COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, November 6, 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
Good morning, everyone. I note that the hour has come and that a quorum of this Council is present. Council will please come to order. Members will take their seats and visitors will retire to the seats outside the rails. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair will ask Councilwoman Blackwell to please lead us in prayer. I would ask all members and guests to please rise. (Members and guests rise.)
Good morning. May we bow our heads. Heavily Father, we thank you for this opportunity to be here another day. We ask that you bless all who are here and all who are visiting us today. We ask that you give us the knowledge, the passion to care, the knowledge to know what to do and the wherewithal to do those things we must represent. And, Lord, we thank you again for each day. And during this especially difficult day where so many issues and problems and services that affect our city are coming into question and being announced, we ask that you bless those. We ask that you bless the Mayor, bless those in power and bless we who are entrusted by you to take care of your people. All these blessings, we ask. And we thank you, Lord, for a Tuesday victory. We thank you, Lord, for a new direction, and we ask that you consider us, we who want to do the best for all these people that we're entrusted to serve, and we, again, thank you for today. These blessings we ask in thy name and for thy sake. Amen. (Amen.)
The the Councilwoman. The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, October 30th -we're going to try again with silence, please. Anybody having conversation, please do so in the corridor. Thank you. The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of October 30, 2008, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, October 30th stand approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, October 30, 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, 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 Rizzo.
Madam President, no requests for leave of absence today.
Thank you. The Chair will dispense with the regular order of business to 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 Councilwoman Miller, who will present a resolution recognizing Dyana Williams. I would ask Ms. Williams and those accompanying her to please join the Councilwoman at the podium. I see that Councilwoman Miller is being joined by Councilwoman Tasco and Councilman Jones and Councilman Goode. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you, Madam President. It is an honor to be honoring Dyana Williams this morning. recognizing, honoring and celebrating Dyana Williams for her exceptional talents and her constant force in the entertainment industry for over three decades. Whereas, Dyana Williams' career exceeds limitations and she remains a constant force in the entertainment industry for over three decades; and Whereas, Williams showcased her talents in broadcasting, print journalism and community activism; and
Whereas, Williams' career was never limited. She was involved in television producing, reporting, media coaching and lecturing; and Whereas, currently Williams hosts "Soulful Sunday," a weekly show broadcast via Radio One adult contemporary station WRNB-FM, which won the "Achievement in Radio Award for Best Weekend Show" in Philadelphia for 2006; and
Whereas, each Sunday, noon to 5:00 p.m., this lady can be found at 107.9 on the FM dial, weaving vintage sounds from Motown to Stax to the Sound of Philadelphia, and every classic artist in between; and Whereas, in 1991, Williams co-founded the International Association of African American Music; and
Whereas, in her role as a music activist, Dyana was invited to the White House during the Jimmy Carter and Clinton Administrations; and Whereas, Ms. Williams was even recognized by George W. Bush for her work in the music industry during Black History Month 2007 at the White House; and
Whereas, Williams is proud to be the parents of three dynamic children, Caliph Salahdeen, Princess Idia Gamble, and Junior, who from love, nurturing and extended family family; and Whereas, Dyana Williams was named the Ambassador of African American Music by American Express' Departures Magazine and the first African American woman to join an on-air team in rock radio at WRZX-FM; and
Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that this City Council hereby recognize, honor and celebrate Dyana Williams for her exceptional talents and her constant force in the entertainment industry for over three decades. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Dyana Williams as further evidencing the sincere admiration and gratitude of this legislative body. Certification, this is a true and correct copy of the original resolution, adopted by the Council of the City of Philadelphia on the 16th day of C. Verna, President of City Council. Introduced by Donna Reed Miller, W. Wilson Goode, Jr., Blondell Reynolds Brown, Curtis Jones and Marian B. Tasco, and sponsored by all other members of City Council. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes Ms. Williams for remarks. Welcome.
Thank you so much, Councilwoman Miller. To my dear, dear good friends for many, many years, thank you, Curtis, Councilwoman -- I call them by their first name, Marian, Blondell. I really appreciate -- and Wilson. We go back for a long time. I am honored, all members of City Council, and, most importantly, the people of Philadelphia. This is my adopted hometown. I'm originally from New York. I grew up in the Bronx and Harlem, but I've been here for over 30-something years, so I think that -the Mayor told me when he co-hosted my show recently that I'm an official Philadelphian now, daughter of Philadelphians. So this seals it, Councilwoman Miller. I am so grateful to be able to serve this community as a broadcaster, as I've been doing for many years. And you honor my parents. My mother is here. She came up from Miami, Nancy Newman, my significant everything, Christopher Jordan, Sr., and behind us you see some of my very dear friends also here in the room today. My son Caliph Gamble is present representing my children. Also, to my producer, Derrick Sampson, thank you for making our show one of the most popular in Philadelphia as we have an opportunity on a weekly basis to reach out to the community at large in the Delaware Valley and to the world as well. You honor me. And this very significant historic week, it is thrilling. That's all I can say, is it's very exciting. This afternoon my radio station has over 50 nominations with the March of Dimes Achievement in Radio. I want to recognize also Nicholas "Sixx" King, one of my co-workers, who was responsible for reaching out to Councilwoman Miller to make this happen for me. To all of my colleagues, to my mentors, past, to my current people that I work with at Radio One Philadelphia, my mentor, Kathy Hughes, to all of you, I am blessed and grateful. Thank you so much. Let's keep serving this great city, making Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection, a better place to live in. God bless. Peace. (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 pleased to advise you that on November 3rd and November 5th, 2008, I signed all of the bills that were passed by Council on October 23rd and October 30th, and I am transmitting herewith for the consideration of your honorable body an ordinance amending Title 6 of The Philadelphia Code, by revising permitting provisions and license and permit fees related to asbestos work, under certain terms and conditions; and An ordinance amending certain 3 and Title 6, related to license and permit fees and other charges, by modifying the amount of such fees; and An ordinance authorizing Kevin Goodchild, owner and operator of Maggie's Waterfront Cafe, to operate and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe and planters at 9242 North Delaware Avenue; and An ordinance amending certain Sections of Title 4, Title 6, Title 9, Title 19 of The Philadelphia Code, relating to license and permit fees and other charges, by modifying the amount of such fees, under certain terms and conditions; and An ordinance amending Section 9-305 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Burglary, Theft and Robbery Alarm Systems," by revising the amounts of certain fees and penalties and the number of permissible false alarms; and An ordinance amending Section 19-2604 of The Philadelphia Code, rates, credits and alternative tax computation, for the business privilege tax; and An ordinance amending Chapter 19-1500 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Wage and Net Profits Tax," by revising certain tax rates and making technical changes; and An ordinance amending Title 12 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Traffic Code," to revise the fees for the use of parking meters in certain locations, to revise fees and charges for the immobilization and impoundment of vehicles for parking and other violations.
Thank you. The messages will be printed in the Journal. I would ask the Chief Clerk to please read any other communications in her possession.
Thank you. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. Is Councilman Kenney here? (No response.) The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I have no bills or resolutions to introduce.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance authorizing Kevin Goodchild to construct, own and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe and planters at 9236-9242 North Delaware Avenue.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Section 19-203 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Payroll Deductions," to add the Philadelphia Police and Fire Association for Handicapped Children and the Philadelphia Fire Department Historic Corporation to the list of designated payees to whom an employee may direct payroll deductions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Madam President, I offer one privileged resolution, which I'd like to speak on, and seven bills on behalf of the Administration.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance amending Section 19-2604 of The Philadelphia Code, relating to tax rates, credits and alternative tax computation for the business privilege tax, by revising certain tax rates.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Chapter 19-1500 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Wage and Net Profits Tax," by revising certain tax rates and making technical changes, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Section 9-305 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Burglary, Theft and Robbery Alarm Systems," by revising the amount of certain fees and penalties and the number of permissible false alarms.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Title 12 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Traffic Code," to revise the fees for the use of parking meters in certain locations.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending certain Sections of Title 4, Title 6, Title 9, Title 19 of The Philadelphia Code, related to license and permit fees and other charges, by modifying the amount of such fees, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Title 6 of The Philadelphia Code, by revising permitting provisions and license and permit fees related to asbestos work.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending certain Sections of Title and Title of The Philadelphia Code, relating to license and permit fees and other charges, by modifying the amount of such fees, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will also be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution congratulating President-Elect Obama and inviting him to Philadelphia to promote affordable and accessible healthcare as part of an affordable healthcare inaugural tour.
Thank you, Madam President. On Tuesday, we as citizens of this great city, state and nation elected our next leader, President-Elect Barack Obama. Although some of us voted for Senator McCain while others voted for President-Elect Obama, now post election is the time to set aside our partisan differences to come up and work together as our nation prepares for a new executive leadership. In their respective campaigns, both Senator McCain and President-Elect Obama competed for our vote by presenting their plans to address the various issues and challenges that face our nation. From military conflicts abroad to the current state of the U.S. and the world economy, we have listened, analyzed and compared their plans to move our nation forward. Considering these and other concerns, healthcare is one issue perhaps more than any other that impacts all of us regardless of party affiliation. In the United States, approximately 47 million Americans are uninsured or underinsured. Locally, an estimated 136,000 Philadelphians are uninsured and unable to afford access to decent healthcare on a regular basis, and healthcare expenditures for Philadelphia residents exceeds $8.6 billion annually. In comparison to the healthcare proposals of the two presidential campaigns, this body, this City Council body, has also taken action to develop a plan to address healthcare disparities in our city. On November 4, 2003 and after the passage of Bill No. 030189 and Bill No. 030178, the voters of this city approved an amendment to the Home Rule Charter requiring the Department of Health to prepare a plan for universal health coverage that permits everyone to obtain decent and regular healthcare. Although an initial plan was drafted, it will take action at the federal level to truly realize this goal of decent and regular healthcare. In this context, Madam President, I urge my colleagues to pass this resolution requesting President-Elect Obama to visit Philadelphia and address the healthcare issue on his path toward his inauguration in January 2009. In taking this action, we will join with Illinois House of Representative, City Council of Chicago, Detroit City Council, Columbus City Council -- Columbus, Ohio City Council, Pittsburgh City Council and the Baltimore City Council in making similar requests that will create an affordable healthcare tour leading up to President-Elect Obama's inauguration. It is the goal of this action to cause a national dialogue on healthcare and enable citizens, community groups and non-profit organizations to join with these and other legislative bodies to voice their concerns regarding affordable healthcare, and provide President-Elect Obama an opportunity to address this issue prior to his inauguration. I ask that all members support this resolution and the adoption. Thank you, Madam President, and thank you, my colleagues.
This was a movement that was started in Chicago and is moving across the country.
I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you, Madam President. Good morning. Today I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Sanchez.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Green.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Section 9-305 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Burglary, Theft and Robbery Alarm Systems," by increasing the penalties for false alarms, providing registration and equipment requirements for alarm businesses and alarm users.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you. 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. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. No bills or resolutions today.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Introduced by myself and Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution authorizing the creation of a Parks and Recreation Task Force to help facilitate the transfer of duties and responsibilities of the Fairmount Park Commission and the Department of Recreation to the new Department of Parks and Recreation, and to assist in reconstituting the Fairmount Park Commission as the Commission on Parks and Recreation.
Madam President, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kelly.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
The The next order of business is reports from committees. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney for a report from the Committee on Rules.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Rules reports two bills out with favorable recommendations.
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 Rules, to which was referred Bill No. 080741, entitled "An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by 11th Street, Filbert Street, 10th Street and Market Street"; and 080742, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 14-400 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Commercial Entertainment District," by adding provisions relating to proposed projects in the Center City area and relating to public art, by providing for revised effective dates, and by making technical changes, all under certain terms and conditions," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Madam President. I move the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill Nos. 080741 and 742. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded. All in favor will please 11/6/08 - STATED - 1ST READING indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
Thank you. The bills just read will be placed on our First Reading Calendar 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. 080741, an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by 11th Street, Filbert Street, 10th Street and Market Street.
And Bill No. 080742, an ordinance amending Chapter 11/6/08 - STATED - 2ND READING 14-400 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Commercial Entertainment District," by adding provisions relating to proposed projects in the Center City area and relating to public art, by providing for revised effective dates, and by making technical changes, all under certain terms and conditions.
The Chair agrees. And that completes our First Reading Calendar. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for a motion concerning the bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit the use of a Consent Agenda to consider the following bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar: Bills No. 080573, 080744, 080544, 080574, 080625, 080628, 080629, 080630, 080631, 080633, 080635, 080637, 080639, 080641, 080643, 11/6/08 - STATED - 2ND READING 080644, 080648, 080651, 080652, 080653, 080654, 080725, 080433, 080546 and 080149. All other bills are being held. All of these bills are being voted on on the Consent Agenda.
Right, with the exception -- I believe you mentioned Bill No. 080744. It is my understanding that that would not be included on the Consent Agenda today. I was notified of that as we were leaving the Caucus Room.
Does that also include Bill No. 080622-A, which is to be amended?
No. That's being amended. That's the next item on the agenda. I was informed that 080744 would be called up as a Consent Agenda, but since it was changed since I was told, it will not be. Thank you.
Councilwoman, would you please make a motion that the rules of Council be suspended so that we can use the Consent Agenda.
I move that we use the Consent Agenda to vote out all the bills that I have read. (Duly seconded.) 11/6/08 - STATED - 2ND READING
It has been moved and seconded that the rules of Council be suspended to permit the use of a Consent Agenda to consider bill numbers just read by Councilwoman Tasco. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, the motion carries, and we will consider the Consent Agenda shortly. Now, as I indicated in caucus, for those who may not have been there at the time, each bill -- can I have your attention, please. Each bill will be read on the Consent Agenda. Any member may object to the inclusion of the bill or simply vote no when the bill is called. And that will be without debate. I would, 11/6/08 - STATED - 2ND READING therefore, now suggest that the Clerk read the title of the bills on the Consent Agenda.
Bill No. 080573, an ordinance amending Chapter 19-2600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Business Privilege Taxes," by expanding the program under which a credit against business privilege taxes is given to certain businesses; and Bill No. 080544, an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 163 by relocating the southwesterly houseline and curbline of Ridge Avenue near Calumet Street, all under certain terms and conditions; and Bill No. 080574, an ordinance amending Section 9-212 of The Philadelphia Code by prohibiting newsstands on both sides of 5th Street between Ludlow and Market Street; and Bill No. 080625, an ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of 11/6/08 - STATED - 2ND READING lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 42 by striking from the City Plan and vacating 30th Street from Walnut Street; and Bill No. 080628, an ordinance authorizing the grant to the City of two rights-of-way for municipal and public utility purposes within an area bounded by Market Street, former 32nd Street, Chestnut Street and 33rd Street; and Bill No. 080629, an ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance, Bill No. 060730, approved November 16, 2006, entitled "An ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 278 by extending the period for compliance with the terms and conditions stated therein; and Bill No. 080630, an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 197 by placing on the City Plan an extension of Ontario Street from its existing 11/6/08 - STATED - 2ND READING terminus, all under certain terms and conditions; and Bill No. 080631, an ordinance authorizing the grant to the City of a right-of-way for gas main purposes within the lines of former Stevenson Street southeast of Frankford Avenue; and Bill No. 080633, an ordinance authorizing the paving of Ontario Street from the northwesterly side of the right-of-way of the Philadelphia Belt Line Railroad; and Bill No. 080635, an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 34-S in the area south of Oregon Avenue and west of Christopher Columbus Boulevard, all under certain terms and conditions; and Bill No. 080637, an ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan Nos. 34-S and 41-S by striking from the City Plan and vacating the legally 11/6/08 - STATED - 2ND READING open portions of Packer Avenue; and Bill No. 080639, an ordinance authorizing the Mount Airy Revitalization Corporation to construct, own and maintain a sign on the traffic island of Wadsworth Avenue at the intersection of Cheltenham Avenue; and Bill No. 080641, an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 128 by striking from the City Plan and vacating 18th Street from Cambria Street to Indiana Avenue; and Bill No. 080643, an ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance, Bill No. 040569, approved July 1, 2004, by extending the period for compliance with the terms and conditions stated therein; and Bill No. 080644, an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 158 by striking from the City Plan and abandoning a certain right-of-way for 11/6/08 - STATED - 2ND READING drainage purposes, under certain terms and conditions; and Bill No. 080648, an ordinance amending Title 12 of The Philadelphia Code, to prohibit the standing or parking on the roadway of watercraft trailers or watercraft for the purpose of display for sale or for commercial washing; and Bill No. 080651, an ordinance amending Section 12-918 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Parking for Car Sharing Organizations," by adding locations, all under certain terms and conditions; and Bill No. 080652, an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No.
63 by striking from the City Plan and abandoning a right-of-way reserved for gas main purposes; and Bill No. 080653, an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 58 by placing on the City Plan an extension 11/6/08 - STATED - 2ND READING of Mount Vernon Street from its existing terminus west of Percy Street westwardly to 10th Street; and Bill No. 080654, an ordinance amending Title 9 of The Philadelphia Code, by prohibiting street and sidewalk vending on certain portions of Spring Garden Street; and Bill No. 080725, an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 120 by striking from the City Plan and vacating Cleveland Street from Girard Avenue; and Bill No. 080433, an ordinance amending Chapter 9-600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Service and Other Businesses," by amending Section 9-610, entitled "Massage Businesses," by amending the requirements for operation of a massage business, under certain terms and conditions; and Bill No. 080546, an ordinance amending Subcode "PM," by adding certain 11/6/08 - STATED - 2ND READING structures to the provisions prohibiting the accumulation of stagnant water, and making certain technical changes, all under certain terms and conditions; and Bill No. 080149, an ordinance amending Section 12-1117 of The Philadelphia Code, by expressly prohibiting certain improper uses of disabled parking permits and providing for penalties, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you. These bills having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bills pass finally. I would ask the Clerk to please call the roll.
Pat, we're going to read all of the bills on the Consent Agenda. 11/6/08 - STATED - 2ND READING
Councilwoman, are you voting aye on all of the bills read?
Aye on all bills. The majority of all members having voted in the affirmative for each of the bills, the bills on the Consent Agenda are passed. The Chief Clerk will now read 11/6/08 - STATED - 2ND READING the title of Bill No. 080167-A.
An ordinance amending Title 6 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Health Code," by adding a new Section requiring that chain restaurants and retail food establishments make available certain nutrition information for food and beverage items offered for sale, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Councilman DiCicco. 11/6/08 - STATED - 2ND READING COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Aye.
I'd prefer the sponsor to hold this bill, but I'll have to vote no on it now.
A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. (Applause.)
The 11/6/08 - STATED - 2ND READING Chief Clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 080622-A.
An ordinance amending Title 9 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Regulation of Businesses, Trades and Professions," by adding a new Chapter regulating the erection, use and inspection of tower cranes, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you, Madam President. I move to amend this bill. The technical amendment was circulated in caucus this morning. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the amendment be adopted. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? 11/6/08 - STATED - 2ND READING (No response.)
The ayes have it and the amendment is adopted. Councilwoman Brown, I believe your light is on. Did you want to be recognized?
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 080744.
An ordinance amending Chapter 19-2400 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Hotel Room Rental Tax," by providing for an additional excise tax on hotel room rentals and designating the expenditures for which such tax will be used, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. 11/6/08 - STATED - 2ND READING The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. 16; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes, and the record will reflect that Councilman Kenney did abstain. That concludes our Calendar for today. Are there speeches on the part of the minority? (No response.)
Are there speeches on the part of the majority? The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Madam President. This morning on the way to work I saw a 7-year-old young lady being escorted to school by her grandparent, and in celebration of what has occurred nationally, I asked the young lady what she wanted to be when she grew up. She was young. She's African American. And she responded by saying, I want to be President of the United about this wasn't her response, but what was the response of the grandparent, who looked at her and said, Today I think she could be some day President of the United States. So I just wanted to go on the record saying that things have changed. Things have changed in this nation for the better. I also encourage our Mayor, as he goes forward with some difficult days on the budget, to stand and be a responsible steward for the fiscal condition of this city. And just like Obama, when he accepted his task as being the President-Elect, he did so with the knowledge that there would be difficult days ahead, but if we work together, both Council and the Administration, the three words that got Obama through are the three words that will get this city through, which is "Yes, we can." (Applause.)
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Madam President. On Friday, October the 31st, Villa, formerly Sneaker Villa, opened its twenty-second store on Wadsworth Avenue in the Wadsworth Plaza located in the 1600 block of Wadsworth Avenue. This store is their first location in Mount Airy. This is a true beginning of our efforts in the northwest, and particularly in the Wadsworth area, by the Mount Airy Revitalization Corporation to diversify the kinds of businesses in our community. So we welcome Villa to our community. In 1989, Villa opened its first door and has locations throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. We welcome them because they are a strong community partner and has worked with schools, our city and community groups to community service, education initiatives, anti-violence programs and economic investment. To date, Villa has performed over 3,000 hours of community service and completed 60 service projects. We look forward to working with them. We're pleased to have them in our community. And on that day, they presented to the Mount Airy Revitalization Corporation and to Future Minds, which is a tutoring program sponsored by Susan Cook at the Dorothy Emanuel Recreation Center, $500 each, and that was matched by $500 each by the owner of the Plaza, Mr. George Nelson. So it has brought a lot of goodwill to the community, as well as resources to help our young people, and we thank them very much for being good corporate partners. Thank you.
Thank you, Madam President. I would just like to go on the record to thank everybody who came out on Election Day. The turnout was tremendous. People stood in rains and long lines. I was at 12th and Susquehanna, where there was a three-hour wait. People were bringing umbrellas and pretzels to keep people there. A movie star showed up to keep people in line and get their picture taken. And I want to thank all the citizens of Philadelphia who participated in this election who do so consistently, but also welcome all those who voted for the first time, the young people and others, and encourage them to stay involved, not just in these national elections but in our very important municipal elections and other elections. So I want to thank the people who voted to bring great change to the United first African American President. Their effort, their vote has changed the way this nation looks at itself. It has changed the way the world looks at the United States of America, and they should be commended. Thank you.
Thank you. Are there any other speeches on the part of the majority? (No response.)
Seeing none, the Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke for a motion to adjourn.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adjournment until Thursday, November the 13th, 10:00 a.m., 2008. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, November 13th. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. Thank you. (Stated Meeting adjourned at 11:05 p.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 November 6, 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.)