COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 696, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, November 20, 2003 10:00 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILMAN DAVID COHEN COUNCILMAN FRANK J. DICICCO COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN JAMES F. KENNEY COUNCILWOMAN JOAN L. KRAJEWSKI COUNCILMAN RICHARD T. MARIANO COUNCILMAN MICHAEL A. NUTTER COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILMAN ANGEL L. ORTIZ COUNCILMAN RICHARD T. MARIANO COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO PATRICIA RAFFERTY, CHIEF CLERK V A R A L L O Incorporated Litigation Support Services Eleven Penn Center 1835 Market Street, Suite 600 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103 215.561.2220 215.567.2670
I note that the hour has come and a quorum of this present. Council will come to order. Members will take their seats. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair welcomes Monsignor Nelson J. Perez, Pastor of St. Williams Roman Catholic Church. He is here today as the guest of Councilwoman Tasco. All members and guests will please rise.
Let us pray. Almighty and loving God, we thank you for blessing us with the gift of another day, for the gift of our family and friends, for the gift of our country and our City for the freedom we enjoy. We thank you for the many gifts and talents we have graced us with to serve our fellow citizens, to continually explore better and better ways of improving our daily lives to come to the aid and support of those in need, to help those who can't help themselves. Almighty and powerful God, you are life and wisdom. Send these men and women of our City Council the gift your spirit as they discern and deliberate, plan and execute for the good of the people of Philadelphia, diverse in faith, diverse in culture, but united in our desire to make our City an even more peaceful and joyful place to live and work. Bless each of us here present, especially the members of our City's Council who have been chosen by our people to be our voice. Bless their work. Bless their families. And listen to all our prayers, those expressed by these words and those we carry today within the silence of our hearts. Amen.
The Chair thanks Monsignor Perez for his very inspiring invocation. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Council will be at ease for just a moment. I understand we just received 17 bills from the Administration. (Council at ease.)
The next order of business is the approval of the journal of the meeting of Thursday, November 13, 2003. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, November 13, 2003, stand approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, November 13, 2003, stand approved. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. The Journal meeting Thursday, November 13, 2003, is approved. The next order of business is requests for leaves of absence. And the Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. On behalf of the Majority, no leaves of absence are requested today.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Madam President, on behalf of the Republicans, there are no requests for leaves of absence.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair will dispense with the regular of order to recognize the guests and visitors joining us in Chambers this morning. On behalf of all Members of City Council, I welcome you to our Council Session. We appreciate your taking the time to join us as legislative affairs of our City. We certainly invite you to come again. At this time the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I certainly would like us to recognize Ms. Deidre Glover, a 9th grader from the mighty West Philadelphia High School who is shadowing Dawn McGlico from University of Pennsylvania. We'd like to recognize them both. (Applause.)
Welcome. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, I'd like to recognize the students here today from Meade School along with their teacher Ms. Margaret Sager and Mrs. Jocelyn Merrill. The students are here on very special project in conjunction with the Philadelphia City Paper today. I'd like to recognize them and ask them to stand today. (Applause.)
We welcome you. The next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant-at-Arms deliver the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. The Chief Clerk will please read the messages from the Mayor. THE
To the President and Members 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 urban renewal of a portion of the Haddington Urban Area. And a resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment a portion of the New Kensington/Fishtown 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 Meadow II 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 New Kensington/Fishtown Urban Renewal Area. And an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of public property on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to purchase fee simple title to a certain parcel of land situated in the northwest side of Oregon Avenue at Fox Chase Road. " Title 4 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "A Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code" to incorporate certain International Code Council MODEL CODE provision. And an ordinance amending Title of the 4 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "The Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code by adopting and incorporating with certain additions, deletions and amendments. And an ordinance repealing Subcode M of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "The Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code," and adopting and incorporating with certain additions, deletions and amendments to the 2003 International Mechanical Code. And an ordinance amending Title 4 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "The Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code by adopting and incorporating with certain additions, deletions and 2003 International Fuel Gas Code. And an ordinance repealing Subcode F of the Philadelphia Code entitled "The Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code with certain additions, deletions and amendments to the 2003 International Fire Code. And an ordinance amending Title 4 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "The Philadelphia Building Construction Code," by adopting and incorporating with certain additions and amendments the 2003 International Energy Conservative Code. And an ordinance amending Title 4 of Philadelphia Code, entitled "The Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code," by adopting and incorporating with certain additions deletions and amending the 2003 International Existing Building Code. And an ordinance repealing Subcode E of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "The Philadelphia Building Construction Code," with certain additions, deletions and amendments 2003 International Electrical Code. And an ordinance repealing Subcode B of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "The Philadelphia Building Construction Code," with certain additions, deletions and amendments to the 2003 International Building Code. And an ordinance amending Title 4 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "The Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code. And I am transmitting herewith an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within the vicinity of McNulty and Townsend Roads.
And an ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriation for Fiscal Year 2003 within the General Fund from certain or all offices, departments, boards and commissions to all City offices, departments, boards and commissions.
Thank you. The messages will be printed in the Journal. The Chief Clerk will please read any other communications in her possession. THE
That's all I have, Madam President. Thank you. The next order of introduction of bills and resolutions. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for a motion.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit the immediate consideration of resolutions at their time of introduction. (Duly seconded.)
It has been prove moved and properly seconded that the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit immediate consideration of resolutions at the time of introduction. All in favor of the motion will please indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. This morning I introduce one bill.
The Clerk will please read the title of the bill. THE
An ordinance amending Title 14 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Zoning and Planning," by amending 14-100 entitled "General Provisions" by amending Section 14-104.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution. THE
A resolution calling on the Philadelphia Labor Standards Division to vigorously enforce Chapter 9-2300 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Protection OF Displaced Contract Workers," to conduct thorough investigations concerning the displacement of nearly 50 workers at the Sheraton Hotel, University City at 400 Market Street and to sanction violators of Chapter 9-2300 and these and other cases.
Madam President, I move the adoption of the resolution and wish to speak on the subject. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you, Madam President. Increasingly Philadelphians are becoming subject to all forms of new techniques to displace them and drive them out of their jobs. Recently there's been an upsurge in transfers of office buildings and suddenly a contract between the custodial staff and the old company is declared unenforceable and the new company brings in a new set of workers displacing custodial workers who may have worked as long as 30 or 40 years in the building. This has become a plague in Center City and something that has to stop. After considering this matter a couple years ago, City Council passed a strong ordinance calling on the Bureau of Labor Standards to enforce a new requirement of 90 days wait to give the new owner and the old owners and the workers a chance to save their jobs. In the beginning it worked well. People were courteous to each other, and the policy seemed to work. But recently there's been a hard note added to the method. That is, workers report from for work, they're told a half hour ago there was a transfer of ownership and you no longer work here. And what happens is that it's always a union being displaced by lower paid, unorganized workers. And this constitutes a real threat to the labor movement. And even where they're not organized, if they've worked long enough to earn several years anniversary wage increases, this is used as a pretext to lower the cost. This situation has developed twice in recent days. Once in the Hotel and Restaurant Workers Union and the other time in the SCIU, the union that used to be the union of the president of the AFL-CIO. It's time that the Bureau of Labor Standards did things other than talk nicely to the new ownership. It's time the City enforce, because what happens, instead of the City doing anything, the City sits by and waits and waits and waits, and nothing happens. Workers lose their jobs, and that's the end of the tale. This time the two unions involved are determined to bring about a change. I think it's an important change because if we can spend time dispensing or thinking about dispensing $5 million in TIFs, we certainly ought to be very worried about the conditions of ordinary working people. Therefore, I urge all my colleagues to support this resolution.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ortiz.
Thank you, Madam Chair. The thing is that we recognized this issue four years ago. And we passed legislation in this Council, legislation that is called the Workers Displacement Act of Philadelphia. And it has never been enforced. And what the unions are asking is that that Act that legislation be enforced by the Department of Labor Standards, because what is happening is, as Councilman Cohen says, that people that work in janitorial staff, cleaning, they change companies and the workers are displaced immediately without any notice whatsoever. What the Act requires is the workers be given and the unions be given notice before any workers are laid off and when contracts are changing such as this. And it's happening not only now in the janitorial, but in the White Dog Cafe and restaurants across the City where those individuals that earn the less amount of money, hourly wages, are in and they're the most vulnerable. So we have laws and legislation in place to take care of this. It was passed 15 to 1 by this Council. And I think right now is the Department of Labor Standards that usually deals with building trades issues and overseeing that the building trades get paid their hourly wage, I think it's time that that law became enforced and we stood by these workers that are being taken advantage of by these contractors and these businesses across the City. Thank you, Madam Chair.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I introduce an addition resolution on your behalf.
I'm sorry. We're on Councilman Cohen's. I thought you wanted to speak on Councilman Cohen's resolution.
Thank you. It has been moved and seconded that Councilman Cohen's resolution be adopted. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. (Applause.)
Thank you, Madam President. I introduce one resolution on your behalf.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution. THE
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and differ to the Redevelopment Authority of the City deeds located in the 36th Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
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 Councilwoman Krajewski.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the first bill. THE
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Tacony Street Barnett Street, Levick Street and the Delaware River.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
And an ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriation for Fiscal Year 2003 within the General Fund from certain or all City offices, departments, and boards.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano.
Madam President, I have two resolutions and 11 bills.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the 11 bills. THE
An ordinance amending Title 4 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "The Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code," by amending Subcode A by modifying certain administrative and enforcement provisions. And an ordinance repealing Subcode B of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "The Philadelphia Building, Construction and Occupancy Code," and adopting, incorporating with certain additions the 2003 International Building Code. And an ordinance repealing Subcode E of Title 4 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "The Philadelphia Building and Construction Code," and adopting and incorporating with certain additions, deletions and amendments the 2003 International Electrical Code administrative provisions. And an ordinance amending Title 4 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "The Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code by adopting and incorporating with certain additions the 2003 International Existing Building Code. And an ordinance amending Title 4 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "The Philadelphia Building, Construction and Occupancy Code," by adopting and incorporating deletions and amendments the 2003 International Energy Conservative Bill. And an ordinance repealing Subcode F of the Philadelphia Fire Prevention Code of Title 4 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "The Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy," and adopting and incorporating with certain additions the 2003 International Fire Code. And an ordinance amending Title 4 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "The Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code," by adopting and incorporating with certain additions the 2003 International Fuel Gas Code. And an ordinance amending Title 4 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "The Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code," by amending Subcode PM to incorporate certain International Code Council model code provisions. And an ordinance amending Title 4 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "The Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code," by adopting and incorporating with certain additions the 2003 International Performance Code for building and facilities. And an ordinance repealing Subcode M, the Philadelphia Mechanical Code of Title 4 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled the Philadelphia building construction and Occupancy Code," and adopting and incorporating with certain additions, deletions and amendments the 2003 International Mechanical Code. And an ordinance amending Title 4 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "The Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code," by adopting and incorporating with certain additions, deletions and amendments, the 2003 International Residential Code.
The 11 bills will be referred to the appropriate committees. The Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution. THE
A resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Meadows II Urban Renewal Area.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution has been adopted. THE
And a resolution honoring David Wismer of being recognized as the code official of the year by the International Code Council and commending him for his many years of service to the citizens of Philadelphia.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
The Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
Madam President, I offer one bill on my behalf along with Councilman DiCicco and Councilman Nutter.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the bill. THE
An ordinance amending Section 19-1303 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled authorization to offer exceptions from real estate taxes on improvements to deteriorated industrial, commercial or other business properties.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
The Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution. THE
A resolution requesting the Pennsylvania Congressional Delegation, Internal Revenue Service and the City to assist and educate citizens about the financial benefits of Federal Earned Income Tax Credit.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
Madam President, this resolution and one that's going to come up, we're working very closely Acorn and the Campaign for Working Families to address the issue of the Earned Income Tax Credit and the refund anticipation loans, so I invite my colleagues on Council and other members of the public who are interested to join us immediately after Council for a press conference where we will further discuss in details our action around these two resolutions. Thank you.
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the motion carries. (Applause.) THE
And a resolution calling on the Pennsylvania Attorney General, Secretary of Banking -
I wanted to speak on the resolution we've just adopted. I wanted to speak before it was adopted.
I'm terribly sorry. I was distracted; I did not see your light on. But I'm more than happy to recognize you now.
This is probably the most important issue we will have before us in Council's life history. What happens is that rights are occasionally awarded to low income people or poor people. And then what happens is that there's a form required of them. There's never enough education to inform people about the benefit that they can get by filing, say, an income tax refund and get a credit, as in this case. And what happens is is that low income people generally only take about one-third of the benefits awarded to them. The other reason in addition to lack of knowledge is distrust of the government, because most low income people know the government in whatever form it operates, CITY, state or federal, as an interference with their life, as a threat to them. It may be a welfare case, it may be a child custody case, whatever it is the government comes probing, and low income people don't have the resources to hire a lawyer to inform them of their rights. As a result, benefits awarded by legislation often only reach one-third of the people. And, therefore, it means that the legislation is thwarted in its effect of raising the living standards of low income people. This project, again, initiated wisely by Councilwoman Tasco is an effort to deal with that situation and to see to it that low income people, working poor or just poor people get the rights they're entitled to by government instead of having it kept away from them by either lack of knowledge or fear that the government may later come back and prosecute them for some unknown reason. That's the reason so important to develop programs that lead away from cynicism about the government and makes clear that everybody understands that government does its job as a benefactor of people who need its help. This is a very important bill and a very important step. And I urge all my colleagues, not only to support the resolution, but to support the follow-up activity that Councilwoman Tasco will be directing attention to at this press conference. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
Thank you, Councilman. The Clerk will please read the title of the second resolution. THE
A resolution calling on the Pennsylvania Attorney General, Secretary of Banking and the General Assembly to carefully scrutinize the conduct of tax preparers in connection with the refund anticipation loans and to take appropriate action to ensure that the business practices are consistent with state law.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution. THE
A resolution recognizing Marquise Wilson, a 15-year-old student at Dobbins High School for his courage and act of heroism.
I move for adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, I apologize for this, but with your permission I'd like to also recognize a group of people who are here for a very important issue. There's a group with us today, the Alliance for Smoke Free Workplaces who are here for two reasons: One, because of their support for Bill 314 4-A, but also today, Madam President, is The Great American Smoke-Out. There is an event in the City Hall courtyard that the groups are supporting at 5:00 in the courtyard today. They have very important information on a very, very important issue. So I wanted to let the Members know that they are here and what their concerns are. Thank you, Madam President.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the bill. THE
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located in the vicinity of Fountain Street and Manayunk Canal.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City deeds located in the 38th and 52nd Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you, Madam President. I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. THE
And a resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of the portion of the Haddington Urban Renewal Area.
Thank you, Madam President. I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution has been adopted.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution. THE
A resolution authorizing the Committee on Parks Recreation and Cultural Affairs to hold hearings on the impact of State funding cuts on the operation of the Free Library.
Madam President, I move for the adoption and would like to briefly speak on this resolution. (Duly seconded.)
First, I need to commend a member of the Legislative Delegation, senator Shirley Kitchen, who actually put this issue up on the radar screen. Our City, we know, operates a world class City-wide system of free libraries. And right now our City stands to be threatened with a $4.7 million cut. Should that happen, a number of our libraries will be forced to close and a number of libraries will be forced to reduce their hours. So I want to thank my colleagues who supported me with this 11th hour request to call for hearings to send a message to the State that this unacceptable because we know the value of libraries when it comes to after school programming, et cetera, et cetera, et cetera. So I want, again, thank my colleagues for supporting me on this important initiative. Thank you, Madam President
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution will be referred to the Parks Recreation and Cultural Affairs Committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ortiz.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco.
The Clerk will please read the title of the bill. THE
An ordinance amending Chapter 10-700 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Refuse and Littering," by adding new provisions proving for "adopt a block" PROGRAM under which an entity that has been agreed to fund the private cleaning of City sidewalks.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
The Clerk will please read the title of the first bill. THE
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded Fillmore Street, Hartel Avenue and Rockwell.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
And an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by chancing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Roosevelt Boulevard, Southampton Road, Carter Street and Poquessing Creek.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
And an ordinance authorizing the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development to purchase a certain tract of land situate in the northwest corner of the Roosevelt Boulevard and Southampton Road.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
And an ordinance amending Title 14 of the Philadelphia Code relating to zoning and planning by amending Chapter 14-1700 entitled "Administration and Enforcement," by establishing when a bill to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps or Code shall be considered a pending ordinance, under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to purchase fee simple title to a certain parcel of land with the buildings and improvements thereon situate at the northwest side of Algon Avenue.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located in the vicinity McNulty and Townsend Roads.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke, if he's in the room? Since he's not here, the Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution. THE
A resolution honoring and congratulating the Honorable Nicholas D'Alessandro upon retiring after almost 45 years of dedication to the legal profession.
Madam President, I move for the adoption of that resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke for the introduction of bills and resolutions.
The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution. THE
A resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco.
Thank you, Madam President. I have a late entry here. It's my pleasure to recognize a group of students from South Philadelphia High School who are today shadowing Sam Cook, head of the Local 634, the School Cafeteria Workers Union; and Thurston Hyman, head of Local 274, the Hotel and Restaurant Workers Union. They are here.
If the students would please stand. Thank you for coming in. Welcome. (Applause.)
We will recess our Session to go back to the public hearing of the Committee of the Whole regarding Bill No. 030663. (Council recessed.)
We will now continue with our regular Session of Council. Councilman Mariano.
Thank you, Madam President. I also have a late entry. I want to introduce and recognize in the audience the Deputy Secretary of Labor for the State of Pennsylvania, Ed Nielsen. (Applause.)
Thank you. I have to make a correction. I spoke about the Displacement Workers Act and entities and businesses in Philadelphia that have violated that Act. I made a huge mistake. I said the white Dog Cafe. And it's the Top Dog Cafe. White Dog is good; Top Dog, bad. She's going to kill me. Thank you.
The next 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 three bills with favorable recommendations.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the report. THE
To the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Rules to which was referred Bill No. 030686, entitled an ordinance amending Title 14 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Zoning and Planning," by adding a new Chapter 14-1200 entitled "Pending Public Acquisition District" by establishing certain restrictions on land sought for acquisition by the City, under certain terms and conditions; And Bill No. 030716 entitled an ordinance approving a new plan estimated cost and proposed methods of charges of the City to portions of the City Avenue area of the City of Philadelphia and Township of Lower Merion; And Bill No. 030719 entitled an ordinance amending Section 14-312 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Commercial District Rules and Exceptions for All Districts," by adding the area of Lancaster Avenue, both sides, between 63rd Street and Girard Avenue; Respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Madam President, I move the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bills No. 030686, 030716 and 030719. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit of Bill Nos. 030686, 030716 and 030719. All in favor will please say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. And the bills just read by the Clerk will be placed on today's First Reading Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for a report from the Finance Committee.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Finance reports out one bill with a favorable recommendation.