~ COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Thursday, June 22, 2000 10:35 a.m. Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE L. BLACKWELL COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILMAN DAVID COHEN 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, Chief Clerk VINCENT VARALLO ASSOCIATES, INC. Registered Professional Reporters Eleven Penn Center, Suite 600 Philadelphia, PA 19103 ~ (215) 561-2220 GREETING/INVOCATION P R O C E E D I N G S
Good morning I note that the hour has come and 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 Dr. W. Wilson Goode, Sr., Associate Pastor of the First Baptist Church of Paschall. He here today as the guest of Councilman Goode. All members and guests will please rise.
Just a brief greeting to all of you first. I find it ironic to be here at this time, in this way. But it proves that God really has a sense of humor, that it is customary for people to go from ministry into politics. It is uncustomary for folks to go into politics into ministry. And God also forgives us for our misdeeds. And so I would ask you to bow your heads now. And I'm just glad to be here and sponsored by Councilman W. Wilson Goode Jr., and GREETING/INVOCATION I'm proud to say that. Bow our heads. God, You are so awesome, so awesome are You that I yield daily in humble submission to Your will and to Your way. So we come here today in this seat of government, this place that William Penn founded as the center of religious freedom. This seat of both political influence and secular power. This place where men and women come to make budgets and pass laws. This place of public debate and private deal-making. This place where passionate advocates of right come face to face with political expediency. This place where personal political agendas too often force good public policy to take a back seat. So we come now in prayer for this city and for this council and, indeed, for our children. We pray that the public interest will always been be the top priority of this council. We pray for the people of our city, for those who are homeowners and for those who are homeless; for those who are educated and for those who are illiterate; and for those who are employed and for GREETING/INVOCATION those who are jobless. We pray for our children, for those children who have state-of-art schools and for those who must attend schools with leaking roofs and inadequate heating, untrained teachers and inadequate technology. For those children who have more food than they need and for those who go to bed hungry and for those who wake up hungry. We pray for our children who wake up in dens of home, rather than homes of hope. We pray for city workers, uniformed and non-uniformed. And we pray for this council. Grant them, O, Lord eyes that see the longing in the eyes of our children who are hungry, who are homeless, and who are uneducated. Grant them hearts to feel the struggle of our neighborhoods, for quality living. And grant them, O, Lord, tears to weep for the far too many children who die in gun violence of our streets and who die in the violence of their homes and in the drug dens of our communities. Grant them the courage, O, Lord, to stand for what's right at all times. And now, Lord, dwell deep in our souls GREETING/INVOCATION so that we may know your perfect will for all of us. Spirit of the living God, fall fresh on us, melt us, mold us, shape us, dwell deep in us. In His name we pray and for his sake, amen. ALL: Amen.
The Chair thanks Reverend Goode for his very inspiring invocation. Council will be at ease. (Council stands as ease, then proceedings resume.)
The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of June 15, 2000. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Journal of Thursday, June 15, 2000, stand approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, June 15, 2000, stand GREETING/INVOCATION approved. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed, nay. The ayes have it, the motion carries and the Journal of Thursday June 15, 2000, is approved.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for requests for leaves of absence.
Madam President, there are no requests for leaves of absence on the part of the Majority.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Madam President, on behalf of the Republicans, leave is requested for Councilman Thacher Longstreth.
The Chair will dispense with the regular order of business to recognize the guests and visitors joining us in Council chambers this morning. On behalf of all 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.
We have no presentations today, so the next order of business will be communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant-at-Arms deliver messages from the Mayor to the clerk. The clerk will 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 I have today signed the following bills that were passed by Council at its session on June 1, 2000: Bill 000166, 000183, 000216, 000259, 000262, and 000263, and also all the bills that passed Council GREETING/INVOCATION on June 8th. And a resolution approving the action of the Boards of the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation and the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development to sell parcel E-18 in the Eastwick Urban Renewal Stage A. 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 Model Cities Urban Renewal Area identified by house number and street address as 2303-2305 North Lawrence Street. And an ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan 157, 158, 226 by relocating the southerly curb line of Erie Avenue between Second Street and Sedgely Avenue.
The messages will be printed in the journal. The clerk will read any other communications in her possession.
Thank you. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions, 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 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 those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed, nay. The ayes have it and the motion is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you. On GREETING/INVOCATION behalf of myself, Councilmember Ortiz, and four other members of Council, I offer one bill.
An ordinance amending Title 20 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Officers and Employee," by adding a new Chapter 2800, entitled "Campaign Financing," providing for the limitations of contributions to municipal election campaigns, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. This morning, I have two resolutions on your behalf and one on mine.
The clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution honoring Thelma Peake and Peake's Little Angels.
The Chair GREETING/INVOCATION recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Madam President, I move the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and 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 authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia a deed located in the 36th Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
Madam President, I move the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been GREETING/INVOCATION moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and the resolution has been adopted. The clerk will please read the title of the third resolution.
A resolution approving the action of the Boards of the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation and the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development to sell parcel E-18 in the Eastwick Urban Renewal Area, Stage A Industrial, containing approximately two acres, to Peter A. Correra.
Madam President, I move the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. GREETING/INVOCATION Those opposed, nay. The ayes have it and the motion is carried. The Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
Madam President, I have one bill and three resolutions.
The 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.'s 157, 158, and 226 by relocating the southerly curb line of Erie Avenue between Second Street and Sedgely Avenue. GREETING/INVOCATION
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 Model Cities Urban Renewal Area identified as house number 2303-2305 Lawrence Street.
It has been moved and 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 GREETING/INVOCATION carried. The clerk will please read the title of the second resolution.
A resolution honoring the 100th anniversary of the installation of the chapter of Local 98 or the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and recognizing the impact and achievements of the local in the City of Philadelphia.
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 has been adopted. GREETING/INVOCATION The clerk will please read the last resolution.
A resolution honoring the Reverend Joseph L. Agrippe, Pastor of Macho de la Rosa Parish on the occasion of his new clerical assignment as pastor of the Immaculate Conception Parish, Levittown, Pennsylvania.
Madam President, I move for the adoption. (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 has been adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Madam President, I offer one resolution. GREETING/INVOCATION
The clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution congratulating and commending Catherine McKeller Carter on receiving the Frances Schwartz Principal Recognition Award.
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 those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer no bills or resolutions today.
The Chair GREETING/INVOCATION thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter. Councilman Nutter, do you have any bills or resolutions to introduce today?
I'm sorry, Madam President. I have one bill and one resolution.
The clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Title 14 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by adding special provisions regulating the use of property as a residence for college and university students designated educational housing districts.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia a deed located in the 38th Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
The Chair GREETING/INVOCATION recognizes Councilman Nutter.
Madam President, I move the adoption of resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed, nay. The ayes have it and the resolution has been adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Good morning, Madam Chair. I have no bills or resolutions.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ortiz.
Madam Chair, I have two resolutions. GREETING/INVOCATION
The clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution recognizing the contributions of Kevin E. Vaughan to citizens of Philadelphia as he leaves City government to continue his career as Regional Director of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for Region II, which includes the States of Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Madam Chair, that resolution is on behalf of Councilwoman Tasco, Councilman Kenney, myself, Councilman Nutter, Councilwoman Blackwell, and Councilman Mariano. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. GREETING/INVOCATION Those opposed? The ayes have it and the resolution has been adopted. The clerk will please read the title of the second resolution.
A resolution encouraging the citizens of Philadelphia to support the "I Vote Project," designated to increase the voting participation of the Philadelphia electorate.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed, nay? The ayes have it and the resolution has been adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco.
Thank you, Madam GREETING/INVOCATION President. I offer one bill.
The clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance granting permission to the owners of certain newsstands located within the 1st Councilmatic district to construct, use, and maintain on a temporary basis newsstands with a greater dimension of advertising that is permitted by the general ordinance.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you, Madam President. I have three resolutions and five bills, one cosponsored by Councilman Goode and Mariano.
Thank you. The clerk will please read the title of the first bill. GREETING/INVOCATION
An ordinance amending Title 17 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Contracts and Procurement," by adding a new Chapter 17-900, entitled "Local Preferences for Contracting."
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Section 12-2409 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Towing Zone Locations and Hours," by adding a towing zone located in the north and south sides of Green Street.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance (Bill No. 980443), entitled "An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 120 of the area bounded by 18th Street, 19th Street, Masterman Street, and Jefferson Street."
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance GREETING/INVOCATION amending Section 2 of an ordinance (Bill No. 980444), approved June 25, 1998, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 58."
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance (Bill No. 970818) approved April 13, entitled "An ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 58."
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The clerk will please read the title of the of first resolution.
A resolution authorizing and directing the changing of the name of Diamond Street from 28th Street to 30th Street to Vernon Marks Way, to commemorate the life and works of Vernon Marks, all under certain terms and conditions.
Councilman Clarke, please approach the dais. (Councilman Clarke comes forward.) GREETING/INVOCATION
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution.
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the resolution has been adopted. The 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 located in the 16th, 28th, 32nd, 37th, and 47th Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
The Chair GREETING/INVOCATION recognizes Councilman Clarke.
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 resolution has been adopted. The clerk will please read the title of the third resolution.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia a deed located in the 47th Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.) GREETING/INVOCATION
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 has been adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
Madam President, I have three privileged resolutions today.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman, and the clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution honoring and congratulation the Philadelphia Orchestra upon celebrating its 100th anniversary.
Do I hear a second? (Duly seconded.) GREETING/INVOCATION
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the resolution has been adopted. The clerk will please read the title of the second resolution.
A resolution recognizing and celebrating the 10th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
I move for the adoption of this resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The resolution is adopted. The clerk will please read the third GREETING/INVOCATION resolution.
A resolution honoring the life and accomplishments of John P. Sample, III, devout church deacon, accomplished athlete, scholar and business executive and leader in the African-American community.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the resolution has been adopted.
The next order of business is reports from committees. The Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen for a report from the Committee of Law and Government. GREETING/INVOCATION
Madam President, I offer the report of the Committee on Law and Government.
To the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Law and Government, to which was referred Resolution No. 000188, entitled "A resolution calling for hearings by the Committee on Law and Government on the health effects of MTBE on Philadelphians,' respectfully reports that after a full public hearing on June 22, 2000, it has adopted the attached report and requests that the said report be adopted as the recommendations of the entire City Council.
I move the adoption of the report. A copy of the report was circulated yesterday for all members of City Council.
You're asking that the resolution, along with the report, be GREETING/INVOCATION adopted?
It has been moved and seconded that Resolution No. 000188 and its attached report and its findings be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and Resolution No. 000188 is adopted.
The next order of business is consideration of the calendar. There are no bills on the first-reading calendar. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for calling up bills on the second reading and final-passage calendar.
Thank you, Madam President. Today, all bills on second-reading and final-passage calendar are being called up, with the exception of Bill No.'s 000225, 000314, and GREETING/INVOCATION 000394.
Thank you. We have a very lengthy calendar. I would ask that as you vote, your voice be heard so that we can get along with this as expeditiously as possible. The first bill being called is Bill No. 000260. I would ask clerk to please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance creating the Silver City Tax Increment Financing District and do all things necessary to carry out the intent of this ordinance.
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 15, the nays are 1. A majority of all Members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. And the record will reflect that Councilman Goode voted nay. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill 000336.
An ordinance amending Chapter 19-2600 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Business Privilege Taxes," by adding a definition of "information technology company," 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.