Aye. The ayes are 16; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. We will now consider Bill No. 090581.
An ordinance amending Chapter 9-400 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Carriers," by adding a new Section 9-410, entitled "Pedicabs," to provide for the licensing and regulation of businesses operating Pedicabs for hire.
Thank you, Madam President. The amendment has been circulated, and I move that the bill be amended. 11/5/09 - STATED - 2ND READING (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the amendment be adopted. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, at this time I would like to introduce the ordinance.
An ordinance amending Section 17-109 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Local Bidding Preferences," by amending the process by which local bidding preferences are awarded, under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. Are there speeches on the part of the minority? (No response.)
Are there speeches on the part of the majority? The Chair recognizes Councilman Green.
Thank you, Madam President. I just want to commend the Philadelphia Phillies for what they're doing -- for getting into the in a row. It hasn't happened since 1975 and '76, and I think that was the Reds. We should all be very proud of our team even though we're disappointed in the result. I'd also like to thank the Transport Workers Union and Willie Brown for recognizing that it would have been very bad for the City of Philadelphia to have had a transit strike during the World Series, and I thank them for holding it off, and I urge SEPTA and the union to resolve this as quickly as possible. Thank you, Madam President.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Madam President. June 22nd, 2009 two of Washington, DC's metro rails crashed, leaving nine people dead. Yesterday at approximately 7:00 a.m. SEPTA's R-5 train shortly after leaving the Overbrook Station. I live five blocks from that location and could see black clouds of smoke coming from there. In the face of some very difficult negotiations, I witnessed transportation workers and management work very professionally together to resolve a potentially catastrophe of the size we have never seen. I would like to commend Deputy Mayor Everett Gillison, Deputy Managing Director Mary Tierney from the Office of Emergency Management for the actions they took to divert that catastrophe. It was amazing to see over 500 commuters evacuated safely and in an orderly manner and then just watch the School District provide buses to get them out of harm's way. Everyone should be commended for a total team effort. The incident in Washington, DC was an unfortunate tragedy, and I am grateful that yesterday was not a repeat of that catastrophe. accidental based on probably some 1964-year built trains, and it says that we need to modernize our fleet, but I am glad that when all eyes were watching the drama between SEPTA and its union, that despite any of that, they handled this situation professionally. We often point out in this Council and in the media what goes wrong. We also need to point out when we get it right, and we need to commend the operators of that train for doing their jobs in a professional manner. Thank you, Madam President.
You're welcome. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. Over $400 billion are distributed annually to states and cities for the provision of services. The primary source, Madam President, for this the determination on that distribution is the census. On Tuesday, November 10th, Mayor Nutter and you, Madam President, serving as the Honorary Chair and members of this Council are invited to join Mayor Nutter Tuesday, the 10th at 11:30 a.m. for the kickoff of Philly Counts in the Mayor's Reception Room. Each one of us is being invited to serve on this Honorary Committee, as it will be important that we do all we can to ensure that every single citizen is counted in the upcoming 2010 census. I thank you, Madam President. We invite all members of Council to join you and the Mayor, again, on Tuesday, November 10th, 11:30 a.m. in the Mayor's Reception Room.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Madam President. I'd just like to thank all of the individuals who came out to vote on Election Day in spite of the obstacles that they woke up to that Tuesday morning. Many people exercised their right to vote and paid their civic dues on Tuesday. We have a lot of work to do to educate people about the importance of the DA's race and the Controller's race and certainly about the judicial races. The turnout was low. It might have been better had we not had the strike, but to those who came out, we appreciate it and I wanted to thank them. Thank you.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. We again, as we try to do, have the Prescription bus table in the hallway today. We also certainly thank those who have sent their condolences for the late Lester Brown, and as soon as Council is over, we will be leaving to attend his services. But we remind those who are able to this afternoon, we certainly invite you to have a little lunch if you're free, anywhere o'clock, o'clock at City Committee. And, again, we say thank you for your well wishes and prayers for his family during this time of sorrow. Thank you.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke for a motion to adjourn.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, November 19th, 2009, 10:00 a.m. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and seconded that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, November 19th, 2009 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 11:15 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 November 5, 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.)