COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, May 6, 2004 10:15 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILMAN DAVID COHEN COUNCILMAN FRANK J. DICICCO COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN JACK KELLY 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 JUAN RAMOS COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO PATRICIA RAFFERTY, CHIEF CLERK V A R A L L O Incorporated Litigation Support Services Eleven Penn Center 1835 Market Street, Suite 600 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103 215.561.2220 215.567.2670
Good morning, everyone. I note that the hour has come and that a quorum of this Council is present. Council will please 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 Anthony Floyd, President of the Philadelphia Council of Clergy. He is here today as the guest of Councilwoman Tasco. All members and guests will please rise.
Let us pray. Oh, God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come, be thou our guide while life shall last. We give you grateful that is for this day. Eternal God, we stand before your presence. We pray for our Councilmembers, our Mayor. We pray for the divine guidance and wisdom. I pray, oh, Lord, that you will anoint their minds that they have done their best to represent you, first of all, and then district. Bless them, I pray in Jesus name. Amen.
The Chair thanks Reverend Floyd for his very inspiring invocation. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the Meeting of Thursday, April 29, 2004. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, April 29, 2004, stand approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the Meeting of Thursday, April 29, 2004, stand approved. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. And the Journal of the Meeting of Thursday, April 29, 2004, stands approved. The next order is request for leave of absence. And again, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. There are no requests for leave 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, there are no requests for leave of absence.
Thank you. The Chair will dispense with the to recognize the guests and visitors joining us in Chambers this morning. On behalf of all Members of City Council, I welcome you to our Council Session. We appreciate your taking the time to join us as we attend to the legislative affairs of our City. We certainly invite you to come again. At this time the Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney who will present a resolution recognizing YouthRules Day. Will Mr. James Kolpack and those accompanying him please join the Councilman at the podium. And Councilman Ramos will be joining Councilman Kenney with the presentation.
Thank you, Madam President. This is a resolution declaring May 8, 2004, as YouthRules Day. Whereas, YouthRules, a NATIONWIDE launched in May 2002 by US Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao, is design to raise awareness of the laws that affect members of the of 18; and Whereas, last year, more than 1,000 teenagers and parents attended the initial rally at the Gallery at Market East. Due to the success of last year's gathering, the first of its kind in the nation, the program is being replicated in other areas of the country; and Whereas, it is the intention of the U.S. Labor Department to insure that minors have a constructive, secure and healthy work experience by educating them, their parents, educators and prospective employers about workplace protections; and
Whereas, the Department of Labor estimates that 80 percent of young people work at some point during their school years and early work experiences can be rewarding for young people providing huge opportunities for minors to learn important job skills; and Whereas, Federal and State regulations regarding teenage workers attempt to strike a balance between ensuring opportunities and permitting appropriate work experiences; and Whereas, through the YouthRules initiatives, the US Department of Labor and its partners seek to promote positive and safe work experiences that help prepare work workers to enter the workforce of the 21st century; and
Whereas, the U.S. Department of Labor, working along with numerous community partners, including the School District of Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, the Philadelphia Workforce Development Corporation, Philadelphia Cares, the Philadelphia Youth Network and WUSL-FM Power 99 will be distributing information at center court of the Gallery at Market East. Therefore, resolved by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we declare Saturday, May 8, 2004, as YouthRules Day in the City of Philadelphia and ask all Philadelphians to support safe, positive work people. Thank you very much for coming. (Applause.)
I want to thank Councilman Kenney and Ramos for reading the resolution. I also want to thank the Council President Verna and the other Councilmembers for the resolution. The resolution means a lot to all the partners that are involved. The resolution is a symbol the collective action being taken to ensure that teen workers have a positive and safe work experience during the summer and throughout the year. We have included folders we have placed on your desk with all the YouthRules information, including the bookmarks which are handed out during the YouthRules rally. Each year, between 40 and 70 teens die on the job; 230,000 are injured, and of the 230,000, 70,000 require emergency room treatment. launched in 2002 by US Labor Secretary Elaine Chao. It seeks to reduce these statistics by educating teen workers, parents, educators and the employers about the protections in place for the workers under the age of 18. Early work experience can be rewarding for young workers, providing great opportunities for teens to learn important skills. Today's youth will be the workforce of the 21st century. The U.S. Department of Labor, together with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, the School District of Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Workforce Development Corporation, the Philadelphia Youth Network, Philadelphia Cares, the Gallery at Market East, and Power 99 FM are working to equip teens throughout the Greater Philadelphia area with the information they need as they prepare for the 2004 summer job season. I would like to thank and recognize the rally partners that are here. We have Brady from the Gallery at Market East. We have Tahirah Jones from the School District of Philadelphia. We have Mark Romaninsky from the Job Corps. We have Charisse Burnett from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry. We have Phyllis Kyner from OSHA. We have Laura Shubilla who is the President of the Philadelphia Youth Network, and we have Bill Long from the Department of Labor and Industry. Again, I want to thank everyone for the resolution and remind you that the rally will be this Saturday on May 8th from 11 to 3 p.m. at the Gallery. Please remind your constituents of the rally. We will have a lot of information for the teen workers and there will also be plenty of give-aways. Thank you again for the resolution. (Applause.)
Thank you. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
At this Councilwoman Miller who will present a resolution recognizing Simon Gratz basketball team. Will their principal, Ms. Delores Williams and those accompanying her please join the Councilwoman at the podium.
Good morning. Recognizing and honoring the Simon Gratz High School Bulldogs as the 2003-2004 Public League/PIAA Division XII Boys Basketball Champions. Whereas, Simon Gratz High School has a rich history of boys basketball and following the tradition of former coach Bill Ellerbee, the 2003-2004 Championship Bulldogs under head job Leonard Poole, Jr., and assistants Roland Wharton and Keith Walls, finished the season with the 25 to 3 record, ranking No. 15 among the national high schools and a perfect 13 to 0 record in the Public League; and Whereas, the Simon Gratz High School Bulldogs outscored the Frankford Pioneers by a score of 71 to 53, with Mark Tyndale, the star, leading the team to victory with 27 points; and Whereas, Simon Gratz entered the Public League in 1931 and the program has produced players with leading scorer records, McDonalds All American and Markward Player of the Year winners; and Whereas, since 1990, Simon Gratz High School has won 7 out of the 14 Public League Championships and one of the championships teams produced current Detroit Pistons NBA player Rasheed Wallace and Aaron McKie of the Philadelphia 76ers, the basketball program continues to produce skilled athletes that are recruited by college and university programs all over the country; and Whereas, this year's winning team is made up of seven seniors and seven underclassmen and all seven of the seniors have been recruited with senior Mark Tyndale verbally committing to Temple University; and Whereas, seniors Mark Tyndale, Tyrone Smith and Jason Hickenbottom have been "All Public" honors, senior Malcolm Wells received the Markward Academic Achievement Award for his fine academic achievements and Charlie Brown, Matthew Walden and Donald Curtis are all Markward Club Award winners; and Whereas, with seven underclassmen remaining on the roster, there remains little doubt that the other seven slots will be filled with fine young athletes who strongly desire to be part of the rich tradition of the Simon Gratz High School Boys Basketball Program; now therefore Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia that the Simon Gratz High School Basketball Team is honored for winning the 2003-2004 Public League/PIAA Division XII Boys Basketball Championship. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution is presented to members of the championship team, to the coach, assistant coaches, and the leadership of Simon Gratz High School as an expression of recognition, gratitude and sincere body. This is a true and correct copy of the original resolution adopted by the Council of the City of Philadelphia on the 18th day of March 2004. Signed by Anna C. Verna, President of City Council; introduced by Donna Reed Miller and sponsored by all Members of City Council. (Applause.)
First of all, we'd like to thank Council for this resolution, and we'd especially like to thank Donna Reed Miller because we try at Simon Gratz High School to keep Simon Gratz High School off of the negative radar and be on the radar for positive things. What you see here is a group of young people who are really committed to education. And we have Coach Poole. This is the first year that the School District in PIAA, so we are the first school to win the the PIAA League. (Applause.)
You also see next to Coach Poole our counselor. We have an academic counselor who work with our athletes because you have to keep up good grades to participate under PIAA. And she's been very instrumental on staying on top of them with their homework, their grades, to make sure that their academics don't fall short as they play these sports. And also you see two girls who are managers and score keepers. One of them was recruited by Villanova to be a score keeper for their sports team there. And then sports is very important because sometimes that's the only vehicle by which our young people can get to college. And we have Mark Tyndale here who will be playing for Temple University this year. (Applause.)
And all of our seniors have been awarded full scholarships to various colleges s across the country. Our juniors who are left on the team, we expect no well. So we want to thank you for this resolution. And know that our young people working very hard to make the City of Philadelphia and the Tioga Nicetown community look very good. Thank you for your support. (Applause.)
Thank you. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
The Chair recognizes Councilman Kelly who will present a resolution recognizing the 100th anniversary of the Fox Chase Cancer Center. Will Dr. Robert Young and those accompanying him please join the Councilman at the podium. I see that Councilman O'Neill is joining Councilman Kelly for the presentation.
Thank you, Madam President. I would just like to make a few comments before I present this resolution. I am delighted to be here. I'm delighted to present this resolution honoring, I think, a want to just tell you that I think that I'm expressing my gratitude as well as everyone in here, because I don't think there's anyone in here who hasn't lost a family member, a relative, a friend, or a colleague or and associate to this dreaded disease. Personally, I can tell you that I lost my mother, father, sister and just recently a cousin and a close friend to this disease. I think I share all and I appreciate all of the efforts and hard work and dedication these people have been doing for years and will continue to do. And I think on behalf on everyone here, I want to express my appreciation to you and to your great, great institution. With that and with the help of Councilman O'Neill, I would like to present the following resolution: A resolution celebrating the centennial anniversary of the Hospital of Fox Chase Cancer Center. Whereas, the Hospital of Fox Chase Cancer Center, then called American Oncologic Hospital, was the nation's first hospital cancer, chartered on November 7, 1904, by a group of visionary business and physician leaders from the Philadelphia area; and Whereas, the charter established the hospital for the study of the cause, treatment and prevention cancer and other tumors, and the dissemination of knowledge of these subject for the treatment and care of persons affected with cancer and other tumors. The benefits shall be administered without regard to race, creed or color; and Whereas, the hospital opened its doors in early January 1905 in West Philadelphia and relocated in 1968 to its present location on the Fox Chase Cancer Center campus in Northeast Philadelphia; and
Whereas, the hospital joined with the Institute for Cancer Research in 1974 to create Fox Chase Cancer Center, a leading comprehensive cancer center that today conducts basic, clinical, population and translational research in more than 80 laboratories by a staff more than 325 scientists; and Whereas, the Research Institute For Cancer Prevention, the first comprehensive program of its kind in the nation, was dedicated in 2000 in the new Prevention Pavilion at Fox Chase Cancer Center for both research and clinical programs dedicated to eradicating the many diseases called cancer; and Whereas, over the past 100 years, the hospital treated hundreds of thousands of cancer patients, not only with compassionate, state-of-the-art care but also with psychosocial support for them and their families, and has touched the lives of millions more around the world by advancing science and medicine; and Whereas, Fox Chase's 100-bed hospital is one of the few facilities in the country devoted entirely to cancer care; and Whereas, more than 2,200 employees are devoted to reducing the burden with programs of cancer prevention, detection and treatment and community outreach conduct 170 clinical trials annually; now, therefore
Be it resolved by the Council of the City of Philadelphia that it hereby honors Fox Chase Cancer Center on the centennial anniversary of its hospital and commends its staff and leadership for continuing in the sterling tradition of revolutionary treatment and research and commitment to the mission of easing the burden of human cancer set by its founders 100 years ago; and Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Fox Chase Cancer Center as evidence of the sincere appreciation of this legislative body. This is signed by Council President Ann Verna and all members of City Council. (Applause.)
Councilman O'Neill and Councilman Kelly, thank you very much on behalf of Fox Chase cancer center for this great things about this wonderful City is the richness of his of its history. And Fox Chase indeed has been a part of that history, as you heard, for the last hundred years. Visionary businessmen and physicians in 1904 concerned about the rising incidents of cancer after the Civil War in Philadelphia founded the Oncologic Hospital with what you heard is an extraordinary visionary document defining what a cancer center should be, investigating the causes, the cures and the prevention of cancer, disseminating that information throughout the community and the country and delivering care to cancer patients with enthusiasm and compassion. Now, in its rich history, some remarkable discoveries have been made in the institution. Indeed the first the chromosomal definition of human cancer discovered in our laboratories. It is now known throughout the world as the Philadelphia chromosome. And the first demonstration of genetic causes of a that, the discovery of the so-called two-hit hypothesis which defined for the first time the mechanisms by which cancer genes produced cancer in both families and sporadically. And following that, the extraordinary discovery of the Hepatitis B virus, the development of the vaccine against Hepatitis for which our colleague Baruch Blumberg won a Nobel Prize for medicine in 1976. Indeed, the only Nobel Prize in medicine of any scientific investigator in the City and throughout the State of Pennsylvania. As our reputation grew, so grew our volume of care. In 1980 we took care of 734 new patients. This year we will take care of 6,200 new patients. And we estimate by 2010 we will be caring for 9 to 12,000 patients per year. We have been cited by Philadelphia magazine as one of the 10 best places to work. Cited by the Scientist magazine as one of the best places in the country to do science. But we're not going to stop there. We have plans for the next 25 years which will not only for the delivery of care but for the delivery of scientific discoveries. In the next five years, we plan to add 300 more jobs in the northeast. In the next seven, 1300 jobs into our facility. We estimate that by 2010, those jobs will have paid somewhere in the range of $40 million in wage taxes. And by 25 years from now, we will be three times the size that we are now, delivering to the northeast somewhere in the range of 4,000 new jobs, $21 million in wage taxes each year. These jobs are high-paying, permanent, never-to-be-outsourced jobs in the City of Philadelphia. And through all of this, our mission remains the same as its always been, to reduce the burden of human cancer. And we're committed to a singular goal, and that is to make life for our children and our grandchildren cancer free. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
The next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant-at-Arms deliver the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. The Chief Clerk will please read the messages from the Mayor. THE
To the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am pleased to advise you that on May 6, 2004, I signed all of the bills that were passed by Council at its Session on April 22, 2004. And to the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am transmitted for the 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 a portion of the North Philadelphia Redevelopment Area. And a resolution confirming the appointment of Lance Haver as an insurance public advocate. And a resolution approving the action of the Board of Philadelphia Industrial Development corporation and the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development to parcel F15 in the Eastwick Urban Renewal Area. And an ordinance electing to adopt, enforce and administer the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code in Philadelphia pursuit to Act 45 of 1999, under certain terms and conditions. And an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to extend the term of an agreement to sublease from the Philadelphia Municipal Authority the building located at 111-131 West Hunting Park Avenue. And an ordinance authorizing Commissioner of Public Property on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to acquire from the real estate with any improvements situate thereon located at 108 Kater Street, also known as the rear of 614 South 12th Street. And an ordinance approving the third amendment of the redevelopment proposal of the American Street Industrial Corridor Urban Renewal Area. And an ordinance approving the fifth amendment of the redevelopment proposal for the Point Breeze East Urban Renewal Area.
Thank you. The message printed in the Journal. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Madam President. I ask to be excused from the rest of Council's business, and I'd like to be recorded as voting aye on all the resolutions.
Thank you. Leave will be granted. The Chief Clerk will please read any other communications in her possession. THE
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 the 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 the resolutions at the time of introduction. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the motion carries. At this time the Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer one resolution, and I've been requested to give somewhat of an explanation prior to its vote.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution. THE
A resolution authorizing City Council's Committee on Transportation and Public Utilities to hold public hearings on the potential extension of the South Broad Street subway line.
It has been moved and seconded. Again, the Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Madam President. This resolution is an effort to establish hearing or set of hearings to examine the potential issue of the extension of the Broad Street subway into the Naval Business Center. There's two major reasons why we wanted to look at the Naval Business Center extension. As you know, with the KOZ and KOIZ, all those other designations at the base, the base has become a viable and developable part of our City and a great City asset. The businesses that are slated to be there -right now if you work in the that Naval Business Center, you'd have to get off at Pattison Avenue subway and walk approximately a mile to get to work. It's very, very difficult for people to get in and out of the base without a car. Secondly, our new sports complex, the Linc, is much further away from Pattison Avenue subway stop than the Vet used to be which creates the situation where many people will decide to drive to football and baseball games as opposed to using public transportation. Also, the tunnel itself, as I understand from my investigation, has been extended without track up to the I-95 overpass so there's some work that have been done there already. The other part of the resolution is just the possibility of looking at a regional project that may be possible by going underneath the Delaware River into New Jersey. And the reason I raise that issue is I believe that people do not leave the City as a result of having public transportation there, they leave the City for taxes and schools and other reasons. But I do believe that getting into Center City from places like South Jersey and other places secures jobs because in Center City because it's easier to get to work and I think makes the job base more stable in Center City and also allows it to expand. I don't know whether or not doing that is feasible at all. I don't know whether it's technically feasible or whether it's financial feasible. But the potential of having a federally funded -- which most transportation projects of this size are paid for by federal dollars, not city dollars, so it wouldn't be a drain on our treasury. But having that kind of regional big dig, so to speak, project would provide thousands of job in the construction industry, would secure jobs in Center City, would give Philadelphians the opportunity to get to new job opportunities of the Naval Business Center and make this area more regionally together than it's been. Anyone who sat on 42 either going to the shore or coming back to Philadelphia over those bridges on a workday or a Friday afternoon or to a sporting event knows how difficult it is to get around by car. What this would, hopefully, do is reduce the incidents of reliance on automobiles, help the environment, create construction jobs, makes Philadelphia a better destination point both for jobs and for recreational and cultural activities. And all I'm asking for in the resolution is the ability for the Public Utilities and Transportation Committee Chaired by Councilman Nutter, who I've talk to, to have a hearings or this to see whether or not it's feasible to do it at all. And I appreciate my colleagues support.
Ad it's certainly worth pursuing. It has been move and seconded that the resolution be adopted.
Thank you. I'm happy that my colleague spoke on the resolution. I certainly asked him to do so. We read the resolution yesterday and, certainly, as one has a majority of the SEPTA reconstruction project in West Philadelphia, 46th Street, 40th, 46th, 52nd, 56th and 60th Street, and my colleague Michael Nutter has 63rd Street El Station, we have been having a nightmare of a time. And every time we mention the issue, they push it back a year. Now they're talking about completion in 2008, and we're about the third year in and I don't know if I'll have any businesses open. So it's certainly when I hear the word SEPTA, we get alarmed and worried about their commitment to any projects in our City and when they'll be completed. And some of us were also concerned about the implications for jobs and the whole issue of Jersey residents and what our obligation is and responsibility is to those outside of the City. And I think that the hearings will be an important opportunity to deal with all of those questions. I think all of us want all that we can get, certainly, for our City. And we all hear about transportation under the bridge and the games and that sort of thing and the distance you have to walk. But we also respect the fact that this is an opportunity for extensive hearings on the whole issue of Philly and Jersey and jobs and transportation. Thank you, Madam President.
Thank you. Councilman Kenney's resolution has been moved and seconded. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution will be referred to the Committee on Transportation and Public Utilities. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. Today, I introduce six resolutions and one bill on your behalf.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill. THE
An ordinance approving the fifth amendment of the redevelopment proposal for the Point Breeze Urban Renewal Area.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The chief clerk will please read the first resolution. THE
A resolution approving the action of the Boards of Philadelphia Industrial corporation and the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development to sell parcel F-15 in the Eastwick Urban Renewal Area.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. THE
And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority deeds located in the 36th Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. THE
And a resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment urban renewal of the Point Breeze Urban Renewal Area.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption. (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, and the resolution is adopted. THE
And a resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of the Eastwick Urban Renewal Area.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. THE
And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of the Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority deeds located in the 30th Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. THE
And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority deeds located in the 36th Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill. THE
An ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance, Bill No. 020430 approved November 13, 2002, entitled an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion City Plan No. 312 by striking from the City plan and vacating the legally open portions of Jackson Street from Pearson Street to Aubrey Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
And a ordinance establishing a no stopping anytime regulation on the east side of State Road between Ashburner Street and Linden Avenue.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill. THE
An ordinance to adopt, enforce and administer the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code in Philadelphia pursuant to Act 45 of 1999, under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
And an ordinance approving the third amendment of redevelopment proposal for the American Street Industrial Corridor Urban Renewal Area.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. It is my understanding that Councilwoman Tasco had no bills or resolutions to be introduced today. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer one bill and two resolutions.
Thank you The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill. THE
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain of lands located within an area bounded by Rittenhouse Street, Pulaski Avenue, Chelten Avenue and Morris Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
And a resolution honoring employees of the Philadelphia Prison System and recognizing May 3rd to May 7, 2004, as Correctional Employee Week in 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, and the resolution is adopted. THE
And a resolution joining the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the City of Philadelphia in recognizing May 2004 as WIC month and recognizing and acknowledging the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children on the occasion of its 30th anniversary.
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, and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution. THE
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 38th Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you, 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 say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer no bills or resolutions this morning.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer no bills or resolutions.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ramos.
Madam President, I offer no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer one bill and one resolution.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill. THE
An ordinance authorizing Commissioner of Public Property on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to acquire from the Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation fee simple title to, and all other real property interested, a certain parcel of real estate with any improvements situate thereon located at 1208 Kater Street, also known as the rear of 614 south 12th Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
And a resolution honoring and recognizes Isgro Pastcceria on the event of its 100th anniversary.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill. THE
An ordinance authorizing the construction of sewers and appurtenant work in a portion of right-of-way for drainage, sewer, and water main purposes in the bed of private street known as Blakiston Lane.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Thank you, Madam President. Three bills, three resolutions.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill. THE
An ordinance amending Chapter 19-2500 of The Philadelphia Code entitled real estate Non-Utilization Tax, by clarifying and amending the tax on abandoned property and vacant lots.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
And an ordinance amending Chapter 12-900 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Parking Regulations and Penalties," specifically Section 12-917 entitled "Valet Parking Zones" by amending Subsection 6 relating to off-street parking of vehicles and also amending Section 12-2809 entitled "Civil Penalties and Costs."
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
And an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to extend the term of an agreement to sublease from the Philadelphia Municipal Authority the building located 111 to 131 West Hunting Park Avenue.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
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 Brewerytown Urban Renewal Area.
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, and the resolution is adopted. THE
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 North Philadelphia Redevelopment Area.
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, and the resolution is adopted. THE
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 the portion of the Brewerytown Urban Renewal Area.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kelly.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, I'd just like to take a minute to explain. I'm holding this resolution, but I'd like to explain why. In May of last year, we passed an red light camera issue. A year later, there's been very little movement in that area. And as a result of this resolution that I planned to introduce today, miraculously there's been some movement overnight and this morning. So at this time, I will hold this resolution until a later date. Thank you.
Thank you. The next order of business is reports from committees. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski for a report from the Committee on Appropriations.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on appropriations reports five bills out with a favorable recommendation.
The Chief Clerk will please read the report. THE
To the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Appropriations to which referred Bill No. 040089 entitled a appropriation for Fiscal Year 2004 within the General Fund from certain or all city offices, departments, board and commissions to certain or all City offices, departments, and commissions; And Bill No. 040090 entitled an ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriation for Fiscal Year 2004 within the Grants Revenue Fund from the Director of Finance provision for other grants to the Department of Licenses and Inspections; And Bill No. 040333 entitled an ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2004 within the Grants Revenue Fund from the Director of Finance provision for other grants to the Department of Human Services, Office of Emergency Shelter Service; And Bill No 040334 entitled an ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2004 from the General Fund certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions and from the Director of Finance provision to the General Fund; And Bill 040365 entitled an ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2004 within the Grants Revenue Fund from the Director of Finance provision for other grants to the Director of Finance; Respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
Madam President, I move that the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading of bills 040089, 040090, 040333, 040334, 040365, with a suspension of Rules as to permit first reading. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved properly seconded that the Rules of as to permit first reading this day of Bill Nos. 040089, 040090, 040333, 040334 and 040365. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. And the bills just read will be placed on today's First Reading Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke for a report from the Committee on Public Property and Public Works.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Public Property and Public Works reports one bill with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the report. THE
To the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Public Property Bill No. 040154 entitled an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to extend the term of a lease agreement for portions of the buildings and parking lot located at 4700 Wissahickon Avenue for use by the City and affiliated agencies for warehouse, storage, and office purposes, under certain terms and conditions; respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
I move that the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 040154. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 040154. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. And the bill just read will be placed on today's First Reading Calendar. The next order of business is the consideration of the Calendar. The Chief Clerk will please read the bills on the First Reading Calendar. THE
Bill No. 040089, an ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriation for Fiscal Year 2004 within the General Fund from certain or all city offices, departments, board and commissions to certain or all City offices, departments, and commissions.
And Bill No. 040090, an ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriation for Fiscal Year 2004 within the Grants Revenue Fund from the Director of Finance to the Department of Licenses and
And Bill No. 040333, an ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2004 within the Grants Revenue Fund from the Director of Finance to the Department of Human Services, Office of Emergency Shelter Services.
And Bill No 040334, an ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2004 from the General Fund certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions and from the Grants Revenue Fund the Director of Finance provision to the General Fund.
And Bill 040365, an ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2004 within the Grants Revenue Fund from the Director of grants to the Director of Finance.
Bill No. 040154, an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to extend the term of a lease agreement for portions of the buildings and parking lot located at 4700 Wissahickon Avenue, under certain terms and conditions.
The Chair agrees. It is my understanding that we have no bills to be considered today on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar. Therefore, do we have any speeches on part of the Minority?
Thank you, Madam President. Yesterday, in listening to the the attorneys and the large fees that are being budgeted dealing with the federal probe, I couldn't help but think that 2 and a half million dollars and rising is a really steep number and any way we may be able to discuss with the new solicitor who is not only new but also bright and has great lineage, I understand, so he's the man for the job right now to be creative. And I hope we can pass this along to him. The federal court in Philadelphia has a select group of attorneys that apply, go through a rigorous process where the judges and others down at the court approve them to be on a list for court appointment for people who can't afford attorneys. Unlike the state court system in City Hall, in the Criminal Justice Center, at 1801 Vine, at 34 South 11th where it's an open list. You apply, you get on. There's probably thousands on that state list which probably only a hundred of very qualified, extraordinarily qualified, criminal attorneys who are willing to devote part of reduced rate. And the rate is $90 an hour in court, $90 an hour out of court. The cap for felony cases is 5200 and the cap for grand jury representation, which I believe is the only thing that we've been talking about in this matter, is $1200 per case. Anything in excess of those numbers is an extraordinary filing and has to be approved by the court. I just think this is an area where there is a pool of very good attorneys, most of them, I'm sure, don't work in large firms that are -- the firms that we've been talking about are 15 or so of the largest firms in the City that have white color criminal practices. But I know that the minimum for any attorney who works for the City is $150 an hour and it goes up from there. And with the caps here on the federal system, I think it lends itself cries out for us having this approach to the same pool of talent that is willing to work at reduced fees for something that is in the public interest. And that's really what it is. It's a public interest sacrifice, if you will, on behalf of these attorneys. And I'm sure most, if not all, of them will be glad to be doing the kind of work that the Solicitor very honestly said would just take down the Solicitors Office and have it come to a halt if they became a criminal defense firm. So I think it's an alternative that should be looked at. I'm certainly recommending that it be looked at. It may be a couple million dollars in savings. So I'm passing it along to the Administration and the Solicitor and thanking my colleague and colleagues for raising this question so eloquently yesterday. Thank you.
Thank you. Are there any other speeches on the part of the Minority? (No response.)
Seeing none, the Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen.
Thank you, Madam President. Life turns in strange ways. I'm strong advocate always of people getting involved and knowing their government.
Councilman, just a moment please. We can't hear you.
I've been a long-time advocate of people getting to know their government, getting government officials. And so again today we have a group of people from the community from whence I stem, the 17 Ward, who are here at City Council learning more about Council and Councilmembers. They're here on a local problem that exists in the area. And again, I ask my colleagues to please treat them graciously, listen to them, and go on from there. It's a tough way to get to know your government, but it's better than not knowing your government at all. Thank you and I would hope the President would welcome the people. I think they're to my left with signs. I know it's hard to say that somebody is to my left, but that's where they are. Thank you very much.
Thank you very much. We see their signs, Councilman. Ramos.
Thank you, Madam President. Back on April the 22nd, this Council approved of a resolution that I presented opposing a Senate bill referred as to the Fairness in Asbestos Injury Resolution Act, and I want to report to the Council that the United States Senate turned down a bill that would put a cap on how much money would be available to asbestos victims. Asbestos has been a killer in the workforce and for the environment and the people of this country and many have loss their lives because they have not been able to afford and their families afford medical costs to cover their cost. So I just want to say that at times we present resolutions that are just presented and some of the public might not be interested in at the time, but that we added our voices in the United States Senate along with millions of people. And I want to commend the Laborers International Union of North American who has led this campaign in behalf of workers because asbestos abatement workers throughout this country for many years and this is a protection that's needed of workers who do this hard work and this dangerous work of asbestos abatement. Thank you, Madam President.
Thank you. Are there any other speeches on the part of the Majority? (No response.)
Seeing none, I would like to remind members of the Rules Committee that there is a public hearing scheduled at 1 o'clock today. Thank you. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for a motion to adjourn.
Madam President, I move that Council is adjourned until Thursday, May 13th. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, May 13th. say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and Council will stand adjourned until Thursday, May 13th. Thank you very much. (Council adjourned at 11:20 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 Thursday, May 6, 2004, were reported fully and accurately by me, and that this is a correct transcript of the same. RE: STATED MEETING _________________________ Lisa C. Bradley, RPR