COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 696, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, February 13, 2003 10:40 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILMAN FRANK J. DI CICCO COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN JAMES F. KENNEY COUNCILWOMAN JOAN L. KRAJEWSKI COUNCILMAN RICHARD T. MARIANO COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER COUNCILMAN MICHAEL A. NUTTER COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILMAN ANGEL L. ORTIZ COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO PATRICIA RAFFERTY, CHIEF CLERK V A R A L L O, INCORPORATED LITIGATION SUPPORT SERVICES Eleven Penn Center 1835 Market Street, Suite 600 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103
Good morning, everyone. 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. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair welcomes Father William Gavan, Pastor of old St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church. Father Gavan is here today as the guest of Councilman DiCicco. And, Father, I do apologize for letting you wait, but we did have other business to conduct. Everyone, please stand.
Let us just pause for a moment in the presence of our God, realizing that we do walk in his presence all the time, but being very conscious at this meeting that God is with us. Eternal God, creator of all, these men and women are about to begin this meeting. May they be aware that without your devine presence and guidance at the center of their meetings and within themselves that their work will be empty of lasting meaning, mere fire and smoke rather than the good you and they wish to accomplish. Let them remember that in their wisdom our forefather created a truly of government because they believed that wisdom belonged to the people and not exclusively to the elite. Guide this Council that they act not for the benefit of a few, but for the good for the many. May the common good be their guide rather than the good of any special interest. Bless them with your gifts wisdom, courage, and integrity. May they forsake personal gain for the good of the people in Philadelphia. Bless them with vision, humor, and humility. These are gifted people. We thank you for them. And we ask that you continue to bless them with the gifts they need in your service. May the God of all creation be with you. Amen.
The Chair thanks Father Gavan 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, February 6, 2003. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, February 6, 2003, stand approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, December 6, 2003, stand approved. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, February 6, 2003, has been approved. The next order of business is requests for leaves of absence. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. This morning a leave of absence is and for Councilwoman Tasco.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. Leave will be granted. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Madam President, on behalf of the republicans, leave of absence is requested for Thacher Longstreth.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. Leave will be granted. The Chair will dispense with the regular order of business to recognize the guests and visitors joining us in Chambers this morning. On behalf of all Members of City Council, I welcome you to our Council Session today. 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 next order of business is communications. The Chair recognizes the Sergeant-at-Arms for the purpose of delivering messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. The Clerk will please read the messages
To the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia. I am pleased to advise you that on February 12, 2003, I signed the following bill that was passed by Council at its Session on February 6, 2003: Bill No. 020761A. And I am transmitting herewith for the induction and consideration of your Honorable Body a proposed ordinance entitled, an ordinance authorizing the creation of a loan or loans to provide funds for and toward various capital municipal purposes and fixing a date for holding the election of obtaining such consent and providing for the arrangements for holding such election. And an ordinance declaring that it is desirable for health, safety, and welfare of the people in the area served by Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and its affiliates for the Hospitals in Higher Education Facilities Authority of Philadelphia to participate with the hospital in the refinancing or reconstruction of certain outstanding indebtedness.
The messages AND RESOLUTIONS will be printed in the Journal. The Clerk will please read any other communications in her possession.
Thank you. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
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 resolutions at the time of introduction. All in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Madam President. On behalf of myself and Councilwoman Krajewski, I offer one resolution. On behalf of myself, the Council President, and Councilman Cohen I offer a second resolution which I would like to speak on at the appropriate time.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution declaring February 14th, 2003, as Fire Fighters Recognition Day.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
The ayes have it, and the motion carries. The Clerk will please read the title of the second resolution.
A resolution calling Mayor John F. Street to urgently convene a conference of City Council and the Philadelphia Congressional Delegation, including our two US Senators, to ask Attorney General John Ascroft to grant temporary protective status to 3,000 to 5,000 Indonesian refugees living in Philadelphia and to authorize the Council Committee on Law and Government to hold hearings to investigate the problems faced by this group and obtaining legal status as citizens.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Madam President. From the time of this country's inception, from the pilgrims through the Irish Catholics who came because of bad policy and because of starvation to European Jews who ran from Nazi terror and many other groups throughout the country's history have fled their native lands AND RESOLUTIONS because of the persecution of others, because simply of their religion. We have a group of people here who are living in South Philadelphia. And I'd like them to stand up while I speak. They're also with Father Astanto Oti (ph) from St. Thomas Aquinas which is in Council President's district. They've come to country under terrible circumstances. These people who lived in Indonesia, predominately Catholic and many other Christian groups were business people, were middle class people who worked hard and abided by God's rule. Because of their religion, they were persecuted, terrorized, and chased out of their country. And they came to these shores because this is what this country is all about. This is the country that has sheltered people for generation when they are persecuted for religion or politics or the color their skin or anything else. And what we're asking is the Attorney General of the United States, along with -we're asking our Congressional Delegation to interface with the Attorney General to grant this temporary status so they are protected. They have made in a short time in South Philadelphia and in other parts of this City a tremendous contribution AND RESOLUTIONS to our economy, to our neighborhood life, and they've begun to build neighborhoods back in areas of South Philadelphia where neighborhoods were lacking. So I just wanted to recognize them today, thank them for coming to this country and pledge to them that we will do our best as Council to protect their rights as Americans, would-be Americans, future Americans, and as American citizens. I think that the people standing here represent what this country is all about, and we have to stand to protect them. So I ask approval of this resolution, and I make that motion. Thank you, Madam President. (Duly seconded.) (Applause.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
Councilman Kenney, is the request to refer this to the appropriate committee?
Yes, Madam. AND RESOLUTIONS Councilman Cohen who staff drafted the resolution is asking for sending it to the Committee on Law and Government so that an appropriate hearing can be had. And I thank Councilman Cohen's staff for this diligent work on this resolution.
Thank you. The resolution will be referred to the Committee on Law and Government. At this time the Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano.
Thank you, Madam President. I want to take this time to introduce a very special guest. He's going to kill me for doing this. But I have my 17-year-old son here with me. Vincent, stand up, be embarrassed. (Applause.)
Thank you. He's 12th grader at Frankford High School. I've got to go through this every week; he can do this once. Thank you.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Madam AND RESOLUTIONS President, this morning I introduce one bill.
The Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
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, and City Solicitor or a majority of them to sell bonds at a public or private negotiated sale.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Madam President, I AND RESOLUTIONS offer one resolution on behalf of Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
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 motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer two bills and one resolution. AND RESOLUTIONS
The Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance amending Title 17 of the Philadelphia Code entitled, "Contracts and Procurement," by adding a new Section17-109 entitled, "Local Bidding Preferences," providing for the establishment of a bidding preference on City contracts for Philadelphia businesses.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to establish that a bid preference can be allowed in the awarding of a public contract to Philadelphia firms.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to establish that a bid preference can be allowed in the awarding of public contracts to Philadelphia AND RESOLUTIONS firms.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution honoring the Philadelphia Museum of Art on the occasion of the Degas in Dance exhibit.
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 motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ortiz.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer one bill and one resolution.
The Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance declaring that it is desirable for the health, safety, and welfare of the people in the area served by Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals and affiliates for the Hospitals in Higher Education Authority of Philadelphia to participate with the hospital in the refinancing or restructuring of certain outstanding indebtedness of the hospital. AND RESOLUTIONS
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. 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 deeds located in the 1st, 5th, 31st, 39th and 45th Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
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 signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill. AND RESOLUTIONS
The Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance amending Title 14 of the Philadelphia Coded entitled, Zoning and Planning," by amending Chapter 14-200 entitled, "Residential Districts," by amending use regulations in certain residential districts and by making certain technical amendments, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance to authorize the Water Commissioner on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to enter into agreements with the owners of the properties and their successors of a private street known as Blakestone Lane from Frankford Avenue to a dead-end approximately 358 feet.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Thank you, Madam AND RESOLUTIONS President. I have one bill.
The Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance authorizing the installing of all-way stop signs at the intersection of 13th Street and Brown Street.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution recognizing and congratulating Beneficial Savings Bank upon the celebrating of its 150 anniversary.
Madam President, I move for the adoption of this resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the motion carries. Our next item of business is reports from committees. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney for a report from the Committee on Public Property.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Public Property and Public Works reports three bills out with favorable recommendations.
To the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Public Property to which was referred Bill No. 020759 entitled, an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to enter to a lease with the Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania, under certain terms conditions; And Bill 020814 entitled, an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to grant to each of the respective owners of 901, 903, 905 Jennifer Terrace an easement across a portion of a parcel of land known at 8582 Bloomfield Avenue; And Bill NO. 030025 entitled, an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to accept from the School District of Philadelphia conveyance of a title to a certain parcel of land located at 11th and Venango Streets, formerly the site of Richard Wright Elementary School, under certain terms and conditions; Respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Madam President, I move the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bills No. 020759, 020814, 030025. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 020759, 020814, and 030025. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the bills just read will be placed on today's First Reading Calendar. That concludes reports from committees. Our next business is the consideration of the Calendar. The Clerk will please read the bills on the First Reading Calendar.
Bill No. 020732 entitled, an ordinance amending Title 4 of the Philadelphia Code, Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code, Subcode PM, by adding provisions relating the maintenance of exterior property areas.
Bill 020759, an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to enter into a lease with the Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania certain parcels of ground located at 2208 West Indiana Avenue, 2933 to 53 Croskey Street and a portion of 2942 to 50 North 22nd Street.
And Bill No. 020814, entitled an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to grant to each of the respective owners 901, 903, and 905 Jennifer Terrace an easement across a portion of a certain parcel of land known as 8582 Bloomfield Avenue.
And Bill No 030025, an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to accept from the School District of Philadelphia conveyance of a title to a certain parcel of land located at 11th and Venango Streets, formerly the 2/13/03 - STATED - 2ND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE site of Richard Wright Elementary School, 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. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for the purpose of calling up bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar.
Thank you, Madam President. Today Bill Nos. 020808AA, 020496A, 020649, 020689, 020733, 020811, 020812, 020437, 020815, 020822, 020825, and 030011 are being called up for second reading and final passage. All other bills are being held.
Councilwoman, on I believe you called 020689. Councilman Clarke, I believe that's your bill. It was indicated that it was a hold. You want it held?
That's 020649, 2/13/03 - STATED - 2ND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE Madam President?
Thank you. The first bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 020808AA.
An ordinance extending the discount period and the due date for payment of real estate taxes due in 2003, and enacting special provisions for addition to tax penalties and if such real estate taxes are paid after the due date, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally? The Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. 2/13/03 - STATED - 2ND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE
Aye. The ayes are 14, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 020496A.
An ordinance amending Section 9-205 of the Philadelphia Code entitled sidewalk sales by prohibiting sidewalk sales on portions of 18th Street and Callowhill Street.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally? The Clerk will please call the roll.
Councilman Kenney. 2/13/03 - STATED - 2ND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE
Aye. The ayes are 14, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill being called for consideration is Bill No. 020649. 2/13/03 - STATED - 2ND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE
An Ordinance to amend the Philadelphia zoning maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Norris Street, Broad Street, Diamond Street, and 15th street.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally? The Clerk will please call the roll.
Councilwoman Miller. 2/13/03 - STATED - 2ND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE
Aye. The ayes are 14, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 020733.
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia zoning maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area generally bounded by Annsbury Street, H Street, Ramona Street and G Street.
This bill 2/13/03 - STATED - 2ND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally? The Clerk will please call the roll.
Councilman Ortiz. 2/13/03 - STATED - 2ND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE
Aye. The ayes are 14, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill being called for consideration is Bill No. 020811.
An ordinance approving the redevelopment proposal of the Redevelopment Authority Philadelphia for the redevelopment of the Kingsessing Urban Renewal Area, and declaring the redevelopment undertakings in the project to be an important part of the City's program to remove and prevent the spread of urban blight.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally? The Clerk will please call the roll.
Councilwoman Blackwell. 2/13/03 - STATED - 2ND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE
Councilman Rizzo. 2/13/03 - STATED - 2ND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE
Aye. The ayes are 14, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill being called for consideration is Bill No. 020812.
An ordinance approving redevelopment proposal of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment of the Logan Urban Renewal Area, and declaring the redevelopment undertakings in the project to be an important part of the City's program to remove and prevent the spread of urban blight.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally? The Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. 2/13/03 - STATED - 2ND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE The ayes are 14, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. We will now consider Bill No. 020437.
An ordinance amending Chapter 12-400 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Right-of-Way Regulations and Penalties," by increasing the penalty for violations of Section 12-407 designated by ordinance "Don't Block The Box" intersections, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally? The Clerk will please call the roll.
Councilman Kenney. 2/13/03 - STATED - 2ND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE
Aye. The ayes are 14, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration 020815. 2/13/03 - STATED - 2ND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE
An ordinance authorizing Tenet HealthSystems Hahnemann, owner of the property known as Hahnemann University Hospital, Broad and Vine Streets, to construct, own, and maintain 11 precast concrete planters, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally? The Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. 2/13/03 - STATED - 2ND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE
Aye. The ayes are 14, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 020822.
An ordinance authorizing the Business Association of West Parkside to construct, own, and maintain various encroachments between Belmont Avenue and Parkside Avenue, all under certain terms and conditions. 2/13/03 - STATED - 2ND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally? The Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. 2/13/03 - STATED - 2ND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE
Aye. The ayes are 14, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 020825.
An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 27S, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally? The Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. 2/13/03 - STATED - 2ND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE The ayes are 14, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The final bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 030011.
An ordinance authorizing Lawrence Goldfarb and Gerda Paumgarten of 630 West Cliveden Street, owners of the property 8605 Navajo Street, also known as 310 Rex Avenue, to construct and maintain a privately owned water main, storm water, and sanitary sewers, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally? The Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 14, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. Are there any speeches on the part of minority? (No response.)
Are there speeches on the part of the majority? The Chair recognizes Councilman Ortiz.
Thank you, Madam Chair. Last week I spoke about some bigots from Berks County and their attitudes towards Puerto Ricans and people of Spanish-speaking descent. Today and this week we have a visitor from Australia, a person that really prides himself or herself in really not being American and being a very provincial person. And she is in a theater here, and I'm asking the people from Philadelphia and the surrounding area not to go to this show. It is Dame Edna. She has a column on national magazine Vanity Fair. And actually, my daughter called me from California and told me to read this article. She has a column in there in which she gives advice. And somebody wrote to her asking advice as to whether he should learn Spanish. This is her response: "Dear Torn, forget Spanish. There is nothing in that language worth reading except Don Quixote, just a minor piece of work, and a quick of Man of La Mancha will take care of that. There was a poet named Garcia Lorca, but I would leave him on the intellectual back burner if I were you. As for everyone speaking it, what waddle. Who speaks it that you are really desperate to talk to? The help? Your leaf blower? The kitchen help? Study French or German where there are at least a few books worth reading. Or if you're American, try English." The tragedy of it is that the cover of that magazine that month had on the cover Selma Hyatt, a Mexican, gorgeous woman, very talented and a Oscar nominee for her portrayal of Freda Carlo who was the mistress and wife of probably one of the greatest painters our world has ever know, Diego Rivera. And obviously, this lady, she is or him -- I think it is a him, does not understand who, obviously, he is or was. To make fun and to put these statements forward of a population of this country of over 37 million people, and by the time that this century is a few decades older, probably a hundred million Latinos in this country or people who speak Spanish. But after all, it was not a Frenchman or a German ocean to settle this continent. They were people from Spain, they were sailors sailors from Spain. To ignore the contributions, the art work, painters, and they're so numerous to mention but obviously she never saw a painting by Picasso and she never read the book of poetry of Garcia Lorca, a poet in New York. If she read the poems of Garcia Lorca of his experience in New York in the 1920s when he was a Columbia University student, she would know that as a poet and a writer he is not somebody in the intellectual back burner. Garcia Lorca died very young. He died when he was shot by fascists during the Spanish American War, a war that was used by Hitler and Mussolini to practice the tactics that they later on used against Poland, France, and the rest of Europe. Obviously, Dame Edna who comes from Australia, a country that has had a policy ever since England decided to use it as one of a prison camp of eliminating the Aborigines and the native folks that live there, a people that really does not, in that respect, do not begin to understand the culture and society of the Aborigines until a few years ago, still does not understand that what America is all about; that we are what Jim Kenney spoke about, a nation of immigrants, multicultural multi-language, and very proud of that. And I believe that Philadelphians and those people that are around the surrounding area should not go to this theater production of a bigoted individual and we should send a message to her or to him that bigots are not loved back in Philadelphia. Thank you, Madam Chair.
You're welcome. Are there any other speeches on the part of the majority? (No response.)
Seeing none, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for a motion to adjourn.
Thank you, Madam President. I make a motion this Council stands adjourned until Thursday, February 20, 2003, at 10 o'clock a.m. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that Council stands adjourned until Thursday, February 20, 2003. say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the motion carries. Thank you. (Council adjourned at 11:20 a.m.) C E R T I F I C A T I O N I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing proceedings of the Council of the City of Philadelphia of February 13, 2003, were reported fully and accurately by me, and that this is a correct transcript of the same. RE: STATED MEETING ___________________________ Lisa C. Bradley, RPR and Notary Public