COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Thursday, June 4, 1998 11:10 a.m. Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT JOHN F. STREET COUNCILWOMAN AUGUSTA A. CLARK COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN DAVID COHEN COUNCILWOMAN JOAN L. KRAJEWSKI COUNCILWOMAN ANNA CIBOTTA VERNA COUNCILMAN JAMES F. KENNEY COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER COUNCILMAN MICHAEL A. NUTTER COUNCILWOMAN HAPPY FERNANDEZ COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO COUNCILMAN ANGEL L. ORTIZ COUNCILMAN FRANK DICICCO COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILMAN RICHARD T. MARIANO COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO MARIE B. HAUSER, Chief Clerk VINCENT VARALLO ASSOCIATES, INC. Registered Professional Reporters Eleven Penn Center, Suite 600 Philadelphia, PA 19103 STATED MEETING - OPENING, INVOCATION P R O C E E D I N G S
Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. The Chair notes that the hour has come and that a quorum is present. Council will come to order. Members will take their seats, visitors will retire to their seats outside the rail. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair welcomes Reverend John Sibel, Pastor of the St. Mary of the Assumption Roman Catholic Church, who is here today as a guest of Councilman Nutter. Members and guests will please rise.
Blessed are you lord, God of all creation. Your goodness fills our hearts with joy. Blessed are you Lord. You have brought us together this day to work in harmony and peace. Strengthen us with your grace and wisdom, for you are God forever and ever. And we ask the lord's blessing and bow our heads. May God strengthen you and bring your work to completion. May hope accompany your deliberations. May God's wisdom be seen in your STATED MEETING - JOURNAL APPROVAL, LEAVES OF ABSENCE work. And may God's abiding presence be with you all your days. Amen. AUDIENCE: Amen.
The Chair thanks Reverend Sibel for his inspiring invocation.
The next order of business is the approval the journal of the meeting of Thursday, May 28, 1998. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Clark.
Mr. President, I move the adoption of the journal. (Duly seconded.)
All those in favor, let it be known by saying aye. Those opposed, say nay. The ayes have it. The journal stands approved.
The next order of business is leaves of absence. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Verna.
Thank you, Mr. STATED MEETING - VISITOR RECOGNITION, PRESENTATIONS President. On behalf of the Majority, there are no requests for leaves of absence.
The Chair thanks Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
Mr. President, on behalf of the Republicans, Thacher Longstreth has requested leave today.
The Chair thanks the Councilman. Leave will be granted.
At this time, we will dispense with our regular order of business to recognize visitors. To all of our visitors and guests with us this morning, we welcome you here and applaud your interests in the civic affairs of our city and certainly invite you to come again. At this time, I understand that there were a couple of visiting groups that may have been here or may be here, groups from Gratz and Kensington. Are those groups here? (No response.)
It doesn't appear STATED MEETING - VISITOR RECOGNITION, PRESENTATIONS that they are here. We have two presentations today. Our first presentation congratulates the Philadelphia Wings Lacrosse Team. To make this presentation, the Chair appoints Councilman Kenney. (Applause.)
Thank you, Mr. President. I think it's appropriate today considering our honored guests in the audience that we honor the best blue-collar team in a blue-collar town like Philadelphia. (Applause.)
This is a resolution congratulating the Philadelphia Wings on winning the National Lacrosse League Championship on April 28, 1998, their fifth league championship in the past ten years. (Applause.)
Whereas on April 28, 1998, the Philadelphia Wings defeated the Baltimore Thunder, 17-12, at the Baltimore Arena, before thousands of their own fans, to sweep the best of three series final and win the National Lacrosse League Title; and STATED MEETING - VISITOR RECOGNITION, PRESENTATIONS Whereas the Wings were led by their all-Pro goalie, Dallas Elliot, who stopped 39 shots. He was the most valuable player for the championship series. Bill Miller was named MVP for the game; and Whereas the Wings have earned the right to play for the National Lacrosse League Championship in six of the last eight years and have established themselves as the to last preeminent team in all of lacrosse; and Whereas most of the athletes on the Wings squad are homegrown men who work full-time jobs in the Philadelphia area. Many of -(Applause.)
Many of the members of the team also coach lacrosse at various schools and universities in the region; and Whereas we congratulate Head Coach Tony Resh*, Assistant Coaches Gary Martin and John Nostrandt*, Special Assistants Peter Tyson, Bill Mills, and Mark Roseman, President Russ Klein, and Executive Vice President Michael French, and Ike Richman*, Director of Press Relations; and. Whereas special accolades to the STATED MEETING - VISITOR RECOGNITION, PRESENTATIONS remaining Wings players, including: Andy Piazza, Bill Hunter, John McElvoy*, Paul Denigan*, Ryan Trainer*, Brian Volker*, Paul O'Grady, Scott Gabrielson*, Chris Flynn, Kevin Fineran*, Gabby Rowe*, Jim Rogers*, Matt Oglesby*, Chris Bates, Adam Muller*, Peter Jacobs, Michael Buzza*, Tom Marachek*, Tom Slate*, Steve Govitt*, Jake Bergy*, David Stilly*, and Greg Trainer*. (* - denotes phonetic spelling.) (Applause.)
Therefore resolved by the Council of City of Philadelphia that we congratulate the Philadelphia Wings on winning the 1998 National Lacrosse League Championship, on April 28, 1998, their fifth League Championship in the past ten years. Resolved that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the Philadelphia Wings Championship Lacrosse Team, further evidencing the sincere sentiments of this legislative body. Congratulates. (Applause.) UNIDENTIFIED WINGS TEAM MEMBER: Councilman, as captain, on behalf of the entire STATED MEETING - VISITOR RECOGNITION, PRESENTATIONS team, we'd like to thank you for this recognition and the City of Philadelphia. We're a hard-working team for a hard-working city. We honor that. Here's a jersey for you. (Applause.)
Our second presentation honors Malcolm Poindexter. To make this presentation, the Chair appoints Councilwoman Krajewski. The Chair invites Mr. Poindexter and those with him to come and receive this resolution. (Applause.)
Malcolm, you've always been a gentleman. I'm sure he did not mind waiting. He has been here longer than I have, so he knows exactly what goes on in Council. Welcome, Malcolm. A resolution honoring Malcolm Poindexter. Whereas Malcolm Poindexter began his STATED MEETING - VISITOR RECOGNITION, PRESENTATIONS career with The Philadelphia Tribune and the Associated Negro Press in 1947 as a general assignment reporter and writer. During his 15 years with The Tribune, he served as a writer, photo journalist, columnist, sports writer, and editor, city editor, business manager, assistant controller, and controller. Whereas, in 1960, Malcolm Poindexter joined The Philadelphia Evening Bulletin, where he contributed many feature articles to its Sunday magazine section, besides many front-page bylines. In 1965, he was of the first reporters hired when KYW News Radio came to Philadelphia. He won the station its first honor, an Associated Press Award and the Sigma Delta Chi Award for community service, with his five-part series on the plight of the migrant workers in South Jersey, which he researched by becoming a worker. (Applause.)
Whereas in 1967, Mr. Poindexter joined KYW TV 3's news team. He won four Philadelphia Emmy Awards as KYW's spokesperson before joining the news team in March 1990. He also hosts the Channel 3 public affairs STATED MEETING - VISITOR RECOGNITION, PRESENTATIONS program, "news makers"; and Whereas, Mr. Poindexter is a homegrown Philadelphian who knows this city and its people like the back of his hand. He is well-received, a popular speaker with community organizations, and the recipient of more than 300 awards, including the City of Philadelphia's First Award for its role in leading a Citywide cleanup campaign, the William Penn Human Right Award, a Navy commendation for civic involvement, United Negro College Fund's Community Service Award, the Elks First National Communications Award, the Philadelphia Tribune's Achievement Award, and the Sarah Potter Smith Community Development Corporation's Human Service Awards; and
Whereas Malcolm Poindexter is the former general manager of Opera Ebony Philadelphia. He is a member of the Mann Center for Performing Arts, the Philadelphia Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences and Norris Square Neighborhood Association, Inc. and as well as a supporter of the Free Library of Philadelphia. On June 30, 1980, People Magazine STATED MEETING - VISITOR RECOGNITION, PRESENTATIONS featured "A Philadelphia Anchor Fights to Change His Mean Streets." His story chronicled his move from an affluent section of Philadelphia to a poor ethnically-mixed neighborhood, and his efforts to help his community. Therefore. . .
Resolved that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Philadelphia's Malcolm Poindexter, evidence of the admiration, respect, hometown pride, and high esteem of this legislative body. This is a true and correct copy of the original resolution adopted by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, on the 13th day of April, 1998, signed by the President of City Council, and sponsored by all Members of City Council. Thank you . (Applause.)
Thank you, Mr. President. And thank you, all Members of City Council, especially Councilwoman Joan Krajewski, who made this possible. The introduction was just excellent. I want to thank you so very much. STATED MEETING - VISITOR RECOGNITION, PRESENTATIONS Everything you said was true, and I know because I wrote it myself. (Laughter.) (Applause.)
I kind of got the feeling, as I heard of my accomplishments in the past, that I couldn't keep a job. That wasn't the case. It was a matter of wanting to be involved in a city in which I was born in the Meadows, raised in South Philly, moved on to West Philly, moved on to Oak Lane, and now I'm still there on Norris Square, with sister Carolyn and the rest of the good people. And I am appreciative of all of the good work of the Council in this City of Philadelphia. And the Council is deserving of all the support that we in the media can possibly give, and that's what I've tried to do over the years, is to be as supportive of the positive efforts that you wanted expended in your behalf and in the behalf of the taxpayers. I wanted to be a part of that and do that. Thank you so very much for this. I'm really -STATED MEETING - SPECIAL SEPTA RES. - COUNCILMAN NUTTER (Applause.)
At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Verna for a motion that the rules of Council be suspended so that we can consider a special resolution to be introduced by Councilman Nutter.
All those in favor, let it be known by saying aye. Those opposed, say nay. The ayes have it. The rules are suspended. The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter for the purpose of introducing a resolution.
The Clerk will STATED MEETING - SPECIAL SEPTA RES. - COUNCILMAN NUTTER please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution calling on the City Controller to make no further payment of City General Funds to SEPTA until the TWU Local 232 strike is over and a fair contract is signed. Whereas, due to the impasse in the contract negotiations between SEPTA and the City Division of the Transport Workers Union, the members of TWU Local 234 went out on strike at noon, on Monday June 1, 1998; and Whereas, the City Division includes the operation of buses, trolleys, subways, and elevator train line; And whereas the City routes and transportation modes affected by the strike transport thousands of commuters, senior citizens, and school children daily; and Whereas, for Fiscal Year 1998, the City of Philadelphia will contribute $56,770,000 out of the City General Fund to support the operation of the public transit system; and Whereas, the taxpayers of Philadelphia are seriously inconvenienced by the strike; and STATED MEETING - SPECIAL SEPTA RES. - COUNCILMAN NUTTER Whereas the City's annual contribution to SEPTA is paid on a quarterly basis by the City Controller after receiving an invoice; and Whereas, the last payment made by the City Controller to SEPTA covered the third quarter of Fiscal Year 1998 and was paid on April 29, 1998; and Whereas, SEPTA should not receive any payment of City taxpayers funds if SEPTA is not providing any service to city taxpayers. . . (Applause.)
Therefore resolved by the Council of the City of Philadelphia that the City Council hereby calls upon the City Controller to make no further payments of City General Funds to SEPTA until a TWU Local 234 strike is over and a fair contract is signed. (Applause.)
Mr. President, I STATED MEETING - SPECIAL SEPTA RES. - COUNCILMAN NUTTER move the adoption of the resolution.
Mr. President, I would like to speak to the resolution.
Mr. President and Members of Council, I fear that one of the reasons that SEPTA riders and TWU members face this prospect of a long strike is that there has been absolutely no incentive for SEPTA management to bargain fairly and to make compromises. We all know the SEPTA riders are suffering and being denied service. We all know that workers suffering, going without paychecks. But what about SEPTA itself? Is the Authority suffering as a result of the strike? The answer is no. Not only is the Authority and its top management not suffering, Mr. President, there is no denying that they are actually benefitting financially by refusing to settle the strike. STATED MEETING - SPECIAL SEPTA RES. - COUNCILMAN NUTTER This year SEPTA is scheduled to receive of the $350 million of taxpayers money to operate the system. When they don't operate the system, their costs go way down, but they continue to collect tax dollars. Mr. President, this is a type of taxpayer fraud. Taxpayers are paying to operate SEPTA, and SEPTA management is taking the money without providing the services for which they were given the money. (Applause.)
Mr. President, I want every member of Council, every SEPTA rider, and every taxpayer to know that SEPTA and its management benefit financially from forcing the union out on strike and withholding service from riders. (Applause.)
This is one of the reasons SEPTA's management is unwilling to compromise. The longer they keep workers out, the longer they make riders do without, the more money they can horde. Mr. President, this is unacceptable. STATED MEETING - SPECIAL SEPTA RES. - COUNCILMAN NUTTER It is wrong to allow SEPTA to collect taxpayers' money without providing service. Therefore, I am in total support of this resolution and certainly ensure my colleagues will do the same. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you, Mr. President. I will be brief. Mr. President, I believe what the Members of Council who signed on to the resolution and maybe others who may vote in favor, what we primarily seek is a fair and reasonable contract as soon as possible. The President announced today that there are the restarting of these negotiations. We seek no place, and we have no right at the bargaining table, but we have, I believe, some responsibility where there are pressure points to try to push them or touch them and move the parties in the right direction. Citizens of this City are in fact suffering. Many of the members of this union are STATED MEETING - SPECIAL SEPTA RES. - COUNCILMAN NUTTER also citizens of our city. We want them back to work, we want a contract. And whatever action we think that we can take in a reasonable fashion to help that process along and not interfere in this process, I think that we need to do. And, therefore, we would like to see negotiations not only start but conclude as soon as possible, with a contract, the workers back operating what can be and should be one of the best public transit systems in the country. Thank you, Mr. President. (Applause.)
Councilman, I agree with most of what you are saying. And I have another idea that I would like to offer in addition to this resolution. And I've thought about this, and it is going to hurt me. I'm going to park my City car, and I'm going to not use any of my private cars for any item of business that I have because the 40 percent of the population of this City that doesn't have a car has to go to work, and I think maybe what some of the SEPTA officials need to do is join me in not using their cars. STATED MEETING - SPECIAL SEPTA RES. - COUNCILMAN NUTTER (Applause.)
Now, the members of the general public -- the members of the general public do not have to go to social events, you can avoid that, but you got to go to work. So what I'm going to do is not use my City car or any of my private cars for work-related matters because then I will know firsthand what some of those riders are going through who do not have any cars and have to go to work -- and have to go to work. Because I think sometimes when we get -- I mean, when there are these strikes, and we're not inconvenienced at all because we just go out and get in our cars, and we go about doing what we always do. So now, Mr. Wimbush, you can -(Laughter.)
You can surrender the keys to the City car to Miss Little, and you and I are now henceforth and forever more, until the strike is resolved -(Applause.)
The Chair recognizes STATED MEETING - SPECIAL SEPTA RES. - COUNCILMAN NUTTER Councilman Cohen.
Mr. President, thank you. Later on in this session, I will be introducing on behalf of ten Members of City Council a transfer ordinance, which we hope won't be necessary, but which will be used. I'm fully in support of this resolution, the transfer ordinance is in support of the resolution which would transfer the SEPTA money to the City Council budget. And I have the assurances of the Chair of the Appropriations Committee and of the President that this will be after advertised for a hearing in time if necessary to permit Council during its regular session to act on this ordinance. We hope it won't be necessary and that the resolution will, together with the actions spoken about by the President and the general support of the people of Philadelphia, all of whom want this problem solved -- and solved, if not immediately, they want it solved yesterday. It's in the interests of -STATED MEETING - SPECIAL SEPTA RES. - COUNCILMAN NUTTER (Applause.)
And, Mr. President, I want to make very clear that if it seems that the normal processes of people meeting together is not sufficient to arrive at an agreement, there are procedures available to settle disputes. One of the most time-honored, is that of arbitration. And I'm just suggesting it because I understand there's talk in the air that the people who are negotiating ought to have a fair opportunity to settle it. But if not, I hope both parties will be able to agree, 'cause the State law permits it on an arbitration proceeding. Thank you very much, Mr. President. I'm going to be asking -(Applause.)
I'm going to be asking for a roll call on this resolution. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you, Mr. President. I'll be briefer than before. STATED MEETING - SPECIAL SEPTA RES. - COUNCILMAN NUTTER First, I think the record should reflect that there was no response from Mr. Wimbush to your proposal and I understand that. (Laughter.)
Second, Mr. President, we have talked again over the past couple days about a previous action taken by this Council, I believe, back in the March time period with regard to the continued -- the proposed running of the system with personnel other than Local 234 members. The Council is on record, and it has been reaffirmed through many discussions that that is the position of the Council. That resolution was passed overwhelmingly. We want these individuals who normally back to work. We have grave concerns about any other personnel potentially operating the system. Thank you, Mr. President. (Applause.)
Is there anyone else who wishes to speak on the resolution? (No response.)
The Clerk will call STATED MEETING - SPECIAL SEPTA RES. - COUNCILMAN NUTTER the roll.
Councilwoman STATED MEETING - SPECIAL SEPTA RES. - COUNCILMAN NUTTER Miller.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. The resolution passes. (Applause.) STATED MEETING - COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE
The next order of business is communications. The Chair recognizes the Sergeant-At-Arms for the purpose of delivering the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. (Sergeant-At-Arms delivers messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk.)
To the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am transmitting herewith for the introduction and consideration of your Honorable Body 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, identified by house numbers and street addresses 713 West Dauphin Street and 715 West Dauphin Street and authorizing the Redevelopment Authority to execute the redevelopment contract with Marcos Santana-Soto STATED MEETING - COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR and to take such action as may be necessary to effectuate the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement. And an ordinance amending Section 20-101 of The Philadelphia Code entitled "Residents Requirements," by providing that former United States military service personnel entering in the civil service need not be bona fide residents of the City when appointed but must establish and maintain bona fide residence in the City within six months after the appointment. And an ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 1999 from the General Fund, the Director of Finance Contributions to School District/Tax Cuts and the City Representative and the Director of Commerce Economic Stimulus, and from the Grants Revenue Fund, the Director of Finance - Provision for Other Grants to the General Fund, the First District of Pennsylvania. And an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, pursuant to the Urban Redevelopment Law, P.L. 991 (May 24, 1945), to STATED MEETING - COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia, without consideration, a deed conveying fee simple title to City-owned land situated at 4501 Ridge Avenue for use by the Philadelphia Housing Authority for egress and ingress in connection with PHA's Schuylkill Falls HOPE VI Development; and authorizing the Commissioner to remove certain restrictive covenants with respect to the contiguous property, 3700 West School House Lane; all under certain terms and conditions.
These messages will be printed in the journal. The Chief Clerk will read any other communications in her possession.
The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. The Chair recognizes Augusta Clark.
Mr. President, I offer one bill. STATED MEETING - INTRODUCTION OF BILLS
An ordinance granting permission Edward Wilson, owner and operator of the newsstand located on the northwest corner of 16th Street and John F. Kennedy Boulevard, to construct, use, and maintain conduit for fiber optic facilities in and under the west footway of John F. Kennedy Boulevard, the north footway of 16th Street, and the west footway of Cuthbert Street for the purpose of supplying telephone services to said news stand.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen.
Mr. President, I offer the ordinance to which I referred before on behalf of 12 sponsors. STATED MEETING - INTRODUCTION OF BILLS
An ordinance authorizing transfers and appropriations for Fiscal Year 1999 within the General Fund from the Department of Public Property City Subsidy for SEPTA to the Council.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
An ordinance authorizing transfers and appropriations for Fiscal Year 1999 from the General Fund, the Director of Finance - Contributions to School District/Tax Cuts and the City Representative and the Director of Commerce - Economic Stimulus and from the Grants Revenue Fund, the Director of Finance - Provision for Other Grants to the General Fund, the First Judicial District of STATED MEETING - INTRODUCTION OF BILLS Pennsylvania. And an ordinance authorizing transfers and appropriations for Fiscal Year 1999 within the Grant Revenue Fund from the Director of Finance Provision for Other Grants to the first Judicial District of Pennsylvania.
These bills will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Verna.
The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development ("PAID") to file an application with the Office of the Budget Commonwealth of Pennsylvania under the Capital Redevelopment Assistance Program, in an aggregate amount not to exceed $81 million, to assist in the development of the Regional Performing Arts Center, the Philadelphia Zoo's Primate House, Gateway Visitors Center on the Mall, and STATED MEETING - INTRODUCTION OF BILLS Independence National Historic Park, the Lonnie Young Recreation Center, the Rock School of Ballet, and the Freedom Theater.
This resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions. The Chair thanks the Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, pursuant to the Urban Redevelopment Law, P.L. 991 (May 24, STATED MEETING - INTRODUCTION OF BILLS 1945), to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia, without consideration, a deed conveying fee simple title to City-owned land situated at 4501 Ridge Avenue for use by the Philadelphia Housing Authority ("PHA") for egress and ingress in connection with PHA's Schuylkill Falls HOPE VI Development; and authorizing the Commissioner to remove certain restrictive covenants with respect to the contiguous property, 3700 West School House Lane, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Fernandez.
The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution calling on City Council's Commerce and Economic Development Committee to hold public hearings to assess the economic impact that higher education institutions have on the Philadelphia economy and STATED MEETING - INTRODUCTION OF BILLS to identify strategies for maximizing this valuable resource.
I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
All those in favor, let it be known by saying aye. Those opposed, say nay. The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Yes, Mr. President. I have one resolution that I'm trying to -
The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution memorializing the 105th Congress to design federal tobacco legislation agreements with provisions for compensation targeted to local governments for tobacco-related expenditures. STATED MEETING - INTRODUCTION OF BILLS
Mr. President, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
All those in favor, let it be known by saying aye. Those opposed, say nay. The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ortiz.
The Chair thanks the Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco.
The Clerk will please read the title of the Resolution.
A resolution authorizing the Committees on Streets and Services and Licenses and Inspections to hold hearings STATED MEETING - INTRODUCTION OF BILLS examining Bell Atlantic's proposal to install pay telephone kiosks with advertising as well as related concerns surrounding pay phones included, but not limited to, standards and regulations, lack of enforcement, and health and safety concerns.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
All those in favor, let it be known by saying aye. Those opposed, say nay. The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
An ordinance STATED MEETING - INTRODUCTION OF BILLS amending Section 2 of an ordinance, Bill No. 23, approved July 5, 1996, entitled "An Ordinance," authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 359 by striking from the City Plan and vacating the southwesterly curvilinear portion of Bennett Road northwestwardly from the Roosevelt Boulevard and reserving and placing on the City Plan a certain right-of-way for gas main purposes, under certain terms and conditions, by extending the period for compliance with the authorization conditions therein to December 31, 1999.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into a lease agreement with Red Cap Limited STATED MEETING - INTRODUCTION OF BILLS Partnership, a Pennsylvania limited partnership, for use by the City of premises located at 4000 North American Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, under certain terms and conditions. And an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of the Department of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to purchase fee simple title to a parcel of real estate, with any improvements situated thereon, located at 3827 through 37 Whittaker Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and also known as 3901 Whittaker Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, under certain terms and conditions.
These bills will be referred to the appropriate committees. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
The next order of business is reports from committees. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney STATED MEETING - REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES for a report of the Committee on Rules.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Council Committee on Rules reports out 11 bills with favorable recommendations, and also reports that Bill No. 970751 was being withdrawn at the request of the sponsor.
To the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Rules to which was referred Bill No. 970518, an ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code relating to "Zoning and Planning," by amending Chapter 14-100 entitled "General Provisions," by amending Chapter 14-200 entitled "Residential Districts," and by amending Chapter 14-1400 entitled "Parking and Loading Facilities," under certain terms and conditions. Bill No. 980168, an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps, by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Washington STATED MEETING - REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES Avenue, Broad Street, Morris Street, and Seventh Street. Bill No. 980271, an ordinance amending an ordinance approved October 18, 1977, which approved the redevelopment proposal and the relocation plan of the Redevelopment Authority for the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment of the Meadows II Urban Renewal Area by approving the first amendment of the redevelopment proposal and the first amendment to the relocation plan. And Bill No. 980273, an ordinance amending an ordinance approved June 13, 1997, which approved the redevelopment proposal, the urban renewal plan, and the relocation plan of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment of the New Kensington-Fishtown Urban Renewal Area, by approving the first amendment of the redevelopment proposal and the first amendment to the urban renewal plan. And Bill No. 980326, an ordinance amending an ordinance approved December 15, 1969, as amended, which approved the redevelopment proposal, the urban renewal plan, and the STATED MEETING - REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES relocation plan of the Redevelopment Authority for the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment of the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area, by approving the 21st amendment of the redevelopment proposal and the 13th amendment to the urban renewal plan. Bill No. 980327, an ordinance amending an ordinance approved December 22, 1987, which approved the redevelopment proposal, the urban renewal plan, and the relocation plan of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment of the Cecil B. Moore Avenue Urban Renewal Area, by approving the 4th amendment of the redevelopment proposal, the 4th amendment to the urban renewal plan, and the 4th amendment to the relocation plan. Bill No. 980330, an ordinance amending an ordinance, approved December 15, 1969, as amended, which approved the redevelopment proposal, the urban renewal plan, and the relocation plan of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment of Grays Ferry Urban Renewal Area, by approving the eighth amendment of the redevelopment proposal and the urban renewal plan. STATED MEETING - REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES Bill No. 980331, an ordinance approving the redevelopment proposal of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment of a portion of the Point Breeze East Redevelopment Area, Point Breeze East Urban Renewal Area, being the area generally bounded by the southerly side of Washington Avenue on the north, the westerly side of Broad Street on the east, the northerly side of Moore Street on the south, and the easterly side of 20th Street on the west. Bill No. 980332, an ordinance approving the redevelopment proposal of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment of a portion of the Sarah Allen Redevelopment Area; Sarah Allen Urban Renewal Area, being the area generally bounded by the centerline of Westminster Avenue on the north, the centerline of 40th Street on the east, the centerline of Aspen Street on the south, and the centerline of Lancaster Avenue and Holly Street on the west. Bill No.
980333, an ordinance amending an ordinance approved December 15, 1969, as STATED MEETING - REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES amended, which approved the redevelopment proposal, the urban renewal plan, and the relocation plan of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment of Mantua Urban Renewal Area, by approving the eighth amendment of the redevelopment proposal and the fifth amendment of the urban renewal plan. Bill No. 980337 (sic), an ordinance amending an ordinance approved August 30, 1965, as amended, which approved the redevelopment proposal, the urban renewal plan, and the relocation plan of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment of the Center City Redevelopment Area, Franklin Urban Renewal Area, by approving the third amendment of the Redevelopment proposal and the fourth amendment to the urban renewal plan.
I may have, Mr. President, I'm sorry. STATED MEETING - REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES
Thank you, Mr. President. I move the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading of Bills No. 970518, 980168, 980271, 980273, 980326, 980327, 980330, 980331, 980332, 980333, and 980335 today. (Duly seconded.)
All those in favor, let it be known by saying aye. Those opposed, say nay. The ayes have it. The rules are suspended, and these bills will be added to our first-reading calendar today. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney for the report of the Council Committee on Licenses and Inspections.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Council Committee on Licenses and Inspections reports out Bills No. 980314 and 980343 with favorable recommendations.
The Clerk will STATED MEETING - REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES please read the report.
To the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Licenses and Inspections, to which was referred Bill No. 980314 entitled "An Ordinance" amending Section 9-205 of The Philadelphia Code relating to sidewalk sales by adding a new provision prohibiting sidewalk sales on the 200 block of West Lehigh Avenue, both sides. And Bill No. 980343, an ordinance granting Pietrantonio Cassetta, trading as Cassetta's Cheese Shop, located at 7401 Castor Avenue, to construct, use, and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe on the east side of Castor Avenue and directly abutting and contiguous with the aforesaid property.
Mr. President, I move the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading of Bills No. 980314 and 980343 today. Also, the chair further that the rules STATED MEETING - REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES of Council be suspended so as to permit adoption of Resolution No. 980349.
All those in favor, let it be known by saying aye. Those opposed, say nay. The ayes have it. The rules are suspended. These will be added to our first-reading calendar, and Resolution No. 980349 stands approved. I thought you moved -
I moved for it to be considered immediately. And now I'll move for its -
All those in favor, let it be known by saying aye. Those opposed, say nay. STATED MEETING - REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter for the report on the Council Committee on Commerce and Economic Development.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Commerce and Economic Development reports one bill with a favorable recommendation.
To the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development, to which was referred Bill No. 970485, entitled, "An Ordinance" amending Section 19-201 of The Philadelphia Code City entitled "City Depositories" by prohibiting certain electronic fund transfer fees or surcharges respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
The bills reported favorably will be printed and placed on our STATED MEETING - FIRST-READING CALDENDAR BILLS first-reading calendar for our next meeting.
The next order of business consideration of the calendar. The Chief Clerk will read the bills from the first-reading calendar.
Bill No. 980210, an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Dorcas Street, east side, Cottman Avenue to a point 75 north of Cottman Avenue.
Bill 980237, an ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 146.
Bill No. 980243, An ordinance authorizing and directing the placing City Plan No. 382 of Anna Drive Worthington Road at a point approximately 173 feet.
Bill No. 980244, an ordinance authorizing the paving of Anna Drive, under certain terms and conditions. STATED MEETING - FIRST-READING CALDENDAR BILLS
Bill No. 980310, an ordinance authorizing the paving of Depue Avenue and Lyndhurst Street, under certain terms and conditions.
Bill No. 980373, an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 123, by striking from the City Plan and vacating Watts Street from Susquehannah Avenue to Diamond Street by -
Bill No. 970518, an ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code relating to zoning and planning.
Bill No. 980168, an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by change the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Washington Avenue, Broad Street, Morris Street, and Seventh Street.
The Chair agrees. STATED MEETING - FIRST-READING CALDENDAR BILLS
Bill No. 980271, an ordinance amending an ordinance approved October 18, 1977, which approved the redevelopment proposal of the relocation plan of the Redevelopment Authority of Philadelphia of Meadows II Urban Renewal Area.