COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 696, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, December 12, 2002 11:00 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILMAN DAVID COHEN COUNCILMAN FRANK J. DI CICCO 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 V A R A L L O Incorporated Litigation Support Services Eleven Penn Center 1835 Market Street, Suite 600 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103
Good morning, everyone. I note that the hour has come and that a quorum of this Council is present. Members will please take their seats. This morning we are pleased to have Elder Charles Register from Congregation Temple Bethel to give our invocation. Will all members and guests please rise? ELDER REGISTER: Giving honor to the supreme intelligence, the one and only God of the universe. To the Council president of City Council, you are here by the will of God. To the Councilmembers-at-Large and District Councilmembers, you are here because he allowed it. For the eternal will work, for who can hinder him. For he put into the mind of this great committee his desires for the City of Philadelphia residents. Therefore, let us always remember that our positions are given to us, not because of riches and our power, but to carry out his perfect will. And I do with you as the potter says, the Lord, behold, as the clay is in the hand of the potter's hand, so are you in my hand. Let us pray. Oh, Eternal, thou has been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth or ever thou has formed the earth and world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou are God. We pray for this legislative body. We ask that you would direct and lead them in carrying out the proper decision by which the City shall be governed. Strengthen them. Give them courage to face every challenge with success. For all these things we ask in your holy name. Amen.
The Chair thanks Elder Register for his very inspiring invocation. The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of December 5, 2002. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, December 5, 2002 stand approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of September 5, 2002, stand approved. All in favor will please indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the motion carries. The Journal of the meeting of Thursday December 5, 2002 is approved. The next order business is request for leaves of absence. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. There are no requests for leaves of absence on the part of the majority.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Madam President, on behalf of the Republicans, there are no requests for leaves of absence.
Thank you, Councilman. 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 this Council session. We appreciate your taking the time to join us as we attend to the legislative affairs of our City. We certainly invite you to come again. The next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant-at-Arms deliver the messages from the Mayor to the Clerk. The 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 on December 6, 2002, I signed the following bills that were passed by Council at its Session on December 5, 2002: Bill No. 020675 and Bill No. 020677. And I am transmitting for the consideration of your honorable body a draft of an ordinance entitled, an ordinance approving the Redevelopment Proposal of the Redevelopment AND RESOLUTIONS Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment of the Kingsessing Urban Renewal Area.
Thank you. The messages will be printed in the Journal. The Clerk will 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 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 permanent immediate consideration of resolutions at the time of introduction. AND RESOLUTIONS All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer two bills and one resolution.
The Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance amending Title 9 of the Philadelphia Code relating to regulation of businesses, trades, and professions by amending Chapter 9-1300 entitled, "Home Inspection Business."
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of an amendment to Section 6-400 of the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter, relating to authorized audits by the auditing department of certain agencies performing services or receiving funding from the City as approved by AND RESOLUTIONS resolution of the City Council.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution proposing an amendment to Section 6-400 of the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter relating to authorization for City Controller audits of agencies receiving appropriations from or performing services for the City and providing for the submission of the amendment to the Electors of Philadelphia.
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 motion carries. AND RESOLUTIONS
Thank you, Madam President. Today I introduce one bill on your behalf.
The Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance approving the Redevelopment Proposal of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment of the Kingsessing Urban Renewal Area.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen.
The Chair thanks the Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano. AND RESOLUTIONS
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco. I believe the Councilwoman does has a bill that Councilwoman Miller will introduce on her behalf.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer one bill on behalf of Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance approving the Redevelopment Proposal of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment Logan Urban Renewal Area.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. Councilman Kenney, I have not seen your resolution beforehand. Is that to be referred to a committee?
I expected that it would have been, Madam President. I withdraw that motion to approve now and have it referred to AND RESOLUTIONS committee.
It will be referred to the appropriate committee. Thank you. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you, Madam President. Today, I offer no bills or resolutions.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter.
The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution declaring the week of January 1, 2003 to January 8, 2003 as Braille Literacy Week to honor Louis Braille who was born on January 4, 1809, and to promote greater awareness of braille.
Thank you, Madam President. I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been AND RESOLUTIONS moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions this morning.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ortiz.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco.
Thank you, Madam AND RESOLUTIONS President. I have two bills, one cosponsored by you and signed by several members of City Council.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance extending the discount period and the due date for payment of real estate taxes due in 2003 and enacting special provisions to additions to tax penalties and interest of such real estate taxes are paid after the due date, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Section 19-1303 of the Philadelphia Code entitled, "Authorization to Offer Exemptions for Real Estate Taxes on Improvements to Residential Properties."
This bill will also be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Madam President, I offer one bill on behalf of myself and Councilman Kenney. AND RESOLUTIONS
The Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property on the behalf of the City of Philadelphia to grant each of the respective owners of 1901, 1903 and 1905 Juniper Terrace on easement across a portion of a certain parcel of land known as 8582 Bloomfield Avenue.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, I have one resolution and two bills.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance authorizing Tenet Health Systems Hahnemann, owner of the property of Hahnemann University Hospital, Broad and Vine Streets, to construct, own and maintain 11 precast concrete planters with trees on the west footway of Broad Street and 13 concrete planters with trees on the south footway of Vine Street. AND RESOLUTIONS
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Title 21 of the Philadelphia Code entitled, "Miscellaneous," by adding a new chapter creating the Economic Opportunity Tax Force to develop plans for increasing employment for minorities, women, and disabled persons in connection with publicly-funded construction contracts.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia deeds located in the 16th, 20th, 28th, 29th, 32nd, 37th, 43rd and 47th Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
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 motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilman Longstreth.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo. Is Councilman Rizzo in the room? Thank you. We will proceed. I think he had indicated in Caucus -
Thank you. The next order of business is reports from committees. And the Chair recognizes report from the Committee of the Whole.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee of the Whole reports out one bill with a favorable recommendation.
To the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, Committee of the Whole, to which was referred Bill No. 020761, entitled an ordinance amending Bill No. 010529 entitled an ordinance amending Section 20-501 of the Philadelphia Code relating to boundaries of councilmanic districts by revising the boundaries of councilmanic districts, under certain terms and conditions; respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Rules of Council permit first reading today of Bill No. 020761.
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. 020761. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and Bill No. 020761 will be placed on today's First Reading Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney for a report from the Committee on Rules.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Rules reports favorable recommendations for 13 bills.
To the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Rules, to which was referred Bill No. 020666 entitled, an ordinance approving the 9th Amendment of the Redevelopment Proposal for the Eastwick Urban Renewal Area; And Bill No. 020667 entitled, an ordinance approving the Redevelopment Proposal of the Redevelopment of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment of the Greenway Urban Renewal Area; And Bill No. 020668 entitled, an ordinance approving the 13th Amendment of the Redevelopment Proposal for the South Central Urban Renewal Area; And Bill No. 020669 entitled, an ordinance approving the 2nd Amendment of the Redevelopment Proposal for the Point Breeze East Urban Renewal Area; And Bill No. 020671 entitled, an ordinance approving the 1st Amendment of the Redevelopment Proposal for the Sarah Allen Urban Renewal Area; And Bill No. 020672 entitled, an 1st Amendment of the Redevelopment Proposal for the Parkside National Register Historical District Urban Renewal Area; And Bill No. 020673 entitled, an ordinance approving the 10th amendment of the redevelopment proposal for the Mantua Urban Renewal Area; And Bill No. 020678 entitled, an ordinance approving the Redevelopment Proposal of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment of the 45th and Sansom Urban Renewal Area; And Bill No. 020679 entitled, an ordinance approving the 1st Amendment of the Redevelopment Proposal for the American Street Industrial Corridor Urban Renewal Area; And Bill No. 020681 entitled, an ordinance approving the 30th Amendment of the Redevelopment Proposal for the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area; And Bill No. 020682 entitled, an ordinance approving the 9th Amendment of the Redevelopment Proposal for the Whitman Urban Renewal Area; 020685 entitled, an ordinance approving the 10th Amendment of the Redevelopment Proposal for the Cecil B. Moore Urban Renewal Area; And Bill No. 020686 entitled, an ordinance approving the Redevelopment Proposal of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment of the Brewerytown Urban Renewal Area; Respectfully reports it has considers the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Madam President, I move the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 020666, 020667, 020668, 020669, 020671, 020672, 020673, 020678, 020679, 020681, 020682, 020685 and 020686. (Duly seconded.)
020666, 020667, 020668, 020669, 020671, 020672, 020673, 020678, 020679, 020681, 020682, 020685 and 020686.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the bills just read by Councilman Kenney -- that the Rules be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of those bills. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. And the bills just read by the Chief Clerk and Councilman Kenney will be placed on today's First Reading Calendar. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski for a report from the Committee on Appropriations.
Madam President, the Committee on Appropriations offers a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the report.
To the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Appropriations, to which was refer Bill NO. 020735, entitled an ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriation for Fiscal Year 2003 within the General Fund from the Department of Revenue Sinking Fund Commission to the Director of Finance contribution to the School District; respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Madam Chair, I move that the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading of Bill No. 020735. (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. 020735. indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. And the Bill 020735 will be placed on today's First Reading Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney for a report from the Public Property and Public Works.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Public Property and Public Works reports one bill out with a favorable recommendation.
To the President and Members of the Council of the City o Philadelphia, the Committee on Public Property and Public Works, to which was referred Bill No. 020742, entitled an ordinance amending Bill No. 990728, approved December 6, 1999, entitled an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to convey to the City certain premises located 1823-35 Callowhill Street, and authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to enter into or execute such other instruments as may be necessary or desirable to effectuate the provisions of this ordinance, all under certain terms and conditions, by extending the time for compliance within the conditions until December 1, 2003; respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Madam President, I move that the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 020742. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Rules of Council suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 020742. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. And Bill No. 020742 will be placed on today's First Reading Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco for a report from the Committee on Streets and Services.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Streets and Services reports 21 bills out with a favorable recommendation.
The Committee on Streets and Services to which was referred Bill 020474, entitled an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Carlisle Street, west side; And bill No. 020483, entitled an ordinance terminating a parking regulation on Allegheny Avenue, north side; And Bill No. 020503, entitled an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Fairmount Avenue, north side.
And Bill No. 020504, entitled an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Fairmount Avenue, south side. And Bill No. 020505, entitled an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Taylor Street, east side; And Bill No. 020548, entitled an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on 43rd Street, both sides; And Bill No. 020549, entitled an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on 47th Street, east side; And Bill No. 020565, entitled an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Hutchinson Street, east side; And Bill No. 020566, entitled an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Christian Street, south side; And Bill No. 020567, entitled an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Montrose Street, north side; And Bill No. 020568, entitled an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on 13th Street, both sides; 020570, entitled an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Camac Street, west side; And Bill No. 020571, entitled an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Wolf Street, north side; And Bill No. 020572, entitled an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on McKean Street, both sides; And Bill No. 020573, entitled an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Carpenter Street, both sides; And Bill No. 020574, entitled an ordinance revising parking regulations on 10th Street, both sides; And Bill No. 020575, entitled an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Sixth Street, west side; And Bill No. 020716, entitled an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 197; And Bill No. 020739, entitled a ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 307; 020740, entitled an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 58 by striking from the City Plan and vacating Olive Street from Percy Street to 10th Street; And Bill No. 020741, entitled an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 58; Respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading on the 21 bills that have just been read into the record. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of the bills just read by the Clerk. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. And the bills just read by the Clerk will be placed on today's First Reading Calendar. Council will now proceed under a special order of business to reconsider a Bill No. 020537A. This bill was passed by City Council at the November 21, 2002 Session and was disapproved by the Mayor and returned to Council on December 5, 2002. The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, I move that Council reconsider the vote of Bill 020537A. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Council reconsider the vote. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have and the motion carries. Council will now reconsider the vote by which Bill No. 020537A was passed.
As I usually ask, Madam President, if you could explain the significance of an "aye" or a "no" vote.
I will do that. The Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Section 19-1301 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Real Estate Taxes," by providing that the taxes levied on a property under that section shall not increase in any one year by more than a specific percentage as a result of an increase in the assessed value of the property as returned by the Board of Revision of Taxes, under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you. This bill having been read on two different days, was duly approved by City Council on November 21, 2002, and was returned to Council by the Mayor as disapproved at last week's Session of Council. The question is shall Bill No. 020537A pass, notwithstanding the Mayor's disapproval. I would like to explain if you are voting aye, you are voting to override the Mayor's veto. If you are voting no, you will be voting to sustain the Mayor's veto. Are there any questions? Councilman Nutter, I think your light is on. Did you want to be recognized?
Yes, Madam President, just very briefly to speak on this particular motion. Thank you. Madam President, I would like to add to the record, and there's been a great deal of discussion, a great deal of concern by Councilmembers for which I am deeply appreciative. I've had an opportunity to talk to every member probably more on this particular issue than any of us would like, but I am deeply appreciative to my They have been open and honest and straightforward in expressing their concern about this particular issue: The, in many instances, outrages increases that many of our constituents have received. And this is an honest effort to try to address those concerns in a straightforward manner right now and provide true tax relief even in a small way to many people who need it. Many of our citizens are not necessarily of the greatest income and we have many who own homes, have owned them for a long period of time, they are in many instances seniors but there are also working people who have the incomes that they have and they're try to make it and struggle through what has been considered not only a national economic downturn, but also somewhat of a downturn in the local Philadelphia economy. We find ourselves here in December, 13 days before Christmas, people trying to figure out how they're going to enjoy their holiday season, but many of them have been shocked at the proposed assessment increase that they received. I would like to add for the record, Madam President, that this City Council found itself in the same position 21 years and 11 months ago. on January 22, 1981, this City Council was faced with the delima of trying to deal with a potential override of a Mayoral veto back at that time, Bill 482, which had been passed by this Council unanimously. That bill actually proposed to freeze the assessments for a three year period of time. We are honored to have actually a number of members of this present body who were there on that day: Yourself, Madam President, Councilman Cohen, Councilwoman Krajewski, Councilman O'Neill, Councilman Blackwell was here at that time, and I believe by way of the staff compliment, I will automatically assume that Councilwoman Blackwell was here on that day when at that time this City Council tried to take an action to help people who were in the most desperate of circumstances. That City Council on that particular day voted by a margin of 13 to nothing to override the veto. Tim Coleman went out of his way to acknowledge and remind his colleagues that on that day, with only 13 members in Council, 10 of whom were democrats, 3 of whom were republicans, that without a bipartisan effort, this City Council would not have been able to be successful in ultimately providing relief to people. think all the Members know the result of that particular action was Bill 482 subsequently became the subject of litigation and a process was established that allowed for some relief over a period of time. I think we are in a crisis situation with our property tax condition and that the opportunity here for one year to provide people with true relief, an actual reduction based on the assessment notices that they received this summer is something that this City Council hopefully will at least rise to the level of that City Council back on January 22, 1981, to really try to help people in a serious fashion and a legitimate fashion while at the same time being mindful of the impact, potential impact, on the City's budget and the School District's budget. And so with that, Madam President, I would ask that we would override the Mayor's veto and provide people with true support and relief that they need and at least meet the standard that the City Council did in January of 1981. Thank you, Madam President.
Thank you, Madam Chair. I'm going to very brief. The system is broken. I think we've heard testimony over the last few months that the BRT and the way we raise the taxes on property in this City is not functioning correctly and it's functioning in an inequitable manner. The bulk, the brunt falls on the working class, falls on the middle class. If you're very rich, you don't have a very big problem with paying your property taxes. But if you're middle class, you're working class in this City, the reassessments that happen every year really can put a hurt on the every day working family of this City. As in 1981, City Council, the body that represents the people and the citizens of the City stepped in over a mayoral veto. I think it's time to do the same. So I ask my colleagues to support the override.
Thank you. At this time I would ask the Clerk to please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 10, the nays are 7, so the motion fails. We will now go on to our next item of business, and that is the consideration of the calendar. The Clerk will please read the bills on the First Reading Calendar.
Bill No. 020761 entitled, an ordinance amending Bill No. 010529 entitled an ordinance amending Section 20-501 of the Philadelphia Code relating to boundaries of councilmanic districts by revising the boundaries of councilmanic districts, under certain terms and conditions .
And Bill No. 020666 entitled, an ordinance approving the 9th Amendment of the Redevelopment Proposal for the Eastwick Urban Renewal Area.
And Bill No. 020667 entitled, an ordinance approving the Redevelopment Proposal of the Redevelopment of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment of the Greenway Urban Renewal Area.
And Bill No. 020668 entitled, an ordinance approving the 13th Amendment of the Redevelopment Proposal for the South Central Urban Renewal Area.
And Bill No. 020669 entitled, an ordinance approving the 2nd Amendment of the Redevelopment Proposal for the Point Breeze East Urban Renewal Area.
And Bill No. 020671 entitled, an ordinance approving the 1st Amendment of the Redevelopment Proposal for the Sarah Allen Urban Renewal Area.
And Bill No. 020672 entitled, an ordinance approving the 1st Amendment of the Redevelopment Proposal for the Parkside National Register Historical District Urban Renewal Area.
And Bill No. 020673 entitled, an ordinance approving the 10th amendment of the redevelopment proposal for the Mantua Urban Renewal Area.
And Bill No. 020678 entitled, an ordinance approving the Redevelopment Proposal of the Redevelopment Authority of the City the redevelopment of the 45th and Sansom Urban Renewal Area.
And Bill No. 020679 entitled, an ordinance approving the 1st Amendment of the Redevelopment Proposal for the American Street Industrial Corridor Urban Renewal Area.
And Bill No. 020681 entitled, an ordinance approving the 30th Amendment of the Redevelopment Proposal for the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area.
And Bill No. 020682 entitled, an ordinance approving the 9th Amendment of the Redevelopment Proposal for the Whitman Urban Renewal Area.
And Bill No. 020685 entitled, an ordinance approving the 10th Amendment Proposal for the Cecil B. Moore Urban Renewal Area.
And Bill No. 020686 entitled, an ordinance approving the Redevelopment Proposal of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment of the Brewerytown Urban Renewal Area.
And Bill No. 020735, entitled an ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriation for Fiscal Year 2003 within the General Fund from the Department of Revenue Sinking Fund Commission to the Director of Finance contribution to the School District.
And Bill No. 020742, entitled an ordinance amending Bill No. 990728, approved December 6, 1999, entitled an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to convey to the Redevelopment Authority of the City 1823-35 Callowhill Street, and authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to enter into or execute such other instruments as may be necessary or desirable to effectuate the provisions of this ordinance, all under certain terms and conditions, by extending the time for compliance within the conditions until December 1, 2003.
And Bill No. 020474, entitled an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Carlisle Street, west side.
And bill No. 020483, entitled an ordinance terminating a parking regulation on Allegheny Avenue, north side.
And Bill No. 020503, entitled an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Fairmount Avenue, north side.
And Bill No. 020504, entitled an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Fairmount Avenue, south side.
And Bill No. 020505, entitled an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Taylor Street, east side.
And Bill No. 020548, entitled an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on 43rd Street, both sides.
And Bill No. 020549, entitled an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on 47th Street, east side.
And Bill No. 020565, entitled an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Hutchinson Street, east side.
And Bill No. 020566, entitled an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Christian Street, south side.
And Bill No. 020567, entitled an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Montrose Street, north side.
And Bill No. 020568, entitled an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on 13th Street, both sides.
And Bill No. 020570, entitled an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Camac Street, west side.
And Bill No. 020571, entitled an ordinance establishing a parking Street, north side.
And Bill No. 020572, entitled an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on McKean Street, both sides.
And Bill No. 020573, entitled an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Carpenter Street, both sides.
And Bill No. 020574, entitled an ordinance revising parking regulations on 10th Street, both sides.
The Chair agrees. THE CLERK; and Bill No. 020575, entitled an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Sixth Street, west side.
And Bill No. 020716, authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 197.
And Bill No. 020739, entitled a ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 307, by striking from the City Plan and vacating Commerce Street from 21st Street to 22nd Street.
And Bill No. 020740, entitled an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 58 by striking from the City Plan and vacating Olive Street from Percy Street to 10th Street.
And Bill No. 020741, entitled an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 58, by striking from the City Plan and vacating Warnock Street from Wallace Street to Melon Street.
The Chair 12/12/02 - STATED - 2ND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE agrees. The bills just read by the Clerk will be placed on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for our next session. That concludes the First Reading Calendar. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for the purpose of calling bills to be considered on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar.
Thank you, Madam President. Today Bill Nos. 020729, 020730, 020731 are being called for second reading and final passage. All other bills are being held.
An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriation for Fiscal Year 2002 within the General Fund from certain or all city offices to certain or all city offices, departments, boards, and commissions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally? 12/12/02 - STATED - 2ND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE The Clerk will please call the roll.
Councilman O'Neill. 12/12/02 - STATED - 2ND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE
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 next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 020730.
An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriation for Fiscal Year 2002 within the Water Fund from certain or all city offices to certain or all city offices, departments, boards and commissions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally? 12/12/02 - STATED - 2ND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE The Clerk will please call the roll.
Councilman O'Neill. 12/12/02 - STATED - 2ND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE
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 next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 020731.
An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2003 from the General Fund certain or all city offices and the Grants Revenue Fund, the Director of Finance provision for other grants to the General Fund certain or all city offices, departments, boards, and commissions.
This bill 12/12/02 - STATED - 2ND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally? The Clerk will please call the roll.
Councilman Nutter. 12/12/02 - STATED - 2ND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. That concludes our Calendar at this time. We will stand in recess until noon. Thank you all very much. UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Can we address the City Council? Can we address the City Council? UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Are we being ignored here? This is not right. We only to address this Council for a few minutes. We have 12/12/02 - STATED been orderly. We are taxpayers and we are here. If you could give us a few minutes to just speak.
Just a moment please. Just a moment please. We're not going to get out of order here. One person will speak for the group. Now you can designate whoever you would like. Would you identify yourself, please. ) I'm here in the interest of black community since Frank Rizzo, from every Mayor from Frank Rizzo down for a half century, the black and Latino community have suffered being excluded from the construction industry, a multi-billion dollar industry. We took a survey of every construction site in Philadelphia from the airport to City Hall, and every one of them have kept black people in these apprenticeship programs where they go to these programs for three to six months. They come out at the end of the rainbow, they get no work. These are all stall tactics. You got black men and black women like Sister Sahara (ph) who stay on the streets in the rain, in the snow, fighting for 12/12/02 - STATED justice. We have not gotten any justice in this construction industry, which we already know these corporate criminals. Right now in City Hall, I personally went to three contractors. You got the painters contractors, right here in City Hall that's painting the Council Chamber. Everybody on there is lilly white. No black men, no Latino men, no black or Latino women. And when I asked why is this? They said, well, nobody told us that we got to hire blacks or Latino, in a City that is 50 percent black. We're supposed to be getting 50 percent of the contracts here in the City of Philadelphia. But that's not happening. We went right to the contractor doing the stone work outside City Hall. One black man working and everybody is lilly white. All these three contractors that's here, the masons, the painters, they have no large percentage or even or decent percentage of black and Latino workers. Why is that? We got all these black Councilpeople and we also got the Mayor and Deputy Mayor, and these things right here going right here. You talk about 12/12/02 - STATED racism? Well it's right here in the headquarters of City Hall right how. Why is that? I know that you're not color blind. We put Street into office to give us fair housing, to give us decent jobs, high-paying jobs. Why do our young boys and young women on the street right now standing out feeling the only way that they can get over and live decent, they gotta sell som god-damned drugs and go to jail. Why is that? We don't want to hear that the Mayor is giving us that he going to take the abandoned cars street. Black folks don't want to hear that. We want high-paying jobs the same way white folks get these jobs plentiful. They don't have to demonstrate, they don't have to debate, they don't have to go out and stand in the damn sun or in the rain or the cold. They ain't gotta to do this. Why we have to suffer like this? We know that in the next seven years SEPTA got a $2 billion project right here. They have hardly any black strong percentage on these job sites right now, as far as black contractors, as far as black workers. And as far as black women and 12/12/02 - STATED Latino women, there is none. Why is that? Because the unions and the contractors work hand in hand to keep blacks and Latinos off of these construction sites. And then what they do they call either the Police Department or the judges of this society right here to impose all kind of sanctions to stop us from going -- you gonna come in our neighborhood, come in there and just rough us off, take the damn jobs. We go past these jobs, all white on these damn jobs in a totally black neighborhoods. These are the things that we're upset about. And I know in the next seven years, Street won't be the Mayor of this City. We know that right now won't be the Governor. So this is bigger than just us. We're talking about the future of black men and women and our children getting fair treatment in a City that ya'll call brother love. And black folks don't see no damn love.
We see nothing but nightmares and problems because our children are the ones who are in these jail cells that gotta commit crime in order to live. And ya'll black folks who are Councilmen and assembly people, have some kind of compassion because you are one of 12/12/02 - STATED us. We know that the union do not want -they say one is enough. When I go approach these contractors, you know what they tell me? " This is criminal, and this is on a national level. You are using federal money, taxpayers money, our money. And we can't even get this. And you show know damn compassion for our people. What is this? Ya'll suppose the lawmakers, supposed the best of this society, and we depending on each and every one of ya'll to represent us the right way, not the wrong way. And the same way we voted you in, we're going to make sure we vote you out. You don't want to represent us, then fine; we'll vote your behind it. You won't be in this damn building no long. Because we are tired of this. Enough is enough. This sister, she been fighting for a long time here in Philadelphia.
Thank you very REPRESENTATIVE: I'm going to tell you right now. We're going to shut down every construction site in Philadelphia starting with City Hall and everything around here. That's what we're going to do.
We will stand in his recess until noon. (Council in recess, 11:50 a.m.) (Council reconvened, 2:30 p.m.)
Councilmembers please take their seats. Council has now reconvened. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Madam President. This is a report from the Committee on Rules. The Committee on Rules reports today reports three bills with favorable recommendations.
To the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Rules to which was referred Bill No. 020684 entitled, an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia zoning maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Roosevelt Boulevard, Grant Avenue and Blue Grass Road; And Bill No. 020737, entitled an ordinance adopting an amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of the Old City Services District of Philadelphia to extend the term of that authority; And Bill No. 020738, entitled an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Snyder Avenue, Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Porter Street, Weccacoe Avenue and Vandalia Avenue; Respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Madam President, I of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bills No. 020684, 020738, 020738. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the Rules of Council be suspended as to permit first reading of the bills just read by the Chief Clerk. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the motion carries. I would now ask the Clerk to again read the bills on First Reading.
Bill No. 020684, an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia zoning maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Roosevelt Boulevard, Grant Avenue and Blue Grass Road.
And Bill No. 020737, entitled an ordinance adopting an amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of the Old City Services District of Philadelphia to extend the term of that authority, all under certain terms and conditions.
And Bill No. 020738, entitled an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Snyder Avenue, Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Porter Street, Weccacoe Avenue and Vandalia Avenue.
The Chair agrees. The bills just read by the Chief Clerk will be placed on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for our next Session of Council. That concludes our hearing for day and Calendar. Are there any speeches on the part of the minority? (No response.)
Are there of the majority? The Chair recognizes Councilman Ortiz.
Madam Chair, I just want to congratulate the Rules Committee and its chair Councilman Kenney. And specifically, I want to, on this day, congratulate Frank DiCicco for putting together probably one of the more complex deals of economic development that we have seen through this Council and proven once again that City Council, when left to its devices, will work and be able to come up productively. Thank you, Frank.
Thank you. Are there any other speeches on the part of the majority? (No response.)
At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller for a motion to adjourn.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, December 19, 2002 at 10:00 a.m. (Duly seconded.)
It has been that Council stand adjourned until December 19, 2002, at 10:00 a.m. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. Council will stand adjourned until next Thursday. Thank you. (Council adjourned at 2:33 p.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 December 12, 2002, were reported fully and accurately by me, and that this is a correct transcript of the same. RE: STATED MEETING ___________________________ Lisa C. Bradley, RPR and Notary Public