COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Thursday, Sept. 30, 1999 11:25 a.m. Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA COUNCILWOMAN AUGUSTA A. CLARK COUNCILMAN DARRYL CLARKE COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN DAVID COHEN COUNCILWOMAN JOAN L. KRAJEWSKI COUNCILMAN JAMES F. KENNEY COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER COUNCILMAN MICHAEL A. NUTTER COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO COUNCILMAN ANGEL L. ORTIZ COUNCILMAN FRANK DICICCO COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILMAN RICHARD T. MARIANO COUNCILMAN W. THACHER LONGSTRETH COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO MARIE HAUSER, Chief Clerk VINCENT VARALLO ASSOCIATES, INC. Registered Professional Reporters Eleven Penn Center, Suite 600 Philadelphia, PA 19103 GREETING/INVOCATION P R O C E E D I N G S
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, and visitors will retire to the seats outside the rail. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair welcomes Reverend Clarence Hester, who is Pastor of the Erie Avenue Baptist Church. Reverend Hester is here today as the guest of Councilman Clarke. I do apologize, Reverend, for the lateness. Members and guests will please rise.
Giving honor to God, Madam President, and Councilmembers, we truly thank God for the august privilege to stand before this prestigious body of servants. Almighty God, let us pray. Almighty and everlasting God, we come to You, You who have made known unto us through Your son, Jesus Christ, Your love and Your critical concern for the government, the institutions, and the relationships of men and GREETING/INVOCATION women. Yes, You, lord, who have granted to our nation the democratic ideal by which our destiny may be fashioned. We come, pausing in this moment, hallow to Thee, that the spirit of prayer and reverence for Your name may prevail in these deliberations. We pray that this Council may be blessed with Your aid. We pray that their affections may be guided by whatsoever things are true and honest, things that are just and pure, things of good report. That their understanding may be enlightened by Your wisdom and that their spirits might be empowered by Your spirit. Even now, Lord, we ask that You sanctify their thoughts, sanctify their attentions, even their words and their actions, that all they think, speak or do may abound to the honor of You and the well-being of our municipality. Let them be mindful of their purpose for acquiring this position, that they may be instrumental in orchestrating the necessary funds and resources into our communities, schools, and city, AND that which will empower and motivate GREETING/INVOCATION young and old alike to play a more productive role in creating a better, a safer, a more healthy and productive city. We pray that You will bless our land to survive the infectious climate of confusion and uncertainty, helplessness, and irresponsibility by preserving among us enlightened and concerned citizens who cherish their heritage and who have THE purpose in their hearts to extend it. We beseech Thee to aid this body to put away petty indifference and be like-minded leaders whom Ye have raised up to God our city into the 21st century. We further pray that You would grant those whom we have entrusted with the authority of government to be responsible, wise, courageous, and strong, and then guide us, the people, to expect of them and to support them in all wise legislation and faithful administration that we may all prosper under equal law. Lord, even now, we ask that You achieve unity of purpose among us and grant us the victory of faith in the ideals to which we are committed to as a city. Strengthen us with honor and grant APPROVAL OF 9/23/99 JOURNAL us all peace. Provide us, dear God, with the strength and the spiritual substance for performing with great might the task which our common life yet confronts us with. This, we pray, in Your precious name. Amen. ALL: Amen.
The Chair thanks Reverend Hester for his inspiring invocation. Council be at ease. (Council stands at ease.) (Proceedings resume.)
The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of September 23, 1999. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Clark.
Madam President, I move the adoption of the Journal of September 23, 1999. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of LEAVES OF ABSENCE the meeting of Thursday, September 23, 1999, stand approved. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the motion carries. The Journal of Thursday, September 23, 1999, is approved.
The next order of business is leaves of absence. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Clark.
There are no questions for leaves of absence on the part of the Majority.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Madam President, COMMUNICATIONS there are no requests for leaves of absence on the part of the Republicans.
The Chair will dispense with the regular order of business to recognize guests and visitors joining us in chambers this morning. On behalf of all Members of City Council, I welcome you to our City Council session this morning. We appreciate your taking the time to join us as we attend to the legislative affairs of our city. We invite you to come again.
The next order of business is communications. The Chair recognizes the Sergeant-At-Arms to deliver the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. The Chief Clerk will please read the messages from the Mayor.
September 28, 1999, to the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia: I am pleased to COMMUNICATIONS advise you that I have today signed the following bill, which was passed by Council at its session on September 16, 1999: Bill No. 990221-A. And 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 Ellsworth Urban Renewal Area. And a resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of South Central Urban Renewal Area. And a resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Haddington Urban Renewal Area Unit No. 1. And a resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia and urban renewal of a portion of Nicetown Urban Renewal COMMUNICATIONS Area. And to the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia: I am transmitting for the consideration of your honorable body a draft of 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 Model Cities Urban Renewal Area.
The messages will be printed in the Journal. The Chief Clerk will read any other communications in her possession.
It is my understanding that we do not have any committee reports today. Therefore, the next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Clark INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS for the purpose of making a motion to suspend the rules.
Madam President, I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit immediate consideration of resolutions at the time of their introduction. (Duly seconded.)
All in favor of the motion to suspend the rules to permit immediate consideration of resolutions at the time of introduction will say aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it. Councilwoman Clark, do you have any bills or resolutions for introduction?
I have two resolutions, Madam President: one that is cosponsored by every member of Council, and that is the one that has to do with the sports leases; and the other represents and recognizes one of our members.
Thank you. The clerk will please read the first resolution. INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS
A resolution requesting that the Administration and the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation incorporate certain types of principles in any lease and development agreements negotiated with the Philadelphia Phillies and the Philadelphia Eagles for the construction and operation of new sports facilities within the City of Philadelphia for use by these professional sport organizations.
I move the adoption of this 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 motion is carried. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the second resolution. INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS
A resolution honoring the service of The Honorable Jannie L. Blackwell, Robert W. Bogle, Ruth Broadbelt, Benjamin M. Quigg, Jr., and Ralph A. Saggiomo to the Presbyterian Foundation Board of Directors.
I move the adoption of this resolution that honors our member. (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 motion is carried. The clerk will please read the last resolution.
Madam President, I wanted to put in that the second was a duplicate resolution. INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS
Oh, I'm sorry. Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Madam President, I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano.
The Chair INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer two resolutions on your behalf.
The clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution honoring The Most Reverend Louis A. DiSimone, DD.
I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
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 is carried. The clerk will please read the title of the second resolution. INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS
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 Ellsworth Urban Renewal Area, Unit No. 1.
Do I move that it be referred to the appropriate committee?
No? I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
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 is carried. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller. INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS
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 Nicetown Urban Renewal Area.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the motion is carried. The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter. INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS
Madam President, I offer two bills and two resolutions.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance authorizing the installation of all-way stop signs at the following intersections on Valley Avenue: Hagner Street and Wigard Avenue.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
An ordinance authorizing the installation of all-way stop signs at the following intersections on Houghton Street: Roxborough Avenue and Walnut Lane.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
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 INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS the Haddington Urban Renewal, Unit No. 1, identified by house number and street address as 52 North 57th Street.
Madam President, I move the adoption of the resolution.
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 is carried. The clerk will please read the title of the second resolution.
A resolution commending Mr. Acel Moore for his many achievements during his journalism career and congratulating him as this year's John Knight Gold Medal Recipient.
The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter. INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS
Madam President, I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the motion is carried. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Madam President, I have no bills or resolutions today.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ortiz.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS urging the President and Congress of the United States to support the closure of the United States Army School of the Americas.
Madam President, I move for the approval 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 motion carried. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco.
Councilman, did you say you had two bills, also?
Two resolutions, no bills. INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS
Thank you. The clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution designating the week of Monday, October 4, 1999, through Monday October 11, 1999, as "Christopher Columbus Week," in celebration of the festivities commemorating Christopher Columbus's historic voyage to the new world.
Thank you. 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 motion is carried. INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS The clerk will please read the title of the second resolution.
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 South Central Urban Renewal Area identified by house numbers and street addresses as 1118 Fitzwater Street, and authorizing the Redevelopment Authority to execute the redevelopment contract with Phyllis E. Williams.
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. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS The ayes have it and the motion is carried. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance authorizing the changing of a name of a portion of Hornig Road from a point approximately 1,000 feet southeast of Kubach Road to Woodhaven Road to Corney Drive.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
An ordinance authorizing the changing of the name of Corney Road from McNulty Road to a dead end northeastwardly therefrom to Commerce Way.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Dunk's Ferry INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS Road, both sides, from Mechanicsville Road to the county line.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Thank you, Madam President. I have three resolutions today.
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 of the City of Philadelphia deeds for properties situate in the 16th, 20th, 32th, and 37th Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the motion is carried. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the second resolution.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia deeds for properties situate in the 15th, 16th, 28th, 32nd, 37th, 43rd, and 47th Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
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 is INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS carried. The Chief Clerk will please read the last resolution.
A resolution approving the redevelopment contract and the disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Cecil B. Moore Avenue Urban Renewal Area identified by respective house number and street address as 1612 North Sydenham Street.
Madam President, I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
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 resolution is adopted. INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS The Chair recognizes Councilman Longstreth.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
We have no bills on the first-reading calendar to be considered today, and it is my understanding that all bills on the second-reading and final-passage calendar are being held. Therefore, we have no bills to consider this morning.
Are there any speeches on the part of the Minority? (No speeches on the part of the Minority.)
Are there any speeches on the part of the Majority. ADJOURNMENT (No speeches on the part of the Majority.)
Seeing none, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Clark for a motion to adjourn.
Madam President, I move that this meeting be adjourned until Thursday, October 7, 1999. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that City Council stand adjourned until Thursday, October 7, 1999. All in favor will say aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and Council stands adjourned until Thursday, October 7, 1999. Thank you. (Adjourned at 11:40 a.m.) C E R T I F I C A T E I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing proceedings of the Council of the City of Philadelphia of Thursday, September 30, 1999, were reported fully and accurately by me, and that this is a correct transcript of same. RE: STATED MEETING __________________________________, JOSEPHINE CARDILLO, Registered Professional Reporter