COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, December 16, 2004 10:10 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 JACK KELLY COUNCILMAN JAMES F. KENNEY COUNCILWOMAN JOAN L. KRAJEWSKI COUNCILMAN RICHARD T. MARIANO COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER COUNCILMAN MICHAEL A. NUTTER COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILMAN JUAN RAMOS COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO MICHAEL DECKER, 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 welcomes Reverend Philip Graham Ryken of the Tenth Presbyterian Church. He is here today as the guest of Councilman Rizzo. I would ask all members and guests to please rise.
Thank you, President Verna. It's great to have an opportunity to come back to the Chambers. I was here in September when there was a little labor unrest. Things seem a little calmer this morning. It's great to see a choir here this morning. I wanted to mention to the Members of the City Council, it's our 175th anniversary as a church. I brought with me a small gift, a CD of our anniversary concert in May either for you or a member of your staff I'll give you that after the prayer. Let us turn to the Lord in prayer, please. Our great God and our heavenly Father, we give you praise for this bright new day for the beauty of your creation and for the hope of your everlasting city. You are good in all your works and righteous in all your ways. This morning, we acknowledge that you are the God of cities and nations and that the work of government is your service for bringing justice and righteousness for our communities. So we pray for our nation. We pray this morning for our President, for Congress, for the Supreme Court that you have called to serve, asking for wisdom and integrity in their office. We pray for our nation's armed forces for their safety in the way of harm, for their success in building democracy in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other troubled parts of the world. We pray that in cooperation of other nations that you would force for peace and justice in the world. And Lord, we intercede especially for the city where you've called us for serve. We pray for its peace and for its prosperity. We pray this morning for our civil servants, for workers in government offices, in the parks, libraries and recreation centers, on the streets and in the firehouses and police stations. Lord, we ask that you would bless these servants in their daily work and that through their service Philadelphia would continue to be a wonderful place to live, to work, to worship, and to play. We pray for the Philadelphia Public School System and for all the private schools in our City. We include especially this morning, Lord, Nazareth Academy. We pray that you would have mercy on our children. We intercede for their safety. We ask that they would receive a good education that prepare them for life. And we would also pray for the poor and needy of our City, for the homeless in the year, for neglected children, for the elderly. We pray that the services of that City would be effective in meeting these practical needs, and that as the people of this City, we would care for people in need with kindness and compassion. We would also pray, Lord, for the business community of Philadelphia, for our civic economy. We pray for the blessing of financial prosperity, Lord, but at the same time for honesty and fairness in business. We pray for those who are out of work, Lord. We pray that you would meet their material needs and bring more good jobs to our City. And we would pray as well, Lord, for the Philadelphia Prison System this morning. We pray for all those to who work in the prison, both staff and volunteers. We pray for their peace and safety. We pray for our prison inmates, that you would be at work to transform their lives with new hope and that you would make them productive members of our society. We pray as well for Philadelphia's artists and musicians that they would bring our City. We pray for our churches that they would be effective in teaching your word and reaching out to their neighborhoods in the compassion of Christ. And Lord, we would pray for our Mayor, for the City Council President and all the Members of this Council. We pray for wisdom, integrity. We pray that today and in the coming year the Council would work through matters of difference and to make good decisions that would be blessing to the people of this City.
We pray for your blessing on our City budget. We pray that the Members of Council and their staffs would be effective in meeting the needs of their constituents. Father, we would also pray for the personal needs of each person here this morning, many unspoken but none of them unknown to you or beyond your care. We pray for wisdom, comfort, guidance, provision and peace, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
The Chair thanks Reverend Ryken for his very inspiring invocation. Thank you. be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Everyone's attention, please. The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, December 9, 2004. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, December 9, 2004, stand approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, December 9, 2004, stand approved. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes it, the motion carries, and the Journal the meeting of Thursday, December 9, 2004, is approved. The next order of business is requests for leaves of absence. And again, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. There are no requests for leaves of absence on the part of the Majority.
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.
Thank you. The Chair will dispense with the regular order of business to recognize the guests and visitors joining us in Chambers this morning. On behalf of all Members of City Council, I welcome you to our Session. We time to join us as we attend to the legislative affairs of our City. At this time, we're going to deviate from our normal script. We are indeed honored today to have the choir from Nazareth Academy join us in giving us some Christmas spirit. And we certainly want to welcome all of you, and I know your parents are extremely proud of you. So if the choir will come to the main floor, you can proceed. (Choir singing.) (Applause.)
Before we proceed, one more song. And I certainly want to thank our Councilmembers Rizzo and Krajewski for extending an invitation for you for you to perform today. We're really enjoying it. You're absolutely beautiful. Thank you so much. (Applause) (Choir singing.) (Applause.)
A very Mr. David Hall. I see that my dear friend Carrie Rice is here, and to all to the members of the choir, we thank you for that absolutely beautiful performance. Hope you'll come back again next year. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Tasco who will present a resolution honoring the Eisenhower Fellowships. Will Ambassador John Wolf and those accompanying him please join the Councilwoman at the podium. Councilwoman Tasco is being joined by Councilman Nutter and Councilman Ramos. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you very much, Madam President. And we thank the young ladies for their wonderful music. This gives me great pleasure this morning to present this resolution honoring the Eisenhower Fellowships for 50 years of achievement in developing international, Whereas, the Eisenhower Fellowships is a Philadelphia-based, non-profit and nonpartisan organization created to honor President Eisenhower which promotes international understanding and productivity through the exchange of information, ideas, and perspectives among emerging leaders throughout the world; and Whereas, the leadership of the Eisenhower Fellowships is comprised of several national and local leaders, including Board Chairman Henry A. Kissinger and Trustees Madeline K. Albright, Lenore Annenberg, and Constantine Papadakis.
Whereas, the first Eisenhower Fellowship Program was held in 1954 with 13 fellows and the former President of Turkey, Suleyman Demirel, was a member of the first group of fellows. Whereas, the Eisenhower fellowships, through its multi-nation, single region or nation and USA programs has approximately 1500 alumnae fellows of which four have been heads government, 100 have received cabinet level or higher appointments, and numerous fellows have become ambassadors, national legislators, university presidents, and corporate and non-profit leaders.
Whereas, through its United States program, various Philadelphia leaders including but limited to City Solicitor Pedro Ramos, Della Clark, Executive Director of the Enterprise Center; David Thornberg, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Economy League; David Heinman, managing partner of Kleinbard, Bell & Brecker LLP; and Keisha Hegamin, Executive Director of the Philadelphia Black Alliance for Educational Options have been Eisenhower fellows; therefore be it
Resolved by the Council of the City of Philadelphia that we honor the Eisenhower Fellowship for 50 years of achievement in developing international, national and local leaders. Further resolved that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to a as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative. Certification that this is a true and correct copy of the original resolution adopted by the Council of the City of Philadelphia on the 28th day of October 2004. Signed by President Anna C. Verna. Introduced by Marian B. Tasco, Juan F. Ramos and Michael Nutter and sponsored by all Members of City Council. Congratulations, and thank you so much (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes Ambassador Wolf for remarks. AMBASSADOR WOLF: Thank you very much, Madam President. Thank you Councilwoman, Councilmen. Thank you to the Philadelphia City Council. Like the song that we just heard, "There's No Like Home For the Holidays" is the way I felt four months ago when I came back to Philadelphia after 35 years away to head this remarkable this honor. For 47 of our 51 years, Philadelphia has hosted Eisenhower Fellowships. On behalf of our 1500 alumni around the world, I want to thank the people of Philadelphia. As the Council noted, Eisenhower Fellowships identifies men and women well on their way to positions of national or even international leadership. And for over 50 years, we've provided them with opportunities for professional, intellectual and personal growth. We look for people of outstanding achievement already in their mid-career, people who are ready to assume even greater positions of responsibility in their communities nationally and it internationally. A key characteristic is their ability to add to a diverse network of leaders that are all around the world. Dialog, creating understanding, building collaboration that has an impact, all of this is part of making it more prosperous, more just and more peaceful world. And we've been enormously successful, as the resolution notes. But it's not just our four heads of government, it's not the CEOs, cabinet ministers, or even university rectors who are the sum total of our experience because some people make a difference, an impact, on thousands or tens of thousands of people, whether they're in rural India or whether they're working here on the streets of Philadelphia. I'm just back from a trip to Asia. And there, a full generation of alumni fellows remember with fond nostalgia their time here in Philadelphia and in the United States and many credit the Eisenhower Fellowships with having had a profound impact on their lives and enabled them to have a profound impact on others. Another important aspect of our problem is the USA Program that sends talented Americans abroad. At the time, he was Mayor of Philadelphia, Governor Rendell, chaired the steering committee for the Philadelphia International Leadership Initiative. His successors and current co-chairs are Ann (ph) of the Philadelphia Art Museum, and Jane Pepper of Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. In addition to Eisenhower Fellows David Heinman and Della Clark who were mentioned in the resolution, we also have with us Diane Nelly who is in the corporate community relations. She's an executive with IBM. And we have Dale Harity who is at the Philadelphia Art Museum. We all want to say to you so very much, thank you for the hospitality that Philadelphia gives to the Eisenhower Fellows when they come to being the City that we're proud to represent. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Tasco who will present a resolution honoring Independence Blue Cross. Will Mr. Stephen Fear and Ms. Lorina the Councilwoman at the podium? Councilwoman Tasco is being joined by Councilman DiCicco. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Madam President. Again, I'm honored to present this resolution honoring Independence Blue Cross for its proactive leadership in addressing the nursing shortage by creating the Nurse Scholars Program. Whereas, the United States Department of Health and Human Services projects an 800,000 national shortfall of working nurses by the year 2020 as the US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates 1 million registered nurses positions will be vacant by 2010; Whereas, since 1995, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing has confirmed that college nursing programs have been forced to turn away more than 11,000 qualified students due to limited faculty, sites, and classroom space; Whereas, with more that 78 million baby-boomers poised to retire, the need for nurses is about to increase dramatically and nursing educators say the biggest obstacle to increasing the number of nurses is the availability of nursing faculty.
Whereas, to combat the critical shortage of nursing instructors and nurses in southeastern Pennsylvania, Independence Blue Cross has crested the Nurses Scholars Program, a three-year, $3 million program to support graduate and undergraduate nursing education; Whereas, this year, 29 area colleges and universities have received grants from the Nurses Scholars Program. And through the program, approximately 575 graduate and undergraduate students have received scholarships; Whereas, the Philadelphia Health Management Corporation and the National Nursing Centers Consortium have honored the Independence Blue Cross and its president and CEO, G. Fred Dibona, Jr., and the Carl Moore Leadership Award, and the Public Health Award, respectively, for leadership in the creation of the Nurse Scholars Program.
Therefore, be it resolved by the Council of the City of Philadelphia that we hereby honor Independence Blue Cross for its proactive leadership in addressing the nursing shortage by creating the Nurse Scholars Program. Further resolved that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to a representative of Independence Blue Cross as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body. Certification that this is a true and correct copy of the originally resolution adopted by the Council of the City of Philadelphia on the 4th day of November 2004. Signed by President Anna Verna. Introduced by Marian B. Tasco and Frank DiCicco and sponsored by all Members of City Council. We graduate you, Blue Cross, and all the other folks involved with this program. Thank you. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes Mr. Fear and Ms. Marshall Blake for remarks.
Thank you very much, Council President Verna, Councilwoman Tasco, Councilman DiCicco and all of the Councilmembers for this great honor. On behalf of President and CEO Fed Dibona who was the force behind this effort, our partners at the Pennsylvania Higher Education Foundation and the nearly 600 scholarship recipients whose efforts will improve the quality of care that we all receive tomorrow and for generations to come, I thank you very much for this honor and recognition. (Applause.)
Last but least, the Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter who will present a resolution for someone we all know and have worked with for a number of years. I know that I can speak personally that it's been a pleasure working with him. I am very, very sorry to receive him leave government, but I do wish him every success. And I am speaking of none other than Joe Syrnick. Joe, would you please join the Councilman? (Applause.)
You can still change your mind, Joe. (Laughter.)
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, I may not know the President of Turkey's name that well, but I do know Joe Syrnick and I can pronounce it. This is a resolution commending Joseph R. Syrnick for his 34 years of service to the City of Philadelphia. Whereas, Joseph R. Syrnick began his service with the City of Philadelphia in the Streets Department as a graduate engineer in 1970; and Whereas, for the next 17 years, Joe was consistently promoted, starting at a Civil Engineer I and becoming the City's Chief Engineer and Surveyor in 1987; and Whereas, for the past 17 years as the City's Chief Engineer and Surveyor, Joe was responsible for managing the six survey districts and for revising and updating the City Plan. He also oversaw the Bridge Unit and supervised the Transportation, Engineering and Planning Unit, thus having overall responsibility for the 2400 miles of streets that constitute the City's roadway system; and Whereas, during tenure, Joe has had direct responsibility for major initiatives which have completely transformed the appearance of Philadelphia's roadways, streetscapes, bridges and commercial districts, including such pivotal projects as the Germantown Avenue Bridge, the Vine Street Expressway, the streetscape for the Avenue of the Arts, north and south; the Market Street East streetscape improvements; the reopening of Chestnut Street to traffic, and the renovation of the Strawberry Mansion Bridge; and Whereas, for the past 34 years, Joe Syrnick has served the citizens of this City with a true sense of dedication, sincerity and commitment; and Whereas, though leaving city government, Joe will continue to serve this City and its citizens it his new role as Executive Director of the Schuykill River Development Corporation. Now, therefore, resolved by the Council of the City of Philadelphia that we hereby commend Joseph R. Syrnick for his 34 years of service to the City of Philadelphia. Further resolved that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Joseph R. Syrnick as an expression of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body for the positive impact he has made on Philadelphia's roadways, streetscapes and bridges. Signed by COUNCIL President Verna, introduced by myself, and co-sponsored by all Members of City Council. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes Mr. Syrnick for remarks. MT. SYRNICK: Well, this is very kind of all of you. It's certainly unexpected and perhaps unwanted, but I thank you nonetheless, Councilman Nutter and Council President Verna and all the members of City Council and your staff. It's very nice. This next two weeks will be very difficult for me. I've been here, as you've heard, 34 years. I've enjoyed almost every minute of it and I shall miss it. I notice from the list of project that were read in resolution, I think apparently I was on the right side of all but one of them. But I'm not going too far. I'm not moving to Florida or California or some godforsaken place like that. And while I may no longer be on the City payroll, I'm comforted by knowing the and built with this Council and with the staff and with other people in the City will endure. So surely our paths will cross again and often, I'm sure, I would just like to say thank you to all of you. (Applause.)
The next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant-at-Arms deliver the messages from the Mayor to the Clerk. The Clerk will please read the message from the Mayor.
A letter from the Mayor to the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia. I am pleased to advise you that on December 14, 2004, I signed the following bill that was passed by Council at its Session on December 9, 2004, Bill No. 040872. for the consideration of your honorable body a resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of Grays Ferry Urban Renewal Area, identified by respective house number and street address as 1324 South 31st Street. 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 East Poplar Urban Renewal Area, identified by house address and street as 910-948 North Sixth Street, including 909-947 North Marshal Street. And an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development a deed conveying for nominal consideration fee simple title to certain tracts of City-owned land located at 324-332 North 13th Street. And an ordinance authorizing the commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Authority for Development for nominal consideration a deed conveying fee simple title to a certain tracts of City-owned land with the buildings and improvements thereon situated in a rectangular area generally bounded by Ruth Street on the northwest, Clearfield Street on the northeast, Emerald Street on the southeast and Orleans Street on the southwest. And an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development a deed conveying for nominal consideration fee simple title to certain tracts of City-owned land located at 626-36 North Delaware Avenue. And an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, a deed for nominal consideration conveying fee simple title to land located at 837-839 Montrose Street. And an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development a deed conveying for nominal consideration fee simple title to certain tracts of City-owned land located at 1002-1010 Lemon Street. And an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development a deed conveying for nominal consideration fee simple title to certain tracts of City-owned land located at 2501-07 South Fourth Street. And an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development for nominal consideration a deed conveying fee simple title to a certain tract of City-owned land with the buildings and improvements thereon situate in an area generally located at the intersection of Wheatsheaf Lane and Sepviva Street. And an ordinance amending various provisions of the Philadelphia Code, including: Section 1-109 entitled "Fines and Penalties," Section A-504, entitled "Stop Work Order"; Section A-505, entitled "Cease Operations Order"; Chapter 6 of the Philadelphia Administrative Code, entitled "Penalties"; Title 6, entitled "Health Code," by increasing the maximum penalties for violations of various provisions of the Philadelphia Code.
Thank you. The messages will be printed in the Journal. The Clerk will please read any other communications in his position.
Thank you. The next order of business is the 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 to permit the immediate consideration of resolutions at their time of introduction. (Duly seconded.)
It has been 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 will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the more motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer one resolution which I ask to speak on.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution authorizing City Council's Committee of the Whole to investigate legislative solutions to support the long-time residents of gentrifying neighborhoods and the retain a consultant to conduct the investigation's financial analysis.
I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Madam President. On your behalf today and on behalf of Councilmember Clarke, I'm introducing this resolution to begin a process that really began back in 1982. I remember in another life I was a staffer to Senator Fumo and we were dealing with issues relative to the increase in property values and accompanying real estate taxes in the neighborhood of Queen Village which was in the Senator's district and Councilman DiCicco's district now. As a result of the interest in that neighborhood which is a blue collar working-class neighborhood, young people began to move in and fix up properties and improve and increase the property value, which is something we sought then and we seek now to have that kind of activity. As a result of that activity, people who had lived there for 20, 30, 40, even 50 years saw large increases and jumps in their real estate taxes based on the improved value of the properties around them, and that process has become known as gentrification. We began to try to address that problem back in 1982 with the passage of a constitutional amendment on the state-wide ballot in 1984. And in 1988, we received the enabling legislation from the Legislature to allow Philadelphia, which is the only city involved in this, to address this problem. Defining gentrification is difficult. No one who has -- any Councilmember who has properties in their district that find increases in property taxes would like to give their residence and voters some relieve, but this is a peculiar issue, gentrification, that applies only to selected number of neighborhoods in the City. And our task is going to be trying to figure out a formula and definition of gentrification and a formula on how to impose or put in place these special provisions to protect long-term residents who are living in these areas. People who are living in these houses did not ask for the improvement in the neighborhood. They're happy it's happening, but they also don't want to be taxed out of their homes. And I know that you especially and Councilmember Clarke, both in your districts right now are really going through some of the rough and tumble problems related to gentrification and people are concerned and fearful about their future and the future of their home. As you know, most people's biggest asset that they own in life that they've earned in life is their home. And when people feel that they may be taxed out of it, they get concerned and very fearful. So we look forward in 2005 working with yourself, Councilman Clarke Councilman DiCicco, everyone who has areas in their district who is dealing with this problem now to really try to find a formula and a solution to this problem so we can address this and give these people some relieve. So appreciate your help and Councilman Clarke's help in this effort. Thank you.
Thank you. It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution will be referred to the Committee of the Whole. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. Today, I introduce one resolution on your behalf.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Gray's Ferry Urban Renewal Area, designated as Parcel No. 158, also sometimes identified by respective house number and street address as 1324 South 31st Street.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen.
The Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance repealing Bill No. 040560 entitled "Regulating the Direction of Movement of Traffic on 20th Street from Belfield Avenue to Olney Avenue northbound, and repealing Bill No. 040561 entitled, "Authorizing the revision of lines and grades of an area of City Plan No. 178, bounded by Olney Avenue, Ogontz Avenue, and Wistar Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
The Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending various provisions of the Philadelphia Code including Section 1-109 entitled "Fines and Penalties," Section A-504, entitled "Stop Work Order"; Section A-505, entitled "Cease Operations Order"; Chapter 6 of the Philadelphia Administrative Code, entitled "Penalties"; Title 6, entitled "Health Code," by increasing the maximum penalties for violations of various provisions of the Philadelphia Code.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution calling upon the Mayor to enforce Bill No. 030125, the MBEC ordinance, approved by the Mayor on April 23, 2003, and if the Mayor refuses to enforce this approved ordinance authorizing Council to retain Counsel to file a lawsuit to compel the Administration to enforce this ordinance.
Madam President, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and 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. Today, I have no bills or resolutions, not even one to repeal.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter.
In the spirit of Christmas. Madam President, I have no bills or resolutions today doing anything.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco.
The Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development for nominal consideration deed conveying fee simple title to a certain tract of City-owned land with the buildings and improvements thereon situate in an area generally located at the intersection of Wheatsheaf and Sepviva Street.
And an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Authority For Industrial Development a deed conveying for nominal consideration fee simple title to certain tracts of City-owned land located at 324-332 North 13th Street.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, a deed for nominal consideration conveying fee simple title to certain tracts of City-owned land located at 837-839 Montrose Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development a deed conveying for nominal consideration fee simple title to certain tracts of City-owned land located at 626-36 North Delaware Avenue.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing the commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Authority for Development for nominal consideration a deed conveying fee simple title to a certain tracts of City-owned land with the buildings and improvements thereon situated in a rectangular area generally bounded by Ruth Street on the northwest, Clearfield Street on the northeast, Emerald Street on the southeast and Orleans Street on the southwest.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Thank you, Madam President. I have two bills and three resolutions, one resolution cosponsored by yourself and me and all Members of Council, and I'd like to speak on the resolution.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development a deed conveying for nominal consideration fee simple title to certain tracts of City-owned land located at 1002-1010 Lemon Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Title 17 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Contracts and Procurement," by adding a Section 17-204 entitled "Disposition of Surplus Computer Equipment to Certain Non-Profit Organizations."
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution deploring the efforts by CSX Transportation to deprive Philadelphians of public access to one of the City's treasures, the Schuykill River Park and its trails, through a misguided lawsuit and also deploring CSX's intent for the City as demonstrated by its refusal to promptly appropriately repair its structural supports and bridge over 25th Street.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, today, we offer this resolution not only on your behalf and Members of Council, but also on behalf of the residents of the Center City and Logan Square area, some of whom are here right now today in support of the resolution. As you know, Madam President, years ago there was a vision to create park frontage along the river. We've completed that VISION, thanks to Fairmount Park and the State and other members who supported this effort. We have a wonderful pristine park along the Schuykill River. Unfortunately, as a result of CSX, they have made it virtually impossible for us to get to that park. As you know, we have been working over a number of years trying to work out a solution, and not only has CSX blocked our solution, they have actually had the nerve to take us to court because we won't allow them to continue to prohibit individuals from reaching this park. So today, ing on your behalf and all of us, we would like to send a message to the residents and send a message to CSX that we will continue to fight, and we ask today for approval of this resolution.
Yes, Madam President. I would also like to speak on this resolution. First of all, I'd like to commend you and my colleague here Councilman Clarke for joining the fight to keep this beautiful park accessible to all Philadelphians, especially those residents who have moved into Center City. This is one of the reasons they moved in to begin with, because they have a beautiful jewel of this park and they want to make it accessible. I am just shocked, shocked at the attitude of CSX, where we thought we were negotiating with them in good faith, they turned around and not only did they try to dismiss the negotiations, but they give us a lawsuit to begin with. I think this is a step in the wrong direction. I think we have to take issue with them. And I, for one, would never give them the time of day if they come into this Council for any different issue and any help that they may need. And I hope that all my colleagues in this Council will join me in that effort. We have to send them a message and make it crystal clear that we want to help the people of Philadelphia to enjoy this great, great park. And again, I hope that all my colleagues in this Council will join us in this fight. Thank you. (Applause.)
And I join you and echo your comments. Councilman Clarke, would you move for the adoption, please?
Yes, Madam President. I move for the adoption of this resolution.
I just wanted to add my support to this notion that we've got to keep the parks forever. It's the heart of the City. It's urgent that the rights of people be respected. And those that find different excuses for taking away parkland ought to be rebuffed strongly, and this Council is the place where the action should again. Thank you very much and thanks to my colleague who spoke. (Applause.)
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. (Applause.)
The Clerk will please read the title of the second resolution.
A resolution congratulating the North Philadelphia Aztec Youth Football Team on winning the 2004 Winter Division 2 Junior Peewee Tomlin Super Bowl Championship.
Madam President, I move for the adoption of the resolution, and I look forward to us coming us coming back into Session so we can bring those wonderful young men down to Council and honor them in the appropriate way.
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 Clerk will please read the third resolution.
A resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the East Poplar Urban Renewal Area, designated as Parcel No. 101, also sometimes identified by respective house number and street address as 910-948 North Sixth Street.
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 Kelly.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The next order of business is reports from committees. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke for a report from the Committee on Public Property and Public Works.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Public Works reports two bills with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the report.
To the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia. The Committee on Public Works to which was referred Bill No. 040701, entitled an ordinance approving certain contracts and transactions arising thereunder for the purchase, storage, distribution transportation and/or transmission of natural gas entered into by the Philadelphia Facilities Management Corporation; 041045 entitled an ordinance amending Bill 990728, approved December 6, 1999, entitled an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to convey to the Redevelopment Authority of Philadelphia certain premises located at 1823-35 Callowhill Street; Respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
I move that the Rules be suspended as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 040701 and Bill No. 041045. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill Nos. 040701 and 041045. All in favor will indicate by saying (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the bills just read will be placed on today's First Reading Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ramos for a report from the Committee on Labor and Civil Service.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Labor and Civil Service reports three bills with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the report.
To the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Labor and Civil Service, to which as referred Bill No. 040326 entitled an ordinance amending Title 22 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Public Employees Code," by amending Chapter 22-400 entitled "Disability Benefits," by amending 22-401 and Section 22-402, relating to ordinary disability retirement benefits to delete provisions related to a reduction in benefits for gainful employment; And Bill No. 040755 entitled, an ordinance amending Title 22 of the Philadelphia Code entitled Public Employees Retirement Code, by amending Section 22-501 relating to service connected health care benefits to amend the requirements; And Bill No. 041005 entitled, an ordinand amending Title 22 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Public Employees Retirement Code," to allow for benefits to be paid to trusts for disable children and disabled adopted children of members, under certain terms and conditions; Respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. Again, the Chair recognizes Councilman Ramos.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill Nos. 040326, 040755, and 041005. (Duly seconded.)
It has been move been moved and properly seconded that the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill Nos. 040326, 040755, and 041005. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the us bills just read will be placed on today's First Reading Calendar. The next order of business is the consideration of the Calendar. 12/16/01 - STATED - 1ST READING The Clerk will please read the bills on the First Reading Calendar.
Bill No. 040701, an ordinance approving certain contracts and transactions for the purchase, storage, distribution transportation and/or on transmission of natural gas entered into by the Philadelphia Facilities Management Corporation.
And Bill No. 041045, an ordinance amending Bill 990728, approved December 6, 1999, entitled an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to convey to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia certain premises located at 1823-35 Callowhill Street.
And Bill No. 040326 entitled an ordinance amending Title 22 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Public Employees Retirement Code," by amending Chapter 22-400 12/16/01 - STATED - 1ST READING entitled "Disability Benefits," by amending 22-401 and Section 22-402, relating to ordinary disability retirement benefits to delete provisions related to a reduction in benefits for gainful employment.
And Bill No. 040755, an ordinance amending Title 22 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Public Employees Retirement Code," by amending Section 22-501 relating to service connected health care benefits to amend the requirements.
And Bill No. 041005, an ordinance amending Title 22 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Public Employees Retirement Code," to allow for benefits to be paid to trusts for disable children and disabled adopted children of members, under certain terms and conditions.
The Chair agrees. 12/16/01 - STATED - 2ND READING That concludes the First Reading Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for the purpose of calling up the bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar.
Thank you, Madam President. Today, Bill Nos. 040113-AA, 040788-AA, 041041, 041039, 040780, 040868, 040937, 040972, 040999, 040935, 041001, 041042, 040853, 040866, 040867, 040875, 040905, 040917, 040918, 040919, 040921, 040934, 040938, 040964, 040965, 040966, 040967, 040968, 040969, 040970, 040971, 041003, 041004, 041006, 041007, 040996, 040998, 041037, 041038 are being called up for second reading and final passage. All others are being held.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of Bill NO. 040113-AA.
An ordinance amending Chapter 10-800 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Safety," by adding a new Section 12/16/01 - STATED - 2ND READING 10-832 entitled "Firearms Tracing," to require that the City of Philadelphia Police Department conduct traces of firearms illegally processed by anyone unde 21 years of age.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally? The Clerk will please call the roll.