COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 401, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, February 8, 2001 10:00 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILMAN DAVID COHEN COUNCILMAN FRANK J. DI CICCO COUNCILMAN WILSON W. GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN JAMES F. KENNEY COUNCILWOMAN JOAN L. KRAJEWSKI COUNCILMAN W. THACHER LONGSTRETH 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, CHIEF CLERK VINCENT VARALLO ASSOCIATES, INC. Registered Professional Reporters Eleven Penn Center 1835 Market Street, Suite 600 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103 (215) 561-2220. INVOCATION
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 will take their seats and visitors will retire to the seats outside the rails. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair welcomes the Reverend D.J. Lawrence, Pastor of the New Psalmist Baptist Church. Pastor Lawrence is here today as the guest of Councilman Clarke. Members and guests will please rise.
Shall we bow our heads and pray in humble submission to God. Our Father, who art in heaven, hollowed be thy name. They kingdom come. And oh, Lord, we pray in the City of Philadelphia that thy will would be done. Lord, you have instructed us in thy word to pray for our leaders in government. We pray, Lord, for the President of the United States of America all the way to the statehouse. We pray for the President of this Council. We pray, Lord, for our district, the 5th District, Brother Darrell Clarke. We pray for every congressman under the sound of our voice. Lord, we pray for your devine APPROVAL OF JOURNAL guidance to give us strength to do that which is right. We pray, God, for your devine guidance to give us the ability to do that that is within your will. We pray your blessings upon all of these officers of government. We pray this now in the matchless and marvelous majestic name of thy son, Christ, our Lord, we pray, and God's people said amen.
Amen. The Chair thanks Reverend Lawrence for his inspiring invocation. (Pause.)
The next order of the business is the approval of the a Journal of the Meeting of Thursday, February 1, 2001. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Journal of Thursday, February 1, 2001 stand approved.
It has been LEAVES OF ABSENCE moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the Meeting of Thursday, February 1, 2001, stand approved. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the Journal of Thursday, February 1, 2001, has been approved. The next order of business is requests for leave of absence. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. A leave of absence is requested for Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds-Brown.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. Leave will be granted. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Madam President, on behalf of the republicans, there are no requests for leave of absence.
The Chair WELCOME thanks the gentleman. 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 Council Session today. 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. It is always our pleasure to recognize the Girl Scouts of America because of the wonderful job they do in all of our communities. Today, we have a candidate senior girl scout with us to celebrate Girl Scout Cookie Month, which is the entire month of February. I am pleased to introduce Ms. Sharon Acolese. Accompanying her, I believe, are the girl scouts Ms. Kelly Dudick. I now ask Ms. Acolese to step to the podium for a few remarks.
Hello, everybody. Good morning. On on behalf of the Girl Scouts of Southeastern Pennsylvania, we'd like to present you some girl scout cookies and we'd like to say thank you very much for your support. Thank you.
And thank you COMMUNICATIONS for all your fine work.
The next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant-at-Arms deliver the messages from the Mayor to the Clerk. The Clerk will please read the messages from the Mayor.
To the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am transmitting for consideration of your honorable body a draft of a resolution entitled, a resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the New Kensington Fishtown Redevelopment area designated as Parcel No. 11, also sometimes identified by house number and street address as 2412 East Harold Street, authorizing the redevelopment of the authority to execute the redevelopment contract with Peter and Dianne Cosmosky. And an ordinance amending Chapter 19-3200 of the Philadelphia Code entitled Keystone Opportunity Zone to provide for the contingent INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS exemption abatement or credit of certain taxes within specified geographic areas, under certain terms and conditions.
The messages will be printed in the Journal. The Clerk will please any other communications in her possession.
Thank you. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Rules of Council be suspended in order to permit consideration of resolutions at their time of introduction. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit immediate consideration of resolutions at the time of introduction. All in favor of the motion will please INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion has been carried. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
The Chair thanks the Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I offer one resolution and two bills.
The Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance amending Section 9-205 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Sidewalk Sales," by prohibiting sidewalk sales within the area bounded by Oregon Avenue, Parker Avenue, 7th Street and 20th Street and within the INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS area bounded by Oregon Avenue, I-95, Front Street and 7th Street, all under certain terms and conditions .
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Chapter 19-3200 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Keystone Opportunity Zone," to provide for the contingent exemption, abatement or credit of certain taxes within specified geographic areas, under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will also be referred to the appropriate committee. The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia, deeds located in the 36th and 51st Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you, Madam President. I note that these were on your INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS behalf and 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. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The resolution has been adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Cohen -- Councilman Cohen. I'm sorry.
Well, I think Councilwoman Cohen is appropriate today in connection with this resolution. (Laughter.)
I offer one privileged resolution on behalf of 15 members of City Council and on behalf of 10 of whom are chief co-sponsors.
Thank you. I don't know that I got to sign that. Give it to me afterward. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution honoring the Philadelphia wages for Housework Campaign, the Philadelphia Coalition of Labor Union Women and the Philadelphia and Pennsylvania Chapters of the National Organization for Women for their efforts to eradicate the inequities in the treatment of women and supporting their activities for pay equity on International Women's Day.
Madam President, I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
Sometimes on the questions of women's rights, those of us who are men are sometimes cynical, sometimes insensitive, always generally inappreciative of the role of women as equal members of society and in this City Council is superior members because I think one great INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS contribution this Council has made to the cause of equality for women is to see that all the leadership positions in City Council are held by women. But despite that great achievement here, it is still a fact that throughout the world, even in the United States, even in Philadelphia, there are very uneven balances applied to men and women. This resolution deals with an international feeling on the part of women generally and I think most of humankind that thinks about it that it's time that all people be treated equally. And so in a day in March, I believe, it's March Day, Women's Day, there's going to be a two-hour lunch period, the usual one hour being extended to a second hour to commemorate Women's Day and to again appeal to the conscience of mankind and womankind to see to it that all people are treated equally. I think it's a great resolution. And I'm deeply indebted to all the members of the Council for their overwhelming support. Thank you, Madam President.
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The resolution has been adopted. (Applause.)
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Madam President, I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Madam President, I INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS have offer no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ortiz.
Thank you, Madam Chair. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer two resolutions.
The 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 located in the 2nd Ward of INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS 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 in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The resolution has been adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill -- I'm sorry, Councilman. We have a second resolution which was not read by Mr. DiCicco.
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 New Kensington Fishtown Redevelopment Area, designated as Parcel No. 11, INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS also sometimes identified by house number and street address as 2412 East Harold Street.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The resolution has been adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Thank you, Madam President. I have one resolution co-sponsored by INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS Councilman Mariano, Councilman Rizzo, and all members of Council.
The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution requesting that the City of Philadelphia in conjunction with the appropriate agencies create an Office of Consumer Affairs.
This resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Longstreth.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
Madam President, no bills or resolutions today. Thanks.
Thank you very much. The next order of business is reports from committee, and I believe we do not have any reports from committee. SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE And it is my understanding that we do not bills on the First Reading Calendar for today. The Chair, therefore, recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for the purpose of calling up bills to be considered on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar.
Thank you, Madam President. All bills are being held with the exception of -- may we ask Councilwoman Tasco if she's made up her mind about her bill?
All bills are being held with the exception of Bill Nos. 000710, 000711 -
Absolutely. Today for second reading we have Bill Nos. 000181-A, 000726-A, 000355-A, 000710, 000711, 000789, 000794, SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE 000795, 000642, and 000656.
The Clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 000181-A.
An ordinance amending Title 17 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Contracts and Procurement," which requires persons performing work under certain construction contracts supported by City funds or City financial assistance to hire certain percentage of low- and moderate-income persons, 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.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes.
The ayes are 16. The nays are zero. A majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The Clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 000726-A.
An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Sports Stadium District," by amending provisions related to permitted uses, 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.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, this bill passes. The Clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 000355-A.
An ordinance amending Chapter 1-1400 f the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Tax Increment Financing Districts," by providing for certain additional requirements for Tax Increment Financing District project plans relating to a certification statement; and the filing of certain documents, 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.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, this bill passes. The next bill being called for consideration is Bill No. 000710.
An ordinance amending Title 14 of the Philadelphia Code relating to zoning and planning entitled "Frankford Avenue Special District Control," by expanding the boundaries of the district, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, this bill passes. The next bill being called for consideration is Bill No. 000711.
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located with an area Aramingo Avenue, Butler Street, Thompson Street, and Castor Avenue.
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.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The Clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 000789.
An ordinance amending an ordinance approved July 18, 1995, which approved the redevelopment proposal of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment of the Stenton Avenue Urban Renewal Area and provisions of certain location services as required by law for the individual, families and business concerns which will be displaced.
This bill having read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill being called for consideration is Bill No. 000794.
An ordinance amending an ordinance approved December 15, 1969, as amended, which approved the redevelopment proposal, the urban renewal plan, and the relocation plan for the redevelopment of the Model City's Urban Renewal Area which provide inter alia for additional land acquisitions of approximately 117 properties and provision of certain relocation services as required by law.
This bill having read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill being called for consideration is Bill No. 000795.
An ordinance amending an ordinance approved December 22, 1987, which approved the redevelopment proposal and the urban renewal plan of the Cecil B. Moore Urban Renewal Area, all as contained in the Eighth Amendment of the Redevelopment Proposal and the Eighth Amendment to the Urban Renewal Plan.
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.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, this bill passes. The next bill being called for consideration is Bill No. 000642.
An ordinance amending Title 22 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Public Employees Retirement Code," by adding new provisions to restrict the ability of civilian members of Plan J and Plan Y to transfer to Police Plans B or D and retire immediately, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, this bill passes. The next bill to be can called for consideration is Bill No. 000656.
An ordinance amending Title 22 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Public Employees Retirement Code," by adding new provisions to restrict the ability of civilian members of Plan J and Plan Y to transfer to Fire Plans A or X and retire immediately, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. That concludes the Calendar. Are there any speeches on part of the minority? Are there any speeches on the part of the majority? The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Madam President. Without referring to any specific pieces of pending legislation, I want to speak very briefly this morning on the issues of integrity and credibility and how people, particularly in the Media, can associate you with things that you have nothing to do with. On the issue influence from lobbying, I can tell people that we all filed campaign expense reports very recently, financial reports. If people were to actually check my report, they will find I have $1,000 in my political bank account which is more proof than anything else that I am not SPEECHES influenced by lobbyists. Beyond that, on in the issue of credibility, there are very few legislatures that can say they spent every single day of their legislative career trying to bring capital credit and financial services to low-income and minority communities. I've produced four public policy papers on that issue. Again, not covered very much by the media. But when it comes time for people to act as if there are fights and people on sides of issues, the media does what they do as a matter of their business. There is pending legislation in this Council, a number of different bills that require careful consideration, require a lot of work. I'm up to this challenge with integrity and credibility, I think, in hand. Thank you very much.
Thank you. Are there any other speeches on the part of the majority. There being none the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for a motion to adjourn.
Madam President, I move that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, ADJOURNMENT February 15th, at 10:00 a.m.
All in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and Council stands adjourned until Thursday, February 15, 2001 at 10:00 a.m. Thank you. (Council adjourned at 10:45 a.m.) C E R T I F I C A T I O N I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing proceedings of the Council of the City of Philadelphia of February 8, 2001, were reported fully and accurately by me, and that this is a correct transcript of the same. RE: STATED MEETING ___________________________ Lisa C. Bradley, RPR and Notary Public