes down on its knees finally before the Mayor. And that would be true whoever the Mayor is. In the forthcoming years, it's important that the people of Philadelphia know they have an independent legislative body because it's the City Council that assures the people of Philadelphia of their right as people to participate in government. It's us who make possible the discussions that took place earlier today on the rights of people. And the reason is that an executive -- the Mayor, any Mayor, has the right to go into his office, close the door and write out an executive order with no notice to anybody in advance and make that law effective as an executive order. But in City Council, we cannot do that. The way we work is each Councilmember, if he wants to have a law introduced and made law finally, has to introduce that law. It has to be advertised in the press. We have to hold a public hearing at 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE which every citizens of Philadelphia and even non-citizens have the right to come and testify. That's why we call the Council the people's body. It's the one body they can go to, the one body that cannot act against the will of the people without the people knowing about it. Therefore, it's important that we have an independent body. That's why I'm voting no. Let the Gas Works go to whoever they recognize as the boss. If they go to the Mayor and want the Mayor to help them, let him give them the money. They ought not to be coming to City Council. Thank you, Madam President.
Thank you. Again, I repeat, this Bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the Bill pass finally? The Clerk will please call the roll. THE
Councilman Cohen. 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE
Councilman Mariano and Councilwoman Miller voting aye. Councilman Nutter.
Council President Verna. 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE
Aye. The ayes are 13, the nays are 2. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the Bill passes. The Clerk will please read the title of Bill NO. 030417. THE
An Ordinance amending Section 12-2809 of the Philadelphia Code relating to civil penalties and cost for violations of certain provisions of Title 12, the Traffic Code.
This Bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the Bill pass finally? The Clerk will please call the roll. THE
Councilman Goode. 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE
Councilman Mariano and Councilwoman Miller voting aye. Councilman Nutter.
Aye. The ayes are 15, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the Bill passes. 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE The Clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 030418. THE
An Ordinance amending Section 19-203 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Payroll Deductions," by authorizing City employee payroll deductions for payments to the administrator of any City-approved program.
This Bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the Bill pass finally? The Clerk will please call the roll. THE
Aye. 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE THE
Councilman Mariano and Councilwoman Miller voting aye. Councilman Nutter.
Aye. The ayes are 15, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the Bill passes. The next Bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 030419. THE
An Ordinance amending 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE Title 11 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Streets," and Chapter 11-300 entitled "Board of Surveyors."
This Bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the Bill pass finally? The Clerk will please call the roll. THE
Councilman Mariano and Councilwoman Miller voting aye. Councilman Nutter.
Aye. 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE THE
Aye. The ayes are 15, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the Bill passes. The next Bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 030423. THE
An Ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriation for Fiscal Year 2003 within the General Fund.
This Bill having been read on two different days, the question 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE now is shall the Bill pass finally? The Clerk will please call the roll. THE
Councilman Mariano and Councilwoman Miller voting aye. Councilman Nutter.
Councilwoman 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE Reynolds Brown.
Aye. The ayes are 15, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the Bill passes. The next Bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 030216. THE
An Ordinance authorizing real estate transactions necessary to permit the City of Philadelphia to acquire a property needed for use by the Philadelphia International Airport.
This Bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the Bill pass finally? The Clerk will please call the roll. THE
Councilwoman 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE Blackwell.
Councilman Mariano and Councilwoman Miller voting aye. Councilman Nutter.
Councilman Rizzo. 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE
Aye. The ayes are 15, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the Bill passes. The next Bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 030245. THE
An Ordinance amending Title 10 of the Philadelphia Code relating to regulation of individual conduct and activity, 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 Clerk will please call the roll. THE
Aye. 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE THE
Councilman Cohen, how are you voting? You want to speak on this Bill?
I'm going to vote on the skateboarding Bill. A time when we're talking about skateboarding and its important role and the rights of people to Love Park, both sides is a complicated question. And I know Councilman Nutter wants to do what he thinks is right, but I think this is the wrong time to increase the penalties against skateboarders. They've done a lot for the City of Philadelphia. They also create a problem. Love Park is a park that ought to be enjoyed by all citizen. I thought maybe that could not be done. But Ed Bacon, the renown guy, he's a little older than me so he's obviously got more wisdom than I have. But he's the only public official I know who's older than I am. He's made the announcement, he's a famous architect, he sees no reasons why it's not possible for Love Park to be enjoyed by the residents in the area and with a portion of it devoted to the skateboarders. Philadelphia received national prominence. We say we want to be a world-class 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE City. Well for short time a year or two ago, we were the center of the world's attention when the skateboarders chose Philadelphia as a place to have a convention. They did much for the City. And to many people in Philadelphia, skateboarders suddenly became people. Nobody understood who they were, these kind of wild young people who jump up and down steps on roller skates, sort of. So I think this is the wrong time, and I would like to request Councilman Nutter to reconsider this Bill at this time. I think it introduces a discordant note in the efforts of the City to solve the problem of how do we make a park accessible to all the people who want to use it. Love Park has a very special attraction for skateboarders. There's no other place like it for skateboarding purposes. And at the same time, I think it can be used for them, it could be used for others. But at this point, until the matter gets settled, I do not think that this matter ought to be further complicated by increasing the concerns of the skateboarders that they're being treated as enemies of the City rather than as good citizens. So I would like to ask Councilman Nutter 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE if he would consider withholding the Bill so that I don't have to vote no on this. If he insists on it going ahead, I will have to vote no. I think it's a difficult problem, but we ought to work together on this problem and get it squared away. Councilman Nutter, the question is in your ballpark now.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, first, I deeply appreciate Councilman Cohen's comments. I actually have over time -- some of my colleagues will be surprised to know because I know at times I appear to be tremendously inflexible. But on this particular issue, I have actually not only learned a great deal but adjusted some of my thoughts with regard to the skateboarding issue. As I've said on a number of occasions, I am not anti-skateboarding. I am anti property destruction. And this particular matter actually has virtually nothing to do with Love Park at all. It does increase the fines, one, because as the Police Department testified and other City 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE officials, the $25 fine was having no effect whatsoever. But what this Bill is actually about is the destruction of private property that is accessible by the public. This Bill is not about Love Park. It is about the Bell Atlantic Tower at 1717 Arch Street which has an open plaza to the public that has sustained $88,000 in damage from skateboarding. This Bill is about 1700 Market Street and 1601 Market Street with $10,000 worth of damage. It's about the United Plaza at 17th and Market with $25,000 worth of damage. It's about 1600 Market Street with $5500 worth of damage. It's about 11 Penn Center with $130,000 of property damage to their railings, their handrails, and light fixtures on their private property which is accessible to the public. It's about One and Two Commerce Square at 2000 Market Street with $60,000 worth of damage to their private property that is accessible to the public. This is not about someone's rights to skateboard. It's about the property rights of these private property owners to manage their properties and not to be affected by this kind of activity. It's about the damage and destruction to the Vietnam War Memorial in our City 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE that the veterans came in and testified has been damaged because of this activity. I think that skateboarding and all that kind of activity is great for this City. And I do believe that the City has not done all that it can and all that it should. I know that efforts are ongoing. I know that our colleague Councilman Clarke has been working with the community and with some of his constituents on a large facility. I know that many of us certainly in our districts can offer more to the skateboarding community through our various recreation centers. And I am in conversation about expanding some of those facilities in the district that I represent. But our private property owners who build wonderful buildings and make them accessible to the public should not have to face this kind of damage and destruction. It is difficult enough to keep the businesses that we have in Philadelphia with our high tax burden, and certainly I don't want to get into a tax discussion, but what do we tell these that people about their inability to protect their property and that somehow some way any individual has a right to destroy someone else's 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE property. That's what this is about. " So that's the only thing this Bill is about. The City of Philadelphia has helped to build incredible facilities. And whether it's a sports teams or the Convention Center or pick a building that we've put our money in, we've not done right by the skateboarding community here in the City in terms of expeditiously getting a facility built that is to the standards that the skateboarders would like. We've done this time and time again. When young people or not so young people wanted to play tennis, when that was the hot issue in the City, we built tennis courts. When thy wanted to play roller hockey, we built roller hockey courts. When they wanted to play whatever they wanted to play or do or engage in, we have built appropriate facilities for that activity.
We have not done that with regard to the skateboarding community and that is a downfall on the City side. 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE But our private property owners did not build these plazas for that activity and they should then not be subject to this kind of damage with no response from the City of Philadelphia. So I agree with my colleague about the interest of the skateboarders, about the sport itself, and about what it means to young people in Philadelphia and how it can attract more young people to Philadelphia. God knows we need some more young people to come and stay in Philadelphia, not just get a good education and leave. But allowing people to destroy other's property, as I said at the public hearing, I think is a lesson that all of learned when we were very, very young. You don't touch other people's stuff. You don't damage other people's stuff. And that's the lesson that we're trying to deal with here today. So I would encourage my colleagues to support the Bill and then let us all rededicate ourselves to really working on this particular problem and having a legitimate high class, if not world-class, facility for skateboarding activity and other out door or what they refer to as extreme sports in the appropriate place. 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE Thank you, Madam President.
You're welcome. The Chair, again, recognizes Councilman Cohen.
Thank you, Madam President. I'm sorry to hear that my colleague believes that it's the skateboarders that are causing the damage. I don't believe it for a moment. I think it's just a tale made to try to control skateboarders. Ed Bacon said there is no damage caused by skateboarders. And to define skateboarding as a problem that's going to be solved as far as the building owners are concerned by increasing fines heavily is to take the wrong road. It's only going to inflame the situation, make it much worse. But I don't think owners of property have the right to go around regulating conduct by people in Philadelphia. Let them run their businesses. Let them do the do the right thing. Let them take whatever steps are necessary to safeguard their property if they think the skateboarders are hurting ir. But the evidence is not at all clear that there's any damage done by skateboarders. But even if there were, this would 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE be the wrong way to solve the problem. You never solve this kind of social problem by increasing the penalties, by making a crime more severe. The way to do it is to begin approaching the problem the way the City ought to have approached it by making facilities available, but also to see to it that the owners who come to Philadelphia don't think they begin to own the people. It's enough that they own the stores and the businesses and take the profits home with them at home at night, generally outside the City where they can count their dollars quietly away from the view of the citizens of Philadelphia. Let's not give them the right to control the way our young people behave in Philadelphia. So I, again, will announce that if the Bill remains on the record, I will vote against it. I hope some of my colleagues will, maybe enough will so we'll defeat the Bill because it's a Bill that goes in the wrong direction even if it were well intentioned, as I believe Councilman Nutter intended to be. I think he has a good purpose in mind, but it's just the wrong way to go.
Thank you, Councilman. 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no idea why my colleague would consider to ask one of our colleagues, the sponsor of this Bill to reconsider his, but on the previous Bills he didn't give me the same courtesy. However, be that as it may, we won't be supporting this legislation. We believe that this is a quality-of-life issue and that it not only affects skateboarders, but the legislation also affects those on roller blades and even people riding bicycles. A parent could have a young kid on a bicycle learning how to ride and if that person is riding on public or private property, to have maybe a 8-year-old's bike confiscated, I think is wrong. I think it's a quality-of-life issue. I think that we work it out. Certainly, we support our businesses. We don't want them to incur damage to their property, but I don't think this is the way to go. I don't think that we should have a right, the City, should ask law enforcement agencies to confiscate bicycles. And for those reasons I will not be supporting this legislation. 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE Thank you, Madam President.
Thank you, Madam President. When does the recess start? (Laughter.)
This Bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the Bill pass finally? The Clerk will please call the roll. THE
Councilman Kenney. 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE
Councilman Mariano and Councilwoman Miller voting aye. Councilman Nutter.
Aye. The ayes are 12, the nays are 3. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the Bill passes. The Clerk will please read the Title of Bill No. 030246. 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE THE
An Ordinance naming and designating the Southwark Branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia as the Charles Santore Branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia.
This Bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the Bill pass finally? The Clerk will please call the roll. THE
Councilman Mariano and Councilwoman Miller voting aye. Councilman Nutter. 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE
Aye. The ayes are 15, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the Bill passes. (Applause.)
I must say the gentleman just applauded, you've been very faithful. You've been here for the public hearings. You've been here I think ever since the Bill was introduced. I applaud you for your friendship and 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE loyalty to your friend Mr. Santore. The Clerk will please read the Title of Bill No. 030292. THE
An Ordinance naming and designating the gymnasium, the Lonnie Young Recreation Center as the David P. Richardson, Jr., Memorial Gymnasium.
This Bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the Bill pass finally? The Clerk will please call the roll. THE
Aye. 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE THE
Councilman Mariano and Councilwoman Miller voting aye. Councilman Nutter.
Aye. The ayes are 15, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the Bill passes. The next Bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 030332. THE
An Ordinance 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development a deed located at the southeast corner of 31st and Oakford Streets.
This Bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the Bill pass finally? The Clerk will please call the roll. THE
Councilman Mariano and Councilwoman Miller voting aye. Councilman Nutter. 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE
Aye. The ayes are 15, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the Bill passes. The Clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 030353. THE
An Ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to enter to a sublease agreement to lease the Philadelphia 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE Municipality Authority portions of the building located at 1500 John F. Kennedy Boulevard.
This Bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the Bill pass finally? The Clerk will please call the roll. THE
Councilman O'Neill. 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE
Aye. The ayes are 15, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the Bill passes. The next Bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 030370. THE
An Ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to acquire from the Urban Education Development Research and Retreat Center.
This Bill 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the Bill pass finally? The Clerk will please call the roll. THE
Councilman Mariano and Councilwoman Miller voting aye. Councilman Nutter.
Aye. 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE THE
Aye. The ayes are 15, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the Bill passes. The Clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 030379. THE
An Ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property on behalf City of Philadelphia to acquire from the Consolidated Rail Corporation all of its rights, title and interest, all under certain terms and conditions.
This Bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the Bill pass finally? 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE The Clerk will please call the roll. THE
Councilman Mariano and Councilwoman Miller voting aye. Councilman Nutter.
Councilwoman Reynolds Brown. 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE
Aye. The ayes are 15, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the Bill passes. The final Bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 030300. THE
An Ordinance amending an Ordinance, Bill No. 877, approved September 16, 1994, by amending an exhibit thereto in order to increase the limit of the amount of funding any entity may receive in any Fiscal Year.
This Bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the Bill pass finally? The Clerk will please call the roll. THE
Councilwoman Blackwell. 06/12/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE
Councilman Mariano and Councilwoman Miller voting aye. Councilman Nutter.
Aye. The ayes are 14, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the Bill passes. That concludes the Calendar. Are there any speeches on the part of the Minority? (No response.)
Are there any speeches on the part Majority? The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. I wanted to salute my colleagues for the work done NTI over the past several weeks. And in particular, I wanted to commend both Councilman Nutter and Councilman Clarke for working it out around the Health and Safety Grant Fund. Many of us in this community, Shelly Yanoff and others are thrilled that this now becomes real in the City of Philadelphia for our kids. We've worked hard, and and staff to join us to play a little bit at McCormick and Smith's at the end of the day. Thank you very much.
You're welcome. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, I was out of the room for a second. I believe I missed a vote.
I would like to be reported as voting aye on that Bill. (Councilman Clarke recorded as voting aye on Bill No. 030300.)
That was on the last Bill on the Calendar. Thank you. Are there any speeches on the part of the Majority. (No response.)
Seeing none, again, I know that we've had a rough couple of weeks, and I truly want to thank my colleagues for being very cooperative. I think we accomplished a quite a bit. And I want to thank you all personally. Tasco.
Thank you, Madam President. I wish my colleagues a happy summer and safe summer, and move that Council stand adjourned Thursday September 11, 2003 at 10:00 a.m. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, September 11, 2003. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the motion carries. Thank you all very much. (Council adjourned at 12:45 p.m.) C E R T I F I C A T I O N I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing proceedings of the Council of the City of Philadelphia of June 12, 2003, were reported fully and accurately by me, and that this is a correct transcript of the same. RE: STATED MEETING ___________________________ Lisa C. Bradley, RPR and Notary Public