COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA PUBLIC HEARING - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Monday, June 21, 2004, 10:42 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS-BROWN COUNCILMAN DAVID COHEN COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN JACK KELLY COUNCILMAN JAMES F. KENNEY COUNCILMAN JUAN F. RAMOS COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO COUNCILMAN FRANK DI CICCO COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE L. BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN MICHAEL A. NUTTER COUNCILMAN DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILWOMAN JOAN L. KRAJEWSKI COUNCILMAN RICHARD T. MARIANO COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED-MILLER COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL V A R A L L O Incorporated Litigation Support Services 1835 Market Street, Suite 600 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103 215.561.2220 215.567.2670 stated - 6/21/04 P R O C E E D I N G S
Good morning, everyone. To give our invocation this morning. The Chair welcomes Father John LaRosa, pastor of Mother of Divine Grace Parrish. He is here today as the guest of Councilman Kenney. At this time I would ask all members and guests to please rise. (All members rise.) FATHER LaROSA: We ask the Lord's blessings upon our Council proceedings as we pray, God our Father, you guide everything in wisdom and love. Accept the prayers we offer for the City of Philadelphia. By the wisdom of our leaders and the integrity of our citizens, may harmony and justice be secured and may there be lasting prosperity and peace. Almighty and eternal God, you know stated - 6/21/04 the longings of our hearts, and you protect our rights. In your goodness, watch over those in authority so that people everywhere may enjoy freedom, security, and peace. We ask you our prayers, Father, Almighty God. Amen.
Amen. The Chair thanks Father LaRosa for his very inspiring invocation. Council will be at ease.
The next order of business, approval of the Journal of the Meeting of Thursday, June 10th, 2004. And The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Journal of the Meeting of Thursday June 10th, 2004, stand approved. UNIDENTIFIED COUNCIL PERSON: Second. stated - 6/21/04
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the Meeting of Thursday, June 10th, 2004, stand approved. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Chorus of "ayes.")
The ayes have it, and the motion carries, and the Journal of the Meeting of Thursday, June 10th, 2004 is approved. The next order of business is the request for leave of absence. And The Chair again 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. stated - 6/21/04 The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Madam President, on behalf of the Republicans, there are no requests for leaves of absence.
Thank you. The Chair will dispense with the regular order of business to recognize the guests and visitors joining us in chambers this morning. On behalf of all members of City Council, I welcome you to our Council session. We appreciate your taking the time to join us as we attend to the legislative affairs of our City. We certainly invite you to come again. And before I go any further, I know that people feel very strongly about certain issues. You are all welcome here. I am simply asking that you respect us as we respect you. And anyone that intends to disrupt the meeting will be escorted out of stated - 6/21/04 the chamber. At this time the Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill who will present a resolution honoring Chief Inspector James Tiano. Will Inspector Tiano and those accompanying him please join the Councilman at the podium. Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you, Madam President. To the resolution honoring Chief Inspector James Tiano, upon receipt of the George Fencl award. Whereas, Chief Inspector James Tiano is a 39-year veteran of the Philadelphia Police Department; and whereas Chief Inspector Tiano has served with distinction in the Patrol Bureau, the Highway Patrol, and the Anticrime Teams, and was Commanding Officer of the Traffic Court Unit. Whereas on February 9, 1989, he was promoted to the rank of Captain and assigned to the Transit Unit; whereas on January 7, 1991, he was assigned to the 9th stated - 6/21/04 District until August 17, 1997, when he was promoted to Inspector and assigned to the Central Police Division. Whereas on April 28, 2003, he was promoted to the highest Civil Service rank of Chief Inspector and assigned to the Community Affairs Bureau. Whereas Chief Inspector Tiano is the Police Department's liaison to the gay community, the Asian community, and the mental health community. Whereas Chief Inspector Tiano has received the Police Department's bravery and heroism awards and more than 20 merit commendations. Whereas Chief Inspector Tiano has received the Chapel of the Four Chaplains Award, the 2004 Distinguished Career Service Award from the County and State Detectives Association of Pennsylvania, and awards from many communities throughout the City. Whereas the Philadelphia Daily News presents the George Fencl Award to a stated - 6/21/04 Philadelphia Police Officer who best exemplifies the fairness and compassion that defined the late George Fencl who commanded the Police Civil Affairs Unit. And whereas the Philadelphia Daily News has presented its 19th annual George Fencl Ward to Chief Inspector James Tiano in recognition of his outstanding public service. Now, therefore, resolved by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we salute Chief Inspector James Tiano in recognition of his receipt of the George Fencl Award and in appreciation of his distinguished service to the citizens of Philadelphia. Further resolved that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Chief Inspector James Tiano as an expression of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body. Certification that this is a true and correct copy of the original resolution adopted by the Council of the City of stated - 6/21/04 Philadelphia on the 10th day of June, 2004. Signed by the President of City Council, Anna C. Verna, and co-sponsored by every Council member. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes Inspector Tiano for remarks. INSPECTOR TIANO: I'd like to thank Council, Councilman O'Neill. And I think I'd like to thank foremost my wife, Eileen for patience in putting up for all the nights and weekends I'm not home doing the things I enjoy doing and serving the community, but without a wonderful partner never complaining. I said it when I received the award. I don't know whether she doesn't complain because she's not that unhappy I'm not home or whatever, but she's been there for me for many, many years. And my family... I have 7 children, 15 grandchildren. My Chief of Staff, Sergeant Ed Margin, has been with me for 15 years. Officer Kalin has been with me 15 stated - 6/21/04 years. Been a great help to me. I just want to thank you. It's very humbling to receive this award in front of the prestigious body of Council. Thank you so much. (Applause.)
Council will be at ease. INSPECTOR TIANO: I said this when I received the award. I'll say it again. It's very easy to do this kind of work when you work with a Commissioner like Commissioner Johnson. Thank you. (Applause.)
At this time The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo. The noise level is entirely too high. We are trying to conduct business. If you're having a private conversation, do it in the corridor, please. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo, who will present a resolution honoring Mr. Don Tollefson. Will Mr. Tollefson and those stated - 6/21/04 accompanying him please join the Councilman at the podium.
Could I ask my colleagues, Councilman Mariano and Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds-Brown please to join me. Mr. Tollefson.
Good morning, everyone. Honoring, commending and thanking Don Tollefson for his outstanding contributions to the City of Philadelphia and surrounding communities. Whereas, Don Tollefson, or Tolley as we affectionately know him, has worked tirelessly with countless community and charity organizations to improve the quality of life for so many people.
And whereas, the Winning Ways Education started by Don Tollefson in 1989 has been responsible for designing and implementing stay in school, antidrug and antiviolence programs in over stated - 6/21/04 1,000 schools in 12 states.
And whereas, Don Tollefson has been a board member, fund raiser and program volunteer for the Police Athletic League for over 25 years. And whereas, Don Tollefson's fund-raising efforts for such groups as the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, the Hero Scholarship Fund, the National Adoption Center, the Children's Miracle Network, and the Warmth In Winter Program are unmatched. And whereas, Don Tollefson's latest and most passionate program, Together For America, has focused on the advancement of racial and ethnic respect in schools and communities for the past two years. Now, Therefore...
Be it resolved by the City Council of Philadelphia, that this resolution hereby honors, commends and thanks Don Tollefson for his dedication and commitment to the City of Philadelphia. Be it further resolved that an engrossed copy of this resolution be stated - 6/21/04 presented to Don today in admiration of this legislative body. Don, thank for all you do. You're everywhere. (Applause and cheers.)
Wow, how awesome is this? This is a great honor. I am humbled and flattered, and frankly very, very embarrassed. But if I can just take a minute of your time to do a couple of things. I first of all have always been told, going back to my late mom and dad, that honors are always nice, but they're nicest when you show respect to the people you get them from and the people you share them with. And please join me in another round of applause. I don't know if he left, but Jimmy Tiano is one of the best police officers this City has ever had. (Applause.)
And to receive an stated - 6/21/04 honor with Jimmy and his family is awesome indeed. I know everybody has a political opinion of everything, and it's going to get probably a little bit contentious in this room at some point over the next couple hours. But as I look at every one of my friends on Council, on both sides of the aisle, there has not been a charitable event that I have been to of any great importance in Philadelphia over the years that I haven't been in the company of two, three, four, five of these people on their own time, working 18, 20, 22 hour days, and they still come out to the small-time penny, nickel, dime contribution things that kids run. And I don't care what your opinion of any individual Council person may be. I so appreciate them helping the children of Philadelphia. Please give every one of these people a round of applause because I know the work they do out in the community, stated - 6/21/04 and it means a lot. (Applause.)
And finally, before I get out of here or they take this and give it back to them, this means so much to me. I share it today with my beloved Marilyn Torres, the Torres and Rosado families, and the Tollefson family, most importantly my nephew Brian, who is in service of our country at a most dangerous time right now on the U.S.S. John Stennis as a Navy pilot. And I share it as well with my way cool Fox family that gives Don Tollefson time to go out in the community and work trying to advance racial and ethnic harmony in whatever small way I can and fight violence and fight hatred. And they give me the time to do it. And I really appreciate Jen Best and George Cummings for being here. Thank you. It means a lot. (Applause.) stated - 6/21/04
Thank you, Councilman Rizzo and Mariano, Reynolds-Brown, my dear friends. But one last request I could make, and it would mean more to me than every resolution or honor or plaque I've ever gotten. Let's work any way we can, any day we can, with whatever say we can to make sure that every young Philadelphian, black and white and brown and Asian and Pacific Islander, whether they be Protestant, Catholic, Jewish, Islamic, Siik, Buddhist, whatever their background may be, make sure that Philly is a place where every child grows up respected for the character within and never, never, never treated wrongly, badly or poorly for the difference without. God bless you all. (Applause and cheers.)
Council will be at ease. At this time The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell who will present a stated - 6/21/04 resolution urging the 108th United States Congress to support the Liberian Immigration Protection Act. Will Mr. Morris Sekou Kanneh and those accompanying him please join the Councilwoman at the podium. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell, who is being joined by Council members Kenney and Ramos.
Thank you, Madam President. The resolution urging the 108th United States Congress to support the passage of House of Representatives Bill Number 1930 entitled, quote, the Liberian Immigration Protection Act of 2003, end of quote, and Senate Bill Number 656 entitled, quote, The Liberian Immigration Fairness Act. Whereas, since 1991 almost 500,000 Liberian nationals fled their country and took refuge in neighboring countries and the United States in an attempt to escape the then raging civil war. stated - 6/21/04 And whereas, during civil war, Liberia was deeply divided by numerous demobilized faction fighters, a shattered economy and political system, and the displacement of over half of its population.
Whereas, those warring factions were responsible for terrorizing the local population in order to loot and to discourage support of rival factions, and these terroristic tactics included executions, torture, forced labor, extortion. And whereas, thousands of those nationals seeking refuge took up residence in the United States under a program initiated in 1991 by the United States Government which granted resident status below asylum to Liberian nationals wishing to escape Liberia.
Whereas, the United States Government is currently seeking to terminate the programs in light of improved security conditions in Liberia. stated - 6/21/04 And whereas, Representative Patrick Kennedy and Senator Jack Reed introduced these bills to ensure that Liberian families on temporary protective status will remain united and so that their American born children will not be compelled to leave the United States. Now, Therefore...
Resolved by the Council of the City of Philadelphia that we hereby urge the 108th United States Congress to support the passage of House of Representatives Bill Number 1930, entitled Liberian Immigration Protection Act of 2003 and Senate Bill 656 entitled, Liberian Immigration Fairness Act. Further resolved, an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the leadership of the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States, as well as to Librarian Ambassador, as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body. Thank you. (Applause.) stated - 6/21/04
Madam President, we note certification. This is a true and correct copy of the original resolution adopted by the Council of the City of Philadelphia on the 15th day of April 2004, and we note that it is signed by the President and co-sponsored by every single member of Council. Thank you. We're honored to make the presentation. (Applause.)
Whoo, what a great City. First I want to thank Councilwoman Blackwell for this wonderful job undertaking. And I also extend my thanks and appreciation to every member of the City Council over here. I don't know how someone can imagine coming in a country and living there for the past ten years since we had we come to your country, and expect to us leave our kids over here and go back. I don't know stated - 6/21/04 how anybody can imagine that. So, we continue to appeal to all -to everybody who is concerned to please allow us to stay by our kids. I got seven kids in this country. I don't know -- I can't imagine me leaving them to go back to another country. That's why the fact that I love Liberia, but I think I love America best. I wanted to thank you, Philadelphia. What a great City. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
Council will be at ease. The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell who will present a resolution honoring those groups and individuals who have collaborated to the success of the Get The Guns Off The Street Campaign. Will Commissioner Sylvester Johnson and those accompanying him please join the Councilwoman at the podium. Councilwoman Miller, Councilman stated - 6/21/04 Mariano, and Councilman Rizzo, and Councilman Clarke. Please join the Councilwoman at the podium. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. This is an extreme pleasure for me, and certainly Councilwoman Miller and Councilman Clarke have worked hard in this area. But we wanted to be involved in this, and especially with not only our Police Department and those who fight gangs, but Sneaker Villa, a new business in our area, contributes, as well as Davis Scasarella and Jason Lutz. The resolution honoring those groups and individuals who have collaborated and contributed to the success of the Get The Guns Off The Street Campaign. Whereas, Police Commissioner Sylvester Johnson, the Philadelphia Police Department, Men United For A Better stated - 6/21/04 Philadelphia, David Scrascarella of Cash Today Financial Center, and Jason Lutz, the owner of Sneaker Villa, announced a citywide gun turn-in program on Thursday, May 6, 2004, at 8th and Race Streets. This program allows any citizen turning in an illegal gun to any Police District throughout the City to receive $100 in cash and a $50 gift certificate, redeemable at any Sneaker Villa and...
Whereas, only one week after its introduction, the number of guns turned into Police Districts throughout the City numbered over 900; and...
Whereas, in response to the tremendous success of Get The Guns Off The Street Campaign, Police Commissioner Sylvester Johnson realized he needed more funding support to continue this program; and...
Whereas, David Frascella and Jason Lutz, both answered the call for additional funding by offering to stated - 6/21/04 double their original gift of $25,000 each to a total of $50,000 each.
Whereas, the citizens of the City of Philadelphia are extremely grateful to Mr. Saracella and Mr. Lutz for the generous contributions with a combined total of $100,000. Now, therefore, resolved by the Council of the City of Philadelphia that we hereby honor and commend Police Commissioner Sylvester Johnson, the Philadelphia Police Department, Men United For A Better Philadelphia, David Sarcello of Cash Today Financial Center, and Jason Lutz, owner of Sneaker Villa for the tremendous support of the Get The Guns Off The Street Campaign. Through their collaborative efforts, this campaign is exceeding expectations and making our City a safer place. Further resolved, the engrossed copy to be presented as evidence of the sincere sentiment of this legislative body. Signed by Council President Verna stated - 6/21/04 and all members of Council. Congratulations. Thank you so much. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes Commissioner Johnson for remarks. COMMISSIONER JOHNSON: First I want to thank City Council for this recognition. But the first people I want to thank is really Bilal Kyume and Malik Aziz and Men United For A Better Philadelphia. This initiative was started with them, not the Philadelphia Police Department. And I can honestly say we would never have wrestled our way out of this problem, that we have to have a holistic type of approach, that we have to have partners. And I think Bilal Kyume and Men United For A Better philadelphia found two of the best partners we can have and the check cashing place in Sneaker Village. So, we'd like to take the microphone over to Malik Aziz who's the coach here at stated - 6/21/04 Men United For A Better Philadelphia because they're the ones to initiate the entire gun give back. And it's true, we had 917 guns turned in in ten days.
Thank you, Council. We quickly... Malik Aziz, who's a little shy this morning, and everyone knows Malik is not shy. We welcome this resolution for our support. We did get 917 guns off the street in one week. And as I said always as we're doing this campaign, one gun off the street would save one life in the City of Philadelphia. So we feel very confident during this campaign we saved 917 lives in the City of Philadelphia. And it was with the support of David and Sneaker Villa, our private sector partners, who made the campaign successful. And I'd like for David to make comments, since he's the one who put up the cash to make this campaign a success in the City of Philadelphia. stated - 6/21/04
Thank you, Kyume. On behalf of myself, my brother, who is not here today who is my partner, and my company employees, we thank all City Council people for this resolution. This is a great honor. But in particular we'd like to thank Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell and Councilman Darryl Clarke because those folks pointed me in the direction of a gentleman named Bilal Kyume, who I met, who I formed what I feel is an instant bond. I felt very... Kyume and I had met. We had lunch one day. And you know when you meet somebody, you've just got that feeling that you could do business -- you could trust them, and you feel comfortable. And that's how this all started. And it's like I said. It's a great honor to be here today. And I thank everyone. And this is a perfect demonstration of when you have private business, law enforcement, community activists, and let's stated - 6/21/04 not forget Lorraine from Power 99, when we have the media, come together for one cause for just one week, and the results are dramatic. I'm very proud to be a part of the success. And also, I'd like to say that we are going to work to make this an annual event. The folks in my industry are already calling me up. They want to get involved for next year. And we're going to make this an annual event to keep this thing going. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
Thank you. Council will be at ease. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco, who will present a resolution honoring Paul Lonie. Will Mr. Lonie and those accompanying him please join the Councilwoman at the podium.
While we'd like stated - 6/21/04 to present resolutions to people for outstanding work, we certainly hate to give a resolution to someone who is leaving the City, someone who has done a great job in working with us as District Council people on many issues in the Streets Department. And he will be missed, just particularly as we're beginning to deal with driveways and retaining walls. And we've been successful with that. But we wish him well. And so this morning I join in with my colleagues to present this resolution honoring Paul N. Lonie, PLS, Survey Bureau Manager. Whereas, Mr. Lonie has served the citizens as an employee of the City of Philadelphia for over 36 years, beginning as an engineering aide with the Streets Department. And whereas, Mr. Lonie has been the Manager of the Survey Bureau for the past eight years, and in that capacity has written over 200 pieces of legislation that stated - 6/21/04 have come before this Council; and... COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Whereas, at the request of the Council, Mr. Lonie developed the first successful plan for the reconstruction of dangerous retaining walls throughout the City in almost 30 years. And whereas, the administration felt it was in the best interest of the citizens to begin a program to plow and salt over 1,000 miles of residential streets in every snowstorm. And Mr. Lonie was called on to lead this effort from its inception, managing over 400 employees and 150 vehicles; and...
Whereas, Mr. Lonie in conjunction with the Housing Authority, the Redevelopment Authority and many private developers has overseen the development of over 1,000 units of market rate mixed use and affordable housing; and...
Whereas, as the Streets Department representative to the Philadelphia Industrial Corporation's stated - 6/21/04 Developer Services Committee, Mr. Lonie has fostered almost $2 billion in industrial and commercial development within the City of Philadelphia. Therefore...
Resolved by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we hereby honor Paul N. Lonie for his contributions to this Council and to the citizens of Philadelphia, and wish him a retirement filled with happiness, good health and God's blessings. Further resolved that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Paul N. Lonie as evidence of the sincere sentiment of this legislative body. Certification: This is a true and correct copy of the original resolution adopted by the Council of the City of Philadelphia on the 10th day of June, 2004. Signed by President Anna C. Verna, introduced by Marian B. Tasco, Frank DiCicco, Richard T. Mariano, and Donna Reed-Miller, and sponsored by all members stated - 6/21/04 of City Council. We wish him well. (Applause.)
Thank you, Council President. I think Councilwoman Tasco and all the members that sponsored this, Councilman DiCicco for all the times we've spent together in the Streets and Services Committee, Council President Verna and everything she's done for all of us over the years. I want to thank also my wife Lisa who has managed to put up with me not being home for three or four days at a time in snowstorms and also not being home when I had to have tea with Councilman Cohen at 2 o'clock in the morning sometimes. It's interesting to be on this side of the podium. It's a little different. I also want to thank... I think it's very important I think the members of stated - 6/21/04 the Bureau of Survey and Design. A lot of them are here today. And I want to thank you for making my job a lot easier by the hard work that you gave. So, please give yourselves a hand up there. (Applause.) (Calls from the balcony.)
Thank you. Right to the end. I want to thank especially a group besides the Council people who really care about their people, one group that's never really recognized very much that I've had a chance to work with. They've been absolutely wonderful. It was dedicated caring people I've ever met. And that's the staff of City Council. They're overworked, highly underpaid. Give them applause. (Applause.)
And again, thank you so much. This means the world to me. I can't tell you. stated - 6/21/04 And again, for all the folks that I've been together with at 20th Street, it seems like a long time. Hang in there. And I'll be seeing you even after I go. Thank you so much. (Applause.)
Council will be at ease. At this time The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller who will present a resolution recognizing the Father's Day Rally Committee. Will Mr. Bilal Kyume and those accompanying him please join the Councilwoman at the podium. And I believe Councilman Mariano will be joining Councilwoman Miller with the presentation. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Good morning. Honoring and commending the Father's Day Rally Committee on its efforts and initiatives that have positively impacted the quality of life of African American stated - 6/21/04 communities and African American males in the City of Philadelphia and the entire Delaware Valley. Whereas, a group of concerned African American men established the Father's Day Rally Committee in 1989 as a result of the observance of the myriad of social ills that plagued the minority communities. And, whereas, the Father's Day Rally Committee believes and exemplifies throughout their word and by deed that men working together at the grass roots level can launch a meaningful attack on the negative attitudes which contribute to the destruction of families and neighborhoods; and...
Whereas, the Father's Day Rally Committee has spearheaded many noteworthy and innovative programs that are reaching African American males between the age of 15 and 21 with positive and lasting results. And whereas, the Father's Day Rally stated - 6/21/04 Committee sponsors annually a Father's Day picnic which is a highly regarded event in Philadelphia area, and the 15th annual Father's Days picnic will be held on Sunday July 20th, '04. And now, therefore, resolved by the Council of the City of Philadelphia that we hereby honor and commend the Father's Day Rally Committee on its efforts, initiatives that have positively impacted the quality of life of the African American community and African American males in the City of Philadelphia and the entire Delaware Valley region. Therefore, further resolved, an engrossed copy of this resolution is presented to the President of the Father's Day Rally Committee as an expression of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.
Certified that this is a true and correct copy of the original resolution adopted by the Council of the City of Philadelphia on the 10th day stated - 6/21/04 of June 2004. Anna C. Verna, President of City Council. Introduced by Donna Reed Miller and Richard T. Mariano, and sponsored by all members of City Council. (Applause and cheers.)
Council will be at ease. Oh, I'm sorry, Mr. Kyume. I'm being distracted.
President Verna. Thank you, Councilwoman Miller and Councilman Mariano and all of City Council. Let me just say quickly that, yes, this weekend we celebrate our 15th annual Father's Day weekend. I'd like for all fathers in the audience to give yourself a round of applause. (Applause.)
We have learned that through the 15 years that with a father in the household, it really makes a difference. And if you're not physically in the household, you need to be physically somewhere with your children taking care of your children and being responsible. stated - 6/21/04 We can solve most of the social problems we have today if men get more involved in the lives, particularly in their children's lives, and their families. That's where our mission is, and that's what we're doing. So, once again, we thank all the citizens for your continued support of our efforts to save lives and to promote fatherhood in the City of Philadelphia. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
Thank you. Council will be at ease. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell who will present a resolution honoring the Director of Finance, Miss Janice Davis. Will Miss Davis and those accompanying her please join the Councilwoman at the podium. Councilman DiCicco and Councilman Mariano, please join the Councilwoman at the podium. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman stated - 6/21/04 Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. Resolution honoring Miss Janice D. Davis. The Council of the City of Philadelphia is pleased and proud to honor Janice D. Davis for her dedicated service to the City. Whereas, Janice D. Davis has directed the financial operations for the City of Philadelphia since May of 2000, as Secretary of Financial Oversight and Director of Finance, Ms. Davis was a member of the Mayor's Cabinet. Her responsibilities include monitoring the financial health of all City departments, negotiating City contracts, and exercising financial oversight relating to City entities, including the Philadelphia School District, Gas Works, the Parking Authority; and... COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Whereas, Ms. Davis also served on many boards of directors and commissions, including the stated - 6/21/04 Pennsylvania Convention Center, Penns Landing, Philadelphia Intercooperation Authority -- Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority, the Philadelphia Facilities Management Corporation, and the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation, as well as the Planning Commission. And on the side note I just want to thank you, Miss Davis, for your strong support for the ten-year tax abatement. Having you in that room made a difference. I want to personally thank you for that; and...
Whereas, before coming to Philadelphia, Ms. Davis served as Chief Financial Officer for the Dallas Independent School District, and prior to that as the Director of Finance for the Dallas Fort-Worth International Airport. From 1992 to '95 Miss Davis served the City of Houston, Texas first as Director of General Accounting in the Controllers Office, and later as the Deputy stated - 6/21/04 Director of Financial Services. From '89 to '92 she was the Utility Financial Administrator for the Sewer and Water Board of New Orleans. She spent ten years with the Orleans Parish School Board, and she holds a Bachelors of Science in Accounting from the University of New Orleans. She is a certified public accountant and a Certified Government Financial Manager; and...
Whereas, during her tenure in the City of Philadelphia, she has gained the respect and admiration of her colleagues and peers and the members of this Council for her command of the issues and her professionalism. Now, therefore, resolved by the Council of the City of Philadelphia that we hereby honor and commend Ms. Janice Davis for outstanding service and dedication to the citizens of Philadelphia. While we are sad to see her leave, we congratulate her in her new appointment stated - 6/21/04 in the City of Atlanta and wish her much success; and further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body. Certification that this is a true and correct copy of the original resolution adopted by the Council of the City of Philadelphia on the 10th day of June 2004. And certainly it is sponsored by our President, co-sponsored by myself, Councilman DiCicco, Councilman Mariano, and sponsored by each and every member of the City Council. Thank you, Madam President. (Applause.)
We thank you for all that you have done for the City of Philadelphia. We certainly wish you luck. And at this time I would recognize you for remarks.
Yes. I just want to thank all of the City Council members and stated - 6/21/04 everyone that I've had the honor of working with during my time in Philadelphia. I've come to respect and appreciate all that all of you do in keeping the City strong and keeping it moving forward. And now we just have to get a budget. Thank you all. (Laughter and applause.)
Next order of business is communication. The Chair requests that the sergeant-at-arms deliver the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. The Chief Clerk will please read the messages from the Mayor.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia. I am pleased to advise you that today I signed all the bills that were passed by Council at its session on June 3rd, except 040156 and 040369. And I stated - 6/21/04 signed all of the bills that were passed at its Council session at June 10th. And I'm herewith returning to you as disapproved Bill Number 040156 and Bill Number 040369. And I'm transmitting for the consideration of your honorable body a draft of your resolution entitled, 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 Model Cities Urban Renewal Area; and a resolution approving the redevelopment contract for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area; and a Resolution approving the redevelopment contract for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area; and a Resolution approving the redevelopment contract for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a stated - 6/21/04 portion of the New Kensington Fishtown Urban Renewal Area; and a Resolution approving the redevelopment contract for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the South Central Urban Renewal Area; and a Resolution approving the redevelopment contract for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the American Street Industrial Corridor Urban Renewal Area; and a Resolution approving the redevelopment contract for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the American Street Industrial Corridor for the Urban Renewal Area; and a Resolution approving the redevelopment contract for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the South Central Urban Renewal Area; and a Resolution approving the redevelopment contract for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area; and a Resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition stated - 6/21/04 supplement of the Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area; and a Resolution approving the redevelopment contract for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the South Central Urban Renewal Area; and a Resolution approving the redevelopment contract for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Jefferson Square Urban Renewal Area; and a Resolution approving the redevelopment contract for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the 45th and Sansom Urban Renewal Area; and a Resolution approving the redevelopment contract for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area; and a Resolution approving the authorization for the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to use NTI bond proceeds to acquire certain properties, under certain terms and conditions; and a stated - 6/21/04 Resolution approving the redevelopment contract for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the New Kensington Fishtown Urban Renewal Area. And an ordinance approving certain contracts and transactions arising thereunder for the storage, purchase, distribution on behalf of the Philadelphia Gas Works; and an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development a deed located at 2815 Ridge Avenue; and an ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code entitled Zoning and Planning, by adding a new section 141628 entitled Keystone Opportunity Zone Special District Controls, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you. The messages will be printed in the Journal. The Chief Clerk will please read any other communications in her possession. stated - 6/21/04
Thank you. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. I'm sorry. The Chair... Councilman Nutter, are you asking to be recognized?
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, there are a group of young people who are here today or I think they may still be here. I didn't want to interrupt our presentations. But there are young people and their director from the Neighborhood Youth Achievement Program in West Philadelphia. The Director is Miss Francis Drake. I've been told that they are in the balcony above, although I've obviously not been able to see them up there. But if they are here, I wanted to recognize them for the stated - 6/21/04 good work that they're doing out in West Philadelphia and welcome them to City Hall. (Applause.)
If they're here, I'd like them to stand so that we could recognize you. (Applause.)
Welcome. Welcome. Councilwoman Blackwell, your light is on. Did you want to be recognized?
Okay. We will now proceed. 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 stated - 6/21/04 suspended in order to permit the immediate consideration of resolutions at their time of introduction.
It has been properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit immediate consideration of resolutions at the time of introduction. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Chorus of "ayes.")
The ayes have it and the motion carries. The chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
The Clerk will please read title of the bill. stated - 6/21/04
An ordinance amending section 9605 of The Philadelphia Code entitled towing, by providing that no license to engage in a business of towing vehicles shall be issued to a towing company whose business is located in any political subdivision or state that will not as a matter of practice or policy enter into contracts for towing services with any Philadelphia based towing companies, all under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate Committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I introduce one bill and nine resolutions. One bill and five resolutions are in your behalf.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the bill. stated - 6/21/04
An ordinance establishing a neighborhood improvement district in an area that generally includes both sides of Woodland Avenue from 5800 to 6746, and certain blocks of streets that intersect that portion of Woodland Avenue.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate Committee.
And a Resolution initiating action to establish a neighborhood improvement district in an area that generally includes both sides of Woodland Avenue from 5800 to 6746 and certain blocks of streets that intersect that portion of Woodland Avenue.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption. UNIDENTIFIED COUNCIL PERSON: Second.
It has stated - 6/21/04 been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Chorus of "ayes.")
The ayes have it, and the Resolution is adopted.
And a Resolution approving the redevelopment contract for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the South Central Urban Renewal Area.
The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption. UNIDENTIFIED COUNCIL PERSON: Second.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the stated - 6/21/04 Resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Chorus of "ayes.")
The ayes have it, and the Resolution is adopted.
And a Resolution approving the revised five-year financial plan for the City of Philadelphia covering fiscal years 2005 through 2009, subject to certain terms and conditions.
May I suggest that that Resolution be held until after we do the budget?
Thank you. I believe this is on your behalf, Madam President.
I know. But I think we should consider it once we consider the operating budget and our other business. stated - 6/21/04
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 South Central Urban Renewal Area.
The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption. UNIDENTIFIED COUNCIL PERSON: Second.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Chorus of "ayes.")
The ayes have it, and the Resolution is adopted.
And a Resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the 45th and Sansom Urban Renewal Area.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption. UNIDENTIFIED COUNCIL PERSON: Second.
It has been moved and seconded that the Resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Chorus of "ayes.")
The ayes stated - 6/21/04 have it, and the Resolution is adopted.
And a Resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to use NTI bond proceeds to acquire certain properties under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption.
Do I hear a second? UNIDENTIFIED COUNCIL PERSON: Second.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Chorus of "ayes.")
The ayes stated - 6/21/04 have it, and the Resolution is adopted.
And a Resolution amending 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 45th and Sansom Urban Renewal Area.
The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. UNIDENTIFIED COUNCIL PERSON: Second.
It has been moved and seconded that the Resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Chorus of "ayes.")
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted.
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 South Central Urban Renewal Area.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the Resolution. UNIDENTIFIED COUNCIL PERSON: Second.
It has been moved and seconded that the Resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Chorus of "ayes.")
The ayes have it, and the Resolution is adopted.
And a Resolution authorizing the appointment of Councilman Richard T. Mariano to the Board of Directors of Independence Blue Cross.
Was that Resolution circulated? Because I certainly did not get a copy of it. I don't know about anyone else.
There's copies of it on the desk and stamped. It was circulated Friday afternoon.
There's copies sitting on the desk. Howard, stand up. There should be copies over there.
I know I did not receive a copy. Did everyone receive a copy of the resolution? COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: No.
Can you raise your hand if you received it? (Councilwoman Brown and Councilwoman Blackwell raised hands.).
Apparently there were only two Council members that received it.
No. We would have had it today if they were on vacation.
I think it violates the 24-hour rule that we have been apparently living under, and I don't think we ought to consider it. stated - 6/21/04 Okay. Do you have any other resolutions?
I think that violates the 24-hour notice that we've all been living under.
Council President, I thought we voted to suspend the rules so the Resolutions can be heard today. I heard that, I think.
I didn't hear anybody make a motion to suspend the rules.
Madam President, I believe he's referring to what we state every week, immediate consideration of resolutions at the time of introduction.
With that being said, the resolutions are still circulated 24 hours prior to the adoption.
If my colleague said -- and I bring this up procedurally -- My colleague said this stated - 6/21/04 resolution was circulated on Friday, then it would meet our 24-hour rule.
Well, there are only two members that are telling us that they received them.
Council President, if I may, since 10 or 11 people signed it, we can just hold it until the next Council session. We have one July the 1st.
We have these important tax issues in front of us today.
Okay. Any other resolutions? That resolution will be held. Are there any other resolutions? And I suggest -
So the reading today and the circulation today counts for stated - 6/21/04 the 24-hour rules or we have to circulate it 24 hours before the next Council session?
I would suggest it be circulated 24 hours prior to the introduction of the resolution again.
Would that be 24 hours before 10 o'clock on that morning?
Well, if they're circulated today, Charley. No. The 24 hours does start today. Fine.
But make sure that we all get a copy of it, please. I would suggest that the other resolution be returned to Councilwoman Blackwell so at the appropriate time we can consider that resolution.
Madam President, is that a position that the Council votes on? I thought that was a position that was appointed by the President.
It is my understanding that the bylaws of Blue Cross specifically state that it is an appointment of the President of City Council. And to the best of my knowledge, I have not made that appointment. However, we'll discuss that at another time. I think we have many more important issues on the agenda today.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski. stated - 6/21/04
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano.
Thank you, Madam President. I have one bill and three resolutions. But first I would like to jump out of order a little and recognize the neighbors from the Norris Square Area. They're here today in mass to voice their opinion against these tax cuts. (Applause and cheers.)
I will not tolerate any outbursts. I will not tolerate any outbursts.
Anybody that attempts to disrupt Council today will be escorted out of the chamber. The Clerk will please read the title stated - 6/21/04 of the bill.
An ordinance amending Bill Number 020480 entitled, an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development a deed located at 5th and Huntingdon Streets.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
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 Model Cities Urban Renewal Area.
Do I hear a second? stated - 6/21/04 UNIDENTIFIED COUNCIL PERSON: Second.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Chorus of "ayes.")
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted.
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 American Street Industrial Corridor Urban Renewal Area.
Move for the adoption. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Second. stated - 6/21/04
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Chorus of "ayes.")
The ayes have it, and the Resolution is adopted.
And a Resolution authorizing Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia deeds located in the 7th Ward in the City of Philadelphia.
Move for the adoption. UNIDENTIFIED COUNCIL PERSON: Second.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the stated - 6/21/04 resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Chorus of "ayes.")
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
The Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance approving certain contracts and transactions arising thereunder for the purchase, storage, distribution, transportation and/or transmission of natural gas entered into by the Philadelphia Facilities Management Corporation on behalf of the Philadelphia Gas Works, subject to certain terms and conditions. stated - 6/21/04
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer two resolutions.
The Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A Resolution authorizing Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority deeds located in the 11th Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. UNIDENTIFIED COUNCIL PERSON: Second.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the stated - 6/21/04 resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Chorus of "ayes.")
The ayes have it, and the Resolution is adopted.
And a Resolution approving the sale by the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for a portion of the Germantown Redevelopment Area.
I move for the adoption of the Resolution. UNIDENTIFIED COUNCIL PERSON: Second.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Chorus of "ayes.") stated - 6/21/04
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter.
The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A Resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority deeds located in the 4th Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you, Madam President. I move the adoption of the Resolution. stated - 6/21/04 UNIDENTIFIED COUNCIL PERSON: Second.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Chorus of "ayes.")
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer no bills or resolutions this morning.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Madam President. stated - 6/21/04 I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ramos.
The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A Resolution honoring Alexander Scott and encouraging all citizens of Philadelphia to contribute to the Alex Lemonade Stand Fund and other pediatric cancer research programs.
Madam President, I move for the adoption of the resolution.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Chorus of "ayes.") stated - 6/21/04
The ayes have it, and the Resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. I introduce two Resolutions.
The Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A Resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal portion of the Jefferson Square Urban Renewal Area.
The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the stated - 6/21/04 Resolution. UNIDENTIFIED COUNCIL PERSON: Second.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Chorus of "ayes.")
The ayes have it, and the Resolution is adopted.
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 New Kensington Fishtown Urban Renewal Area.
The Chair again recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, stated - 6/21/04 Madam President. I move for the adoption of the Resolution. UNIDENTIFIED COUNCIL PERSON: Second.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Chorus of "ayes.")
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Madam President, stated - 6/21/04 I offer two bills and eight resolutions.
The Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An Ordinance authorizing Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development without consideration a deed located 2815 Ridge Avenue. And an ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter requiring the Police Commissioner to support and to request enactment of legislation that will permit Philadelphia and other local governments to adopt certain Constitutionally lawful legislation regarding firearms.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a Resolution stated - 6/21/04 proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter, relating to the duties of the Police Commissioner, by requiring the Commissioner to support and to request enactment of legislation that will permit Philadelphia and other local governments to adopt certain Constitutionally lawful legislation regarding firearms.
The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke on the resolution.
Madam President, I don't think that can be adopted today.
It's a Charter amendment. I don't believe the Charter amendment can be adopted today.
It will be referred to the appropriate committee. Thank you. The resolution will be referred to the appropriate Committee.
And a Resolution approving the redevelopment contract and stated - 6/21/04 disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, The ordinance on the gun legislation...
I just wanted to reference the ordinance on the Charter submission gun legislation was co-sponsored by Councilwoman Miller and myself.
And the Resolution was co-sponsored, I believe, by 15 members of Council. And I move for the adoption on the just read resolution. UNIDENTIFIED COUNCIL PERSON: stated - 6/21/04 Second.
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Chorus of "ayes.")
The ayes have it, and the Resolution is adopted.
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 Model Cities Urban Renewal Area.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the stated - 6/21/04 Resolution. UNIDENTIFIED COUNCIL PERSON: Second.
It has been moved and seconded that the Resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Chorus of "ayes.")
The ayes have it, and the Resolution is adopted.
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 Model Cities Urban Renewal Area.
I'd move for the adoption. stated - 6/21/04 UNIDENTIFIED COUNCIL PERSON: Second.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Chorus of "ayes.")
The ayes have it, and the Resolution is adopted.
And a Resolution approving the redevelopment contract for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the New Kensington Fishtown Urban Renewal Area.
I move for the adoption. UNIDENTIFIED COUNCIL PERSON: Second.
It has stated - 6/21/04 been moved and properly seconded that the Resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Chorus of "ayes.")
The ayes have it, and the Resolution is adopted.
And a Resolution approving the redevelopment contract for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the American Street Industrial Corridor Urban Renewal Area.
I move for the adoption. UNIDENTIFIED COUNCIL PERSON: Second.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. stated - 6/21/04 (Chorus of "ayes.")
The ayes have it, and the Resolution is adopted.
And a Resolution approving the redevelopment contract for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area.
More for the adoption. UNIDENTIFIED COUNCIL PERSON: Second.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Resolution be adopted. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Chorus of "ayes.")
The ayes have it, and the Resolution is adopted.
And a Resolution approving the redevelopment contract for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area.
More for the adoption. UNIDENTIFIED COUNCIL PERSON: Second.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Chorus of "ayes.")
The ayes have it, and the Resolution is adopted. stated - 6/21/04 The Chair recognizes Councilman Kelly.
The chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the Resolution.
A Resolution authorizing City Council's Committee on Public Safety to hold a public hearing to investigate current policies and procedures followed by the City of Philadelphia's Police Department when purchasing and assigning police vehicles.
I move for the adoption of this Resolution. stated - 6/21/04 UNIDENTIFIED COUNCIL PERSON: Second.
It has been moved and seconded that the Resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Chorus of "ayes.")
The ayes have it, and the Resolution will be referred to the Committee on Public Safety. The next order of business is the reports from Committees. And The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke for a report from the Committee on Rules.
Madam President, the Committee on Rules reports one bill with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the report.
To the President and stated - 6/21/04 members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Rules to which was referred Bill Number 040666 entitled an ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code relating to zoning and planning by amending provisions of section 14205 concerning R-1A residential districts, all under certain terms and conditions respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Madam President, I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill Number 040666. UNIDENTIFIED COUNCIL PERSON: Second.
It has been moved and properly seconded that rules of Council be suspended so as to permit stated - 6/21/04 first reading this day of Bill Number 040666. All in favor will say aye. (Chorus of "ayes.")
The ayes have it, and the bill just read will be placed on today's first reading calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode for a report from the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development.
Thank you, Madam President. Committee on Commerce and Economic Development reports one bill with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the report.
To the President, members of the Council for the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Commerce and stated - 6/21/04 Economic Development to which was referred Bill Number 040598 entitled, an ordinance authorizing the Director of Commerce on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to enter into agreements with the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development and the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau, both for purposes of hosting the Army/Navy intercollegiate football game in certain years, under certain terms and conditions respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill Number 040598. UNIDENTIFIED COUNCIL PERSON: Second. stated - 6/21/04
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill Number 040598. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Chorus of "ayes.")
The ayes have it, and the bill just read will be placed on today's first reading calendar.
Council will now proceed under a special order of business to reconsider Bill Number 040156. I believe everyone received a copy of the Mayor's letter. Everyone received a copy of the Mayor's letter? (No response.)
Thank you. This Bill was passed by the Council at its May 18th session and was returned disapproved by the Mayor to today's session of Council. At this time The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Council reconsider Bill Number 040156 which was approved by this Council on the May 18th session of this Council. UNIDENTIFIED COUNCIL PERSON: Second.
Do I hear a second? UNIDENTIFIED COUNCIL PERSON: Second.
All in favor let it be known by saying aye. (Chorus of "ayes.")
The ayes have it. The motion carries. Council will now reconsider the vote by which Bill Number 040156 was passed. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
Bill Number 040156, an ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code entitled zoning and planning, by adding a new chapter providing for the creation of neighborhood conservation districts, providing for the adoption of design guidelines for properties within such districts, and requiring certificates of compliance to alter the exterior of a building within such a district or to demolish or construct a building within such a district so as to ensure compliance with the design guidelines, all under certain terms and conditions.
This Bill having been read on two different days was stated - 6/21/04 duly approved by City Council on May 18th, and was returned to Council by the Mayor as disapproved at today's session of Council. The question is: Shall Bill Number 040156 pass, notwithstanding the Mayor's disapproval? Please note that a vote of aye is a vote to override the Mayor's veto, and a vote of no is a vote to sustain the Mayor's veto. At this time, I would ask the Chief Clerk to please call the roll.
The ayes are 16; the nays are one. The override passes. The veto fails. I'm sorry.
More than two-thirds of all members having voted in the affirmative, the Mayor's veto is overridden. Council will now proceed under a special order of business to the reconsideration of Bill Number 040369. This bill was passed by the Council at its May 18th session and was returned disapproved by the Mayor to today's session of Council. At this time, The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Council reconsider Bill Number 040369 which was approved by Council at its May 18th session.
It has been moved and seconded. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Chorus of "ayes.")
The ayes have it. The motion carries. Council will now reconsider the vote by which Bill Number 040369 was passed. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Chapter 141600 of The Philadelphia Code entitled miscellaneous, by adding a new section prohibiting the demolition of buildings or other structures located within the area bounded on the north by the south side of Locust Street, on the west by the east side of 5th Street, on the south by the north side of Washington Street, and on the east by the Delaware River, and providing that such prohibition shall stated - 6/21/04 expire after a specific period of time, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you. This bill having been read on two different days, was duly approved by City Council on May the 18th, and was returned to Council by the Mayor as disapproved at today's session of Council. The question is: Shall Bill Number 040369 pass, notwithstanding the Mayor's disapproval? Again, please note that a vote of aye is a vote to override the Mayor's veto, and a vote of no is a vote to sustain the Mayor's veto. I would ask the Chief Clerk to please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17. The nays are zero. A majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the Mayor's veto is overridden. The next order of business is the consideration of the calendar. The Chief Clerk will please read the bills on the first reading calendar.
Bill Number 040640, entitled, an ordinance amending Chapter 19-2600 of The Philadelphia Code entitled, business privilege taxes, by establishing a program under which a job creation tax credit will be given to certain businesses creating new jobs in the City of Philadelphia, all under certain terms and conditions. stated - 6/21/04
And Bill Number 040328, an ordinance authorizing creation of loan or loans to provide funds for and toward various capital municipal purposes, authorizing the Mayor, City Controller and City Solicitor or a majority of them to sell bonds at public or private negotiated sale.
And Bill Number 040666, an ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code relating to zoning and planning, by amending provisions of Section 14205 concerning R-1A residential districts, all under certain terms and conditions.
And Bill Number 040598, an ordinance authorizing Director of Commerce on behalf of the City of stated - 6/21/04 Philadelphia to enter into agreements with the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development and the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau, both for purposes of hosting the Army/Navy intercollegiate football game in certain years, under certain terms and conditions.
The Chair agrees. That completes the first reading calendar. And at this time The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for the purpose of calling up the bills on the second reading and final passage calendar.
Thank you, Madam President. Today Bill Numbers 040367-A, 040256, 040601, 02, 03, 07, 08, 040462, 040501, 040327, 040424, 426, 427, 429, 430, 433, 434, 462, 040496, 498, 040500, 506, 520, 521, 566, 040616, 040023 will be amended. 040153, 559, 564, 565, 599, 040600, 040553, 555, 556, 558, 570, 040370, 040400, stated - 6/21/04 040552, 040606, and 040615 are being called up for second reading and final passage. I mentioned the bill that would be amended which again is 040023. All other bills are being held. Thank you.
Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Point of order, Madam President. I believe, unless I misunderstood, Bill Number 040514 was not reported. If it has been I apologize, but I don't recall hearing that.
What number? COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: I'm asking that be heard. Bill Number 040514. I'm asking that bill be heard today. I don't know if it was called out. I apologize. Thank you. I want that on...
What page is that? COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: . stated - 6/21/04 Second bill from the top, . It's increasing penalties for excessive noise. UNIDENTIFIED COUNCIL PERSON: She called it. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: She called it? She said no. Thank you.
Thank you. Ask the Clerk to please read the title of Bill Number 040367-A.
An ordinance approving certain contracts and transactions arising thereunder on behalf of the Philadelphia Gas Works, subject to 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. stated - 6/21/04
Aye. The ayes are 17. The nays are zero. The majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill Number 040256.
An ordinance amending Chapter 191200 of The Philadelphia Code entitled parking tax, by establishing a rate of taxation on parking transactions for fiscal year 2005 and thereafter. stated - 6/21/04
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.
Well, in general, as we are beginning to vote on our tax bill.
Thank you, Madam President. I would like to say that many of us have agonized over these bills. There are those of us who will be voting against them, albeit I believe that all in Council have agreed on the service issues like rec centers, et cetera, that we're concerned stated - 6/21/04 with, just to name one area. But we are still -- I am. I regret that we have not as a Council been able to come together unified in the area of tax reform versus getting a budget passed. I would be voting against these bills not because I don't want to be unified with my colleagues, but that I am fearful that if we do -- and as much as we want a true tax reform, that if we do, areas like NTI, housing, my special area that God has given me to do, the homeless area, could be affected. And we are afraid that if these programs are gutted, it would severely impact the quality of life in our City. (Applause and cheers.)
So again, we say that we regret we have not been able to come together as a body. I respect my colleagues but certainly report that I will be voting a no when it comes to the tax bills.
Thank you. stated - 6/21/04 The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown. (Applause and cheers.)
Thank you, Madam President. First I would like to recognize a number of organizations in these chambers that agree, as I do, with regards to our position on tax cuts. Philadelphia Citizens for Children and Youth; Institute for the Study of Civic Values; Pathways, Pennsylvania; Citizens for Consumer Justice; Americans for Democratic Action; Asian Americans United; ACORN; Women's Community Revitalization Project; Norris Square Neighborhood Project; the Norris Square Civic Association; and the Philadelphia Home and School Council. Madam President, the record should show that no other City in this country has cut taxes as much as Philadelphia. And stated - 6/21/04 Philadelphia should be cutting taxes. We all know that we have an onerous tax system. Philadelphia has answered the call. In fact, for the last nine years, our City has cut $671 million in taxes for residents. Our City has answered the call. I agree that tax cuts are important. This Council has demonstrated that tax cuts are important. But more importantly, as one of our local papers stated, quote, when we as a community dedicate effort, creativity and money to children's problems, things get better. The facts are that right now as we speak 7,000 children are in foster care, 1,000 children are in homeless shelters, another 1,000 children are in transitional housing. 65,000 kids in this city have no place to go after school in a structured, safe, stimulating program. So, I am of the mind set that as we move to strike a fragile balance between tax cuts and service cuts, we should not do stated - 6/21/04 this on the back of our children. (Cheers and applause.)
We should not make additional tax cuts at the expense of our children and our families. I therefore will not be supporting the budget and the current tax bill since again I state we are already actively engaged in substantial tax-cutting measures in this City. I thank you for your attention.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco. Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Madam President. First I'd like to say, Madam President, that I will be supporting the tax bills. (Boos from the audience.)
I am stated - 6/21/04 sorry. I said very early on I will not tolerate that, and I mean it sincerely. (Boos from the audience.)
You will respect us as we respect you. And anyone that does that will definitely be escorted out of the room. Now, please respect us as we respect you. Councilwoman Tasco.
Madam President, when I came on to City Council in 1988, Christine Murphy was the Revenue Commissioner. And her first comments in our meeting said to me that we have to do something about the taxes in this City, and particularly the business privilege taxes and the wage tax. Our City is not growing. We suffered through the '80s and certainly enjoyed some measure of success in the '90s, but we have done nothing to deal with the business privilege tax. Yes, we have taken action on the wage tax. Philadelphia has had a tax stated - 6/21/04 burden no other City has had in this country. We have been told -- and it was pointed out and documented -- that we are the -- the cost of doing business in the City is the highest in this country. So, therefore, the reason we have made an effort to cut taxes is because we had the tax burden that no other City had to, so they didn't have to cut taxes. We have people in shelters. We have children in foster care. But part of that problem, Madam President, is because we don't have any jobs in this City for these people to get. If they had jobs, they could maintain their homes and not be in shelters. VOICE IN THE AUDIENCE: Oh, stop it.
But jobs are moving from this City because the businesses are not coming to Philadelphia. We are not generating the level of employment that we need for people to have stated - 6/21/04 gainful employment for their families. I say we do the tax cuts for the children because if we don't we're going to still be in the same predicament if we don't cut them. You're going to still have people... (Voices shouting out.)
You're going to have people in this City, groups, fighting each other for a smaller pie, scrambling for crumbs and still cutting. And be very clear that the cuts that have been proposed in this budget came in March, long before the Tax Reform Commission issued its report. We were told that the cuts in the budget were the cuts for the cultural centers, the rec centers. All the cuts were in the budget and will remain in the budget whether this bill passes or not. So be clear and not get mixed message that have been sent out, in terms of scare tactics to the citizens of this City that all of these cuts will take stated - 6/21/04 place. We have presented a balanced budget. Will there be pain? There's going to be pain either way. But I think in the long run, if we generate an environment where businesses can come into this City and provide employment for the spouses of people who are unemployed, I think this City will be better off. And I ask my colleagues to support these bills. (Boos in the audience.). (Council President wielding gavel.)
I am not going to say it again, and I mean it. VOICE FROM THE AUDIENCE: Why?
Where are the sergeant-at-arms? Why aren't they back there? Where are the police? Why aren't they back there? (Boos in the audience.).
I am not going stated - 6/21/04 to tolerate Council people being booed and interrupted. VOICE FROM THE AUDIENCE: We've already -
I am not going to tolerate it. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you, Madam President. I respect the positions of my colleagues who disagree with me on this. I just think we're looking at this whole tax reduction issue a little differently. I believe we have been cutting taxes possibly more than any other City, but it's such a small rate of reduction that it will be 50 years before we're competitive. We can't wait 50 years. Philadelphia needs to cut taxes more than any other city in the country because of how high we are with our tax rates. The reason that we don't have the stated - 6/21/04 jobs, it's no different than if you had a store across the street from me and I was charging four or five times more for the same thing you were charging. And I wonder why I didn't have any customers. They're all lined up at your store. Well, I pretty soon reduce my prices. We have to reduce our prices. And our prices are our taxes. And we just have to do that. The children... Again, it's looking at it from a different perspective, but I believe we have to do this for our children, so that they inherit a City that is vibrant, that has businesses that has jobs for them. There's no better help you can give somebody than a job. And there aren't enough now to go around in this City, and there's no prospect that there will be unless we can attract more businesses. So, I firmly support what we're doing. It's a shame that we weren't doing stated - 6/21/04 this three years ago when there was a $290 million surplus. But it should be pointed out that there are, with today's tax revenue increases and the fee increases we did in our last session, I believe over five years we'll be adding $159.2 million to the City's revenue stream over five years, starting with this year's increases. And it's almost exactly the tax reduction that we're talking about. But it is a shift. And the business privilege tax and the wage tax are our two biggest targets. And I think it's a very reasonable compromise. We didn't stick with the 290. And it's a shame that the City has been spending down that $290 million surplus to the point where we needed extra revenues this year -- VOICE IN THE AUDIENCE: (Unintelligible). That's how that money's been spent.
I am stated - 6/21/04 sorry. I am sorry. VOICE IN THE AUDIENCE: I'm just telling the truth.
This is not a debate, sir. VOICE IN THE AUDIENCE: It's not a debate.
And I'm asking you to please keep your thoughts to yourself at this point. VOICE IN THE AUDIENCE: All right.
Thank you. So, I think that this year it should be recognized that between the new revenues that Council is voting for and the cuts Council is voting for, there's about $50 million just to shore up what would otherwise be a gaping deficit. And hopefully this budget will have a surplus, as will the five-year plan for each of the five years. Thank you. stated - 6/21/04
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano.
Thank you, Madam President. I hope I can express it as eloquently as the previous speakers, but I obviously I'm voting against all these bills. (Cheers and yells.)
But I just want to say the newspapers, both newspapers and the Chamber of Commerce, are trying to do something here which probably makes a whole lot of sense to them. But it doesn't make a lot of sense to my constituents from Norris Square. VOICE IN THE AUDIENCE: Right.
I read in one of the newspapers that if you make $50,000 a year you get $15. That's a pizza pie and a two liter bottle of Coca-Cola. When I explain that to some of my constituents here from Norris Square, they stated - 6/21/04 say, Rick, that's greet from you; you make $98,000 a year. I'd like to make $50,000. They're afraid we're taking away things that were always there. If the Spanish kids, the white kids, black kids, Asian, whatever we can come up with, from Schmidt Recreation Center have to walk 11 blocks to McVey Recreation Center so they can go swimming in the pool. And let's not forgot. They don't get to go to Wildwood for a week or two this summer. This is basically about -(Yells and cheers.).
Please, please. This is basically about class distinction. It's the poor. We fight around here for the poor. We want businesses to come to our City. We should do away with some taxes because any taxes we cut I get a cut. I'm happy for that. I'm not paying happy taxes. But I'll certainly give my pizza and my two liter bottle of coke to make sure stated - 6/21/04 that rec center stays open. (Yells and applause.).
And I think-- I want to quote one of my colleagues who I've been at odds with, Councilman Kenney. He said at a meeting that I was in, this is a giant leap of faith. And that's exactly what it is. You either believe in supply side economics or you don't. He may; you may; everyone else may. I don't, because these are the people that sent me to City Council. And the rest of us -(Applause and yells.)
Not the editorial board from the Inquirer or the editorial board from the Daily News. As far as I know, none of them fine people actually live in the City. (Yells, screams and applause.)
I know they don't live in Norris Square or Rhawnhurst, or Juniata, or Frankford, or Castor Gardens. Maybe they live in Councilwoman stated - 6/21/04 Miller's District. They don't live in my district. They deserve to be heard. And we want business here, but not on their back, not on their back. That's what this is about. The votes are probably here to pass this, but this is far from over. So, again, I rise. I'm voting against these, and I will vote against them. And as a Council body, we should all be ashamed of ourselves for all 17 of us not getting in that room... (Applause, screams, hollering.) (Council President wielding gavel.)
Please. Please. We should lock ourselves in that room downstairs with this Mayor, and we should lock ourselves in that room, all 17 of us -- the press can come -- and work this out, not wait until July 1st or June 30th or August or September. It should be worked out now. We can seem to work out everything stated - 6/21/04 else but we can't work that out. We just got to get to get the -- Thank you. (Screams, yells, cheers.).
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter.
Thank you, Madam President. I had not anticipated such a furious debate about the parking tax. I'd like my comments, Madam President, to be continued for... The bulk of this debate I think is actually on the next Bill which is 040601. But I know that we're having them all in the context of all of the budget discussion. Just a couple facts for the record. First, with regard to the supply side issue, there are no supply side expectations for the FY '05 budget. That will be in front of us on the next bill. Second, the adjusted fund balance for the end of FY' 05 is a positive $6,064,000. stated - 6/21/04 Third, we heard months of discussion and debate with regard to proposed cuts to the budget that all of us care greatly about. And many of the folks in the audience were concerned about rec centers being closed, and swimming pools or other activities for children. Those proposed cuts came in the budget that was sent to us on March 18th. They did not come as a result of any of the tax reform or tax cut discussion. They were already in the budget as proposed by the Mayor. This Council once amended that budget to restore almost all of those cuts. That budget was approved. The mayor vetoed it. Council was not able to override the Mayor's veto. We now have a second budget that has been amended to restore all of those cuts. And I'd like to talk about what some of those restorations are because I know that we all care very deeply about these programs. stated - 6/21/04 In the budget before us in Bill 040601, instead of cuts to the following programs, this Council by amendment has restored the following: The Philadelphia Activities Fund, $800,000; the Art Museum, $2,000,000; recreation centers, $3,000,000; the Atwater Kent Museum, $264,000; the African American Museum, $30,000; the Mural Arts Program, $49,000; the Cultural Fund, $1,000,000; the Cultural Office, $100,000; Historic Philadelphia, $30,000; the film office, $30,000; Philadelphia's own Community College, $750,000. And while we read in the newspaper that the Montgomery County Community College is getting an additional $650,000 from their leaders, it was proposed that we cut our own Philadelphia Community College $750,000 which we're seeking to restore in this budget, if it is approved, if it is implemented. The District Attorney's office, $1,000,000; the Free Library, $1,000,000; stated - 6/21/04 and the Philadelphia Fire Department, $4,000,000. Those are the restorations that have been included in the budget before us. That is how we will provide the necessary services that people care so deeply about. Fourth, with regard to one of the tax bills, Bill Number 7, should that bill not pass or should that bill not be implemented, there will be an even greater financial deficit to the City because Bill 7, I believe, accomplishes what Mayor Street sought to accomplish by not only delaying the next wage tax cut that was supposed to happen on July 1, 2004, to January 1, 2005, but also takes away the impact of previous bills proposed by this Council and either signed or allowed to become law by the Mayor. If Bill 7 were to fail, the City budget would be impacted by an additional $18,000,000 and the unanticipated tax increase -- tax cut, rather, for July 1, 2004, would go into effect. stated - 6/21/04 So I think that Council has sought to be responsible. We've restored the cuts that people care so deeply about, and also managed our funds in a fiscally responsible fashion for the FY'05 budget which is the budget in front of us, which is the budget we'll seek to keep the City running in an appropriate fashion. Thank you, Madam President.
You're welcome. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Madam President. This is a very difficult issue, and very tough decisions. And important issues are always tough to deal with. And I want to first thank yourself and Councilwoman Blackwell and Councilman O'Neill for their leadership in this issue, the hard work of Councilman Nutter and others. But even though we don't agree on this issue, for the first time in a while stated - 6/21/04 we've actually come together and had discussion, had debate, and have taken the position that we can justify or at least stand up for and defend. And I think that's important for this Council. I also want to put another face on this debate. I'm really bad on cell phones. I'm tough on them. I drop them constantly in water, in the sink, on the street. And I had to go get my cell phone replaced week before last. And as I was standing in the service line, a young man who was not waiting on me was behind the counter. And he asked me if I was a Councilman. And he said, I recognize you, and I've been following in this tax debate. And I would guess the gentleman was probably mid thirties. He lived in Councilwoman Blackwell's District. He's married, has two children. Was born and raised in Philadelphia. Loves Philadelphia. But told me that the week stated - 6/21/04 after he was waiting on us, he was moving to Orlando. I asked him why. He said that he believed that he liked where he lived. He loved his home. He loved his kids' school. But the combination of his wife and his income, he could no longer accept the taxes that were being imposed upon him in this City. Fine young man. Articulate, young, with family, a father. Family of two kids, and with a wife. He no longer lives in Philadelphia. He lives in Orlando, Florida, as a result of what he told me was the tax burden in the City. And I think he represents literally thousands and thousands of people who have made that decision. (Applause.)
Literally thousands of people who have made that decision to move with their feet, as stated - 6/21/04 opposed to staying here in our City. This City has wonderful things. It has great services. It's a great walkable, livable, affordable City in many, many ways. But when it comes to the burden that business must pay in order to retain their jobs here or to attract jobs here and the burden the taxpayers must pay to live here, I think this is something we need to do. I honestly believe that everyone who's against this bill does sincerely state their views as it relates to service levels. But I honestly believe that over the next ten years if we do not dramatically change the way we've done business, the level of people we have paying taxes is going to continue to shrink. And we are not going to have the people available to pay for the service levels that we need. And that's what this is all about. And Councilman Mariano said, it's a leap of faith. We're depending to a point stated - 6/21/04 on supply side in the third, fourth and fifth years. But I think that's something we need to do because we can know for sure that the City will continue to shrink, jobs will continue to go. And this City will become smaller and poorer and more unable to take care of its problems unless we have a stronger private sector and a larger job base to contribute to the taxes. And that's why I'm supporting these bills. Thank you, Madam President.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, I wanted to talk a little bit about the way this particular issue is being characterized. And I'm not sure a lot of people, stated - 6/21/04 particularly the people in the general public, understand what we're debating. We're throwing numbers around, 160, $160,000,000 over five years. We actually introduced a proposal that a colleague of mine had worked on unauthorized. It was around $105,000,000 and had a balanced budget, restoration of a substantial amount of services. I understand that the Mayor threw out a number, 130, as recent as last week. But the reality is, is that we're talking about a $3,000,000,000 reduction in revenue. And I think that's getting lost in the discussion. We're talking about a $3,000,000,000 mandated reduction in revenue. This is not a $160,000,000 bill that we're voting on today. It is a $3,000,000,000 reduction in revenue. That is my major concern about this particular issue. And it's not clear to me, when I talk to people, that they understand that, stated - 6/21/04 even people in the media. So, I think that that needs to be clear, what it is we're asked to be voting -- what it is we're asked to vote for today, both in terms of the total amount, and in terms of the time line associated with these particular bills. It's not a five-year tax bill before us that calls for $160,000,000 reduction in revenue. It is... I believe it's more than ten years, and one of the other bills might be more than ten, that's a $3,000,000,000 reduction in revenue. So, I want to clear that up. The other thing I would like to talk about is... And I don't like doing this, but the prior administrations. And we talk about conditions in the City, and we reference the fact that there was this substantial surplus in the City of Philadelphia. And the reality is that there were targeted incentives, substantial targeted incentives by the prior administration, to stated - 6/21/04 the tune of $40,000,000 to $50,000,000 in some instances. They were called economic stimulus packages, and they were given out to particular businesses and particular companies and individuals to stimulate business. And in spite of that, we had a substantial surplus because we were obviously in some of the best economic times in the history of the nation. VOICE IN THE AUDIENCE: That's right.
But we did not hear from any of the tax reform people who the people are now clamoring to ask for substantial tax reforms when we made a decision to invest in neighborhoods, right? And I'm concerned that over the last five years where we have made an aggressive, an extremely aggressive investment in neighborhoods, that now all of a sudden the tax reform people are saying that we can't do that; we have to stated - 6/21/04 cut taxes. But we didn't hear those types of discussion when there was, as mentioned by one of my colleagues, a substantial... a substantial surplus in the City of Philadelphia. So, my biggest concern, or I say concerns first, is the total aggregate amount of this tax bill, the mandated time line on these tax bills, because I believe we're locking ourselves into something that could potentially create a serious fiscal problem for the City of Philadelphia, particularly if what happens in Harrisburg what is currently being proposed to lock us into these particular tax reductions, and the choice that will stand before us, to shift our focus from neighborhoods back to reducing taxes, and not necessarily taxes totally for the citizens of the City of Philadelphia. So, because of that, that time line, and particularly that $3,000,000,000 amount, I cannot support these particular stated - 6/21/04 tax bills at this time. I just think that it is not appropriate. (Yells, screams and applause.)
So I, like my colleague Councilman Mariano, would love to see us sit down and do something in a thoughtful way. And I appreciate all the work that all of the colleagues in the leadership have put into this issue. But... And I hate to keep saying that. the $3,000,000,000 Number scares me to death, Madam President. So because of that I cannot vote for these particular bills at this time. And I would hope that we would sit down and do something in a thoughtful way that would not create a long-term problem for the fiscal stability of the City of Philadelphia and its citizens. Thank you.
The Chair recognizes Councilman Kelly. Councilman stated - 6/21/04 Kelly.
Yes. Thank you, Madam President. I just want to remind everyone here, my colleagues and everyone in this room, that there's -- there was only two cities in this country who have been losing population. One was Detroit, Michigan, and the other was Philadelphia. Now, in Detroit in 1950, Detroit -(Yells from the audience.)
-- had 1,800,000 people. Today, they have less than 900,000. They've lost 900,000 people since 1950. Philadelphia, we had over 2,000,000 people in 1950. Now we have 1,500,000. We've lost 500,000. Now the problem is that Detroit is doing something unique. They are cutting taxes. Now, we have to do the same. If you look, you look over the last 20 and 30 years, you'll see that the decline, the stated - 6/21/04 population, the business growth, everything else has been going downward. Now, we have to stop it. And by stopping it, I think we're going to do a lot for not only the businesses in Philadelphia but for the very people that are here that need help, for the poor people in this City. Because with the additional tax growth that we expect -- and I think Councilwoman Tasco alluded to it -- that many of us, many of this tax growth is going to... not only is going to stabilize us in our population but is also going to allow us not only to keep a lot of these programs, but to increase the support. And that's what I want to do. I want to give some hope and confidence to everyone in this City to have them stay here, number one; and number two, possibly get more additional businesses to come in here because with additional businesses we have more jobs. More jobs is going to mean more tax stated - 6/21/04 revenue in the City of Philadelphia. And I think somewhere along the line we have to look at this. We have to look at it very hard and cold. And, yes, we are taking probably a risk, but it's a risk well worth taking. So, I am urging all of my colleagues to vote for these necessary tax cuts. Thank you.
The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. Much of what I was considering speaking on has already been spoken. I do respect all the opinions of my colleagues, both those in favor of the tax cuts and those who are opposed. I can remember just a few years ago when Councilman Nutter and I introduced a bill that would continue with the wage tax reductions in this City. stated - 6/21/04 And I remember at the time the administration, because the administration at the time was proposing to eliminate those tax reductions that had been set in motion by the Rendell Administration, there was a huge debate, the debate that literally flowed out into the streets of this City. There was a march down Broad Street and around City Hall by a whole host of people, from the business community, to labor leaders, to church groups, and community groups, and advisory councils, and recreation people who are involved with the recreation departments. They all came together and joined in that march and that demonstration to suggest and encourage this Council to vote for a continuation of the wage tax reductions. And I can remember at the time when people sat back and were looking at that bill. And there were people in the administration who were suggesting that the stated - 6/21/04 sky would fall -- it was the doomsday thing -- if you continue with these cuts. The Cultural Activities Fund will have to be reduced. Recreation centers would be closing. Firehouses and Police Stations would be cut back. But I'm happy to say that even though when we first started out with that bill -- We had about six members of Council, I think, who were supportive of it -- at the end of the day it was pretty much unanimous. And as a result of those wage tax cuts, wage tax collections and revenues in this City have increased. And I don't even remember the date of the bill, Councilman Nutter. Was it 2000 or 2002? Seems like I've been here forever.
2002. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: 2002. Thank you. And I can recall during these hearings on these bills, 1 o'clock in the morning, I think, the Managing Director who stated - 6/21/04 I have a lot of respect for -- and he knows that whenever I talk about this, I don't mean it personal -- talked about the administration's apprehension on making these cuts, because no one knows with certainty whether or not the tax cuts will create additional jobs. And you've used the word empirical evidence. He said at the time -- and I'm paraphrasing him -- there's no empirical evidence that if you cut taxes the business community will rally around that, jobs will increase, and we'll have a better economic environment. And I agree, as Councilman Kenney said, and I think Councilman Mariano referenced, it is a leap of faith. But the empirical evidence, as I said that night, still exists today, that for three decades, four decades, maybe even five decades, because we are the highest City in the nation in terms of taxes -- and even though, yes, Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds-Brown mentioned in her statement stated - 6/21/04 that we have been cutting taxes, the reason we really haven't felt a positive impact that we all would like to see is because the taxes were so high to begin with that even with those incremental taxes we still rank as the highest-taxing City in this nation. So, we really need to do something dramatic. And the empirical evidence, as I said, is there that if we do not do anything and we maintain the status quo, the empirical evidence points to one direction: Continual loss of jobs. No economic growth in the area of job growth. Councilman Mariano talked about what it means to an individual taxpayer, if this package passes, are somewhere between $15 and $16 in annual savings. It's a pittance. There's no question about it. But you got to look at the other side of it. The employers and their millions of dollars in their contribution towards the wage tax what that means. They are the people who create the stated - 6/21/04 jobs. They are the people who create the jobs, who make the investments in our neighborhoods to create businesses and jobs that employ people who live in the City of Philadelphia, the majority of the jobs in the City of Philadelphia. And it's interesting... It is interesting that some of the people in the gallery were here a few years ago when we had a talk about building stadiums, and how they were demanding that this Council spend taxpayer's dollars to build those stadiums because it meant jobs for them. Well, I'm asking those same folks today to support tax reform because it will mean jobs for people who live in this City, not just people who live out of the City, to come and do a job and then leave at the end of the day. We really need to do something very dramatic, and I think now is the time to do it. The leap of faith... And I said to the Managing Director the night of that hearing, no one has a crystal ball. stated - 6/21/04 No one can say for sure that the cuts will create jobs, but for the fact that if we don't do these cuts the continuation that the decline of the job growth in the City will continue. We need to do something. We need to do it now. And the one thing that we have never taken into consideration because no one knows the supply side and whether it's going to happen or not is, as we speak, in Harrisburg this week it is very likely -it's almost a guarantee, if you can guarantee anything in politics -- that gambling legislation will pass in the House and the Senate. And we know that the City of Philadelphia will get at least two slot parlors. No one's talking about the tens of millions of dollars in revenues that those facilities will bring to the City of Philadelphia and the impact, the positive impact, it will have on our budget to make up any of the shortfall that we're talking about even if there isn't any supply side stated - 6/21/04 benefit as a result of that.
That has never been discussed in this Council during this debate. And I don't know why. I thought about it myself over the weekend. But we never talked about that. There are literally tens of millions of dollars that we are going to be generating in this City as a result of those slot parlors, notwithstanding the tens of millions of dollars we may be able to get if we sell Camp William Penn that we only use 29 days a year that's sitting up in the Pocono Mountains. We should be thinking with our business caps so that we can protect jobs that are here today and grow the economy and grow jobs for people in the neighborhoods of Philadelphia. Thank you, Madam President.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Madam stated - 6/21/04 President. I will try to be brief. I came to this Council -(Catcalls from the audience.)
Mr. Gross, please. (Catcalls from the audience.)
We're trying to conduct business. This is not a debate. (Catcalls from the audience.)
And I'm going to have to ask you to leave if you don't behave. Councilman Goode, I'm sorry.
I think you deserve a little more respect than that.
I will try to be brief. I came to this Council five years ago, and I'm in my fifth year as a legislator. And the only way to get to a stated - 6/21/04 legislative body is through politics. And so often many of us still carry politics with us, and that is part of the job. But I came here as an economic development legislator. And one of the things I did in my first term and even my second term is continue to offer tax credit legislation. I remember being at a conference not too long ago where we proposed a model how we were pumping money back into low and moderate income and economic distressed communities. From having the private sector give a million dollars a year to community based organizations to do job training and job development and business and job creation, and do economic development. And ours is usually done downtown but within neighborhoods. And while people were touting this model as a national model, one of the reasons it was a national model was because we had a high business privilege tax. stated - 6/21/04 One of the people in the audience asked me -- They said, well, how do you get this tax credit? What is this tax credit against? And I explained the fact that we had a business privilege tax where not only did we pay on net income but we pay on gross receipts. And they found that amazing. They said, well, do you still have businesses there? I said, yes, but, we also definitely have businesses there that are willing to pay that tax credit. And that's the problem here. We can pass all types of tax abatements, all types of tax credits. We can come with all types of remedies that are short-term remedies that throw good money after bad. But the bad money is the fact that our tax structure is wrong. I don't agree with much of the debate here on both sides, for many reasons. But one of the biggest reasons I don't believe the debate is stated - 6/21/04 because I believe the debate is too politicized. This is not a race, again, between Sam Katz who is for tax reform and John Street. The truth of the matter is John Street won that race. But when John Street won that race, 17 other people won their races, too. So, we have a right to decide a budget and tax policy, just as John Street did for the 19 years he was in City Council. And one of the things I'm not going to allow the Mayor to do today is to send out a message that we're taking $3,000,000,000 out of revenue over the course of this tax schedule without saying that it gets $3,000,000,000 out of 40,000,000,000 to 50,000,000,000 budgetary dollars over the same period of time. That's not just $3,000,000,000. Even closed door meetings last week, while the Mayor was saying to some of us that in stated - 6/21/04 any given year we may be taking out as much as $400,000,000 to $500,000,000 out of a given budget year. He had to admit through his Budget Director that in the same given year we would still be increasing our budget by over $1,000,000,000. This budget of $3,400,000,000 is not going to decrease with this tax reform package over the several years. This budget is still going to increase to $4,000,000,000 to $5,000,000,000. So, let's stop playing politics. Decide what we're going to do with budget and tax policy. There wasn't one person elected in November; there were 18, in terms of the Mayor and City Council. So let's just vote.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Thank you, Madam President. stated - 6/21/04 (Catcalls from the audience.)
Madam President, as one of those individually elected Council members, I want to make it known so people will be sure, that my comments come from me as a legislator. My comments are based on my analysis of what is before us. Contrary to some people's belief, I don't carry water for people. I have been here for 20 years. I have a clear sense of services. I have a clear sense of budgets. I have a clear sense of how government should work. So any statements that I make in this Council are based on what Darrell Clarke, Councilman of the 5th District, thinks about the particular issue. (Applause.)
Thank you. Are there any other speeches? The title of Bill Number 040256 was read. That has to do with the parking tax. I would ask the Chief Clerk to please call the roll. stated - 6/21/04
The Bill passes, 14 to 3. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill Number 040601.
An ordinance adopting the operating budget for fiscal year 2005.
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 next bill to be called for consideration is Bill Number 040602.
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.
I hear you. I understand. I'm having personal analysis. (Laughter.)
The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill Number 040603.
An ordinance to adopt the capital program for the six fiscal years 2005 to 2010 inclusive.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is: Shall the bill pass stated - 6/21/04 finally. The Clerk will please call the roll.
Okay. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill Number 040607.
An ordinance amending Chapter 191500 of The Philadelphia Code entitled wage and net profits tax, all by stated - 6/21/04 decreasing the rates of the tax by making technical amendment changes, the effective date for rate changes and repealing certain provisions, 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.
Thank you. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill Number 040608.
An ordinance amending section 192604 of The Philadelphia Code relating to tax rates, credits and alternate tax computations, 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.
Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Aye. stated - 6/21/04
Thank you. Councilwoman Blackwell, I think this would be the appropriate time for you to introduce the resolution that was to be considered earlier. Do you have it?
All right. Madam President, we introduced a Resolution that has been circulated regarding the revised five-year plan.
Fiscal stability. stated - 6/21/04 The Chief Clerk will please read title of the Resolution. The Resolution was circulated on Thursday. Rather than considering a Fiscal Stability resolution this will be the resolution that we're considering. Thank you.
A Resolution approving a revised five-year financial plan for the City of Philadelphia covering fiscal years 2005 through 2009, subject to certain terms and conditions.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Move for the adoption. UNIDENTIFIED COUNCIL PERSON: Second.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. stated - 6/21/04 (Chorus of "ayes.")
The Resolution passes. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the next bill to be called for consideration, Bill Number 040642.
An ordinance providing for the contingent exemption, abatement or credit of certain taxes within specific geographic areas, including by amending Bill Number 030242, 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 Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen.
Madam President, I would like to ask the sponsor of the bill whether he would accept as a friendly amendment an amendment to divide the two issues. stated - 6/21/04 I understand this bill covers both the question of the cause for Comcast and the cause for the Food Distribution Center. And since they represent two entirely different issues, it seems to me to be in the best interests of everyone to consider these issues separately. So I ask the sponsor of the bill, will you accept a friendly motion to divide the issues and vote on each separately?
Thank you, Madam President. Councilman Cohen, thank you for your request. The issue you referenced to me a little earlier about the cable access T.V. I would be more than willing to work with you on the issue. My concern about doing an amendment on this particular bill would obviously delay the bill and probably create a situation where we wouldn't have passed this before we go out on recess. stated - 6/21/04 The purpose for doing the bill at this particular time -
Councilman Clarke, just a moment, please. Let's give our visitors a chance to leave because I'm having difficulty hearing you.
As I was saying, the basis for doing this particular bill at this particular time in most Council member's minds at the last moment was to allow us to entertain a schedule that will correlate with the passage of legislation in Harrisburg. The concern was by the individuals involved in this particular transaction, that we would leave for our recess in the summer and not have an opportunity to adopt the legislation that was authorized by Harrisburg. It subsequently allows us to adopt it on a local level. If we amend the bill, we will not be able to address this until September at the earliest. And as a result of that, I could not at this point accept a friendly stated - 6/21/04 amendment, although as indicated earlier, I would be more than willing to work on this particular issue. Had you made this issue known to me earlier as a part of the discussion with the members of Comcast, I would have included that. But I'm more than willing to include that as we move ahead.
Well, I think it's very likely, Councilman Clarke, that we're not going to have this as our last session today, unless you have word from the Mayor that he's going to accept our budget proposal. It's likely that there are going to be additional meetings. But apart from that, you have two different issues. You have Comcast, a very rich corporation by all apparent notices. It could offer $66,000,000,000, and it's asking for tax relief. On the other hand, you have the Food Distribution Center which is struggling, which was thinking of moving out of the stated - 6/21/04 City because it's so run down and there hasn't been the ability to provide enough investment. It seems to me there are two different issues. The Food Distribution Center, I think, is an enormous asset to Philadelphia. I think it out to be clearly supported, and I imagine it will have the unanimous support of everybody. On Comcast is troublesome, because I understand that there are huge vacancies in Philadelphia Downtown Center City real estate. And Comcast at 17th and Arch Street, it's an entirely different prospect than what we had in mind originally. I'd like to see that area debated. I don't know how Council will go on it, but it seems to me to be two different issues, and to group them together is not advisable. I would be willing to consider any technique that would hold this bill up so we determine whether there will be another stated - 6/21/04 meeting. I'm not trying to delay anything till September. Because I think the Food Distribution Center needs help immediately. But I'm very fearful that the action we take on Comcast is going to hurt the downtown real estate developments enormously, and that we're going to have a total glut of vacant property, and it's going to be hurting the City of Philadelphia rather than helping it. That's my motivation. It is true that if we ever did move on Comcast, I would certainly favor, as I always had, having the concept of public access. Because that's a very important issue that the people of Philadelphia are the only major City being denied by the cable channels access. I know Comcast says that it has been paying an annual fee for public access, and that it is prepared to pay the costs of capital expenditures. But unfortunately, ever since the stated - 6/21/04 early 1980s when we first passed the bill, the fees that are paid by Comcast for public access have just become absorbed by the General Fund. They're being diverted to other purposes. Not a single penny has been going to public access because apparently every Mayor likes to get money into the General Fund because once it gets into the General Fund mayors can decide what they do with the money. And for that reason I think there are two different issues, and I think we ought to debate them separately. And that's the reason I'd be willing to hold it. And if it turned out that you were right, and there was only one meeting, then I would accept your notion that we not delay until September but act on it. But since I'm sure there's going to be at least another meeting of Council, I believe that we ought to hold it. (Applause.) stated - 6/21/04
And that's the reason for my request. If you cannot accept it, Councilman Clarke or feel you cannot, I would be prepared to present an amendment to that effect. But I think it would be in everybody's interest for us to try to conclude this issue amicably.
Councilman, in response to your original question, would I allow a friendly amendment, it doesn't appear that this amendment is targeted at the cable access issue as you referenced me earlier. It appears it is an attempt by you to kill the bill. I don't consider that a friendly amendment. If you're so intent on introducing the amendment is to slow this legislation down, so you have an opportunity -
Okay. Well, let's go. Let's go. I... I would respectfully disagree with Councilman Clarke. stated - 6/21/04
I would like to move to amend, and I have copies of the amendment here. I'd like to move to amend Bill Number 642 by deleting section one of Bill Number... Its full number is 040642, to delete Exhibit A to Bill Number 040642, and to renumber section two as section one, and renumber section three as section two. And the amendment is in the process of being distributed now. And the motion has been moved and seconded, Madam President.
Madam President, despite Councilman Cohen's feeling that I have a crystal ball as to what the Mayor is going to do on the particular bills that have been passed, subsequently requiring an additional session of Council, I'm not sure that I understand there will also be a special Council, not necessarily to take up any other business. stated - 6/21/04
No. I think it's specifically to consider what, if any, action the mayor takes.
Right. So, as a result of that, it is clear that if this particular legislation is amended, it will not be able to be heard until September.
But Councilman Clarke, I'm prepared to sign a petition. It only needs five signatures to call a special meeting of City Council. And I'm sure you could get the rest of the signatures.
Councilman, I think the rules have been changed to require seven signatures for a special meeting.
Well, the President, I understand, has the authority on her own to call a special meeting. Only the Mayor does not have that authority.
To call special meetings of City Council. But you do, stated - 6/21/04 Madam President.
I think the Mayor may have also, Councilman, but we won't debate that issue.
I think you have asked the sponsor of the bill to consider a friendly amendment. I don't believe that the sponsor of the bill concurred.
I said I'm coming to the same conclusions you are on that.
I can't hear you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Oh, I'm sorry. Councilman Goode. stated - 6/21/04
Thank you, Madam President. I believe that Councilman Cohen accepted that Councilman Clarke was not going to accept the amendment. I believe he then moved on the amendment, and I seconded it.
Oh, I didn't hear that. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
Madam President, couldn't you readvertise the July 1st meeting to include this?
We may not. We may not, in fact, have a July 1st.
In the event we stated - 6/21/04 do, you could, correct? That's all I'm asking.
In the event we do, we could certainly consider this by readvertising. However, if, in fact, we do not have to come back on July 1st because the Mayor will hopefully sign the budget, are you suggesting that we come back just to consider this amendment or bill?
Madam President, I'm looking at these -- the proposed amendment. I am trying to understand the net effect of this amendment. It would appear that the amendment just literally seeks to separate out the Comcast proposal from the Food Distribution Center. And I guess, then, my question is, what happens to the Comcast proposal, based stated - 6/21/04 on this amendment?
I would have no objection to anybody introducing a bill now for the Comcast section.
Councilman Cohen, I believe Councilman Nutter is asking a question. I don't know if you heard the question.
My answer was that I'd be in favor of having someone who wishes to introduce the Comcast bill. I have no desire to avoid discussion of the Comcast bill or action on the bill. We often have bills introduced out of order. If anybody wants to introduce the Comcast bill today, that would be fine. I don't know how else to deal with it. The bill comes in, I think, in an improper manner, right at the end of a stated - 6/21/04 session. I don't know of any other way to separate the two issues except to separate them.
I'm willing to accommodate anybody's feeling as to how to get back on course.
Councilman -- Councilman, I... Councilman Nutter, I think Councilman Cohen made a motion to amend the bill, and I believe it was seconded by Councilman Goode.
You're now asking the question about what happens...
Right. COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA... to the Comcast portion of the bill.
Right. I understand the Councilman's goal is to separate the issues, and the only way to separate the issues is to separate them. I stated - 6/21/04 got that part. (Laughter.)
What I'm trying to understand is the part that is separated from the first part, what happens to the separated part from the first part as it relates to the second part? (Laughter.)
I think that's simple enough. If anybody feels that the Comcast provision ought to move forward, I'm agreeable to having a bill introduced right now. There's no problem with it. We're going to be in session for quite a while this summer. I have no desire to delay a decision on Comcast.
I understand that. I so desperately look forward to those opportunities. (Laughter.)
I guess, Councilman, what I'm trying to understand, I'm not going to get into the timing issue. The bill came in whenever it came in. We stated - 6/21/04 had public hearings about it. I guess my concern at the moment -It's certainly not my bill, but the bill went through a normal public hearing process in an unusual, abnormal fashion. But now it arrives to us, and one part of it would literally under this amendment be taken out. And we have no answer, for the moment, as to what happens to it or where it goes. It is a live piece of legislation with two components, and of course another bill could be introduced today.
During the course of the summer. There is -- I guess what I'm suggesting, Councilman, there are a significant number of unknowns and ifs as a part of this. And we can't always know the future. But I'm slightly concerned that we have a full public hearing process about these matters when we arrived here today stated - 6/21/04 for a vote, and then to separate one out with no other recourse for the moment as to what happens to it. There is no schedule. There is no plan. I am concerned about this. And I know you to be a responsible legislator. And I think if we weren't in June, as opposed to in February, there would obviously be more recourse for all of these matters. But I mean, we continue to, I think, want to be in the unknown territory portion. But there are no answers to these questions here at the moment. So I am deeply concerned about it. I guess this is what I would agree with you. And what is the issue here? I don't even know why I'm having this argument. It's not even my bill. You know what? I'm going to mind my business. I'm sorry. I take back everything I said earlier. I'm just going to sit in my seat and wait to see what happens.
I don't stated - 6/21/04 understand either. (Laughter.)
I just think there ought to be separate decisions made. I think it's. Different the Comcast proposal's entirely different from the Food Distribution proposal.
I mean, the last KOZ or KOIZ that we did, I think, had four or five other locations in with that. Most of them usually have multiple locations. I don't want to argue with you about this. I understand where you are vis-a-vis the one component. I just -- I am -- I have to say, I'm just reluctant to strip out half of a bill on the day of the vote, and have no idea where the other half is going. I mean, these are not...
Well, what's the problem of your introducing a bill for stated - 6/21/04 Comcast?
Councilman Nutter, I don't want to cut you off, but I think the Councilman did make a motion to adopt his amendments.
To amend. I'm sorry. To amend. And I believe that Councilman Goode seconded that.
So, with that, I think we ought to put that to consideration.
And I would ask the Clerk to please call the roll.
The nos are 15. The ayes are 2. The amendment or -(Applause.)
The motion fails. We will now consider the bill. This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill stated - 6/21/04 pass finally. The Chief Clerk Will please call the roll.
How are you counting Councilman Cohen's half vote?
No? Very well. Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the next Bill 040501.
An ordinance authorizing the Mayor on behalf of the City to file application with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development for Community Development Block Grant, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question is, shall the bill pass finally. The Clerk will please call the roll.
The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill Number 040327. The Chief Clerk will please read the title.
An ordinance approving the second amendment of the redevelopment proposal for the 45th and Sansom Urban Renewal Area.
This bill having been read on two different days the question now is, shall the bill pass finally. The Clerk will call the roll. stated - 6/21/04
A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, this bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill Number 040424.
An ordinance approving the first amendment of the redevelopment proposal for the 45th and stated - 6/21/04 Aspen Urban Renewal Area.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally. The Chair notes that Mr. Nutter's light is on. Councilman Nutter.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, I wish to ask to be excused at this point for personal business. I wish to be recorded as voting aye on all bills that come up. And it's my understanding that Councilman Goode has an amendment to Bill, I believe, 040023. If that amendment is put forward, I'd like to be recorded as voting aye on the amendment as well.
Thank you. stated - 6/21/04 The Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 16. The nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill Number 040426.
An ordinance approving the first amendment of the redevelopment proposal for the Frankford Creek Urban Renewal Area. stated - 6/21/04
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally. The Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 16. The nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill Number 040427. stated - 6/21/04
An ordinance approving the first amendment of the redevelopment proposal for the Tioga Urban Renewal Area.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally. The Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The stated - 6/21/04 ayes are 15. The nays are zero. And the majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill Number 040429.
An ordinance approving the redevelopment proposal of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment of the 54th and Columbia Urban Renewal Area.
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.
Councilman DiCicco. stated - 6/21/04 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Aye.
Aye. The ayes are 15. The nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill Number 040430.
An ordinance approving the fourth amendment of the redevelopment proposal for the Independence Mall Urban Renewal Area.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally. The Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes 16. The nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, this bill passes. Bill Number 040433 is next to be considered.
An ordinance approving the 32nd amendment of the redevelopment proposal for the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass stated - 6/21/04 finally. The Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17. The nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, I had to leave the stated - 6/21/04 room briefly. I would like to be reported voting aye on the bills that I missed.
The record will so reflect that. And The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
Madam President, I also would like to be recorded as voting aye on the bills that I missed.
Thank you. The record will so indicate that. Councilman Mariano.
Madam President, I think I missed a bill or two, too.
Thank you. Okay. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill Number 040434.
An ordinance stated - 6/21/04 approving the 12th amendment of the redevelopment proposal for the Cecil B. Moore Avenue Urban Renewal Area.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally. The Clerk will call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 16. The nays are zero. A majority of all members having stated - 6/21/04 voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill Number 040462.
An ordinance approving the fifth amendment of the redevelopment proposal for the Point Breeze East Urban Renewal Area.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally. The Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 16. The nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, this bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill Number 040496.
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia zoning maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land.
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.
Councilman DiCicco. stated - 6/21/04 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Aye.
Aye. The ayes are 16. The nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, this bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill Number 040498.
An ordinance approving the 10th amendment of the redevelopment proposal for the Eastwick Urban Renewal Area.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally. The Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. the ayes are 16. The nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, this bill passes. Bill Number 040500 is to be called next.
An ordinance approving the 15th amendment of the redevelopment proposal for the South Central Urban Renewal Area.
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. stated - 6/21/04
Councilman Nutter voting aye. stated - 6/21/04 Councilman O'Neill.
Aye. The ayes are 16. The nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, this bill passes. I would ask the Clerk to please read the title of Bill Number 040506.
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia zoning maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land.
This bill stated - 6/21/04 having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally. The Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 16. The nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill Number 040520.
An ordinance stated - 6/21/04 approving the second amendment of the redevelopment proposal for the Brewerytown Urban Renewal Area.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally. The Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 16. The nays are zero. A majority of all members having stated - 6/21/04 voted in the affirmative, this bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill Number 040521.
An ordinance amending section 14201 of The philadelphia Code relating to R-1A residential district by changing the width of side yards.
This Bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally. The Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 16. The nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill Number 040566.
An ordinance amending Title 10 of The Philadelphia Code by generally prohibiting the keeping of certain farm animals, including certain poultry and livestock, 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.
Can I ask my friend and colleague, Councilman O'Neill, to... He and I started a conversation stated - 6/21/04 before we entered chambers. And I was wondering if he can hold the bill, and maybe we can talk this up a little bit more, and talk with the Health Department and see if we can come up to some agreements on this bill.
Madam President, I thought I had mentioned to you this morning -- but if I didn't make it clear I'd like to now -- I think the Health Commissioner and Health Department are receptive to amendments, particularly those that would geographically help areas that have historically had farm animals, particularly chickens, geese, and ducks, from a culturally historical background. But the Commissioner had said, if contacted by Council members about any geographical amendment, understanding it is our last session, none of this could take effect until September.
And that's what I'm asking, if you can hold it off. Maybe we can work out those details. I'm'a get stated - 6/21/04 you a rooster.
If I can finish. He is... I would ask that -- He is not going to enforce this bill in any area where there's an amendment coming forth over the summer to be introduced in the fall. But there are areas where people, particularly in the Bustleton section -And that's what generated this bill and this legislation, where people can't open their windows and their doors to their house because of the offensive odors. And it was that the Health Department asked me to make the bill broader. But at the same time, they recognize there may be some narrowing, particularly in some areas. And they're not out to over enforce the bill, if there's amendments intended on it. So I would ask, if it doesn't pass today, people will be spending another summer with odors that are just intolerable. And you wouldn't want and I stated - 6/21/04 wouldn't want them to have to do that. But at the same time, this isn't a Health Department that wants to run roughshod over people with a history of using these animals properly. And I think over the summer we can work out amendments. But I would ask you to support the bill in its present form so that people don't have to wait three months to get the kind of relief they need. There's no intention to -
I understand. That I can't do for you because on the other side of this argument is that there are people in different parts of the City that actually take very good care of animals, such as chickens and ducks. And I know of a lady -- a group of people that have this nice little place where they have air conditioning. While they don't have air conditioning inside their home, they had air conditioning out there. And the treatment of their -- of these animals are like pets to them. stated - 6/21/04 And I think that there's, more importantly, there's health concerns and we have to address the health concerns. So, again, I humbly submit that you be able to hold up on that bill that we can tell the Health Department anyone who's stinking up a neighborhood should be reported anyway. So, you can always -- we can always report areas where people are presenting health hazards, and report them anyway, instead of making it law.
Councilman, I can only tell you it was the Health Commissioner in the Health Department that told me in order to effectively enforce the situation in Bustleton, which is your area as well, that they needed this bill. But they are very aware of the kind of situations you're talking about. I had not heard about the air conditioning, but certainly had heard some really good stories about people that are good neighbors with their farm animals. And stated - 6/21/04 there's no intention here to affect that.
My wife won't let me bring a rooster home to raise, but I'll be glad to give you one if you want to raise one.
Thank you. Sorry I can't help you because of the last session.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
You didn't think I recognized you there, huh? I think you wanted to cast a vote for bills that you were not present.
Thank you, Madam stated - 6/21/04 President. I would like to be voting aye on all bills that I missed while out of the chamber.
The record will so reflect that. And The Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano.
Okay. Thank you. The next bill to be considered is Bill Number 040616.
An ordinance declaring it is desirable for the health, safety and welfare of the people of the area served by Temple University Hospital.
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.
Councilman Nutter voting aye. Councilman O'Neill. stated - 6/21/04
Aye. I'm sorry, Madam President. This is the bill I had asked you.
I'm sorry. I'm standing on this bill. The law firm I'm with is underwriters counsel, and I mentioned it at the Committee level when I was there. They're underwriters counsel on the underlying transaction. So I have asked to be -- I have not taken part in any deliberations or discussions on this matter.
Councilman O'Neill abstains. The majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill Number 040023.
An ordinance amending section 192604 of The Philadelphia Code relating to tax rates, credits and alternate tax computation for the business privilege tax by reducing certain tax rates, 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 Chair recognizes Councilman Goode. Your microphone wasn't on.
I'm asking that you call that bill up for amendment, not stated - 6/21/04 approval.
Okay. I believe everyone received a copy of the proposed amendment.
It has been moved and seconded that the amendment be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Chorus of "ayes.")
The ayes have it, and Bill Number 040023 has been amended. The next bill to be called is Bill Number 040153.
An ordinance approving the fiscal year 2004 capital budget providing for expenditures for the stated - 6/21/04 capital purposes of the Philadelphia Gas Works.
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.
Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Which bill was that?
Aye. stated - 6/21/04 The ayes are 16. The nays are 1. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill Number 040559.
An ordinance amending an ordinance approved July 12, 1968, as last amended and restated effective June 26, 2002, relating to pension benefits for employees working on behalf of the Philadelphia Gas Works.
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.
Councilman DiCicco. stated - 6/21/04 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Aye.
Aye. Ayes are 17. The nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill Number 040564.
An ordinance requiring the Philadelphia Gas Works to include with all monthly bill statements to customers information regarding the portion of the customer's bill attributable to the cost of service provided or to be provided to other customers for which the company has determined it cannot or will not be able to collect payment.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally. stated - 6/21/04 The Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen.
I would urge my colleagues -- (microphone not on, not reportable.)
Councilman, you were not heard. If you can start your speech again, please.
Yes. I'm urging a no vote on this bill. I don't know what it's intended to accomplish, to put on notice each time people have to pay a Gas Works bill that they're being charged a certain amount for the -- by the non-payors of the bill. I understand the matter is in litigation. Council has spoken out clearly. We don't think that people ought to be charged for it. And we're trying to work out something. So far it has not yet been worked out. But I just think it invites people to hate everything about the City, to be notified each time they're writing a stated - 6/21/04 check to pay the Gas Works bill that they're adding. That the bill is higher because they have to pay for those who are not paying. Some of those who are not paying probably can't pay. But it seems that there's good evidence that many people could pay, but because of the Gas Works practices in the past, they've gotten away without paying. I understand the Gas Works is taking some action to cure that, but the methods will not be that advocated by Mr. Knutsen who advocates that everybody be notified at once that they're paying gas bills not only for themselves but for those that are not paying. So, I urge this as a no vote. It reminds me sort of like that chicken odor bill we had a few minutes ago. (Laughter.)
The stated - 6/21/04 recognizes Councilman Mariano.
Thank you, Madam President. Just a point of clarification from the sponsor, if he would be so kind. Make sure I understand the intention of this bill. It's not going to put on the gas bill who doesn't pay. It's just going to say what portion of your bill is because people don't pay? And it looks like the next bill is the same thing but with the Water Department. Would that be the intention from the sponsor?
It would just show a surcharge, I believe. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Madam stated - 6/21/04 President, I will be recusing myself from Bill number... this bill, Gas Commission.
Councilwoman Krajewski, are you abstaining, too, since you're on the Gas Commission?
Councilman Clarke, how are you voting, sir? (No response.)
Why don't you continue, and then we'll go back to him.
Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Aye. stated - 6/21/04
Aye. And you're going to have to call Councilman Clarke again.
The record will indicate that Councilwoman Tasco abstained, and a majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. stated - 6/21/04 The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill Number 040565.
Madam President, I have to leave the room for a few minutes. Could I be recorded as voting aye on anything I miss while I'm out?
Yes. Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of Bill Number 040565.
An ordinance requiring the Philadelphia Water Department to include with all monthly bill statements to customers information regarding the portion of the customer's bill attributable to the cost of service provided or to be provided to other customers for which the department has determined it cannot or will not be able to collect payment.
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. stated - 6/21/04
Councilman Nutter voting aye. Councilman O'Neill. stated - 6/21/04
A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill Number 040599.
An ordinance constituting the six supplemental ordinance to the general Gas Works revenue bond ordinance of 1998. stated - 6/21/04
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally. The Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. I believe the ayes are 17. The nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill Number 040600.
An ordinance stated - 6/21/04 constituting the 18 supplemental ordinance to the general Gas Works revenue bond ordinance of 1975.
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.
Councilman Kenney voting aye. Councilwoman Krajewski. stated - 6/21/04
Aye. The ayes are 15. The nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. stated - 6/21/04 The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill Number 040553.
An ordinance authorizing the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development to purchase certain tracts of land situated at 1601 to 03 South 49th 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.
Aye. The ayes are 15. The nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill Number 040555.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development deed located 3033 to 63 East Ontario Street.
This bill having been read on two different dates, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally. The Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 16. The nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill Number 040556.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to purchase from the School District of Philadelphia a certain parcel of land located on the grounds of the Mayfair Elementary School.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally. stated - 6/21/04 The Clerk will please call the roll.
Councilman Nutter stated - 6/21/04 voting aye. Councilman O'Neill.
Aye. The ayes are 16. The nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, this bill passes. The next bill to be called is Bill Number 040558.
An ordinance authorizing a trial program under which advance approval is given to the Philadelphia Facilities Management stated - 6/21/04 Corporation on behalf of the Philadelphia Gas Works.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally. The Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 16. The nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. stated - 6/21/04 The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill Number 040570.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development a deed located at 815 Spring Garden 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.
Aye. The ayes are 15. The nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called is Bill Number 040370.
An ordinance amending an ordinance approved January 3, 1992, Bill Number 1205-AA by deleting all permanent vending locations on both sides of 8th 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.
Aye. The ayes are 15. The nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill Number 040400.
An ordinance amending Section 9204 of The Philadelphia Code relating to sidewalk vendors in Center City.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally. The Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 15. The nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. Bill Number 040514 is next to be called.
An ordinance amending Title 12 of The Philadelphia Code relating to excessive idling or noise from motor vehicles.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass stated - 6/21/04 finally. The Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 16. The nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill Number 040552.
An ordinance authorizing the division of lines and grades in a portion of City Plan Number stated - 6/21/04 107, 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.
Aye. The ayes are 16. The nays are zero. A majority of all members voting in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called is Bill stated - 6/21/04 Number 040557.
An ordinance authorizing revision of lines and grades in a portion of City Plan Number 222, 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.
Aye. stated - 6/21/04 The ayes are 16. The nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, this bill passes. (Shouting from one individual in the audience.)
The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill Number 040560. (Shouting from one individual in the audience.)
The Clerk will please read the title of the bill. (Shouting from one individual in the audience.)
An ordinance regulating the direction of movement of traffic on 20th Street from Belfield Avenue to Olney Avenue northbound. (Shouting from one individual in the audience.)
Councilman Mariano, your light is on. Did you want to be recognized? (Shouting from one individual in the stated - 6/21/04 audience.)
When I left to go to the men's room -(Shouting from one individual in the audience.)
I would like to be recorded as voting yes to the bills I missed. (Shouting from one individual in the audience.)
I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I couldn't hear a word you were saying. (Shouting from one individual in the audience.)
I'm so sorry. I would like to be recorded as voting yes. I missed two bills when I went to the men's room. (Shouting from one individual in the audience.)
The record will so indicate that. Thank you. Councilman Cohen. stated - 6/21/04 (Shouting from one individual in the audience.)
Thank you, Madam President. (Shouting from one individual in the audience.)
Madam President, 39 years ago -(Shouting from one individual in the audience.)
Councilman Cohen. (Shouting from one individual in the audience.)
Madam President, 39 years ago when I was first selected -(Shouting from one individual in the audience.)
I don't know who the woman is who's speaking. I'm Councilman Cohen, and I would like the opportunity to speak. (Shouting from one individual in the audience.) stated - 6/21/04
Councilman Cohen, I believe you're being recognized. (Shouting from one individual in the audience.) VOICE FROM THE AUDIENCE: This is ridiculous. (Shouting from one individual in the audience.)
What I'm asking is -- I have no idea who she is, is to please be quiet. (Shouting from one individual in the audience.)
I'm sorry. I would ask if the woman cannot be controlled, that she be asked to leave. (Shouting from one individual in the audience.)
Councilman Cohen. Councilman Cohen. (Shouting from one individual in the audience.) stated - 6/21/04
Madam President -(Shouting from one individual in the audience.)
Councilman Cohen. (Shouting from one individual in the audience.)
Madam President, as I was stating, I was first elected...
As far as I know... Well, I see the light is red again. I've had a very interesting and delightful career over the last 39 years when I was elected the ward leader of the 17th Ward. I'm still the ward leader. I've been the only ward leader the 17th Ward has ever had because that decision to create the 17th Ward came out of the United States Supreme Court decision, which said that stated - 6/21/04 people ought to have certain rights, and all people ought to be treated equally. And therefore, it required a... in those days we called it a one man one vote rule. Now we call it one person one vote rule. And the 17th ward was created. During that time I've had a delightful experience because it's wonderful to see how many people don't seem to be too concerned about government and how people have changed in the years. They've become quite cynical. But I'm not one of those. I've lasted 39 years as the ward leader. I've had ups and downs. Various people have decided that they had too much of Dave Cohen after one year. Some people decided after ten years. And other people now have decided after 39 years. But I haven't so decided nor has the Lord. And until the Lord and I and the voters of Philadelphia decide, I think you're going to have to live with me. Because there's one thing City stated - 6/21/04 Council can do. You can pass this bill today. But I wanted you to know I'll forgive all of you for passing this bill, but I will feel very bad because you will be on a slippery slope. Never before in that 39 year's history has anybody been authorized by a government agency to come into the 17th Ward and tell the people there you have no business making decisions, you have no rights, I am the leader, I'm going to make the decisions for you. Never before have we experienced the history of having community meetings called by a person who makes the decisions against the community. Hears the community, strong objections, and then ignores them. Up until this time I've been working on a theory that one elects representatives in government at every level, including the President of the United States, to be supportive of people, not to take the position that they have, by voting for a stated - 6/21/04 person that you've given that person the right to make all the decisions and taking away their right from voters. So I'm asking all of my colleagues if you want to vote -- If you feel threatened for some reason, and I don't understand why District Council members should feel threatened. In all these years I've never known any District Council member who before believed that because they were District Council members, people who were local leaders, community groups and the residents themselves had given themselves up as sort of hostages, that they've given up their rights to make decisions. It seemed to me that voting is a process by which people strengthen themselves. They don't give up their powers. They exhibited their powers by voting for them. So I say to all my colleagues today, vote whatever way you want. But one thing I think is bad is to permit a legislative stated - 6/21/04 body like this to be used as a tool whereby one Council member fights another Council member on a political basis and uses the Council procedure as a tool. That's all I'm suggesting, that you're embarking on a path that could be dangerous. Because for the first time the Council is taking the position that it's all right for one Council member to go into the domain of another Council member and overrule them politically and overrule the whole community. And I think that's a very unwise thing to do. And for that reason I oppose this bill. There were two meetings this past summer held in our District. The District Council member called the meetings. And no one except the District Council member and their staff spoke in favor of this proposal. The community residents all exhibited their very strong opposition and spoke against these bills.
The District Council member said flatly once and had stated - 6/21/04 another staff member say on another occasion that you would never permit a bill to be introduced on this subject. But we have this bill introduced. I don't think that's the way Council ought to participate, and for that reason I'm opposing the bill. You know, it's a strange thing how it's the importance of a one-way street. It's a single block. It's the roadway to the Expressway, the roadway to Broad Street. It clogs up everything else to divert traffic away from there. And in my judgment there was no study made. We went through the motions of it, but only the report of the Streets Department shows that on one day during the five and a half month period of the test there was a three-day counter, electronic counter, that counted the traffic. And I don't know what that's supposed to do. The report said this -this decision is not one that we would recommend or don't recommend. We take no position, but it's acceptable. stated - 6/21/04 Of course, if you -- it's acceptable because it has eliminated traffic except in the small one-way streets. And it's made life impossible for the neighbors. Now, I don't want to... You know, we pass hundreds of bills on directional signals each year. But certainly, if there's anything that's a local issue, it is the direction of a one-way street. And to me that's got to be a decision made within the 17th Ward. And I respectfully urge my members, my colleagues here not to permit City Council to be used as a means to overrule a local political leader. Now, if that's the case, well, we'll have to see because there are lots of community organizations throughout the City. There are thousands of committee people who are going to be deprived of their local rights by District Council members. I've never known any District Council member here to try to do it. This stated - 6/21/04 is the first case in all these years. Therefore, I suggest that what ought to be done in that Eighth Councilmanic District which happens to have the highest rate of fatalities -- of accidents between pedestrians and autos around the school areas, that the effort ought to be made as a matter of public safety, ought to be made to deal with the terrible public school situation which Girls High, Central High School and the Logan Elementary School and other elementary schools, the Pannel School, are being threatened. Instead, it does not seem to me to warrant the expenditure of time and money to worry about students crossing a 20th Street street. The street is about 15 or 20 feet wide, and I don't think that college students can't walk across one street safely. Incidentally, the report indicates that as a result of the changes, there's been absolutely no change whatever in the stated - 6/21/04 accidents. The accidents average one pedestrian automobile accident each year. It happened before the so-called test. It still exists at the same rate. So I'm just suggesting that this is an issue that City Council ought to stay away from; and therefore, I'm moving to table this motion, this ordinance today.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller. (Boo's from the audience.)
Thank you, Madam President. I've been a District Council person here for eight years. And in 1996, 1997 -can remember the exact date -- was my first time going over into the community, and to that particular community, to discuss the issue of 20th Street. The community was very angry with stated - 6/21/04 me. And that anger was actually based on a lot of rumors and untruths. And there are people here today that are very angry. And sometimes as a leader you can't make -- you don't make decisions that pleases everyone. What I believe is a strong vibrant community is a community made up of residents, businesses and institutions. As an elected leader, we have to listen to our citizens. We respond to businesses and listen. We respond to our citizens and listen. And we also respond to institutions. LaSalle University is not the only institution in my District. We also have Chestnut Hill College, and we have Temple University, just as an example. And we're always doing something with the institutions. It has been my goal since I've been a Council person to create win-win situations for all, to work on compromises. The one-way is a compromise. stated - 6/21/04 VOICES FROM THE AUDIENCE: No. No.
It is not a permanent closure. VOICES FROM THE AUDIENCE: No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No.
The one-way is a compromise to closing the street permanently. It's an alternative to closing the street permanently. We look for alternatives. Now, does this make everyone happy? No. Are some people using this to promote their political agenda? The answer is yes. VOICES FROM THE AUDIENCE: No. No. No. No. (Shouting from the audience.)
We think it's fair. We don't think that we're creating a lot of harm. Again, it is our goal to promote work on enhanced communities by building strong relationships with residents, businesses and institutions. We met with groups. We worked with block captains -stated - 6/21/04 (Shouting from the audience.)
We worked with block captains, including -(Shouting from the audience.)
Councilwoman, just a minute, please. Let's have respect for each other. I think the Councilwoman is making a statement. I would please request -- I would please request that the speakers not be interrupted. Thank you. Please continue, Councilwoman Miller.
We've worked with block captains. And you know, just as I know, that we get requests all year from people that want to redirect direction of a street. We get them all the time. I just got one a few days ago from a minister that wants to change four streets near his church one way. stated - 6/21/04 This, unlike some of the other streets, is a street where no one resides. The only people on this block -- The only parties on this block actually is LaSalle. We met with block captains, and in our meetings there were actually six 17th Ward committee persons that met with us on a regular basis, and not just two times last summer. And we continue to meet with those same individuals. We've worked on lots of neighborhood issues that deals with life -- quality of life issues in neighborhoods where college students live. And we know it makes people a little bit unhappy about some of the behavior. We worked on a lot of those issues. (Shouting from the audience.)
And at this time I'm not going to continue to go on and on and on, but we think this is a fair compromise. We don't think that it's harmful. And we want to move on and continue to do whatever we can for the stated - 6/21/04 good of the community. Thank you. (Applause.)
Madam President, the Councilwoman speaks of compromise. The only way you get a compromise is when two different parties who have differences agree. But in this case the community was totally excluded, as was the whole political body was excluded from making a decision. Councilwoman Miller's not in the 17th Ward. I don't know who she compromised with. She originally had agreed to close the whole street, and gave that up when she saw it was impossible with the community. And she developed a compromise with LaSalle. The two groups that were trying stated - 6/21/04 to create problems for the community by closing the street decided on what they call a compromise. But the people who live there, it's a wonderful community. The homes are beautiful. But like every community where there is a university, there's always some tension between students who are living away from home. And for 40 years this question has divided the community and the university. And the reason it's divided it is that the university came in originally on the theory that it was going to be a commuter college, that people were going to come each day and leave each day. And over the years the students got to like the area. It's a lovely area. It's very convenient to everything in Philadelphia. The homes are nice. And so, the people decided to live there. And now the institution is beginning to threaten the people in the community with a view that they, the university stated - 6/21/04 people, are the real people in the community. And it's not true. There are residents that have lived there 50 years. I happen to be one, about two blocks away across from the park. But the people that are here are a small group of home owners who are fighting for their lives. When there was a fire there two months ago that was advertised in paper at Ogontz and Olney, the people left their homes. They thought they were going to be able to get in their car and get to the Expressway quickly. But they found they were landlocked because the only place they could get through was Ogontz and Olney. And that was jam packed and the small streets were jam packed. Now, this -- You know, Council is engaged today in a futile exercise because one thing Council does not have the power to do is to amend the United States stated - 6/21/04 Constitution. So that the people in the 17th Ward are going to continue to protest. They're going to be out there, led by seven women, each of whom is more than 70 years old, who every day in the last six months, bear winter days, as well as warm hot days, have been out there on the street protesting. They have a great interest in the homes and in economic value of their place. And they don't understand why it is that an institution doesn't respect their right. They live there. It's their home. And that's what they're fighting for. And so, under the Constitution, even if Council votes this bill today, it's going to mean absolutely nothing. It's an utterly futile act because I can tell you, the protest will continue tomorrow and every workday of the week for as many years as it takes to win this. (Applause and cheers.)
And why Council wants to get involved in a futile stated - 6/21/04 anti-democratic action, I don't know. And Councilwoman Miller, like all of us, are elected through the political process. The one group she's ignored totally is the political organization there, as if it doesn't exist. We're not going to tolerate that. You know, there's so many people that have tried to bring about changes in the 17th Ward because they happen not to like the fact that I fight very hard to have communities feel empowered. Communities ought to have the right to decide the conditions under which they live. And I think Council makes a mistake today by trying to indicate, like Councilman Mariano and Councilman O'Neill, trying to indicate they're not interested at all. They know they're affected by this decision. Because if Council can act against me, it can act against anybody. And why Council wants to take an action to stated - 6/21/04 encourage, fight some -- one Council member, I don't know. But one thing I thought Council members knew about me. And that was, I may look old. I may look decrepit. Maybe I limp when I walk. But when I get into a fight, I always know how to fight, and fight in support of the people. (Cheers and applause.)
And that fight goes on in the 17th Ward regardless. So, thank you. Whatever you decide to do, God bless you. But I think all of you know in your heart that at some point in the future -and I don't think it will be too long -20th Street between Belfield and Olney Avenue will become again a two-way street. (Applause and cheers.)
Because that's what we have a right to. Thank you. (Applause and cheers.)
Thank you. stated - 6/21/04 I would ask the Clerk to please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 16. The nays are one. A majority of all members having voted -(Cheers and boos.)
-- in the affirmative, the bill passes. (Extended shouting from the audience.) stated - 6/21/04
The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill Number 040561.
An ordinance authorizing revision of lines and grades -(Extended shouting from the audience.)
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance authorizing revision of lines and grades on a -(Extended shouting from the audience.)
-- portion of an area of City Plan Number 178, bounded by Olney Avenue, Belfield Avenue, Ogontz Avenue and Wister Street. (Extended shouting from the audience.)
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall bill pass finally. stated - 6/21/04 The Clerk will please call the roll.
Councilman Nutter stated - 6/21/04 voting aye. Councilman O'Neill.
Aye. The ayes are 16. The nays are one. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. (Applause.)
The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill Number 040562.
An ordinance authorizing the installation of an all-way stated - 6/21/04 stop sign at the intersection of Front Street and Elfreths Alley.
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.
Just a moment. I think some of our guests are leaving, so let's wait for a moment. I would ask the Chief Clerk start the roll again, please, regarding Bill Number 040562.
Aye. The ayes are 17. The nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill Number 040563.
An ordinance authorizing revision of lines and grades in a portion of City Plan Numbers 271 and 146.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally. stated - 6/21/04 The Clerk will please call the roll.
Councilman Nutter stated - 6/21/04 voting aye. Councilman O'Neill.
Aye. The ayes are 17. The nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill Number 040568.
An ordinance granting permission to Narliss Dizario, owner and operator of the newsstand located on the northwest corner of 16th Street and J.F.K. stated - 6/21/04 Boulevard.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally. The Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17. The nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for stated - 6/21/04 consideration is Bill Number 040569.
An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades in a portion of City Plan Number 205, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally. The Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. stated - 6/21/04 The ayes are 17. The nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, this bill passes. The next bill to be called is Bill Number 040605.
An ordinance authorizing the construction of sewers and appurtenant work on portions Saint Lukes 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.
Aye. The ayes are 17. The nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill Number 040606.
An ordinance authorizing the Water Commissioner on behalf of the City to enter into an agreement with the owners of the properties located on Rowan Street, 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.
Aye. The ayes are 17. The nays are zero. A majority of all members voting in the affirmative, the bill passes. The final bill to be called is Bill Number 040615.
An ordinance authorizing the Chief Information Officer of the Mayor's Office of Information Services on behalf of the City to enter into a multi-year contract with one or more providers of an online legal research services, to be used by various City and City funded agencies, all under certain terms and conditions. stated - 6/21/04
This bill having been read on two different days, the question is, shall the bill pass finally. The Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17. The nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you, stated - 6/21/04 Madam President. I'd like to be recorded as voting aye on bills that came up while I was out of the chambers.
The record will so reflect that. Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam. I was just going to make an announcement that the Joint Committee on Streets and Services and Law and Government will be in session immediately after this Council session. It shouldn't take all that long. Councilman wants to establish a date for a future hearing. Thank you.
Thank you. And Councilwoman Blackwell, I believe you want to make an announcement?
Yes, Madam President. I would like to announce that the Council Committee on Housing, Neighborhood stated - 6/21/04 Development and the Homeless, that hearing scheduled for 1 o'clock will be recessed, subject to the call of the Chair.
Thank you. Are there any speeches on the part of the majority? (No response.)
Are there any speeches on the part of the minority? (No response.) COUNICL
Yes. Madam President, I'd just like to announce and invite my colleagues and the listening audience to the West Oak lane Jazz and Arts '04 Festival which will take place Friday, Saturday and Sunday in 12 venues throughout the Northwest section of Philadelphia, which would include Verick and West Oak Lane Senior Citizens, Martin Luther King, our new Ogontz Grill. And on Saturday we will have a marketplace that will take place from noon stated - 6/21/04 to 8:00 p.m. So we invite all of you to come out and enjoy the festivities and enjoy the wonderful, wonderful West Oak Lane community.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for a motion to adjourn.
Madam Chair, I move that Council stand adjourned till July 1st, 2004, 10 a.m. UNIDENTIFIED COUNCIL PERSON: Second.
It has been moved and seconded that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, July 1st. All in favor will say aye. (Chorus of "ayes.")
The ayes have it. The motion carries. (Hearing concluded at 2:45 p.m.) CERTIFICATE I HEREBY CERTIFY that the proceedings and evidence are contained fully and accurately in the stenographic notes taken by me upon the public hearing of The Philadelphia City Council, taken on June 21, 2004, and that this is a true and correct transcript of same. _____________________________ DAVID A. DEIK, RPR and Commissioner of Deeds (The foregoing certification of this transcript does not apply to any reproduction of the same by any means, unless under the direct control and/or supervision of the certifying reporter.)