COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, November 4, 2004 10:05 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILMAN DAVID COHEN COUNCILMAN FRANK J. DICICCO COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILWOMAN JOAN L. KRAJEWSKI COUNCILMAN RICHARD T. MARIANO COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER COUNCILMAN MICHAEL A. NUTTER COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILMAN JUAN RAMOS COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO PATRICIA RAFFERTY, CHIEF CLERK V A R A L L O Incorporated Litigation Support Services Eleven Penn Center 1835 Market Street, Suite 600 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103 215.561.2220 215.567.2670
Good morning. I note that the hour has come and that a quorum of this Council is present. Council will please come to order. Members will take their seats, and visitors will retire to the seats outside the rails. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair welcomes Father Thomas Higgins, the Pastor of Holy Innocence Church. He is here today as the guest of Councilman Mariano. I would ask all Members and guests to please rise.
Thank you. And good morning, everyone. It's a pleasure to be with you on this morning. And let us pray. Loving God, this day we pray in thanksgiving. We pray in thanks for this new day. We pray in thanks to be able to live in a country that has free and fair elections. We pray in thanks for the Members of our City Council and for all elected officials who give so much of their lives in acts of service. We gather this day, loving God, asking your blessing. We ask you, God, to Members of our City Council and to bless all present but in particular the Members of our Council. Bless them with the gift of understanding that they may get to the heart of the matter. Bless them with the gift of wisdom, that will help them make the many difficult decisions that they need to make. Bless them, God, with the gift of patience with one another and with their constituents. And finally, Lord, this day we continue to pray for peace. God of peace, we pray for peace in our City, in our country and especially in our world and especially in Iraq. We pray this day. Loving God, we know that you are present with us to grant all of these requests. We pray in your name. Amen.
The Chair thanks Father Higgins for his very inspiring invocation. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
The next order of business is the approval of the the meeting of Thursday, October 28, 2004. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, October 28, 2004, stand approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal the meeting of Thursday October 28, 2004, stand approved. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, the motion carries, and the Journal of the meeting of Thursday October 28, 2004, is approved. The next order of business is leaves of absence. And the Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. On behalf of the Majority, a leave of absence is requested this morning for Councilman Kenney.
Leave will be granted. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Madam President, on behalf of the Republicans, leave of absence is requested for Councilman Jack Kelly.
The Chair thanks the gentleman, and leave will be granted. 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 we attend to the legislative affairs of our City. We certainly invite you to come again. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter who will present a resolution honoring the Theater Alliance of Greater Philadelphia. Will Mr. James Haskins and those accompanying him please join the Councilman at the podium.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, this is a resolution congratulating the Theater Alliance of Greater Philadelphia on the 10th anniversary of the Barrimore Awards Ceremony and designating the week of November 15th as Greater Philadelphia Theater Week. Whereas, Philadelphia, the five-county region, Southwestern New Jersey and Northern Delaware are host to a diverse array of theater organizations, including large resident companies, small assemble groups, theater festivals producers and theaters; and Whereas, audiences can choose from classic music, comedies or drama to new works, movement base pieces, and family and children programming; and Whereas, the Theater Alliance of Greater Philadelphia serves as an umbrella organization to strengthen the region's theater community and to promote the Philadelphia region as a destination for first class theater; and Whereas the Barrimore Awards for excellence in theater were created in 1994 to celebrate the artistry of the theater community, to increase public and media awareness of the theater community and to enhance marketing and fund-raising efforts; and Whereas, 10 years later, the Barrimore Awards, named after the famed Philadelphia-based first family of theater are a nationally recognized symbol of excellence for theater in this region and are our region's first and only theater awards programs; and Whereas, this year's lineup of nominees includes world renown actress Lynn Redgrave and Tony Award winning composer Si Coleman; and Whereas, in recognition of the achievements the Theater Alliance of Greater Philadelphia and to celebrate the diversity and quality of theater community in the Philadelphia region; now, therefore Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia that we hereby congratulate the Theater Alliance of Greater Philadelphia on the 10th anniversary of the Barrimore Award ceremony and designate the week of November 15th as Greater Philadelphia Theater Week. Further resolved that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to James Haskins, Executive Director of the Theater Alliance of Greater Philadelphia as an expression of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body for their leadership in establishing the Philadelphia region as a first class theater destination. President, cosponsored by all Members of City Council. (Applause.)
Thank you, Council Madam President. I've joined today by Theater Alliance Board Chair glen Knapp who is also Executive Director of Philadelphia Young Playwrights. On behalf of the Theater Alliance Greater Philadelphia, we would like to extend our deepest gratitude to Council President Verna, Councilman Nutter, and all Members of City Council for this citation. I hope this is only the beginning of our work together to define and promote Philadelphia as a destination for first class theater. A few weeks ago, I attended a meeting hosted by Councilman Kelly to learn about a pre-Broadway musical scheduled to premiere in Philadelphia in 2005. This is an exciting opportunity for Philadelphia, but exciting for me to discover is that supporting our region's theater offers is a bipartisan effort. Again, thank you for your support, not only for the theater community, but also for your recognition of the value of culture to the vitality of our fair City. I hope you will join us for the Barrimore awards ceremony on November 15th. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, this is a little out of the ordinary, but we have something very special here today. Today, my staff attorney, Pat Dugan who was Iraq for 10 months is back. He started back in Council on Monday. I brought him here. His family was coming, but I think they are caught finding a thought maybe you might let pat something to us or we can introduce him. Patrick.
Madam President, by the way -- I'm sure Pat's going to be modest -- Pat was put in for a bronze star for his heroic duty while he was in Iraq, which doesn't mean he gets it, but he was put in for it so possibly will have. So thanks, Pat. (Applause.)
Thank you, Councilman. It's great to be back in the US. I'd like to acknowledge Councilman Mariano for his support on a personal basis for myself and my family, but for veterans in general. He's always been there. And on rainy days he's out there, as are some of the colleagues. And as a soldier veteran, I really appreciate that. It was unfortunately for us many of us in Philadelphia the other day when President Bush was reelected, some of us weren't too happy. As a life-long Democrat, my heart was with the other side, with the side Philadelphia went very hard for. But what's great about this nation is that we woke up and the President was reelected and there's no problems. There's some policy issues. But that's what going on in Iraq and Afghanistan. There are men and women that are dying that are bringing the privilege of what we were born into, and that's the privilege of vote. In Baghdad and Mosul and Karbal there are American soldiers -- and you don't see it portrayed in the media --but what is actually being accomplished is that people are getting it. The insurgents are so upset and that's why they're so volatile right now. But the average person is getting it, that there's freedom coming to that part of the world and that's why they're fighting it so desperately. Because I was affiliated with City Council, I was privileged and honored to work with the local government in Northern Iraq and Ninava and Mosul. And we were having great strides bringing democracy there. These people had never seen it. And I just want to let you know that that is what is not being portrayed. I am not for the policies of what's going on and many things that we're doing, but know that the young men and women from Philadelphia who I served with, many people from the Delaware Valley, the Pennsylvania Guard and many soldiers throughout this great country, and they're literally dying and giving the blood for the privilege of what we did the other day, and that was to vote. So please know that that is something that's going on. And it's great to be back to Philadelphia.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco. Your light is to be recognized?
Madam President, at this time I would like to introduce some visitors. A neighbor of mine Joe Diagostino and his classmates from the Masterman School are here with their teacher Mr. Borda (ph). I'd like to ask them to stand up and be recognized. (Applause.)
Thank you. I will recognize my students now. I'd like to acknowledge 17 students from Cardinal Dougherty High School, which is in the 9th District, along with their teacher Ms. Phyllis Santiago who is a very active community activist in the Olney area.
If they would stand, we'd love to recognize you. (Applause.)
At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco who will present a resolution honoring Ms. Marjorie Newland. Would Ms. Newland and those accompanying her please join the Councilwoman at the podium. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Madam President. It gives me pleasure this morning to present this resolution honoring Marjorie Newland. Whereas, the Council of the City of Philadelphia is pleased and proud to honor Ms. Marjorie Newland, an internationally known body builder, who at the age of 84 will represent the City of Philadelphia and the World Physique Federation Body Building Show being held in Philadelphia November the 11th through the 13, 2004; and Whereas, Marjorie Newland will be competing in the World Physique Federation held the first Mr. Universe title in Philadelphia on September 17, 1947. The show is being hosted by the Mayor's Office on Health and Fitness, the Philadelphia Sports Congress, the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Borough, and Rev. Dr. Richard Brown, III, of Rivers Gym; and Whereas, in November 1991, Ms. Newland, a retired nurse, became concerned about her health and age-related illnesses and began lifting weights which led her to a second career as a body builder at the age of 72; and Whereas, Marjorie Newland won her first body building competition in May 1992 and has participated in over 40 competitions and has won 40 national and international trophies; and Whereas, Ms. Newland has appeared on several local and national television shows including but not limited to the Oprah Winfrey Show, the View and the Today Show where she promoted health and physical fitness; and Whereas, Ms. Newland lives by the motto, "One day at a time and know your own body," maintains her health and fitness for her independence and believes that each of us has been given a gift, the fabulous piece of machinery known as the human body; therefore, Resolved by the Council of the City of Philadelphia that we hereby congratulate Ms. Marjorie Newland on her success as a body builder and in the World Physique Federation Body Building Show. Further resolved that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Ms. Marjorie Newland as evidence of the sincere sentiments 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 28th day of October 2004. Signed by President Verna, introduced by Marian Tasco and sponsored by all Members of City Council. Thank you. (Applause.)
And she is the Aunt of Derek Green who is on my staff.
Wonderful. And now she's going to have to give us her secret. She looks fabulous. Ms. Newland, would you like to say a few remarks?
Good morning to all of you. It always seems strange to me for people to be so excited about the fact I am exercising. But I realize that since I have been in this, and the publicity started almost as soon as I started, that many people have been inspired and have been motivated to start working out. We have gotten many more people in the gym because of the publicity around my exercising. I know that I perhaps don't fill the perception that some people have of a body builder. They expect a much bigger person and a much younger person. But I enjoy working with the weights and I am a body builder. And every time that I talk to people, I motivate other people to start working out. is really concerned about fitness and health. And we are fortunate enough to have a Mayor who is involved in this health and fitness program. So we have seen more people coming out, working out, changing their diets and living a more healthy life-style. And I hope that some of you will be motivated today to do something for yourself. (Applause.)
At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller who will present a citation recognizing the B.E.S.T. Karate School and two of their students. Would Mr. John McClary and the students and those who are accompanying them please join the Councilwoman at the podium.
Good morning. City Council of City of Philadelphia citation honoring John McClary. City of Philadelphia is pleased and proud to honor John McClary and his commitment to the children of Germantown and Northwest Philadelphia through his work with the B.E.S.T. Karate School. Whereas, John McClary is founder of the B.E.S.T. Karate School and a teacher of the timeless lessons of karate, which are; determination, perseverance, self-control, respect for others and one's superiors; and Whereas, Mr. McClary took members of his karate class to the 2004 KWF World Cup Championship in Tokyo, Japan, as part of the United States Karate Team. The United States Karate Team consisted 10 black belts and one brown belt from the B.E.S.T. Karate School and the Ladder 2 Community program in Philadelphia; and Whereas, the United States Team competed against over 600 athletes from 26 countries. Mr. McClary won third place in the fighting category and fourth place in forms. In addition, two of his students Christopher Rouse, age 16, and Charlyn Ezekeal, age 14, took home a bronze medal and a certificate. This marks the second time in 11 years that the B.E.S.T. Karate School took home honors. Therefore, by virtue this citation, the Council of the City of Philadelphia is pleased and proud to honor Mr. John McClary for his outstanding contributions to the youth of our City. The discipline and leadership he teaches enrich the lives of our children, and for this we are extremely grateful. And I want to recognize Christopher Rouse who won a bronze medal, placing third in his category, Forms, and for this we are extremely proud. We also want to honor Charlyn Ezekiel who achieved a certificate in her category, Fighting, and for this we are extremely proud. Therefore, by virtue of this citation, the Council of the City of Philadelphia does honor the three individuals mention, Mr. McClary, Charlyn Ezekiel and Christopher Rouse, for their outstanding 2004 KWF World Cup championship. The poise and discipline they displayed has the sincere respect and admiration of this legislative body. Congratulations. (Applause.)
Thank you, Madam President. Almost 10 years ago today, this distinguished Council bestowed upon our group a similar type citation. But at that time, we recognized that the development of the body and the mind as a random activity and given left much to chance is not enough. We realized that the importance of developing holistically, both mind and body, academically to be productive citizens in the community and to work well as home and to demonstrate leadership capabilities was equally, if not more, important. And so the Ladder 2 Community program was born to make outstanding academicians as well as disciplined students working in harmony with mind and body. This Our goal was if they succeeded academically and at home that we would take Japan. They did their part and many of you helped us do our part to see that happen. We thank Councilwoman Miller for her support. And there are many others here who lent their support. And our instructor Mr. Gaston will please acknowledge them. Thank you. (Applause.)
I must give a special thanks to some people who took some time out from their very busy schedules to allow me to come into their offices and request either assistance to sending these young people to represent the United States. Those people would be Councilperson Michael Nutter, Councilperson Wilson Goode, Juan Ramos, Frank Rizzo, Blondell Reynolds Brown, Richard Mariano and, of course, Donna Reed Miller. As a result of these young people representing Philadelphia in the State of Pennsylvania and United States, it is now this City to have that very international tournament come to the City of Philadelphia as the International Goodwill event in 2005. For that, we are pleased and very grateful for the support and the assistance from the Councilpersons that are here. 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. THE
To the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am pleased to advise you that on November 3, 2004, I signed the following by Council at its Session on October 21, 2004: Bill No. 040764. And I am transmitting for the consideration of your honorable body a draft of a resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the West Philadelphia Urban Renewal Area. And a resolution for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the American Street Industrial Corridor Urban Renewal Area. And a resolution for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area. And a resolution for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area. And an ordinance authorizing Vesuvio Restaurant Bar, 736 to 738 South Eighth Street to construct, own and maintain various building encroachments and an open air southwest corner of South Eighth and Fitzwater Street. And an ordinance authorizing Children's Hospital of Philadelphia to construct, own and maintain various encroachments in the vicinity of South 34th Street and Civic Center Boulevard. And an ordinance authorizing John and Danielle Alexander, owners of the property 2148 Carpenter Street to erect a 3-story addition which will partially encroach on the east footway of South 22nd Street. And an ordinance authorizing Simon Associates, owner of the property 3415 South 45th Street to construct a privately-owned electrical transformer vault on the north footway of pine street. And an ordinance authorizing Pennsylvania Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania Health System to construct, own and maintain a ductbank beneath Delancey Street. And an ordinance authorizing Sunoco Philadelphia Refinery to install and aluminium siren, related equipment and an aerial electrical service on a traffic island bordered by South 56th Street. And an ordinance authorizing Phillips Lombard Street, owner and developer for the Liberty Court at Society Hill to construct, own and maintain various encroachments.
Thank you. The messages will be printed in the Journal. The Chief Clerk will please read any other communications in her possession. THE
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano.
Thank you, Madam President. I know when I introduced our own Pat Dugan about 15 minutes ago, I mentioned that his mom and his sister were on their way and got caught finding a parking spot. Well, Ms. Dugan is here. I'd just like to recognize her and Pat's sister Melissa.
The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for a motion.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit the immediate consideration of resolutions at their time of introduction. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit immediate consideration of resolutions at the time of introduction. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. Today, I introduce four bills and three resolutions. Two bills and resolutions are on your behalf, and the other two bills on my own behalf.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bills. THE
An ordinance authorizing Simon Associates, owner the property 315 South 45th Street to construct a privately-owned electrical transformer on the north footway of Pine Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
And an ordinance authorizing Children's Hospital of Philadelphia to construct, one and maintain various encroachments to be installed in conjunction with roadway improvements.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
And an ordinance authorizing Sunoco Philadelphia Refinery to install an aluminium post with siren, related equipment and an aerial electrical service on traffic island bordered by South 56th Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
And an ordinance authorizing John and Danielle Alexander, 2237 Kimball Street, their successors and assigns, to construct and maintain a building addition on the South 22nd street.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
And a resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Grays Ferry Urban Renewal Area.
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 indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. THE
And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority deeds located in the 30th and 40th Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. THE
And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority deeds located in the 36th Ward of the City of 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 signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. To the Chief Clerk, is there another resolution?
Madam President, I held one back at the last moment. Thank you.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution. THE
A resolution Honoring Independence Blue Cross for its proactive leadership in addressing the nursing shortage by creating the Nurse Scholars Program.
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 signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. THE
And resolution authorizing the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development to hold hearings to examine the Minority Business Enterprise Council with regard to Chapter 17-500 of the Philadelphia Code and Executive Order No. 103, and to assess the effort to improve participation levels and utilization goals for minority women and disadvantaged business enterprises.
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 will be referred to the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you, Madam President. Today, I have no bills or resolutions.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. Good morning. I offer one resolution.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution. THE
A resolution declaring November 2004 as Adoption Month in Philadelphia and recognizing the Philadelphia Department of Human Services in their efforts to ensure permanency in the lives of Philadelphia's children and families.
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, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ramos.
Thank you, Madam President. I have offer no bills or resolutions.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill. THE
An ordinance authorizing Pennsylvania Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania Health System, 800 Spruce Street, its successors and assigns to construct, own and maintain a ductbank beneath Delancey Street to provide service connections for their building.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
And an ordinance regulating the direction of movement of traffic on Philip Street, from Gaskill Street to Lombard Street.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
And an ordinance authorizing Phillips Lombard Street, owner and developer for the Liberty Court at Society Hill to construct, own and maintain various encroachments to be installed in conjunction with a residential redevelopment and streetscape project.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
And an ordinance regulating the direction of movement of traffic on Gaskill Street from Third Street Philip Street, westbound.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Thank you, Madam President. I have one bill, two resolutions.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill. THE
An ordinance amending Title 14 of the Philadelphia Code relating to zoning and planning by amending Chapter 14-1600, entitled "Miscellaneous," by adding a new Section 14-1626, entitled "Yorktown Special District Controls."
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
And a resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment urban renewal of a portion of the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will please signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. THE
And a resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority for the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area.
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 Councilman Rizzo.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The next order of business is reports from committees. The Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano for a report from the Committee on Licenses and Inspections.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Licenses and Inspections reports one bill with a favorable recommendation.
The Chief Clerk will please read the report. THE
To the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Licenses and Inspections, to which was referred Bill No. 040788, entitled an ordinance amending Chapter 9-600 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Service Businesses" by adding a new section regulating the hours of operation of commercial establishments located on residential blocks and providing for penalties, all under certain terms and conditions, respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading of this day of Bill NO. 040788. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 040788. will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the bill just read will be placed on today's First Reading Calendar. The next order of business is the consideration of the Calendar. The Chief Clerk will please read the bills on the First Reading Calendar. THE
Bill 040788, an ordinance amending Chapter 9-600 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Service Businesses," by adding a new section regulating the hours of operation of commercial establishments located on residential blocks and providing for penalties, all under certain terms and conditions.
The Chair agrees. That concludes the First Reading now consider the bills on the Second Reading Calendar. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for a motion.
Thank you, Madam President. Today, Bill Nos. 040640-AA, 040467 and 040873 are being called for second reading and final passage. All other bills are being held.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Bill NO. 040640-AA. THE
An ordinance amending Chapter 19-2600 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Business Privilege Taxes," by establishing a program under which a job creation tax credit will be given to certain businesses creating new jobs in the City of Philadelphia, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. please call the roll.
I'm sorry. I didn't notice. The Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen.
I wonder if Councilman Goode will submit to a few questions.
Such as, what the purpose of the bill and how does it respond to the needs of the City for funding.
I'm sorry. I didn't hear Councilman Cohen's question.
I asked what the bill deals with and how IT response to the City needs for funds.
The bill creates a new provision as part of the new jobs tax credit. Currently we have an existing program flat $1,000 per new job created. This new provision gives 2 percent of new average wages or the thousand dollar per new job, whichever is higher. The existing program has already created up to 1600 jobs. The bill has all types of financial and administrative controls in it and is actually tapped at 1 percent of business tax revenue which is roughly $3 million.
Councilman Goode, would you explain how you prevent the loss of funds to the City and what you think the cost to the City would be?
The cost to the City, if you consider it cost, is 1 percent on an annual basis of the business tax revenue which is up to about $3 million. The bill pays for itself through new wage tax revenue, as discussed when we amended the bill. Furthermore, as I mentioned, this bill existing program that as already created 1600 jobs which would not existed otherwise.
Does the bill have in it provisions which prevent a corporation from creating jobs one year, then terminating the next year and then recreating the terminated jobs the third year in order to get the tax cut?
This bill actually is just complementing an existing program offering 2 percent or the $1,000 per new job. To answer more specifically, the existing program calls for the business to have to maintain operations in Philadelphia for five years. In addition, there are call back provisions that if the jobs are not maintain, they give us our money back.
You're welcome. The Clerk will please call the roll. THE
Aye. The ayes are 15, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 040467. THE
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Rittenhouse Street, Pulaski Avenue, Chelten Street.
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. THE
Aye. The ayes are 15, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members having voted in the affirmative, this bill passes. The last bill to be called for 040873. THE
An ordinance authorizing the extension of the term of the Center City District pursuant to the provisions of the Municipality Authorities Act under 2025 approving the plan estimated cost and proposed method of assessment and charges of the Center City District for and concerning business improvements and administrative services to the Central Business District of the City of Philadelphia for 2005-2009 and approving the estimated cost for debt service through 2025, 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 Clerk will please call the roll. THE
Aye. The ayes are 15, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members having voted in the affirmative, this bill passes. That concludes our Calendar for today. Are there speeches on the part of the minority? (No response.)
Are there speeches on the part of the Majority? The Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen.
Thank you, Madam President. I think Philadelphia distinguished itself in an election that makes many respect to the results. But in the United States, a great thing is that elections generally speak to who's going to be offensive team and who will be on the defensive. Elections don't decide basic moral questions. The morality of people whose religious views are strong in their opinion is unquestioned. But the question of morality has never been settled with respect to whether it's immoral to pay workers less than a living wage. Many of us feel it is immoral. Many of us feel it's wrong to deny people their full rights. And we think that is as much a question of morality as any question would because it deals with the values of human life. But in any event, most of us in Philadelphia, which did itself really proud in the election, we have nothing in Philadelphia to unhappy about because I think we led the nation in support for the moralities that we think are most important, the rights of working people, the rights of the poor, the rights of women, the rights of immigrants, the people, in other words. We're going to playing defense rather than offense. I think would rather be on an offensive team, but that decision was made by all the people in the United States and it's not to be. But it is clear we have an important job to do, and that is to continue to fight for the things that we think are important and that make United States a great country. But once more, to Philadelphia Democratic Party, I think we showed we have the best democratic party in the nation, and we showed it by the amount of support that Philadelphians gave the democratic ticket here in Philadelphia. Thank you very much.
You're welcome, Councilman Cohen. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I concur with the comments of my colleague. I have never been so pleased as to be on the loud speaker election night and to Danny Glover and to have the whole hip hop team and ministers and other performers as well as elected officials from around the country. And I will say I don't know where these figures come from that nothing changed from 2000 in terms of young people being involved and others. We felt it. We felt the activities industry. We knew that people were motivated. And I've been around long enough to know the real thing when I see it. So I don't know where those figures came from. I don't know if we'll ever know what the real deal was. But we who are here are proud of the effort that occurred. We're proud of the job we did. And all we can do is continue to say, we did the right thing and we did our part and hope that one day the truth comes out. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you. And I would concur with you in that I have never seen so many young people become politically involved. I don't ever remember seeing that before. the Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Madam President. I wanted to echo the sentiments of my other two colleagues and say that Tuesday was actually a very historic day in terms of voter participation. On next Tuesday, and be actually asking citizens to continue that participation. My office, along with the Free Library of Philadelphia will be conducting a seminar entitled "By Request Citizen Participation and Legislative Process." We will do a review City Council's history, how it's currently organized, how laws are made and people will learn interesting tidbits of information like before the 1919 Charter there were actually 139 members of City Council. So for those people who would like to register, they can call my office at (215) 686-3414.
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.
Madam President, I move that Council stand adjourned until Thursday November 18 at 10:00 a.m. (Duly seconded.) THE
It has been moved and properly seconded that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, November 18th. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
Council will be adjourned until Thursday, November 18th. Thank you. (Council adjourned at 11:08 a.m.) C E R T I F I C A T I O N. I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing proceedings of the Council of the City of Philadelphia of Thursday, November 4, 2004, were reported fully and accurately by me, and that this is a correct transcript of the same. RE: STATED MEETING _________________________ Lisa C. Bradley, RPR