COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Thursday, October 5, 2000 10:05 a.m. Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE L. BLACKWELL COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILMAN DAVID COHEN COUNCILMAN FRANK J. DICICCO COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN JAMES F. KENNEY COUNCILWOMAN JOAN L. KRAJEWSKI COUNCILMAN W. THACHER LONGSTRETH COUNCILMAN RICHARD T. MARIANO COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER COUNCILMAN MICHAEL A. NUTTER COUNCILMAN ANGEL L. ORTIZ COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO PATRICIA RAFFERTY, Chief Clerk VINCENT VARALLO ASSOCIATES, INC. Registered Professional Reporters Eleven Penn Center, Suite 600 Philadelphia, PA 19103 GREETING/INVOCATION P R O C E E D I N G S
Good morning. I note that the hour has come AND that a quorum of this Council is present. The Council will come to order, members will take their seats, and visitors will retire to the seats outside the rails. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair welcomes the Reverend Thomas Sligh, pastor of the Devereaux United Methodist Church. He is here today as the guest of Councilman Nutter. All members and guests will please rise. (All rise.)
Let us bow our heads in prayer. Dear God, our heavily father, it's good to be here this morning. It is good to be here, God, because we feel Your presence. And where You are present, O, God, good things seem to happen. Dear God, let those good things happen, that this Council come together and agree and disagree but still be on one accord. In coming together, dear God, this morning in the midst of Your spirit, we pray for GREETING/INVOCATION our mayor, we pray for our city, we pray for this Council. Dear God, may Your presence move in the midst of them. O, dear God, we pray for the afflicted in our city, we pray for the poor, we pray for all of our folk here in this great City of Philadelphia. But this morning, dear God, work for us this morning. Dear God, remind every Councilperson that they're here representing the people. It is the people in our city, dear God, that decide the things for the city. We pray for our representatives, dear God. Dear God, protect them day by day. We pray for their families and, O, God, we pray for each other. Bless us this morning, dear God, as we go forth in thy name, through your son, Jesus Christ, amen. ALL: Amen.
Amen. The Chair thanks Reverend Sligh for his inspiring invocation. Counsel be at ease. (Council stands at ease.)
The next JOURNAL APPROVAL/LEAVES OF ABSENCE order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of September 28, 2000. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Journal of Thursday, September 28, 2000 stand approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, September 28, 2000 stand approved. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed nay? The ayes have it and the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, September 28, 2000 stands approved.
The next order of business is requests for leaves of absence, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. This morning, there are no JOURNAL APPROVAL/LEAVES OF ABSENCE requests for leaves of absence on the part of the Majority.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
Madam President, I have a request for a leave absence for Councilman O'Neill. And Councilman Longstreth is en route to the Council chamber.
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, 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. Councilman Rizzo, are you prepared to make the next presentation since Councilman Longstreth is not here?
Madam President, VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATIONS I'll do it.
Thank you. Therefore, the Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo, who will make a presentation honoring Naomi Klein and the Lively Arts Group. Will Miss Klein and those accompanying her please join the Councilman at the podium. (Honoree and others and Councilman Rizzo come forward.)
If the groups behind the rail are here for Miss Klein, please approach the podium.
Thank you very much for joining us this morning. And today we honor Naomi Klein and the Lively Arts Group, and I'd like to read this resolution that Councilman Longstreth has prepared in recognition of you today. Whereas, this year the Lively Arts Group bids farewell to its founding director, Naomi Klein, who is retiring after 25 years of service; and Whereas, the Lively Arts Group is unique as the nation's only nonprofit cultural VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATIONS arts group touring organization since its founding in 1975 by Naomi Klein. Since then, she has conducted an average of 58 adult education art tours each year, giving 1,250 tours in 25 years and personally guiding more than 26,000 Philadelphia-area residents and throughout our country to major museums, orchestra concerts, and theater and ballet performances. And you really want to give this up? And Whereas, at the same time, these group visits have provided a new outreach audience, additional new members and support for these cultural organizations and institutions of Philadelphia. The museums and cultural institutions have served as a lively arts advisory board, their prestige and professional knowledge on these tours; and Whereas, the Lively Arts Group adventures have spread Philadelphia's reputation for its cultural-minded citizens throughout the country and abroad. Therefore, resolved by the Council of the City of Philadelphia that it hereby honors Naomi Klein and the Lively Arts Group further. VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATIONS Resolved that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Naomi Klein in recognition of her 25 years of service with the Lively Arts Group. I want to congratulate you. (Councilman Longstreth enters chamber.)
Perfect timing, Councilman Longstreth. (Applause.)
Councilman Rizzo has just read the resolution. Councilman Longstreth, would you like to say a few words?
I'll say very few words. I congratulate the congratulator, Mr. Rizzo, who did a much better job than I could have done, so I won't say anything except, you're wonderful. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes Mrs. Naomi Klein for brief remarks. VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATIONS
I was told not to go into a long speech, and I won't. I would like to thank the City of Philadelphia for recognizing me and my 25 years of working with over, oh, maybe over 260,000 people over the 25 years, taking them to cultural activities and historic activities and giving them the opportunity to be a part of Philadelphia cultural life. Thank you. (Applause.)
Council will be at ease. (Council stands at ease, then resumes.)
The next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant-at-Arms deliver the messages from the Mayor to the clerk. The clerk will read the messages from the Mayor.
To the President and COMMUNICATIONS members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia: I am pleased to advise you that today I have signed Bill No. 000147, which was passed by Council at its session on September 21, 2000. And I've also signed Bill No. 000225 and 000539, passed at its session of September 28, 2000. And I am transmitting herewith for consideration of your honorable body a resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Cecil B. Moore Avenue Urban Renewal Area designated as parcel no.'s 29 through 54.
The messages will be printed in the Journal. The clerk will read any other communications in her possession.
The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for a motion.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit immediate consideration of resolutions at their time of introduction. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit immediate consideration of all resolutions at the time of their introduction. All in favor of the motion will indicate by saying aye. Those opposed, nay? The ayes have it and the motion has been carried. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
The Chair INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. This morning, I have one resolution on your behalf.
The clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia deeds located in the 1st, 36th, 40th and 48th wards of the City of Philadelphia.
Madam President, I move the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed, nay? INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS The ayes have it and the resolution has been adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen.
The Chair thanks the Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano.
Madam President, I have no bills or resolutions today.
The Chair thanks you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS
The clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia deeds located in the 11th, 13th and 22nd wards 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 those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the resolution has been adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter.
Thank you, Madam INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS President. I offer one resolution.
The clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution commending the American Cancer Society on the occasion of its 25th Annual Great American Smokeout.
Madam President, I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed, nay? The ayes have it and the resolution has been adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Good morning. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS
The clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed, nay? The ayes have it and the resolution has been adopted. The clerk will please read the title of the second resolution.
A resolution declaring October 2000 as "Domestic Violence Awareness Month." INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed, nay? The ayes have it and the resolution has been adopted.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ortiz.
Madam Chair, I have one resolution on behalf of Councilwoman Tasco, Councilman Kenney and Councilwoman Miller and myself. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS
Thank you. The clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution authorizing City Council's Committee on Public Health and Human Services to hold an immediate joint committee hearing to investigate the quality levels of drinking water that the City's school children are exposed to throughout the School District of Philadelphia in order to ensure children and the general public are safe from any toxic threat to their health.
This resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer one bill and one resolution.
The clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution recognizing the legacy of William Penn on the anniversary of his birthday, October 24th. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS
Madam President, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed, nay? The ayes have it and the resolution has been adopted. The clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Title 14 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by amending Chapter 14-1800, entitled "Zoning Boards," by amending appeals to the court by amending language regarding the appeals, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS And the Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Thank you, Madam President. I have two resolutions today.
The clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Cecil B. Avenue Urban Renewal Area designated as parcel no.'s 29 through 53.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS Those opposed, nay. The ayes have it and the resolution has been adopted. The clerk will please read the title of the second resolution.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and delivery to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia a deed located in the 47th ward of the City of Philadelphia.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed, nay? The ayes have it and the resolution has been adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS Longstreth.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo. Councilman, do you have any bills or resolutions?
The next order of business will be reports from committees. The Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano for a report from the Committee on Licenses and Inspections.
Madam President, thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Licenses and Inspections reports out two bills with favorable recommendations.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of COMMITTEE REPORT Philadelphia, the Committee on Licenses and Inspections, to which was referred Bill No. 000103, an ordinance amending Chapter 10-100 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Animals," by amending Section 10-105, entitled "Animals Committing Nuisances," by expanding the section to include nuisances committed upon private property of the owner and animal noises which cause unreasonable annoyance, disturbance or discomfort to a person or persons; And Bill No. 000404, an ordinance amending Subcode "PM" of Title 4 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Philadelphia Property Maintenance Code," by amending Section PM-306.0, which requires owners of vacant buildings to prevent unauthorized securing or sealing doors, windows, or other entrances and openings to the building, by providing that a separate penalty may be imposed for each such entrance or opening that the owner has failed to secure after notice has been issued, all under certain terms and conditions Respectfully reports that it has considered and amended the same and returns the COMMITTEE REPORT attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Madam President, I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No.'s 000103 and 000404.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended in order to permit first reading of Bill No.'s 000103 and 000404 on today's calendar. All those in favor will indicate by saying aye. Those opposed, nay? The ayes have it and Bill No.'s 000103 and 000404 will be placed on today's first-reading calendar.
The next CALENDAR CONSIDERATION order of business is the consideration of the calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Oh, I'm sorry. We do have two first readings. The clerk will please read Bill No. 000103.
Bill No. 000103, an ordinance amending Chapter 10-100 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Animals," by amending Section 10-105, entitled "Animals Committing Nuisances," by expanding the section to include nuisances committed upon private property of the owner and animal noises which cause unreasonable annoyance, disturbance or discomfort to a person or persons.
And Bill No. 000404, an ordinance amending Subcode "PM" of Title 4 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Philadelphia Property Maintenance Code," by amending Section PM-306.0, which requires owners of vacant buildings to prevent unauthorized securing or sealing doors, CALENDAR CONSIDERATION windows, or other entrances and openings to the building, by providing that a separate penalty may be imposed for each such entrance or opening that the owner has failed to secure after notice has been issued, all under certain terms and conditions.
The Chair agrees. The bills read by the clerk will be placed on the second-reading and final-passage calendar for our next session. That concludes the first-reading calendar.
And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for the purpose of calling up bills on the second-reading and final-passage calendar to be considered today.
Thank you, Madam President. Today, Bill No. 000535 is being called up for second reading and final passage. All other bills (Bills 000314 and 000064) are being held.
Thank you. SECOND READING - BILL 000535 The clerk will please read the title of Bill 000535.
An ordinance authorizing the creation of a loan or loans to provide funds for and toward various capital municipal purposes; authorizing the Mayor, City Controller, or a majority of them to sell bonds at public private negotiated sale; setting forth the capital purposes and the amounts for which the proceeds of the loan or loans will be expended; providing for the maturities and for other terms and conditions and for the form of the bonds; providing that certain bonds may be redeemable prior to maturity; providing sinking funds for the bonds and for appropriations to the Sinking Fund Commission for the payment thereof; authorizing agreements to provide credit or payment or liquidity sources for the bonds and certain other actions; providing for obtaining the consent of the electors to increasing the indebtedness of the City of Philadelphia; fixing a day for holding the election for obtaining such consent and providing for the arrangements for holding such election.
This bill SECOND READING - BILL 000535 having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass final? The clerk will please call the properly.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. This concludes our calendar for today.
Are there any speeches on the part of the Minority? (No speeches on the part of the SPEECHES Minority.)
Are there any speeches on the part of the Majority? The Chair recognizes Councilman Ortiz.
Madam President, I want to speak about the item today in the Daily News, the story by Mark McDonald as to the medical treatment that a young man was subjected to, or lack thereof, when he was arrested, Jose Santiago. He had had that experience before with the criminal justice system. He was a diabetic. He was arrested and given some treatment at the Round House and then transferred to Curran Fromhold, where he suffered several attacks from the lack of insulin. It just so happens that the company that we have in the prison system and the company that we have at Curran Fromhold is one of those companies that we contracted with because it was going to save us money. We privatized the health system of our prisons. Well, it just so happens that, according to the Santiago story, that the health care services at Curran Fromhold had not given him his insulin shots and he died. And he SPEECHES didn't commit suicide; he was just not given medical assistance. Now, he had not been convicted of any crime; he had just been arrested. And he was in Fromhold because he's poor and he could not afford bail. And that was a sentence of death. And the company that we have hired from out of state to provide services to those individuals that per chance may land in jail -- it isn't only individuals that were arrested at the Republican Convention that received mistreatment; mistreatment is the norm in our prison system, and we see it with this case of Jose Santiago. I think we should look into it. I think we should look into who we give contracts to and the Health Department and what companies and what services they provide. This death is no accident; this death is just negligence, and we have to be responsible and look to see who's at fault. Thank you.
Thank you, Councilman. Are there any other speeches on the ADJOURNMENT part of the Majority? (No further speeches.)
There being none, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Madam President, I move that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, October the 12th, 2000.
It has been moved and seconded that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, October 12, 2000. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed, nay? The ayes have it and Council will stand adjourned until Thursday, October 12, 2000. Thank you. (Adjourned at 10:40 a.m.) C E R T I F I C A T E I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing proceedings of the Council of the City of Philadelphia of Thursday, October 5 2000, were reported fully and accurately by me, and that this is a correct transcript of same. RE: STATED MEETING __________________________________, JOSEPHINE CARDILLO, Registered Professional Reporter