COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, March 13, 2008 10:00 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 COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO PATRICIA RAFFERTY, CHIEF CLERK V A R A L L O Incorporated Litigation Support Services Eleven Penn Center 1835 Market Street, Suite 600 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103 215.561.2220 215.567.2670
Good morning, everyone. I note that the hour has come and that a quorum of this Council is present. Council will come to order. Members and guests will take their seats and visitors will retire to the seats outside the rails. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair welcomes Pastor Martha Lang from the Mount Tabor AME Church. She is here today as the guest of Councilman Clarke. At this time, I would ask all members and guests to please rise. (Everyone rises.)
To Council President Anna Verna, to my Councilman, Darrell Clarke, and to all other Councilpersons, we are very honored to have been asked to do the invocation. Will you please bow your heads. Lord, thou has been our dwelling place in all generations, before the mountains were brought forth or ever thou that has formed the earth and the world. Even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God. And because you're God and you're all wise and you're all knowing, we invoke your presence in this City Council meeting. We ask, oh, Heavenly Father, that you bless our Councilpersons, that you give them wisdom, knowledge and understanding as to how to deal with the problems of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. We ask that you bless them, their families and bless all of the members who work so hard in this City, all of the City officials. Bless them in a special way. Bless our Mayor, Michael Nutter, and we ask, oh, Heavenly Father, that you just bless everyone. We ask, oh, Heavenly Father, that you help our Councilpersons to help all of the citizens of Philadelphia have life. We commend every aspect of this meeting into your hands, knowing full well that you alone have the key to life and eternal life. Bless them, give them wisdom, knowledge, understanding that peace, truth and justice may reign in this City of Philadelphia. This we ask in the precious name of our Lord Jesus. Amen. (Amen.)
The Chair thanks Pastor Lang for her very inspiring invocation. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, March 6, 2008. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, March 6th stand approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, March 6, 2008 stand approved. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the Journal has been 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 is one request for leave is for Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown.
Thank you. Leave will be granted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
Good morning, Madam President. Madam President, there are no requests for leave from the republicans.
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 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 Councilman Kelly.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, as you know, I'm an advocate for the arts in Philadelphia, and one of the areas of the arts that's most important to many of us is music. My guest today is Robert Cerulli from South Philadelphia. He's a graduate of South Philadelphia High School, the Curtis Institute of Music and the University of the Arts, and has devoted his entire career to music as a performer, conductor, arranger, composer and educator. He was recently inducted into the South Philadelphia High School Alumni Association's Cultural Hall of Fame and has performed with musicians as diverse as Elvis, Henry Mancini, The Moody Brothers, Johnny Mathis, Lou Rawls and Dionne Warwick. He's composed arrangements for Warner Brothers' music productions, including the themes from the television series "Friends" and the movie "Hook." behind-the-scenes accomplishments, he's not a guy who gets recognized on the street. So, therefore, I thought it be appropriate to recognize him here today, and he's Mr. Robert Cerulli, who is joined by his family.
If he would stand, we would really like to recognize you. Congratulations. (Applause. )
At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Jones, who will present a resolution honoring the songwriting and production team of Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff. Will Mr. Gamble and Mr. Huff please join the Councilman at the podium. I see that Councilman Jones is being joined by Councilwoman Miller.
I don't think there is a person here who has not at one point in time tapped their toe or nodded their head or didn't have the beat in mind during the maturation of their younger and now more mature lives. So it is with great honor that we present these resolutions honoring and commending the legendary songwriters and production team of Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff on their introduction into the 2008 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. (Applause.)
Whereas, Mr. Kenneth Gamble and Mr. Leon Huff are credited with creating a musical legacy that has brought fame and pride to the City of Philadelphia through entertaining audiences worldwide and spreading the Philadelphia Sound; and Whereas, one of the most sought after pop and soul catalogues in the world with instantly recognizable tunes and influential lyrics, they serve as favorites to advertising agencies, music production houses, commercials, motion pictures and television sitcoms; and Whereas, the Grammy-winning, multi-platinum selling duo are responsible for one of the most recognizable and influential catalogues of pop and soul music ever recorded; and Whereas, producing 70 No. 1 pop and R&B singles, 175 Gold, Platinum and Multi-Platinum certifications, five Grammys, including the Recording Academy's Trustees Award, and more than 3,500 songs to date; and
And whereas, through the creation of their label, Philadelphia International Records, they have amassed chart-topping sales records and developed a significant amount of talent, including Patti LaBelle, The O'Jays, Teddy Pendergrass, Harold Melvin and The Blue Notes, to name a few; Whereas, their musical careers continue across the United States and abroad, as several of today's top artists sample or recreate new renditions of the Gamble and Huff catalogue; and Whereas, the Gamble and Huff signature sound is internationally recognized as "The Sound of Philadelphia," with a Gamble and Huff song being played somewhere in the world every 13.5 minutes, somewhere in the world; Whereas, it is intended that from this resolution, Philadelphia will have undoubtedly acknowledged the achievements and contributions to its important musical duo. Now, therefore be it resolved, by the City Council of Philadelphia, that we are hereby honoring and commending the legendary songwriting and production team of Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff on their introduction into the 2008 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Further be it resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Mr. Kenneth Gamble and Mr. Leon Huff as evidence of our sincere sentiment of this legislative body. Now, I want to also add that Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown was a critical part of this recognition and could not be here today because she's being recognized in Harrisburg by the Governor, but she gave me a specific task, to let you know that she expresses her sincere sentiments as well. So on behalf of Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown, I'd like to thank you and welcome you into City Council. (Applause.)
Thank you very much. I'd just like to say peace to everybody. And it really is an honor for us to be here at City Council. Philadelphia is our home. Huff lives in Camden, but I call that East Philly. So we've been writing together for 45 years, Gamble and Huff, and we've always promoted Philadelphia because we believe that Philadelphia is the greatest so we promote Philadelphia. (Applause.)
And one of the reasons why we think it's the greatest city in America is because this is where America began. And so our music is a music of peace for the world, peace for humanity, and we're glad that it's coming from the City of Philadelphia. And to all of you, thank you so much and, Blondell, thank you so much, too. Appreciate it. (Applause.)
Yes. Good morning. Philadelphia has always been special to me because -- I was born and raised in Camden, but I came across the bridge to participate and be a studio musician, and meeting Gamble, that was very special to me. And this proclamation -- we received a lot of world, but the hometown award is the special one, and I'd like to thank everyone. Thanks. (Applause.)
The Chair now recognizes Councilman Kenney, who will present a resolution proclaiming the month of March as American Red Cross Month. Will Mr. Thomas Foley and those accompanying him please join the Councilman at the podium. The Chair recognizes Mr. Kenney.
Thank you, Madam President. This resolution is proclaiming the month of March 2008 as American Red Cross Month. Whereas, the American Red Cross was founded --
Whereas, the American Red Cross was founded in 1881 by Clara Barton, a woman selflessly devoted to the needs of humanity, and chartered in the City of Philadelphia in 1916; and Whereas, compassion, courage, character, civic duty are inherent in the Red Cross mission to prevent and relieve human suffering, and the City of Philadelphia shares these grand ideals; and Whereas, the Red Cross is chartered and authorized by Congress to act in times of need, providing compassion and assistance to people afflicted by personal, local or national disasters; and Whereas, Red Cross volunteers from the Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter responded to nearly 900 disasters last year, providing thousands of food, clothing, shelter and mental health support; and Whereas, people have counted on the Red Cross for the information and skills they need to be safe at home, at work and at play. Last year, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter trained and reached nearly 950,000 people with valuable lifesaving information; and Whereas, the American Red Cross reached more than 35,000 students in the School District of Philadelphia last year with some form of health, safety, leadership or disaster education training; and Whereas, the American Red Cross, through its Penn-Jersey Blood Region, provides lifesaving blood and blood products whenever and wherever needed. The safety of the blood supply is its number one priority; Whereas, in 1943, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt called upon the American people with this request: "That month, our people rededicate themselves to the splendid aims and activities of the Red Cross." Now, therefore resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we hereby proclaim the month of March 2008 as American Red Cross Month in the City of Philadelphia. Congratulations. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes Mr. Foley for brief remarks.
Thank you, Madam President. We appreciate so much being in this Chamber and all the support you've given us for so long. I'm joined here by volunteers from all over Philadelphia, but especially from one of our signature Red Cross clubs in the Franklin Learning Center. They are part of 7,664 volunteers who work to live up to the high principles that you honor us for people who last year in 72,000 fires in America, 905 of them right here in Philadelphia, got up in the middle of the night to go take care of their fellow citizens. These are the people that you probably never meet who might save your child from drowning. Last year, we trained over a million people in that, 111,000 of them right here in these five counties in Southeastern Pennsylvania. These are the people who go out to speak to a friendly voice when there's an emergency in a military family. Three thousand two hundred and fifty-three times, Madam President, we got those calls at our 24/7 bridge, military families who had a crisis at home who needed the Red Cross to help them resolve that crisis. Philadelphia has a special place in Red Cross hearts and in Red Cross history, because Philadelphia is the only city in the country that has a Red Cross House -- thank you, Jannie -- at 40th and Powelton Streets in West Philadelphia, 25 units. (Applause.)
Last year, over 1,300 Philadelphians stayed an average of three weeks at Red Cross House. It is the one, the only in the national model. Philadelphia is also a special place for us because it's the only place, Madam President, that has Red Cross clubs in our public high schools. In 18 of our public high schools, we have Red Cross clubs where these young people learn how to save lives. They teach other people how to save lives. They run programs where they do blood drives and toy drives and all kinds of things in their schools, and really begin to appreciate for all of us what the word "community" means. I want to finish by quoting from one of these young people who is hiding up here, Cornelius Moody. He wrote an essay on the honor of wearing the red shirt, and I want to read you Cornelius' essay. Maybe I should have Cornelius read it. Would you read that paragraph for us, buddy. Stand right up to the mike.
Franklin Learning Center -- our Red Cross club is not just another after-school program. It's a mind-set, a mind-set to help anyone in need in any way you can. Not because you know them, not for privileges, not for awards, but because you know in your heart you can help this person, you should help this person, so you will help this person. (Applause.)
These volunteers, Cornelius, Lynn Johnson, his wonderful teacher who shepherds the club, they have volunteered in every part of our City, of our region and of our country. Some of these volunteers have been in Biloxi, Mississippi, in Pascagoula, in New Orleans. They were in the wildfires in the tornadoes in the Midwest. That's our city. That's who we are in the Red Cross here. We go where our help is needed. Many, many years ago, two centuries ago, another great Philadelphian -- and I'll finish with this -- Thomas Jefferson said that it is part of the American character to consider nothing as desperate. It is part of the American character to consider nothing as desperate. When I get to stand with people like this, I understand what Thomas Jefferson meant. When you have citizens like this, Madam President, we understand how no matter what the problem, we can address it, and I'm grateful to them and to 7,600 other volunteers in this City for the Red Cross and to all of you for being a part of this work. Thank you so much. (Applause.)
The Chair again recognizes Councilman Kenney on my behalf, who will present a resolution recognizing the Anita C. Carboni Athletic Association. Will Mr. Jason Mango and those accompanying him please join Councilman Kenney at the podium. And while our guests are coming up to the podium, at this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I would certainly join all in recognizing our new Deputy Director for the Mayor's Office of Reentry. I note that he and the late Lucien Blackwell worked so well together, traveled all over Africa, and the Mayor could not have made a better choice for dealing with reentry. And please join me in welcoming Ron Cuie. (Applause.)
Thank you. Again, the Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Madam President. This is a resolution recognizing the Anita C. Carboni Athletic Association on its many contributions to the children of our community. Whereas, the Anita C. Carboni Athletic Association, which has its home in Southwest Philadelphia at 63rd and Lindbergh Boulevard, was founded by Jason Mango in 2003. It is named in memory of Anita C. Carboni, a beloved community activist, teacher and tireless youth advocate, who died of cancer in 1991. A true champion for children, Mrs. Carboni knew the value of education, but also recognized the need for young people to have healthy outlets for their boundless energy and enthusiasm; Whereas, in 1998, Southwest Philadelphia resident Jason Mango began league once run by Our Lady of Loreto Catholic School. The league enjoyed a faithful following for years, until the school closed its doors in 2000. With the support of family, friends and other community leaders, Mango took over the league and, in 2003, changed it to its current name. Starting with just 30 children from three area schools, the Carboni League has grown to include 150 children from over 30 different schools in Philadelphia and its surrounding area. Although the players and their families come from diverse ethnic and economic backgrounds, they prove every day that they have much more in common. The Carboni League provides a safe, family-oriented environment where young people may build character and make lifelong friends while thriving through positive athletic competition; Whereas, the League offers ten teams engaged in flag football, peewee devoted cadre of interested and engaged parents, coaches, local businesses and supportive government and community leaders are also instrumental in making the Carboni Athletic Association the success it has become. Among those most active are Jason Mango, Founder; Brian Mango, Commissioner; Robert Hodges, Recreation Advisor; Anna M. Brown, Advisory Board Member; Paul "Earthquake" Moore, Board Member; State Senator Anthony Hardy Williams; State Representative Robert C. Donatucci; and our own Council President, Anna C. Verna. Now resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we hereby recognize and celebrate the accomplishments and community spirit embodied by the Anita C. Carboni Athletic Association and the positive influence it continues to have for the children of our community. Congratulations and thank you. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes Mr. Mango for brief remarks.
First, once again, I would like to thank the Council President for all of her support through the years to our organization, and, once again, this is indeed an honor and privilege to be speaking in front of this great lawmaking body today. The Anita C. Carboni Athletic Association in our charter is to establish and continue the fundamentals of the children to build their good moral character and value in Southwest Philadelphia. It is important to have recreational outlets for our children in this day and age of crime and drugs that has infested our once proud communities in the City of Philadelphia and across the country. The interaction that the youth have where people of different cultural beliefs and heritage backgrounds say that everyone is different, but all are the same. We have been successful in providing children crisscross in Philadelphia the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of football, basketball. In a day and age of crime and drugs, we are the shining hope for some of these youth in these communities. It is essential for this lawmaking body to continue supporting us and many other programs throughout the City through supplying the funds needed for the Philadelphia Activity Fund Grant, and also I implore you all to help us in our plague to rebuild our field at 63rd and Lindbergh in Southwest Philadelphia from years of neglect. We ask you all to help us in this effort. And, once again, I would like to thank everyone in City Council, Councilman Kenney and the Honorable Council President Anna C. Verna, for all of her help and support throughout the (Applause.)
And I see that a member of our family is joining this wonderful group, and that's Anne Brown. Welcome home, Anne. (Applause.) (Council at ease. )
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 March 12, 2008, I signed the following bill that was passed by Council at its session on February 28, 2008: Bill No. 080078; and advise you that on March 6th and March 12th, I signed all of the bills that were passed by Council at its session on March 6th; and I am transmitting for the consideration of your honorable body a resolution approving the redevelopment contract for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Independence Mall Urban Renewal Area; and A resolution approving the redevelopment contract for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the American Street Industrial Corridor Urban Renewal Area; and Pursuant to Section 2-307 of the Home Rule Charter, I am today submitting to the Council the recommendation of the City Planning Commission on the following bills: Bill No. 080029, 080082, 080131, Bill No. 080132 and Bill No. 080133.
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, and at this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer two bills and two resolutions.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance amending Chapter 12-900 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Parking Regulations and Penalties," by regulating on-street parking of boats, motor homes, truck campers and vending carts, and amending Section 12-2405, entitled "Removal or Immobilization of Parked Vehicles."
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by amending Section 14-102, entitled "Definitions," and creating a new Section 14-114 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Sustainable Zoning," to require certain buildings to have a green roof, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution authorizing the Committee of the Environment to hold public hearings to investigate the energy and cost savings associated with replacing all light bulbs in City buildings, particularly City Hall, with ENERGY STAR compact fluorescent bulbs.
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.)
And a resolution recognizing the Civil War and Underground Railroad Museum of Philadelphia for their commitment to maintaining one of the largest collections of Civil War-related materials and supporting efforts to construct a new museum that will showcase Philadelphia's role in that history.
The Chair again recognizes Councilman Kenney for a motion on the resolution.
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 Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I introduce one bill and one resolution co-sponsored by Councilman Jones.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the bill.
An ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 42 by striking from the City plan and vacating 30th Street from Walnut Street approximately 620 feet to a dead end.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution recognizing Mr. Kofi Asante and the National Comprehensive Center for Fathers for their efforts to help fathers who have lost their jobs and homes or who are reentering the workforce following incarceration by providing job training and other support services.
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 indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. 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, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Madam President, I offer three resolutions, one I'd like to speak on, and one bill on your behalf.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan Nos. 52-S and 53-S by placing on the City Plan 26th Street from Penrose Avenue southwardly approximately 1,832 feet.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution urging the Philadelphia Delegation to the Pennsylvania General Assembly to support all efforts to pass legislation that makes lost or stolen handgun reporting mandatory in Pennsylvania.
Thank you, Madam President. CeaseFire Pennsylvania, a statewide non-profit organization dedicated to preventing handgun violence and to advocating for common sense handgun regulations in Pennsylvania, will join with a growing group of Pennsylvania legislators, law enforcement leaders, victims of handgun violence, local elected officials and many others at a press conference on Monday in the State Capital in Harrisburg. The press conference purpose is to detail growing support across Pennsylvania for a reporting requirement for lost or stolen handguns. This resolution is being co-sponsored by Councilwoman Miller, Darrell Clarke and myself in support of calling our State Legislature to address the issue of stolen handguns in keeping with what we are doing here in the City. There will be buses leaving from the City of Philadelphia on Monday, March 17th at 8:30 from the locations that we passed out to the members of City Council, from most of the State Representatives' offices. The list will be provided. If anyone wants to get the list, they can from my office or any member of Council. But we urge all of our listeners and supporters who were out yesterday supporting City Council to support our Delegation in Harrisburg and the other legislators from across the state in this important move. Thank you very much.
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 indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution recognizing the important work of the Childcare Facilities Fund.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution authorizing the Council Committee on Public Health and Human Services and Environment to hold hearings regarding the safety of the City's drinking water.
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 please indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution will be referred to the Committee on Health and Human Services and Environment. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Sanchez.
Thank you, Madam President. I have one bill and one resolution I'd like to talk about.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 367 by placing on the City Plan a variable width right-of-way for drainage purposes on the southwesterly side of Welsh Road.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution recognizing playwright and Philadelphia native Quiara Alegria Hudes on the Broadway debut of her musical "In the Heights."
Thank you, Madam President. This morning I circulated to my colleagues a copy of an article that came out in yesterday's Philadelphia Magazine. As we celebrate Mr. Gamble and Mr. Huff and with Councilman Kelly's comments this morning, we're full of arts and culture in Philadelphia. I want to encourage my colleagues to attend this play that has gotten rave reviews currently on Broadway by, for full disclosure, my niece, Quiara. And I want to thank everyone for their support in this resolution. Thank you.
Thank you. Would you move for the adoption, please.
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 please indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Green.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Good morning, Madam President. I offer one bill and one resolution.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 190 by striking from the City Plan and vacating the northeasterly two-feet-wide portion of Stout Road from City Avenue to a point approximately 563 feet.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution recognizing, honoring and celebrating Beeber Dimner Middle School's Girls Basketball Team and Coach Gladys Watson for their first Girls Basketball Public League Middle School Championship.
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 Goode.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer no bills or resolutions today.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. I offer one bill and two resolutions.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Section 2 of Bill No. 050952, approved December 22, 2005, entitled "An ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 271 by placing on the City Plan Florist Street from a point on Second Street approximately 131 feet north of the north side of Race Street."
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution honoring and congratulating Settlement Music School on its 100th anniversary and recognizing and commending its directors, officers, faculty, staff and students, both past and present, for making Settlement Music School an institution known worldwide for its excellence.
The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco for a motion. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: 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 say aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution approving the lease agreement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for a portion of the Independence Mall Urban Renewal Area.
Again, the Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: 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 say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority deeds located in the 16th, 20th, 29th, 32nd and 47th Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority deeds located in the 47th Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
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.
Thank you. The next order of business is reports from committees, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for a report from the Committee on Finance.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on bill with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the report.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Finance, to which was referred Bill No. 080202, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the issuance of one or more series of general obligation bonds to provide funds to refund certain outstanding general obligation bonds of the City of Philadelphia," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Madam President, I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading today of this Bill No. 080202. (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 the bill just reported from committee. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the bill just read will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. We will now consider special business. Council will now proceed under special business. The Chair recognizes
Madam President, I move that the Committee of the Whole be discharged from further consideration of Bill Nos. 080162, 080163, 080164 and 080165.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Committee of the Whole be discharged from further consideration of Bill Nos. 080162, 080163, 080164 and 080165. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The it, and the Committee of the Whole has been discharged from consideration of the bills just mentioned. The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that Bill Nos. 080162, 080163 and 080164 be referred to the Committee on Streets and Services, and Bill No. 080165 be referred to the Committee on Licenses and Inspections. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that Bill Nos. 080162, 080163, and 080164 be referred to the Committee on Streets and Services, and Bill No. 080165 be referred to the Committee on Licenses and Inspections. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
Those 3/13/08 - STATED - 1ST READING opposed? (No response.)
The ayes have it, and Bill Nos. 080162, 080163 and 080164 will be referred to the Committee on Streets and Services, and Bill No. 080165 will be referred to the Committee on Licenses and Inspections. 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. 080150, an ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2008 within the Grants Revenue Fund from the Director of Finance - Provision for other grants to the Law Department and the Board of Trustees of the Free Library of Philadelphia.
And Bill No. 3/13/08 - STATED - 1ST READING 080151, an ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2008 from the General Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions to the General Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions.
And Bill No. 080152, an ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2008 within the Aviation Fund from the Managing Director - Office of Fleet Management to the Managing Director Office of Fleet Management.
And Bill No. 080153, an ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2008 within the Water Fund from the Managing Director - Office of Fleet Management to the Managing Director 3/13/08 - STATED - 2ND READING Office of Fleet Management.
And Bill No. 080202, an ordinance authorizing the issuance of one or more series of general obligation bonds to provide funds to refund certain outstanding general obligation bonds to the City of Philadelphia.
The Chair agrees. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for the purpose of calling up bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar to be considered today.
Thank you, Madam President. Today Bill Nos. 080136, 080081, 080086, 080131, 080132, 080133 and 080023 are being called up for Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for today. All other bills are being held.
Thank 3/13/08 - STATED - 2ND READING you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 080136.
An ordinance authorizing the Free Library of Philadelphia, on behalf of the City, to accept a grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Education for renovations to the Central Library Branch of the Free Library at 1901 Vine Street.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Councilman DiCicco. 3/13/08 - STATED - 2ND READING COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Aye.
Aye. The ayes are 16; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. We will now consider Bill No. 080081.
An ordinance granting permission to Shailesh Tilvawala, owner and operator of the newsstand located on the northeast corner of 8th and Market Streets, for the purpose of supplying electrical service and telephone service to said newsstand. 3/13/08 - STATED - 2ND READING
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 16; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 080086.
An ordinance amending Title 9 of The Philadelphia Code, by amending Section 9-203 relating to Street Vendors and Section 9-205 relating to sidewalk sales, by prohibiting street and sidewalk vending on certain portions of 17th Street.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 16; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. We will now consider Bill No. 080131.
An ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City 3/13/08 - STATED - 2ND READING Plan Nos. 305 and 306 by placing on the City Plan Delaware Avenue from Lewis Street to Buckius Street and authorizing the acquisition of certain slope easements adjacent to the right-of-way lines of Delaware Avenue as proposed to be placed on the City Plan and opened by authority of this Ordinance.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 16; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 080132.
An ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan Nos. 387 and 402 by striking from the City Plan and vacating the westerly 32-feet-wide and variable width portion of Island Avenue.
This bill having been read on two different 3/13/08 - STATED - 2ND READING days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 16; the nays are 3/13/08 - STATED - 2ND READING zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 080133.
An ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan Nos. 361 and 367 by placing on the City Plan a 15-feet-wide right-of-way for drainage purposes adjacent to the northwesterly side of Bustleton Avenue, 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.
Aye. The ayes are 16; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, this bill passes. The last bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 080023.
An ordinance amending Chapter 17-1500 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Annual Disparity Study and Participation Goals," 3/13/08 - STATED - 2ND READING by requiring certain additional information to be included in the Finance Director's required annual report, under certain -
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 16; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. That completes our Calendar for today. Are there speeches on the part of the minority? The Chair recognizes Councilman Kelly.
Madam President, I just want to wish everyone a very safe and happy Saint Patrick's Day. Thank you.
Thank you, and thank you for the chocolates. Are there speeches on the part of the majority? The Chair recognizes
Madam President, I'd just like to thank Councilman Kelly for the Saint Patrick's Day candy. Thank you very much.
And we wish you a happy Saint Patty's Day, too. Councilman O'Neill.
Yes. I would also like to thank Councilman Kelly for his generosity and also mention anyone that really feels touched, that he has a fundraiser tonight at Tir Na Nog. Thank you.
Okay. Enough said. 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. Madam President, I move that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, March 27, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, March the 27th. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and we will stand adjourned until March 27th. Thank you. (Stated Meeting adjourned at 11:00 a.m.) CERTIFICATE I HEREBY CERTIFY that the proceedings, evidence and objections are contained fully and accurately in the stenographic notes taken by me upon the foregoing matter on March 13, 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.)