COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, May 11, 2006 10:25 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILMAN FRANK DiCICCO COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN JACK KELLY COUNCILMAN JAMES F. KENNEY COUNCILWOMAN JOAN L. KRAJEWSKI COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER COUNCILMAN MICHAEL A. NUTTER COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILMAN JUAN RAMOS COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO PATRICIA RAFFERTY, CHIEF CLERK V A R A L L O Incorporated Litigation Support Services Eleven Penn Center 1835 Market Street, Suite 600 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103 215.561.2220 215.567.2670
Good morning, everyone. I note that the hour has come and that a quorum of this Council is present. Council will please come to order. Members will take their seats, and visitors will retire to the seats outside the rails. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair welcomes Father Paul Kennedy of St. Katherine of Siena. He is here today as the guest of Councilwoman Krajewski. I would ask all members and guests to please rise.
Let us pray. Oh, God, give the government justice and give righteousness and mercy to those who represent us. Help us strive together for a government that makes justice for all. God, you demand justice for the poor and deliverance from their needs. Help us work steadfastly for political the least and the greatest among us. Oh, God, you call us to be peacemakers in all things, large and small. Help us to seek peace and pursue it with all of our hearts, our minds and our resources. God of all, give us the courage to speak truth to power. God of justice, help all those in power to seek the truth. Oh, God, give us the conviction to elect a government that gives priority to the least of these. Bless the men and the women of this Chamber. Give them wisdom, hope, grace and strength and your blessing until the end of days. Amen.
Amen. The Chair thanks Father Kennedy for his very inspiring invocation. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
The of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, May 4, 2006, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, May 4th stand approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, May 4, 2006 stand approved. All in favor will please indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the Journal will be printed as approved. The next order of business is requests for leave of absence, and the
Thank you, Madam President. Today there are no requests for leaves of absence on the part of the Majority.
Thank you. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Madam President, all the republicans are here. Thank you.
Thank you. Councilman DiCicco, did you want to be recognized? COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Yes, Madam President. Madam President, this past Monday evening, one of Philadelphia's --
Councilman, just a minute, please. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Madam President, this past Monday evening, one heroes, Philadelphia Police Officer Gary Skerski, was shot down in the line of duty protecting the citizens of this City. As we all know, he passed away this past Tuesday morning, and I would ask, with your permission, that Council stand in a moment of silence to recognize that.
Thank you. I would ask everyone to stand for a moment of silence. (Councilmembers standing in moment of silence.)
May he rest in peace. Amen. The Chair will dispense with the regular order of business to recognize guests and visitors joining us in Chambers this morning. On behalf of all members of Council, I welcome you to our Council session. We certainly appreciate your taking the time to join us as we attend to the legislative We invite you to come again. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, I'm pleased today to have the honor to welcome some guests who have traveled quite a distance. They are participating in a program with the United States Department of State, the International Visitor Leadership Program. A young lady who is well known to us who runs the IVC, Nancy Gilboy, has made arrangements for these special guests to be with us this morning. They are members of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice. They are members of the Commission and they are from Ghana. And I wanted to ask them to stand and be recognized by our Philadelphia City Council. The Chairwoman, Ms. Anna Bossman, Mr. Richard Quayson and Mr. Steven Mensa are here with us this morning and I wanted to recognize them. They are participating in this forum trying to combat corruption and conflicts of interest in government.
Welcome. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski and Councilman O'Neill, who will present a resolution recognizing the St. Katherine of Siena Girls Grade School Basketball Team. I understand that Councilman Kenney is also approaching the podium. Will their coach, Mr. Jim Matthews, and those accompanying him please join the Councilmembers at the podium. I understand that we have some proud parents who are also here for the girls, and if their parents would stand, we'd like to recognize them also. Congratulations. (Applause.)
Thank you, Madam President. I'd like my congressman at one time, the best, Congressman Borski, to come up here as well. (Applause.)
And his lovely wife, who was our Fairmount Park Commissioner, Karen. (Applause.)
Thank you very much, Madam President. Recognizing the achievements of the St. Katherine of Siena Varsity Girls Grade School CYO Basketball Team. Whereas, St. Katherine Varsity Girls Basketball Team was blessed with tremendous talent this season; and Whereas, the momentum of an undefeated season carried over one district, one playoffs, where the girls captured the District 1 crown.
Whereas, this achievement earned them the right to represent Northeast Philadelphia in the City Archdiocesan tournament; and Whereas, St. Katherine continued its winning ways, capping their playoff run with a victory in the City championship game, thereby earning an invitation to the state tournament; and Whereas, the team fought hard in the state playoffs, finishing fifth in Pennsylvania.
Whereas, St. Katherine became the first team in five years to advance to the state tournament; and Whereas, the team's success was also the first time in school history that a sports team advanced to a CYO state tournament; and Whereas, the team finished with an overall record of 36 and 4. In addition to Coach Jim Matthews, five seventh graders will return to the team next year, ensuring more future success for the team. Now, therefore resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we hereby recognize the achievements of the St. Katherine of Siena Varsity Girls Grade School CYO Basketball Team.
Resolved further, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Head Coach Jim Matthews and members of the St. Katherine team further evidencing the sincere respect and admiration of this legislative body, signed by the President of City Council and sponsored by all members of City Council. (Applause.)
I'd like to thank City Council for having our team here. I'd like to thank Councilman O'Neill and Councilwoman Krajewski, who we all know is the best councilwoman in Northeast Philadelphia. (Applause.)
It is really a special honor to be here, and the girls have really achieved a lot. They work really hard, and give them a big hand, and thank you very much. (Applause.)
One more thing. We have a little presentation for Councilman O'Neill and Councilwoman Krajewski. (Applause.)
The Chair will now recognize Councilwoman Miller, who will present a resolution 1st through May 7th as Correctional Officers Employees Week. Will Commissioner Leon King, II, and those accompanying him please join the Councilwoman at the podium. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you, Madam President. Resolution recognizing May 1st through May 7th, 2006 as Correctional Employees Week. Whereas, the employees of the Philadelphia Prison System manage a population of over 8,000 inmates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year; and Whereas, our prison employees are responsible for the safety, security, dignity and well-being of those who are charged to their care; and Whereas, by carrying out their duties effectively, the men and women who work at the Philadelphia Prison System are protecting our communities and of our criminal justice system; and Whereas, within a controlled environment, our correctional employees provide the guidance, instruction, skills and opportunities that allow people to remake their lives and reconnect with their families and communities; and Whereas, most importantly, our correctional employees have demonstrated a vision of a correctional system that works hand in hand with our communities and neighborhoods to support and encourage those who change their lives and begin to reach the promise and potential that is within each of us; and Whereas, correctional employees are a vital partner in the public safety picture; and Whereas, no group of Philadelphia public servants has a more difficult or less publicly visible job than the men and women who work in our correctional facilities, parole and Now, therefore be it resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that May 1st through May 7th, 2006 be recognized as Correctional Employees Week; and Be it further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Commissioner Leon King as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body. Further, this is certified that a true and correct copy of the original resolution adopted by the Council of the City of Philadelphia on the 20th day of April 2006, signed by Anna C. Verna, President of City Council, introduced by Donna Reed Miller and sponsored by all members of City Council. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes Commissioner King for remarks. COMMISSIONER KING: Good to take a few minutes to thank the Council President, Councilwoman Miller and all the other members of Council -- Councilwoman Krajewski, I see you there. Good morning -- for recognizing everybody that works at the prison and for the job that my employees do up on State Road. It's true that often you don't see us. You see us sometimes parading through town, but we're up there on State Road, we're manning those jails and we're waiting for the day when we can start closing some of those prisons, of course, but right now, we're waiting for the summer business season to heat up. And we'll be there making sure that we can take everybody that you send our way so that we can assist everybody in keeping the streets of Philadelphia safe. So I want to thank you again for the recognition. It means more to me and people at the prison than you would know. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
Thank you. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
The Chair now recognizes Councilman Rizzo, who will present a resolution recognizing May 15, 2006 as "It's Your Call With Lynn Doyle" Day. Will Ms. Lynn Doyle and those accompanying her please join the Councilman at the podium. Councilman Kenney is also joining Councilman Rizzo. Councilman Rizzo.
Especially since it's CN8, Madam President. Recognizing, honoring and celebrating the 10th anniversary of "It's Your Call With Lynn Doyle," especially recognizing Lynn Doyle for her journalistic excellence as Host and Executive Producer. Whereas, it's the 10th anniversary of "It's Your Call With Lynn Doyle," which is widely recognized for its journalistic integrity and importance; and Whereas, Lynn Doyle is Host and Executive Producer for CN8's Emmy award-winning "It's Your Call With Lynn Doyle," as well as Political Director for CN8, the Comcast Network; and
Whereas, this program reaches 7.1 million homes across nine states, has been recognized for its quality and value to the public good with four Emmy awards for outstanding performance in areas of talk journalism; and Whereas, Lynn Doyle's career began in the newspaper industry and has included stints in local, regional and national television, as well as government and public relations; and Whereas, Lynn Doyle is lauded for her ability to secure hard-to-get interviews of high profile guests who can speak about the tough issues facing the country today; and Whereas, Lynn Doyle, as Political Director, is responsible for leading and anchoring the network's award-winning election coverage and selecting the political content that airs on CN8; and Whereas, in addition, Lynn Doyle serves as Executive Producer for other CN8 political programming, including "The Battling Bills"; national, regional and local political races; and special event coverage such as the State of the Union address; and Whereas, outside of CN8, Lynn Doyle is President and founder of LDTV, Incorporated, a television production company that develops programming, advertising and video communications for various clients; and Whereas, in addition to Comcast, which is the nation's largest cable company, Doyle has worked for CNBC, QVC, and she has been recognized for her more than 25 years of television news excellence with multiple Emmy, Telly and Beacon awards.
Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that City Council hereby recognizes, honors and celebrates the 10th anniversary of "It's Your Call With Lynn Doyle," especially recognizing Lynn Doyle for her journalistic excellence as Host and Executive Producer. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Lynn Doyle further and gratitude of this legislative body. (Applause.)
I'd like to mention that Lynn's parents are here today, and Lynn's dad was a councilman in Baltimore County earlier in his career, and we'd like to welcome everyone, the family and all of Lynn's associates from CN8 and "It's Your Call." Lynn. (Applause.)
Thank you very much. This is quite a thrill for us. We've been fortunate over the last ten years to have our work recognized, but we've never been honored with a day before. So we thank the City Council for that and particularly Councilman Kenney and Councilman Rizzo. I see a lot of familiar faces in the gallery, a lot of people who have over the last ten years, if not on "It's Your Call," on "Comcast Newsmakers," and we certainly appreciate the hard work and the effort that our elected officials do for our City of Philadelphia. So thank you very much. I'd like to dedicate this day of "It's Your Call With Lynn Doyle" on May 15th to my staff, many of whom are behind me. They work behind the scenes every day to make me look good on camera every night. So I thank them very much. And Ed Turzanski is here with us as well. You know him, I'm sure, and he's contributed more to our program than I can tell you. So thank you all very much for this honor. We are thrilled. My parents and my daughter are also here with me, so it makes it a very special day for us to share with them. Thank you. (Applause.)
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 for the consideration of your honorable body the following: An ordinance authorizing the paving of portions of City Avenue, Monument Road and Presidential Boulevard; and An ordinance authorizing 1500 Net-Works Association to construct, own and maintain four raised planter clusters on the south sidewalk of Spring Garden Street; and An ordinance authorizing the construction of a storm water sewer and proposed right-of-way for the drainage and sewer purposes through 627 St. Georges Road; and An ordinance authorizing the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development to file an application with the Office of the Budget in an amount not to exceed $2 million to construct the WHYY Learning Lab; and An ordinance authorizing the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development to file an application with the Office of the Budget in an amount not to exceed $3 million to assist in the development of St. Agnes Medical Center; and An ordinance approving a lease agreement between Philadelphia Gas Works by Philadelphia Facilities Management Corporation and the City of Philadelphia; and An ordinance approving the Fiscal Year 2007 Capital Budget providing the capital purposes of the Philadelphia Gas Works; and An ordinance amending Bill No. 050792 by approving the further revised Capital Budget for Fiscal Year 2006; and An ordinance authorizing the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development to file an application with the Office of the Budget in an amount not to exceed $2,500,000 to assist in the development of and improvements to LaSalle University Science and Technology Center; and An ordinance authorizing the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development to file an application with the Office of the Budget in an amount not to exceed $1 million to assist in the development of the Maria de los Santos Health Center; and An ordinance authorizing the Water Commissioner, on behalf of the City, to enter into an agreement with the 627 St. Georges Road for the grant of a right-of-way to the City for drainages and sewer purposes; and An ordinance authorizing Nicks Roast Beef, 2212 to 16 Cottman Avenue, to construct, own and maintain a vestibule addition on the south sidewalk of Cottman Avenue; and An ordinance authorizing the trustees of the University of Pennsylvania to construct and maintain a pedestrian bridge over and across Convention Avenue; and An ordinance authorizing Rockledge/Fox Chase Business Association to construct, own and maintain a clock tower on the west sidewalk of Oxford Avenue; and An ordinance authorizing Temple University to construct, own and maintain an overhead weather protection structure; and An ordinance authorizing the United States Department of Treasury to construct, own and maintain anti-terrorist bollards and planters at the visitors entrance on the east sidewalk of North Independence Mall; and An ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades within the general area of City Avenue, Monument Road and Presidential Boulevard; and An ordinance consenting to the assignment of Area II cable television franchise from Time Warner Cable, Inc. to Time Warner New York Cable.
Thank you. The messages will be printed in the Journal. I would ask the Chief Clerk to please read any other communications in her possession.
Thank you. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended in order to permit the immediate consideration of resolutions at their time of introduction. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit immediate consideration of resolutions at the time of introduction. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I introduce one bill on your behalf and four resolutions on my own behalf.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance authorizing the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development to file an application with the Office of the Budget in an amount not to exceed $3 million to assist in the development of the St. Agnes Medical Center.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution calling for the establishment of the Vacant Property Review Committee as the mechanism which recommends the conveyance of City-owned properties in any entity designated by Landbank by the City of Philadelphia.
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 please indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution calling for the creation of one single land bank under the Redevelopment Authority.
Again, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
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.)
And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority deeds located in the 3rd and 27th Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
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 please indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority deeds located in the 6th Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
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 please say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance authorizing Nicks Roast Beef, 2212-2216 Cottman Avenue, to construct, own and maintain a vestibule addition on the south public sidewalk of Cottman Avenue.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance further amending Bill No. 050792, entitled "An ordinance approving the Fiscal Year 2006 Capital Budget providing for expenditures for the capital purposes of the Philadelphia Gas Works," as previously amended by Bill No. 060011, by approving a further revised Capital Budget for Fiscal Year 2006.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance approving the Fiscal Year 2007 Capital Budget.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I offer three bills.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will read the title of the first bill, please.
An ordinance authorizing the construction of a storm water sewer and appurtenant work in a proposed right-of-way for drainage and sewer purposes in former Greene Street from St. Georges Road through 627 St. Georges Road.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing the Water Commissioner, on behalf of the City, to enter into an agreement with the owners of 627 St. Georges Road.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development to file an application with the Office of the Budget in an amount not to exceed $2,500,000 to assist in the development of LaSalle University Science and Technology Center.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer five bills and one resolution.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance establishing a no truck parking and tow-away zone regulation on Conshohocken Avenue, Neill Drive to Monument Road, both sides.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance establishing a no truck parking and tow-away zone regulation on Ford Road, Monument Road, both sides.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing the paving of portions of City Avenue, Monument Road and Presidential Boulevard.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 190.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance establishing a no truck parking and tow-away zone regulation on Upland Way, 54th Street to Woodbine Avenue.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution calling upon the Managing Director to coordinate the delivery of counseling services to families in neighborhoods affected by violent crime.
Thank you, Madam President. I move the adoption of the resolution and I'd also like to speak briefly on this matter. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, there was discussion in our Caucus Room about the issues of crime in our City, and later I'll have some other comments about that, but this particular resolution comes as a result of a recent tragedy in the City in my district, but throughout the City because of the number of homicides and killings and shootings, and in this particular matter, actually a citizen was fatally shot by a police officer out in the 19th District. It comes as a result of discussions with this particular family, who is grieving about their lost one. The gentleman ran. They ended up in an alley and something happened, and certainly there will be an investigation and the officer fired. All of these families -- and there was a story in, I think it was, last Friday's Philadelphia Tribune about the number of shootings in the City and the effect that it has on the victims and families and the neighborhood, that people are horrified when these incidents happen. They need information. They are grieving not only as a family but as a block or as a neighborhood. And I had a brief discussion with the Managing Director, and we're trying to explore how we deal with this, but what comes as part of this idea is that someone from the City, as a part of a service that we would provide, would talk to these family members, not so much about the specifics of the incident but more the impact that it has on the family, on children, who are increasingly seeing deaths in the street, the impact that that has on a child, who then, of course, has to either go to school the next day or do whatever the child may be doing. People in the neighborhood need additional information about what has happened and how do they deal with death of someone in their community who has been killed. And so I'm hopeful that through either our social service network or some other group of providers we would be able to get people out on the scene, certainly not to interfere with the Police Department and their investigation, but to work with neighbors and family members on what can be a horrific situation, a true tragedy and a negative impact on the heart and soul of this City. So I ask for the adoption of this resolution. I look forward to working with the Managing Director and the City Administration. But people are in pain, they are hurting, and we need to try to give some level of comfort. Thank you, Madam President.
Well, I think they're going to be kept very busy. I don't think there's a morning that we turn our radio on or our television that we don't hear of another homicide. And as I was standing up here this morning, I got a call from one of my constituents that another youngster was killed this morning at 18th and Ellsworth. I am just finding this, as I'm sure all of you, so extremely frustrating. I don't know what the answers are, but, good heavens, we are absolutely losing an entire generation practically, and I am saying there is something that has to be done. I don't know who we call in to solve this problem, but it has to be solved and solved quickly. I believe a motion was made and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will please say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. I'm pleased to offer one resolution on your behalf.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution honoring William Carapucci, Deputy Recreation Commissioner, for his 38 years of outstanding service to the citizens of Philadelphia.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. I believe that resolution was also co-sponsored by Councilman Clarke. All in favor will please say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer two bills and one resolution.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance amending Chapter 19-200 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "City Funds Deposits, Investments, Disbursements," by establishing a process to select a bank or banks to receive City deposits to be used to meet City payroll expenses, under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia for the proposal set forth in a resolution approved by Council proposing an amendment of the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to require the Finance Director to issue an annual report that analyzes the participation of disadvantaged business enterprises on City contracts and sets participation goals for such businesses, using such categories as Council may define, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will also be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to require the Finance Director to issue an annual report that analyzes the participation of disadvantaged business enterprises on City contracts and sets participation goals for such businesses, using such categories as Council may define.
Oh, I'm sorry. The resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ramos.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer one bill on behalf of the 7th Councilmanic District and one privileged resolution.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance authorizing the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development to file an application with the Office of the Budget in an amount not to exceed $1 million to assist in the development of Maria de los Santos Health Center.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution recognizing May 25, 2006 as National Missing Children's Day in the City of Philadelphia.
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 please say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. I offer one resolution and six bills.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance approving a lease agreement between Philadelphia Gas Works by Philadelphia Facilities Management, solely in its capacity as operator and manager of the City-owned Philadelphia Gas Works.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance granting permission to Nathan Ross and Samuel Lynagh, owners of the New Wave Cafe, located 782-784 South 3rd Street, to operate and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing Francis Smith, 2112 South Howard Street, owner of the property 100 McKean Street, his successors and assigns, to construct and maintain a garage extension, under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 238 by striking from the City Plan and vacating Swanson Street from Catharine Street northerly to the Delaware Expressway.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development to file an application with the Office of the Budget in an amount not to exceed $2 million to assist in the development of WHYY Learning Lab.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing the United States Department of the Treasury, United States Mint, 151 North Independence Mall East, its successors and assigns, to construct, own and maintain anti-terrorist bollards and planters at the visitors entrance on the east public sidewalk of North Independence Mall East.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority a deed located in the 39th Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
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 please say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance authorizing Rockledge/Fox Chase Business Association, 7948 Oxford Avenue, to construct, own and maintain a clock tower and raised planter on the west public sidewalk of Oxford Avenue.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Thank you, Madam President. I have four bills and one resolution.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by providing for height limits in districts zoned R-15, under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing One Meridian Partners, South Broad Street, owners of the property South Penn Square, Philadelphia, to construct and maintain a building encroachment under the south footway of South Penn Square.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing 1500 Net-Works Association, 1500 Spring Garden Street, its successors and assigns, to construct, own and maintain four raised planter clusters, under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing Temple University Hospital, 3401 North Broad Street, its successors and assigns, to construct, own and maintain an overhead weather protection structure.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority deeds located in the 18th, 28th, 29th and 47th Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
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 read the next resolution.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kelly.
Thank you. The Chief 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 the definition of Receipts certain of the receipts of certain establishments licensed to sell alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises if such an establishment agrees to provide a completely smoke-free environment, and providing certain consequences if an establishment fails to provide a completely smoke-free environment after agreeing to do so.
The to the appropriate committee, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The next order of business is reports from committees, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke for a report from the Committee on Rules.
Madam President, the Committee on Rules reports one bill with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. I would ask the Chief Clerk to please read the report.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Rules, to which was referred Bill No. 060292, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 14-1611 of The Philadelphia Code, 'Benjamin Franklin Parkway Controls,' by providing for additional height controls in the vicinity of Benjamin Franklin Parkway, under certain terms and conditions," 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 Councilman Clarke.
Madam President, I move that the rules of Council be suspended this day as to permit first reading of Bill No. 060290. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 060292. All in favor will please indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the bill just read will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. Council will now proceed under a special order of business, a resolution recalling Bill No. 060260, and at this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer one resolution, and because this resolution was not circulated yesterday, I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit consideration of the resolution at this time. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended to Councilman O'Neill's resolution at this time. All in favor will please indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. And, again, I would ask the Clerk to please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution requesting the Mayor to return to Council Bill No. 060260, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Zoning and Planning,' by amending Section 14-104, entitled 'Non-Conforming Structures and Uses.'"
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
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 has passed. The Clerk will please read the letter from the Mayor.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am returning herewith as requested by your resolution adopted May 11, 2006 Bill No. 060260, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Code, entitled 'Zoning and Planning,'" for the purpose of reconsideration by the Council of the vote by which said bill passed Council.
The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill for a motion that Council reconsider the vote by which Bill No. 060260 was passed.
All in favor please signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the motion passes and the vote by which Bill No. 060260 was passed has been reconsidered. The Chair again recognizes
Thank you, Madam President. I offer an amendment to Bill No. 060260. A copy of the amendment has been circulated to all members of Council, and I move for the adoption of the amendment. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the amendment to Bill No. 060260 be adopted. All in favor will please indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and Bill No. 060260 has been amended. This bill will be placed on our Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for our next session of Council. The next order of business is 5/11/06 - STATED - 1ST READING the consideration of the Calendar. The Chief Clerk will please read the bills on the First Reading Calendar.
Bill No. 060292, an ordinance amending Section 14-1611 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Benjamin Franklin Parkway Controls," by providing for additional height controls in the vicinity of Benjamin Franklin Parkway, under certain terms and conditions.
The Chair agrees. And that completes our First Reading Calendar for today. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for the purpose of calling up the bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar to be considered today.
Thank you, Madam President. Today our Calendar starts at the bottom of . 060144 will be amended. On , we will hear 060142 and 162, and, finally, on the last page, 060160. All other bills are being 5/11/06 - STATED - 2ND READING held.
Thank you very much. I would ask the Chief Clerk to please read the title of Bill No. 060144.
An ordinance amending the ordinance approved June 28, 1966, Bill No. 1845, as amended, known as the Philadelphia Housing Development Agreement Ordinance.
Councilman Clarke, did you want to be recognized?
Yes, Madam President. Madam President, I would like to offer an amendment to this bill. The amendment has been circulated. It's the bill that I spoke of last week about the Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation and the disposition issue. So I'd like to make a motion on the amendment to Bill 060144. (Duly seconded.) 5/11/06 - STATED - 2ND READING
It has been moved and seconded that the amendment be adopted. All in favor will please say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the amendment has been passed. The Clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 060142.
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Southampton Road, a Railroad right-of-way, Hornig Road and the Roosevelt Boulevard.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill 5/11/06 - STATED - 2ND READING pass finally. The Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 15; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, this bill passes. We will now consider Bill No. 5/11/06 - STATED - 2ND READING 060162.
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Worthington Road, the Poquessing Creek Park, Carter Road and Southampton Road.
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 15; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, this bill passes. The last bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 060160.
An ordinance for the purpose of creating a Citywide wireless broadband Internet access system, 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 Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 15; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, this bill passes. That completes 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 Councilwoman Krajewski.
Madam President, I would just like to say happy birthday to one of our colleagues who is celebrating their 75th birthday, Councilman Kelly.
Thank you, Madam President. I just have two announcements I'd like to make. One is that on Saturday, May 13th, the Mt. Airy Church of God of Christ and my office will be sponsoring our Annual Youth Summit and we invite Councilmembers to stop by. It is a day where young people at the church for activities, workshops, sports activities, and it's a great day to see young people engaged in positive activity. So it will be at Ogontz and Stenton Avenue and the program will be at 10:00 a.m., and we invite our Councilmembers to come. Also, on Wednesday the 17th, we will host a public hearing co-sponsored by the Committees on Public Safety and Public Health and Human Services. Those hearings will be at Olney High School on the Blueprint for a Safer Philadelphia. The discussion will be how to address the issue of violence and develop programs which are designed for a ten-year period to deal with violence and bring solutions to some of our community problems. So we want our Councilmembers to come and we invite the listing audience to participate. And, finally, Madam President, I'd just like to say that the other day I with some regret that Michael Williams was transferred to the Law Department. Unless there is support from the second floor and the Mayor, the MBEC office will not be effective. Charlotte Nichols is a fine person. I know her, but she will not have any success unless the support comes from the second floor. And until we see that, MBEC will not be an effective organization. Thank you very much.
You're welcome. The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, I want to make a couple comments that I alluded to earlier and again thank Councilman DiCicco for his comments with regard to Officer Gary Skerski. There is clearly a problem in time at this moment, and you alluded to it earlier. The killing of a police officer does affect all of us, no matter where it takes place, no matter what the circumstance, no matter what the situation. This City Council has been trying to deal with this particular issue in the course of the budget process and has called for the hiring of more police officers. Originally, the Administration was concerned that overtime was the way to go, that it will take a while to get new officers on the street. Of course, they have to be trained. That takes a certain amount of time. I would only suggest that we rethink the current situation, where there are 475 Philadelphia police officers in the DROP program. We lose ten a month and approximately another 25 a month through the usual retirement process. Those officers don't need to be trained. They're already Philadelphia officers, and I would only suggest that we take a look at trying to provide some additional incentive or even a request that those officers be allowed to stay with us for at least upward of a year, keep them in service, to the extent that those who want to stay. It is obviously a very tough and dangerous job. And that would help alleviate some of the pressure on the Police Department as it continues to experience a decrease in its ranks. There must be a way for us to hold on to many of those officers, who some of whom I know looked at the DROP program at a certain point in time, many of whom are trying to figure out what they're going to do next, and I think in a call back to public service at a time of crisis here in our City, many of those officers, I think if properly approached, would more than consider staying to continue to serve the citizens of this City. Skerski, as has been reported, is the first police officer in about ten years to be killed. So far this year, we've had three Philadelphia police officers shot, including Officer Skerski. I talked to a person in New York City this morning. New York City has 36,875 police officers. 36,875 police officers. So it's more than one and a half times the entire complement of public servants here in Philadelphia. Year to date, they have had none shot and none killed. To the individual who has committed this crime, it seems to be fairly clear from statements in the news media that the person is probably someone already known to the criminal justice system, as he apparently indicated that he was wanted and would not be caught. This is not television. This is not a movie. You will not shoot your way out of this particular situation. " It is only a question of when, because the Philadelphia Police Department will track you down, they will find you. There is only one of you. There are 6,500 of us. And the best thing for that individual to do and the safest thing for that individual to do is to turn himself in. You have already taken one life, and your life is probably pretty much over. The only question is how much longer you will live. He should turn himself in and end what will be a continual manhunt to track him down. And the Police Department knows that they are dealing with a very seriously dangerous person, and they will approach him should they come to find him as a very seriously dangerous person. He should turn himself in. Councilwoman Tasco in caucus this morning made reference to the other -- there are quite a few, but this is certainly one of them -- that a 13 and 14-year-old were arrested after an investigation with drugs and weapons, and they're part of -I think the headline referred to them as kingpins in the drug operation.
Thirteen and 14 years old, sleeping with a weapon. And also arrested in the same household apparently from news reports possibly a father or other adult in the household. Now, I would only say "possibly" and I don't know for sure. I'd at least say it was a male person. Certainly not a man, clearly not a father, because no man or no father would allow their child to be involved in this kind of activity under any set of circumstances. There is a provision -- and this is no cause for alarm, but I think that we are in unusual circumstances, which require an unusual response. There's a provision in The Philadelphia Code, Section 10-819. " It empowers the Mayor to take a variety of significant and unusual actions at a time when there is danger to the general population. And I would be the first to say that in some parts of the police district where I live, in the 19th, and there are others around the City, where we may need to seriously consider implementing certain provisions of Section 10-819 to get a grip on what is going on in many parts of this City. The Philadelphia Police Department and all of us as public servants cannot continue to run around from crisis to crisis, emergency to emergency and have no decent amount of time to try to take stock of where we are at the moment and what we are doing, how we are doing it and what we're going to do differently. Because at the present state of affairs, the current system is not working. I think that we are compelled to step back and take a very we are doing from a policing, law enforcement, public safety, crime prevention standpoint and not be afraid to analyze from top to bottom issues of personnel levels, deployment, police district boundaries, the management structure, the powers and duties of the Police Commissioner and what it means to try to run a police department, a paramilitary organization, in the 21st century. We cannot be afraid of that kind of analysis. This is not about individuals. It's not about personalities. It's not about criticizing anybody. It's about the public safety of this City. And I think that when you look at what is going on in some other cities across the country, their crime rates are going down, ours continues to go up. The time for that kind of analysis is now. The time for all of us to come together is right now. The Councilwoman has made reference to a the City, and certainly all of us should try to support them and participate in them, but I think that we are beyond a crisis moment and requires all of us to step above the normal comments and commentary, come together, do the kind of analysis that we need to do of our public safety system here in Philadelphia, learn from best practices across the country and try to make this City safer. Thank you, Madam President.
You're welcome. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. Today at 10 o'clock Men United for a Better Philadelphia started hosting -- it's still going on now -- the 4th Annual Lucien E. Blackwell Guiding Light Award. It's in the Mayor's reception room downstairs. We look forward to joining now, and we want to thank them and all of those who honor Lou's memory. Thank you.
You're welcome. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Finally, I'd just like to remind everyone that Tuesday is Election Day and we ask them to go out and exercise their right to vote. Pay their political dues. Thank you.
You're welcome. Are there any other speeches on the part of the Majority? (No response.)
Seeing none, again, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for a motion to adjourn. Oh, I'm sorry. Councilwoman Miller.
Just a follow-up to Councilwoman Tasco's Election Day reminder. On this Tuesday's polling places, we're hoping that voters will remember to vote yes on the ballot question that talks about Philadelphia and video surveillance cameras. So we're hoping that people will support that and vote yes. Just a reminder. Thank you.
Madam President, I move that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, May the 18th, 2006 at 10:00 a.m.
It has been moved and seconded that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, May the 18th at 10:00 a.m. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. Thank you. (Stated Meeting adjourned at 11:30 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 May 11, 2006, 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.)