COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Thursday, 9/28/00 10:15 a.m. Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE L. BLACKWELL COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILMAN DAVID COHEN COUNCILMAN FRANK J. DICICCO COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN JAMES F. KENNEY COUNCILWOMAN JOAN L. KRAJEWSKI COUNCILMAN W. THACHER LONGSTRETH COUNCILMAN RICHARD T. MARIANO COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER COUNCILMAN MICHAEL A. NUTTER COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILMAN ANGEL L. ORTIZ COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO PATRICIA RAFFERTY, Chief Clerk VINCENT VARALLO ASSOCIATES, INC. Registered Professional Reporters Eleven Penn Center, Suite 600 Philadelphia, PA 19103 GREETING/INVOCATION P R O C E E D I N G S
Good morning. I note that the hour has come and that a quorum of this Council is present. The Council will come to order, members will take their seats, and visitors will retire to the seats outside the rails. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair welcomes Elder Benjamin D. Fisher of Greater Bethel Temple. He is here today as the guest of Councilman Mariano. All members and guests will please rise. (All rise.)
Thank you, Madam President. Lord, we thank You for this day, praise You for this occasion, we bless You in the name of Your son Jesus, and we thank You for the liberties that we enjoy and the freedoms that we exercise. You say in Your word that people rejoice when the righteous rule. Lord, we ask You right now, let there be a revival in this city of Philadelphia, a revival of spirit, a revival of unity. Bless this Council body. GREETING/INVOCATION Lord, I thank You right now that there are many good decisions. Bless this body to make all right decisions. We thank You, my God, look in the school situation and have Your way. Bless them in all that they say and all that they do, bless this city in a special way. I ask You right now to bless every district and we thank You. Lord, give us the victory in all that we do. In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray, amen. ALL: Amen.
The Chair thank Reverend Fisher for his inspiring invocation. Council will be at ease. (Council stands at ease.)
The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of September 21, 2000. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. JOURNAL APPROVAL/LEAVES OF ABSENCE I move that the Journal of Thursday, September 21st stand approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, September 21, 2000 stand approved. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed, nay. The ayes have it, the motion carries, and the Journal of Thursday, September, 21, 2000 is approved.
The next order of business is requests for leaves of absence, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. This morning, there are no requests for leaves of absence on the part of the Majority.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATIONS The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Madam Chair, on behalf of the Republicans, there are no requests for leaves of absence.
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 this morning. We appreciate your taking the time to join us as we attend to the legislative affairs of our city. We certainly invite you to come again. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller, who would like to introduce some of our guests here today.
Thank you, Madam President. Today, I'd like to welcome to Philadelphia and to City Council a delegation of business people, 20 people from Inchon, Korea. VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATIONS They're here with Adam Camp, who is executive director of the Sister Cities Trade Office and the International Visitors Center. And I think they're seated.
If they would stand, we would like to recognize them and say welcome again. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown, who will make a presentation honoring the Linda Creed Breast Cancer Foundation. Will Miss Tracy Birnhak and Miss Deborah Dion and those accompanying them please join the Councilwoman at the podium. (Councilwoman Brown and honorees come forward.)
I would ask my colleague Councilman O'Neill to please join us as well and Councilman Rick Mariano. (Councilmembers O'Neill and Mariano join Councilwoman Reynolds-Brown at the podium.)
Good morning. VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATIONS Today is an important day in the life of City Council, and I am extremely pleased to present this presentation along with my colleagues on behalf of Madam President Anna Verna, which recognizes and salutes survivors of breast cancer. My personal footnote is that one out of nine woman will struggle, endure, and hopefully survive this dreaded disease. And so I personally salute those survivors among us. With that said: Whereas, every year, 17,400 women in the tristate area alone are diagnosed with breast cancer. To increase awareness of breast cancer, to help in the fight for a cure and to honor the memory of Linda Creed, the Linda Creed Breast Cancer Foundation was founded.
And whereas, Sunday, October 1, 2000 marks the Third Annual Candlelight Ceremony, which this year will be preceded by the Garden of Hope fund-raising benefit, the Garden of Hope, located across from the Art Museum in Eakins Oval, consists of numerous plantings of silhouettes in the names of those who have survived the disease or succumbed VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATIONS to it; and Whereas, business and individuals are invited to sponsor plantings of these silhouettes, and we encourage all of those whose lives have been touched by breast cancer to consider participation in this project and in the candlelight ceremony on Sunday evening, October 19th; and
Whereas, we also recognize the sponsorship of Weight Watchers of Philadelphia, always a fine corporate citizen. Weight Watchers has displayed compassion and commit by sponsoring the candelight ceremony for each of its three years; and Whereas, the Linda Creed Breast Cancer Foundation has done much to increase the awareness of breast cancer and to help improve the lives of those affected by it. We thank its founders, members, volunteers, and those who have made these events possible. Now, therefore. . .
. . . be it resolved by the Council of the City of Philadelphia that we hereby honor and commend the VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATIONS Linda Creed Breast Cancer Foundation. We recognize the importance of the Garden of Hope and candlelight ceremony, and we encourage all citizens to consider participation in this event. Resolved that an engrossed copy of this resolution be honored to Judy Creed, President of the Linda Creed Breast Cancer Foundation, as evidence of the respect and admiration of this legislative body. Introduced by Madam President of City Council, Anna C. Verna, and presented by myself and my colleagues Councilman Richard T. Mariano and Brian J. O'Neill. (Applause.)
Thank you very much. The Chair recognizes Mrs. Birnhak and Mrs. Dion for remarks.
Hi. I'm Tracy Birnhak, Vice President of Weight Watchers in Philadelphia. Our company is very, very proud to be a sponsor of this foundation, Linda Creed Breast Cancer Foundation's third annual candlelight ceremony, which will be this Sunday evening, at 7 p.m. Since our company's inception here in VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATIONS Philadelphia some 37 years ago, we have always maintained a corporate philosophy emphasizing the importance of giving back to the community. We can think of no more noble a cause in which to participate than the Linda Creed Breast Cancer Foundation. In addition, it has touched a personal chord. I have just finished one year of treatment for breast cancer. Meanwhile, I would also like to take this opportunity to invite everyone here to join us this Sunday evening at the candlelight ceremony. Debbie?
I'm Debbie Dion. I represent the Linda Creed Breast Cancer Foundation. I am also a breast cancer survivor. Madam President, Representative Bishop, City Council, Tracy Birnhak-Katz and Weight Watchers of Philadelphia, on behalf of the Linda Creed Breast Cancer Foundation, we extend our heartfelt thanks for your support of our efforts to win the battle against breast cancer. Thank you very much. VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATIONS (Applause.)
It gives me pleasure to bring to some and introduce to others our colleagues representing West Philadelphia, State Representative Louise Bishop, who will also make a presentation. (Applause.) REPRESENTATIVE
Madam President, Council Lady Blondell Reynolds Brown, my councilman, Councilman Nutter, and to all of the Councilmembers and ladies and gentlemen, it is indeed an honor and a pleasure to have the opportunity to join with City Council today as you honor a very special lady and commemorate the works that she did in the life as in death. Linda Creed in life was one who joined us together through the music that she made, not only in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and in the City of Philadelphia, but around the world. And so it is not unique, it is typical of Linda in death to bring us together once again, to call to life and to commemorate a very important issue that has taken the lives of thousands. Whereas, on October the 1st, the Linda VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATIONS Creed Breast Cancer Foundation will hold its third annual candlelight ceremony in the Garden of Hope even to recognize October 2000 as "Breast Cancer Awareness Month"; and Whereas, this annual event features songs and the readings of names and inspirational messages of hope, individuals who have been touched by this terrible disease can be commemorated with a silhouette, which will be planted in the Garden of Hope, as a remembrance of the fight against all forms of cancer and more than 17,000 women in the tristate area who have been diagnosed with breast cancer and will be diagnosed in the year 2000; Whereas, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women in the United States today. The many commemorative events, which will be held throughout month of October, will help citizens remember all of those who have passed as a result of breast cancer and honor and support those who are living or have survived the disease. Early detection is the key to success and success rate recovery. And through events such as the Third Annual Candlelight Ceremony in VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATIONS the Garden of Hope, awareness of this disease can be raised, and thousands of women's lives can be saved. Therefore, the House of Representatives joins the Linda Creed Breast Foundation in celebrating the third annual candlelight ceremony and Garden of Hope, happily commends the foundation of its dedicated efforts to educate women on the risk of breast cancer and encourage them to take the necessary preventive measures. It is signed, of course, by the Speaker of the House, Speaker Matt Ryan, yours truly, Representative Louise Williams Bishop. And as we conclude this and these remarks this morning, we don't know exactly where Linda Creed is today, but I can assure you that her spirit is with us. And wherever she is today, her spirit is making music. I betcha, by golly, she's singing somewhere, uniting us, smiling on this ceremony, and saying to us, there is still hope if we become educated. Thank you. (Applause.)
Council will VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATIONS be at ease. (Council stands at ease.)
We all know of a person or a family tragically affected by the sudden loss of a loved one to heart attack. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for the purpose of presenting a resolution commending the American Heart Association. Will Dr. Jean Will and Dr. Lawrence Gavin please join Councilwoman Tasco at the podium. (Councilwoman Tasco and honorees come forward.)
Thank you, Madam President. Good morning. It gives me great pleasure this morning to present this resolution congratulating and commending the American Heart Association on its nationwide initiative Operation Heartbreak. Whereas, the American Heart Association documents that nearly 700 Americans die daily, VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATIONS totaling 250,000 yearly deaths from sudden cardiac arrest; and Whereas, the Congress recently passed the Cardiac Arrest Survival Act to decry these figures and to institutionalize important safeguards to improve survival rates; and Whereas, the American Heart Association estimates that 20 percent of the victims of sudden cardiac arrest could survive if elements of a chain of survival strategy were in place; and Whereas, in addition to early access to emergency services and cardiopulmonary resuscitation, immediate defibrillation can guarantee a higher survival rate; and Whereas, Operation Heartbeat of the American Heart Association will place automated external defibrillators, a small, compact, easily managed device, in State and federal buildings for immediate response in the instance of sudden cardiac arrest; and Whereas, the American Heart Association will provide free of charge the automated external defibrillator with the appropriate training and instruction to the staff and employees of public VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATIONS and private organizations. Now, therefore, resolved that the Council of the City of Philadelphia congratulate and commend the American Heart Association on its energetic campaign to save lives through Operation Heartbeat. Further resolved that the City Council of Philadelphia accept a donation of an automatic external defibrillator from the American Heart Association for placement in City Council and authorize the necessary instruction and training in its use for members of Council and their staff. Resolved further that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to representatives of the Pennsylvania Delaware Affiliate of the American Heart Association as an expression of the gratitude of this legislative body. Certification that this is a true and correct copy of the original resolution adopted by the Council of the City of Philadelphia on the 8th day of June, 2000. It is signed by President Anna C. Verna introduced by Marian B. Tasco, and sponsored by all members of City Council. And we would like to thank the American VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATIONS Heart Association. (Applause.)
And I would encourage all of our colleagues to receive training and their staff, and we will have training in Council on Wednesday, October the 11th, between p.m. and p.m. Thank you very much.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Dr. Gavin for remarks.
Thank you. On behalf of American Heart Association and the Philadelphia Operation Heartbeat Committee, I and my cochair, Jean Will, thank Councilwoman Marian Tasco and the honorable members of City Council for your resolution commending the Association's national and local initiative to reduce deaths from heart attacks. Operation Heartbeat seeks to strengthen the chain of survival throughout Philadelphia in order to improve the survival of victims of sudden cardiac arrest. This chain of survival consists of four key links: early access, where an VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATIONS individual's able to quickly recognize and emergency and call 9-1-1 for assistance; early CPR, in which prompt initiation of chest compressions and rescue breathing can maintain essential bloodflow and prolong life for valuable minutes until more advanced care can be delivered; third, early defibrillation, a critical step in which electrical shock will restore a dying heart to normal rhythm; and last, but not least, early advanced care, in which highly trained and equipped personnel are properly available for advance care both at the scene and in transport. The Philadelphia Operation Heartbeat Committee has proceeded with a citywide assessment of this chain of survival to strengthen and expand this chain. This wonderful city is favored with an advanced 9-1-1 system, superb EMS service, and a plentitude of hospitals ready to deliver top-notch life-saving care to its citizens. Nevertheless, Philadelphia can do better, and we believe that greater public involvement is crucial. Widespread citizen training in CPR saves lives. American Heart Association plans to redouble our efforts to make this training VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATIONS available to all Philadelphians. Our next mass public CPR training program is scheduled for April 28th, and we encourage everyone to attend. Even exciting is the development of our new technology, the automated external defibrillator, of AED. This simple, compact portable device empowers the average layperson, with minimal training, to administer heart-saving electroshock therapy quickly and safely, even before the paramedics can arrive. The AHA is committed to placing these live-saving devices in public places throughout the city, and it is fitting and commendable for City Council to take lead in this initiative. Today, we are delighted to present Councilwoman Tasco and City Council with an automatic external defibrillator, along with heart-saver CPR training for the benefit of the Council and, by extension, all City employees and visitors to this historic public edifice. (Applause.)
Thank you very much, Dr. Gavin. The Chair recognizes Dr. Will. VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATIONS
At this point, the Operation Heartbeat Committee is pleased to present a plaque to Marian Tasco and to the members of City Council. The plaque reads: "The Philadelphia Operation Heartbeat Committee salutes Marian B. Tasco for her lifesaving advocacy efforts in strengthening the chain of survival in City Council." Please join us as congratulate City Council for having the forethought to implement this device and make a tremendous difference to public safety here in the city. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
Also, please join us in the caucus room across the hall following the meeting this morning, where we will be doing a presentation of awards for the heart-savers, who have actually had the opportunity to use either CPR or the AED, and we would like to have the opportunity to have you join with us as we recognize their efforts. We will also have some demonstrations of how to use the AED prior to your training VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATIONS session, which we encourage all of you to participate in. Thank you. (Applause.)
Council will be at ease. (Council stands at ease.)
Thank you, Madam President. This morning, we have a group of students from the Evelyn Graves Fisher Academy at 54th in my district, who are here with their group leader, Pamela Robinson. We certainly want to commend Dr. Ellen Graves for all of the fine work that she has done. She works very hard in the district and her group has been here on several occasions. So I would hope that Councilmembers will join me in welcoming them here this morning. (Applause.)
Thank you for joining us this morning. COMMUNICATIONS
The next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the sergeant-at-arms deliver the messages from the Mayor to the clerk, and the clerk will read the messages from the Mayor.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am pleased to advise you that I have signed the following bill that was passed by Council at its session on September 14, 2,000: Bill No. 000394. And to advise you that I have signed Bill No. 000088-A, which was passed by Council at its session on September 21, 2000. And I'm transmitting herewith for the consideration of your honorable body the following: A resolution agreeing to participate in the Jump Street Tax Increment Financing District should the amended project plan submitted by the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development and any change in the term of the district be COMMUNICATIONS approved; And a resolution agreeing to participate in the Avenue of the Arts Garage Tax Increment Financing District if it should be created by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, in accordance with the Tax Increment Financing District Act; And an ordinance amending an ordinance approved June 13, 1997, as amended, which approved the redevelopment proposal of the urban renewal plan and the relocation plan of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment of the New Kensington Fishtown Urban Renewal Area; And an ordinance amending an ordinance approved February (Bill No. 980705), which created the Jump Street Tax Increment Financing District by approving the amended project plan and the redevelopment of the district submitted to City Council by the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development; And an ordinance creating the Avenue of the Arts Garage Tax Increment Financing District and approving the project plan of the Philadelphia COMMUNICATIONS Authority for Industrial Development for the redevelopment of the Avenue of the Arts Garage Tax Increment Financing District; And an ordinance amending an ordinance approved September 2, 1964, as amended, which approved the amended redevelopment proposal for the redevelopment of the Urban Renewal Area by approving the eighth amendment of the redevelopment proposal; And an ordinance amending an ordinance approved December 15, 1969, as amended, which approved the redevelopment proposal for the redevelopment of the Grays Ferry Urban Renewal Area.
The messages will be printed in the Journal. The Chief Clerk will read any other communications in her possession.
There being none, the next order of business will be the introduction of bills and resolutions. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for a motion.
Madam President, I believe that all bills will be considered at the time of their introduction. (Duly seconded.)
I'm sorry, Madam President. I thought I did make a motion. Madam President, I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit consideration of resolutions at the time of introduction. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended to permit immediate consideration of resolutions at the time of introduction. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed, nay. The ayes have it and the motion carries. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you. I offer one resolution to be referred to the appropriate committee.
The clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution authorizing City Council's Committee on Streets and Services to hold hearings to examine the proposal of the placement of fluorescent yellow-green blinker signs to improve motorists, pedestrians, schools, and bicycle safety at nine crossings throughout the City of Philadelphia.
The resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. This morning, I introduce one bill on your behalf.
The clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending an INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS ordinance approved December 15, 1969, as amended, which approved the redevelopment proposal, the urban renewal plan of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment of the Grays Ferry Urban Renewal Area.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
Madam President, I offer one resolution and one ordinance.
The clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution authorizing the City Council's Committee on Licenses and Inspections to hold public hearings to investigate the current methods utilized by the Department of INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS Licenses and Inspections to enforce section P.M. 10263 of the Philadelphia Property and Maintenance Code.
The resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee. The clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending subcode P.M. of Title IV of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Philadelphia Property Maintenance Codes," by providing for the suspension and revocation of a residential rental property license, multiple-family dwelling license, rooming house license, or vacant lot or building license, for failure to correct code violations related to licensed properties or for failure to pay fines, and by providing that there shall be no right to recover possession of the premises in order to collect rent during the period of license.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS
The clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution also naming that part of North Fifth Street from Lehigh Avenue to Indiana Avenue as Jose Ortiz Avenue.
This resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee. Councilman?
Madam President, I think we can move for the adoption on that one.
Doesn't that require an ordinance? Are you doing a changing of the name? You're just adding the name?
I move for the adoption, Madam President. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the resolution has been adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
The clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance authorizing the City of Philadelphia to terminate its agreement by and between the City of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Facilities Management Corporation relating to the operation of the Philadelphia Gas Works and establishing powers, duties, and responsibilities of the Philadelphia Gas Works with respect to the Philadelphia Gas Works.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS Miller.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter.
The clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance to authorize the Water Commissioner, on behalf of the City to, enter into an agreement with the owners of the properties and their successors of an L-shaped private street known as Paleski Road, that begins southwesterly at the Schuylkill Nature Center's property, approximately 489 feet southwest of Hagy's Mill Road.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
An ordinance to select a certain right-of-way through 8480 Hagy's Mill Road for construction, reconstruction, alteration, connection, operation, maintenance, and inspection of water facilities partly along and within the INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS bed of Paleski Road and a private street from Hagy's Mill road to approximately 489 feet.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
An ordinance authorizing the construction of water mains and appurtenant work and the right-of-way partially in and along the portions of a private street known as Paleski Road and along the southwesterly boundary of Manatawna Farms in the Roxborough area of the City of Philadelphia.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions.
The Chair INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS recognizes Councilman Ortiz.
Thank you, Madam President. I have one privileged resolution.
The clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution recognizing the achievements of the Hispanic Bar Association of Pennsylvania as it celebrates its 14th annual scholarship banquet on October 26, 2000 and honors Mr. Kenneth Trujillo, Esquire, the first Latino to be appointed Philadelphia City Solicitor.
I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed, nay. The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer two bills and two resolutions.
The clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution honoring the South Philadelphia High School Alumni Association.
Thank you, Madam President I move the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed, nay? The ayes have it, and the resolution has been adopted. The clerk will please read the title of INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS the second resolution.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia without consideration deeds located in the 18th, 25th, 31st, and 39th Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed, nay? The ayes have it and the resolution has been adopted. The clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance amending an ordinance approved June 13, 1997, as amended, INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS which approved the redevelopment proposal, the urban renewal plan, and the relocation plan of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment of a New Kensington Fishtown Urban Renewal Area.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending an ordinance approved September 2, 1964, as amended, which approved the amended redevelopment proposal, the amended urban renewal plan, the amended relocation plan of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment of the Whitman Urban Renewal Area.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Thank you, Madam INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS Chair. I have two bills and three resolutions today.
Thank you. The clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution agreeing to participate in the Avenue of the Arts Garage Tax Increment Financing District, if it should be created by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, in accordance with the Tax Increment Financing District Act.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS Those opposed? The ayes have it and the resolution has been adopted. The clerk will please read the title of the second resolution.
A resolution agreeing to participate in the Jump Street Tax Increment Financing District, should the amended project plan submitted by the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development be approved, and designating the Mayor, or his designee, as the City's representative for the purposes of meeting with the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS Those opposed, nay. The ayes have it and the resolution has been adopted. The clerk will please read the title of the last resolution.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia, without consideration, deeds located in the 28th, 29th, 32nd, and 37th Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you, Madam Chair. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed, nay. The ayes have it and the resolution has been adopted. The clerk will please read the title of INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS the first bill.
An ordinance amending an ordinance approved February 3, 1999 (Bill No. 984705), which created the Jump Street Tax Increment Financing District, by approving the amended project plan for the redevelopment of the district submitted to City Council by the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance creating the Avenue of the Arts Garage Tax Increment Financing District and approving the project plan of the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development for the redevelopment of the Avenue of the Arts Garage Tax Increment Financing District.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Longstreth.
The Chair COMMITTEE REPORTS thanks the gentleman. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
The next order of business will be reports from committees. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for a report from the Finance Committee.
Thank you, Madam President. This morning, the Committee on Finance reports out one bill with a favorable recommendation.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia: The Committee on Finance, to which was referred Bill No. 000064, an ordinance amending section 19-1303 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Authorization to offer exemptions from COMMITTEE REPORTS real estate taxes on new construction of residential properties," by eliminating the owneroccupied requirement for exemptions, 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, Madam President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 000064. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended in order to permit first reading of Bill No. 000064 on today's calendar. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed, nay? The ayes have it, and Bill No. 000064 will be placed on today's first-reading calendar.
The next FIRST-READING CALENDAR order of business is the consideration of the calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Madam President, the bills -- you said first reading?
I'm sorry. We do have one bill on the first-reading calendar. I'm getting ahead of myself.
The clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 000064.
Bill No. 000064, an ordinance amending Section 19-1303 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Authorization to offer exemption from real estate on new construction of residential properties," by eliminating the owner-occupied requirement for exemption, under certain terms and conditions.
The Chair agrees. The bill read by the clerk will be placed on the second-reading and final-passage calendar for our next session. That concludes our first-reading calendar. SECOND READING - BILL 000225
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for purposes of the calling bills to be considered on the second-reading and final-passage calendar.
Thank you, Madam President. This morning, Bill No. 000225, 000535, and 000539 will be considered. Bill number 000314 is being held.
Thank you. The clerk will please read the title of the Bill No. 000225.
An ordinance amending Chapter 19 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Authorization to offer exemptions from real-estate taxes on improvements to deteriorated industrial, commercial, or other business properties," by changing the exemption schedule for improvements to deteriorated industrial, commercial, or other business properties, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the SECOND READING - BILL 000225 question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will please call the roll. CHIEF
Aye. SECOND READING - BILL 000535 The ayes of 17, the nays are 0. A majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 000535.
An ordinance authorizing the creation of a loan or loans to provide funds for and towards various capital and municipal purposes; authorizing the Mayor, City Controller, and City Solicitor, or a majority of them, to sell bonds at public or private negotiated sale, setting forth the capital purposes and the amounts for which the proceeds of the loan or loans will be expended.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are 0. A majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The last bill to be considered is Bill No. 000539. The clerk will please read the tile of the bill.
An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2001 within the Grants Revenue Fund from the Director of Finance - Provision for Other Grants to the Department of Licenses and Inspections.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are 0. A majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. This concludes the calendar for day.
Are there any speeches on the part of the Minority? (No speeches on the part of the Minority).
Are there any speeches on the part of the Majority? The Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen.
Thank you, Madam President. Last night, all Philadelphians heard SPEECHES Mayor Street speak on the issue of the education calendar for the year and the issues between the City, the School District, and the teachers union. Many years ago, while in private practice, I represented the workers at the Westinghouse plant, and they were going through a long period of negotiations with the company. Progress was being made, and then suddenly one day, Westinghouse decided it had to have a decision quickly, and at issue was (inaudible), and unless a contract was agreed to by the union, they were going to impose the terms of the new contract. That occurred. There was a -- a new contract was imposed. That was followed by a ten-month strike, and the Delaware Valley went on one of the longest strikes in the history of this Delaware Valley region. It served no purpose except to create discord and animosity, instead of developing the right relationship between the management, the ownership, and the working people in the plant. I am very fearful that what the Mayor has done follows that terrible pattern that was SPEECHES set back to 1955. At that time, following several years of litigation, the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania decreed that the result was a lock-out. Although the union had declared a strike, the imposition of the contract turned the situation around legally, and there were huge sums of money having to be paid in unemployment compensation, plus the many months of strike. Labor relations ought not to be conducted that way. This was a particularly difficult negotiation, because under the name of education reform, there were enormous numbers of changes. A 350-page contract that was worked out over 35 years of collective bargaining was being replaced by a much shorter contract, with many, many changes. Following the two briefing sessions -one from the union, one from the Mayor yesterday-we learned that the course of negotiations consisted of no new gains by the union on behalf of the people that it represented, that, in fact, a whole series of changes considered concessions by the union in the name of education reform, that the negotiations began in earnest. Only after the SPEECHES expiration of the contract because of the passage of a State law which provided that the terms of the old contract could not be extended. And, apparently, the City played a waiting game, waiting until the old contract expired, so that it might be in a position at a later time to suddenly declare an impasse and so seek to impose a contract. The issues between the two sides are very, very narrow. It certainly seemed wrong to attempt to compel workers to work without appropriate health and safety and particularly it seems wrong to impose an ultimatum. I don't know what the result of that is going to be, but if there happens to be an abrupt halt in the tremendous progress made for education reform and if the strike result, I think the blame clearly lies on the Mayor. Thank you, Madam President.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. SPEECHES If all speeches are concluded, the Council would like to note this morning that one of our colleagues has a birthday. And now we would all like to say happy birthday to our colleague Donna Miller. Happy birthday, Councilwoman. (Applause.)
It has just been brought to my attention that on Bill 000535, we do not have a certification from the controller. Therefore, l Bill No. 000535 will again be placed on next week's calendar, so today's vote will be null and void. Are there any other speeches on the part of the Majority? (No further speeches.)
Seeing none, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Madam Chair. I move that Council stand adjourned ADJOURNMENT until Thursday, October the 5th, at 10 a.m.
It has been moved and seconded that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, October 5, 2000. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the motion is carried. (Adjourned at 11:10 a.m.) C E R T I F I C A T E I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing proceedings of the Council of the City of Philadelphia of Thursday, September 28, 2000, were reported fully and accurately by me, and that this is a correct transcript of same. RE: STATED MEETING __________________________________, JOSEPHINE CARDILLO, Registered Professional Reporter