COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, March 5, 2009 10:10 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 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
Good morning, everyone. I note that the hour has come and that a quorum of this Council is present. Council will come to order. Members will take their seats, and visitors will retire to the seats outside the rails. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair welcomes Reverend Alonzo Johnson of the Oak Lane Presbyterian Church. He is here today as the guest of Councilwoman Tasco. I would ask all members and guests to please rise. (All members and guests rise.)
Good morning. It is certainly an honor to be here and a privilege to be here. And as I was thinking this morning as we do this work in which we are called, let us be reminded that we are called to work for the common good, and in doing that, I want to give you a quote, one of my Teresa, that says, God comes to us in the distressing disguise of the poor. Let us pray. Merciful God, let us remember to see you here among our work, but let us not also forget to see you out in the streets and in the schools and in the subway stations. Purposeful God, as we do this work, this important work today, and make tough decisions, make us more purposeful in seeing your face among those who lose their jobs, their livelihoods and their homes. Show us your striking resemblance in the faces of those who hunger for justice and desire peace. Healing God, as we sit in meetings today, remind us that we act on behalf of those whose blood screams at us from the ground, the blood of innocent people, the blood of fallen officers, the blood of school children. Saving God, remind us that your blood is remarkably God, help us not only to see your face in those without homes, those behind bars, those walking and living in the streets, but also those who mourn in the cemeteries and those who look to us to find your presence. We as officials, as people called to do your will, are called to mercy, purpose, healing and justice, and in the words of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, we are called to be people through other people, that our humanity is caught up, bound up and inextricably tied up with one another, that this is why we seek to work for the common good, because our humanity comes into its own through relationships with one another. Amen. (Amen.)
The Chair thanks Reverend Johnson for his 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, February 26, 2009, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, February 26, 2009 stand approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, February 26, 2009 stand approved. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the Journal is approved. business is requests for leave of absence, and, again, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Madam President. On behalf of the majority, there are no requests for leave of absence today.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Madam President, on behalf of the republicans, leave of absence is requested for Councilman Jack Kelly.
Thank you. Leave will be granted. The Chair will dispense with the regular order of business to recognize the guests and visitors joining us in Chambers this morning. On behalf of all members of Council, I welcome you to our Council session. We appreciate 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 Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. This morning we have some special guests that I would like to introduce. They are the Nigerian Delegation from Ogun State Local Government Service Commission, are joining with us. They have been meeting our guests from Ogun State in Nigeria with the Chair of the Mayor's Commission on African and Caribbean Immigrant Affairs, our Chairman Stan Straughter. I'll ask them to stand as I mention their names. And also accompanying them is Ms. Bolaji Gray, who always helps us. We want to recognize Mr. Babasola Oduwaye. We're asking Chief Olumide Kolawole, Chairman of Ogun State Local Government Service Commission, to Next, Honorable Olabulo Joseph Tai, Commissioner 4, Ogun State Local Government Service Commission. Also Mr. Ewuosho Olusola James, Director of Promotion and Transfer, Ogun State Local Government Service Commission. Also Mr. Owotoma Tokunbo Olubokun, Director of Management Services for Ogun State Local Government Service Commission. And certainly last, but not least, we have Reverend Fagbemi Felix Ifedayo, Director of Management, Development and Training, Ogun State Local Government Service Commission. We thank them for coming and hope that they are enjoying their stay in our city and in our country. Thank you, Madam President. (Applause.)
At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski and Councilman DiCicco, who will present a resolution recognizing Thursday, March the 5th, 2009 "Blue Thursday" in the City of Philadelphia. Will Mr. Dominic Giordano and those accompanying him please join the Councilwoman at the podium. I see that the other Councilmembers are being joined by Councilman O'Neill. Councilwoman.
Thank you very much, Madam President. This is a resolution recognizing Thursday, March 5, 2009 as "Blue Thursday" in the City of Philadelphia. Whereas, Thursday, March 5, 2009 is "Blue Thursday," a special day created and promoted by talk show host Dom Giordano and The Big Talker, WPHT 1210 AM; and Whereas, Dom is asking listeners from all over the Delaware Valley to show their support for police officers, who are increasingly under fire our streets. He is urging his audience to show their support by wearing blue, decorating your car, home or place of business with blue ribbons, and encouraging everyone you know to do the same and show support for police officers throughout the region on "Blue Thursday"; COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: And whereas, The Big Talker 1210's Dom Giordano will host a special live broadcast from Geno's Steaks from 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 midnight on Thursday, March 5, 2009, today. Dom and an array of special guests will discuss and analyze the reasons for the recent rash of police killings in Philadelphia and ways to reduce gun violence and make our streets safer; and Whereas, "Blue Thursday" coincides with Joey Vento's Geno's Steaks fundraiser for the families of fallen officers. Joey Vento will again donate all dollars generated by sales of his 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, March the 5th until 6:00 a.m. on Friday, March the 6th. Previous individual Geno's fundraising efforts have raised more than $50,000; and
Whereas, on "Blue Thursday," The Big Talker 1210 will also debut a new "Salute-A-Cop" promotion where the station will begin to regularly recognize police officers for individual excellence on the job; and Whereas, in conjunction with "Blue Thursday," the Port Richmond Town Watch has been participating in a program called "Project Blue Light," where hundreds of homes in the river ward neighborhood have placed blue light bulbs on their front door and porch lights to show support and solidarity for the Philadelphia Police Department during this time of crisis and violent loss to those men and women in blue who have given the ultimate sacrifice. The hope is for "Project Blue Light" to become Now, therefore
Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we hereby recognize Thursday, March 5, 2009 as "Blue Thursday" in the City of Philadelphia. Resolved further, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Dom Giordano of WPHT 1210 AM as further evidence of the sincere appreciation of this legislative body in his effort to create "Blue Thursday" to showcase and highlight the phenomenal support of the Delaware Valley to those men and women who protect and serve as police officers. Signed by the President of City Council and sponsored by all members of City Council. (Applause.)
Oh, I'm sorry. I'm used to taking to the microphone too quickly. I apologize. Thank you, City Council. Thank all the members, and Joan in particular and Ann Verna that supported this. And Joey Vento, what he does again tonight, I don't know if this is the seventh or eighth time, it's not $50,000 in toto. It's $50,000 every time, is what he raises for police officers. And I wanted you to know that I know that the Mayor, City Council -- we do a show regularly with the Police Commissioner and the Cardinal -- are personally engaged in this battle, and tonight we're going to try to see if there's any pattern, any small thing that we might take away to lessen this. And I want to commend the Cira Centre, Boathouse Row, Liberty One, Liberty Two and the Ben Franklin Bridge, who will all be lit up in blue tonight, which the police, the "Salute-A-Cop" gotten, what Philadelphia police do on a regular basis, not just the acts of heroism, but the everyday type of thing, like a cop putting in 11 hours of his own time after work to find a kid's stolen bicycle, these types of stories we need to get the media to put out there. These are positive stories about the men and women in blue, who do put their lives on the line every day, but, more importantly, they need our recognition, our bolstering. They grieve when one of these officers goes down. So thank you very much. I hope you can participate tonight. Thanks to Joan, Councilman DiCicco, Councilman O'Neill and Council President Verna. Thanks for having me today. We appreciate it very much at The Big Talker. (Applause.)
At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco, who will present a resolution recognizing the 2008 Northwest Philadelphia Wildcats. (Applause.)
Will Mr. Carlton Williams and those accompanying him please join the Councilwoman at the podium. Councilwoman Tasco is being joined by Councilwoman Miller. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, we are joined by winners this morning, winners from West Oak Lane, and we're proud to have them here today to honor them. (Applause.)
I am proud to present this resolution recognizing and honoring the 2008 Northwest the Pop Warner Football 160-pound Midget Team National Championship. (Applause.)
On Friday, December the 12th, at the Disney Wide World of Sports in Orlando, Florida, the 2008 Northwest Philadelphia Wildcats 160-pound Midget Team Wildcats defeated the Oak Park Trojans 8 to 6 to win the Pop Warner Football National Championship; and Whereas, led by the dynamic and committed Head Coach Carlton Williams and helped by Assistant Coaches Thomas Morgan, Chris Frazier, Harun Reed and Kenneth McCuthchen, the Wildcats had a spectacular season that consisted of 15 wins and no losses, where they outscored -(Applause.)
-(continued) where they outscored their opponents 350 to 55 and defeated teams Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Michigan and California on their road to this National Championship; and
Whereas, the Wildcats is a football program located in the West Oak Lane section of Philadelphia and consists of youth between the ages of 13 and 16 years old, and its mission is to establish and maintain a well-organized program of intellectual and athletic experiences that stress the qualities of participation, competition, sportsmanship and pride and facilitate a basic understanding between parents, youth and coaches, resulting in community solidarity through mutual involvement; and Whereas, the Wildcats' football program has a vested interest in the growth and development of each and every member on and off the field and helps prevent inner city youth from engaging in negative behavior and is an effective drugs, violence and crime and give youth the opportunity to healthy lifestyles, prevents childhood obesity and prevents health-related illness in the future; and
Whereas, the Wildcats are participants in the Liberty Youth Athletic Association, "Liberty Youth," Pop Warner Little Scholarship Football League, and Liberty Youth is organized to develop and operate a football league in affiliation with Pop Warner Little Scholars, Inc., which is a non-profit corporation founded in 1929 that provides youth football and cheer programs for approximately 400,000 young people ranging in ages from 5 to 16 years old in 42 states and several countries around the world. Now, therefore, be it resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we hereby recognize and honor the 2008 Northwest Philadelphia Wildcats on winning the Pop Warner congratulate Head Coach Williams, the Assistant Coaches and the entire Wildcats team on this impressive accomplishment and for serving as outstanding ambassadors for the City of Philadelphia and being a source of pride for all of the citizens. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the Wildcats as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body and a demonstration of its unwavering support for the Wildcats in their defense of the National Championship next season. Certification that this is a true and correct copy of the original resolution, adopted by the Council of the City of Philadelphia on the 5th day of February 2009. Signed by President Verna and supported by all members of City Council. Thank you, young men. We are (Applause.)
Thank you so much, Councilwoman Tasco, Councilwoman Donna Reed Miller and all the City Council. I guess many of you know me by day with my daytime job as Deputy Streets Commissioner for the City of Philadelphia, but this is my second job. This is a job that I don't get paid for by monetary rewards, but I do get paid for in other ways, and that's inspiring young people to be successful. And these young men right here did an outstanding job when they went down to Florida. We went down along with three other teams in the City of Philadelphia, the North Philly Aztecs and the Frankford Chargers, and I can tell you that our young people represented the City of Philadelphia with pride, dignity, respect and true the type of atmosphere that we want to create in all of our neighborhoods, and this is what our young people do. These are the young people that go out here and are the positive success stories in the City of Philadelphia who come out and work hard and accomplish great things. So I am extremely proud of what they accomplished on the field, but I'm even more proud of them for what they're doing in school. Pop Warner Little Scholars requires you to have academic standards, that you meet minimum academic requirements to participate. They cannot be on the team if they're failing in school. So one of the grades, one of the things -(Applause.)
Absolutely. We work very hard with them to make sure that they stay on top of their grades, because we know the true reward is not at the end of the day -- if they make it to NFL, that's great, and I hope many of them or some of them do, but by a long shot, the most important thing that we want them to do is stay in something productive, positive and get a good education. And these are the things that we are proud of them by being not only champions on the field but champions off the field as well. So I am proud of you. Thank you so much, Councilwoman Tasco, Councilwoman Donna Reed Miller and the entire City Council. Without the Philadelphia Activity Fund grant and without a lot of the fundraising that you helped us accomplish, these kids would not have been able to go down to Florida and participate in such a wonderful experience. So thank you so much. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke, who will present a resolution recognizing the Strawberry Mansion Athletic Association. Will Mr. Derrick Ford and those accompanying him please join the Councilman at the podium. I see that Councilman Clarke is being joined by Councilwoman Brown and Councilman Greenlee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, continuing along the sports theme, it's a pleasure today for me as a longtime resident and native of Strawberry Mansion to be in a position to bring these men and women to Council today. This is kind of like the other side of the coin from the prior presentation. One of the things that I would like to do -- wanted to kind of give you the people who traditionally are in the background, the coaches, the parents, the people who do the work to make sure that these kids go to practice, make sure that these kids have the level of respect that they did. This Strawberry Mansion -- one of the reasons why I thought this was particularly interesting, that the start of this Athletic Association actually started at a meeting in Strawberry Mansion when we were unveiling security cameras and we were talking about crime in the community, and we had this big presentation that was covered by the news and we were talking about all of the things that were happening in a negative sense, and at that meeting, there was a challenge issued to particularly the young men in the neighborhood -- and I'd like to say "young," because they're like my age -- to step to the plate, and we talked about the fact that when I grew up Mansion, all of these men and women grew up in Strawberry Mansion, the parents and all the neighbors stepped to the plate and made sure that they got us involved in sports and other types of activity, and about a week later, I got a call from my man Derrick telling me -- he sends me a flyer about this tryout that he's having for the baseball team, and now it has ballooned into a significant Athletic Association. It's actually been covered by Channel 10 and the Daily News on a consistent basis, and I'm just so proud of them, and I wanted to get them down here in our house to show them how significant what they're doing in the neighborhood, because these are the role models in the neighborhood. And, frankly speaking, when I go out to the games, the young men and women, they don't care who I am, right, but they look up to these individuals. They say, This is Councilman Clarke. Yeah, whatever, I'm going over to see Coach. You know what I mean? And that's what it should be all about, because they're the ones that do the hard labor in the community. So it's an honor for me to be able to have them down here today. Recognizing and honoring the Strawberry Mansion Athletic Association on its establishment and for its remarkable contribution to the youth of the 5th District and the community as a whole. Whereas, the Strawberry Mansion Athletic Association was established in April of 2007 at a community meeting at Cornerstone Baptist Church; and Whereas, soon after a baseball league was established by League CEO Derrick Ford at Mander Playground located at 33rd and Diamond Streets for boys and girls from the ages of 8 to 16, with a particular focus on education, family values and respect; and
Whereas, the first season began with 147 kids baseball, from which eight teams from around the community were developed; and Whereas, those initial eight teams grew to 18 teams in 2008 playing at nine different locations around the City; and Whereas, the Strawberry Mansion All-Stars Baseball League theme is "Through It All, Let's Play Ball"; and Whereas, several community members volunteered to assist in organizing and developing the league as well as serve as coaches or assistant coaches; and
Whereas, these community members include Head Coaches Commissioner David "Itchy" Lisby, Tony Witfield, Karen Washington, Aaron Washington, William McQueen, Kevin Beard, Bill Thompson, Mike Griggs, Kirk Norwood, David Givens, James Carter and Don Blakeley, and Assistant Coaches Daphine Goggins, Bernard Savage, Christopher Gay; and Whereas, the Strawberry Mansion Flag Football League was established in the fall of 2007; and Whereas, development of the Flag Football League was important after the conclusion of the baseball season had concluded, giving the youth something positive to be involved in; and Whereas, all Strawberry Mansion Flag Football games are played at 33rd and Diamond Streets and coached by volunteer community members, including Founder, Derrick Ford, Commissioner Anthony "Kokonut," with a K, Rogers, and Head Coaches Haile Johnson, Marcus Grimes, Malik Quarels and Carl Robinson. Now, therefore
Be it resolved, by the City Council of Philadelphia, that the Strawberry Mansion Athletic Association be recognized on its establishment and for its remarkable contribution to the youth of the 5th as a whole. Be it further resolved that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the community volunteers and participants of the Strawberry Mansion Athletic Association. Congratulations, men and women. (Applause.)
Thank you, Madam President. Mr. Ford, during your speech, if you want to talk about how good I used to be, it's okay.
We'll bring TO back for that. Again, on behalf of the Strawberry Mansion Athletic Association, we are honored to be here. Greetings to Council and the folks in the audience. We want to personally thank you, Councilman Clarke and the 5th District. As the guy mentioned earlier grant, which really sparked what we were doing, we really, really appreciate your support. These folks that you see behind me we mobilized from the community, and as we mentioned earlier, we started with eight teams and we went on to 18 teams. And because the Phillies are now the world champs, we're going to have probably 24 teams. So, again, we are honored just to be doing what we're doing in our community and improving the life and the quality of the kids. Again, I am so overwhelmed by what has happened in our community. And we're representing what we do. The men and women here, I love them. We go through a lot, but our theme again is "Through It All, Let's Play Ball." So, again, we're honored to be here and we thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you, Madam President. I will be brief, since this is not a formal presentation, but given the fact that with the support of this Council last week, we presented a resolution honoring Women's History Month and the 100th Anniversary of International Women's Day and we declared March 8th International Women's Day in Philadelphia. In 2009, a continued struggle for women's rights and gender equality is increasingly a global problem, yet it's rooted in all of our communities. I want to thank all of the female Council colleagues who supported me in this. I want to invite Soda Nobuhle to join me at the podium at this time. And while she walks forward, I wanted to recognize the coalition of women who are working to advance the issues of women's and women's struggles, Council we will have a brief reception in the Council Caucus Room and everyone is invited to attend. Members of the coalition include the AFL/CIO, AFSCME District Council 47, Beta Phi Omega Sorority, the Coalition of Labor Union Women, CodePink, Darfur Alert Coalition, May Day Committee, National Association of Hispanic Nurses, National Conference of Puerto Rican Women, Philadelphia National Organization of Women, Philadelphia and Pennsylvania Federation, the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employee Division of International Brotherhood of Teamsters, the Philadelphia International Action Center, Planned Parenthood, Triesus Cort Torades la de Americanos (ph), Sisters United, Sister Space, the Colors Organization, Inc., the Women's Village, the Women's Community Revitalization Project and the YWCA in Philadelphia in organizing the many the City. So with you, I will leave you Soda Nobuhle.
Thank you, Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez. My name is Soda Nobuhle. I am one of the co-initiators with the International Women's Day Philadelphia Coalition, along with my colleagues Arlene Ulshen and Sherrie Cohen, and as a black African heritage lesbian-identified woman, I am proud to stand here today honoring these women in this room from all walks of life, cultures, ethnicities, backgrounds, class constructions. Every person in this room, a life has been touched by that of a woman in some way, shape or fashion. So I am honored to stand before you to represent my friends, the struggle, the fight continuously for liberty and justice and equality. There's a reception afterwards following, and you all are welcome to join us. Thank you so much.
If the women who are joining us could stand and my colleagues recognize them, all of the women that are here. (Applause.)
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 for the consideration of your honorable body a draft of a resolution, entitled "A resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and portion of the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area, designated as Parcel Nos. 627, 628 and 629"; 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, designated as Parcel Nos. 644, 645, 646 and 647; 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 American Street Industrial Corridor 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 Point Breeze Urban Renewal Area, designated as Parcel No. 99.
Thank you. I would ask the Chief Clerk to please read any other messages in her possession.
Thank you. The messages will be printed in the Journal. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance amending Section 1-112 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Notices of Violation," by authorizing duly designated employees of the Philadelphia Parking Authority to issue notices of violation to enforce provisions of The Philadelphia Code or regulations adopted thereunder, and delegating to the Authority the power to carry out such function, all under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Section 9-1004 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Contractors," by authorizing duly designated employees of the Philadelphia Parking Authority to issue notices of violation to enforce the provisions of that Section and any regulations adopted pursuant to that Section, and delegating to the Authority the power to carry out such function, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Section 19-2602 of The Philadelphia Code, which requires every person engaging in businesses within the City of Philadelphia to obtain a business privilege license, by authorizing duly designated employees of the Philadelphia Parking Authority to assist in the enforcement of that Section by inspecting businesses to see if the required license has been obtained, and reporting the results of such inspections to the Department of Licenses and Inspections.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer one resolution.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title.
A resolution recognizing Thursday, March 5, 2009 as "Blue Thursday" in the City of Philadelphia.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Madam President, I offer two bills -- one resolution and one bill on your behalf.
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 Front Street, Oregon Avenue, the Delaware River and a Railroad ROW, known as the Northern boundary of the Philadelphia Naval Base.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
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.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. Councilwoman, I believe you had two resolutions. Did you have two resolutions?
No, just had yours. We had another bill, but we're holding it.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you. Good morning, Madam President. Today I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Sanchez.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution proclaiming the week of March 1st through March 7th, 2009 as Dental Assistant Recognition Week.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Green.
Thank you, Madam President. I have two privileged resolutions today.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title.
A resolution honoring and thanking Brian Dawkins for his 13 years of dedication to the Philadelphia Eagles and for serving as a community leader and role model, both on and off the field, to the region's fans.
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 honoring Alan Harler, Music Director of the Mendelssohn Club of Philadelphia Chorus, for his years of dedicated service to Philadelphia's music community.
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 resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Madam President. I have one resolution, two bills, one resolution co-sponsored by Councilwoman Reynolds Brown and Councilman Green.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance amending Chapter 19-1300 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Real Estate Taxes," by amending the eligibility requirements for real estate tax exemptions for certain improvements to, or construction of, residential, commercial or other business properties.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance establishing a neighborhood improvement district in an area that generally includes Ridge Avenue from the north side of School House Lane to Scotts Lane, Kelly Drive from Ridge Avenue to South Ferry Road, the 4200 and 4100 blocks of River Road and the 3700 block through the 3500 block of Midvale Avenue.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution initiating action to establish a neighborhood improvement district in an area that generally includes Ridge Avenue from the north side of School House Lane to Scotts Lane, Kelly Drive from Ridge Avenue to South Ferry Road, the 4200 block and 4100 block of River Road, and authorizing and directing the Committee of Rules and the Clerk of Council to take all actions that are required by the Community and Economic Improvement Act prior to enactment of an ordinance that would formally establish the District.
This resolution will be referred to the -- I'm sorry. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
The ayes have it, and 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.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. I offer two bills.
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 Berks Street, Delaware River, Market Street and Interstate 95.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by adding a new Section 14-1636, entitled "Central Delaware Riverfront Overlay District," and by amending Section 14-102, entitled "Definitions," under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Thank you, Madam President. I have four resolutions, one ordinance. One of those resolutions is a Charter change provision.
The Chair requests that the Chief Clerk read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of the proposal set forth in a Resolution approved by Council proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter relating to how and when required notices shall be published and advertised, and authorizing the appropriate officers to publish notice and to make arrangements for the special election.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution authorizing Council's Committee on Fiscal Stability and Intergovernmental Cooperation to hold hearings regarding actions the City could take to stimulate the local economy and the City's preparedness for targeted federal stimulus funds pursuant to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter relating to how and when required notices shall be published and advertised, and providing for the submission of the amendment to the electors of Philadelphia.
The resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee.
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. All in favor will indicate 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.
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 Councilman Rizzo.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The next order of business is reports from committees, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke for a report from the Committee on Public Property and Public Works.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Public Property and Public Works 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 Public Property and Public Works, to which was 090003, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the extension of the extended trial program authorized by Bill No. 060799 under which advance approval is given to the Philadelphia Facilities Management Corporation to enter into certain contracts on behalf of the Philadelphia Gas Works, subject to certain terms and conditions," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Madam President, I move that the rules of Council be suspended as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 090003. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded. All in favor will indicate by (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. The bill just read will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Goode for a report from the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Commerce and Economic Development 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 Commerce Development, to which was referred Bill No. 090095, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 17 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Contracts and Procurement,' by creating new requirements relating to the submission of an Economic Opportunity Plan," respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 090095. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded. All in favor will indicate by (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. The bill just read will be placed on the First Reading Calendar for today. The next order of business is consideration of the Calendar. I would note for the record that the bills just reported out from committees with a suspension of the rules have been deemed to have had a first reading and they will not be read a second time. I think we all voted on this a couple weeks ago. Instead, they will be placed on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for our next session of Council. There are no bills on the First Reading Calendar. Therefore, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for the purpose of calling up bills on the Second 3/5/09 - STATED - 2ND READING Reading and Final Passage Calendar.
Thank you, Madam President. Bill Nos. 080881, 080949, 090004, 090005, 090006, 090065, 090066, 090067 and 090068 are being called up for Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar today. All other bills are being held.
Thank you. I would ask the Chief Clerk to please read the title of Bill No. 080881.
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps within an area bounded by Spring Garden Street, Broad Street, Buttonwood Street and 15th Street.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 16; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. We will now consider Bill No. 3/5/09 - STATED - 2ND READING 080949.
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps within an area bounded by Ridge Avenue, Rector Street, Houghten Street and Walnut Lane.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 16; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. We will now consider Bill No. 090004.
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps within an area bounded by Allegheny Avenue, Hurley Street, Clearfield Street and Boudinot Street.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll. 3/5/09 - STATED - 2ND READING
Aye. The ayes are 16; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. 3/5/09 - STATED - 2ND READING The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 090005.
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps within an area bounded by Erie Avenue, K Street, Venango Street and I Street.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 16; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 090006.
An ordinance correcting the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by conforming the dimensions of a property located within an area bounded by B Street, Erie Street, G Street, Tioga Street to more accurately reflect the area rezoned by Bill No. 080754.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill 3/5/09 - STATED - 2ND READING pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 16; the nays are 3/5/09 - STATED - 2ND READING zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. We will now consider Bill No. 090065.
An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2009 within the General Fund from certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions to certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 16; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. We will now consider Bill No. 090066.
An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2009 within the Grants Revenue Fund from certain or all City 3/5/09 - STATED - 2ND READING offices, departments, boards and commissions to certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 16; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. We will now consider Bill No. 090067.
An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2009 within the Water Fund from certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions to certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please 3/5/09 - STATED - 2ND READING call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 16; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill 3/5/09 - STATED - 2ND READING passes. We will now consider Bill No. 090068.
An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2009 within the Aviation Fund from certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions to certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Councilman DiCicco. 3/5/09 - STATED - 2ND READING COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Aye.
Aye. The ayes are 16; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. That completes our Calendar for today. Are there speeches on the part of the minority? (No response.)
Are there speeches on the part of the majority? (No response.)
I would just like to remind my colleagues that immediately after Council's session here in the Chamber we will be having a group photo. So I would ask you to please remain in the Chamber immediately after the session. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke for a motion to adjourn.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, March 12, 2009, 10:00 a.m. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, March 12th at 10:00 a.m. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. Thank you all very much. (Stated Meeting adjourned at 11:15 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 March 5, 2009, 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.)