COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 401, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, June 7, 2001 10:20 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 WILSON W. GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN JAMES F. KENNEY COUNCILWOMAN JOAN L. KRAJEWSKI COUNCILMAN W. THACHER LONGSTRETH COUNCILMAN RICHARD T. MARIANO COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER COUNCILMAN MICHAEL A. NUTTER COUNCILMAN 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 P R O C E E D I N G S
Good morning, everyone. I note that the hour has come and that a quorum of this Council is present. The Council will come to order. Members will take their seats and visitors will retire to the seats outside the rails. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair welcomes the Reverend Shawn James, Assistant Minister of Bright Hope Baptist Church. He is here today as the guest of Councilman Clarke. Members and guests will please rise. REV. JAMES: Let us pray. Dear Lord God, we thank you for this, another day which you have given us, a day of opportunity, a day of chances, opportunities of grace and love and mercy and joy. We thank you, Lord for opportunities of stewardship. We thank you for the great gifts that you have given us, for wisdom, for knowledge. We thank you, Lord, for understanding. We ask that we will be good stewards with these gifts that you have imparted unto us. We anticipate, Lord, with bated breath the blessings that will come during this day. And we ask, Lord, that we would always INVOCATION - APPROVAL OF JOURNAL in our dealings remember those less fortunate, keep them lifted up in prayer. To he who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we could ask or imagine, hear our prayer, oh, Lord, in Jesus name. Amen.
The Chair thanks Rev. James 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, May 31, 2001. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday May 31, 2001, stand approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday May 31, 2001, stand approved. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? (No response.) LEAVES OF ABSENCE - WELCOME
The ayes have it. And the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, May 31, 2001, stands approved. The next order of business is requests for leaves of absence. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. There are no requests for leaves of absence on the part of the Majority.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Madam President, on behalf of the Republicans, there are no requests leaves of absence.
Thank you. 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 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. 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 please read the messages. I'm sorry. Before you start, the Chair would like to recognize Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. On behalf of Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell and myself, we're delighted to have with us today two students from former elementary school, Morton McMichael in the Mantua section of West Philadelphia. With us are two 7th-graders, Marquisha Farry and Eric Stafford (ph). They are currently working on a project on how to improve Mantua; and after completion, they intend to send the report to the district councilperson and Mayor Street. Could we please welcome them. (Applause.)
The clerk will please read the messages from the Mayor.
To the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am pleased to advise you that today May 31, 2001, I COMMUNICATIONS signed a following bills passed by Council at its session on May 31, 2001: Bill No. 010209, 010210, 010258 010259, 010260, 010301. And on June 4, 2001, all of the bills that were passed its Council session on May 24th I signed. And I am transmitting for the consideration of your Honorable Body, a resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia, which includes the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the West Philadelphia Urban Renewal Area. And a resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia, which includes the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the West Philadelphia Urban Redevelopment Area. And a resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia, which includes the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion authorizing the COMMUNICATIONS Redevelopment Authority to execute redevelopment contract with the partnership CDC. And a resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia to execute the redevelopment contract with the People's Emergency Center Community Development Corporation. And a resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia to execute the redevelopment contract with the Neighborhood Restoration Limited Partnership. And a resolution approving redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia as the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area. And a resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia authorizing the Redevelopment Authority to execute the redevelopment contract with Beach Interplex. COMMUNICATIONS And a resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the North Philadelphia Redevelopment Area. And a resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of Penns Port Urban Renewal Area. And a resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the South Central Urban Renewal area. And I am transmitting herewith for the introduction and consideration of your honorable body, three resolutions reappointing and eight resolutions reappointing new members to the Board of Directors of the Center City District.
The messages will be printed in the Journal. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS The Clerk will please read any other communications in her possession.
Thank you. The next order of business is introduction of bills and resolutions. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Rules of Council be suspended in order to permit consideration of resolutions at their time of introduction.
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. (Aye.)
Those opposed? INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS (No response.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. This morning I introduce four resolutions on my behalf and three for Councilman Cohen.
The Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution approving the sale by the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development for fair market of the former Pennsylvania Hall property situated on the southeaster side of the Civic Center Boulevard.
Madam President, I move the adoption. (Duly seconded.) INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The Clerk will please read the second resolution.
A resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the West Philadelphia Redevelopment Area.
Madam President, I move the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The resolution has been adopted. The Clerk please read the fourth resolution introduced by Councilwoman Blackwell.
A resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia, which includes the redevelopment and urban renewal of the West Philadelphia Redevelopment Area.
Madam President, I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? (No response.) INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS
The ayes have it. The resolution has been adopted. The first resolution introduced Councilman Cohen, please.
A resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia, which includes the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the West Philadelphia Redevelopment Area.
Madam President, I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? (No response.) INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS
The ayes have it. The resolution has been adopted.
A resolution authorizing the Committee on Law and Government to conduct a full comprehensive investigation into the results of the recent audit conducted by the City Controller on the Department of Commerce for Fiscal Year 1989 and 1999.
Madam President, I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The resolution has been adopted.
And a resolution expressing our profound condolences to those Israelis, most of whom were teenagers, who lost their lives in the INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS terrorist bombing in front of the Tel Aviv beach front Night Club on June 1, 2001, and reaffirming the call of the Mitchell Commission for the Palestinian authority to take all measures to prevent terrorist operations and to punish perpetrators and for both Israelis and Palestinians to act swiftly and decisively to halt the violence.
Madam President, I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The resolution has been adopted. The Clerk will please read the last resolution.
A resolution urging the City of Philadelphia to cooperate with the effort of the INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS Philadelphia zoo employees to achieve collective bargaining status and to elect a union representative of their choice in the atmosphere free of intimidation.
Madam President, I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The resolution has been adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia deeds located in the 45th Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Madam President, I have no bills or resolutions. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer one bill and three resolutions. One resolution is being offered on behalf of myself and Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Chapter 19-2600 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Business Privilege Taxes," by excluding from definition of receipts certain receipts of eating and drinking establishments that provide a smoke-free environment by giving a credit against business privilege taxes to certain eating and drinking establishments that incur losses directly attributed to providing a smoke-free environment by providing a credit against business privilege taxes eating, drinking and lodging establishments that incur in construction costs in connection with INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS creating separate smoking facilities and by providing certain other exclusions from receipts and certain other tax credits.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the West Philadelphia Redevelopment Area.
Madam President, I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? (No response.) INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS
The ayes have it. The resolution has been adopted. The Clerk will please read the title of the second resolution.
A resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia which includes the development and urban renewal of a portion of the West Philadelphia Redevelopment Area.
Madam President, 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 say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The resolution has been adopted. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS
The Clerk will please read the title of the third resolution.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia deeds located in the 34th Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
Madam President, I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The resolution has been adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions this morning. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ortiz.
The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution authorizing City Council's Committee on Public Safety to conduct public hearings to investigate the policy and accountability issues underlying the recently publicized number of injuries to arrested as they were transported in Philadelphia police wagons.
Madam Chair, I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The resolution has been adopted.
Madam Chair, if I may. I have to leave the Chambers for business outside in the public school. I wish to be counted as voting aye on all bills and resolutions.
Thank you. Leave will be granted. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco.
Thank you, Madam President. I am offering two resolutions. The other resolution will be introduced by Councilman Clarke.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the South Central Urban Renewal Area.
Move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The resolution has been adopted. The Clerk will please read the second resolution introduced by Councilman DiCicco.
A resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion Penns Port Urban Renewal Area. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The resolution has been adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Thank you, Madam President. I have three Redevelopment Authority resolutions, and on behalf of the Councilman DiCicco and myself there are 11 resolutions for Center City District appointment and reappointment. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area.
Thank you, Madam President. Move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The resolution has been adopted.
The Clerk will please read the title of the second resolution.
A resolution approving the INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the North Philadelphia Redevelopment Area.
Move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The resolution has been adopted. The Clerk will please read the third resolution.
A resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS of a portion of the Cecil B. Moore Urban Renewal Area.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The resolution has been adopted. The Clerk will read the next resolution. I believe we have to do each of the 11 separately.
A resolution appointing Abdur-Rahim Islam to the Board of Directors of the Center City District.
Move for the INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The resolution has been adopted.
And a resolution appointing Barbara Potts to the Board of Directors of the Center City District.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS it. The resolution has been adopted.
And a resolution appointing Evelyn Smalls to the Board of Directors of the Center City District. (Pause.)
Excuse me. Mrs. Rafferty, on the 11 for the special service district, I would ask that you read them and we will refer them to the appropriate committee.
A resolution appointing Evelyn Smalls to the Board of Directors of the Center City District. And a resolution appointing David Marshall to the Board of Directors of the Center City District. A resolution appointing Robert Butera to the Board of Directors of the Center City District. And a resolution appointing Dean Adler to the Board of Directors of the Center City District. And a resolution appointing Janet Claderwood to the Board of Directors of the Center City District. And a resolution appointing Greg Dudkin INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS to the Board of Directors of the Center City District. And a resolution appointing John Connors to the Board of Directors of the Center City District. And a resolution appointing Ricardo Dunston to the Board of Directors of the Center City District. And a resolution appointing John Sullivan to the Board of Directors of the Center City District.
All the 11 bills regarding the Center City District will be referred to appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Longstreth.
Excuse me, Madam President. Point of order. On the Center City District resolutions, even though they're going to committee, do we still have to vote on them even though they're going to committee? INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS
I just checked with our legal staff. They do not have to be voted on today. As I indicated in the Caucus Room, we do have a Committee of the Whole that is scheduled on Wednesday, and these resolutions could be listed at that time. That has been the practice in the past. It my understanding that we really don't have a hearing, however, I did not want to go forward on the 11 resolutions before us today until the Councilmember introducing them would agree that.
I know we can't approve them today, but even if we're holding a hearing, I thought we would still approve it approving the hearings.
No. Would you mind reading the resolution, please, Mrs. Rafferty, just one of them.
Appointing Abdur-Rahim Islam to the Board of Directors of the Center City District.
So we're not asking the Committee of the Whole or any other committee to have hearings to approve. It's just appointing an individual to the Center City INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS District.
The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution recognizing and appreciating Michael Staunts upon celebrating his 20th anniversary as director of the Woodmere Art Museum.
I move for the adoption of this resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES it. The resolution has been adopted. The next order of business is reports from committees. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for a report from the Committee of the Whole.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee of the Whole reports out seven bills with a favorable recommendation.
To the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee of the Whole to which was referred Bill No. 000708, an ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriation for Fiscal Year 2001 from the Grants Revenue Fund, the Director of Finance provisions for other grants to the General Fund. And Bill No. 000709, an ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2001 from the Grants Revenue Fund, the Director of Finance provision for other grants to the General Fund. And Bill No. 010416 entitled an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES Property, Director of commerce, and the Recreation Commissioner on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to execute and deliver a first amendment to lease amendment by and between the City and the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development with respect to that certain lease agreement dated July 12, 1994, by and between the City and PAID concerning certain premises lying between Broad Street and 11th Street, north of the right-of-way Interstate 95 premises. And Bill No. 010417 entitled an ordinance authorizing the Director of Commerce, the Commissioner of Public Property on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to execute and deliver the consenting to the execution and delivery by Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development of the agreements with the Commonwealth which shall provide upon the occurrence of certain events described in this ordinance which would permit the use or occupancy of said baseball ballpark facility or said football stadium facility by or for certain professional baseball and football teams which now or hereafter conduct their home games elsewhere in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES And Bill No. 010418 entitled an ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriation for FY 2002 from the General Fund, the Director of Finance contribution to the School District to the Grants Revenue Fund. And Bill No. 010419 entitled an ordinance amending Chapter 19-1300 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Real Estate Taxes," and amending Chapter 19-1800 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "School Tax Authorization." And Bill No. 010420 entitled an ordinance authorizing the City of Philadelphia acting through its Department of Commerce to amend that certain agreement by and between the City of Philadelphia and Philadelphia Convention and Tourism Bureau currently known as the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau, respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable representation.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES of Bill Nos. 000708, 000709, 010416, 010417, 010418, 419 and 010420. (Duly seconded.)