COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, May 8, 2008 10:15 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILMAN FRANK DiCICCO COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN BILL GREEN COUNCILMAN WILLIAM GREENLEE COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILMAN JACK KELLY COUNCILMAN JAMES F. KENNEY COUNCILWOMAN JOAN L. KRAJEWSKI COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILWOMAN MARIA QUINONES-SANCHEZ COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN 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 215.561.2220 215.567.2670
I note that the hour has come and that a quorum of this Council is present. Council will please come to order. Members will take their seats, and visitors will retire to the seats outside the rails. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you, Madam President. At this time, I would like my colleagues to stand for a solemn moment of silence for Police Officer Stephen Liczbinski, who gave his last ounce of devotion for the citizens of this city.
Thank you. We will all stand in a moment of private silence. (All members and guests standing in silence.)
May he rest in peace. Amen. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair welcomes Reverend Ronald Hill. He is the Director of Ministries of the Triumph Baptist Church. He is here today as the guest of Councilwoman Tasco. I would ask all members and guests to please rise. (Members and guests all rise.)
He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater. He sendeth more strength when labors increase. To added afflictions, he added his mercy. To multiply trials, he multiplies peace. When we have exhausted our store of endurance, when our strength has failed o'er the day half done, when we reach the end of our hoarded resources, our Father's forgiving has only begun. His love has no limits, his grace has no measure, his power has no boundaries known unto men, for out of his infinite riches he giveth and giveth again. most loving, heavenly Father, we come to you acknowledging you as our eternal God. Large petitions with us bring, for your grace and power are such we can never ask too much. Oh, Lord our God, we ask now that you would bow down your ear to hear your people pray, and may that love that knows no bound upon us be today. We thank you for the gift of life. Thank you for the constance in our life, that day follows night, that the seasons march in predictable succession, that the gates of thy mercy are ever open to us and all of our needs. Our mains and needs are known to you. We ask your choice blessings upon the Mayor of our city, upon Council President, upon City Council members. Grant them wisdom. Grant them courage for the facing of these hours. Guide and direct them in their most meaningful service. Grant them courage as they take our city and all of its residents. Teach us how to add community to proximity. We pray again for our Councilmembers that you would grant them, oh, Lord, that during the deliberation of their discussion, that ultimately it would bring about unification, unselfishness and usefulness in their decisions. May their determination make our city great. Help Council to set goals that are reachable, resourceful and rewarding to our city. Grant them clear focus that business matters will not be sidetracked, but will have clarity in procedure and presentation. May problems be seen as stepping stones. Cause them to be resolved and settled. For we ask these things who has taught us to ask and it shall be given, seek and you shall find, knock and it shall be open unto you. In the name of our Lord. Amen. (Amen.)
The Chair thanks Reverend Hill 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, May 1, 2008, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, May 1st stand approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, May 1, 2008 stand approved. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the Journal is approved. The next order of business is requests for leave of absence, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Madam President. On behalf of the majority, there are no requests for leave of absence today.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Madam President, on behalf of the republicans, there are no requests for leave of absence.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. with the regular order of business to recognize the guests and visitors joining us in Chambers this morning. On behalf of all members of City Council, I welcome you to our Council session. We appreciate your taking the time to join us as we attend to the legislative affairs of our city. We certainly invite you to come again. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Green.
Thank you, Madam President. It is my honor to introduce a special guest present this morning, Mr. Zuhair Muhsin Muhammad Abdul Aziz, the Mayor of Mosul, Iraq. Mosul is a city located in northern Iraq that is home to over two million people, making it the third largest in the country. Before taking office, Mayor Abdul Aziz served in positions as Security Advisor and Economic Advisor to the City of Mosul. Additionally, he working as a civilian auditor. Mayor Abdul Aziz holds a degree in Military Science from the University of Baghdad, and he is currently pursuing courses in Municipal Administration from the University of Mosul. Mayor Abdul Aziz is in the United States as a guest of the Department of State's International Visitor Leadership Program, the highest exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government. The Mayor has attended the U.S. Arab Cities Forum in Chicago and has visited Minneapolis. After his stop in Philadelphia, he will travel on to New York City. While he is our guest, Mayor Abdul Aziz will be meeting with the City's Director of Finance, Rob Dubow, to discuss budgeting. Additionally, he will meet with City officials to discuss topics ranging from wastewater treatment to the provision of cultural activities The Mayor will observe today's City Council session as an element of the program titled "Democracy in Action." With that, I, on behalf of all of us in City Council, would like to extend a very warm welcome to Mayor Abdul Aziz, who is sitting right back -standing right back there. (Applause.)
We hope you find your stay in our great city both enjoyable and informative. Thank you very much for coming to Philadelphia.
I now recognize Councilwoman Tasco -- oh, I'm sorry. I'm sorry, Marian. I didn't realize we have Councilwoman Brown who would like to be recognized.
Thank you, Madam President. I want to thank you for allowing me to please introduce Mr. Raymond W. Holman, Philadelphia's own photographer, who is responsible for this that will take place today at the African-American Museum. He has captured well over 50 caregivers from the region and put them on canvas with a photographer's skill and will be featuring them today at the African-American Museum. So we again want to welcome Raymond W. Holman, photographer. If you would please stand, Raymond, so we can salute you. (Applause.)
You're welcome. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Madam President. I'd like to be excused for City business for about a half hour. If I do not return, I'd like my vote to be positively reflected on all resolutions.
Thank you very much. Leave will be granted. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco, who will present a resolution recognizing and honoring Author and Professor Paula J. Giddings. Will the Professor and those accompanying her please join the Councilwoman at the podium. Councilwoman Tasco is being joined by Councilwoman Brown.
Good morning. It gives us a great pleasure to recognize one of our sorors, who is just doing two weeks in a row. Delta is all over the place. You can tell they're doing great work. But we are here today to present this resolution recognizing, honoring Author Paula J. Giddings. Whereas, Paula J. Giddings was born on November 16, 1947 in Yonkers, New York and is the daughter of Curtis G. Giddings, a guidance counselor and teacher, and Virginia Giddings, a guidance counselor; and
Whereas, Ms. Giddings made her name and reputation by carrying out a needed and formidable task, recovering the lost voices of silent generations of African-American women and her two most noted and renowned works in restoring and understanding the perspective of African-American women are "When and Where I Enter: The Impact of Black Women on Race and Sex in America" and "In Search of Sisterhood, Delta Sigma Theta and the Challenge of the Black Sorority Movement"; and
Whereas, her latest book is entitled "IDA: A Sword Among Lions," which is the long-awaited and meticulously researched biography of Ida B. Wells-Barnett, a former slave who became an outspoken journalist, anti-lynching crusader and pivotal leader in the women suffrage America; and
Whereas, this book has been heralded by the Wall Street Journal, O Magazine and Essence Magazine, and various authors, including Maya Angelou and Tony Morrison, have praised this work by stating, quote, "A Sword Among Lions is more than brilliant; it is necessary. I can't think of a biography that throws more light on the history of gender, race, class discord in the United States. Six decades of Ida B. Wells' life constitute a riveting, definitive narrative on a dark and bruising history. In Paula Giddings, this vibrant woman has found a biographer equal to her prowess"; and
Whereas, Ms. Giddings, a graduate of Howard University and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated and various distinguished professional organizations, is the Elizabeth A. Woodson Professor in African-American Studies at Smith College awards, including the Ford Foundation Grant, Candace Award from the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Howard University Alumni Award, Building Brick Award from the New York Urban League, and an honorary doctorate in humane letters from Bennett College. (Applause.)
Now, therefore, be it, resolved by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we hereby recognize and honor Author Paula J. Giddings. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Professor Giddings as an expression of the sincere sentiment of this legislative body. This is a certification that this is a true and correct copy of the original resolution, adopted by the Council of the City of Philadelphia on the 10th of April 2008. Signed by Verna, introduced by Tasco and Brown and supported by all members of City Council. We congratulate Paula for her wonderful writing and her wonderful contributions. (Applause.)
And may I also state that we have a Commonwealth citation from our other sorer, State Representative Cherelle L. Parker, and she has sent this on behalf of the State Legislature. Thank you so much and congratulations. You've written a wonderful book. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes Professor Giddings for remarks. PROFESSOR GIDDINGS: Thank you so much. What an honor. Thank you so much, Councilwomen Tasco and Brown. I really appreciate it, and I appreciate it like Philadelphia, which Ida Wells, the subject of my biography, loved, and she loved Philadelphia because of its great traditions, its great, of course, church traditions that we all know, but also its great protest traditions. In the late 19th century there were 40,000 African-Americans in Philadelphia, which had about a million population at that time. Also a great educational tradition here, and Ida Wells, who is a journalist, a great publishing tradition of newspapers and journals, including church journals. So I feel doubly honored to get this award, and I appreciate it so much. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney, who recognizing the Civil War and Underground Railroad Museum of Philadelphia. Will Ms. Sharon Smith and those accompanying her please join the Councilman at the podium. Councilman Kenney is being joined by Councilman DiCicco.
Thank you, Madam President. This is a resolution recognizing the Civil War and Underground Railroad Museum of Philadelphia for their commitment to maintaining one of the largest collections of Civil War-related materials and supporting efforts to construct a new museum that will showcase Philadelphia's role in that history. Whereas, the Civil War and Underground Railroad Museum was founded in 1888 by veterans of the Union Army, Navy and Marine Corps officers to preserve the history of that conflict and to promote public education through the collection, preservation and display of artifacts and written and photographic documents; and Whereas, today, the Museum holds more than 3,000 artifacts, including firearms, weapons and uniforms, more than 7,000 photographs, hundreds of art works and about 400 cubic feet of archival material; Whereas, the Museum tells the story of the Civil War with Philadelphia, its people and all the stories of leadership, bravery and sacrifice of individuals, black and white, at the center; and Whereas, the 150th anniversary of the Civil War will be commemorated in 2011 to 2015 and the new Civil War and Underground Railroad Museum in the First Bank of the United States will be essential if Philadelphia is to be recognized as an important tourist destination for Civil War history; Whereas, given the -- I'm sorry. This is your part. I got carried away. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: It's when you're short. Whereas, given the popularity of the Museum as both a tourist attraction and desired location to showcase various artifacts and materials, the Museum is now looking to construct a new museum in the First Bank of the United States building to better meet its needs; and Whereas, the Delaware River Port Authority has bond funds for capital projects in the historic district of Philadelphia; and Whereas, the Civil War and Underground Railroad Museum would be an ideal candidate for a portion of these funds to use towards the construction of a new museum that could attract and expand the number of visitors to the historic district; and Whereas, the Commonwealth has $15 million of funding for museum capital improvements. These funds are needed and should be made available to make a new museum a reality; Whereas, Congressman Bob Brady, among others, are currently advocating for funding specifically for renovations to the First Bank and for the preservation and exhibition of our important military history and collection; and Whereas, these funds will help make it possible for the Museum to be completed in 2010 in time for the Sesquicentennial of the Civil War and to ensure that Philadelphia's deep and rich history of the Civil War gains regional, national and international visibility in 2011 through 2015 and far into the future. Now, therefore, be it, resolved by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that Council does hereby and Underground Railroad Museum of Philadelphia for their commitment to maintaining one of the largest collections of Civil War-related materials and support efforts to construct a new museum that will showcase Philadelphia's role in that history. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the Civil War and Underground Railroad Museum of Philadelphia as evidence of the sincere sentiments and recognition of this legislative body. (Applause.)
Thank you. The Civil War and Underground Railroad Museum represents an important Philadelphia tradition. Philadelphians as we have today and in the past always stepped forward when our country was in need. We were the place where the largest free were the place where the struggle for freedom and equality, indeed what many have called the Second American Revolution, was encouraged, and we were the place where people rallied to protect our union. So it is only fitting that Philadelphia be the home of the Civil War and Underground Railroad Museum that commemorates that sacrifice and the important reasons that our country went to war against itself, for the important values and ethical principles in our Declaration of Independence and our Constitution. Thank you very much for calling attention to our Museum and its future today. Thank you. (Applause.)
The Blackwell, who will present a resolution commending Dr. Lawrence Caplin and the Oral Health Impact Project. Will Dr. Caplin and those accompanying him please join the Councilwoman at the podium. I see Councilwoman Blackwell is being joined by Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you very much. And Council will note that Rusty Thomas is here with us. We all know him from his years with the Streets Department. Join us. Resolution commending Dr. Lawrence Caplin and the Oral Health Impact Project for their efforts to provide quality oral healthcare services to the City's underprivileged youth. Whereas, the Oral Health Impact Project, OHIP, is a provider of comprehensive quality oral healthcare to the student population of 140 of the City of Philadelphia; and Whereas, OHIP is the largest provider of this type of services to students in the Philadelphia school system, including middle and high school students; and Whereas, OHIP is committed to providing high-quality dental services and oral health education to all children enrolled in this program; and Whereas, the Council recognizes that 41 percent of third graders suffer from some form of tooth decay and 14 percent of them go to school with some level of pain; and
Whereas, Dr. Lawrence Caplin, CEO of OHIP, has built this program to be self-funded and not requiring any funds from the City of Philadelphia or the School District of Philadelphia; and Whereas, the Council is honored to recognize Dr. Caplin and OHIP for children of the School District of Philadelphia and the children of our city. Now, therefore, be it, resolved that the Philadelphia City Council hereby commends Dr. Lawrence Caplin and the Oral Health Impact Project for their enormous efforts to provide quality oral healthcare services to our City's underprivileged children and youth. And further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Dr. Caplin and the Oral Health Impact Project as a profound expression of this Council's appreciation. Certification that this is a true and correct copy of the original resolution, adopted by the Council of the City of Philadelphia. Signed by President Anna C. Verna, introduced by Councilwoman Jannie L. Blackwell, sponsored and supported by all members of the Philadelphia City Council. Congratulations, Dr. Caplin, and thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you. It's my honor to accept this recognition on behalf of the Oral Health Impact Project, its program with the City of Philadelphia School District. This program and Council recognize that oral healthcare, oral health disease is the single largest disease or most common disease among children in the United States and that we have roughly three out of every third grade class going to class with pain on a regular basis. This problem is a function of poor access to care as well as education, and this program was designed and developed to specifically address those issues. We are, in addition to providing comprehensive care in the children, we are also educating the children towards what their oral healthcare expectations are, as well as the ways to access the system that currently exists. Through this program and through the education, we're creating career tracks for these children in oral healthcare, and we're standing up a non-profit organization to be able to fund scholarships for these children whereby they'll go back and provide public health dentistry and hopefully within the City of Philadelphia. It's my honor to be here. I appreciate all of the efforts of the District and the efforts of the City, and we look forward to continuing to help the children of the City of Philadelphia. Thank you.
The next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant-At-Arms deliver the messages to the Chief Clerk. The Chief Clerk will please read the messages from the Mayor.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am transmitting herewith for the consideration of your honorable body an ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2008 within the General Fund from the Managing Director to the Police Department, the District Attorney, the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania; and An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2008 within the General Fund from the Managing Director to the Mayor's Office of Community Services; and the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by State Road, Poquessing Creek, the Delaware River and Grant Avenue; and An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2008 from the General Fund to be allocated to the General Fund, the Mayor, the Department of Recreation, the Department of Finance - Fringe Benefits and the City Commissioners; and An ordinance amending Title 19 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Finance, Taxes and Collections," by adding a new Chapter imposing an assessment on certain net operating revenue of general acute care hospitals, under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you. The messages will be printed in the Journal. The Chief Clerk will please read any other communications in her possession.
Thank you. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Madam President. On behalf of myself and Councilman DiCicco, I offer one bill.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Chapter 11-600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Construction, Encroachments and Projections Over, On and Under the Streets," by adding a new Section that requires that certain conditions be placed on any permit that authorizes the temporary closing of a sidewalk or roadway lane; in particular, placing a time period on the validity of such permits, and prohibiting the parking, stopping or standing of vehicles on such closed sidewalks or roadway lanes, with certain exceptions, all under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I introduce one bill.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 109 by striking from the City Plan and vacating the legally open portion of Melon Street from 35th Street westward to a dead end, under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer one bill, which is co-sponsored by Councilman Clarke and Councilman Green.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the bill.
An ordinance amending Section 9-1103 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Unlawful Employment Practices," and enacting a new Chapter 9-3200, entitled "Entitlement to Leave Due to Domestic or Sexual Violence," to provide that certain employees may take unpaid leave from work to address domestic or sexual violence, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer four bills and one resolution sponsored by Councilwoman Tasco and Councilwoman Blackwell and all members of Council.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by State Road, Poquessing Creek, the Delaware River and Grant Avenue.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2008 from the General Fund, the City Rep and the Director of Commerce and from the Community Development Fund, the Director of Finance - Community Development Block Grant.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2008 within the General Fund from the Managing Director to the Police Department, the District Attorney, the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania.
The bill will also be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2008 within the General Fund from the Managing Director to the Mayor's Office of Community Services.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution honoring reporter Dick Standish on his retirement from CBS 3.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Madam President, I offer one bill on behalf of the Administration.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Title 19 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Finance, Taxes and Collections," by adding a new Chapter imposing an assessment on certain net operating revenue of general acute care hospitals, under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I have no bills or resolutions.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Sanchez.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Green.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. No bills or resolutions today.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. I offer one bill and two resolutions.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by York Street, Thompson Street, the former Thompson Street, Hagert Street, Moyer Street and Aramingo Avenue.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution authorizing the Committee on Streets and Services to hold public hearings on car sharing in the City of Philadelphia and exploring problems car sharing organizations have encountered in the City.
The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution approving a final plan for the establishment of the Aramingo Avenue Shopping District Neighborhood Improvement District.
The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Thank you, Madam President. I have one bill co-sponsored by Councilman Greenlee and myself and one resolution.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance enacting a new Chapter 9-3300, entitled "Promoting Healthy Families and Workplaces," to provide that certain employees are entitled to paid sick leave, all under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority deeds located in the 29th, 32nd, 37th and 47th Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kelly.
Madam President, I offer one resolution, which is co-sponsored by Councilman Green and Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution recognizing, honoring and celebrating Brintha Vasagar, Miss Philadelphia 2008, for her talents and well-rounded persona that earned her the title Miss Philadelphia 2008, and wishing her well in the Miss Pennsylvania 2008 Pageant.
The Chair recognizes Councilman Kelly for a motion.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
Thank you. The next order of business is reports from committees, and the Chair a report on the Committee on Technology and Information Services.
Madam Chair, the Committee on Technology and Information Services reports one bill with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the report.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Technology and Information Services, to which was referred Bill No. 080407, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the City's Chief Information Officer, on behalf of the City, to enter into multi-year contracts with one or more providers of on-line legal research services to be used by various City and City-funded agencies, all under certain terms and conditions," respectfully reports it has considered the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Madam President, I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading today of Bill No. 080407. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of the bill just reported from committee. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the bill just read will be placed on our First Reading Calendar 5/8/08 - STATED - 1ST READING for today. The next order of business is the consideration of the Calendar. The Chief Clerk will please read the bills on the First Reading Calendar.
Bill No. 080077, an ordinance continuing a neighborhood improvement district beyond the date of termination of such district in an area that generally includes both sides of Ridge Avenue from Main Street to 7220 Ridge Avenue and certain blocks of streets that intersect that portion of Ridge Avenue, which is known as the Roxborough District, all under certain terms and conditions.
And Bill No. 080407, an ordinance authorizing the City's Chief Information Officer, on behalf of the City, to enter into multi-year contracts with one or more providers of on-line legal research by various City and City-funded agencies, all under certain terms and conditions.
The Chair agrees. Since we do not have any bills on our Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for today, I would ask if there are any speeches on the part of the minority. (No response.)
Are there speeches on the part of the majority? The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Madam President. Today at 5:30 p.m. at the Philadelphia Daily News, Professor Paula Giddings will be hosted by Michael Days, editor of the Daily News, for a book signing at 5:30 at the Daily News. Thank you.
Thank other speeches on the part of the majority? (No response.)
Seeing none, the Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke for a motion to adjourn.
Sorry. Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, I move that Council stand adjourned until May 15th, 10 o'clock, 2008. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, May 15th at 10 o'clock. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. Thank you very much. (Stated Meeting adjourned at 11:00 a.m.) CERTIFICATE I HEREBY CERTIFY that the proceedings, evidence and objections are contained fully and accurately in the stenographic notes taken by me upon the foregoing matter on May 8, 2008, and that this is a true and correct transcript of same. ______________________________ MICHELE L. MURPHY RPR-Notary Public (The foregoing certification of this transcript does not apply to any reproduction of the same by any means, unless under the direct control and/or supervision of the certifying reporter.)