COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 401, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, October 12, 2000 10:10 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILMAN DAVID COHEN COUNCILMAN FRANK J. DI CICCO COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN JAMES F. KENNEY COUNCILWOMAN JOAN L. KRAJEWSKI COUNCILMAN W. THACHER LONGSTRETH COUNCILMAN RICHARD T. MARIANO COUNCILMAN MICHAEL A. NUTTER COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL 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 1835 Market Street, Suite 600 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103 INVOCATION
I note that the hour has come and that a quorum of this Council is present. Council will come to order. Members will take their seats, and visitors will retire to the seats outside the rails. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair welcomes Father John Paul, Pastor of Our Lady of Calvary Roman Catholic Church. He is here today as the guest of Councilman O'Neill. All members and guests will please rise.
Good morning. The name is Father John Paul. Paul is family name. Everybody thought I was really important because I got the pope, but I'm not the pope. (Laughter.)
A little levity might be good before I say my prayer. Just to introduce myself, I was first ordained and gave one of my first sermons. I was very nervous. I came back and I asked the pastor how I did. He said, "Well, you're a very warm preacher." I said, "What do you mean by warm? He said, "Well, there's a dictionary. Go look it up." INVOCATION So I looked it up and found out that the word "warm" means not so hot. So the next Sunday I went out -- of course, this is 30 years ago, 25 years ago when I was first ordained, and I loved Bishop Shean. He was one of the famous TV preachers. And I went out there and I imitated one of his sermons perfectly. I came back afterwards and I saw the pastor and I said, "How did I do?" He said, "Well you're a model preacher." I said, "What do you mean by model?" He said, "Well, look it up in the dictionary." So I went and looked it up in the dictionary, and the word "model" means a small imitation of the real thing. So the next sunday I was a little more relaxed by that point, and I gave what I thought was a decent sermon. And I came back in the sacristy afterwards and this little second grader came up and said, "Father, my mom and dad like your sermons, but they say you have a mellow voice." I said, "What do you mean by mellow?" The little kid looked up at me and said, INVOCATION "Look it up in the dictionary." So I went over and found out that the word "mellow" means overripe and almost rotten. (Laughter.)
So I present myself as a warm model preacher with a mellow voice. (Laughter.)
Let's bow our heads and ask for God's blessing. Dear God, we're many neighborhoods, backgrounds, traditions, and personalities. You form us as Members of City Council to work together for the good our City, the good for all the people in our City. We ask you to help us understand our differences, to respect one another, to be willing to work together for the common good. Expand our minds and enliven our hearts. Give us the gifts of wisdom and understanding. Help us to be able to smile at each other and smile at ourselves to continue to work and move forward for the good of all. We ask you to send forth and send down your holy angel from heaven to watch over, to cherish, to protect, to abide with, and to defend all who dwell here. We ask all of this through our Lord and APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL Savior. God bless.
The chair thanks Father John Paul for his inspiring invocation. Father, we certainly enjoyed your humor, too. (Council at ease.)
The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, October 5, 2000. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Journal of Thursday, October 5th be approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, October 5, 2000, stand approved. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed, nay. The ayes have it. The motion carries. The Journal of Thursday, October 5, 2000, is approved. The next order of business is requests LEAVES OF ABSENCE for leave of absence, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. This morning we request a leave of absence for Councilwoman Miller.
Leave will be granted. 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 the guests and visitors joining us in our Chambers this morning. On behalf of all Members of City Council, I welcome you to our counsel 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 make a presentation honoring the South Philadelphia High School Alumni PRESENTATIONS Association. Will Mr. Bill Esher and those accompanying him please join Councilman DiCicco at the podium.
Thank you, Madam President. It gives me great pleasure to read this resolution, even though I am an alumni of the former Southeast East Catholic and Bishop Newman, which is now St. John Newman. And although we probably beat Southern more times than you'd care to know in the annual Thanksgiving football game, it is my pleasure to be here today. Southern High is really a great institution and we are pleased to recognize you today. A resolution honoring the South Philadelphia High School Alumni Association. Whereas, with the first graduating class of Southern High School of 1910, the Alumni Association was born. In those early days, there were actually two separate entities, since the school itself was divided between the girl and boys. PRESENTATIONS By the early 1940s the associations had merged and a strong tradition of history, generosity, and dedication had begun in ernest; and Whereas, in 1950, a few of the members chipped in money to help a graduating senior with tuition. Thus was born the now well-established scholarship fund. In the ensuing years, awards, trophies, and memorabilia have earned a permanent place in the school, but the heart and soul of the Alumni Association has become its scholarship fund, now valued at over a half million dollars. Since 1990 alone the alumni has granted in excess $300,000 to various institutions in the name of specific students, and on average over the last 10 years, $30,000 has been administered to each graduating class; and.
Whereas, through the annual awards banquet and mid-week luncheon, general fund-raising efforts and the generosity of alumni and alumnae, the fund has grown and prospered. This year the association's 90th anniversary will also be marked by an all-class reunion 2000, sure to attract members of the Southern family from all over America; now, therefore PRESENTATIONS
Resolved that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Mr. Bill Esher, Class of 1946, and president of the South Philadelphia High School Alumni Association as evidence of this respect and sincere admiration of this legislative body. Certification this is a true and correct copy of the original resolution adopted by the Council of the City of Philadelphia on the 28th day of September, the year 2000. Signed by the President of City Council, Anna C. Verna; introduced by myself and the President of City Council; and sponsored by all members of City Council of Philadelphia. Congratulations, and keep up the good work. (Applause.)
Gee, Frank, coming from a guy who went to South Catholic, that wasn't a bad speech. (Laughter.)
We have to get our digs in PRESENTATIONS because they get their digs on us on Thanksgiving Day. But the word "Southern," people ask me why do we get the nickname Southern. I have to tell you this because it's so important. When the Board of Education back in those days decided to have a school in South Philadelphia, they called it the Southern Manual Training High School, simply because they didn't think that the immigrants that were coming into South Philly could really be academically minded. Well, after three years with a lot of scholarships being given to the University of Penn and Temple and Drexel by the kids that were there, they decided we have to call it South Philadelphia High School, not Southern Manual Training High School. It was really a trade school in the beginning. It's such a great honor for us to be here and to tell you that this 90th birthday -- we were going to shoot for a hundred, but I'm 72 years old; I ain't going to make it. But anyway, we have people coming from all over the world, Nick Grecco (ph) who is the president of the class of 1960. He's flying all the way in from Geneva, PRESENTATIONS Switzerland. Jimmy Paglia (ph) is teaching in South Africa. He's flying in from South Africa. They're coming in from all over. And hopefully, some of our show business personalities will be there, too. So, again, thank you for honoring us. And if you have any extra money, we could use it in the scholarship fund. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
Thank you, Mr. Esher. I think we have to get those funds in before we do campaign finance reform. (Laughter.)
South Philadelphia High is very proud to have many graduates who have succeeded in all various forms of life, doctors lawyers. Many of these folks were children of immigrants, many of them came from Italy, Ireland, Poland, et cetera. And we have with us day one of the alumni, a very prominent judge in the City of Philadelphia. I think he's now a retired judge, maybe sitting in senior status, but he's with us today and he would like to say a few words, the Honorable Charles Mirarchi.
I'd like to commend City PRESENTATIONS Council for recognizing South Philadelphia High School. Of course, at the time when I went, it was South Philadelphia High School for Boys, and the girls had an indivisible dividing line on the other side of the hallway. But now it's all one. It's great. The education that we received was far superior that what we could have gotten any other place in any other private school. The public school -- we're a testament to that fact and we want to give credit where credit is due, South Philadelphia High School. Thank you. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds-Brown who will make a presentation honoring the d'Zert Club. Will Helen Giddiens, Esquire, and those accompanying her please come and join the Councilwoman at the podium.
While we are waiting for our young people to join us, I'd like to call to the attention of my colleagues a PRESENTATIONS yellow folder that is at your desk which gives you some background information on this wonderful, wonderful program for young people. And pay particular attention to the breakdown of young people from your particular councilmatic district that have been served well by this program. I would be remiss not to mention that Councilwoman Donna Reed-Miller is the co-sponsor of this. And in her absence, my colleague co-chair of the Freshman Caucus, Councilman W. Wilson Goode, will join us in saluting this wonderful program. Today we are honoring and commending d'Zert Club for their work with youth through Team Summit 1000. And d'Zert is spelled small D hyphen Z-E-R-T. Whereas, d'Zert Club was founded in 1992 by entertainment attorney Helen McCrary Giddiens with the help of Philip A. Sudiman (ph) and DJ Jazzy Jeff Townes; and Whereas, during its history, the d'Zert Club has specialized in producing positive entertainment and cultural events for elementary, middle, and high school students; and Whereas, through the hard work of PRESENTATIONS Attorney McCrary Giddiens and General Manager Salu Hodin (ph), d'Zert has grown to over 25,000 members, making it the world's largest and fastest growing African-American youth organization of its kind; and Whereas, in 1997 d'Zert Club launched Teen Summit 1000, a two-year educational and cultural program for African-American youth which helps them develop an understanding and awareness of the African experience in America; and Whereas, after completing two full years of learning through classes, seminars, and field trips and provided that they maintain at least a C average in school, the students are rewarded with an all expense paid trip to the motherland of Africa. (Applause.)
And; whereas, students have traveled to Senegal, Gambia, Ghana, and Egypt due their participation in Teen Summit 1000; and Whereas, most of the youth who participated in the program would never have the opportunity to visit these historic countries and immerse themselves in a culture of their ancestors if the Teen Summit 1000 program did not exist; and PRESENTATIONS Whereas, d'Zert club through the Teen Summit 1000 program truly lives up to its motto: It is better to build a child than to repair an adult. Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Council of the City of Philadelphia we hereby honor and commend d'Zert Club for their work with youth through Teen Summit 1000. Further resolved that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to representatives of d'Zert Club as evidence of the sincere admiration of this legislative body.
Certified, of course, signed by the President of City Council, Anna C. Verna, and supported by every member of this legislative body. (Applause.)
Thank you, and good morning. Recently I had the opportunity to sit at the feet of the great africologist and historian Dr. Ivan Van Sertima (ph). He lectured on debunking the Columbus myth. But he also said that the point of his works were to merely advise the world that no PRESENTATIONS one people created everything, that no one people discovered everything, but that we have all participated in the creation and development of mankind. That, too, is our mission or our mandate to teach our children, if you will. We at the d'Zert Club through our Teen Summit 1000 program merely want to let our youth know that they, too, have participated in the development of mankind, that they come from a mighty race of people whose achievements have molded and shaped the fabric of mankind for thousands of centuries. How? By providing them with 24 months of curriculum that teaches them their history by taking them on field trips throughout the United States to teach them their history, and finally, free of charge, we take them to Africa where they can see it for themselves. Some of these young people have stood at the greatest monuments the world has ever seen: The pyramids, the sphinx. They have danced on the sands at the shores of the Nile, while others have sat with the kings of the Asante nations and stood within the walls of the dungeons that held our ancestors before passing them through the door of no return into the diaspora. All have experienced the PRESENTATIONS greatness and splendor of their people and, therefore, they have been changed forever. We'd like to thank you, City Council, for recognizing this great achievement. We'd like to thank Councilpersons Donna Reed-Miller and Blondell Reynolds-Brown for supporting this effort. Let this not be the end, but hopefully the beginning. And before I close, I would like to read a poem written by Amay Cesare (ph). It is not out of envy or hatred of any race that we seek to proclaim the great achievements of our own. We do this because we know that no race has a monopoly of invention, enterprise, or genius. Because we know that the race of man is far from finished. There is a great deal left to be done in the world. The race of man is only just beginning, and there is room for all of us at the rendezvous of history. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.) COMMUNICATIONS
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 Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am pleased to advise you that I have signed Bill No. 000535 that was passed by Council at its session on October 5, 2000.
The message will be printed in the Journal. The Clerk will read any other communications in her possession.
Thank you. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. 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 INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS 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 will signify by saying aye. Those opposed, nay. The ayes have it and the motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Madam President. On behalf of a number of members of Council in a bipartisan fashion, I offer one bill.
The Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Title 22 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Public Employees Retirement Code" by adding new provisions to restrict the ability of civilian members of Plan J and Plan Y to transfer to police Plans B or D and retire immediately, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. This morning I offer two resolutions.
The Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution honoring the Philadelphia Fraternal Order of Police, whereas, the Fraternal Order of Police sponsor the Bentley Brothers Circus each year to provide quality entertainment for underprivileged children in Philadelphia.
Madam President, I move the adoption of the resolution. And may I correct myself, the other is a bill. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed, nay. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS The ayes have it. The resolution has been adopted. The Clerk will, please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bonded by Market Street, 46th Street, Locust Street, 40th Street, Walnut Street, and 38th Street.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen.
The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution urging the Mayor of Philadelphia to direct the School Board to repeal its imposition of a contract, return to the bargaining table to actively negotiate a new contract between the School District and the PFT, and until the commencement date of such new contract adhere to the terms of the previously negotiated contract which expired August 31, 2000. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS
Madam President, I rise to speak on this resolution because I think it is probably the most important resolution that I have ever dealt with in my long history in the City Council of Philadelphia. I think very few people understand what the situation is involving the teacher's union. I think that many groups, even in the labor movement, fail to understand it because the action of the Mayor in imposing a condition, a contract on the teachers struck at the very heart of the existence of the labor movement. It will introduce a period of extreme labor strife in the City of Philadelphia involving the teachers union, involving other public unions, involving all of labor because the heart of good faith labor negotiations consists in the parties arriving at an agreement; they have to talk. And what the Mayor of the City of Philadelphia has done has been to hang collective bargaining in the City of Philadelphia. " INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS Many people in today's generation know very little of the history of the labor movement. They don't know, for example, that a little more than a hundred years ago it was illegal for people to join together in the union, that Pennsylvania was a state where the people went to jail because workers organized. We were then in a very elementary stage of understanding about the right of working people. We were very new at the whole concept of democratic good faith labor bargaining and negotiating. Over the years it has developed the clear legal understanding and the clear policy understanding that the road to labor peace, the road that enables each party to understand the position of the other party and to have confidence in the good faith of the other party to the negotiating process lies in the fact that at the end of the process what will happen will be an agreement. It may be an agreement that neither side really likes, but it will be an agreement both parties agree, that neither party, neither labor nor management, has the right to impose terms upon the other side. Act 46 which is alleged to be a law INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS which permits an employer in a public union situation to impose its conditions probably created this very terrible situation that exist today. It's a bad law. I believe it's unconstitutional. But whether or not it is unconstitutional, it is bad, immoral, unethical law, and it strikes at the heart of the ability of working people and employers to come to an agreement. And I predict that if the courts were ever to sustain the legality of that law, it would introduce a period of such vehement labor strife in the State of Pennsylvania that it would make whatever occurred, no matter how the strike situation was, look very mild by comparison because workers, workers everywhere will never permit a situation in which the employer has the right to impose conditions. What this law, Act 46 does is to say to every employer -- and apparently Mayor Street in his role as an employer, listen carefully. What it did was to say to every employer, "Just wait out until the term of the contract. " And workers today are never going to accept it. And it's terrible that the City of INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS Philadelphia should be the lead employer seeking to impose such conditions. That's why it's no surprise that there are not any negotiating taking place currently. Why should the Mayor negotiate? He got what he wants. He has forced the situation upon a group of workers that no group of workers should ever be forced to accept. Incidentally, my resolution talks about all of the concessions the teacher's union made during the negotiations. We're talking about school reform. We're saying education is the No. 1 issue in the country. We're say that we have to do something about our school system. And then to the most important element in the school system, the teachers, we say, "You've got no rights. " That's the reason I introduce this resolution. I had to wait and see.
I couldn't believe when the Mayor did it. And those of us in City Council know that in the briefings session that the Mayor had with City Council just a couple of hours before, many Councilmembers urged upon the Mayor not to take this step. We asked him what his INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS reason for taking this step. We said the contract has been largely agreed upon; there's just another little piece that has to be developed. What difference does it make if it takes another day, a week, a month, to arrive at a final agreement? We asked the Mayor, "Well, why are you doing it now? " And that, as far as I could tell, was the Mayor's answer. I didn't really believe that he would do it, but he did it. And then he went ahead and there are no negotiations. And workers in the school system, the school system that we're depending upon to educate our youngsters to make them ready for the life ahead, the negotiations have come to an end. Not at all during the last week have there been any negotiations. I don't believe the workers in the schools are working under the new contract imposed by the Board of Education, which is only a hand tool of the Mayor. It has no power. The Mayor says "Do this," school board does it. The Mayor says "Do the other thing," the school board does it. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS I believe the original contract is basically still in effect, and I believe the Mayor has a duty to direct the School Board to eliminate the imposition of that contract and to go back to sound, healthful bargaining. That's the road to labor peace. That's the road to progress. That's the real road to education reform in the City. Thank you, Madam Chair. )
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen -Councilman Ortiz, did you want to be recognized?
Yes. " This is a type of resolution that gets the support of this Council almost summarily. The INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS resolution that Councilman Cohen just spoke about deals with a case that has a greater import, not that this doesn't have, but we have 213,000 kids that go to public schools in the City. I have two of them that go to public school in the City. I talk to their teachers every day. There's a climate that is very disconcerting in the classroom. There's a climate in which the teachers feel abused, insulted, and more or less totally disregarded by the people that they work for. I don't think you can have that climate and be able to create a learning environment. This Council last year when the transport workers were on strike, this Council took a very strong role in bringing a resolution to that issue because negotiations were not taking place and we were urging that the transport workers in SEPTA go back to the negotiating table. In this case, negotiating is not taking place. But it's not only that, the total aspect of labor relations and contract negotiations has been thrown over the side. Thirty-five years of contract labor negotiations has been totally eliminated. Workers have been told that whatever you fought over 35 years of labor INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS organizing are not worth the paper it's printed on. And they have been told that they have to accept a whole series -- a contract that is imposed. But you cannot have a contract, because a contract implies that two sides agree to the terms and conditions. We don't have that in this situation. Act 46, I think my colleague has explained it better than anyone could in this Council or anywhere else. But Act 46 says that teachers could be decertified if they decide to uphold and stand up for their rights as employees of the school system. Well, I would like to ask Governor Ridge and those individuals that passed Act 46, where are they going to find 12,000 teachers? We have enough problems right now recruiting teachers to come into the system because of the conditions that they have to work under: No books, no materials, no resources. Teachers today in our system work in old schools and dated systems in which they don't even have typewriters or computers for every classroom. We're not talking about reform here because we're not talking about smaller classes. My INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS kid goes to a class that has 33 students in it. My other one goes to a class that has 30. We're not talking about more librarians. We're not talking about computers and resources. We're not talking about a system that a teacher doesn't have to spend over a thousand dollars out of their own pockets to fill up the classroom with materials. We're not talking reform; we're talking power. And I think power has to be shared between the board and the teachers. I don't think you can impose terms and conditions. This Council has played roles in labor problems before. All that we're asking, all that we're saying is that you go back to the bargaining table, that you go back and negotiate thoroughly, that you go back and find a solution to this in which teachers and the board can come to an agreement. I believe that this is the only way that we can prevent the strike. And let me tell you something, do not underestimate, do not underestimate and do not take the teachers' actions of staying in the classroom, do not underestimate that they have stayed in the classroom and they have stayed there teaching our INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS kids for weakness. Do not take that for weakness. Do not underestimate that they will take that step. If you force them, they will be forced to strike and the strike will be devastating because, again, you cannot replace 12,000 teachers. They're not hamburger helpers, they're not McDonald workers that you can take and pay them minimum wages. They're professionals that should be treated as such. )
So what we're asking, what we're asking is that we go back to the table, avoid the ultimate calamity. Take us away from the precipice. Take us away from that borderline and begin negotiating fairly. Begin negotiating with respect. Begin trying to bring the teachers into a form of reform in which they will participate willingly and voluntarily. The way we're going about it is the wrong way, it's not the way. The table when we sit down to speak and bargain is the right way. Let us avoid this incident about to happen. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS Councilman Cohen, what is your desire on this resolution? Oh, I'm sorry. Is your light on? The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco. Sorry.
Thank you very much, Madam President. I'd just like to say that I understand Councilman Cohen's frustration with what's happening here in the City of Philadelphia. Some of our legislators in Harrisburg, particularly some from Philadelphia, want to govern Philadelphia through legislation. They move to take over the Philadelphia Gas Works by putting the jurisdiction under the PUC. They are talking about privatizing the airport. And through Act 46, which I believe is a very bad bill because it provides no incentive for any local school board to negotiate with the local union, they ride the tide until the time is up and then the local school board can just act and take over. I think that is very bad. While in this resolution David calls on the Mayor and the school board not to function or operate or abide by Act 46 -- I think that's whistling "Dixie" because they're not going to give INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS up that power. The power rests with the Mayor and the school board. But I think that we ought to call on the legislature to rethink this legislation. It doesn't serve us well because in the end the City will end up in chaos. I also believe that the AFL-CIO must join in the court fight, if they have not already done so, to see that this act is repealed in court. It is a very bad bill. It doesn't serve us well. And I want to say to Councilman Cohen while I don't believe that we have really any impact on it, you know, he always expresses how he feels about something.
Thank you. Councilman Kenney, do you want to be recognized? I'm sorry. The sound system isn't perfected yet, so anybody that wants to be recognized, if they would simply put their hand up, I would appreciate it. Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Madam President. I will be supporting this resolution. A INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS few weeks ago we were asked to go to the Franklin Plaza Hotel to meet with the PFT for their side of the negotiation and what was going on and an update. I've known Mr. Kirsh and Mr. Jordon for many years and have great respect for them, and they began to tell us their side of the story. During the course of that discussion, they told us that there was significant movement and concessions made in two areas: One is seniority and how seniority applies to the assignment of teachers at various schools, and the other one was their agreement to enter into a discussion and to participate and cooperate with an issue of merit pay. Now, I believed them. " These two issues seem to have been two of the most sacrosanct issues for the PFT in its history. And while I listened and had lunch and enjoyed the conversation, I said to myself "This can't be possible. " So we went to the Mayor's office and we INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS had a meeting there and a briefing, and the issues of seniority as it relates to school assignments and merit and merit pay plan came up. And I asked the Mayor, the PFT contends that, in fact, they've given on these issues and that there's agreement and basically that these two issues were basically off the table. I had expected the Mayor and the Mayor's advisors there to tell me that was not the case. They in fact said that that was the case, that the union had given concessions, both on seniority relative to assignments and on participation and agreement to participate in a merit pay program, which shocked me because I expected them, again, to be diametrically opposed. They were in agreement. There are two major movements from this union that I haven't seen in the past. I have not been totally supportive of the teachers' union over years on issues that we've discussed relative to sabbaticals and residency issues and other types of issues that have been a thorn in my side and some of the other members of the this Council's side. But in the end, all this issue comes down to, the imposition of the contract, potential of a strike comes down to the issue of one hour versus one-half INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS hour. It is a 30-minute difference. And the thing that I can't understand is the imposition of the contract. Based on the potentiality of a 30-minute difference, the possibility of sending the City into turmoil, having parents who need to find other arrangements for their kids, who need to find ways for what their kids to do during the day while parents are supposed to be working and the kids are supposed to be in school, to go through all this possibility, all this possible turmoil for 30 minutes seems to me to be a bit strange. I understand the need to try to impress the Governor and try to impress members of the legislature relative to getting new money for our schools. I think it's important that the Mayor and his people continue a working relationship with Governor Ridge and with Secretary Hickok and with the leadership in both the House and Senate. But if there's some belief that this tough stance on 30 minutes is somehow going to impress them, I find that that's a miscalculation. It's my understanding, and I can't confirm it, that there's been no specific deals with leadership in the legislature about significant new INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS funding for the schools. The Governor has said that he's impressed with the way the City has proceeded in dealing with this negotiation or this imposition. There is no specific deal. There is no specific commitment from the Governor for additional monies. So all of this, kids, parents, families, the union, and labor issues, the relationship with the City, the relationship with Harrisburg all seems to turn on the issue of 30 minutes. I think that 30-minute issue can be resolved at a bargaining table.
I think the Mayor could go to the Governor and say "This is in fact a reform. This is in fact an effort to be made to change significant ways in which we've done business in the past and we're no longer doing business that way. I don't think it's necessary to show the Governor how tough we are over 30 minutes. There's another issue, too. I think, in fact, it was alluded to by Councilmember Ortiz. On average, annually we face a 200-teacher vacancy shortage. In the next coming year, 2,000 teachers are eligible for retirement. The attitude of those teachers, the morale, and the attitude of the teaching staff toward the school board and toward INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS the City could not be characterized as being a good one. I'm sure the people who are in that retirement category who maybe never thought of retiring perhaps are thinking of retiring considering what they're facing with the imposed contract and non-negotiated contract. I don't know where to find the teachers. I don't know where to find the 200 teachers a year that we have. If you have another 500, 700, 1,000 teachers leave this system to go into other jobs or to go and teach in other jurisdictions, this system and this district will be in turmoil. It's simply done by getting back to the table and working out this half hour versus an hour. There's no reason why it should be where it is right now, and I would urge my vote for this resolution to get the sides back to the table and avoid this turmoil. Thank you, Madam Chair. )
Thank you. Councilman Goode, do you care to be recognized?
Councilman, just a moment, please. I don't believe the INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS councilman's microphone is on. (Pause.)
Thank you, Madam President. As much as this resolution refers to Act 46, I'd like to remind my colleagues here that this is really not a matter of state law, but a matter of local law. Members of this Council last year voted to give the Mayor the power to reform the school district. The voters made a decision last fall to give the Mayor the power to reform this school district. The truth of the matter is that members of this Council that voted for that may not have thought that that mayor was going to be Mayor John F. Street, but it is. I will say quite clearly that there is a role for the State to play. It's not related to legislature necessarily, but the Governor has to step in, not to provide the money for the extra half hour, but to provide the money for the contract that has been imposed. And this imposed contract does not take effect until September of next year. We have time to negotiate, INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS to continue to negotiate; but in that meantime, we still have to find the money for the contract that is on the table now. We have a serious problem here. We put the power in the hands of the Mayor, but people want to take it away because they don't like this Mayor. We have to get over that. I talk about this, not just as the youngest member of City Council or the newest member, but as the son of a former Mayor. If we're going to put the power in the hands of the Mayor, let's let him use it. I think he's done a great job in reforming this school district. I think the changes he's made in management has been great. I think what he's done in terms of having our school children wear uniforms has been great. No Mayor in the history of this City has done more to reform this school district. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, first I'd like to say I commend the spirit of what my colleagues are INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS attempting to do today. I'd like to also say that I thank the PFT for their support last year. Given my narrow margin of victory, had they not supported me, I may not be sitting here today. So I want to say thank you very much. But I want to say also that today we sit here and we discuss a particular resolution, and I have some concerns about this particular resolution. While I think most of us here in this Council today are supportive of the PFT and supportive of a fair contract, I'm not sure that this particular resolution gets us there. We as politicians have different styles. I have a particular style that may not necessarily be similar to some of my colleagues. And I want to say with my particular style and in my particular way over the past month, I've been attempting to make sure that the teachers get a fair contract and a fair work environment and ultimately good education for the children of the City of Philadelphia. So I just want to say for this particular resolution on this particular day, I will not be able to support that. But I will continue in my particular style, in my particular way, to attempt to make sure that the PFT gets a fair contract and that they get a fair work INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS environment and that the children get a fair education. Thank you, Madam. (Applause.)
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. This morning it seems that we have a controversy on the resolution, not in principle, but certainly with regard to the technical words that are listed. And I am wondering, so that all of the Council could support it unanimously, if my colleague would agree to remove the part that says that we should return to a contract that expired August 31, 2000. I think if that could be done, then everybody can support this resolution which calls for getting back to the negotiating table and certainly resolving this conflict so that we have teachers who are satisfied and our over 200,000 children can go to school and not be threatened with a strike and that all parties concerned can get back to doing what we do, and that is having a City with INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS our kids in school, with our teachers working, and with our unions focussing on other issues that make the difference.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam Chair. Before we move to consider Councilwoman Blackwell's recommendation, I do need to register where I am. I join all of us who care about 210,000 young people that tend our schools. I also care about the rights of unions. But at the end of the day, it's not about us, it's not about the Mayor, it's not about the teachers; it's about 210,000 young people that attend the Philadelphia public schools. I've learned in the short time that I've been here that it's incredibly important to pay particular attention to the words in these resolutions. Both resolutions spoke to ensuring or encouraging fair negotiations. Both resolutions spoke to bargaining and good faith. Both resolutions spoke to encouraging both sides to get back to the table. And I join my colleagues in INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS saluting Councilman Cohen who always clearly articulates law, in this case, Act 46. However, there's a defining difference in these resolutions, and it moves me to my bottom line. I care not to participate. I think it is out of order. I think it is inappropriate to impose terms in a circumstance that indirectly involves me. The parties in this matter are Mayor Street and the PFT. We should encourage good faith negotiations. We should not invoke -- I will not invoke my participation. That's my bottom line on Councilman Cohen's bill.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco.
Thank you, Madam President. Sitting here listening to the debate, it's similar to the debate that went on last night where both sides agreed with the other person on most of the issues. I, too, agree that something needs to be done. I appreciate the fact that the teachers are still working without a contract and I certainly respect my colleagues Councilman Cohen and Ortiz for introducing this resolution and agree with basically most of the context of it, but I have a INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS problem because I'm wondering what if the Mayor were to agree to repeal this imposition? And what after a day, a week, a month of negotiations they still have not come to a resolution on the disagreements? My concern is that we may be doing the very thing that we're hoping never really happens, and that is, enacting Act 46. I wonder if we are not putting the teachers' union and the employees at a greater disadvantage by urging the Mayor to repeal the imposition. I think that we can either individually or collectively as a group call for a meeting with the Mayor, talk to him privately or as a group to urge him to do certain things and to at least let us know what is going on and if there's anything that we could do to help the process. But I would certainly not be able to support this resolution which basically is saying to the Mayor, it's an either/or kind of situation, and I will not be able to support the resolution as it stands this morning. Thank you, Madam President.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano.
Thank you, Madam President. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS A lot of good speakers, a lot of good points. I think we made up the 30 minutes in our rhetoric here, and I know it's all very important. But I just have to say -- and Councilman Cohen was the first one to speak, and he certainly knows a lot about labor law and labor negotiations, but anytime there's a resolution that talks about union busting -- and maybe Councilwoman Tasco put it the best, this problem boils down to people who weren't elected to govern the City of Philadelphia wanting to govern the City of Philadelphia. So I rise in favor of this resolution. Anytime there's something about union busting -- I mean, the two councilpeople that are prime sponsors of this resolution surely understand how important all this is and both of them happen to be lawyers. So I think if they were going to try to invoke anything, as the Councilman just talked about, you know, unknowingly I think both of them being lawyers, one if not the other being a labor lawyer, I have to rise for this and I ask all my other fellow Councilpeople to please read it again and understand the intention of this resolution is to support the teachers' union. Thank you. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS
Are there any other members who would like to be recognized? Councilman Cohen, what is your desire of this resolution?
Councilman DiCicco can continue to help me with the equipment, but at least it worked. I think it very important that we try to reach as close to unanimity in the City Council as INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS possible. I think there's a basic unanimity here, and I don't want to define what I think are the unanimous areas for concern that I may leave out some aspects. This is the first time we've had this kind of debate on the issue. I think it is a very urgent issue. I think it's an issue that's going to require a resolution. And rather than have this decided on a split vote based upon general agreement but some specific disagreement, I'm going to ask that this be tabled for one week and to be brought up before the Council the following week.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ortiz.
Chair, I know that for some of my colleagues this may be a difficult situation, but over the history of this Council, over the 16 years that I've been here, this Council has always, always, put itself as an objective and faithful broker in terms of labor issues. We have taken issues on the transport workers. We have taken issues in other labor issues that have come before the City. This is the most important labor issue that we have. And I want my colleagues to INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS take this week to think about it this. Do not, do not, push labor to a point in which we will have to strike, they will have to go out. I have two kids in the system. I do not want to see them out of school. This is the issue here. If they don't go back to the table -- we can hold it. We can even defeat the resolution next week, but the issue will still be confronting us later on. And let us not say a few weeks from now when the teachers are on the picket line, We should have taken that step and brought them back to the table. Let us not wait until that point to decide to become involved. It will be too late. (Applause.)
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter.
Thank you, Madam President. My light was on before Councilman Cohen made his announcement and I certainly was prepared to speak on the resolution. I think at this point all I can really say is the obvious great sentiment is that members want to encourage continued discussion and dialog and negotiations between the Mayor and the School Board and the PFT. I'm sure INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS Councilman Cohen's intention was not to insert City Council in the negotiating process. But he is correct on the point, and Councilman Ortiz raises the same point, in many other situations, and I was reminded -- I guess I tried to forget -- about last summer's situation with the TWU. We spent an enormous amount of time. And the current -- I guess that was two summers ago. The current Mayor Street, then as former Council President, was tremendously actively involved personally in those situations. So I know he knows the gravity of this particular situation. There can be no more important issue. And while there may not be a labor strike today, there is certainly not labor peace today. There is a tremendously unsettled situation, not only for the teachers, but also for parents. Virtually everywhere I go, parents continue to ask the question, is school going to continue rest for the year? What's going to happen with my child? What's going on with these teachers? And what are all of you doing either at City Hall or 21st and the Parkway? So what I take out of today is the consensus sentiment is that we want a sense of INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS finality to this entire situation and that the Board's action may not have brought to closure and conclusion a final and complete contract the people have actually agreed upon. I think that's what we were trying to get across today. So we'll see what comes in next week, but I thank you, Madam President, for the opportunity.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I would like to thank my colleague for his willingness to hold this resolution a week. Given the length of this debate, it is obvious that this is the most important issue that we have in our City today and it is obvious the care and concern that is felt in this room by all of us to getting this situation resolved. And let me say that as a Council and a unified Council, it is always better when we can speak with one voice and say that we support a stance than if we are disunited. And certainly, again, I want to thank my colleague and all who are here who have agreed to try to find a INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS way for all of us to state we want the strike over and we want to state it with one voice and certainly look forward to giving that support next week. Thank you.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. Councilwoman Blackwell in effect stated my sentiments. So I want to echo my appreciation for Councilman Cohen consenting to hold the resolution and will state again for the record that I will support language that encourages what we all have agreed to in Councilman Ortiz resolution, that is, bargaining in good faith and encouraging all sides to get back to the table.
Thank you. Councilman's Cohen's resolution will be tabled until next week. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
The Chair INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano.
Thank you, Madam President. I have one privileged resolution that I'm co-sponsoring with Councilman Ortiz.
The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution to provide for the publication in Spanish language newspapers of notices of bills, notices of public hearings on bills, and other legal notices of Council.
Thank you, Madam President. May I speak on this resolution?
Madam President, Councilmember Ortiz and I sponsored this resolution, and the spirit of it is plain. With the population shift and the more Hispanic population, Latino population that we're having in this great City, it's good for the City of Philadelphia. It's time that all the major announcements and all the departments of the City of Philadelphia post all INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS their notice in one, if not one, all of the spanish newspapers. We're going to be watching this very closely. And I know all departments will fully cooperate. So by the time they come around here in May and need more money for their budgets, it's something that the two of us will be looking at very closely. Thank you.
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. The resolution has been adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Madam President, I have no bills or resolutions today. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter.
Madam President, I offer one privileged resolution on behalf of Councilwoman Donna Reed-Miller for which I expect no extensive debate.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A recollection declaring October 18, 2000, Gear-up Day and commending the efforts of collaborations between schools, institutions of higher learning, and community-based organizations to bring college preparation awareness to students.
Madam President, I move the adoption of the resolution.
It has been INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS move and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed, nay. The ayes have it. The resolution has been adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam Chair. I have one privileged resolution co-sponsored by my colleague Councilman Michael Nutter.
The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution honoring and commending Katherine Cross for her excellent work within the Department of Human Services.
I move 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. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS Those opposed, nay. The ayes have it. The resolution has been adopted. 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.
The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution urging the Building Operators Labor Relations, Inc., and Cowan Services to negotiate with SEIU Local 36 in bargaining good faith in order to ensure the janitors, maintenance, mechanics and engineers receive a fair contract that provides for decent wages accompanied with quality health and family benefits.
Madam Chair, I move INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS 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 say aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it. The resolution has been adopted. (Applause.)
The Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance revising parking regulations on Watts Street, east side, from Ritner Street to Porter Street.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Madam President, I have no bills or resolutions. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Thank you, Madam President. I have one privileged resolution.
The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution honoring and commending Dawn Statley, coach of the Temple Women's Basketball Team for winning a gold medal in the 2000 Sydney Summer Olympics.
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 say aye. Those opposed, nay. The ayes have it. The resolution has been adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS Longstreth.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
Madam President, I have two non-privileged resolutions and one privileged.
The Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution authorizing the Committee of the Whole of City Council to investigate the possible alternate uses of the $30 million NovaCare Philadelphia Eagles practice facility in the event that there are no new stadium deals by November 30, 2000, and the City is forced to buy the facility.
This resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Clerk will please read the title of the second resolution.
A resolution authorizing the INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS City Council Committee of Labor and Civil Service to investigate how to close certain loopholes in the City's Police pension plan that lead to abuses of the retirement system by unethical non-uniformed City employees who transfer to the police department.
This resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee.
A resolution honoring and commending University of Pennsylvania Professor Alan G. MacDiarmid on the occasion of his winning the Nobel Prize in chemistry.
Madam President, I move for the adoption of this resolution.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by say aye. SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE Those opposed, nay. The ayes have it. The resolution has been adopted. I believe there are no reports from committees. And we do not have a First Reading Calendar. Therefore, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell. Is Councilwoman Blackwell in the room? Councilwoman Tasco, would you call the bills up for Second Reading and Final Passage.
Madam President, all bills up for final passage with the exception bills 000314, and I believe there's an amendment on Bill 000103.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the Bill No. 000064.
An ordinance amending section 10-1303(4) of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Authorization to offer Exemption from Real Estate Taxes on New Construction of Residential Properties," by eliminating the owner-occupied requirement for exemption, under certain terms and conditions. SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill past finally. The Clerk will please call the roll.
Councilman Longstreth, how are you voting on Bill No. 000064?
Councilman Ortiz, how are you voting on Bill No. 000064?
Aye. The ayes are 12, the nays are 4. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The vote was 12 to 4. Councilwoman Miller is absent. The Clerk will please read the title of Bill 000103.
An ordinance amending Chapter 10-100 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE "Animals," by amending Section 10-105, entitled "Animals Committing Nuisances," by expanding the section to include nuisances committed upon the private property of the owner and animal noises which cause unreasonable annoyance, disturbance or discomfort to a person or persons, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you, Madam President. I'm offering two resolutions today to this bill. They've been circulated to every member of Council along with an explanation for their being offered. I'd appreciate their support.
I'm sorry, it's one amendment. There's two portions of the amendment, but it's one amendment. I'm sorry. Did I say "resolution"? I'm offering an amendment.
My question is, has everybody received copies of the amendment? The Clerk will please read the amendments.
A new subsection of the code SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE regarding removal will remain the same. Any changes offered into are being withdrawn. A new subsection regarding removal from private properties being offered. Subsection 3, Horse Drawn Carriages, now becomes 5. Subsection 4 now becomes 6. Subsection 5, Enforcement, now becomes 7. Subsection 6, Penalties, now becomes 8. The removal from private property any person other than the owner operator or driver of horse drawn carriages having possession, custody or control of any dog or other animal which commits a nuisance on the private property owner on the private property of a person having possession, custody or control of such dog or other animal as prohibited in Section 10-102 shall be required to move said feces from such surface within 12 hours and either carry away same for disposal in toilet or placed in a no-leaking container for deposit in a trash or litter receptacle. Number 4, no person have possession, custody or control of any animal shall knowingly or negligently permit any dog or other animal to make noise which causes unreasonable announce, SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE disturbance or discomfort to a person or persons residing within 500 feet of the owner of said animal. The complaints must be willing to sign a complaint against the owner and agree to satisfy in court if required.
I move for the adoption of the amendment. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the amendments be adopted. All in favor will signify by say aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it. The amendments have been adopted. Bill No. 000103 as amended will be placed on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for our next meeting. The Clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 000404.
An ordinance amending Subcode "PM" of Title 4 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "The Philadelphia Property Maintenance Code," by amending Section PM-306.0, which requires SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE owners of vacant buildings to prevent unauthorized entry to the building by 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.
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 Longstreth, we're voting on Bill 000404.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. ADJOURNMENT That concludes our Calendar for today. Are there any speeches on the part of the minority? (No response.)
Are there any speeches on the part of the majority? (No response.)
Seeing none, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for a motion to adjourn.
Madam President, I move that the Council stand adjourned until Thursday, October 19, 2000, at 10:00 a.m. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, October, 19, 2000. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed, nay. The ayes have it. Council stands adjourned until next Thursday. Thank you. (Council adjourned at 11:35 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 October 12, 2000, 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