COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Thursday, 4/18/02 10:00 a.m. Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, PA PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE L. BLACKWELL COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILMAN FRANK J. DICICCO COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. 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 ANGEL L. ORTIZ COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO PATRICIA RAFFERTY, Deputy Chief Clerk VINCENT VARALLO ASSOCIATES, INC. Registered Professional Reporters Eleven Penn Center, Suite 600 Philadelphia, PA 19103 4/18/02 STATED - GREETING/INVOCATION
I note that the hour has come and that a quorum of this Council is present. The Council will come to order, members will take their seats, please. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair welcomes Reverend Monsignor Charles E. McGroarty, Pastor of St. Matthew's Roman Catholic Church. Monsignor McGroarty is here today as the guest of Councilwoman Krajewski. All members and guests will please rise. MONSIGNOR McGROARTY: Let us pray. God, our Father, we thank You for the many gifts that You have given to us. We thank You for our lives, for the health we have enjoyed, for our families and for friends. But most of all, we thank You for the love and care you show us each and every day. We come to you today, conscious of imperfections, and we ask You to enlighten our hearts and our minds. Guide us by Your wisdom, support us by Your power. You desire justice for all, so enable us to uphold the rights of others, and do not allow to be misled by ignorance or fear or favor. Help us to realize that we, along with 4/18/02 STATED - GREETING/INVOCATION all people, are brothers and sisters, your sons and daughters. As we gather today, we bless Your name. May Your justice be tempered with our compassion so that our work may be pleasing to you and serve the citizens of Philadelphia. We ask all of this, Heavenly Father, confident that you hear and will answer our prayers amen. ALL: Amen.
The Chair thanks Monsignor McGroarty for his inspiring invocation. Council will be at ease. (Council stands at ease.) 4/18/02 STATED - APPROVAL OF 4/11/02 JOURNAL
The next order of business is the approval of Journal of the meeting of Thursday, April 11, 2002, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, April 11, 2002 stand approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, April 11, 2002 stand approved. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. Those opposed, nay? The ayes have it, the motion carries, and the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, April 11, 2002 stands approved. 4/18/02 STATED - LEAVE-OF-ABSENCE REQUESTS
The next order of business is requests for leaves of absence, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. This morning, a leave of absence is requested for Councilman Cohen.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. Leave will be granted. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Madam Chair, leave of absence is requested for Councilman Longstreth
Thank you. Leave will be granted. 4/18/02 STATED - VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATIONS
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 Councilwoman Krajewski, who will make a presentation commemorating the 75th anniversary of St. Matthew Roman Catholic Church. (Councilwoman Krajewski comes forward.)
Will Monsignor McGroarty and those accompanying him please join the Councilwoman at the podium. (Monsignor McGroarty et al. come forward.)
Councilman O'Neill, I believe you're being asked to join the 4/18/02 STATED - VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATIONS Councilwoman at the podium. (Councilman O'Neill comes forward.)
Thank you very much, Madam President. A resolution honoring St. Matthew parish on the occasion of their 75th anniversary. Whereas, St. Matthew parish was founded on October 12, 1927 by Reverend John J. McMenamen (ph), with the first mass being offered on November 6, 1927; and Whereas, over the next two years, many firsts took place at St. Matthew, including the first baptism, first confirmation, and first mass; and Whereas, the early 1930s were full of change, both in the United States and on Cottman Avenue, as Father McMenamen was transferred, and Father James Rice became the second Pastor of St. Matthew's parish. The cornerstone of the first school was laid, and the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary arrived; and...
Whereas, St. Matthew School was opened in September 1937, today 4/18/02 STATED - VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATIONS the school has over 1200 students, including kindergarten, pre-1st grade, resource rooms, and regular grades 1 to 8. The sisters still play a vital role in the children's education 65 years after they first arrived; and Whereas, from 1940 through the 1960, St. Matthew experienced an era of great expansion and renovation, including the blessing of the cornerstone of the lower church, the opening of a new school containing 16 classrooms and a kitchen and cafeteria, the dedication of a new convent, rectory, gym, school addition, and upper church. The parishioners also mourned the loss of Father Rice, who passed away in 1946, and was replaced by Father Lawrence Maher; and...
Whereas, over the years, the leadership of the parish changed from Father Maher to Father Amelia, with Father Gowan being appointed Pastor after the death of Father Amelia in 1968. Monsignor Charles McGroarty was appointed the sixth pastor in the history of parish when Monsignor Gowan retired in 1987; and Whereas, St. Matthew, with over 4400 households registered, remains one of the largest 4/18/02 STATED - VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATIONS parishes in the City of Philadelphia, hosting over 5,000 people who attend various Sunday liturgies; now, therefore...
Resolved by the Council of the City of Philadelphia that we hereby honor and commend St. Matthew parish on the occasion of its 75th anniversary. Resolved further than an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Monsignor Charles McGroarty as further evidence of the sincere respect and admiration of this legislative body. Signed by the President of City Council and sponsored by all members of City Council. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes Monsignor McGroarty for remarks.
On behalf of the people of St. Matthew, I certainly thank Council for this very kind and generous tribute to our parish. We feel it's a recognition, a recognition of the stability and the educational and the social services that churches and parishes such as St. Matthew provide for the citizens of Philadelphia who live in Northeast Philadelphia. It's a great 4/18/02 STATED - VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATIONS source of homes, it's a great source of people who are neighborhood people, and it is, for us, the heart of the City of Philadelphia. So once again, we thank you very, very much.
Council will be at ease for a moment. (Council stands at ease.)
The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke, who will make our next presentation honoring the Strawberry Mansion Boys Basketball Team. (Councilman Clarke comes forward.)
Will Coaches Gerald Hendrick and Ron Haigler and those accompanying them please join the Councilman at the podium. (Honorees et al. come forward.) 4/18/02 STATED - VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATIONS
Thank you, Madam President. It gives me great pleasure today to be able to recognize Strawberry Mansion, a school that at one point in my life, I actually attended.
Today, I'd like to give a resolution congratulating the Strawberry Mansion Boys Basketball Team. Whereas, on Saturday, May 9, 2002, at Temple University's Liacouras Center, the Strawberry Mansion Knights emerged the victor in the Public League Title game against Northeast High School -(Applause.)
-- with a 73-62 final score; and Whereas, the championship was the second in three seasons for Strawberry Mansion, which also prevailed in the 2000 title game. A 10-point effort from senior forward Dywud Morris in the first two quarters put the Knights ahead halftime 4/18/02 STATED - VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATIONS by 34-27. The opponents quickly came back with a burst that put them ahead with a 30-34 score; and
Whereas, in a thrilling third quarter, the league changed hands four times. However, in the closing moments of the game, with the score tied at 62 and only one minute and two seconds remaining, Morgan Hines completed a 3-pointer to help the Knights to victory as the Philadelphia league's best team; and Whereas, Strawberry Mansion' star Maurice Rice scored a team high, 21 points; and Whereas...
Whereas, the members of Strawberry Mansion Boys Basketball Team: Senior forward Aaron Brown, senior guard Eric Lawton, junior guard Maurice Rice, senior guard Maurice Stennis, junior center forward Delton Morgan Hines, senior center forward Dywud Morris, junior forward Anthony Slocum, junior center Brian Draper, senior guard Wayne Harrington, sophomore forward Tracy Worley, senior guard Tyree Graves, sophomore forward Trevor Mickle, junior forward Rodney Smith, and junior guard Martin Bonaparte; Now, there... 4/18/02 STATED - VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATIONS
Resolved by the Council of the City of Philadelphia that we hereby honor and congratulate each and every member of the Strawberry Mansion High School Boys Basketball Team for winning the Public League Championship. We commend the coach Gerald Hendrick and assistant coach Ron Haigler on a winning season with the Public League Title. Further resolved that we present an engrossed copy of this resolution to the Strawberry Mansion's High School Boys Basketball Team further evidencing the sincere congratulations of this legislative body. Signed by the President of City Council Anna C. Verna, introduced by Darrell L. Clarke and Frank Rizzo, sponsored by every single member of this legislative body. Congratulations to all of you. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes Mr. Charles Sumpter for remarks.
Good morning. 4/18/02 STATED - VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATIONS
-- and members of City Council and Councilman Clarke. Again, we thank you for inviting us here. This is the second time in three years that we've been fortunate to come down to City Council, and every time, it seems as though it just gets better and better. On behalf of our principal -- I'm the athletic director at Strawberry Mansion. On behalf of our principal, Miss Lois Powell-Mondesire, we would like to thank you again, and we hope to be back next year. Thanks. (Applause.)
Council will be at ease. (Council stands at ease.)
Thank you. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Brown, who will present a resolution honoring the American Women's Heritage Society. (Councilwoman Brown comes forward.)
Will Miss Audrey 4/18/02 STATED - VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATIONS R. Johnson Thornton and those accompanying her please join the Councilwoman at the table. (Honoree et al. come forward.)
It gives me tremendous pleasure to present this citation to Audrey Johnson Thornton. I can say, without hesitation, and speaking for all of the members of Council, but particularly women, that this lady has for so many years been about the business of nurturing young talent and pushing younger women to pursue their goals, and I'm a living testimony of that. So it's a real pleasure for me to present this citation to you and your membership. Honoring and commending the American Women's Heritage Society on the occasion of their 15th anniversary. Whereas, the American Women's Heritage Society was founded in 1986 to restore, maintain, and beautify historic Belmont Mansion, a true Philadelphia treasure; and Whereas, the maintenance of Belmont Mansion is important due to its symbolism for the abolitionist movement and as a monument to the brave people of the 19th century who used the 4/18/02 STATED - VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATIONS structure as part of the underground railroad; and Whereas, American Women's Heritage Society is the only African-American women's organization to care for a historic mansion in the Fairmount Park system; and
Whereas, one of the goals of the society is to allow Philadelphians the opportunity to experience fine arts; and Whereas, the women of the society have showcased numerous arts and historical exhibits, including the Chinese Art Exhibition, the Zora Neale Hurston Exhibit, the Frank Johnson Bicentennial Celebration, and the Life of the Colonies for Black Freed Men and Women that have added tremendous value to the cultural fabric of Philadelphia; and Whereas, Belmont Mansion hosts parties, weddings, cultural and civic-group meetings, as well as tours, none of which would be possible if the American Women's Heritage Society had not been diligent in their efforts to ensure that the mansion was in proper condition to support these events; and Whereas, through the work and efforts of 4/18/02 STATED - VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATIONS the American Women's Heritage Society, Belmont Mansion is a piece of Philadelphia history that all Philadelphians can be proud of; Now, therefore, be it...
Resolved by the City of Philadelphia that we hereby honor and commend the Women's Heritage Society on the occasion of their 15th anniversary; Resolved further that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Audrey R. Johnson Thornton, President of the American Women's Heritage Society, as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body. Introduced by Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown and my colleague Michael A Nutter, who represents the district where the Belmont Mansion sits, and sponsored by every single member of this legislative body. Please meet Audrey Johnson Thornton, truly one of my heroes and a role model for many women. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes Miss Johnson Thornton for remarks.
Thank you and good morning. 4/18/02 STATED - VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATIONS
On behalf of the American Women's Heritage Society and historic Belmont Mansion, we would like to thank City of Philadelphia Council President Anna Verna and all members of City Council for this prestigious honor. As you know, the American women's Heritage Society was founded and formed over 15 years ago for the sole purpose of becoming the stewards of historic Belmont Mansion. And, yes, we have worked long and hard as a labor of love. For those of you not totally familiar with Belmont Mansion, it was built in 1684 and owned by the Peters family from 1742 until the early 1800s. Judge Richard Peters, a well-respected and prominent lawmaker and speaker during the Revolutionary War, was also the only non-Quaker member and eventually president of the Pennsylvania Abolitionist Society for the abolishment of slavery. Through additional research, we've discovered that Belmont Mansion has a definite connection with the underground railroad. The Crown Jewel of Fairmount Park, my recently 4/18/02 STATED - VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATIONS published book, documents over 300 years of the history of Belmont. Should you care to learn more about that, the book is for sale. Our members and volunteers, much like our ancestors, have preserved -- yes, preserved and weathered several major restoration projects, and we are still patiently awaiting yet another: The main restoration of the mansion itself. We are, of course, still opposing the removal of the third floor of the Belmont Mansion, especially in light of the recent discovery that the former slaves were hidden within these walls. We extend our extra special thanks to Councilman Michael Nutter, Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown, and Councilwoman Marian Tasco for their continued support of our efforts to maintain and preserve this most important place of Philadelphia history and American history. I thank you again.
Thank you, thank you very much. Council will be at ease (Council stands at ease.) 4/18/02 STATED - COMMUNICATIONS
The next order of business is communications. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco.
Point of order. Thank you, Madam President. I just wanted to recognize students that are here today from the Adaire School of the Fishtown section of our city. They're here with their teachers, Mr. Rod Zoloff, Lois Streeter, and Karen Brinkley. There are about 30 students that are here today with the government action. I just want to recognize them and ask them to stand, please.
If they would stand so we could recognize them and say welcome. (Applause.)
Welcome. The Chair requests that the Sergeant-at-Arms deliver the messages from the Mayor to the clerk. The 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 April 17, 2002, I 4/18/02 STATED - COMMUNICATIONS signed all of the bills that were passed by Council at its session on April 4,2000. And I am transmitting herewith for the introduction and consideration of your honorable body an ordinance authorizing generally the continued issuance and sale by the City of Philadelphia of Gas Works revenue notes of the City adopting a rate covenant and directing the imposition and collection of rates and charges sufficient to comply therewith. And an ordinance authorizing an amendment to the Philadelphia Facilities Management Corporation an agreement to extend the repayment period for temporary financing that the City may provide the Philadelphia Gas Works, under certain terms and conditions.
The messages will be printed in the Journal. The clerk will please read any other communications in her possession
Thank you 4/18/02 STATED - INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS
The next order of business introduction of bills resolution, and 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 immediate consideration of the 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 consideration of resolutions at the time of instruction. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes it and the motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell. 4/18/02 STATED - INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS
Thank you, Madam President. Today I introduce one bill.
The clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance authorizing Ralston House, owner of the property 3615 Chestnut Street, to construct, own, and maintain underground conduit and pedestrian light post, fixtures, and appurtenances in and under the public right-of-way of Chestnut Street north of the north curbline.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman The Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano.
The clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution supporting the 4/18/02 STATED - INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS right of cafeteria workers at Community College of Philadelphia to freely choose whether or not to form or join a union in a fair election without management interference.
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. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the resolution has been adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
The clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance authorizing generally the continued issuance and sale by the City of Philadelphia of Gas Works revenue bonds of 4/18/02 STATED - INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS the City.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The clerk will please read the title of the second bill
And an ordinance authorizing an amendment of the Philadelphia Facilities Management Corporation agreement to extend the repayment period for temporary financing that the City may provide for the Philadelphia Gas Works, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Think, Madam President. Today I offer no bills or resolutions.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, 4/18/02 STATED - INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS Madam President. I have one resolution.
The clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution declaring the week of May 27the to June 2nd as "Wellness Community of Philadelphia Week."
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ortiz. 4/18/02 STATED - INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
The Chair thanks the gentleman 4/18/02 STATED - BILLS ON FIRST READING
As there are no reports from committee today, the next order of business is the consideration of the calendar. The clerk will please read the bills on the first-reading calendar. The first bill to be called is Bill No. 020042.
An ordinance authorizing the Revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 204 and placing on the City Plan Brinton Street from Clearview Street to a dead-end turnaround.
And Bill No. 020044, an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changes the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area generally defined as the intersection of Germantown Avenue and Gowan Avenue.
And Bill No. 020045, an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas 4/18/02 STATED - BILLS ON FIRST READING land located within an area bounded by Woodbrook Lane, a railroad right-of-way of Rumford Road and Germantown Avenue.
The Chair agrees. The bills read by the clerk will be placed on the second-reading and final-passage calendar for next session Council. 4/18/02 STATED - SECOND-READING, BILL 020092
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for the purpose of calling the bills on the second-reading and final-passage calendar to be considered today.
Thank you, Madam President. Today, Bill No.'s 020092, 020030, 020116, 020119, 020142, 020150, 020152, 020031, and 020033 are being called up for second reading and final passage.
All other bills are being held. The clerk will please read the title Bill of No. 020092.
An ordinance amending Chapter 19-1500 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Wages and Net-Profits Tax," by decreasing the rates of the tax and by making technical amendments, 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 clerk will please call the roll.
Councilwoman Blackwell? 4/18/02 STATED - SECOND-READING, BILL 020092
Councilman Rizzo? 4/18/02 STATED - SECOND-READING, BILL 020092
Aye. The ayes are 15, the nays are 0. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. (Applause.) 4/18/02 STATED - SECOND READING, BILL 020030
The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 020030. (Applause.)
An ordinance amending Section 19-2604 of the Philadelphia Code relating to tax rates, credits, and alternate tax computation for the business-privilege tax by reducing certain tax rates and by making technical amendments, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read two on different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally?? The clerk will please call the roll.
Councilwoman Krajewski? 4/18/02 STATED - SECOND READING, BILL 020030
Aye. The ayes are 15, the nays are 0. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. You can applaud. (Applause.) 4/18/02 STATED - SECOND READING, BILL 020116
The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 020116.
An ordinance amending Chapter 19-2600 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Business-Privilege Taxes," by establishing a program under which a job-creation tax credit will be given to certain businesses creating new jobs in the City of Philadelphia, 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 clerk will please call the roll.
Councilwoman Krajewski? 4/18/02 STATED - SECOND READING, BILL 020116
Aye. The ayes are 15, the nays are 0. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. (Applause.) 4/18/02 STATED - SECOND READING, BILL 020119
The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 020119.
An ordinance amending Section PM-309 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Emergency Nuisance Abatement Program," by adding the 25th, 31st, and 45th Wards, 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 clerk will please call the roll.
Councilman Mariano? 4/18/02 STATED - SECOND READING, BILL 020119
Aye. The ayes are 15, the nays are 0. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. 4/18/02 STATED - SECOND READING, BILL 020142
The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 020142.
An ordinance amending Title 14 of the Philadelphia Code relating to zoning and planning by amending Chapters 14-1600, entitled "Miscellaneous," and adding a new Section 14-1624, entitled "North Delaware Avenue Area Special District Controls," 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 clerk will please call the roll.
Councilwoman Krajewski? 4/18/02 STATED - SECOND READING, BILL 020142
Aye. The ayes are 15, the nays are 0. A majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. 4/18/02 STATED - SECOND READING, BILL 020150
The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 020150.
An ordinance amending Title 14 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by amending Chapter 141600, entitled "Miscellaneous," and adding a new Section 14-1625, entitled "Fairmount Avenue Special District Controls," under certain terms and conditions
This bill having been read two different days the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. 4/18/02 STATED - SECOND READING, BILL 020150
Aye. The ayes are 15, the nays are 0. A majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. 4/18/02 STATED - SECOND READING, BILL 020152
The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 020152.
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Fairmount Avenue, 22nd Street, Aspen Street, and 23rd Street.
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.
Councilman Mariano? 4/18/02 STATED - SECOND READING, BILL 020152
Aye. The ayes are 15, the nays are 0. A majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. 4/18/02 STATED - SECOND READING, BILL 020031
The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 020031.
An ordinance amending Section 19-1301 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Real-Estate Taxes," to decrease the rate of the tax on real estate within the City of Philadelphia, under certain terms and conditions.
Madam Chair, thank you. (Inaudible, off-mic.) ... however, yesterday, the School Reform Commission adopted several accountability amendments expressing the sense of the Commission that all schools supported by public funds be funded equitably in comparison with other schools whose student is similar, that the community partnership schools would be considered as neighborhood schools and be required to accept children from their feeder pattern, that the partnership schools would be required to make every effort to place a qualified teacher in every classroom, reduce class sizes, submit accurate data concerning admission, transfers, suspension, meet 4/18/02 STATED - SECOND READING, BILL 020031 with parents and community members to go over plans before they're in place, and produce data concerning student and staff population, achievement and transfers, etc. All school data that does not the privacy act consideration shall be considered public data. This Council has already passed parent-vote requirements before schools were privatized. I think this Council believes at the very least that a vote of the parents and community of the school after a period of two years of privatization should be required for contract renewal. I believe that this bond issue is not really a bridge, and although it is going to pass, it would only afford us a year and a half respite before coming back for more definite funding. It is not a bridge towards fixing the public school system. I think our kids yesterday, the students of this city, demonstrated a courage, a conscience, to commitment that a lot of the parents, the adults of the City have not shown. I think the kids, the students really were showing us yesterday the way 4/18/02 STATED - SECOND READING, BILL 020031 to go. And although we do not have the ability at this point to mount enough votes to hold this bond as a leverage, I do wish that we all understand that what we're doing here today is not putting a solution; it is a Band-Aid that will take us for two years, and we will back here, back here. Unless the will of the leadership, the political leadership, to change the funding formula is in place, we will be back here putting the City in debt, putting the school system in debt, taking and mortgaging the kids' future. What happened yesterday was not reform, and I don't think anyone would believe that. I am glad that the two City representatives voted no against the plan that was put forward. I plan to vote no on this issue because I do not believe this is an issue and that this bill is the road towards the final solution of our school deficit problems. The answer really lies in Harrisburg, and I don't see where Harrisburg has the commitment to public schools, not only in Philadelphia but across the State, that are facing this difficult problem of funding. 4/18/02 STATED - SECOND READING, BILL 020031 The issue is funding. Definitely we need to change the status quo and need reform, but the reforms that are being put forward really are not the answers to what we're seeking. We will be revisiting this, and I hope that this Council becomes the monitor of the SRC, because there is no -- they don't have to be accountable to anyone. There is no body that can hold 'em in check. I do hope that this body, this Council, will be the individuals that will begin to monitor the school system and hold them to some sense of accountability to the citizens of Philadelphia. Again, I congratulate our students because they are -- and they have brought up an incredibly courageous and committed fight. They are teaching us, the young are teaching us what civil disobedience is all about, what peaceful disobedience is all about, and how a change can be brought. It was too bad that their parents and the rest of the community could not be there with them. Thank you, Madam Chair.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller. 4/18/02 STATED - SECOND READING, BILL 020031
Thank you, Madam President. You know, there has been discussion this week going around as to whether we would support the bond issue and vote it out today. And, you know, basically, we know that it's important to vote for this bill so we can be on, get on with the business of education here in Philadelphia. Right now, it's just a whole bunch of confusion, and many of us are truly confused about what's going on. Things just aren't clear. But as Chair of the Education Committee, I am pleased that my colleagues have joined together to express our unwavering support for Philadelphia. Additionally, I also want to express in the strongest language possible our commitment to the need for public accountability as an issue that must be articulated in all contracts with the education management organizations. We must include the safeguards to ensure that public funds are overseen properly. The resolutions introduced by SRC members Sandra Glenn and Mike Masch covers the spirit of what we want. The EMO contracts cannot go without 4/18/02 STATED - SECOND READING, BILL 020031 accountability. Their resolutions are historic. This Council will be forwarding a letter to the School Reform Chairman, James Nevels, and all Councilmembers have agreed to sign, and we just need to let the SRC know -- we've been trying to reach out to Mr. Nevels all week; it's my understanding today he's out of town. But we want the SRC to know that we will be monitoring and watching these issues of accountability very carefully. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you. Does anybody else wants to be recognized? (No response.)
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally?
Aye. 4/18/02 STATED - SECOND READING, BILL 020031 The ayes are 14, the nays are 1. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, this bill passes. 4/18/02 STATED - SECOND READING, BILL 020033
The last bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 020033.
An ordinance amending Section 19-1801 of the Philadelphia Code to further authorize the Board of Education of the School District of Philadelphia to impose a tax on real estate within the City of Philadelphia and to change the tax rate, under certain terms and conditions.
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.
Councilwoman Krajewski? 4/18/02 STATED - SECOND READING, BILL 020033
Aye. The ayes are 15, the nays are 0. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. That concludes calendar for today. 4/18/02 STATED - SECOND READING, BILL 020033
Are there any speeches on the part of the Minority today? (No speeches on the part of the Minority.)
Any speeches on the part of the Majority? The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. We understand that this week is a very, very special week for you, and that you had a very, very special day, so we would like to say happy birthday to you. Join me, colleagues.
Wait till it's your turn, wait till it's your turn. (Councilmembers and audience sing "Happy Birthday" to Council President Verna.)
Thank you all very much. (Applause.) Are there any speeches on the part of the Majority? 4/18/02 STATED - ADJOURNMENT (No speeches on the part of the Majority.)
Madam President, I move that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, April 25, at 10 a.m. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, April 25, at 10 a.m. All in favor will say aye. Those opposed, nay? The ayes have it, and the motion carrier.
Madam President, there is cake for you in our caucus room.) (Proceedings end at 11:10 a.m.) CERTIFICATE I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing proceedings of the Council of the City of Philadelphia of Thursday, April 18, 2002, are contained fully and accurately in the stenographic notes taken by me, and that this is a true and correct transcript of same. RE: STATED MEETING _______________________________, Josephine Cardillo Registered Professional Reporter and 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.)