COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, March 1, 2007 10:10 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILWOMAN CAROL ANN CAMPBELL COUNCILMAN DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILMAN FRANK DiCICCO COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN WILLIAM GREENLEE COUNCILMAN JACK KELLY COUNCILMAN JAMES F. KENNEY COUNCILWOMAN JOAN L. KRAJEWSKI COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILMAN JUAN RAMOS COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO COUNCILMAN DANIEL SAVAGE 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
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 Reverend Harold J. James of True Faith Mission Baptist Church. He is here today as the guest of Councilwoman Tasco. I would ask all members and guests to please rise.
Amen. God bless you people. We have come this far by faith, leaning on the Lord, trusting in his holy word, realizing that God never fails any of us. Amen. Let us pray together. Eternal God, our all wise and righteous heavenly Father, we come now in order that we might be able to praise your name, realizing that you're worthy matter where we are, realizing that David collected words that I will bless the Lord at all times and his praises shall continually be in my mouth. But while we are here today in this City Council meeting, we're praying that the unity would be elevated and the consistency of this meeting would be cultivated and we would be guided by the righteous justice and led by the peace that surpasses all the understanding. Lord, we ask now that you just touch each and every one of these, your people; that we would be able to just do that which is pleasing in your sight; and that we will be humbled by your love and we would be led by your tender mercies. In the name of Jesus we now pray and we thank you for having allowed us to come to this day. We thank you, God, and we say amen. (Amen.)
The Chair thanks Reverend James for his very Thank you. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, February 22, 2007, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, February 22, 2007 stand approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, February 22, 2007 stand approved. All in favor will please indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, February 22, 2007 is approved. The next order of business is requests for leave of absence, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. On behalf of the majority, there are no requests for leaves of absence today.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
Madam President, there are no requests from the republicans for leave of absence.
The Chair thanks the Councilman. The Chair will dispense with the regular order of business to recognize the guests and visitors joining us in Chambers this morning. On behalf of all members of City Council, I welcome 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 DiCicco, who will present a resolution honoring Thomas Chapman, who we all know and respect, who is going to be retiring from the City of Philadelphia after 28 years of service. Will Mr. Chapman and those accompanying him please join the Councilman at the podium. Councilman DiCicco is being joined by Councilwoman Krajewski. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you. Thank you, Madam President. Good morning. Resolution honoring and recognizing Thomas A. Chapman on his retirement from the Philadelphia City Planning Commission after 28 years of dedicated service to the City. Whereas, in 1978, Thomas A. Chapman was hired as a City Planner Trainee to work in the Graphics and Comprehensive Planning Divisions. In 1980, Mr. Chapman was promoted to the position of City Planner I and continued to climb through the ranks until being promoted to the job of City Planner IV of the Development Planning Division in 1986; and Whereas, through the years, Mr. Chapman continued to prove his ability and, in 2002, was promoted to Director of the Development Planning Division. In this position, Mr. Chapman had the responsibility being the Planning Commission's liaison with City Council regarding physical development and zoning issues. He often consulted, prepared and testified before City Council on development and planning-related legislation; and
And whereas, due to his dedication, success his career, Mr. Chapman was promoted to the position of Acting Executive Director and Secretary for Strategic Planning for the Philadelphia City Planning Commission in 2005. In this position, Mr. Chapman had the City's municipal planning agency, represented the City on numerous boards and commissions, and was responsible for the day-to-day administration and operation of the Planning Commission; and Whereas, Mr. Chapman has earned the respect and admiration of his peers for his 28 years of public service to the City of Philadelphia. Now therefore COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Resolved, that the Council of the City of Philadelphia, honors and recognizes Thomas A. Chapman in his retirement from the City of Philadelphia Planning Commission after 28 years of dedicated service to his city and community. Further resolved, that an resolution be presented to Mr. Thomas A. Chapman as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body. Introduced by myself, Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown, who I apologize for not asking to come up, and co-sponsored by all members of City Council. Congratulations. (Applause.)
Thank you, Madam President, and good morning, Madam President and members of the Council. Thank you very much for this presentation this morning. I can't tell you what an honor it is to appear before you once again this morning. It occurs to me when I look at the membership of Council that I think that I've been around so long that I've known a majority of you now before you Council, which is kind of amazing. And I just would like to say that it's been a pleasure to work for the City of Philadelphia, the Planning Commission, and also been a pleasure to work with so many of the members of the Council over the years on all the various issues that we face in city government. People often ask me, Why would you stay with one agency so long, why would you stay in the City so long, and my answer has always been that it's always been about the people. It's always been about working with a great group of people, working with people that truly believe in what they're doing and that are dedicated to what they do, and I can certainly say that about the members of Council that I've worked with over the years. I hope that you think that I always treated you with the respect that you were due, because that was always my intent, to treat you that way. And, once again, just let me say what a pleasure it's been to work with you and for the City of Philadelphia. Thank you. (Applause.)
The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Tasco, who will present a resolution recognizing March as Save Your Vision Month. Will Ms. Nicole Setzer and those accompanying her please join the Councilwoman at the podium. Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you. Once again, as usual, we're here in City Council to recognize the month of March as Save Your Vision Month. Whereas, Save Your Vision Month is a national event sponsored every March by the American Optometric Association; Whereas, the Pennsylvania College of Optometry is recognizing Save Your Vision Month with a vision health public awareness campaign entitled "Don't Turn a Blind Eye: Get to Know Your Risk Factors for Eye Disease," a campaign that encourages the public to protect the health of their eyes by learning their individual risk factors and getting regular eye examinations; and Whereas, the number of blind individuals in the United States exceeds one million; and Whereas, the causes of blindness are numerous, but individuals can implement preventive measures to reduce the risk of vision loss; and Whereas, by getting to know your individual risk factors based on your age, gender, ethnic background, family history, weight and other medical conditions, you can learn the symptoms of eye disease that could rob you of sight late; and Whereas, when members of the public "Don't Turn a Blind Eye: Get to Know Your Risk Factors for Eye Disease," the chances of identifying debilitating vision conditions early on and preventing eye injury are increased; and Whereas, WDAS has joined with the Pennsylvania College of Optometry as our media sponsor to help promote the importance of preventive eye care; and Whereas, the official 2007 "Don't Turn a Blind Eye: Get to Know Your Risk Factors for Eye Disease" campaign kick-off in City Council will launch a series of free screenings also at senior citizen centers, community centers and educational institutions; and Whereas, the Pennsylvania College of Optometry hopes that these vision screening events will encourage members of the community, especially those who fall into high risk groups, to take a proactive approach to caring for eyes; Now therefore, resolved, that the Council of the City of Philadelphia, declares and recognizes March as Save Your Vision Month and asks the members of the public "Don't Turn a Blind Eye: Get to Know Your Risk Factors for Eye Disease." Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to representatives of the Pennsylvania College of Optometry as a sincere expression of the Council's gratitude, appreciation and commendation for sponsoring and organizing free vision screenings throughout Philadelphia during Save Your Vision Month 2007. This is a true copy of the resolution, adopted February 2007, signed by President Verna and supported by all members of Council. And we want you to know that today beginning at 12 o'clock you can go across the hall in the Council Caucus free eye screening. We want to thank the College of Optometry for continuing this program and certainly want to thank WDAS for being a wonderful partner. Thank you. (Applause.)
Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. I represent the College of Optometry as the Director of our Patient Care Services, and I would like to thank all of you for supporting us, along with our community partner, WDAS. We serve your constituents in three communities in the City. Primarily we serve persons of color. And this particular theme this year of Save Your Vision Month revolves around the risk factors that persons of color have in losing vision. And so any opportunity that we have to get the word out, through screenings, through the work that we do with WDAS and, frankly, through this resolution, we are extremely grateful for. We take our business very seriously. We know what good vision means to you in the early years of life and we certainly know how important it is that you keep good vision as you go into your senior years. So this is a wonderful opportunity that we've had every year for many years, and we thank you for your support so much. Thanks.
I'm Lorraine Ballard-Morrill from WDAS and Clear Channel Radio, and I just wanted to say that this is really close to my heart, because my very good friend and colleague, Joe "Butterball" Tamburro, last year went to get his eyes checked. Butter has diabetes, and his doctor said if he had waited one more week, he would have no vision. He had all kinds of broken behind his eyeball. And that's one of the side-effects of diabetes. So he was very close to being totally blind, and he was able to save his vision because he went to get his vision checked. So we're very, very committed to that, and we also have a personal investment in making sure that everybody gets their vision checked and that nothing like that happens to anyone. So we're very glad to support this event and this campaign. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller, who will present a resolution recognizing the Imhotep Institute Charter School. Will Ms. Celeste Ray and those the Councilwoman at the podium. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you, Madam President. It is my pleasure this morning to recognize, honor and celebrate with Imhotep Institute Charter High School for their unbelievable success in accomplishing an ongoing 100 percent graduation rate in addition to 100 percent of their students being accepted to post-secondary education. Whereas, Imhotep Charter High School is an African-centered science, mathematics and technology learning center; and Whereas, Imhotep Institute Charter High School's mission is to create a standard-driven, high-quality educational environment for urban learners; and Whereas, Imhotep Institute model is focused on the desire to help students explore their own potential in the magnificent boundaries of science, technology and mathematics; and Whereas, Imhotep's mission is to nurture lifelong learning and valuable members of the world community while allowing the students to integrate knowledge with life experience; and Whereas, Imhotep takes seriously the belief that education should help students understand the nature of the society they live in and how to creatively improve it and that learning should be pursued with joy, discipline and tenacity; and Whereas, Imhotep provides an environment where students assume responsibility and consequences for their own actions; and Whereas, Imhotep promotes a safe, calm and disciplined environment in which students can discover and develop talents; and Whereas, Imhotep has high expectations for each student and their parents while fostering a spirit of unity; Now therefore, resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that City Council hereby recognize, honor and celebrate Imhotep Institute Charter High School for the unbelievable success in accomplishing an ongoing 100 percent graduation rate in addition to 100 percent of their students being accepted to post-secondary education. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to M. Christine Wiggins, Founder/Chief Executive Officer, as further evidencing the sincere admiration and gratitude of this legislative body. This is certified that this is a true and correct copy of the original resolution, adopted by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, on the 8th day of 2007, signed by Anna C. Verna, President of City Council, introduced by Donna Reed Miller and Blondell Reynolds Brown and co-sponsored by all members of City Council. (Applause.)
Thank you. Thank you very much. The Chair recognizes Ms. Ray for remarks.
Actually, it's going to be Christine Wiggins, the Founder.
Greetings. It is a great honor I am here today. I am the daughter of two public school administrators and I am proud to show City Council that public education works. What you see before you is the new building that is getting ready to start. So we will also be the first charter school to build from the ground up a new $8 million facility which, when we get one last signature, will be of this month. We want to show the City of Philadelphia that public education for our children, all children, is successful here and we are just glad for this opportunity. And we would like to make sure that we allow our Board President, Dr. Corte, if he would like to say something.
Good morning, President, members of City Council. I'm glad to be here today as the President of Imhotep Charter High School school Board, and I thank the City for allowing Imhotep Charter High School to open, and for that matter, we concentrated on African belief that when you teach a student, you teach the whole nation. And when students go to college or go to different professions, they are able to help the whole nation. So thank you for this citation. (Applause.)
The next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant-At-Arms deliver the messages to the Chief Clerk. The Chief Clerk will please read the messages from the Mayor.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am pleased to advise you that on February 26th, I signed the following bill that was passed by Council at its session on February 15, 2007: Bill No. 060928; and I am transmitting herewith for the consideration of your honorable body an ordinance authorizing the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development to file an application with the Office of the Budget in an amount not to exceed $3 million to assist in the development of the Lutheran Theological Seminary Learning Center, the Allen's Lane Art Hill College; and An ordinance amending Bill No. 060378, entitled "An ordinance approving the Fiscal Year 2007 Capital Budget providing for expenditures for the capital purposes of the Philadelphia Gas Works."
Thank you. The messages will be printed in the Journal. I would ask the Chief Clerk to please 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 in order 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 resolutions at the time of introduction. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I introduce two resolutions sponsored by all members of Council.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution recognizing the week of February 25th through March 8th as Philadelphia Saves Week.
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.)
And a resolution recognizing and honoring Robert W. Bogle and The Philadelphia Tribune for the paper's ongoing commitment to reflecting the African-American experience through its coverage during Black History Month.
The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
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 Greenlee.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution authorizing City Council's Committee on Public Health and Human Services to hold a committee hearing to investigate the issue of vaccines for HPV in Philadelphia public schools and health centers.
Thank you, Madam President. I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution will be referred to the Committee on Public Health and Human Services. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "The Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code," amending Subcode PM, Philadelphia Property Maintenance Code, by requiring that any advertisement or correspondence pertaining to the rental of residential property shall include the housing inspector license number.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
I have one resolution on your behalf, Madam President, two amendments to the PGW bill and one bill.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Bill No. 060378, entitled "An ordinance approving the Fiscal Year 2007 Capital Budget providing for expenditures for the capital purposes of the Philadelphia Gas Works."
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution proclaiming the month of March 2007 as American Red Cross Month.
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. We will consider the amendments at the appropriate time. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I have one bill and one resolution.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance authorizing the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development to file an application with the Office of the Budget in an amount not to exceed $3 million.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution recognizing, honoring and celebrating The Association of African-American Life and History for their mission of promoting, researching, preserving, interpreting and disseminating information concerning African-American history.
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 Savage.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions for today.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. I offer one bill.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Section 9-213 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Farmers' Market," by adding a permissible location on the sidewalk of the median of the 400 block of South 2nd Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. I have one bill and one resolution.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Title 6 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Health Code," by adding a new section requiring that chain restaurants obtain and display certain nutrition information for food, meal and beverage items offered for sale.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution supporting the recommendations from the Maternity Care Coalition report of "Childbirth At a Crossroads" and calling on the Governor and State Legislature to incorporate the five major issues from the report into the ultimate healthcare plan that comes from the Commonwealth.
I thank you, Madam President. I move on the adoption of the resolution, and I failed to report that the bill was co-sponsored by my colleague, Councilman Juan Ramos.
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 Goode.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ramos.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Campbell.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Chapter 9-1100 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Fair Practices," by providing that private entities providing taxi service shall not discriminate against individuals with disabilities by actions, including, but not limited to, refusing to provide service to individuals with disabilities who can use taxi vehicles.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution calling upon the Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission to require taxicab providers doing business in a City of the First Class to provide handicapped-accessible vehicles to service those needing such transportation at a rate no higher than that charged of non-handicapped persons.
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.)
And a resolution amending Resolution No. 040001, which was adopted by the Council of the City of Philadelphia on the 5th of January, to authorize a standing Committee on the Disabled and the Handicapped.
Again, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Campbell.
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 indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance establishing a "No Parking Any Time" regulation on the south side of Oxford Street between 13th Street and Broad Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kelly.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution honoring Kal Rudman for his passionate participation and philanthropic work with the Citizens Crime Commission of the Delaware Valley.
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 Rizzo.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The next order of business is reports from committees, and the Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco for a report from the Committee on Streets and Services. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on seven bills with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the report.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Streets and Services, to which was referred Bill No. 060898, entitled "An ordinance authorizing and directing the placing upon City Plan No. 350 of a certain 50-foot-wide and certain 60-foot-wide right-of-way for water main purposes and drainage purposes in the area northeast of Susquehanna Road and northwest of Verree Road"; and Bill No. 060899, entitled "An ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 359 by placing on the City Plan St. Thomas Drive"; and Bill No. 060900, entitled "An of St. Thomas Drive, under certain terms and conditions"; and Bill No. 070016, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 11 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Streets,' by prohibiting the construction or establishment of curb cuts for vehicle access to certain shopping areas"; and Bill No. 070046, entitled "An ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plans by placing on the City Plan South Street from its current terminus northwest of the northwesterly Pierhead and Bulkhead Line of the Schuylkill River"; and Bill No. 070074, entitled "An ordinance granting permission to Krishna Krupa, owner and operator of the newsstand located on the northwest corner at Broad and Locust Streets"; and Bill No. 070078, entitled "An ordinance regulating the direction of Oxford Street between Broad and 13th Street," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Madam President, I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of the seven bills that have just been read into the record. (Duly seconded.)
With the exception? COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: We're holding one? With the exception of Bill No. 070046. Thank you.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of the bills just reported from Committee, with the exception of Bill No. 070046. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the bills just read will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. Bill No. 070046 will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ramos for a report from the Committee on Labor and Civil Service.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Labor and Civil Service reports two bills with
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the report.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Labor and Civil Service, to which was referred Bill No. 060828, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 22-311 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Cost-of-Living Measures for Retirees, Beneficiaries and Survivors'"; and Bill No. 060892, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 20 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Officers and Employees,' by providing a civil service preference for the children of Philadelphia police officers and firefighters who were killed or who died in the line of duty, all under certain terms and conditions," respectfully reports it has considered the same and to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill Nos. 060828 and 060892. (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 the bills just reported from the committee. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the bills just read will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. now proceed under a special order of business to the reconsideration of Bill No. 060832. This bill was passed by this Council at its February 8, 2007 session and was returned disapproved by the Mayor on February 22, 2007. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Madam President. Colleagues, this amendment to the Capital Program for Fiscal Year 2007-2012 is relative to the $30 million that this Council passed and the Mayor allowed to become law without his signature. The 30 million --
Councilwoman, just a moment, please. Councilwoman, are you doing an amendment?
Right. So what we have to do in order to have the appropriation power is -- ten for the Rec, ten for Fire, ten for Police -- we have to override the Mayor's veto of this bill, and I ask my colleagues to support it. So I move that the Council reconsider Bill No. 060832 which was approved by City Council on February 8, 2007. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded. favor will please let it be known by saying aye. (Aye.)
The motion carries. Council will now consider the vote by which Bill No. 060832 was passed. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Bill No. 060001, approved June 8, 2006, relating to the Capital Program for Fiscal Years 2007 through 2012, by adding line items for certain capital projects in Fiscal Year 2007.
This bill having been read on two different days was duly approved by City Council on February 8, 2007 and was returned to Council by the Mayor on February 22, 2007. The question is shall Bill No. 060832 pass notwithstanding the Mayor's disapproval. Please note that a vote of aye is a vote to override the Mayor's veto. A vote of no is to sustain the Mayor's veto. Again, I'll repeat. A vote of aye is to override the Mayor's veto and a vote of no is to sustain the Mayor's veto. At this time, I would ask the Chief Clerk to please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 16; the nays are one. Two-thirds majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the Mayor's veto is overridden. We will now consider the reconsideration of Bill No. 060834. This bill was passed by Council on February 8, 2007 and was returned disapproved by the Mayor on February 22, 2007. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Madam President, I move that the Council reconsider Bill No. 060834 which was approved by City Council on February the 8th, 2007. (Duly seconded.)
All in favor let it be known by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. Council will now reconsider the vote by which Bill No. 060834 was passed. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Bill No. 060002, relating to Fiscal Year 2007 Capital Budget, by adding line items for certain capital projects.
This bill having been read on two different days was duly approved by City Council on February 8, 2007 and was returned to Council by the Mayor as disapproved on 22, 2007. The question is shall Bill No. 060834 pass notwithstanding the Mayor's disapproval. Again, I would note that a vote of aye is a vote to override the Mayor's veto and a vote of no is to sustain the Mayor's veto. At this time, I would ask the Chief Clerk to please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 16; the nays are one. A majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the Mayor's veto is overridden. The next order of business will be the consideration of the Calendar. The Chief Clerk will please read the bills on the First Reading Calendar.
Bill No. 060898, an ordinance authorizing and directing the placing on City Plan No. 350 for water main purposes and drainage purposes in the area northwest of Susquehanna Road.
And Bill No. 060899, an ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 359 by placing on the City Plan St. Thomas Drive.
And Bill No. 060900, an ordinance authorizing the paving of St. Thomas Drive, under certain terms and conditions.
And Bill No. 070016, an ordinance amending Title 11 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Streets," by prohibiting the construction or establishment of curb cuts for vehicle access to shopping center areas.
And Bill 070074, 3/1/07 - STATED - 1ST READING an ordinance granting permission to Krishna Krupa, owner and operator of the newsstand located on the northwest corner of Broad and Locust Streets.
And Bill No. 070078, an ordinance regulating the direction of movement of traffic on Oxford Street between Broad Street and 13th Street.
And Bill No. 060828, an ordinance amending Section 22-311 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Cost-of-Living Measures for Retirees, Beneficiaries and Survivors."
And Bill No. 060892, an ordinance amending Title 20 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Officers and Employees," by providing a civil 3/1/07 - STATED - 2ND READING service preference for the children of Philadelphia police officers and firefighters who were killed or who died in the line of duty.
The Chair agrees. That concludes our First Reading Calendar for today. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for the purpose of calling up the bills on Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar to be considered today.
Thank you, Madam President. Today our Calendar starts on . We will consider Bill Nos. 060590-A and 060576-A. Our Calendar continues on where 060902 will be amended. On , we will hear Bill Nos. 070003 and 047. On both bills will be amended, 070048 and 070075. And the other bills will be called up for second reading and final passage. They are , Bill Nos. 060545, 934, 956 3/1/07 - STATED - 2ND READING and, finally, , Bill No. 070004. All other bills are being held.
Thank you. The first resolution to be called is Resolution No. 060590-A. That is a Charter vote and it will require two-thirds of the vote of Council. I would ask the Chief Clerk to please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution proposing an amendment to Article VIII, Chapter 5 of the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to urge the Philadelphia Board of Revision of Taxes to retain its current method of real estate tax assessment.
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the resolution passes. We will now consider Bill No. 060576-A.
An ordinance providing for the submission to the 3/1/07 - STATED - 2ND READING qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of an amendment to Article VIII, Chapter 5 of the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to urge the Philadelphia Board of Revision of Taxes to retain its current method of real estate tax assessment.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Councilman DiCicco. 3/1/07 - STATED - 2ND READING COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Aye.
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. We will now consider Bill No. 060902.
An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code by adopting a new Section 14-217, entitled "Industrial Transformation District."
The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke. 3/1/07 - STATED - 2ND READING
Madam Chair, we had circulated an amendment earlier. The amendment deals with the Industrial Transformation District and it sets certain terms and conditions and clarifies certain terms and conditions. Earlier there were, in the earlier version, there were not definitive language with respect to the approval process, and this particular amendment will clean that language up. So I would like to move for the adoption of the amendment. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the amendment be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. 3/1/07 - STATED - 2ND READING The next bill to be considered is Bill No. 070003.
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Aramingo Avenue and Wheatsheaf Lane.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Councilman 3/1/07 - STATED - 2ND READING DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Aye.
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. We will now consider Bill No. 070047.
An ordinance amending Bill No. 051138, approved December 22, 2005, entitled "Authorizing, generally, the continued issuance and sale by the City of Philadelphia of Gas Works Revenue Bond Notes of the City." 3/1/07 - STATED - 2ND READING
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, this bill passes. The next bill to be considered is Bill No. 070048.
An ordinance constituting the Nineteenth Supplemental Ordinance to the General Gas Works Revenue Bond Ordinance of 1975.
Madam President, I offer an amendment that was submitted to me last night by PGW and I am going to submit the amendment with the understanding that PGW will come forward to explain to the Councilmembers the amendment. But as we understand it, the change in the bill will help save the 3/1/07 - STATED - 2ND READING ratepayers a million dollars. So we would not want to hurt the ratepayers, so we're going forth. Janet Parrish, who is the Executive Director of the Gas Commission, has reviewed the amendment and she's fine with it, but we would have rather had a discussion about this prior to today. So we will still offer the amendment. I move that amendment to Bill 070048. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the amendment be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the amendment is adopted. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 070075. 3/1/07 - STATED - 2ND READING
An ordinance constituting the Eighth Supplemental Ordinance to the General Gas Works Revenue Bond Ordinance of 1998.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Yes. I offer an amendment to Bill No. 070075. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the amendment be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? 3/1/07 - STATED - 2ND READING (No response.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. We will now consider Bill No. 060545.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to grant the owner of 3201 South 74th Street an easement across a portion of a certain parcel of land adjacent to 70th Street.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be considered is Bill No. 060934.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the 3/1/07 - STATED - 2ND READING Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development a deed situate 1716 to 1732 Frankford Avenue.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. We will now consider Bill No. 060956.
An ordinance naming and designating the Ogontz Branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia located 6017 Ogontz Avenue as the "David Cohen Ogontz Branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia."
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please 3/1/07 - STATED - 2ND READING call the roll.
Aye. 3/1/07 - STATED - 2ND READING The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The final bill to be considered today is Bill No. 070004.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to purchase from the School District of Philadelphia a deed conveying fee simple title to the properties for further conveyance to the Triumph Baptist Church for nominal consideration.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. That completes our Calendar for today. Are there speeches on the part of the minority? Kelly.
Yes. Thank you, Madam President. I would just like to take this opportunity to announce that my excellent legislative aide, Holly Maher-Gross, will be leaving us to pursue a new career. I think at this time I would like her to stand up and be recognized for a great job that she's done. (Applause.)
I also at this time, Madam President, would like to make the announcement of her replacement, which is a person who is no stranger to this Chambers, as he served before under and he did an excellent job with my neighbor and comrade and colleague, Councilman Rizzo, and that's John Serrone.
You're welcome. Are there speeches on the part of the majority? The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, I join the many in our city and in America who has to watch what I put in my mouth every day because of the caloric intake, and I make that statement because I am not exempt from being so terribly conscientious about my weight. So with that in mind, I introduced another what I view to be a preventive measure designed only to educate and inform consumers with what we're eating. I co-sponsored a piece of legislation that was successfully passed by the members of City Council sponsored by Councilman Juan Ramos around the trans fat bill, and the bill, Madam President, is that national polls show that 80 percent of Americans want nutrition information available for all menu items at restaurants. Menu labeling will help consumers make informed choices and would encourage restaurants to offer more nutritious choices. Perhaps McDonald's might reconsider its 1,100-calorie chocolate milkshake or Denny's might reconsider its 1,000-calorie breakfast platter or Cheesecake Factory might reconsider its 1,500-calorie slice of carrot cake. More and more away-from-home meals account for a third of our caloric intake, and the high calorie content and large portion sizes of many restaurants are key contributors to the skyrocketing rates of overweight and obesity in children. Ultimately, I would like this measure to be viewed as a way for parents to be better informed about what we're feeding our kids, particularly on the Institutes of Health report that indicated that obesity is now a crises for adolescents and young people. So I thank you for those remarks, Madam President, and look forward to the, I'm sure, encouraging and enlightening debate that we'll have on this new measure. Thank you, Madam President.
Thank you. Are there any other speeches on the part of the majority? (No response.)
Seeing none, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for a motion to adjourn.
Madam President, I move that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, March the 8th, 2007. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, March the 8th at 10:00 a.m. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. Thank you. (Stated Meeting adjourned at 11:20 a.m.) CERTIFICATE I HEREBY CERTIFY that the proceedings, evidence and objections are contained fully and accurately in the stenographic notes taken by me upon the foregoing matter on March 1, 2007, and that this is a true and correct transcript of same. ______________________________ MICHELE L. MURPHY RPR-Notary Public (The foregoing certification of this transcript does not apply to any reproduction of the same by any means, unless under the direct control and/or supervision of the certifying reporter.)