COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, April 26, 2007 10:25 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILWOMAN CAROL ANN CAMPBELL COUNCILMAN DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILMAN FRANK DiCICCO COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN WILLIAM GREENLEE COUNCILMAN JACK KELLY COUNCILMAN JAMES F. KENNEY COUNCILWOMAN JOAN L. KRAJEWSKI COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILMAN JUAN RAMOS COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO COUNCILMAN DANIEL SAVAGE 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. 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 Iman Muhammad of the Masjid Muhammad Mosque. Shall I repeat that? Iman Muhammad of the Masjid Muhammad Mosque. He is here today as the guest of Councilman Ramos. I would ask all members and guests to please rise. (Everyone rises.)
Good morning. With God's name, most gracious, most merciful, praise be to God, the Lord, sustain and cherish of all the worlds, and ask that a day of judgment do we worship and thy need do we seek. We ask that you show us the straight way, the way of those on thou we stole thy name, thy grace, those whose portion is not raff (ph) and who go not astray. By the token of time through the ages, fairly, manners and loss, except for those who have faith, do good deeds and righteous works and invite others to the truth with patience and constancy. Oh, God, we ask that you bless this Council and that you bless our city, and that you curb the violence and help us in this city, and that you guide us to change our hearts and our ways, and that you bless all the children and families around the world who have no food to eat and no place to live. Those are our prayers. Amen. (Amen.)
The Chair thanks Iman Muhammad for his very inspiring invocation. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, April 19, 2007, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, April 19, 2007 stand approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, April 19, 2007 stand approved. All in favor will please signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, April 19, 2007 is of business is requests for leave of absence, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. On behalf of the majority, there are no requests for leaves of absence today.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
Madam President, there are no requests for leave from the republicans.
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 to the legislative affairs of our city. We certainly invite you to come again. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney. Is he in the room? (No response.)
Councilwoman Brown, did you want to be recognized?
I thank you. I'd like to first recognize -first state in celebration of Take Our Daughters to Work Day, I'd like to recognize and introduce my 10-year-old daughter, Brielle Autumn Brown.
And, lastly, we will hear more from this organization, women who are still advocating and fighting for equal pay. All those ladies here today on behalf of Day, if you would please rise. (Applause.)
You're welcome. Do we have anyone else who is taking his or her child to work? The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Well, I'm not bringing my daughter to work. I'd just like to recognize the daughter of Sheilah Louis, my Chief Legislative Assistant, and her daughter's name is Jordan Louis, who is a fifth grader at Greene Street Friends School. She's here today. (Applause.)
At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Madam President. I'm sorry I was in the on me earlier.
I'd like to take the opportunity to introduce my daughter, Nora, who is in seventh grade at St. Nicholas of Tolentine School.
Welcome. Oh, my God. She's gotten tall. (Applause.)
Do we have anyone else that would like to be recognized? (No response.)
Thank you. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney, who will present a resolution recognizing John F. Collins. Will Mr. Joe McLaughlin and those accompanying him please join the Councilman at the podium. I see that Councilman Kenney is being accompanied by Councilman DiCicco, and Councilmembers Clarke and Miller are Councilman Kenney. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Madam President. This is a resolution recognizing, honoring and celebrating John F. Collins for his -
Thank you, Madam President. This is a resolution recognizing, honoring and celebrating John F. Collins for his enormous contributions to Philadelphia's urban design and for his creative vision and focus on improving and expanding green spaces for residents and visitors to enjoy. Whereas, John Collins was born in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania on July 12, 1936 to Florence and William Collins; and Whereas, he was awarded a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from Pennsylvania State University in 1959. In 1961, Collins earned a Master's from Harvard Graduate School of Design. In 1965, he moved to the Mt. Airy neighborhood in Philadelphia, where he lived with his family for 34 years; Whereas, in 1963, Collins co-founded Adleman Collins & DuTot. In 1965, this firm became Collins & DuTot, and in 1971, Collins co-founded The Delta Group, all of which went on to revitalize Philadelphia's green space and urban environment through a series of award-winning projects; Whereas, Collins was active in a comprehensive revitalization plan for Society Hill, including greenways, which are landscaped walkways, that are still in existence today.
And whereas, in 1965, Collins created a Fairmount Park Commission, centering around a 1.25 mile park along the Schuylkill River east bank from the Art Museum to South Street; and Whereas, for the next 40 years, Collins continued to work, often on a volunteer basis, to realize the vision of Schuylkill River Park, which was dedicated at a lighting ceremony in 2004; and Whereas, in the 1970s, The Delta Group designed a Fine Arts Plan for the University of Pennsylvania and received numerous awards and honors for their planning and involvement in environmental projects; Whereas, in 1978, Collins designed the award-winning Chestnut Street Park in Philadelphia; and Whereas, in 1982, Collins launched a program to train inmates in urban horticultural skills at the House of Corrections in Philadelphia. The program PLANT, Philadelphia Landscape and Training, trained inmates to plant and maintain greening in public spaces; and COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Whereas, Collins and his partners also played an integral role in the 1980s revitalization of Market Street East, including wider sidewalks containing improved bus shelters, updated lighting and freshly planted trees and greenery. Between 5th and Front Streets, Collins' designs captured the feel of 18th Century Philadelphia. Further, The Delta Group was part of the team that constructed the Irish Memorial at Penns Landing; and Whereas, Collins has worked on many significant projects beyond the Philadelphia area, including the new town of Reston, Virginia; the master plan for Salem, Massachusetts; numerous streetscape improvements in Baltimore; and the Alaska pipeline; and Whereas, throughout his career, Collins has educated young professionals lecturer, professor and visiting studio critic at major landscape architecture programs at the University of Pennsylvania, Drexel University, the Pennsylvania State University, Harvard University, Cornell University, the University of Virginia, Louisiana State University and the School of Architecture and Planning in New Delhi, India; and
Whereas, John Collins became Chairman of Temple University's Landscape Architecture and Horticulture Department and continued his involvement in neighborhood revitalization. He created a partnership between the University and the PHS Philadelphia Green and Sea Change, Inc. to establish an urban tree farm in North Philadelphia's Cecil B. Moore neighborhood. Furthermore, Collins established a campus greenery program and proposed a Center for Sustainable Environment at Temple University Ambler; and Whereas, Collins' professional achievements as a landscape architect were recognized by his peers when the American Society of Landscape Architects named him a fellow in 1993, its highest award for exceptional work over a sustained time period; and Whereas, Edmund N. Bacon was quoted in the Philadelphia Inquirer stating, "John Collins deserves the highest accolades for bringing greenery and the finest quality of urban design into Philadelphia"; and Whereas, on April 26, 2007, Temple University's Ambler campus will open a retrospective exhibit honoring the life work of John F. Collins. Now, therefore, be it resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that Council does hereby recognize, honor and celebrate John F. Collins for his enormous contributions to Philadelphia's urban design and for his creative vision and focus on improving for residents and visitors to enjoy. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to John F. Collins as evidence of the sincere sentiments and recognition of this legislative body. This citation was certified and signed by Councilwoman Anna C. Verna, President; sponsored by James F. Kenney, Anna C. Verna, Frank DiCicco, Darrell Clarke and Donna Reed Miller; and co-sponsored by all members of City Council. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes Mr. McLaughlin for remarks. MR. McLAUGHLIN: I'm going to be very brief, but I'd like to start by saying that although I -- on a personal basis, although I enjoy my new life at Temple University, I miss you folks and I'm glad to be back, even though I'm not this side of the aisle. As your resolution makes abundantly clear, John Collins is not only a great artist, but he's been a great citizen of our city. I interviewed the Director of that PLANT program up at the House of Corrections and he told me John Collins grew trees and plants, but he also grew people. That program was funded by this City Council, as well as by the William Penn Foundation. So as a citizen of our city, I know that he deeply appreciates and understands, and so does his family, what a great honor it is to be recognized in this way by the governing body of the City, and on behalf of the family, on behalf of John, who is a lifelong friend of mine, and behalf of Temple University, I thank you. (Applause.)
The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Brown, who will present a resolution proclaiming April 24, 2007 as Equal Pay Day. Will Ms. Kathy Black and those accompanying her please join the Councilwoman at the podium. And Councilwoman Tasco is joining Councilwoman Brown in making the presentation.
Madam President, we have a number of women leaders and activists and enthusiasts who care very much about creating a level playing field for women in this city, and we would be remiss not to recognize our State Representative, Babette Josephs, who has joined us as well. Secondly, Madam President, I want to offer a huge thank you for authorizing the creation of the Special Committee on Gender Equity, which will look to see how our city can do better when it comes to identifying problems social, political, educational, economic empowerment of women. And I would say to the women that are here that we look to make plans about this committee this summer and then look to execute those plans beginning in the fall, and we would ask each one of you to entertain being a part of that effort. Madam President, we come today proclaiming April 24, 2007 as Equal Pay Day. Whereas, despite the passage of the Equal Pay Act and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, women continue to suffer the consequences of inequitable pay differentials; and Whereas, wage discrimination laws are not often enforced and cases are extremely difficult to prove and win; and Whereas, although women's earnings have been slowly catching up to men's over time, the National Committee on Pay Equity tells us that this reduction in the wage gap is in part due men's earnings rather than an increase in women's earnings; and Whereas, despite the fact that women make up almost half of the American workforce, women on average still earn only 77 percent of men's earnings; African-American women earn 71 percent of men's average earnings; Latinas, 58.5 percent; and Asian women, 87.2 percent; and Whereas, even when experience, education and time in the workforce are factored in, a significant percentage of this differential can only be attributed to discrimination;
Whereas, according to the U.S. Department of Labor statistics, women earn less than men in every occupational classification for which data is available, including occupations dominated by women; and Whereas, over a working lifetime, this wage disparity costs the average American woman and her family an $523,000 in lost wages, impacting Social Security benefits and pensions for the family, and the American economy overall; Whereas, a vast majority of households depend on wages of a working mother, and working families are often just one paycheck away from hardship; and Whereas, fair equity policies can be implemented simply and without undue costs in both the public and private sectors; and Whereas, two bills before the U.S. Congress seek to address these concerns. The Paycheck Fairness Act will strengthen enforcement of equal pay laws, and the Fair Pay Act would require employers to provide equal pay for work of equal value; and Whereas, April 24, 2007 symbolizes the day on which the wages paid to American women so far in 2007, when added to women's earnings for all of 2006, finally equal the 2006 earnings of Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, that the City of Philadelphia proclaims our support for the Paycheck Fairness Act and the Fair Pay Act before the United States Congress; and Be it further resolved, that the City Council of Philadelphia calls on all local employers to examine their compensation policies for gender inequalities and take steps to rectify any discriminatory pay practices; and Be it further resolved, that April 24, 2007 be designated Equal Pay Day in the City of Philadelphia; and Be it further resolved, that the City of Philadelphia recognizes the efforts of a number of organizations represented here this morning to eradicate gender inequality, including, but not limited to, the Coalition of Labor Union Women; WomenVote PA; Women's Way; the National Organization for Women; 100 Black Women, Incorporated, Pennsylvania Chapter; Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Omega Omega Chapter; the Women's Law Project; 2000 African-American Women; Working America; and the YWCA Philadelphia; and Be it further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to all of those represented here today, including the Philadelphia Coalition of Labor Union Women, to further express the sincere sentiments of this legislative body. This resolution was introduced by Councilmembers Marian B. Tasco and Blondell Reynolds Brown, sponsored and supported by all of the members of the Philadelphia City Council. (Applause.)
Thank you, Madam President, and thank you to all members voted to adopt this resolution, but most especially to Councilwomen Blondell Reynolds Brown and Marian Tasco for sponsoring it and for their absolutely consistent support for my organization, Coalition of Labor Union Women, and for women's rights generally. And I also want to publicly thank Joseph Meade of Blondell's office, who worked closely with me to put together all the pieces of today's event. Blondell and her staff are well known for relentless advocacy for children, the arts and small business, and deservedly so, but her advocacy for women is just as strong and embedded in all of her work. An enthusiastic yes is the only answer I've ever heard her give to a request on any issue that benefits women and families. So thank you, Blondell and Marian. I must also -- I want to acknowledge all our partners here and well, and especially a couple of leaders who are with us, Melissa Weiler Gerber from Women's Way, Jennie Newkirk from Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. Raise your hands. Lynn Fox from Unite Here. She's Business Manager for Unite Here. Barbara DiTullio, Director of WomenVote PA. And I think -- and Diane Thompson and Joyce Eubanks are with us, too, both candidates for judge this year. Thank you all. Some of our other representatives couldn't be here. Most of these -- oh, Cheryl Bullock. I'm very sorry. Cheryl Bullock from the National Coalition of 100 Black Women; Kathy Scott, President of AFSCME 2187, from my own union. The labor movement is thoroughly behind this effort. You may have noticed that most of us are wearing something red today. Our red apparel and accessories represent women's budgets, which remain mired in the persistent gap between men's and women's wages. The last 30 years of feminist activism have helped narrow that gap from about 58 cents, we started counting, up to 77 cents, as you heard, except for minority women, who are doing much worse. But even when you count time out of the workforce for childbearing, et cetera, that only accounts for three, maybe seven percent of that gap. The rest is due to the fact that women's work is simply not valued as much as men's work. It definitely is discrimination against women. Now, yesterday was National Secretary's Day, and how appropriate, because there may be no profession that more blatantly illustrates this wage gap. Back in the early 1980s, I was a secretary at the University of Oregon, and my union, SEIU, negotiated a comparable worth study in an ultimately successful effort to raise the pay of women state workers, especially those in showed that the guys whose only duties were to pump gas and check oil at the motor pool made $5,000 more per year than us secretaries, who had to meet a long list of education, experience and skill requirements. And back then $5,000 was a great deal of money. Well, I've been a union activist ever since. Those kinds of pay disparities persist in our society. We need comparable worth; that is, compensating a job based on its requirements and responsibilities rather than on who holds the job. Now, critics say that the marketplace is the arbiter of appropriate pay, but the market is not a discrimination-free zone. It reflects the historic pattern of paying women less under the mistaken notion that women just work for extras and don't need living wages and benefits to support their families. That old cliche may be less ever, when most families need two wage earners to maintain a secure and healthy household.
Under our current wage structures, women and their families lose at least half a million, as much as a million dollars over their career as a result of unequal pay, and at the current rate of change, it could take us another 50 years before we reach parity. So we call on all of you to help us accelerate the pace of that reform. Contact your congressional representatives and ask them to sponsor and push the Paycheck Fairness Act and the Fair Pay Act. If you're an employer, please examine your own pay practices for inequities and then fix them. Form a union at your workplace. Union women make 30 percent more than non-union women in similar jobs, and union women, especially those in the public sector, are much more likely to have pay parity with their male colleagues. And please help elect more women to public office, like the fine women in this Chamber, because when women candidates run and win, all women win. So thank you again.
Say that again? When women candidates run and win, all women and all families win. Thank you very much, and now I'd like to introduce Natalie Martinez Oliver, Executive Director of the YWCA in Philadelphia.
Good morning, everyone. Good morning, everyone. (Good morning.)
Thank you. As you can see, I'm a woman. I am a Latina woman. I'm representing working women, young professional women. I am a mother. And all of those things should be applauded, right? But in our day and age, they're strikes against us, and we the form of less money. And we're here to just ask for fairness. It's been 40 years after the Equal Pay Act has been passed and we're still struggling, and we're here today asking that this resolution be passed and that we take some significant and intentional steps in the City of Philadelphia to make women as equal as men. There's several reasons, but just so -- you heard a lot of statistics and I don't want to bore you with more, but -- I'm sorry, Kathy, not that that was boring. That's not what I meant. But I want you to know that equal pay is an anti-poverty strategy. In the City of Philadelphia we have a rise in homelessness. And I work with women in shelters specifically, and every week that I go, there are new women. There are new faces, and they all have children, and they don't make enough benefits at their workplace. And so women, minorities of all ethnic backgrounds, we are all suffering from this inequity. So we ask that you would consider this, that if you're employers, as Kathy asked, that you really go back and review your policies. A professor from Yale said that economic insecurity hits women, minorities and the less educated hardest because their incomes fluctuate the most and they are least likely to have access to job-based benefits. And it's unfair. So we ask that you today would help us to make this into a reality that in Philadelphia we bridge the gap -- I'm nervous up here. I apologize -- and that you help us get out of the red. We're wearing this red color today proudly, but we really want to get out of red. Thank you.
Thank you, Madam President. I'd like to take the opportunity today to recognize somebody myself who is up in that group. Her name is Barbara Rosella. Wave. Not too -(Applause.)
Not too long ago I was her busboy at the Stadium Club Restaurant at Veterans Stadium and she helped me work my way through college, and she always paid her busboys fairly. So thank you for all your help. Thanks.
State Rep Babette, would you like to say a few words? REPRESENTATIVE JOSEPHS: Madam President, thank you. I'll be brief. I'm a short politician. I give a short speech. When a woman can walk into a grocery store and buy a loaf of bread for less than it costs a man, then we won't be demanding equal pay anymore. 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 pleased to advise you that today, April 26, 2007, I signed all of the bills that were passed by Council April 12, 2007; and I am transmitting herewith for the consideration of your honorable body an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development a deed located on the south side of Diamond Street in the City of Philadelphia; and An ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance, Bill No. 020429, 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 the City Plan and vacating Brill Street from Torresdale Avenue to Harbison Avenue."
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 for a motion.
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 noise level is really much too high. If you're having conversations, please do it in the corridor. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Madam President. On your behalf, I offer one resolution.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution recognizing and celebrating the Preparatory Charter School of Mathematics, Science, Technology and Careers and its Boys' Basketball Team on winning the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association's State Championship for an unprecedented two consecutive years.
The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney for a motion.
I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I introduce two resolutions.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority a deed located in the 3rd and 6th 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 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, the City of Philadelphia, 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 properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title.
An ordinance amending Title 13 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Water and Sewer," by adding a new Chapter regarding termination of the water and sewer service and prohibiting the Water Department from terminating such service on weekends and holidays for non-payment of bills, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance, Bill No. 020429, 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 the City Plan and vacating Brill Street from Torresdale Avenue.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Madam President, on behalf of Councilwoman Donna Reed Miller, Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell and myself, I offer one resolution.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title.
A resolution honoring the bravery of Sherrod Graham, Dwyne Hall, Jerome Plant and Kyle Young.
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. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I have two bills and two resolutions.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance amending Chapter 10-800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Safety," by adding a new Section, entitled "Prohibited Possession, Sale and Transfer of Firearms by Persons Subject to Protection from Abuse Orders."
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Chapter 10-800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Safety," by adding a new Section entitled "Temporary Removal of Firearms of Persons Posing a Risk of Imminent Personal Injury to Self or Others."
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution proclaiming the week of April 27, 2007 as "National Crime Victims' Rights Week."
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 proclaiming the week of April 28, 2007 as "Safe Kids Week."
Thank you. 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. The Chair recognizes Councilman Savage.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer one bill and one resolution today.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development a deed located on the south side of Diamond Street in the City of Philadelphia.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution authorizing the Committee of Licenses and Inspections to hold hearings to discuss possible improvements to the Department of Licenses and Inspections which would result in increased service efficiencies.
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 will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. I offer one bill and one resolution.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance continuing a neighborhood improvement district beyond the date of termination of such district in an area bounded generally by the eastern side of Tulip Street, the northern side of Allegheny Avenue, the western side of Amber Street and the northern side of Venango Street, known as the Port Richmond Industrial Development Enterprise Neighborhood Improvement District.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution initiating action to continue a neighborhood improvement district beyond the termination date in the area bounded generally on the eastern side of Tulip Street, the northern side of Allegheny Avenue, the western side of Amber Street and the northern side of Venango 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. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer two resolutions this morning.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution honoring local businesses for helping to silence violence in Philadelphia.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution calling to support the reconfirmation of Stephen Glassman as Chairman of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission.
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. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution demanding that the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board vacate the decision made on slot parlor licenses in Philadelphia until it reflects the diversity that the General Assembly required in Section 1212(a) of the Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act, and further authorizing the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development to issue subpoenas to compel the production of documents and other evidence in this matter.
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 Ramos.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer one bill and I'd like to speak for a moment on the bill.
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," to provide for an exclusion from the definition of "receipts" for receipts of certain artists, under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you, Madam President. This bill is also co-sponsored by Councilman Frank DiCicco. This ordinance I introduced this morning will provide an exemption from the City's gross receipt tax for artists, writers and performers whose artistic business is generating income that would barely put them above the poverty line. The state already provides for relief from its personal income tax for persons earning under certain income thresholds. This ordinance borrows those same thresholds to provide relief from our local taxes. Currently, in Tax Year 2007, an artist whose business might generate little or no net income because, for example, expenses exceed or nearly exceed the revenues from the sales of artwork still has to pay the City's business privilege tax, plus a 6.5 percent tax on any profits derived from the business. This ordinance will allow an artist to claim an exemption on his or her tax return from the gross receipt tax so long as the artist's total income from his or her artistic business does not exceed the state established threshold. Furthermore, I'm in early discussion with the City of Philadelphia exploring the possibility of creating a grant program or competitive prize for artists who are residents of Philadelphia. We should be doing everything we can to promote and reward our creative class. Thank you, Madam President.
Thank you. The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Campbell.
Yes. Madam President, I have two bills and one resolution to be referred to a committee.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter creating the Office of the Public School Family and Child Advocate, as approved by Resolution of the City Council.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Section 10-611 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Sidewalk Behavior," by providing that all of the prohibitions of that Section shall apply within the Fourth Councilmanic District, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to create the Office of the Public School Family and Child Advocate, and providing for the submission of the amendment to the electors of Philadelphia.
The resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
An ordinance amending Section 14-1605 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Regulated Uses," by providing for Special Regulated Uses, prohibiting such uses in the vicinity of certain residentially related uses, and designating overflow storage tanks as a special regulated use, all under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance amending Chapter 10-800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Safety," by adding a new Section entitled "Failure to Report Lost or Stolen Firearms."
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Section 10-800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Safety," by adding a new Section 10-821a, entitled "Contraband Weapons."
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Chapter 10-800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Safety," by adding a new Section entitled "Acquisition or Transfer of Firearms," to regulate the requiring or transferring of any firearm within the City of Philadelphia.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Chapter 10-800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Safety," by adding a new Section 10-834, entitled "Sale or Transfer of Ammunition."
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Chapter 10-800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Safety," by adding a new Section 10-831, entitled "Straw and Multiple Handgun Purchase Reduction."
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Chapter 10-800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Safety," by adding a new section entitled "Reporting Requirements Upon the Application for or Renewal of a License to Carry a Firearm."
This bill will also be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kelly.
Madam President, I offer one resolution, which is co-sponsored by Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
Thank you. I would ask the Chief Clerk to please read the title.
A resolution recognizing, honoring and celebrating Kimberly Rogers, Miss Philadelphia 2007, for her talents and well-rounded persona that earned her the title of Miss Philadelphia 2007 and wishing her well in the Miss Pennsylvania 2007 Pageant.
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. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution recognizing, honoring and celebrating the Philadelphia Eagles on the occasion of their 75th anniversary.
Madam President, I move for the adoption of this resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The next order of business is reports from committees, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke for a report from the Committee on Rules.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, the Committee on Rules reports two bills with favorable recommendations.
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 Rules, to which was referred Bill No. 050005, "An ordinance establishing a neighborhood improvement district in an area that generally includes both sides of Germantown Avenue from 6300 to 7631 and certain blocks of streets that interact that portion of Germantown Avenue, to be known as the Mt. Airy Business Improvement District"; and Bill No. 070168, entitled "An ordinance approving the redevelopment proposal of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment of the 9th and Ellsworth Urban Renewal Area being the area generally bounded by Washington Avenue on the north, Darien Street on the east, Federal Street on the south and the rear properties fronting on the west side of 9th Street to the west," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The bills just reported from on our First Reading Calendar for our next session of Council. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Ramos for a report from the Committee on Labor and Civil Service.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Labor and Civil Service 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 Labor and Civil Service, to which was referred Bill No. 070259, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 17-107 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Contractors: Labor-Management Relationships,' to require that building service employees performing labor, under certain building contract, receive the prevailing wage and prevailing working conditions, 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 Ramos.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 070259. (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 the committee. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.) 4/26/07 - STATED - 1ST READING
The ayes have it and the bill just read will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. The next order of business will be the consideration of the Calendar. The Chief Clerk will please read the bills on the First Reading Calendar.
Bill No. 070187, an ordinance granting permission to Ilker Ugar, owner of Divan Turkish Kitchen and owner of the property at 918 South 22nd Street, to operate and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe.
And Bill No. 070190, an ordinance granting permission to Nitin Desai, owner and operator of the newsstand located on the northwest corner 4/26/07 - STATED - 1ST READING of 18th and Arch Street, for the purpose of supplying electrical service and telephone service to said newsstand.
And Bill No. 070191, an ordinance granting permission to Chunho Won, owner and operator of the newsstand located on the southwest corner of 18th and Market Street.
And Bill No. 070192, an ordinance granting permission to Asia Alnawasreh, owner and operator of the newsstand located on the southwest corner of Broad and Spring Garden Street.
And Bill No. 070201, an ordinance establishing a no truck parking regulation on Robbins Avenue between Algard Street and Cottage Street. 4/26/07 - STATED - 1ST READING
And Bill No. 070204, an ordinance granting permission to Alfredo Aguilar, owner of the property 426-28 West Girard Avenue.
And Bill No. 070224, an ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 305.
And Bill No. 070225, an ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 187 by striking from the City Plan and vacating legally opened portions of Belgrade Street.
And Bill No. 4/26/07 - STATED - 1ST READING 070226, an ordinance authorizing Kevin Alsbrook, 400 Gypsy Lane, owner of Bazini's Cafe, to legalize an existing deck encroachment.
And Bill No. 070227, an ordinance amending Section 9-204 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Sidewalk Vendors in Center City," by prohibiting vendors within 15 feet of any emergency egress, all under certain terms and conditions.
And Bill No. 070231, an ordinance authorizing the East Falls Development Corporation, owner of the property 3800 Midvale Avenue, for the installation of a gateway entrance sign for the East Falls community.
And Bill No. 4/26/07 - STATED - 1ST READING 070235, an ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 63 by striking from the City Plan and vacating Carlton Street from 20th Street.
And Bill No. 070237, an ordinance authorizing Liberty Property Trust Philadelphia Limited IV for the placement of raised planters on J.F. Kennedy Boulevard.
And Bill No. 070259, an ordinance amending Section 17-107 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Contractors: Labor-Management Relationships," to require that building service employees performing labor, under certain building service contract, receive the prevailing wage and prevailing working conditions.
The 4/26/07 - STATED - 2ND READING Chair agrees. That concludes our First Reading Calendar for today. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for the purpose of calling up the bills to be considered on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar.
Thank you, Madam President. Today our Calendar begins on . The bill at the bottom of the page, 060226-A, is to be amended. On , we will consider Bill No. 070149-A. On , we will consider Bill No. 060433 for an amendment, and, finally, on , we will consider Bill Nos. 070152, 070186 and 070202. All other bills are being held.
Thank you very much. We will now consider Bill No. 060433. Is there one before that?
I'm 4/26/07 - STATED - 2ND READING sorry. The first bill to be considered is Bill No. 060226-A.
An ordinance amending Title 17 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Contracts and Procurement," by adding a chapter providing for the development of and setting forth provisions relating to Economic Opportunity Plans in connection with certain City contracts and projects.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, I want to offer an amendment today to the Equal Opportunity Plan legislation, 226. As you may recall, there was a friendly interrogation last week about a provision in the bill that required MBEC be the certifying entity. After further discussion among the parties associated with this issue, we will be amending that section out of the bill. The copies of the amendment 4/26/07 - STATED - 2ND READING have been circulated, so I move for an adoption of the amendment to Bill No 226. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the amendment be adopted. All in favor will please indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the amendment is adopted. The next bill for consideration is Bill No. 070149-A.
An ordinance amending Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code, by requiring that any advertisement or correspondence pertaining to the rental of residential property shall include the housing inspection license number for such property. 4/26/07 - 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. 060433.
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 amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter requiring District Councilmembers to be residents of the districts from which they were elected for at least one year prior to their election.
This bill having been read -- I'm sorry. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney. Do 4/26/07 - STATED - 2ND READING you have an amendment to this bill, sir?
Yes, Madam President. I offer an amendment to this bill. It's been circulated to all members of Council.
Yes. I move the adoption of the amendment. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the amendment be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the amendment is adopted. The next bill to be considered is Bill No. 070152.
An ordinance 4/26/07 - STATED - 2ND READING amending Section 9-213 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Farmers Markets," by adding a permissible location on the sidewalk of the median of the 400 block of South 2nd Street, also known as Headhouse Square.
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.
Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Aye. 4/26/07 - STATED - 2ND READING
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, this bill passes. The next bill to be considered is Bill No. 070186.
An ordinance authorizing the Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania to construct and maintain a pedestrian bridge over and across Convention Avenue, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different 4/26/07 - 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. The last bill to be considered is Bill No. 070202.
An ordinance amending Section 12-2708 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Issuance of Temporary Parking Permits," by adding provisions for temporary parking permits valid for one calendar day, 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 17; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, this bill passes. This morning, as you all know, the Mayor's office for a briefing, and I would just like to read for the record a letter that we received this morning addressed to me from the Mayor, reading as follows: "This is to confirm the request for delay in the Council hearing on the School District's budget" -- as you know, that's scheduled for Monday and Tuesday of next week -- "I made during our discussion earlier today. As you know, the Administration has been working closely with Governor Rendell's office to determine more accurately the District's financial needs. I expect this process to be completed in the next 30 days. "I look forward to collaborating closely with you and the members of City Council in the intervening weeks as we work to put in place adequate resources for our public schools. "With warmest regards, I am sincerely, John F. Street." be having school budget hearings scheduled for Monday and Tuesday. So that at the time we do have our budget hearings, perhaps we will have much more information to work with. Are there any speeches on the part of the minority? (No response.)
Are there speeches on the part of the majority? The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Madam President. I actually don't have a speech. I was still responding to the decision not to hold hearings on Monday and Tuesday.
I actually don't have a speech. I'm still responding to the issue not to hold hearings on the School District budget on read the letter from the Mayor. I listened to you read it. I'm still not clear why we're not having hearings.
It is our understanding that the Mayor and the Governor have been meeting. Apparently no one knows what the real deficit is. Mr. Nash has been working at the School District, and the Mayor has requested that he and the Governor work together so that when the budget is before us, we would have certainly much more adequate information.
We authorize been a situation in the history where we've not authorized the taxes.
So there's no reason not to authorize the taxes to finance the School District.
Well, if you have an issue with this, I'd suggest you personally speak with the Mayor.
He should have given me a phone call. That's why I did not attend the briefing. It is not about reauthorizing taxes. It is about the bill that would do the millage shift. If he's not for the bill, he's not for the bill, but as I said before, he's duck on this issue. And the truth is that the other two bills to be considered at that hearing were to authorize taxes to provide funds for the School District. We're going to do that one way or the other. If he's against the other bill, Bill 15, let him be against it. So what?
You're going to have a conversation with the Mayor, I assume?
In the end it's your decision whether to hold the hearing, but clearly, two of the bills could be heard on Monday and Tuesday. We could go ahead and authorize the taxes, and nothing that's going to happen between the Mayor and the Governor over the next 30 days is going to change whether we authorize the taxes. The only thing to be considered separate from that 15 that would do the millage shift. The Mayor is not for the bill. So what?
All right. Can we have this discussion later, and I'd like the Chairperson of the Education Committee also to be present at that time.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Madam President. As you know, this City Council passed the anti-predatory lending bill back in 2000 and the Daily News newspaper was very strong in supporting our efforts. I bring back the argument that former Councilman David Cohen raised every week in City Council. We ask the Daily News to stop printing the payday lending ads in its newspapers. We have being gouged and preyed upon. So we ask the Daily News to stop advertising. I see they're slowly creeping back into the advertisement pages of the Daily News. It's not helpful to the citizens of this city. Thank you very much.
Thank you. Are there any other speeches on the part of the majority? (No response.)
Seeing none, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for a motion to adjourn.
Madam President, I move that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, May 3rd, 2007, 10:00 a.m. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Thursday, May 3rd, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. (Stated Meeting adjourned at 11:35 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 April 26, 2007, 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.)