COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, January 28, 2010 10:10 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 COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO MICHAEL A. DECKER, 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 recognizes Rabbi Isaacson of the Congregation Beth Sholom. He is here today as the guest of Councilman DiCicco. I would ask all members and guests to please rise. (Members and guests rise.)
I would like to ask for a moment of indulgence. I would like to say a prayer for the Haitian community, a special prayer. May he who blessed our fathers Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, may he bless those people of the Haitian community and in whose honor we are standing here today. May he be merciful to them and them and give them the strength and revive them. May he send them speedily a perfect cure to all their limbs and their nerves, with all sick persons all over the world. May we who are gathered here today together say amen. (Amen.)
I would also like to say a special prayer for our soldiers, wherever they may be stationed. May he who blessed our forefathers Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, may he bless the Armed Forces of the United States, wherever they may be. May HaShem, the Almighty, cause the enemies who rise up against us to be struck down before them. May the holy one, blessed is he, preserve and rescue our fighting men and women from every trouble and distress and from every plague and illness, and may he send blessing and success in their every endeavor. May he lead our enemies under their sway and may the crown of salvation and with a diadem of triumph. And may there be fulfilled for them the verse, for it is the Almighty who goes with you to battle your enemies for you and to save you. Let us say amen. (Amen.)
May he who grants salvation to kings and dominion to rulers whose kingdom is a kingdom spanning all eternities, who releases David, his servant, from the evil sword, who places a road in the sea and a path in the mighty waters, may he bless, safeguard, preserve, help, exalt, make great extol and praise our beloved President and Vice-President, Governor, Mayor of our great City of Philadelphia and all the members of City Council and everyone else gathered here. May the king who reigns over kings in his mercy, may he sustain them and protect them from every trouble, woe rescue them. May he gather peoples under their sway and cause their enemies to fall before them. Wherever they turn, may they succeed. The king who reigns over kings, in his mercy, may he put into their heart and unto the heart of all of the counselors and officials compassion to do good with all of us and our wonderful country, state and city. In their days and in ours, so may it be his will. Now let us say amen. (Amen.)
May the Almighty bless you and protect you. May he shower his blessings upon you and grant us and the rest of the world peace. Amen. (Amen.)
The Chair thanks Rabbi Isaacson 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, December 17th, 2009. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, December 17th, 2009 stand approved.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, December 17th, 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, again, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Madam Chair. On behalf 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 are no requests for leave of absence.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair will dispense with the regular order of business to recognize guests and visitors joining us in Chambers this morning. On behalf of 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 DiCicco, who will present a resolution honoring and celebrating the life and accomplishments of Peggy Amsterdam. Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Councilman Kelly will be joining us, please.
If there are members of the Amsterdam family present or any of their friends present, I would ask that you'd please join the Councilmembers at the podium. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you and good morning. Resolution honoring and celebrating the life and accomplishments of Peggy Amsterdam. Whereas, Peggy Amsterdam took the helm of the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance in the year 2000. The Alliance is an arts and service organization serving 385 non-profit cultural organizations in the region, with an annual operating budget of $3.66 million; and Whereas, Peggy, as the President, established a new direction for the Alliance by using the cultural community as a unifying force for the region. Peggy transformed the Alliance from a membership organization to a leadership organization that helps shape regional policy decisions and ensures that culture is a key component of Philadelphia's renaissance; and Whereas, Peggy successfully informed leaders in government and business of the importance of the arts not just for the City's social well-being but also for Philadelphia's economic success. Under her leadership, the politicians into strong arts supporters and enjoyed numerous political victories, including the retention of the cultural funding in 2004, the re-establishment of the Office of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy and defeating the proposed arts tax in 2009; and
Whereas, Peggy initiated community regranting in Southeastern Pennsylvania through the Project Stream Program, formerly known as the Five County Arts Fund, a program of the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts. She disbursed more than 1.65 million in seed grants over eight years to innovative community-based arts programs throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania and secured matching funds from both public and private sources; Whereas, as President of the Alliance, Peggy oversaw the creation of four major research publications since 2006, including Portfolio, Arts and Metropolis, Strategies for Sustainability in 2007; Arts, Culture and Economic Prosperity in Greater Philadelphia 2007; the 2008 Portfolio and Research Into Action; and Pathways to New Opportunities in 2009; and Whereas, Peggy planned and implemented two major cultural marketing initiatives - Campaign for Culture and the Alliance's current initiative, Engaged 2020, a four-year $6 million marketing and civic engagement initiative aimed at doubling cultural participation in our region by 2020. Further, she established Phillyfund.com, innovative and unprecedented, the region's most complete online entertainment calendar, which now attracts 130,000 unique visitors per month; Fund Savers, a half-price ticket e-mail service which reaches 68,000 subscribers weekly; and the Cultural List Cooperative, which remains the largest program of its type in the country with 100-plus 900,000 names, representing one in three households in the region;
And whereas, Peggy served in a number of volunteer positions. She served as a member of the Board of Americans for the Arts; a founding member of the Cultural Data Project; a member of the Executive Committee of the Greater Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau; a member of the Forum of Executive Women and the International Women's Forum; an appointee of Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter to the Mayor's Cultural Advisory Council; a panelist for the National Endowment for the Arts; and on the Steering Committee of the National Arts Education Partnership; and Whereas, Peggy's numerous awards include being the first recipient of the Ray Hanley Innovation Award presented by the United States Urban Arts Federation, USUAF, in recognition of the arts and culture in American cities; and the 2008 Fleisher Art Memorial Founders Award, presented to individuals whose commitment and effort have made a significant contribution to expanding people's access to the arts, supporting excellence in artistic expression and enriching Philadelphia's cultural resources. Now, therefore, be it COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that it honors and celebrates the life and accomplishments of Peggy Amsterdam. Be it further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the Amsterdam family as further evidence of the sincere admiration of this legislative body. Introduced by myself, Council President Anna C. Verna and co-sponsored by all members of City Council. (Applause.)
At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney, who will present a resolution calling for a United Ireland. Will Mr. Seamus Boyle and those accompanying him please join the Councilman at the podium.
Thank you, Madam President. It's an honor to stand here today to represent not only the Irish American members of the City Council but all members of Council who are fans of democracy and fairness around the world. This is an issue that has been going on for generations. It seemed that it was going to be resolved and things have stalled, and that's the reason why we need to reexamine and express our concern over this issue. calling on the English and Irish governments to take immediate steps necessary to bring to fullness the promises of all of the Ireland institutions called for and envisioned by the Good Friday Agreement, requesting the Irish government to formally study the implications of a united Ireland and outline steps fundamental to restore the Irish nation and publicly report their finding and plans, and respectfully suggesting that the Irish government move without delay to further the peaceful healing of the Irish nation by granting duly elected Northern members of Parliament "Speaking Rights" in the Irish Parliament and expanding the voting rights for the Irish President to the citizens of the six counties of the North of Ireland. Whereas, Ireland and its people are an ancient and distinct nation; and Whereas, Ireland is an island nation that has throughout its history 32 counties, artificially divided into a 26-county Irish Republic and a six-county Northern Ireland unit in the 1920s; and Whereas, this artificial, forced division of the Irish nation was designed to be a transitory answer to the 1920s issues; and Whereas, history has demonstrated that the Irish people have the right and responsibility to govern themselves; Whereas, human and civic rights derive "their just powers from the consent of the governed" and are best guaranteed by the people's freely instituted, duly elected and independent government; and Whereas, the Irish Republic is a member of the European Economic Union, and a unified, independent Irish economy is the most effective way to grow that economy and the most fair and impartial path to extend the benefits of such Ireland; and Whereas, a unified, independent Irish Police Service and Justice System is necessary to be effective, fair and impartial; and Whereas, a unified, independent Irish society is most likely to provide for the social and practical needs of its people; and Whereas, the historic Good Friday Agreement, negotiated with American support and ratified by the English and Irish governments, as well as a vote of the entire island of Ireland, includes provisions for achieving a united Ireland through purely democratic and peaceful means and provides for the development of the North/South Institutions and cross-border cooperation; Whereas, the United States and Philadelphia have greatly benefited from the contributions of the sons and daughters of Ireland; and Whereas, democratic reunification of Ireland is the ultimate roadmap to peace and prosperity for the Irish nation and people.
Now, therefore, be it resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that Council does hereby call on the English and Irish governments to take immediate steps necessary to bring to fullness the promises of all Ireland institutions called for and envisioned by the Good Friday Agreement, request the Irish government to formally study the implications of a united Ireland and outline steps fundamental to restore the Irish nation and publicly report their finding and plans, and respectfully suggest that the Irish government move without delay to further the peaceful healing of the Irish nation by granting duly elected Northern members of Parliament "Speaking Rights" in the Irish Parliament and expanding the voting rights for the Irish President to the counties of Northern Ireland. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the Philadelphia Ancient Order of Hibernians as evidence of the sincere sentiments and recognition of this legislative body. Thank you for being here today. )
I'd just like to thank everybody for being here. And after 800 years, we're still looking for our freedom. Eight hundred years is a long time, and we're not going to wait much longer, and I don't think I'm going to be around that much longer, but the same with a lot of other people here. I'd like to thank the City of Philadelphia, the Council. And what better place, with the history of Philadelphia, what better place should a from, with the history that we have. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
The Chair now recognizes Councilman Rizzo, who will present a resolution honoring Dr. Joseph Ruggiero on the occasion of his retirement. Councilman Rizzo is being joined by Councilwoman Tasco and Councilman O'Neill.
Good morning, everyone. Welcome back. Recognizing, honoring, celebrating and thanking Dr. Joseph F. Ruggiero on the occasion of his retirement as CEO of Self Help Movement, Inc.
Whereas, Dr. Joseph Francis Ruggiero, Ph.D., High School '62, Antioch University, BA '74 and MA '81, Pacific Western, Ph.D. '82, the only child of the late John and Marie Ruggiero, was born and raised in South Philadelphia; and Whereas, Dr. Ruggiero in 1967, while a Probation Officer with the Philadelphia Adult Department, founded Self Help Movement, Inc. as an outpatient drug rehabilitation program for probationers and parolees; and Whereas, Self Help Movement, Inc. incorporated as a private non-profit corporation in 1975, and that same year Dr. Ruggiero, along with the Honorable James Cavanaugh, petitioned the state to lease a small residential center for drug abusers on the grounds of the Philadelphia State Hospital, known as Byberry; and Whereas, demands for residential services increased through the years, requiring Self Help Movement, its present-day facility, a gated community campus on Southampton Road in Northeast Philadelphia with over 50 staff members; and
Whereas, in April 2005, Self Help Movement, Inc. was awarded "Program of the Year" by the Pennsylvania Certification Board, and on October 19th, 2008 was awarded a Congressional Certificate of Special Recognition for 41 years of helping people recover from drug and alcohol addiction; Whereas, Dr. Ruggiero, in addition to fulfilling his responsibilities as CEO of Self Help Movement, Inc., has authored two novels, A Rose on Ninth Street and -- I got to read this one -- Raggabooty, and is currently working on a third book entitled Crystal Umbrella; Whereas, Dr. Ruggiero and his wife, Bernadette Ann, have five children, reside in Bristol, Pennsylvania.
Be it resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that it recognizes, honors, celebrates and thanks Dr. Joseph F. Ruggiero on the occasion of his retirement as CEO of Self Help Movement, Inc. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the doctor further evidencing the sincere admiration and gratitude of this legislative body. Doc, thanks for all the good work you've done. (Applause.)
Madam President, before we introduce Dr. Ruggiero, would you allow me to introduce one of our colleagues in government. Evans, the Director of the Department of Behavioral Health and Mental Retardation, has had a lot of close relationships with the doctor and would like to wish him well.
I'm pleased and delighted to join with City Council in recognizing this great man. Researchers say that there's three types of organizations, those that are at the leading edge of a field, those that wait to see where a field is going and those who are laggards. Dr. Ruggiero has been at the leading edge of our field, and I think the City of Philadelphia is indebted to him for his leadership, for his vision, for his commitment to people who have addictions. There are literally thousands of people in this city who, because of his work and because of his leadership, are back with living productive lives in our communities, and it's because of that work that we are so grateful to you. So Dr. Ruggiero, thank you very much on behalf of my department and all of the many lives that you have saved and the work of your colleagues in saving lives of the people who have addictive disorders. Thank you. (Applause.)
Also I'd like to take the opportunity to introduce -- and I think we'll all have some interaction with -- Robert Dellavella, Esquire, the new Director of the Self Help Movement. (Applause.)
Thank you, President Verna, Councilman Rizzo, Councilwoman Tasco and Councilman O'Neill, a special thank you to my Councilwoman, Joan Krajewski. I promise brief, but you may need my support in 2011, so no hooks yet. Again, 1967 Dr. Ruggiero, as a lofty member of the Probation Department, worked closely with his probationers, but had a vision that most of these men coming before him had drug and alcohol issues. So he wanted to do more. So with the permission of the courts, he reached out and started an outpatient program to give these individuals drug and alcohol treatment, and continued to educate himself on drug and alcohol issues. As he was doing that, he realized that's not enough. He then asked the "powers that be" if he could look for an inpatient program so that he could further continue the treatment and the care that these individuals so desperately needed. So he founded, on a farmhouse up on Southampton Road as part of Byberry, the original Self Help grounds, and with a cadre of volunteers staff, both in terms of staff and renovations, started a small inpatient program. Again, realizing that's not enough, he, through the work of politicians and businesspeople and the court system, moved to a much larger campus on Southampton Road that now comprises five acres and a whole host of buildings that houses 226 men in single-room inpatient program. Dr. Ruggiero through this process went on to get his Ph.D., learned how best to treat this dreadful drug and alcohol addiction that so curses our society. He realized that with the lofty position of Probationer Officer, he could continue to do more. And I think his legacy is simple, the thousands of men that Self Help has serviced through the years who now lead productive lives, who now have families, their children, their grandchildren, their great grandchildren should all be thankful to the legacy of (Applause.)
And good luck, Bob, to you and we'll have a citation for you when you retire. But that will be a long time. Now, again, I want to thank the doctor, and I'd like to present you, Dr. Ruggiero, right now to say a few words. And I'm proud to be able to say I serve on his board. Thanks. (Applause.)
Council President Verna, Councilwoman Tasco, Councilman Rizzo, Councilman O'Neill and distinguished members of Council, I thank you very much for this great honor. I really believe that I'm receiving more honor than I deserve. It's only through the grace of God and dedicated people in the drug treatment field, our staff, that I was able to accomplish some good things for Self Help Movement and for this city. Dr. Evans for his great leadership in Philadelphia. Philadelphia is the leading drug and rehabilitation system, I believe, in the country. Drugs and alcohol, as many of you know, is a cancer on earth. It has put many of our young people in the grave. It is a disease that must be overcome. Without the good work of so many people in the field, this is impossible. We need drug therapy programs throughout the City, outpatient and inpatient. We need long-term treatment. We need it. It is important. We are out there saving lives for our children and our grandchildren. It has been a pleasure and an honor to be able to serve and to help rehabilitate men and women and to be able to be in this field to help save lives. I thank you for your support. I want to thank my wife over the years for her support and for putting going to school and keeping late hours. Thank you very much.
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 December 23, 2009, January 13, 2010 and January 27, 2010, I signed the remaining bills that were passed by Council at its session on December 10, 2009 and all the bills that were passed session on December 17, 2009, except Bill Nos. 090568-AA, 090777, 090841 and 090691-AA; and I am transmitting for the consideration of your honorable body a resolution confirming the appointment of Sister Mary Scullion as a member of the board or Ethics; and A resolution confirming the appointment of Kenya Mann, Esquire as a member of the Board of Ethics; and A resolution confirming the appointment of Nolan Atkinson as a member of the Board of Ethics; and An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2010 from the General Fund to the General Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions; and An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2010 within the Grants Revenue Fund from the Director of Finance - Federal or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions; and An ordinance authorizing the Bond Committee to sell bonds at public or private negotiated sale, to provide funds toward various capital municipal purposes; and An ordinance constituting the Thirteenth Supplemental Ordinance to the Restated General Water and Wastewater Revenue Bond Ordinance of 1989; and An ordinance authorizing, generally, the continued issuance and sale by the City of Philadelphia of Gas Works Revenue Notes of the City; and An ordinance amending Title 22 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Public Employees Retirement Code," to make Retirement and Survivorship Benefit Option 4 available to members of additional Plans, to allow the member to designate his or her dependent grandchildren to receive a survivorship benefit, and to allow benefits to be paid to trusts for disabled grandchildren of members; all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you. The messages will be printed in the Journal. I would ask the Chief Clerk to read any other communications in his possession.
Thank you. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I have no bills or resolutions.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer one resolution, and I'd just like to make one comment on it, please.
Certainly. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution designating the month of February as "Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month in Philadelphia."
Thank you, Madam President. I don't think I have to speak on the merits of the resolution, but I did want to mention real fast that there's a group of people standing up there in the back, and they include Jeannine Lisitski, the Executive Director at Women Against Abuse, and a number of members of the organization that does such a great job for so many people in this city, often unheralded. But also just as important there among that group is a group of teenagers who are examples of why this resolution is so important to the City of Philadelphia. So saying that and thanking them all for being here, 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. And welcome. We welcome you to our Council session. (Applause.)
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2010 within the Grants Revenue Fund.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2010 from the General Fund.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Marsden Street, Friendship Street, Keystone Street, and Tyson Avenue.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution authorizing City Council's Committee on Legislative Oversight to hold public hearings to investigate how the Philadelphia International Airport can expand its international flight options to position the City to become more competitive in serving area residents.
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 please indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer four resolutions on your behalf, two resolutions on my behalf and three bills from the Administration. Madam President, I'd like to speak on the bill relative to the census.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance authorizing the Bond Committee to sell bonds at public or private negotiated sale, to provide funds toward various capital municipal purposes.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance constituting the Thirteenth Supplemental Ordinance to the Restated General Water and Wastewater Revenue Bond Ordinance of 1989.
This bill will also be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing, generally, the continued issuance and sale by the City of Philadelphia of Gas Works Revenue Notes of the City.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution recognizing and acknowledging Delta Sigma Theta Sorority on the occasion of the Annual Delta Day in 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 please say aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution calling upon the Pennsylvania General Assembly to amend the election law so that prisoners are counted as residents of the county in which they reside prior to incarceration.
Thank you, Madam President. Today marks the first Council session of a new decade. With each new decade, we are charged under our federal constitution to complete a census of our country's population. From this perspective, we have already seen various outreach and education efforts to inform our constituents of the importance of completing Census forms so that the population of our city will be accurately counted. Through an accurate accounting, we can ensure that Philadelphia receives the vital resources needed to benefit and enhance our city, and these resources are determined by the number of people in the City through the federal government. However, in our push to make sure that every resident is counted, one population is not counted accurately, and this problem dilutes the voting power of all Philadelphians. Under Title 25 of the Pennsylvania Code, no individual who is confined in a penal institution shall be deemed a resident of the election district where the institution is located. The individual shall be deemed to reside where the individual was last registered before being confined in the penal institution, or if there was no registration prior to confinement, the individual shall be deemed to reside at the last known address before confinement. Yet, Philadelphians who are incarcerated outside of Philadelphia are included in the Census count of that county. According to a study by the Prison Policy Initiative, eight of Pennsylvania's state house districts only meet federal minimum population requirements because the state treats prisoners as residents of the district. As a result, the Census count is being used incorrectly to define the legislative district of our Commonwealth. To correct this problem, I am calling on our General Assembly to amend state election law so that prisoners are counted as residents of the county in which they reside prior to incarceration rather than as residents of the county in which they are detained. I am also calling on the Federal Census Bureau to change its method for counting prisoners so that prisoners are recorded as living at their last known address prior to incarceration. Throughout this year, there will be a strong push to make sure that our constituents complete their Census forms so that they will be counted. We should also push to make sure that all Philadelphians are counted accurately. Thank you very much.
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.)
And a resolution confirming the appointment of Sister Mary Scullion as a member of the Board of Ethics.
This resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution confirming the appointment of Kenya Mann, Esquire as a member of the Board of Ethics.
This will also be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution confirming the appointment of Nolan Atkinson as a member of the Board of Ethics.
This resolution 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 Forty-Eighth Ward of 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 say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I offer two resolutions. One of the resolutions is co-sponsored by Councilmembers Clarke, Tasco, Jones, Reynolds Brown and Sanchez.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution recognizing, honoring and celebrating Patricia Redmond - as Presbyterian Children Village's Employee of the Year.
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 with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Seventeenth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
Again, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
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 Councilwoman Sanchez.
Thank you, Madam President. I have three resolutions, and I'd like to speak on the one on immigration.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution recognizing the significant contribution of immigrants to the City of Philadelphia and urging the United States Congress to enact comprehensive immigration reform.
Thank you, Madam President. This resolution is co-sponsored by my colleagues Jim Kenney and Councilwoman Blackwell. As we all know, Councilman Kenney has been a long advocate for new immigrants in the City of Philadelphia. I'd like to thank him and Councilwoman Blackwell, through her work for the Mayor's Commission on African American and Caribbean Affairs. Joining us this morning in Council Chambers are members of the Pennsylvania Immigration and Citizenship Coalition; The New Sanctuary Movement; JUNTOS; CATA, the former Farm Workers Committee; Anti-Defamation League; the Irish Immigration Center of Philadelphia; Demogracia USA; members of the Catholic community; obviously members of the Mayor's Commission on African American and Caribbean Affairs; the Montgomery County Latino Collaborative; HIAS; the Latino Partnership in the statewide Latino Coalition; and my friend, David Oh, who is a Board member of the Welcome Center. This month Congressman Luis Gutierrez, a personal friend and mentor of mine, who also once served on City Council, sponsored a legislative initiative which will give us comprehensive immigration reform in this country. We are concerned by letters being circulated, signed by some democrats, around limiting the discussion of any legislation not to create a pathway to citizenship for the 12 million immigrants, hard-working immigrants, that live in this country, hundreds of thousands of them in the Delaware Valley area. As a daughter of a migrant worker, I can attest to the hard work that these immigrants do in our country and the invaluable contributions that they make to our growth and our economy. Children are being separated from their parents -- U.S.-born children are being separated from their parents with current raids by ICE and immigration standards. People are not illegal. We policyholders have it within our authority to change this and create a pathway for these taxpaying, contributing immigrants who live in our country and in this nation. So I ask my colleagues to support this and join what is a beginning of a movement. I had the honor to participate in a rally recently in standing-room only in South Philadelphia where we saw hundreds of people from all walks of life join in what we are projecting to be a movement, a national movement, to ensure that this year, this year, we bring closure to this very important issue. No better place than the birth place of America than here in Philadelphia for us to stand and unite with our local community and with our country to say it is time we put this to an end. So I ask that our Philadelphia Congressional Delegation take a leadership role in supporting Congressman Luis Gutierrez's call for immigration reform. Thank you.
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. (Applause.)
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the second resolution.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground, situate in the Forty-Third Ward of 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 say aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution calling on the Pennsylvania Congressional Delegation to support the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act.
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 Green.
Thank you, Madam Chair. I offer one bill on behalf of the Administration.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Title 22 of The Philadelphia Code by amending Sections 22-306, 22-701 and 22-702 to make Retirement and Survivorship Benefit Option 4 available to members of additional Plans.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Madam President. I have two resolutions, one on behalf of the Administration.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution urging the Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare to take immediate action to draw down all of the funds allotted to Pennsylvania under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
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 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 Fourth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
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 Goode.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer three bills and one resolution.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance amending Chapter 19-200 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "City Funds Deposits, Investments, Disbursements," by amending Section 19-201, entitled "City Depositories," by authorizing the City Treasurer to deposit funds in Advance Bank.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Section 19-2604 of The Philadelphia Code, relating to tax rates and credits for the business privilege tax, by amending the credit for contributions to community development corporations.
This bill will also be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of the proposal set forth in a Resolution approved by Council proposing an amendment of the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter relating to the election of members of the Council.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter relating to the election of members of the Council.
The resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee. Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I offer one bill and two resolutions, and I'd like to speak on the bill briefly.
The Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
Madam President, allow me to correct the record. One bill -- two bills and one resolution. Thank you.
An ordinance amending Chapter 6-800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Lead Paint Disclosure," to require a certification that a property is lead free or lead safe before it may be rented to a tenant.
Thank you, Madam President. I'd like to state that last year, 2009, there were 2,500 new reported cases of children being poisoned by lead, and what we know medically is that when children come in contact with lead, it leads to permanent, irreversible damage. While our city has made enormous progress and invested a lot of financial dollars, we still have a problem. Currently, the City Code allows us to reveal disclosure that there's lead. We believe it's now time to take aggressive action to require certification that rental properties are lead free or lead safe. And so with the support and participation of the Childhood Lead Poisoning Task Force that has also been meeting for the past year, which includes stakeholders like PCCY, representatives from the Tenant Union, a Washington, DC representative, where this action has already taken place, L&I, the Health Department and Community Legal Services, we are hopeful that we can move the needle and move to a place where 95 percent of our city's housing stock will ultimately be lead free or lead safe. Thank you, Madam President.
Oh, I'm sorry. It's a bill. The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Title 6 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Health Code," by defining "Supermarkets" and excluding Supermarkets from the definition of Chain Restaurants, thereby exempting Supermarkets from menu labeling requirements applicable to Chain Restaurants.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution honoring the African American Children's Book Project on the occasion of the Annual African American Children's Book Fair.
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 two bills and two resolutions. One resolution is honoring Peggy Amsterdam, and I would ask for a standing resolution.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by adding special provisions regulating outdoor advertising signs in designated commercial advertising districts.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Section 14-1638, entitled "Central Delaware Riverfront Overlay District."
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 City-owned lots or pieces of ground, situate in the Twenty-Fifth 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 properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)