COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, March 10, 2011 10:00 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN DARRELL CLARKE COUNCILMAN FRANK DiCICCO COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN BILL GREEN COUNCILMAN WILLIAM K. GREENLEE COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILMAN JACK KELLY COUNCILMAN JAMES KENNEY COUNCILWOMAN JOAN L. KRAJEWSKI COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILWOMAN MARIA D. QUINONES-SANCHEZ COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO, JR. COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO MICHAEL A. DECKER,
Good morning, everyone. 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 recognizes Father John B. Flanagan, President and Rector of the Roman Catholic High School. He is here today as the guest of Councilman Kelly. I would ask all members and guests to please rise. (Members and guests rise.)
Thank you, and good morning, everybody. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Lord, may everything we do begin with your inspiration and continue with your help so that all our prayers and works may begin in you and by you be God, unite us and inspire us to be a people of service, kindness and good works. As we anticipate Mayor Nutter's proclamation of Irish month, we recognize the dignity of all life and inherent value of each person of every ethnic background, race and faith. Let us strive to be a city united in brotherly love, placing the God-given dignity of every man, woman and child first and foremost in our hearts and governance. May our speech and actions reflect the very love of God. Help us to be concerned with endowing every citizen with the spiritual gifts of love, joy and peace. We pray now for those people who are poor, homeless and hungry this day. God, please bring healing to those who are sick of mind, body or soul. Lord, we thank you for this day and humbly ask you to bless us and all people of our Philadelphia region. We this through Christ our Lord. The name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The Chair thanks Father for his 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, March 3rd, 2011. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Madam President, I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday -
The noise level is much too high. If you're having a private conversation, I suggest you do so in the corridor. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, March 3rd, 2011 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, March 3rd, 2011 stand approved. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the Journal is approved. The next order of business is requests for leaves of absence, and, again, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Madam President. On behalf of the majority, there are no requests for leave
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
Madam President, there are no requests for leave of absences today.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. 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. 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 Kenney, who will present a resolution honoring Walter Smith. those accompanying him please join the Councilman at the podium. I see that Councilman Kenney is being accompanied by Councilman Jones. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Madam President. Over the many years we've been here, we honor all types of folks with resolutions, and today I wanted to take the opportunity, along with Councilman Jones, to recognize someone who represents what the average Philadelphian is like, and that's -- excuse me. What the average Philadelphian is like in our town, and that's a person who gets up every day and goes to work and is consistent and works with dignity and loyalty, and that's why we're happy to have Mr. Smith today to receive this resolution. Congratulating Walter Smith for 50 years of service, 50 years at one job continuously, with the Union League of Philadelphia. Whereas, the Union League is a member organization founded in 1862, as a patriotic society to support the Union and the policies of President Abraham Lincoln; and Whereas, the Union League laid the philosophical foundation for other Union Leagues across the nation torn by Civil War; Whereas, Walter Smith became an employee on September 23rd, 1960, at the age of 22; Whereas, Walter Smith started as a busboy in what was the Ladies Dining Room -- and they had a ladies separate dining room at the time -- on the ground floor of the Broad Street Building; Whereas, in 1962, Walter was promoted to work in the Cloak Room, which was actually the original position he applied for in 1960, but at that time he hired; and
Whereas, the Union League praises Walter for taking his job seriously and offering the best practices that he can in serving the members, no matter what; Whereas, Walter says, "I love the League and I love being able to help members. This is my second home. I was in the book that made it when it was celebrating its 100th year anniversary, and I hope to be here at the 150th in 2012"; and Whereas, Walter Smith is married and a father of six daughters and one son who reports having no plans to retire at any time soon; and now, therefore, be it Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that the Council does hereby congratulate Walter Smith for his 50 years of gracious work with the Philadelphia Union League. Further resolved, that the resolution be presented to Walter Smith as evidence of our sincere sentiment and recognition of this legislative body.
And he lives in East Falls, in the 4th District. (Applause.)
Well, I do thank thee. It takes a long time to do anything in life, and one of the most important things in life is to do it well, and that's what I keep on doing. Thank you. (Applause.)
The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Brown, who will present a resolution honoring Would Ramona Riscoe Benson and those accompanying her please join the Councilwoman at the podium. I see that Councilwoman Brown is being accompanied by Councilman DiCicco. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. I am eternally grateful to my colleague Councilman Wilson Goode, a former member of the Board, who recommended me to serve on this Board approximately eight years ago, and now under the sustained leadership of Board Chairman Ernie Jones and Ramona Riscoe Benson, the President, the African American Museum of Philadelphia has endured. So it is my great pleasure that on this day we recognize and congratulate the African American Museum in 35th Anniversary. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Whereas, in 1976, the African American Museum in Philadelphia was established as the first Afro-American Historical and Cultural Museum during the Bicentennial of America's founding; and Whereas, the African American Museum in Philadelphia is the first museum funded and built by a municipality to preserve, collect and interpret the history and culture of African Americans and others of the African American Diaspora; and Whereas, the Museum collects and preserves rare, unique and primary materials that document the history, literature, politics, and culture of peoples of African American descent in Philadelphia and throughout the Americas; and
Whereas, the Museum is the repository of more than 750,000 objects, images and documents, present a rich variety of educational programming, family events, book signings, workshops, films, tours, symposiums and concerts; and Whereas, in 2009, the African American Museum in Philadelphia proudly unveiled its new core exhibit "Audacious Freedom: African Americans in Philadelphia 1776 to 1876," which recounts the stories and contributions made by people of the African descent in Philadelphia; and
Whereas, in 2010, the Museum launched a full-scale transformation of its facility with the generous support of PECO, Dr. Walter and Mrs. Beverly Lomax and the Lomax Family Foundation, Macy's East and the City of Philadelphia; and Whereas, the African American Museum of Philadelphia will celebrate its 35th Anniversary during the Heritage Gala on March the 11th, 2011, with the theme "Honoring Our Legacy: Embracing Our Promise" and including performances by Danco II, Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra, Nasir Dickerson's Renaissance Messengers, and Brass Construction; and
And whereas, the Museum will use the occasion of its 35th Anniversary to honor filmmaker Spike Lee, internationally acclaimed artist Moe Brooker, landmark educator Dr. Edward Robinson Junior, Philadelphia poet laureate Sonia Sanchez and the founding members of the Museum Board of Directors; and Whereas, Philadelphia has benefited tremendously from the incalculable efforts of the African American Museum in Philadelphia, who steadfastly preserved the legacy of the past and educate the next generation of Philadelphians; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we hereby recognize American Museum in Philadelphia on its 35th Anniversary. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the leadership of the African American Museum in Philadelphia as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body. This resolution was introduced by Councilmembers Frank DiCicco, where the African American Museum resides, in the 1st Councilmanic District, Councilmember Frank Rizzo, whose father of course was Mayor at that time, Councilmembers Donna Reed Miller and Marian B. Tasco, staunch advocates and supporters of the African American Museum. We congratulate them. Thank you very much. (Applause.) UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Good morning, everyone. I'd like to thank you very, very much for this resolution. A lot of people don't know that the African American Museum in Philadelphia was the first municipally founded African American museum in the country, and for that I want to thank then it was Mayor Rizzo, whose son is here, as well as this City Council. So thank you all very much for that and for the continued support we received over the years. And just one last thing. We're having a big, big party tomorrow night to celebrate this anniversary. So you're all invited. Please come. We still have some tickets. Thank you very much.
Thank you very much, President Verna, and good morning, everyone. It is a pleasure to be here today to recognize this important milestone for the African American Museum. It was in 1976 that we opened understanding that it would be a temporary structure. And so here we are 35 years later and it is incredible to share with you the wonderful accomplishments that we have achieved, particularly in the last five to six years. The Museum did reopen, investing over four and a half million dollars to renovate, construct a new entrance and open the important exhibit "Audacious Freedom," which tells the story of African Americans in Philadelphia from 1776 to 1876. And it has been since that time that the Museum has really come into a very different level of recognition with the visitors that have been coming in, both from the city, the state, region and internationally through our proximity to the International Visitors Center and Independence Park. So we are very pleased to be here today. We invite all of you to come museum, to become members of this museum, and to look forward with us to the next 35 years of our existence. Thank you so much. (Applause.) (Council at ease.)
The next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant-At-Arms deliver the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. The Chief Clerk will please read the messages from the Mayor.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am transmitting herewith for the introduction and consideration of your honorable body one resolution appointing a new member to the Board of the Philadelphia Energy Authority; namely, E. Mitchell Swann, and two resolutions appointing new members to the Board of Ethics; namely, Judge Phyllis Beck and Michael H. Reed; and the plotting upon City Plan Nos. 258 and 270 of two rights-of-way for sewer and drainage purposes in the area lying southeast of Tacony Street and southwest of former Vankirk Street, within the property formerly known as the Frankford Arsenal; and An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan Nos. 196, 197, and 305 by relocating the southwesterly curbline of Allegheny Avenue, from a point approximately two-hundred feet southeast of Richmond Street to Delaware Avenue, ten feet northeastwardly; and An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to convey to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development a parcel of land with improvements thereon, located at 1900 through 1970 North 9th Street, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you. The messages will be printed in the Journal. The Chief Clerk will please read any other communications in his possession.
Thank you. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Madam President. On behalf of myself, Councilman Jones and Councilman DiCicco, I offer one bill.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Chapter 19-1200 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Parking Tax," by providing for scheduled reductions in the rate of the tax beginning in Fiscal Year 2012.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I introduce one resolution co-sponsored by Councilmembers Blondell Reynolds Brown and Jim Kenney and signed by all members of Council.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title.
A resolution honoring and recognizing the work of the Philadelphia delegation of the first historical International Black Women's Forum on Education, Diversity and Identity.
The resolution will be placed on our Calendar for our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance authorizing the plotting upon City Plan Nos. 258 and 270 of two rights-of-way for sewer and drainage purposes in the area lying southeast of Tacony Street and southwest of former Vankirk Street, within the property formerly known as the Frankford Arsenal.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Madam President, I offer three resolutions on your behalf.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution confirming the appointment of Michael H. Reed as a member of the Board of Ethics, to serve in the term ending November 16, 2015.
The resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution confirming the appointment of Judge Phyllis W. Beck as a member of the Board of Ethics, to serve in the term ending November 16, 2012.
The resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution proclaiming March, 2011, as American Red Cross Month in the City of Philadelphia.
This resolution will be placed on our Calendar for our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Sanchez.
Thank you, Madam President. I have one resolution co-sponsored by my colleagues Councilman Jones, Blondell Reynolds Brown and Tasco.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title.
A resolution calling on the Pennsylvania Delegation to the United States Congress to reject the hearings proposed by Representative Peter King on the so-called "radicalization" of the American Muslim Community.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Madam President. I have two resolutions today.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution urging the Pennsylvania General Assembly to renew the Growing Greener initiative and continue the policy of offering Pennsylvania and Philadelphia residents jobs, recreational activities, and revenue while preserving and investing in the Commonwealth's most valuable natural resources: property, water, and air.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council.
And a resolution recognizing and celebrating Al Johnson, former Local 488 President, for his years of commitment and service to the membership of District Council 33 on the occasion of his 81st Birthday.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer no bills or resolutions today.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Councilwoman Brown. I failed to recognize that that resolution was co-sponsored by Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam Chair. I offer two resolutions this morning, one co-sponsored by my colleagues Tasco, Jones and Sanchez.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution recognizing and congratulating the Free Library of Philadelphia on the successful completion of their 9th annual One Book, One Philadelphia literacy program.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council.
And a resolution recognizing and congratulating State Representative Kesha Ram on her historic election and inauguration as the only woman of color and youngest legislator in the Vermont House of Representatives.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. I offer three bills. One is being co-sponsored by my Council colleague Joan Krajewski, who will be my retirement colleague next several months.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan Nos. 196, 197, and 305 by relocating the southwesterly curbline of Allegheny Avenue, from a point approximately two-hundred feet southeast of Richmond Street to Delaware Avenue.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, relating to "Zoning and Planning," by amending Chapter 14-300, entitled "Commercial Districts," by amending Sections 14-305, Subparagraph (e), Subparagraph (2), Subparagraph (.2) Subparagraph (b) by exempting certain corner lots from the application thereof.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Richmond Street, Cumberland Street, Beach Street, and Schirra Drive; and amending Section 14-506 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "L-4 Limited Industrial District."
This bill will also be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Thank you, Madam President. I have one bill, four resolutions.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to convey to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development a parcel of land with the improvements thereon, located at 1900 through 1970 North 9th Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution confirming the appointment of E. Mitchell Swann as a member of the Board of the Philadelphia Energy Authority, to serve in the term ending January 1, 2016.
This resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution confirming the appointment of Ken Ogawa as a member of the Board of the Philadelphia Energy Authority, to serve in the term ending January 1, 2012.
This resolution will also be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution confirming the appointment of Christopher Lewis as a member of the Board of the Philadelphia Energy Authority, to serve in the term ending January 1, 2013.
The resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution confirming the appointment of Barbara of the Board of the Philadelphia Energy Authority, to serve in the term ending January 1, 2015.
The resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kelly.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The next order of business is reports from committees. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for a report from the Committee of the Whole.
Madam President, the Committee of the Whole reports five resolutions with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the report.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee of the Whole, to which was referred Resolution No. 110025, entitled "A resolution appointing Christopher Laufer to the Board of Directors for the Old City Special Services District"; and Resolution No. 110026, entitled "A resolution appointing Avram Hornick to the Board of Directors for the Old City Special Services District"; and Resolution No. 110027, entitled "A resolution reappointing Christopher McGill to the Board of Directors for the Old City Special Services District"; and 110028, entitled "A resolution reappointing Carolyn Pfeiffer to the Board of Directors for the Old City Special Services District"; and Resolution 110029, entitled "A resolution appointing Lynn Martin Haskin to the Board of Directors for the Old City Special Services District, "respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached resolutions to Council with a favorable recommendation.
These resolutions will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council. The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for a report on the Committee on Finance.
Madam President, the Committee on Finance reports out two bills with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the report.
The Committee on Finance, to which was referred Bill No. 110001, entitled "An ordinance amending Bill No. 100307, entitled 'An ordinance approving the Fiscal Year 2011 Capital Budget providing for expenditures for the capital purposes of the Philadelphia Gas Works,' by approving a Revised Capital Budget for Fiscal Year 2011"; and Also Bill No. 110109, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the continuation and modification of the extended trial program authorized by Bill No. 090003 by establishing an Authorized Program under which advance approval is given to the Philadelphia Facilities Management Corporation to enter into certain contracts and transactions arising thereunder for the purchase, storage, distribution, transportation and other gas supply on behalf of the Philadelphia Gas Works, subject to certain terms and conditions," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of the bills just reported from committee. (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 the bills just reported from committee. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the bills just read will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke for a report from the Committee on Public Property and Public Works.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, the Committee on Public Property and Public Works reports one bill with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the report.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Public Property and Public Works, to which was 110059, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into a sublease agreement with the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, for use of a premises by the City located at 1221 Bainbridge Street, all under certain terms and conditions," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 110059.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of the bill just reported from committee. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the bill just read will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown for a report from the Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs reports one bill with a favorable recommendation.
The Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs, to which was referred Bill No. 110002, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 15-100 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Parks,' by prohibiting the transfer or conversion of outdoor public park and recreation land in the City to other uses or to third parties unless certain procedures and requirements are met," respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of 110002. (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 the bill just reported from committee. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the bill just read will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. Councilman Green, do you have any bills or resolutions?
Thank you, Madam President. No bills or resolutions today.
Thank you. The next order of business is 3/10/11 - STATED - 1ST READING consideration of the Calendar. I note that the bills just reported from committee with suspension of rules have been deemed to have had a first reading. These bills will be placed on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for our next session of Council. The Chief Clerk will please read any other bills on the First Reading Calendar.
Bill No. 080474, entitled "An ordinance enacting a new Chapter 9-3300, entitled 'Promoting Healthy Families and Workplaces,' to provide that certain employees are entitled to paid sick leave, all under certain terms and conditions."
Thank you. This bill will be placed on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for our next session of Council. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for the purpose of calling up bills and resolutions on the 3/10/11 - STATED - 1ST READING Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar.
Thank you, Madam President. Resolution Nos. 110158, 110160, 110162, 110164, 110165, 110166, Bill No. 100782-A, Resolution No. 110063, Bill Nos. 110068, 110052, 110054, 110051, 110053, 110050, 100677, 110071 and 110084 are being called up for Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar today. All other bills and resolutions are being held.
Thank you. Before -- Councilwoman, it's been brought to my attention that on the top of , apparently the bill number is 110060 and I believe you may have -I'm told that you called it incorrectly. You said 68. So the record is corrected.
Yes. Thank you. Thank you. Before considering these bills and resolutions, we will consider public comment as follows: Speakers will be called in the order in which their names appear on the sign-up sheet for today's session. If you have not signed up, please give your name to the Sergeant-of-Arms at the table to my left, right in the corner there, and the bill number or resolution number on which you will be commenting. You will have the opportunity to speak after those who have already signed up. Your public comment must concern matters on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for possible action at today's Council session. Public comment is limited to Philadelphia residents and taxpayers. So please state your name and where you live, and if you are not a Philadelphia resident, that you are a Philadelphia taxpayer. You will have up to three minutes to speak. At this time, I would ask the Chief Clerk to please read the first name to be recognized.
I have no names on the public comment list, Madam President. (Pause.)
Does the Chief Clerk have the name of someone to testify and the bill number or resolution number?
Good morning, Mr. Fisher. Please identify yourself for the record.
My name is Fred Fisher. I'm a resident of Philadelphia, a taxpayer, and my concern is with the satellite dishes and antenna. When I worked for the City of Philadelphia, I was part of the franchising team which negotiated the franchise agreements with the cable operators, and one of the very important points of that agreement was how the cable wires were to be run. They were to be run following existing utilities. In most cases, that did not present a problem. We have utilities in the backs of houses, phone lines, power lines and some in the front. Now, where I live and most of Center City, they're underground utilities, which required the cable company to also place their cable wires underground. One of the cable companies -- I won't name the one -- said that this was a bad idea, and they took us out to an existing facility in Willow Grove that had underground utilities and showed us that the electronic equipment that was underground were not in good condition, were sort of rusting and rotting. But this did not dissuade us from continuing with our demand that they follow existing utilities, and now they agreed to it, and those underground utilities are in the ground in front of my house and many other houses and they're in good operating condition. It's 20 years later. Now we have the situation with satellite antennas, and I don't -- I'm sure you have a very good staff who put this bill together. I did not read the bill. I just read the title of the bill. Because all throughout Center City and in a lot of the areas, Society Hill, Washington Square West, Rittenhouse area, these are historic areas and these satellite dishes are being put up in a very -- way that is deteriorating the neighborhood, and they also do not follow any route. When they put a dish up, it might be on a windowsill, it might be on a roof. They take the nearest path from that dish to the TV they're servicing, which could be down the front of the house, the side of the house. It looks really bad. So I just want to say, I want to thank you very, very much for pursuing this. And I just had one other thing I wanted to talk about. I'm sitting here listening to all these people being honored, and I think there's one person that I would like to honor; that is, Councilman DiCicco. Councilman DiCicco -- hey, it wasn't a joke. It wasn't a joke. Listen, I'm very proud of him. He is my Councilman. Okay? Not for long, okay, but when he -(Applause.)
But when he made a commitment to retire and, of course, joined the DROP program, which I understand he's going to get a $424,000 lump sum, which is not too bad, not too shabby, he stood by that commitment, and we respect him for that. And I think he's following the old adage which every one of us learned at our mother's knee. We can't have our cake and eat it too. Now, there are some people in this Council Chamber -- I'm not going to name any names -- who seem to not understand that and who want to have their cake and eat it too, and as political leaders, it does not set a good example. And that's all I wanted to say. Thank you, Mr. DiCicco. I look forward to whatever future endeavors you will provide us with. Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Fisher. Has anyone else signed up to speak?
Thank you. We will now consider the bills and resolutions on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar. The Chief Clerk will please 3/10/11 - STATED - 2ND READING read the title of Resolution 110158.
A resolution calling on the City Council Committee on Education to hold hearings on prayer in Philadelphia public schools.
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 indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chief Clerk will please 3/10/11 - STATED - 2ND READING read the title of Resolution No. 110160.
A resolution designating March 10, 2011 as "Public Service Workers Day in Philadelphia."
Thank you, 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 indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Resolution No. 110162. 3/10/11 - STATED - 2ND READING
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Thirty-Sixth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
Madam President, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
Those 3/10/11 - STATED - 2ND READING opposed? (No response.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Councilman Green, I understand you want to be recognized?
Thank you, Madam President. I have a commitment to give a Liberty Bell to someone visiting us from Ireland in the Mayor's Reception Room shortly and I'd like to be recorded, with your consent, as voting yes on all resolutions and bills appearing before Council today.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Resolution 110164.
A resolution recognizing and honoring Joseph Lozito, a resident of Philadelphia, for his courageous actions in helping to detain an alleged serial killer in New York 3/10/11 - STATED - 2ND READING City.
I move for the adoption, Madam President. (Duly seconded.)
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 resolution is adopted. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Resolution 110165.
A resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of 3/10/11 - STATED - 2ND READING Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the South Central Urban Renewal Area, designated as Parcel No. 311 and also sometimes identified by house number and street address as 814 South Twelfth Street.
The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. We will now consider Resolution 3/10/11 - STATED - 2ND READING 110166.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Eighteenth and Forty-Seventh Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
Those 3/10/11 - STATED - 2ND READING opposed? (No response.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Ordinance 100782-A.
An ordinance amending Section 3 of an Ordinance (Bill No. 090840), entitled "An ordinance granting permission to ABEER, Limited Partnership, owner of the property Oak Lane Diner, 6528 North Broad Street, to legalize a one-story concrete masonry construction," by extending the period for compliance therewith.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The Chief Clerk will please 3/10/11 - STATED - 2ND READING read the title of Resolution 110063.
A resolution proposing an amendment to The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to provide for the creation, appointment, powers and duties of a Jobs Commission.
Because Resolution No. 110063 is a proposed amendment to the Home Rule Charter, it requires two-thirds vote. At this time, I would ask the Chief Clerk to please call the roll.
Councilman Green 3/10/11 - STATED - 2ND READING is voting aye. Councilman Greenlee.
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A two-thirds majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the resolution has been adopted. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 110060.
An ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of the proposal set forth in a Resolution approved by Council proposing an amendment of The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter relating to the creation, appointment, powers and 3/10/11 - STATED - 2ND READING duties of an independent Jobs Commission.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of all Councilmembers having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. We will now consider Bill No. 110052.
An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2011 from the General Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions and from the Grants Revenue Fund, the Director of Finance - Provision for Other Grants to the General Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions.
Thank you. This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is 3/10/11 - STATED - 2ND READING shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. 3/10/11 - STATED - 2ND READING The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. We will now consider Bill No. 110054.
An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2011 from the Grants Revenue Fund, the Director of Finance Provision for Other Grants to the Acute Care Hospital Assessment Fund, the Department of Public Health and the Department of Public Health - State Payment.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 110051. 3/10/11 - STATED - 2ND READING
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps to provide for changes to the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Tacony Street, Dark Horse Street, the Delaware River, Frankford Creek, and Bridge Street.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. We will now consider Bill No. 110053.
An ordinance amending the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Milnor Street, Levick Street, the Delaware River, and Robbins Street. 3/10/11 - STATED - 2ND READING
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. We will now consider Bill No. 110050.
An ordinance amending Chapter 9-1100 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Fair Practices," by changing the title to "Fair Practices Ordinance: Protections Against Unlawful Discrimination," by replacing "handicap" with disability as a protected status, by adding domestic or sexual violence victim status, familial status, and genetic information to the prohibited bases for discrimination; by amending the definition of discrimination, employer, life partnership, public accommodation and other terms, and by adding or deleting 3/10/11 - STATED - 2ND READING other definitions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
I'm sorry. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Madam President. I'll be brief, but I believe the importance of this bill merits a few quick words. The passage of this bill, which updates the City fair practices or anti-discrimination laws, mean that all Philadelphians have the right to have discrimination-related issues dealt with in the City, where many times before they would have to go to the state or federal agencies to get relief. 3/10/11 - STATED - 2ND READING This is particularly important to a number of groups, but particularly to the LBGT community, who in the past many of their issues were not fully covered under our fair practices laws. I want to note that this bill was painstakingly put together over a long period of time, and it was an instance where the Administration and Council worked very cooperatively together to get this bill right, and I think it's important to note the efforts of three women who are in the room today who really worked on this bill to get it to its final passage. So I want to note the efforts of Rue Landau, the exceptional Executive Director of the Human Relations Commission; Kay Kyungsun Yu, who I probably just messed up her name, the Chair of the Human Relations Commission; and Reynell Staley, the counsel to the Commission. I'm proud to have been the chief co-sponsor of this bill, and I urge 3/10/11 - STATED - 2ND READING all members to support it. Thank you, Madam President. (Applause.)
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. (Applause.)
An ordinance amending Section 2 of an Ordinance (Bill No. 060317), entitled "An ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 275 by extending Parker Avenue from its current terminus on the northeasterly side of a 66 foot wide right-of-way for railroad purposes," by extending the period for compliance with the terms and conditions stated therein.
This bill having been read on two different 3/10/11 - STATED - 2ND READING days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. We will now consider Bill No. 110071.
An ordinance amending Section 2 of an Ordinance approved November 13, 2002, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 258 by striking from City Plan and vacating Brill Street from Torresdale Avenue to Harbison Avenue," by extending the period for compliance with the terms and conditions stated therein.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. 3/10/11 - STATED - 2ND READING We will now consider Bill No. 110084.
An ordinance amending Chapter 1, Subcode "PM" (The Philadelphia Property Maintenance Code) of Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code, by amending Section PM-102, entitled "Licensing," to provide for exemptions for certain vacant property uses; and by amending Section A-906 of Subcode "A," entitled "Property Maintenance Code Fees," to reduce the license fees charged to own a vacant lot, vacant building or vacant wharf.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The Clerk will please read any additional resolutions on today's Calendar.
There are no other resolutions on the Passage Calendar today, Madam President.
Thank you. Then that concludes our Calendar for today. Are there speeches on the part of the minority? (No response.)
Are there speeches on the part of the majority? The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Madam President. This morning I rise to speak to what was done in the cloak of darkness last night in Wisconsin, which was the stripping of the collective bargaining rights of union members in that state. In my district, I probably have the largest number of union workers of any other District Councilperson, except the 10th. What was done there affected many people. And who are these people? They are police, firefighters, sanitation workers, people who collect the trash, librarians, recreation leaders, grounds keepers, social workers, Water Department workers and everyday middle-class people who rely on those benefits and wages to support their families. They do things that we see every day and things that we don't see, because they do that in the cloak of darkness too, underground, taking care of our vital infrastructure. What happens in one state can happen in other states, and when there's a threat to justice one place, there's a threat to justice everywhere. And this legislation is now being proposed in states like Ohio, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Tennessee and other places around the city (sic). It seems curious to me that they do this in the wake of the next presidential election to weaken unions' interesting to note that in the private sector, only seven percent of the workforce is represented by unions, and in the public sector, 37 percent of the workforce is represented by the collective bargaining agreements around the country. I know that we have a budget problem at the federal, state and here in Philadelphia, but we cannot vilify, vilify labor to balance these budget priorities on the backs of the middle class, and I want us to -- I want to thank our unions here and thank the Administration here for not choosing that course of action as was done in Wisconsin. Thank you, Madam President.
You're welcome. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Sanchez.
Thank you, Madam President. As many of you know, the U.S. House of Representatives is holding hearings on the radicalization of American Muslims. I believe this plays into the hateful stereotyping of millions of law-abiding, patriotic Muslim Americans, many who live in Philadelphia. I think it's important that this Council let the people of Philadelphia know that we do not condone these hearings and we appreciate the important contributions of Muslim Americans to this country and this city. We will be having a press conference immediately following this session directly outside the Council Chambers. There, I will be joined by Rabbi George Stern, Rabbi Arthur Waskow, Mohammed Aziz from the Muslim Society of America, Reverend Adan Mairena from West Kensington Ministries, David Broida from the Jewish Social Policy Network. I ask you to join me in this public statement as Philadelphia, the City who has grown proves again, the diversity of this city and that we are tolerant, and as the cradle of independence, we will not accept this. Thank you.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. First I'd like to salute and recognize Jim Reed, who, as is his custom, has returned from a long illness and say on the record I am eternally grateful for him when he and others gave me a chance at the West Philadelphia Partnership to be the Executive Director there. Jim Reed from Verizon is here with us this morning. (Applause.)
Secondly, briefly, I stand to echo the thoughtful and relevant comments of Councilman Jones regarding collective bargaining rights, mindful and continue to do what Councilwoman Tasco says all the time, pay attention as we watch the incidents and circumstances in Wisconsin and Ohio. Finally, Madam President, I share comments shared by President Barack Obama on the occasion of the celebration of Women's History Month, briefly. Stated by President Barack Obama, We reflect on the extraordinary accomplishments of women and honor their role in shaping the course of our nation's history. Today, women have reached heights their mothers and grandmothers might only have imagined. Women now comprise nearly half of our workforce and majority of students in our colleges and universities. They scale the skies as astronauts, expand our economy as entrepreneurs and business leaders, and serve our country at the highest levels of government and our armed forces. pioneering women who came before us and in recognition of those who come after us, this month we recommit to erasing the remaining inequities facing women in our day, end quote. I will speak more about the remaining inequities women face later in this month, but I would like to invite my colleagues to join Moxie Women Celebration next Friday, Madam President, where you know we will be saluting you for your 50 years of service and for shattering the ceiling of leadership here in the Philadelphia City Council. So I invite my colleagues to join us Friday, March 18th at the Penn's Landing Hyatt there for lunch, where we will celebrate and lift up our profile of courage awardee Honorable Anna C. Verna, President of Philadelphia City Council. Thank you, Madam President.
Thank you, Madam President. I would like to continue the comments that Councilwoman Sanchez made relative to these hearings, these congressional hearings that have been orchestrated by Congressman Peter King in New York. The thing that saddens me, in addition to the vitriol and nastiness that Mr. King tends to approach his issues with, is that apparently he is an American of Irish descent, clearly does not know the history of his people both in Ireland and here in the United States where in the 1840's we were vilified and discriminated against in employment and many other areas, of housing and other things, because of our different language -- at the time, many Irish people spoke Gaelic instead of English -and because we were told not to apply for need apply. Mr. King's remarks on immigration and now regarding this particular issue to me is reminiscent of McCarthyism. And apparently Senator McCarthy didn't know the history of his own people either, because if they would stop and think about the discrimination that many folks in this country have experienced, they may think twice about bringing more hatred and more animosity into our discussions and into our speech. And I apologize. All Irish Americans do not think like Representative King and Senator McCarthy. Thank you.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I certainly agree with the comments made by my colleagues, and I will only make one quote that I many, many years ago, and whether it be race, religion, whether it be origin, any of these issues and even those labor issues that were talked about this morning, Angela Davis said, and I quote, If they come for me in the morning, they'll come for you at night. Thank you very much.
Thank you. Does anyone else want to be recognized? (No response.)
Seeing no one, the Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke for a motion to adjourn.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, March 17th, 10:00 a.m., 2011. (Duly seconded.)
It seconded that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, March the 17th at 10:00 a.m. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. (Stated Meeting adjourned at 11:10 a.m.) CERTIFICATE I HEREBY CERTIFY that the proceedings, evidence and objections are contained fully and accurately in the stenographic notes taken by me upon the foregoing matter on March 10, 2011, and that this is a true and correct transcript of same. MICHELE L. MURPHY RPR-Notary Public (The foregoing certification of this transcript does not apply to any reproduction of the same by any means, unless under the direct control and/or supervision of the certifying reporter.)