COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, March 18, 2004 10:35 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. COUNCILMAN JACK KELLY COUNCILMAN JAMES F. KENNEY 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, everyone. I note that the hour has come and that a quorum of this Council is present. Council will please come to order. Members will take their seats, and visitors will retire to the seats outside the rails. To give our invocation this morning -All cell phones must be turned off, please. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair welcomes the Reverend Gary Pacitti of the Annunciation Blessed Virgin Mary Church. He is here today as the guest of Councilman DiCicco. At this time, I would ask that all members and guests to please rise.
Good morning. Let us pray. Almighty God, as we gather today to begin this new Session of City Council, we ask your help and guidance. We thank you for the many blessings that we enjoy; the blessings of our great nation, the blessing of the freedom that allows us to assemble here today, and the blessing of our beloved City of Philadelphia, the blessing of our families. Lord, as we begin, we remember with sadness the lives of our children recently lost to violence. We pray for their families and all those touched by their loss. We pray that you pour out your grace on this Council and on our entire community and help us to find ways to create safer neighborhoods where our children can grow up in peace, neighborhoods free of drugs and free violence and full of renewed spirit of brotherly love, the legacy of our proud name. In the face of many harsh challenges, help us to have high dreams and high aspirations, dreams and aspirations that move us to create better realities in our schools, in our local economy, in our neighborhoods, and in our homes. Bless the work of this Council with a spirit of understanding of unity, of utility, and of wisdom. We pray that you help labor together to create the means whereby we, the collective community of Philadelphia, can exercise our freedoms to become the best version of ourselves and to live in prosperity and peace. Amen.
The Chair thanks Father for his very inspiring invocation. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the Meeting of Thursday March 11, 2004. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Journal of the Meeting of Thursday, March 11, 2004 stand approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the Meeting of Thursday, March 11, 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 March 11, 2004, is adopted. The next order of business is requests for leaves of absence. And again, 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 leave of absence.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair will dispense with the regular order of business to recognize the guests and visitors joining us in Chambers this morning. On behalf of all Councilmembers, I welcome you to our 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. As has been our practice over the years, we have many distinguished visitors with us today, including elected officials, heads of departments, boards and commissions, and many representatives of the Administration. Although I would like to individually acknowledge each of you, owing to the constraints of time, I am unable to do so. Please know that we deeply appreciate your being with us. We extend our warm welcome and we offer our thanks for all the good work that you do. time, I ask that all of our distinguish guests, elected officials, and representatives of the Administration please stand so that we may acknowledge them with a round of applause. Would you all please stand. (Applause.)
Thank you. 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 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 transmitting herewith for the consideration of your honorable body the following resolution providing for the approval by the Council of the City of Philadelphia of revised five-year financial plan for the City of Philadelphia covering Fiscal Years 2005 through 2009 and respect to Fiscal Year 2004. And 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 Pennsport Urban Renewal Area. And an ordinance adopting an Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2005. And an ordinance to adopt a Capital Program for six Fiscal Years 2005 to 2010, inclusive. And an ordinance to adopt a Fiscal 2005 Capital Budget. And an ordinance amending Chapter 19-1800 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "School Tax Authorization" by amending Section 19-1804 titled "Authorization of Net Income Tax." And an ordinance amending Chapter 19-1500 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Wage and Net Profits Tax." And an ordinance amending Chapter 19-1800 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "School Tax Authorization." And an ordinance amending Section 19-1801 of The Philadelphia Code entitled "Authorization of Tax." And an ordinance amending Chapter 19-1200 of The Philadelphia Code entitled "Parking Tax" by establishing a right of taxation on parking transactions for Fiscal Year 2005.
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 next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for a motion.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit 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 of THE motion will please indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution. THE
A resolution honoring Frank Manna on the occasion of his retirement and commending him for 41 years of commitment to public service to the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Kenney.
I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. This morning, I introduce eight budget bills, three bills on my behalf and three resolutions.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the bills. THE
An ordinance adopting the Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2005.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
And an ordinance amending Chapter 19-1200 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Parking Tax" by establishing a rate of taxation on parking transactions for Fiscal Year 2005.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
And an ordinance to adopt a Capital Program for six Fiscal Years 2005 to 2010, inclusive.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
And an ordinance amending Section 19-1801 of The Philadelphia Code entitled "Authorization of Tax to" to further authorize the Board of Education, School District of Philadelphia, to impose a tax on real estate within the City of Philadelphia.
This will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
And an ordinance amending Chapter 19-1800 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "School Tax Authorization."
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
And an ordinance amending Chapter 19-1500 of The Philadelphia Code entitled "Wage and Net Profits Tax."
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
And an ordinance amending Chapter 19-1800 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "School Tax Authorization."
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
And an ordinance amending the Philadelphia Code by enacted a new Chapter 17-1200 entitled "Visitability" by requiring newly constructed single and multi-family dwellings to be constructed according to establish design principles, all under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. (Applause.) THE
And an ordinance authorizing the Depart of Veterans Affairs to construct and maintain a pedestrian bridge over and across University Avenue between Curie Boulevard and Civic Center Boulevard.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
And an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines grades on City Plan No. 42 by striking from the City Plan abandoning certain right-of-way for municipal and public utility purposes.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
And a resolution calling on City Council's Housing Neighborhood Development and Homeless Committee to hold hearings on the redevelopment of the 4600 block of Sansom Street between 46th Street and Farragut Street and the 100 block of 46th Street between Chestnut and Walnut Street.
Thank you, Madam President. I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution will be referred to Housing Neighborhood Development and Homeless.
Madam President. I also just received another resolution for which I request consideration.
The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution. THE
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority deeds located in the 44th and 46th Wards of City of Philadelphia.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. THE
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 signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. THE
And a resolution providing for the approval by the Council of the City of Philadelphia of a revised five year financial plan for the City of Philadelphia covering Fiscal Years 2005 through 2009.
This resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee. 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.
The Clerk will please read the title of the bill. THE
An ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance, Bill No. 020716 approved January 23, 2003, entitled an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 197 by striking from the City Plan and vacating Wensley Street from the southeasterly line of the Delaware Expressway.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution. THE
A resolution authorizing the Committee on Public Health and Human Services to hold hearings to investigate the desirability and feasibility of providing access to affordable prescription drugs from Canada and other industrialized countries to active and retired City employees and to residents of Philadelphia through the City's district health centers.
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 will be referred to the Committee on Public Health and Human Services. The Clerk will please read the title of the second resolution. THE
A resolution urging President Bush and Members of the united Congress to cease and desist all efforts to pass Senate Joint Resolution 26 and House Joint Resolution 56 proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relating to marriage.
Madam President, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution has been adopted. The Clerk will please read the title of the next resolution. THE
A resolution authorizing the City Council Committee on Public Safety and Technology and Information Services to hold hearings to investigate the desirability and feasibility of implementing a 311 system to handle all non-emergency calls to City agencies.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
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 resolution has will be referred to the Committee for which it was referred. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer two resolutions.
The Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution. THE
A resolution recognizing and honoring Simon Gratz High School Bulldogs as to 2003-2004 Public League PIAA Division 12 Boys Basketball Champions.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. The Clerk will please read the title of the second resolution. THE
A resolution recognizing and honoring the Central High School Lady Lancers on winning the Philadelphia Public League Title Championship.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer three bills and five resolutions.
The Clerk will please read the title of the first bill. THE
An ordinance proving for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter relating to the creation, appointment powers and duties of a board of ethics as approved by resolution of City Council.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
And an ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of the proposal set forth in a resolution approved by Council proposing amendment of the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter relating to Council approval of leases, contracts, and concessions to which the City is a party and Council's power to provide by ordinance for certain disclosures by persons seeking or awarded such contracts.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
And an ordinance amending Title 22 of The Philadelphia Code entitled "Public Employees Retirement Code" by amending Section 22-310 entitled "Deferred Retirement Option Plan" by prohibiting certain elected officials from participating in the Deferred Retirement Option Plan.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Clerk will please read the tied many of the first resolution. THE
Thank you, Madam President. I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The resolution has been adopted. The Clerk will please read the title of the next resolution. THE
A resolution authorizing Council's Committee on Law and Government to investigate the process by which the City awards professional service contracts and other contracts that are not subject to the competitive bidding requirements of the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter.
Thank you, Madam President. I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution will be referred to the Committee on Law and Government. The Clerk will please read the title of the next resolution. THE
A resolution proposing and amending the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter relating to Council approvals of leases contracts and concessions to which the City is a party and Council's power to provide by ordinance for certain disclosure by persons seeking or awarding such contracts and providing for the submission of the amendment of the electors of Philadelphia.
This resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
And a resolution repealing Resolution No. 040001, adopted January 5, 2004, which provided Rules for the government of the Council of the City of Philadelphia and adopting new rules for the government of the Council.
This resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
And a resolution proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to provide for the creation, appointment powers, and duties of a Board of Ethics and providing for the submission of the amendment to the electors of Philadelphia.
Councilman, is this to be referred to the Rules Committee?
No, Madam President. That's a Charter-related resolution. It goes to the Committee on Law and Government.
Very well. So this will just be referred to the appropriate Committee. Thank you.
Thank you, Madam President, I offer no bills or resolutions this morning.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer one bill co-introduced by Councilman Ramos.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the bill. THE
An ordinance amending Chapter 19-2604 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Tax Rates Credits and Alternative Tax Computation," by making a job creation tax credit available to certain businesses that create new jobs for ex-offenders in the City of Philadelphia, all under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ramos.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco.
The Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution. THE
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 31st Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. The Clerk will please read the second resolution. THE
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 Pennsport 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 say aye. (Aye.)
The resolution has been adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Thank you, Madam President. I have one bill and nine resolutions.
The Clerk will please read the title of the bill. THE
An ordinance amending Section 9-205 and 9-206 of the Philadelphia Code related to sidewalk sales and sidewalk vendors in neighborhood business districts by adding a designated neighborhood business district on Germantown Avenue between York and Butler Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
And a resolution honoring the Temple University Women's Basketball Team on winning the 2004 Atlantic 10 Women's Basketball Championship.
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 Clerk will please read the next resolution. THE
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 New Kensington/Fishtown Urban Renewal Area designated as Parcel No. 75.
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
And a resolution for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the New Kensington/Fishtown Urban Renewal Area designated as Parcel No. 62.
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
And a resolution for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the New Kensington/Fishtown Urban Renewal Area designated as Parcel No. 47.
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 has been adopted. THE
And a resolution for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the New Kensington/Fishtown Urban Renewal Area designated as Parcel No. 50.
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 has been adopted. THE
And a resolution for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the New Kensington/Fishtown Urban Renewal Area designated as Parcel No. 67
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
And a resolution for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the New Kensington/Fishtown Urban Renewal Area designated as Parcel No. 55A.
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 for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the New Kensington/Fishtown Urban Renewal Area designated as Parcel No. 13B.
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 for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the New Kensington/Fishtown Urban Renewal Area designated as Parcel No. 55B.
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 Kelly.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
Thank you, Madam President. I have two resolutions today and I'm going to need to ask for a suspension of the Rules for the resolution asking for hearings to investigate the nearly 43 percent increase of water bills that is proposed. But each minute that we go here, it's getting closer to the 24-hour rule so...
The Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution. THE
A resolution authorizing City Council's Committee on Transportation and Public Utilities to hold public hearings to investigate the proposed nearly 43 percent water and sewer cost rate increase to be effective July 1, 2004.
I'd like to ask for a suspension of the Rules. (Duly seconded.)
The ayes have it, and it has been suspended. All in favor of the adoption of the resolution will please indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The resolution is adopted. The resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Clerk will please read the title of the next resolution. THE
A resolution honoring and thanking radio personality Don Cannon on his retirement for his important contributions and accomplishments.
I move for the adoption of this resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? (No response.) 03/18/04 - STATED - 2ND READING
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. That concludes the introduction of bills and resolutions. As there are no reports from committees today, the next order of business is the consideration of the Calendar. There are no bills on the First Reading Calendar today. Therefore, the Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for the purpose of calling up the bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar to be considered.
Thank you, Madam President. Today Bill Nos. 040029, 040030, 040066, 040031, and 040093 are being called up for second reading and final passage. All other bills are being held.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the Bill No. 040029. THE
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing 03/18/04 - STATED - 2ND READING the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within the vicinity of McNulty and Townsend roads, 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 16, 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. 040030. 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 Roosevelt Boulevard, Southampton Road, Carter Street and the Poquessing Creek.
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 16, 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. 040066. 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 Snyder 03/18/04 - STATED - 2ND READING Avenue, Swanson Street, Oregon Avenue and Fifth 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 16, 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. 040031. THE
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to purchase fee simple title to a certain parcel of land with the buildings and improvements thereon situated on the northwest side of Algon Avenue at Fox Chase Road, 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 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The final bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 040093. THE
An ordinance renaming the Recreation Department facility identified as Manayunk Park located on the 4300 block of Silverwood Street as Pretzel Park.
This bill 03/18/04 - STATED - 2ND READING 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 17, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. Councilman Mariano, you wanted to be recognized.
Thank you, Madam President. I had to leave the room. I missed some votes. I want to be recorded as voting yes on the bills.
The record will so reflect that. (Councilman Mariano recorded as voting aye on Bills No. 040029, 040030, 040066, 040031.) That concludes our Calendar for today. The time has come for us to consider the Mayor's presentation of his annual budget message. The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter states that the Mayor shall submit to Council no later than 90 days before the end of the Fiscal Year his Operating Budget message and propose Operating Budget ordinance for the ensuing Fiscal Year. At the same time, the Mayor shall submit to Council the recommended Capital Budget as received from the City Planning Commission to the extent approved by the Mayor. I now appoint the following Committee to escort the Mayor into the Council Chambers: Councilwoman Blackwell, Councilwoman Tasco, Councilman O'Neill, and Councilman Rizzo. Please proceed. (The Committee proceeds.)
Ladies and gentlemen, I am pleased to introduce the Mayor of the City of Philadelphia, John F. Street. (Applause.)
Mr. Mayor, before we start your message, I think we have photographers that are on the floor of Council. Perhaps we can give them a minute or two to take their photos. And then please move to the side, because I'm sure that the Mayor would find it very distracting.
Thank you very much, Good morning to everyone. (Good morning.)
Before I start my prepared remarks -- and at age 60 you'll be glad to know that I have prepared remarks -- I would like to question whether or not those remarks have been distributed to the Members of Council?
I do not have copies. I think they're just arriving.
Before I start those remarks, I'd like to thank at least a few of the members of my Administration who worked very, very hard to create the spending plan that I offer to you today. First of all, I'd like to thank Joyce Wilkerson, our Chief of Staff; Janice Davis, our Finance Director; Rob DuBow; Phil Goldsmith; Maxine Griffith; and a number of other folks who really spent an awful lot of time, including commissioners and others, to try to fashion a program, a spending program for this City that best interest. And these folks have worked very, very hard, and I want to publicly thank them as well as others who are too numerous to mention. 4 billion FY '05 General Fund Operating Budget and my proposed Capital Program and Budget for FY '05 through '10, along with my proposed Five Year Financial Plan for FY '05 through '09. 6 million in wage and business tax reductions. Notwithstanding our rapidly declining capital borrowing limits, the proposed Capital Program makes effective use of our limited resources and reasonably provides for the maintenance of the City's existing facilities. This Budget and Five Year Plan are offered during a time of great national and state economic distress. State and federal revenues in support of social and other services have been reduced; the national compromise local tax revenues; and there is an escalating demand for services by Philadelphians who themselves are financially pressed by the loss of benefits, rapidly escalating utility costs, unemployment, and other increased living expenses. Although our City has heretofore avoided the service cuts and tax increases common to other jurisdictions, increasing healthcare, criminal justice and pension costs are challenging our financial capacity. This spending plan delicately balances the need to deliver high-quality core City services while simultaneously investing to promote a bright future for our City in the 21st Century. Philadelphia is a City of proud neighborhoods, and we will never default on our commitment to regular people who live in them. Our highly acclaimed Safe Streets Program, our Neighborhood Transformation Initiative, and after school programs are protected in this budget. Abandoned car removal, vacant lot cleaning, snow removal, have improved the quality of life in our neighborhoods and are also funded. Over 23,000 positions are funded in the various City agencies and departments which will allow us to maintain our core City services at or above current levels. However, the need to close a projected $227-million FY '05 budget gap, projected to grow to $670 million by FY '09, will require some significant changes in our service delivery goals and practices. Proposed funding for many traditional services, programs, and facilities has been reduced. Among other things, this financial plan dramatically reduces or fleet, further reduces cell phone usage, curtails employee parking privileges, and continues to reduce the number of City employees. We will dispose of excess property, consolidate services where appropriate, and work with our unions to lower the cost of delivering others. We will, however, work to avoid layoffs. Nothing is worst than losing one's employment in difficult economic times. our commitment to public education. Our students and families are beginning to see new materials, better prepared teachers, and support for struggling students that has been too long coming. However, notwithstanding recent progress, too many Philadelphia public schools are far from the models of educational excellence appropriate to a world class 21st Century City. This budget should not be viewed as a barrier to progress and prosperity or a source of pessimism and frustration.
It allows us to make some powerful economic investments that will help grow our population, create new economic opportunities, and build the new Philadelphia. We will secure our future by turning our attention to job creation, waterfront development, and tax reform. We are off to a pretty impressive start. The proposed office towers for Comcast and Towers Perrin, along with the Cira Centre, will be remarkable additions to our skyline. Those developments, along with the renovations ACE, INA is planning at 436 Walnut Street, signal that Philadelphia is a great place with a strong future. This development, in addition to the major retail complexes being developed around the City anchored by Lowes, Home Depot, and Ikea, along with the new exiting construction and renovations planned by the School District of Philadelphia, represents several billion dollars of construction over the next several years. That construction will be accompanied by the welcome sight of construction cranes looming large on our skyline, unmistakable symbols of jobs, growth, and economic prosperity. This development will produce thousands of employment opportunities for people who live in our neighborhoods and our region. Our future will be distinguished by the presence of corporate leaders like many Comcast, GlaxoSmithKline, CIGNA, ACE, INA Sunoco, and other businesses, large and small, over the last two years to remain in Philadelphia. That future will be promoted by the growing research and development capabilities of our 83 area colleges and universities. These universities and colleges have an impressive annual enrollment in excess of 300,000 students, many of whom we hope to keep in our region as residents. This dynamic future will be propelled by the creation of $500 million Economic Development Investment Fund, which I propose be funded over the next four years. This spending plan proposes to restructure the Water Department debt service reserve to make the first $125 million available before the end of the calendar year. It is important to note that these dollars cannot be used to address our Operating Budget deficit. The Investment Fund will underwrite an unprecedented investment in the 15 miles of magnificent waterfront all along the Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers waiting to developed into spectacular 21st Century mixed-use communities, communities that can become the home to thousands of new Philadelphians who will be magnets for new economy and knowledge industry jobs. That investment will establish Philadelphia as the New River City in America. Complementing the waterfront plan will be the new strategic plan for the City's other great untapped resource, Fairmount Park. Together, they will give Philadelphia a combination of water and park resources available for residential, commercial and recreational activities unparalleled perhaps in the world. When combined with the NTI initiatives, these new centers of economic activity will be the lynchpin to reversing the trend of job and population loss in our City. To help prepare for my second term, I invited more than 100 distinguished men and women from this region to participate in the Philadelphia 21st Century Review Forum charged with making recommendations to guide our second term activity. " You lot more about its recommendations in the coming weeks, particularly the work of the Ethics Committee which was led by Judge Ida Chen. This budget supports an increase of $550,000 for the Inspector General's Office in '05 as a part of our commitment to higher ethics and standards of accountability. Based on the work of the Regional Cooperation Committee chaired by Nick DiBenedictis, the CEO of Aqua America, I am convinced that a critical part of our pro-growth agenda requires the promotion of our City and region.
To do this, the City should partner with the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce in its campaign to market Philadelphia and its region as a business destination. I propose that the City contribute $250,000 in each of the next four years to support the Chamber's Select Greater Philadelphia Campaign. As we work to perfect our vision of a world class 21st Century Philadelphia, we must diminish the negative influence our overall tax burden has on families and become more economically competitive. 7 million is budgeted to increase our local tax collection efforts; The Five Year Plan adopts the transition to a land value tax to be phased in 10-year period beginning in FY '06; Beginning July 1, 2004, we will initiate the single factor apportionment business privilege tax formula, which removes a major disincentive for businesses that want to locate or expand in the City. These initiatives will make our tax structure fairer and friendlier to residents, taxpayers, employers and employees alike. A very special thanks to the Tax Commission for its stellar work in producing a blueprint to tax reform in our City. Neighborhood revitalization, waterfront development, and tax reform represent exciting, important and necessary investments to secure our future. However, we must protect the core services our citizens have a right to expect even in a tough budget year. We will not reduce our financial commitment to public safety. Some forms of violence are still out of control, particularly against women and children. People must be safe. We are committed to officers on the street and making the very best use of our public safety dollars. Philadelphia has become a safer city and we will not compromise public safety. But let me hasten to add that the proliferation of handguns in our City is unacceptable. I commend City Council for its recent attempts to impose reasonable limits on the availability of handguns which account for over 80 percent of the homicides in our City. We must, however, acknowledge that the ultimate legislative power to impose responsible gun control is the duty of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania General Assembly and the Congress of these United States. Beyond protecting core services and public safety, there are several important priorities established in this budget. We keep our commitment to diversity and inclusion. In response to the unanimous concern articulated by City Council last year, we propose investing $700,000 into the Minority Enterprise Council to better manage its functions, including firm registration, certification, award tracking, and compliance. We have empowered the City's Contract Review Committee to examine DBE participation in every City contract and propose to contribute $1 million to underwrite the emerging contractors program developed by the African American Chamber of Commerce with our Commerce Department and Housing Departments. This budget proposes to invest $250,000 to support a prisoner re-entry program administered by the Philadelphia Prison System. The men and women and children in the care and custody of our penal system must be provided a better opportunity to become reintegrated with their families and into our neighborhoods. The City also proposes to provide unprecedented support to the victims of domestic violence. In FY '05, funding in the amount of $1,065,000 is proposed to expand the number of shelter beds for battered women and their children and to enhance technology and staffing for a city-wide Domestic Violence Hotline. summer, we launched Global Philadelphia to increase language access, including the translation of vital documents and the deployment of interpreters. We propose to spend $500,000 to support this effort in FY '05.
We also propose to continue the City's commitment to technology. Within 60 days, users will be able to pay bills and fees by credit card online. And before June 15th, the City will establish Love Park as a free wireless hot spot, consistent with our recognition of the increasing importance of technology to a vibrant 21st Century urban environment. Although our direct support for art and culture in this budget is reduced, including funding to the Art Museum, the Atwater Kent Museum, the African American Museum, the cultural and recreational fund and others, we intend to work in partnership with the leaders in the business, arts and cultural community to approach our local foundations and others to help fill the gap. Committee of the 21st Century Review Forum evaluated the number of facilities providing services to citizens to determine whether or not the number was commensurate with our population density and financial capacity, and concluded that library materials and staff are thinly spread across too many facilities, small recreation facilities that are lightly used lay only blocks from larger more complete facilities. Benchmark studies, whether by the square mile, per capita, or raw numbers, show that Philadelphia operates significantly more pools, libraries, and recreation facilities than other similar-sized cities. Although blind adherence to such comparisons is inappropriate, this and the work of the Managing Director have persuaded me that we must objectively review this issue. We never want to find ourselves in the position of our sister city, Pittsburgh, which was forced to close all of its pools and recreation centers. Over the next several weeks, we must on many service-related issues, including the number and location of recreation facilities and pools we should maintain, transfer or merge. We must confront service delivery issues raised in our Police and Fire Departments as well as the level and service appropriate to our branch, regional, and main libraries. But even after we have completed the task before us, fundamental inefficiencies will remain because of the limitations imposed upon us by the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter, a Charter that is over 50 years old. President Adamany's Committee spoke to this issue by saying, "The 1951 Home Rule Charter was, above all else, a reform document intended to break clearly with the past. " Any thoughtful independent review of the Charter will conclude that it precludes the use of proven management tools that could facilitate important cost savings. Charter reform is worthy of a Charter Commission and priority. I propose to work with a small group of Councilmembers and civic leaders to establish a sharply focused mandate for a new Charter Reform Commission which could address the Charter-related structural problems that make permanent reform difficult to achieve. This year, we must negotiate new labor contracts with District Councils 47 and 33, as well as our police union. This budget contains no funds to absorb any wage increases that are sure to result from these negotiations. City employees should not be asked to assume greater responsibility without an increase in compensation over the life of a new contract. But to achieve that objective, everyone must sacrifice to produce budget savings necessary to fund a fair contract, including the courts and other independently elected officials. The Budget and Five Year Plan before you today are delicately balanced. It will not be easy. But I am optimistic about the recommendations we have made. administers some harsh but effective medicine. And despite the potential political pain, it compels us to make fundamental changes that are long over due.
It also allows us to make some vital investments that have an extraordinary upside potential for every neighborhood and every person in our City. Incredibly, the fiscal crisis that confronts us and the solutions proposed create a win for the budget and a win for our future. All we have to do is make the right decisions. Let us lead this City to embrace those changes and give the prescription laid out in this budget a chance to work. We must insist on the framework of this budget, but the detail is not carved in stone. We are willing to listen and compromise. But we cannot avoid or circumvent the challenges before us. Succumbing to the inevitable inclination to avoid taking decisive action would be a grave miscalculation. The time to act responsibly to now. And if not now, when? Thank you. )
Are there any speeches on the part of the Minority? (No response.)
Are there any speeches on the part of the Majority? (No response.)
Seeing none, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for a motion to adjourn.
Madam President, I move that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, March 25th, 2004 at 10:00 a.m.
It has been moved and seconded that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, March 25, 2004. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the motion carries. Thank you. (Council adjourned at 11:40 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 March 18, 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