COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, February 26, 2009 10:50 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILMAN FRANK DiCICCO COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN BILL GREEN COUNCILMAN WILLIAM GREENLEE COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILMAN JACK KELLY COUNCILMAN JAMES F. KENNEY COUNCILWOMAN JOAN L. KRAJEWSKI COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILWOMAN MARIA QUINONES-SANCHEZ COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO MICHAEL DECKER, THE 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 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 Althea DeVaughn Goodwin, Associate Pastor of the Zion Baptist Church. She is here today as the guest of Councilwoman Miller. I would ask all members and guests to please rise. (Members and guests rise.)
Good morning, Council President, Councilmembers and all present. The read of the invocation is an ecumenical one taken from First Corinthians, Chapter 12, Verses 12 and 26, and also the book of Jude, Verses 2 and 21. For as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of that one body being many are one body, so also is God. And whether one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; and one member be honored, all the members rejoice with it. Mercy unto you and peace and love be multiplied. Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for mercy with our Lord unto eternal life. Amen. (Amen.)
The Chair thanks Reverend Goodwin for her 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, 12, 2009, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, February the 12th, 2009 stand approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, February 12, 2009 stand approved. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the Journal is approved. The next order of business is requests for leave of absence, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, of the majority, there are no requests for leave of absence today.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Madam President, on behalf of the republicans, there is a request for leave of absence from Councilman Frank Rizzo.
Thank you. Leave will be granted. The Chair will dispense with the regular order of business to recognize the guests and visitors joining in Chambers this morning. On behalf of all members of City Council, I welcome you to our 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. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Madam President, I'd like to recognize the members of the Benjamin Franklin Elementary School, which is on Rising Sun Avenue in the 9th Councilmanic District. They're from the Benjamin Franklin Elementary School Student Council, and they're with their teacher, Ms. Emily Katz, and the members of the City Year group housed at the Franklin School.
If they would stand, we would like to recognize you. (Guests standing.)
At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Jones, who will present a resolution honoring the "Living History Makers" program. Will Mr. David Brown and those accompanying him please join the Councilman Jones is being joined by Councilwoman Miller and Councilman Clarke and I see Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. When this body, spearheaded by Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown, pushed forward the issue of menu labeling, I was somewhat conflicted about whether or not to support that initially based on some of the push-back that we had received from small businesses around the City and how it would be burdensome to them to change menus and the extra expense added to it, but what was the turning point for that decision was a map that was presented by Councilwoman Brown that showed the correlation between the junk food that sometimes we eat too much and the high content of sugar and salt and then an overlaying map of organ failure and kidney disease and with the consumption of those foods, and it compelled me to be supportive of that legislation. This body should be commended for passing one of the toughest menu labeling laws in the nation. With that, we are here to honor and acknowledge the Living History Makers program for their commitment to breaking the traditional barriers amongst African American organ donors on the occasion of Black History Month. Whereas, February represents Black History Month, and every year we celebrate noteworthy African Americans who have made their mark in shaping our society. National Donor Day celebrates annually on Valentine's Day, which is appropriate, February 14th, also provides an opportunity for exposure around this critical issue of minority organ donation; and Whereas, while African Americans are 12 percent of the United population, they currently represent 35 percent of the patients awaiting kidney transplants. Traditionally African Americans are at high risk for many of the illnesses, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, which all can lead to the need for an organ transplant; and
Whereas, nationally, organ donation among African Americans continues to lag behind the mainstream, and that is consistent throughout the Commonwealth. African Americans refuse organ donation two to three times more often than the mainstream. We know that these lower numbers are a result of institutional distrust of the health system, cultural misperceptions and a host of other factors; and
Whereas, the Living History Makers program seeks to break the barriers for African organ donation through education, outreach and minority organ donors. In the spirit of Black History Month, the program has been launched during the month of February so to celebrate the history that African Americans can and do make every day by giving life as organ donors and living life as recipients; and
Whereas, organ donation is one of the single most life-saving acts anyone can pursue, particularly for persons of color who need help the most and donate the least. In an effort to increase African American participation, the Living History Maker program seeks to bring the statement to life of the African American community in a meaningful way; now therefore
Be it resolved, that the Council of the City of Philadelphia honors and acknowledges the Living History Makers program for their commitment to breaking the traditional barriers amongst African American organ Month. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to David Brown from the Living History Makers as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.
Be it further resolved that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to -- we did that. Certification, this is a true and correct copy of the original resolution, adopted by the Council of the City of Philadelphia on the 12th day of February 2009. The donation of organs that I did was a kidney, not my eyes. So I'm sorry about that. (Applause.)
Thank you very much, Councilman Jones, the rest of City Council, David Brown and our recipients behind me. It's critical for all of us to be able to understand the facts, the myths and misconceptions, because so many people within our region are awaiting a live-saving transplant, and all of us have that gift to give the gift of life if they get the information. And so we're really thrilled with this Living History Makers program, because who better to tell their story than those who are impacted the most, whether living donors or recipients. So we're going to continue this program based on its success. So check out the website at donorsone.org. Find out about your neighbors and friends, and if you know anyone who wants to tell their story, let us know. Thank you again for this recognition. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco, who will present a resolution recognizing February 15th through February 21st as the 10th Anniversary of the Black Family Technology Awareness Week. Will Ms. Carol Smith and those accompanying her please join the Councilwoman at the podium. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Madam President. I'm pleased to present this resolution recognizing February the 15th through the 21st as the 10th Anniversary of the Black Family Technology Awareness Week. Whereas, the Mayor's Commission on Technology, MCOT, will be coordinating citywide activities for the 10th Anniversary of the Black Family Technology Awareness Week, February 15th to February 21st; and Whereas, to promote this initiative, MCOT is partnering with the School District of Philadelphia, IBM, Sunoco, Black Data Processing Associates, National Society of Black Engineers, Philadelphia Workforce Investment Board and various local African American-operated for- and non-profit organizations to assure that Philadelphians have the technical skills and knowledge necessary to compete in the digital age; and Whereas, the purpose of Black Family Technology Awareness Week is to change how African Americans perceive science, technology, engineering and math, STEM, and recognize that vigilance, education and exposure are necessary to ensure digital equity and that African Americans are able to qualify, compete and participate in today's knowledge economy; and Whereas, the purpose of Black Family Technology Week supports and of making Philadelphia the country's premiere education city, by reducing the high school dropout rate and increasing the number of Philadelphians with four-plus year college degrees; and Whereas, data from the U.S. Department of Commerce NTIA Report, entitled "Digital Divide," show that even though all racial groups now own more computers than they did in 2001, blacks and Hispanics still lag even further behind in the levels of PC ownership and online access; and Whereas, during Black Family Technology Awareness Week, events will take place throughout Philadelphia to disseminate information and help African Americans understand the many ways in which technology will continue to have a major impact on how they learn, work, live and play, as well as understand the contributions they have made thereto. Now therefore, be it resolved, the City of Philadelphia, that we recognize February 15th through February 21st as the 10th Anniversary of the Black Family Technology Awareness Week. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution is presented to the representatives of the Mayor's Commission on Technology as an expression of appreciation of this legislative body. Certification, that this is a true and correct copy of the original resolution, adopted by the Council of the City of Philadelphia on the 5th day of February 2009. Signed by President Verna and supported by all members of City Council. We congratulate this group, and I certainly want to congratulate Carol Smith, my friend, who brought me into the world of technology and also led the charge of making sure that the country, particularly Philadelphia, was aware of DTV and harassed me while we were on vacation that we had to have hearings about it or something. So she and I both don't know too much or didn't know too much about computers and technology. We just knew something had to be done about it. So she started. It was ten years ago when Mayor Rendell issued an Executive Order creating the Commission. She's done a wonderful job. We appreciate her leadership. We thank all the members of the Committee and the Board and the Commission, and we are pleased to have you here, Carol. (Applause.)
Thank you very much, Councilwoman Tasco and all of the Councilmembers here today. It was a great pleasure for me to continue to promote Black Family Technology Awareness Week, because it's very important not but to our city, and given our Mayor's concern about making sure that more of Philadelphia residents graduate from high school and college, I think it's important that we promote the understanding of technology here in Philadelphia. It's also important because Governor Rendell has launched a PA STEM initiative, and that's science, technology, engineering and math. And we think that what we've started here with Black Family Technology Awareness Week in Philadelphia is something that needs to be extended throughout the year. There needs to be more programs in our communities to make sure that our young people are prepared and ready to prosper in the digital age. So I thank you for this acknowledgment of what we've tried to do through the Mayor's Commission on Technology, and seek your support in making sure that we are able to carry out throughout the years in our community. Thank you. Oh, and I'd like to thank all of these folks and those who aren't here for helping make our week such a success. We had activities throughout the City for our community, both young people and seniors, to know what was going on.
And on that note, I'd like to recognize Eric Nelson from the WIB, Workforce Investment Board; Kiasha Tyson from the Mayor's Commission on Technology; Trap Gervais from IBM; Hayward West from BDPA; Anna Marie McGettigan from Sunoco and Velda Morris from the School District of Philadelphia. She is the Robotics Education Specialist for the City and been very supportive of us in our activities. Thank you all.
Thank you. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell, who will present a citation recognizing Mr. Peter A. Palermo. Will Mr. Palermo and those accompanying him please join the Councilwoman at the podium.
Thank you, Madam President. That is Peter and Kathy Palermo. We're going to ask Jean Bunn and David Fishbone to come forward as well, as well as his supervisor, Chief of Staff Ms. Nan Feyler, who is Chief of Staff for our Department of Public Health. And, Madam President, at the end, we'll ask Ms. Feyler if she would speak for the Commissioner and the Deputy Mayor, if that's okay, as well as Mr. Palermo.
The Council of the City of Philadelphia is pleased and proud to honor and recognize Peter A. Palermo for his dedicated commitment to serving the City of Philadelphia and its citizens. Whereas, Peter A. Palermo presently heads the City's Childhood Lead Poisoning program at the Philadelphia Department of Public Health; and Whereas, during his long tenure with the City, beginning in the early 1980s, Peter has served as Health Inspector in the Office of Food Protection, District Office Supervisor and Outreach Supervisor for the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program, Coordinator for Lead Hazard Control, and Program Manager for HUD Lead Hazard Control Demonstration grants; and Whereas, Peter's professional experience also includes managing a staff of Pennsylvania certified lead professionals, making presentations to community groups on lead poisoning prevention, coordinating grants from government agencies, including EPA, HUD and NIEHS, and facilitating regional lead conferences in 1996 and 2000 and local lead conferences in 2001 and 2007; and Whereas, Peter holds accreditation as a certified lead abatement supervisor and lead abatement program designer. He earned his Master's Degree in Environmental Health, thesis in Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention from West Chester University in 1994 and a Bachelor's Degree in Science from LaSalle University in 1980; and Whereas, Peter's service to the City of Philadelphia and its citizens has extended beyond his City employment to include providing job training for homeless men and many other charitable works. Therefore, by virtue of this citation, the Council of the City of proud to honor and recognize Mr. Peter A. Palermo for his commitment and dedication to serving the City of Philadelphia and its citizens. We thank him for all he has done and extend the sincere respect and admiration of our legislative body. Thank you. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes Mr. Palermo for brief remarks.
Wow. I sound important. I'm a bit embarrassed, because I consider myself a humble City servant, and my job has always been to put myself out of a job by eliminating lead poisoning in Philadelphia. When I first came to the program in 1989, almost 90 percent of the kids tested had elevated lead levels that we now consider lead poisoning. I'm last year we got that number down to about four percent, which is a phenomenal job. (Applause.)
But I don't want to accept any applause because it was my dedicated staff, our dedicated partners out there in the community, and certainly the funding and the assistance and the guidance from Council that keeps us going. I want to thank Councilwoman in particular and I also want to thank Ms. Jean Bunn. Several years ago we had -- we understood that we both had similar problems. She had guys who needed jobs, and I had contractors who needed guys to get out there and remove lead. So we got together, and for the past four to six years, we've been doing this. I'm happy to say that we just received additional grant funds this year of $7 million, plus yesterday we just found out we received another million stimulus dollars that will go to help make homes lead safe for children in Philadelphia. And we will be running another class, Ms. Jean's homeless students, and hopefully we will get them jobs. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you. On behalf of Health Commissioner Donald Schwarz, I want to commend the work of Pete. He has done a remarkable job in not only managing a very important initiative, to reduce and hopefully some day eliminate any risk of lead poisoning to any of the children of our city, but he's also really always going the extra mile in making sure that we continue to stay on the cutting edge. You may not know that Philadelphia is one of the model cities in the United States in terms of lead poisoning prevention and abatement, and it's in part due to the support of the be that leader. So I want to join everyone here in giving Pete this recognition. In many ways I think he's one of the unsung heroes of the folks who work in the Department of Public Health and for the City, and for that, I'm particularly pleased that he has been given this honor, and I think it reflects the work of Pete and many of his folks that both report to him and work with him in making this city a healthier place. Thank you very much, and congratulations, Pete. We're very proud of you. (Applause.)
The next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant-At-Arms deliver the messages to the Clerk. 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 25, 2009, I signed all of the bills that were passed by Council at its session on February 5, 2009 and February 12, 2009; and I am transmitting herewith for the introduction and consideration of your honorable body a resolution appointing Beverly Coleman to the Board of Directors of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority; and A resolution appointing Rina Cutler to the Board of Directors of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority; and An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan Nos. 107 and 130 by striking from the City Plan and vacating the 47th Street from Fairmount Avenue to Brown Street; and An ordinance authorizing Manuel and Maria Terrivel, owner and operator of Manny's and Phil's Pub, to operate and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe at 1801 South 4th Street; and Pursuant to Section 2-307 of the Home Rule Charter, I am today transmitting to the Council the recommendation of the City Planning Commission on the following bills: 080947, 090004, 090005, 090027, 090069, 090071, 090072 and 090076.
Thank you. The messages will be printed in the Journal. I would ask the Clerk to please read any other communications in his possession.
Thank you. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Chapter 19-2600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Business Privilege Taxes," by adding the definition of "certified sustainable business" and by excluding from the definition of "receipts" any receipts from the specific business conducted by certain certified sustainable businesses.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I have one bill and two resolutions.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan Nos. 107 and 130 by striking from the City Plan and vacating the legally open portions of 47th Street from Fairmount Avenue to Brown Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution commemorating the 150th Anniversary of the founding of the Philadelphia Zoo.
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 authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground situate in the 44th Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
Again, the Chair 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 indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance establishing a no parking regulation on the 5200 block of Marshall Street, from Fisher Avenue to Duncannon Avenue.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title.
A resolution recognizing, honoring and celebrating Central High School's Girls Basketball Team, the Lancers, and Coach Frank Greco for their success in capturing the 2009 Public League Girls Basketball Championship.
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 Sanchez.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer one resolution.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title.
A resolution honoring Women's History Month, the 100th Anniversary of International Women's Day.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Green.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I offer two bills co-sponsored by Councilman DiCicco, who is working on similar legislation, and Councilmembers Maria Quinones-Sanchez, Donna Reed Miller, Bill Greenlee, Curtis Jones, Blondell Reynolds Brown, Frank Rizzo and Jack Kelly.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Section 9-604 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Refuse Collection," by increasing the annual license fee for the various licenses required by that Section.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending the provisions of The Philadelphia Code regulating dumpsters, all under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Madam President. I have four resolutions, one of which is co-sponsored by yourself, Councilman Green, Blondell Reynolds Brown and Blackwell, and I'd like to speak to that one referencing the Schuylkill River Trail.
The Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution urging federal, state and local officials to support and fund the completion of the Philadelphia segments of the Schuylkill River Trail, a 128-mile stretch of trails which spans from Pottsville to Philadelphia linking Schuylkill, Berks, Chester, Montgomery and Philadelphia Counties.
Thank you, Madam President. I think this is a groundbreaking connection of municipalities, from Montgomery County to Delaware County, and an example of intergovernmental cooperation on an important green aspect of travel. In light of all of the world events, including cost of energy and the way that we use modes of transportation, I think this is an example that we can be proud of. And I'd like to encourage all of our Councilmembers today to come out to the Academy of Natural Sciences between 6:00 and 8:00 and hear a discussion about this important endeavor. And 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 authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground situate in the 34th and 38th Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
I move for the adoption of the resolution, Madam President. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution appointing Beverly Coleman to the Board of Directors of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority.
This resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution appointing Rina Cutler to the Board of Directors of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority.
The resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer two resolutions and two bills.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance approving the dental amalgam brochure adopted by the Board of Health pursuant to Section 9-3102 of The Philadelphia Code.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by amending Chapter 14-1400, entitled "Parking and Loading Facilities."
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution recognizing February 25, 2009 as Reparations Awareness Day.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption, and I might add that was co-sponsored by Councilman Goode. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution honoring Suraya Pakzad for her tireless dedication to improving the lives of Afghan women.
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 DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. I offer ten resolutions to be referred to committee, three privileged resolutions and three bills.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance authorizing Manuel and Maria Terrivel to construct, own and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe at 1801 South 4th Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Titles 4 and 14 of The Philadelphia Code, respectively "The Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code" and "Zoning and Planning," by authorizing the Department of Licenses and Inspections to extend the expiration date of certain zoning and/or use registration permits.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance continuing the East Passyunk Avenue Business Improvement District.
The Chair recognizes Councilman -- is it a resolution or an ordinance? This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution reappointing Ray Kaufmann to the Board of Directors of the South Street/Headhouse District.
The resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution reappointing Wendy Verna to the Board of Directors of the South Street/Headhouse District.
The resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution reappointing John Foy to the Board of Directors of the South Street/Headhouse District.
The resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution appointing JC Sykes to the Board of Directors of the South Street/Headhouse District.
The resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution appointing Shana Vitoff to the Board of Directors of the South Street/Headhouse District.
The resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution appointing Bernadette Brescia to the Board of Directors of the South Street/Headhouse District.
This resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution appointing Greg DeCandia to the Board of Directors of the South Street/Headhouse District.
This resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution appointing Robert Drake to the Board of Directors of the South Street/Headhouse District.
This resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution appointing Al Grafstom to the Board of Directors of the South Street/Headhouse District.
The resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution appointing Rod Millwood to the Board of Directors of the South Street/Headhouse District.
The resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution authorizing the Philadelphia City Council's Committee on Legislative Oversight to hold public hearings on Philadelphia's building costs.
The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The resolution is adopted and will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment authority of the City of Philadelphia, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground situate in the 39th Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution initiating action continuing the East Passyunk Avenue Business Improvement District.
The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution also naming Medford Road from Academy Road to Nanton Drive/Mechanicsville Road and the streets at the intersection of Broad Street and Olney Avenue in honor of Officer John Pawlowski, Badge No. 5649.
Madam President, I move for the adoption of the resolution by a standing vote. (Duly seconded.)
All those standing will be voting aye. (All Councilmembers standing.)
A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the resolution is adopted.
And a resolution honoring the Tyrone Society of Philadelphia on their Centennial Anniversary.
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 is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Thank you, Madam President. One bill and one resolution.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance establishing a no truck parking regulation on both sides of North Hancock Street between Jefferson Street and Thompson Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain tracts of City-owned ground, with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the 32nd Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The next order of business is reports from committees. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney for a report from the Committee on Rules.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Rules reports five bills with favorable recommendations.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the report.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Rules, to which was referred Bill No. 080949, entitled "An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Ridge Avenue, Rector Street, Houghton Street and Walnut Lane"; and Bill No. 090004, entitled "An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Allegheny Avenue, Hurley Street, Street"; and Bill No. 090005, entitled "An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Erie Avenue, K Street, Venango Street and I Street"; and Bill No. 090006, entitled "An ordinance correcting the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by conforming the dimensions of a property located within an area bounded by B Street, Erie Street, G Street and Tioga Street"; and Bill No. 090069, entitled "An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Roosevelt Boulevard, Grant Avenue, Blue Grass Road and a Railroad Right of Way," respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Madam President. I move the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill Nos. 080949, 090004, 005, 006 and 090069. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. The bills just read will be placed on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar of Council. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski for a report from the Committee on Appropriations.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Appropriations reports four bills out with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the report.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Appropriations, to which was referred Bill No. 090065, entitled "An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2009 within the General Fund"; and Bill No. 090066, entitled "An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2009 within the Grants Revenue Fund"; and 090067, entitled "An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2009 within the Water Fund"; and Bill No. 090068, entitled "An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2009 within the Aviation Fund from certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions to certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bills 090065, 090066, 090067 and 090068. (Duly seconded.)
It properly seconded. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. The bills just read will be placed on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for our next session of Council. I would like to take a moment to introduce Cindy Preston. She has been chosen by our friends at the Police Athletic League to be Council President for the day as part of their great program "PAL Day in City Hall." Cindy is 17 years old and a senior at the wonderful school of Creative and Performing Arts. Please join me. She's from the West Oak Lane section of Philadelphia and is very After attending college, she hopes to pursue a career in the fashion industry, and we certainly wish her well. Let's have a hand for our Council President for today. (Applause.)
Oh, I understand she's originally from South Philly, 6th and Christian. Since there are no bills on the First Reading Calendar or on the Second Reading Calendar today, I would ask at this time if there are any speeches on the part of the minority. (No response.)
Are there speeches on the part of the majority? The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. I have two announcements. My office and PennFuture, think tank, are hosting lunch today for my colleagues and their staff where the topic of the discussion will be climate change in Pennsylvania and what is happening nationally. So I invite my colleagues and/or their staff to join us for lunch at 11:30. And then, secondly, Madam President, I'd like to share good news with members of this body. All of us have staff that come into or come onto our team who do remarkably good work, and we are particularly appreciative of legislative staff, who work with us closely and do the due diligence and the research and homework that then allows us to have legislative successes, such as the case of my team member, Joe Meade, who worked with me for two years on the tour guide bill and then another two years on the menu labeling bill, which are legislative successes that I'm particularly proud of. But for his due ethic and something my mother called gumption, those bills might not now be law. The good news is that others recognize his good work, Madam President, and one of those institutions in our city is the School District of Philadelphia. So this will be Joe Meade's last day with us as the legislative aide on my staff, and the School District saw fit and saw his enormous potential. He will be joining the School District as Director of Government Relations. So we'll continue to see him here, but I wanted to put on the record how proud I am of him. When he came on board three years ago, I knew that his stay with us was short, but he's spreading his wings wider and flying higher, and we want to salute his good work. I ask you, Madam President, and my colleagues to join me in his good will.
You're welcome. Good luck to you in your new endeavors.
Thank you, Madam President. We offer congratulations as well. I'd like to announce a yearly program that's taking place tomorrow at the Salvation Army at 701 North Broad or 1340 Brown Street. It's a program that is supported by OSH, Office of Supportive Housing, and it's called Project Homeless Connect. Tomorrow all of those who find themselves homeless or in that situation in need can go to that location, where from food to vaccination and flu shots. They can have blood pressure taken. We have podiatrists there, so they can get any foot problems taken care of. We'll have legal information for them. Career Link will be there, Community College for those who would like to have school information. We'll have mental health information, Philadelphia Housing Authority information. AmeriChoice will give them information on insurance, Rite Aid on prescriptions. They can get haircuts, Veterans Administration services. They can get hearing screening and so forth and so on. So this is a yearly program, and I wanted all of you to know that in spite of hard times, there are many things we do in this city to try to do what we can to improve the quality of life for all. Thank you, Madam President.
any other speeches on the part of the majority? (No response.)
Seeing none, the Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, March 5, 2009, 10:00 a.m. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, March 5th at 10:00 a.m. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. Thank you. (Stated Meeting adjourned at 11:45 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 February 26, 2009, 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.)