¡›î› COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 401, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, June 18, 1998 11:17 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT JOHN F. STREET COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN DAVID COHEN COUNCILMAN FRANK DI CICCO COUNCILWOMAN HAPPY FERNANDEZ COUNCILWOMAN JOAN L. KRAJEWSKI COUNCILMAN W. THACHER LONGSTRETH COUNCILMAN RICHARD T. MARIANO COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER COUNCILMAN MICHAEL A. NUTTER COUNCILMAN ANGEL L. ORTIZ COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO COUNCILWOMAN ANNA C. VERNA MARIE B. HAUSER, CHIEF CLERK VINCENT VARALLO ASSOCIATES, INC. Registered Professional Reporters Eleven Penn Center 1835 Market Street, Suite 600 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103 STATED MEETING - GREETING, INVOCATION
Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. The Chair notes that the hour has come and that a quorum is present. Council will come to order. Members will take their seats. Visitor will retire to the seats outside the rail. To give our invocation the morning, Chair welcomes Reverend Efrain Cotto who is the Pastor of the Community of Joy United Church of Christ. He is here today as the guest of Councilman Ortiz. Members and quests will please rise. REV. EFRAIN COTTO: What a joy it is to be with you this morning on a day that is so filled with agendas and deliberation. And so I'd like to encourage the body to share with me in the call to community, and then I will address the issue of coming before God in the prayer. A call to community. And for those that have their printed copy I would like you to please respond in the category that you address yourself. The creator takes one pebble and binds it to another. And let us all say, and then ear and ear. In this manner a rock is formed and then a mountain and then a world. STATED MEETING - GREETING, INVOCATION And the men in the group will respond: The creator takes one feather, binds it with another and then another and another. In this manner a wing is formed and then a body and then an eagle. And the woman: (Inaudible) -- things are formed. Small joined with small to make a greater and then a greater and yet a greater to make a whole where before not exist. Men: In this manner we build from one person working with another and another and yet another and order where before was human chaos. And woman: We work together toward a common goal joining hands one with another and then another and in this manner a couple is formed and then a family and then a community. All: We must not fear to depend on one another, be strong enough to let us others depend on us. Together we can soar like feathers tossed by the raging wind such as the way that we must be, it is good. Honorable Councilmen, President Street, all Councilmembers and staff, citizens and guests, this morning as we gather before God's all-presence, I must say that expediency is not God's language. STATED MEETING - GREETING, INVOCATION It is more the working through the issues that cause action to be followed from principle. And as a fellow laborer tending to the needs of God's people, I encourage you to do the right thing. If the bill attempts against the dignity and honor of people, then vote against it. If a bill that comes before you threatens the liberties of people and puts at risk greater number of citizens, then vote against it. Let us pray. We come before you, oh Holy One, just as we are, sometimes filled with great hope and faithful dreams often stumbling with uncertainties and doubt. We're always aware of the suffering, for they are around us or they might be us. And what afflicts our community and our world and are torn by the grieve that troubles our peace, oh hear our prayers this morning as we present every district, every community, every organization of our city. Gather us into the heart of your presence with a mother's strong care and welcome us home with a father tender embrace. Call us once again into the joy of your presence even in these hallowed halls we pray that you would assist us in the deliberations of this day that justice may be done, STATED MEETING - LEAVES OF ABSENCE REQUESTS that liberty may prevail and that the dignity of human beings may be enlightened and made fair through Christ Jesus. Amen and Amen.
The Chair thanks Rev. Cotto for his in inspiring invocation.
The next order of business is the approval of the journal of the meeting of Thursday, June 11, 1998. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Clark.
I move the adoption of the journal of that date. (Duly seconded.)
All in favor let it be know by saying aye. Those oppose say nay. The ayes have it. The journal of the meeting of Thursday, June 11, 1998, stands approved. The next order of business is leaves of absences. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Verna.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the majority, there are no requests for leave of absence. STATED MEETING - PRESENTATIONS
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Longstreth.
Mr. President, I ask for a leave of absence for Councilman O'Neill who is out of the city on important business.
The Chair thanks the Councilman. Leave will be granted. At this time, we will dispense with the regular order of business to recognize our visitors. To all of our visitors guests with us this morning, we welcome you here and applaud you interest in the civic affairs of our city and certainly invite you to come again. Our first presentation today commends Police Officers Robert Walls and Joseph Domico. And to make this presentation, the Chair appoints Councilwoman Krajewski. The Chair invites Officers Walls and Domico to come and receive this resolution.
A resolution STATED MEETING - PRESENTATIONS commending Philadelphia Police Officers Robert Walls, Badge 6309 -- may I have your attention please? The resolution commending Philadelphia Officers Robert Walls, Badge 6309, and Joseph Domico, Badge 4522, for their excellent police work and dedicated service to the citizens of this city. Whereas, on Wednesday, April 22, 1998, police issued warrants for Darryl Newkirk, 27, and Darryl Robinson, 33, two suspects wanted in connection with the death of Delaware County lawyer Lois Devita in the Olde City Locksley Court home of her friend Holly James.
Whereas, the alleged suspects, two career criminals with nearly a dozen prior arrests each were able to allude the police until Friday, April 17, 1998, when Philadelphia Police Officer Joseph Domico spotted Newkirk in North Philadelphia. Newkirk immediately started running away. Officer Domico chased him up Dire Street where the suspect disappeared without a trace down an alley; and
And whereas, the following morning officer Domico in his second year STATED MEETING - PRESENTATIONS at the Philadelphia Police Department told 17-year veteran Officer Walls about the encounter. They were in agreement that Newkirk was hiding out in a local home. They backtracked, questioned the neighbors, and obtained information from anonymous informants; and
Whereas, the two officers got permission to enter to enter the home on Penn Street near Dwyer and searched for the two criminals. In a second floor closet Officers Walls and Domico discovered both Newkirk and Robinson cowering beneath a pile of laundry. Newkirk and Robinson faced charges for murder, conspiracy, and burglary; therefore, resolved by the Council of the City of Philadelphia that they hereby honor and commend Philadelphia Police Officer Robert Walls and Joseph Domico for their excellent police work in apprehending two dangerous criminals and ending a seven-day, city-wide dragnet.
Resolved that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Officers Joseph Domico and Robert Walls, hero officers that have been named officers of the month in the 15th Police District, evidencing the STATED MEETING - PRESENTATIONS congratulations, respect and high commendations of this legislative body. This is a true and correct copy signed by the President of City Council and introduced and sponsored by all members of City Council. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes Officers Walls and Domico.
Before we hear from the two officers, I would like to introduce the Captain of the 15th District, Captain Trazinski. (Applause.) CAPT. TRAZINSKI: Thank you very much. These two officers, they're a credit to the citizens of Philadelphia, they're an asset to the Philadelphia Police Department. And I would just like to thank the members of City Council for taking the time for this recognition. Thank you. (Applause.) CAPT. TRAZINSKI: I'd like present Officer Walls and Officer Domico. (Applause.) OFFICER WALLS: Thank you very much. Also in attendance I'd recognize the most important STATED MEETING - PRESENTATIONS person in my life, my mother. (Applause.) OFFICER DOMICO: Thank you all very much. I'd like to introduce my father who is also police officer on highway patrol. (Applause.)
Thank you very much. Council will stand at ease.
Our second presentation today honors Jerry and Sandra Finley. To make this presentation the Chair appoints Councilwoman Fernandez. The Chair invites Jerry and Sandra Finley to come and receive this resolution. Of course, if they have special guests with them, they are certainly invited to join them.
This resolution is commending and honoring Jerry and Sandra Finley who brought the 1998 United States Figure Stating Championship to Philadelphia. Whereas, Jerry Finley, president of the 23 Club Philadelphia Area Skating Association and his wife Sandra dedicated nine years of their lives STATED MEETING - PRESENTATIONS preparing to bring 300 of the nation's finest athletes to Philadelphia for the 1998 United States Figure Skating championship; and Whereas, the 1998 United States Figure Skating Championship serving as a preamble to this year's 101st Winter Olympic games in Japan brought to the City of Philadelphia both national and worldwide recognition; and Whereas, Jerry and Sandra Finley organized a remarkable volunteer network recruiting over 1,000 residents in the Philadelphia area to provide housing and transportation for the visiting skaters; and Whereas, through their tireless efforts in making the 1998 national championship a memorable event coupled with an enormous passion for figurer stating, Jerry and Sandra opened the eyes of Philadelphia area citizens to a new appreciation for this beautiful and popular sport; and Whereas, Jerry and Sandra continue to demonstrate their commit in their current quest to bring the world of figure skating championships to Philadelphia in the year 2004; now therefore Resolved by the Council of the City of STATED MEETING - PRESENTATIONS Philadelphia that we hereby commend and honor Jerry and Sandra Finley for bringing to Philadelphia exceptional athletes, significant recognition, an increased enthusiasm for our city, and the extraordinary world of figurer skating. This is a true and correct copy of the resolution passed by Council on the 14th day of May, signed by the President of City Council, introduced Councilwoman Fernandez, and signed by all Members of City Council. So we thank you for bringing this great event to our city. (Applause.)
Thank you Councilwoman Fernandez. On behalf the Wissahickon Skating Club, my wife Sandra, our chief legal counsel Frank Moran, we'd like to thank the City for this resolution. We were so happy we were to bring this enormous skating event which really is probably one of the most successful financially for the city because of the amount of people who come in for this particular event. It's 70 percent of them were from out of town. We were also able -- the Wissahickon Skating Club was able to be showcased along with the city STATED MEETING - PRESENTATIONS throughout the country and throughout the world. We had 16 life hours of television coverage which showcased the City of Philadelphia. And we'd like to thank you and I'd like to also say the majority of the people who came into Philadelphia that came up to us absolutely loves Philadelphia. Thank you. (Applause.)
Next order of business is communications. The Chair recognizes the Sergeant-At-Arms for the purpose of delivering the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. (Sergeant-At-Arms delivers messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk.)
The Chief Clerk will read the messages from the Mayor.
June 11, 1998, to the President and Members of Council of the City Philadelphia, I am pleased to advise you that I have today signed the following bill which was passed by STATED MEETING - PRESENTATIONS Council at its session on June 4, Bill No. 980192. And on June 11th, I am pleased to advise you that I have today signed the following bill was passed by Council on May 28, Bill No. 980225. And a resolution approving the redevelopment contract and lease of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal portion of Independence Mall, Urban Renewal Area Unit No. 4 designated as Parcel No. 13 and being the area generally bounded by A Street, South Vine Street and the service road Race Street authorizing the Redevelopment Authority to execute the redevelopment contract with Delancy Franklin Square Associates, L.P.
The messages will be printed in the journal. The Chief Clerk will read any other communications in his her position.
Next order of business is the introduction of bills and STATED MEETING - INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS resolutions. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Augusta Clark.
Mr. President, today on your behalf I have five resolutions.
The clerk will please read the titles of the resolutions.
The resolution recognizing the 12th annual training conference of the American Contract Appliance Association. And a resolution approving the redevelopment contract of disposition supplement of Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and renewal of a portion of model city's urban renewal area identified by house number street address as 1333 North Marshal Street. 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 city's urban renewal identified by house number and street address as 708 through 716 North 17th street. And a resolution authorizing the STATED MEETING - INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia deeds for properties situate 16th, 20th, 28th, 29th, and 32nd Wards of the Philadelphia. And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of City of Philadelphia deeds for properties situate in the 28th Ward of the City of Philadelphia. And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia without consideration deeds for properties situate in the 16th, 28th, 37th, 43rd and 47th Wards of the city of Philadelphia.
Mr. President, I move the adoption of all five resolutions.
All six then. (Duly seconded.) STATED MEETING - INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS
All in favor, let it be known saying aye. Those opposed, say nay. The ayes have it. Then all the resolutions are adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
An ordinance authorizing Joseph and Angela Schmidt, owners of a property located at 3100 Norris Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to construct and maintain various encroachments.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
An ordinance designating Chestnut Street from 17th Street east to Fifth Street as Steven Strauss in celebration of the 28th Annual Steven Day Parade on Saturday, on STATED MEETING - INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS Saturday 26, 1998.
Mr. President, I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
All in favor, let it be known by saying aye. All opposed, say nay. The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. None this morning, Mr. President.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen.
Mr. President, I will seek permission at a later part of the session to introduce a resolution that's not currently ready for introduction, but it is being worked on.
The Chair thanks the councilman. STATED MEETING - INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Verna.
Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Propter to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment authority of the City of Philadelphia deeds for property situate in the 30th, 36th, 48th and 51st Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
Move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly Seconded.)
All in favor, let it be known by saying aye. Those opposed, say nay. The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions today. STATED MEETING - INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS
The Chair thanks the Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
The clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Chapter 10600 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled, Public Places Prohibited Conduct by adding a new section prohibiting gambling and conducting gambling operations on a public right-of-way or on property owned by the City or other Public agencies and providing penalties for violation, all under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter.
The clerk will please read the titles of the bills.
An ordinance STATED MEETING - INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of the City Plan No. 395 by striking from the city plan and vacating Kadoris Road from Hendricks Street to Spring Lane. And an ordinary authorizing the paving of Sycamore Lane, Latern Lane, Green Hill Lane, and Buttonwood Place, a terms and conditions. And an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 295 of the area extending generally northwesterly from Spring Lane to the Philadelphia Montgomery County line between Viget Lane to the southwest and Hendricks Street to the northeast.
These bills will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Fernandez.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have one bill for introduction.
The clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Section 10-611 of the Philadelphia Code entitled, Public Places Prohibited Conduct, by STATED MEETING - INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS deleting provisions relating to the distribution of hand bills under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
The Chair thanks the councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ortiz.
The clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution amending Resolution 1 concerning the rules for the government of the City Council of Philadelphia to extend to Council employees no less than the same leave entitlement that other non-represented city employees enjoy under the Family Medical Leave Act 1993 and other city regulations and all future amendments thereto.
The Chair recognizes Councilman Ortiz. STATED MEETING - INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS
Mr. President, I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
All those in favor, let it be known by saying aye. Those opposed, say nay. The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman DeCicco.
Thank you, Mr. President. I stand corrected. Earlier I suggested I had three resolutions; I now have four resolutions.
Well, I'm sorry then, we'll just have to come back tomorrow. Just kidding. The clerk will please read titles of the resolutions.
A resolution approving the redevelopment contract and lease of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of portion of Independence Mall Urban Renewal Area Unit No. 4. STATED MEETING - INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS The resolution authorizing the Commission of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelop Authority of the City of Philadelphia without consideration deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain properties situate in the 5th, 31st, 39th and 45th Wards of the City of Philadelphia. And a resolution approving the redevelopment contract for the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Washington Square West Urban Renewal Area Unit No. 2 designated as Parcel No. 30 revised. And a resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for a portion of the New Kensington Fish Town redevelopment area also identified by house number and street address as 2654 through 2664 East Carl Street.
Thank you, Mr. President. Move for the adoption of the STATED MEETING - INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS resolutions. (Duly seconded.)
All in favor, let it be known by saying aye. Those opposed, say nay. The ayes have it. Each of the resolutions is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano.
The clerk will please read the title of the bill.
The notice of any session 10-611 of the Philadelphia Code entitled, Public Places Prohibited Conduct, by deleting Section 4, Subsection D under certain terms and conditions.
This will bill will be referred the appropriate committee. The clerk will please read the titles of the resolutions.
The resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority STATED MEETING - INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS of the City of Philadelphia deeds for properties situate in the 7th, 19th, 33rd, and 53rd Wards of the City of Philadelphia. And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia deeds for properties situate in the 19th and 43rd Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
Mr. President, I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
All in favor, let it be known by saying aye. Those opposed, say nay. The ayes have it. The resolutions are adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Longstreth.
Mr. President, I'm asking for permission to leave the floor a little later on in the afternoon, but I'll use this opportunity to say that when I leave I'd like to be STATED MEETING - INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS recorded as voting aye an on all bills and resolutions with two exceptions, 970485 I would vote no, that's the bank bill; and I would vote aye without amendments on 970817 which is the street persons bill. That's a aye vote without approval of the amendments.
Does that mean that in your absence you wish to be recorded as voting no on all amendments?
Does that mean that in your absence you wish to be recorded as voting no on all amendments?
That's correct, I vote no on all amendments to 970817.
Thank you very much. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
The Chair thanks the councilman. STATED MEETING - REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES
Next order of business is reports from committees. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Verna for the report of the Council Committee of the Whole.
Mr. President, the Committee of the Whole reports resolution numbers 980280, 980281, 980282 980283, 980284, 980285, 980286, 980471, 980472, 980473, 980474, 980745, 980476, 980477, 980478, 980479, 980480, 980481, 980482, 980483, 980484, 980485, 980486, 980487, 980488, and 980491 out of Committee with a favorable recommendation and asks for immediate consideration.
All in favor, let it be known by saying aye. Those opposed, say nay. The ayes have it. The resolutions are adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Verna for the report of the Council on Finance. STATED MEETING - REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES
Thank you, Mr. President. Committee on Finance reports resolution number 980427, out of Committee with a favorable recommendation and further requests the suspension of the rules so as to permit immediate consideration.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Verna for a motion.
Move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
All in favor, let it be known by saying aye. Those opposed, say nay. The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco for the report of the Council Committee on Streets and Services.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Streets and Services reports Bill No. 980457 out of committee with a favorable recommendation and ask that the rules of council be suspended. STATED MEETING - REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES
To the President and Members of the Council of Philadelphia, the Committee on Streets and Services to which was referred Bill No. 980457 entitled an ordnance authorizing the striking from City Plan No. 244 and abandoning of a certain right-of-way for drainage purposes from Haines Street to East Burn Avenue under certain terms and conditions. Respectfully reports it has returned the bill with a favorable recommendation.
I move that the rules of Council be suspended. (Duly seconded.)
All in favor, let it be known by saying aye. Those opposed, say nay. The ayes have it. The rules are suspended and this bill will be given first reading today. This brings us to an end of our committee reports. STATED MEETING - REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES
The next order of business is the consideration of the calendar. The Chief Clerk will read the bills on a first reading calendar.
Bill 980457, an ordinances striking from City Plan No 244 and abandoning of a certain right-of-way for drainage purposes from Haines Street to East Burn Avenue under certain terms and conditions.
The Chair agrees. The bill read by the Chief Clerk will be printed and placed on the second reading and final passage calendar for the next meeting.
Council will now consider bills on the second reading and final passage calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Verna.
Mr. President, all bills on the second reading and final passage calendar are being called for consideration with the exception of Bill Nos. 960633, 960629, 970272, 980227, 980464, and 980239. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 970817
I point out that Bill No. 980464 and 980239 are on of the calendar. The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. I would like Councilmembers to turn to of the agenda of the calendar. With the permission of the council, I would like for us to consider Bill No. 970817 out of order because of the special interest that people have in this bill. Does anyone have any objections? First bill for consideration will be Bill No. 970817. The clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Chapter 10-600 of the Philadelphia Code entitled Public Places prohibited conduct by adding a knew section 10-611 entitled, Sidewalk Behavior, prohibiting various forms of inappropriate conduct in public places, including various obstructions of the public sidewalk, various forms of aggressive conduct including aggressive solicitation and various forms of clutter on the public right-of-way including the posting of certain signs and the placement of certain vending boxes and requiring STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 970817 abutting property owners to maintain the sidewalk in good repair and free of clutter and providing procedures for enforcement and for penalties all under certain terms and condition. This bill having been read on two days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally? The Chair recognizes Councilman Ortiz.
Mr. President, I'd like to be excused from the rest of the hearing because I have urgent city business somewhere else. However, before I leave, I'd like to be recorded as voting aye on all bills except 980817. (Applause.) And I'd like to be recorded I am voting on all of the amendments to Bill 970817 that will be introduced by Councilman David Cohen and Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell. And before I leave, this bill is not a humane bill. This is not a good bill. It is unconstitutional. It's against the people. It does not answer the problem of the homeless. And I wish, I would wish that my colleagues really rethink their vote before they do this and vote no and come back and really look for the solutions for the homeless in another manner. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 970817 Thank you, Mr. President. (Applause.)
If I can have your attention just briefly. I had spoken Councilman Cohen who has spoken to Councilwoman Blackwell. These members have several amendments they'd like to propose. They have agreed to offer the amendments at one time, have discussion on all of them in the interest of time and then have a vote on each amendment at the end of all of the discussion; is that correct?
Is there any member of Council who has any objection to that process? The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Mr. President. This would not be any form of a consent agenda, would it? (Laughter.)
I don't think so. And if it is, it certainly has my consent. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 970817
The answer is no. Does every member of Council have in front of him or her a set of the amendments that's offered by Councilman Cohen and Councilwoman Blackwell? Are they in one set? I think we have them all. I would like to -- the Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco.
Is there going to be any limit to the debate? (Laughter.)
Perhaps we can get to that question at a more appropriate time.
The Chair would like to recognize Councilwoman Blackwell to offer formally her amendments.
Thank you, Mr. President. Certain, we offer one amendment dealing with hand bills. We passed around a folder. If you take your paper clip off and look, it has on the STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 970817 front, "Deletion of handbill provisions."
I have in front of me, it looks like six amendments, one changing the effective date, one further empowering outreach teams, one amending exclusion of third councilmanic district, further precluding imprisonment, and one deleting the handbill provisions, and one removing redundant provisions. Is that, in effect, what they are?
Can we have a motion by Councilwoman Blackwell and maybe a joint motion that these amendments be adopted?
Councilman, is that all right with you, that these amendments be adopted.
Now, the amendments are in front of us. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 970817
Mr. President, can you hold it just a moment. Mr. President, did you refer, I believe you did to an amendment entitled, "Prohibiting Imprisonment"?
Yes, "Further Precluding Imprisonment." Those are the six amendments that are offered, can we say jointly by Councilman Cohen and Councilwoman Blackwell?
Every member of Council has these amendments in front of you. They have been properly moved and seconded. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell on the amendments.
The Chair STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 970817 rules that all of the amendments and the bill are in front of us. Does everybody understand that? The amendments and bill. So that anybody that has anything to say about the amendments, anybody who has anything to say about the underlying bill, all of that should go on the record now. And after this discussion, we should take seven votes, one vote on each of the six amendments and a vote on the underlying bill. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. I will speak to some resolutions, and my colleague will speak to some others. We can go through them bit by bit if that is proper, or if it is acceptable we will only speak to the intent of the resolution. What is your pleasure?
Thank you. With regard to the handbill the provision. As you know -- in fact, we also circulated a folder with various articles in them. We have been approached by many people this affects, STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 970817 from religious groups who cannot go door to door or sell their newspapers in the street, we've been approached by many church groups and various religions, we've been approached by representatives of University Hospital and other hospitals who cannot recruit for participants in important hospital studies with regards to AIDS and other diseases, and many people throughout the community that this bill affects. Fist this is probably a mistake in the intent of this bill, and we would hope that you would consider voting this out of this bill. I have another amendment changing the effective date of this enactment of the bill. The purpose of this is to make sure -- Councilman Nutter introduced a transfer ordinance for 6 million dollars, the majority of which, four million would go to the Health Department. I introduced one for transfer of 25 million to go to the Office of the homeless. And what we are requesting is that until we have money in programs attached to the bill, that it not be enacted. Until then, we only have lip service. As long as we talk about change -(Applause.) STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 970817
What in fact we do is tell the police, who work very hard with homeless and other people, that you should take more training, get a manual to figure out what 13 or 14 pages of a bill provides for, but in fact tell people that you should go in with no place to go, tell people you need mental health treatment or drug addiction treatment with nowhere to get these services. So we believe that this bill is not feasible until you have programs and money attached to enact programs and ensure that you have facilities to provide services. (Applause.)
So we certainly hope our colleagues will really consider this if we are really sincere about making a change, about making sure that the intent that the beginning of this bill that says no homeless person should be on the street and people who need treatment should be able to get that, if we are really sincere about that, then we have to make sure that this bill addresses that issue if it is to be something that is to be any way viable. Otherwise, we just give lip service to an issue, but we don't make a real STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 970817 situation possible. The final amendment that I will speak to is the amendment amending the area covered. Certainly, I agree with my position that the third Councilmanic District should not be included. I do not agree with almost any provision of this bill, and I stick by my statement that it is the most negative and anti-American bill I've ever seen. I liken it to the charter chains when you have so many things involved that it is difficult to salvage anything out of it. I have decided by some members of my district with whom I met last night who live in University City. The University City, the University City Council, specifically, to include their areas but to leave the rest of the district out of the bill. I, again, ask the Council if they would consider this in their deliberations on this bill that affect so many members of our community. I further state that it was in the news, I did not talk to the president about it, about amending this bill to include business districts in the Third District. And I'll further note that the Council is comprised of district council people as well as those who were at-large. And district STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 970817 council people have can always had certain prerogatives with regard to community development, zoning, and other areas. And I would hope that that was only newspaper talk and certainly not a real issue because district council people have always, in my experience on this Council and in my service in City Council before I was elected, has always had prerogatives, and I would hope that this will always be respected; otherwise, we would certainly have to be all at-large people or I could introduce an amendment to the Apollo in your district and you want to pan in my district. But as I said, that was newspaper talk. I only make reference to that so that we keep the record clear, and I certainly do thank my colleagues for their support in this amendment at our last hearing. Thank you very much, Mr. President.
Thank you very much. The Chair recognizes -- Councilwoman, you spoke on the excluding the Third District and the handbill provision; what was the other?
I also spoke on the handbills, the Third District, and not enacting the bill until we have facilities. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 970817
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen.
Mr. President, no amendment, no series of amendments can possibly make this bill livable with, democratic or Constitutional. (Applause.)
But in an effort since the bill upon passage would have certain provisions effective immediately, I'm going to be introducing what I regard or have introduced three clarifying provisions. First, I want to make it clear that your words, sir, about there being no imprisonment take full effect -- I cannot read that from the bill. I do understand that the president has stated that as far as he is concerned, no judge should ever sentence anybody to a jail sentence for a violation of this bill. However, my law school days teach me that when somebody is forcibly detained against his or her will, meaning, if a STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 970817 police officer comes to somebody and says, Come with me to the station house, or I have a paddy wagon here, please enter it as my guess and we'll act at your host at the police, that is an arrest and a form of imprisonment. Therefore, the amendment I propose to make very clear is by adding language that prohibit -
Thank you, Mr. President. With all the respect to Councilmember Cohen, the reference to the word "paddy wagon" is offensive to some members of the ethnic community, in the Irish-American community, and I would appreciate -- I know he didn't say it intentionally, but I would appreciate if he could call it either a van, police van, or something else, but that is offensive to the Irish-American community. Thank you.
Councilman Cohen, please proceed. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 970817
I'm sorry, Councilman Kenney, if I said anything offensive, but I've heard police officers constantly refer to paddy wagon, and I thought that was a very polite term to use instead of a detention van. I was trying to use what I've understood is the language of the police, because I think the police in this bill are put in a very bad position and two of my three amendments deal with that. The first one makes it clear that there is no forcible detainer of anyone unless a mental health worker present at the scene states that the person who the mental health worker is working with should for medical or physical reasons be forcibly removed in the interest of that person. And two amendments deal with that, one entitled "Prohibiting Imprisonment," and the second one which is entitled "Further Empowering Outreach Teams." The discussion in the Council during the public hearing was that we're doing this basically, at least this is what I heard, basically we're doing it to help the poor homeless, they need services. And we're hopeful that some of the promises made during that time are carried out, the promises about appropriating additional funds. The Commissioner of STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 970817 Health estimated six million dollars. Councilwoman Blackwell referred to that. She has other amendments. I'm introducing party to a still different appropriation that will provide seven and a half million, but whatever the figure, it ought to be a significant figure. Now, the second amendment entitled "Further Empowering Outreach Teams" states in effect that except where a police officer in the normal course of his business or her business sees a homeless person requiring attention and in that case the police officer would then have a duty to notify a mental health worker. But the police officer would have to contact with the homeless person. In all other cases, the first person that ought to have contact with a homeless person is the mental health outreach worker, and that amendment called -(Applause.)
Outreach worker, period, as Councilwoman Blackwell says, because there can be physical needs of the homeless person, they're not all mental needs. Sometimes it may be in between if the homeless person is a victim of substance abuse or is just homeless. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 970817 But the purpose of those two amendments is just to make clear, if it can be made clear, that our democratic society does not punish the victim of society because these people are homeless because society has failed in its duties to see that ever family has and opportunity to be independent, that every person has an opportunity to have a job, that if a person needs a helping hand upwards, if the person is a victim say of substance abuse that that opportunity be given. Any society that fails to meet those minimal requirements could hardly be characterized as a humane or democratic society. (Applause.)
The third amendment is a very interesting one because some of the media, not all, maybe it was un intentional, have characterized certain phases of this bill, for example, Councilwoman Blackwell's amendment the other night which caused an exception for the Third councilmadic District. " That, in my judgment was not good STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 970817 reporting. It wasn't true at all because what this bill does is, and I've listed 12 different things that this bill says is wrong, 12 things which already are prohibited by law. First, parking a motorized vehicle on a sidewalk. It's currently in violation of the Philadelphia Code, Section 12-913(1)(A) subparagraph 1. Second, relating to riding a bicycle on a sidewalk. There's a code provision dealing with that. I won't bother reading the specific citation, but I will have it available for anybody who wants it. Third, there are provisions relating to loading or unloading a commercial vehicle on the sidewalk that's already banned. Fourth, relating a sale of goods services on the sidewalk. There are 12. I'm not going to take the time specify each one of them. There are 12 prohibitions in this bill merely repeating prohibitions which exist, but which then gives rise to the belief that these are brand-new prohibitions. So in addition to my saying this bill is not democratic or Constitutional, it is largely in its prohibitory sections totally unnecessary because it merely repeats other prohibitions that have already been enacted into law. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 970817 Now, why is this bill -- and I'm going to urge my colleagues to make a bad bill a little, just a little less bad by supporting all of these amendments. I said earlier that during the discussion efforts were made to indicate this is really a bill to help the homeless. I would like better than anything else to believe that there was a single shred of sincerity in that characterization. This bill in truth is a bill aimed at driving homeless out of Center City. And if the supportive services that we talk about are not provided, and I'm concerned that right now a number of veterans are protesting that they are being denied shelter by the city currently, and that makes me wonder even more about the alleged sincerity of these proposals to offer help. I think we have to be truthful, Mr. President. I think we have to admit that this bill was not aimed at all in helping the homeless, but because of the enormous protest, the enormous reactions, what happened in this Council was that the community, the broad community, not just the homeless, but the broad community that understands the way society treats its least STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 970817 fortunate people is the true measurer of the worth of that society because of that positive response what happened at City Council was that the homeless and their advocates were given an opportunity to be heard. And I submit they made out a very, very good case. But at the same time Mr. President, that does not excuse the fact that the purpose of this legislation was to push aside the homeless instead of really dealing with their problems so that the homeless could become strong, independent citizens in the first place and develop tax-paying families. We love to talk about tax-paying families. Instead of doing that, this bill is aimed at sweeping out from our view a very serious current problem, the fact that society in the year 1998 here in Philadelphia as well as in Pennsylvania and the United States has not taken the proper steps to ensure that each person in society is treated humanely, that each family is permitted to develop its talents to become independent citizens, and that if they have problems, procedures are set up for their treatment. Because the real purpose is being masked by the discussions about how we're helping the homeless. I urge all of my colleagues to vote STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL.
- 970817 yes on all the amendments offered to make the bill a little less bad than it is currently. And then after the vote on the amendments, I urge all of my colleagues to vote no on the bill. Thank you very much. )
Thank you, Mr. President. I'd like to know for the record that if these amendments are defeated, and I'm particularly concerned about the handbilling amendment and am very pleased that Councilwoman Blackwell wants to amend this bill. If this amendment is defeated, this morning I introduced a bill that can be heard next fall that would delete these potentially unconstitutional provisions out of this bill. A second point would be while I would be supportive of the Councilwoman Blackwell's amendment to not exclude all of the Third Councilmanic District but to allow some provisions of the bills to be enforced in parts of University City where the residents have requested it. Again, if this amendment is defeated and STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 970817 the bill is put into effect, there would still be the opportunity next fall for the councilwoman to introduce separate bill and amend the bill that hopefully gets passed today. Thank you.
Thank you very much. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. Certainly, with regard to those two issues and the other issues that we've mentioned about this bill, if this Council will see fit to support the amendment then certainly make, as my colleague said, a bad bill a little less bad so that it gives the opportunity to give the right impression for the right reasons. Let's put the money where our mouths are. Let's take out sections of the bills that don't deal with the homeless population. There's so many negative things, from riding a bike if you're 12 to leaving a suitcase or something on the sidewalk for 15 minutes to sitting an hour on a bench in a two-hour period, so many other bad negative aspects of this bill that need to be considered that could be debated all day, and we STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 970817 tried to all last Wednesday night, we did try to debate it all night. But there are many, many negative aspects of this bill. Certainly, we are again requesting that our colleagues -- we think that if we have the opportunity to defeat these amendments today, there's no need for new legislation in the fall. We have an opportunity to deal with these issues today and we certainly ask that you give these amendments every consideration and vote aye. Thank you, Mr. President. (Applause.)
Since I have opportunity to talk about some other aspects of this bill, if in fact this bill passes as it is with no money, no programs, no facilities attached, then we in fact, again I would like to reiterate only tell the police that you have to move people, you have to tell people there is no place to go, and not even dealing with an outreach worker. Outreach workers are trained to deal with homeless people. Outreach workers know what to do with mental ill patients and with those needing drug or alcohol treatment, not police officers. The outreach workers should be the first person on the scene, and the person who makes STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 970817 the decision, that person should have the right to call the officer, not in reverse. An officer isn't trained in all of these areas. An outreach worker is. So let's, again, consider that please pass these amendments and consider putting facilities, programs, and money in place to have these things happen so that we at least can do something positive. Philadelphia, and this is my final comment since I took a -- what do you usually call it, a John Street minute? Since I took a Jannie Blackwell minute while you were talking, and this is my final comment. I've said consistently over the last several years, we have a homeless problem that is solvable. All we need is a commitment from on top to deal with this. We're not like New York or California. We can solve our problems with a little bit of commitment. Please consider these things. I ask you, my colleagues, please consider these six amendments and let us do our part to show Philadelphians who want to do the right thing. Nobody likes walking by a homeless person in front of every government building. Business people don't like to see homeless people there. But they need a way to help them. I've seen it over and over again. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 970817 I've been involved with places like City Blue that gave out jeans and jackets. We've been involved with people who give food to the homeless. We need a positive way to give input. This bill is a negative one. Help us in this record by passing these amendments and defeating the bill. Thank you, Mr. President. (Applause.)
Mr. President, one of the other things I wanted to note on the amendment about where services, you know, would be focused. One of the problems of having a whole section of the city or neighborhoods that want to have this law enforced in their neighborhoods, if it is excluded from this bill, then there would be a less chance that the kind of additional services to assist people that we certainly have a strong understanding with the administration and with this Council that the six million dollars in additional funds for services are clearly linked to this bill. Any area of the city that is excluded is less likely to get those services. And I know that's why the STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 970817 people in University City are very concerned. I would also note, therefore, that perhaps over the summer as the citizens have a better sense to know what sections of the city are included in all provisions of the bill and what may be excluded, people may want in the fall if this bill passes today, as I expect it will, may want to add additional areas that would be covered by all provisions of this bill.
The other thing I forgot to note, it is my understanding there has been a letter sent from the Administration, the Mayor, to the Council President that some members of Council also seen that clearly underscores the Mayor's commitment to fund these additional services. And I know I intend, and I know many of my colleagues will be working with the Administration over the summer to begin to get some of these services set up, particularly, for example, the Safe Haven. You don't snap your fingers and have those set up in a moment. There needs to be planning and careful work done. So one of the reasons I intend to vote for this bill today is so STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 970817 that process can get underway. Thank you.
Thank you very much. Is there anyone else? Seeing no one, the first amendment that we will consider will be the amendment of Councilman Cohen's, removing redundant provisions. The clerk will call a roll. Those voting aye will be voting in favor of the amendment. Those voting no will be voting against the amendment.
No. The nays are 12, the ayes are 3. The amendment fails. The next amendment to be considered will STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 970817 be Councilman Cohen's amendment further empowering outreach teams. The clerk will call a roll.
Councilwoman Miller. My vote hasn't been recorded and I'm voting no.
Thank you. The nos are 13. The ayes are 3. The clerk will call a roll on Councilman Cohen's amendment further empowering outreach teams.
Councilman Cohen, you can't vote for Councilwoman Clark. (Laughter.) COUNCIL PRESIDENT Street: That's not a privilege of longevity. Can we start over?
Councilwoman STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 970817 Blackwell.
No. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 970817
No. The nays are 13. The ayes are 3. The amendment fails. We will now vote on Councilman Cohen's amendment further precluding imprisonment. The clerk will call a roll.
Councilman Cohen. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 970817
Councilman Rizzo. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 970817
No. The nays are 13, the ayes are 3. The amendment fails. We will now vote on Councilwoman Blackwell's amendment changing the effective date. The clerk will call a roll.
Councilwoman Fernandez. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 970817
No. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 970817
No. The nays are 13, the ayes are 3. The amendment fails. The next amendment voted on will be amending the exclusion of the Third Councilmanic District. The clerk will call a roll.
Councilwoman STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 970817 Krajewski.
No. The nays are 13, the ayes are 3. The STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 970817 amendment fails. The last amendment is the amendment of Councilwoman Blackwell deleting the handbill provision. The clerk will call a roll.
Councilman Longstreth. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 970817
No. The nays are a 13, the ayes are 3. The amendment fails. This concludes our consideration of amendments. The question recurs, shall the bill pass STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 970817 finally? The clerk will call a roll.
Aye. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980301
Aye. I think the ayes are 12, and the nays are 4. Majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill consideration is Bill No. 980301. The clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance creating the Cecil B. Moore Avenue Tax Increment STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980301 Financing District and approving the project plan of the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development for the redevelopment of the Cecil B. Moor Avenue Tax Increment Financing District.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will call a roll.
Councilwoman Krajewski. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980301
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. Majority of all members of Council having voted in STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980304 the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill or consideration is Bill No. 980304. The clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An Ordinance amending an ordinance approved July 5, 1997 (Bill No. 970239), which created the City Hall Annex Tax Increment Financing District, by approving the amended project plan for redevelopment of the District submitted to the City Council.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will call a roll.
Councilwoman STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980304 Fernandez.
Councilwoman Verna. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980305
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. Majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill for consideration is Bill No. 980305. The clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An Ordinance amending an ordinance approved July 5, 1997 (Bill No. 960701) which created PFSF Tax Increment Financing District, by approving the amended project plan for the redevelopment of the District.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will call a roll.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will call a roll.
Councilwoman STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980305 Blackwell.
Aye. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980306
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. Majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill for consideration is Bill No. 980306. The clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An Ordinance creating the Penn's Landing Tax Increment Financing District and approving the project plan of the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development for the redevelopment of the Penn's Landing Tax STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980306 Increment Financing District.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will call a roll.
Councilman Longstreth. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980306
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. Majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill for consideration is Bill No. 980307. The clerk will please read the title of STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980307 the bill.
An Ordinance amending an ordinance approved July 5, 1997 (Bill No. 970240), which created the Reading Terminal Headhouse Tax Increment Financing District, by approving the amended project plan for the redevelopment of the District.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will call a roll.
Councilman Kenney. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980307
Council President Street. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980337
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. Majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill for consideration is Bill No. 980337. The clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An Ordinance granting permission to NEXTLINK of PENNSYLVANIA, L.P., registered to do business in Pennsylvania, and its successors, assigns, and agents, to construct, maintain various underground conduits.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will call a roll.
Councilman DiCicco. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980337
Councilwoman Tasco. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 970845
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. Majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill for consideration is Bill No. 970485. The clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An Ordinance amending Section 19-201 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "City Depositories," by prohibiting certain electronic fund transfer fees or surcharges.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally? The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Fernandez.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have several concerns about this bill. One is procedural and then some substantive problems STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 970845 with this bill. First, in terms of procedures for this Council in order to be able to make an informed decision of whether to vote for or against this bill, I have asked my staff all week for the notes of testimony from the hearings on this bill, and as of 9:30 this morning I was still unable to get the notes of testimony. I had particularly wanted to check what Emma Shapel (ph) who is president of the United Bank had said. She had testified against this bill, but left no written testimony. And so I had wanted to see in greater detail and review what she has said. So I would urge my colleagues to vote against this bill until we have a chance to really look at the record. I have asked the sponsor of this bill to hold it and I was hopeful that he would make such a decision so that I and other colleagues could make an informed vote on this bill. But let me say I also have substantive issues with this bill, and the first would be that in the testimony by the finance director in the hearing on this bill, the finance director testified STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 970845 that if passed -- this is a quote. "If passed the City would be unable to use any Philadelphia area bank for our principal banking services." The 12 largest regional banks, including Philadelphia Federal Credit Union, all impose ATM fees. Therefore, we have to find a bank outside of the Philadelphia region to handle our payroll and other payments. In the entire State of Pennsylvania, we could locate only three banks that do not impose ATM fees. Those are Republic, the Bank of Lancaster, and the Beaver Valley Bank. I, like many people on this Council are very concerned that the City would be doing business and doing our major business with a bank that is not in the City of Philadelphia. Secondly, I think this bill sends a very bad message to businesses in the City that in the haste at the end of this session this Council did not have the time to seriously consider all the implications and actually carefully review the testimony on this bill. A third issue is with ATM fees. I signed on as a sponsor of this bill when it was introduced because I thought I too get very angry at STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 970845 all these ATM fees that keep popping up and increasing, and I think we need to take a careful look at them and I think Council is in a position to do that. But I, again, do not think the hearings afforded that opportunity. I think there is a big difference between banks charging ATM fees for non-customers who use their banking services and banks that charge fees for their own customers to withdraw or deposit from their bank. And in the hearings, those distinctions were made, and I think need to be made very carefully for people as they consider this bill. A fourth reason I am opposing this bill is in some of the testimony, again, which was unclear and I think needs further amplification, there was some charges by some of the witnesses that low-income bank customers are being charged in either direct or indirect ways for withdrawing funds from their own account. Yet those witnesses provided no clear evidence of that, nor was there an opportunity at further hearings to get it clear whether some banks in the City are in fact charging customers for using their own funds, whether it's through ATM charges or otherwise. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 970845 Again, I feel we should not in the haste of the last of this session pass a bill that members of Council have not had time to seriously consider, and secondly, a bill that also may in fact be bad policy. Thank you, Mr. President. So I intend to vote no on this bill and I would urge my colleagues to do likewise.
Councilwoman, I have been supplied a copy of the notes of testimony on this bill and have been informed that they've been around for a little while. Unfortunately -
If there had been some miscommunication on behalf of any member of the Chief Clerk's office, and if you or staff got bad information, we can only apologize for it and I will certainly look into it. But I'm informed that the notes of testimony are here and offer the STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 970845 Councilwoman a copy of them so that you can have them. Perhaps while we debate this bill, you might see something in there that is important to you. I further say that this has probably been as busy a time as anybody has seen in this Council in maybe the a last 10 or 20 years. And people are not perfect, and the people Chief Clerk's office and other offices around here are doing volumes of work on the bills that we have in front of us that far exceeds anything that any of us ever contemplated when we first came here a few years ago. And if it made a mistake and you were misinformed, I apologize for them. But at the same time this is a grueling, grueling process. And for us to have 75, 80 bills at this time, all of which having properly advertised and scheduled for a public hearings and notes of testimony takes a tremendous effort on the part of these people, and I don't want them to think I don't appreciate what they do, but you should get accurate information. If the notes were there, you should have been told that and it should have been made available, and I apologize for that.
Well, again, STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 970845 Councilman Nutter this morning said he had a copy, but I was not able to get a copy. But I have also substantive issues with the bill. I think they ought to be carefully considered by this Council.
Thank you very much. Is there anyone else on the bill? The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter.
Thank you, Mr. President. I greatly respect my colleague's concerns. All I can try to do is make some clarifications for the record and provide some factual information. First, Mr. President, this bill was introduced on June 12, 1997, a year and a week ago. Secondly, I received my copy of the notes of testimony on June 12, 1998 from a hearing that took place on May 28, 1998. Given the nature of all the bills that were coming to the Council, I chose not to ask for a suspension of the rules. My colleague may recall that as she participated in that public hearing. Let me further state, Mr. President, that the administration and other people have STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 970845 expressed this grave concern that somehow we will not be able to conduct business with banks who are current city depositories as a result of this bill. That is factually untrue, Mr. President. All of those banks could come into compliance, they could continue to enjoy a great banking relationship with the City of Philadelphia. Secondly, there is also pending federal and state legislation in this regard. So the City is not the only legislative body looking at this. The hearings did provide an opportunity for good discussion. Unfortunately, almost every bank chose not to come to the hearing and share information and testimony with the exception, and I greatly appreciate it, of Dr. Emma Shapel from United Bank who did show the courtesy to come to this Council and give us good information. In that regard, the banks chose to ignore the public hearing process. Lastly, Mr. President, yes, there are a number of complex bills on our calendar presently. The ATM bill fails in comparison to the airport terminal bill, the trash contracts, and even the bill that we finally ended debate on and voted on, STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 970845 the sidewalk behavior bill. So this bill in comparison is tremendously less complicated than any of those pieces of legislation, all of which were introduced after this particular bill. I think the time is right and I would ask for the support of my colleagues that we have a vote on this bill right now. Thank you. (Councilwoman Verna assumes the Chair.)
Thank you. The chief clerk will please read the roll.
Aye. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 970845
The votes are? STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 970845
Councilwoman Blackwell is voting aye. Councilwoman Clark is voting aye. Councilman Cohen is voting aye. Councilman DiCicco is voting aye. Councilwoman Fernandez I have as nay.
Councilman Kenney is voting aye. Councilwoman Krajewski is voting aye. Councilman Longstreth is voting nay. Councilman Mariano is voting aye. Councilwoman Miller is voting aye. Councilman Nutter is voting aye. Councilman Ortiz I have as voting aye. Councilman Rizzo is aye. Councilwoman Tasco is STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980382 voting aye. Councilwoman Verna is voting aye. Council President Street -(Council President Street resumes Chair.)
So there's one absent, two nays, so that would be 14.
Majority of the members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill for consideration is Bill No. 980382. The clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An Ordinance amending an ordinance approved May 9, 1997 (Bill No. 970168), which authorized the City to sell certain delinquent real estate tax claims, identified on Exhibit A to the Ordinance, to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development.
This bill STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980382 having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will call a roll.
Councilman Mariano. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980382
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. Majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Fernandez.
Mr. President, I need to leave the chambers for a few minutes, the STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980385 session is going on and on, but I'd like to leave my vote yes on any bills that are brought up while I'm out of the room.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. Leave will be granted. The next bill for consideration is Bill No. 980385. The clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An Ordinance amending an ordinance approved May 9, 1997 (Bill No. 970168), which authorized the City to sell certain delinquent real estate tax claims, identified on Exhibit A to the Ordinance, to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will call a roll.
Councilman Cohen. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980385
Councilman Rizzo. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980456
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. Majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill for consideration is Bill No. 980456. The clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An Ordinance authorizing the Mayor to enter into an amendment to the Agreement authorized by ordinance approved December 29, 1972 (Bill No. 455), as amended, between the City of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Facilities Management Corporation.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will call a roll. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980456
Councilwoman Miller. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 970713
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. Majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill for consideration is Bill No. 970713. The clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An Ordinance amending Title 9 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Regulation of Businesses, Trades and Professions," by adding a new Chapter, entitled "Agents," STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 970713 requiring any person who represents or acts on behalf of another person in ay matter before the Department of Licenses and Inspections.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will call a roll.
Aye. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 970713
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. Majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980133 Yes?
Mr. President, I would like to be recorded as voting aye on the any bills or resolutions that I may have missed when I stepped out of the chambers.
Thank you very much. The next bill for consideration is Bill No. 980133. The clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An Ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps, by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located in the 27th Ward and within an area bounded by Spruce Street, 34th Street, Civic Center Boulevard, University Avenue.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will call a roll.
Councilwoman Clark. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980133
Councilman Ortiz. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980204
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. Majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill for consideration is Bill No. 980204. The clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An Ordinance amending Chapter 9-600 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Service Businesses," by adding a new section restricting the hours of operation for adult bookstores.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally? STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980204 The clerk will call a roll.
Councilwoman STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980342 Miller.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. Majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill for consideration is Bill No.980342. The clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An Ordinance amending the Philadelphia Zoning Maps, by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980342 located in the 53rd Ward.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will call a roll.
Councilman Longstreth. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980342
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. Majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill for consideration is Bill No. 980389. The clerk please read the title of the STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980389 bill.
An Ordinance declaring it desirable for the health, safety and welfare of the people in the area served by Greater Philadelphia Health Services II Corporation, a non-profit corporation, that they be involved with the Hospitals for Higher Education Facilities Authority.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will call a roll.
Aye. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980389
Council President STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980409 Street.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. Majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill for consideration is Bill No. 980409. The clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An Ordinance declaring that it is desirable for the health, safety and welfare of the people served by the Community College of Philadelphia for the Hospitals and High Education Facilities Authority to participate in a project.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will call a roll.
Councilman Cohen. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980409
Councilman Rizzo. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980454
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. Majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. Will Councilwoman Clark please approach the Chair? Next bill for consideration is Bill No. 980454. The clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An Ordinance declaring that it is desirable for the health, safety and welfare of the people of the area served by The Philadelphia School, Northeastern Hospital and Saint Joseph Villa Nursing Home for the Hospitals and Higher Education Facilities Authority of Philadelphia to undertake certain projects.
This bill STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980454 having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will call a roll.
Councilman Mariano. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980455
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. Majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill for consideration Bill No. 980455. The clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An Ordinance STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980455 declaring that it is desirable for the health, safety and welfare of the people in the area served by Jefferson Health System and Albert Einstein Healthcare Network for the Hospitals and Higher Education Facilities Authority of Philadelphia to participate with the System and AEHN in a financing to provide for the payment of certain outstanding obligations of the member hospitals and other affiliates and to fund capital projects.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will call a roll.
Councilwoman Fernandez. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980455
Aye. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980462
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. Majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill for consideration bill 980462. The clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An Ordinance amending Title 14 of the Philadelphia Code relating to "Zoning and Planning," by amending Chapter 14-200, entitled "Residential Districts," by adding a new 14.202.1, entitled "R-1A" Residential District.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will call a roll.
Aye. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980462
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. Majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill for consideration is Bill No. 980328. The clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An Ordinance authorizing the Street Commissioner, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to enter into an agreement with BFI Waste Systems of North America.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally? The Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen.
Mr. President, during STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980328 the hearing on this bill, there was a good deal of discussion about the situation with respect to the City of Chester receiving a hundred thousand tons of Philadelphia waste. That provision is in the bill. Other than that, the contract seems to be a good contract for the City of Philadelphia. I'm going to be introducing the resolution I was working on because I would like to vote for this bill, a resolution asking the City of Philadelphia after passage of this bill to consider making a change, to study the possibility, and recommending that they make a change as soon as possible. So I was voting yes on this bill and then would ask permission to introduce the resolution.
Anyone else on this bill? The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Verna.
I think it's extremely unfair that we receive a resolution just before this bill is called up for a vote. Many of our colleagues have already left the chambers, have not seen the resolution, and I don't think that they STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980328 have an opportunity to vote one way or the other on the resolution. I just don't think that's fair. I thought our policy was that resolution should be submitted 24 hours before introduction.
Councilwoman Verna, let me respond to that. I agree with the substance of your argument here. Councilmen Cohen, however, has a right to offer an amendment. You do not have to circulate amendments 24 hours in advance.
But is it fair to the members who have already left the chamber who haven't even seen it?
It absolutely isn't fair to them. They will not be here to vote on this resolution one way or the other. If he offers an amendment, that amendment perfectly in order and it would be considered by only those people who are in the chamber. I think what Councilman Cohen wants to do is offer some sort of a resolution, which it's our discretion to consider. A resolution is out of order at this time. The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980328
Mr. President, I'm sorry. I have a resolution in front of me. I heard discussion about an amendment.
But the resolution is being raised at the time of the vote on the bill?
Councilman Cohen have you circulated your resolution to all Members of Council?
Thank you, Mr. President, I was not finished, thank you. I'm trying to get an understanding of -Councilman Cohen has introduced a resolution at the time of the consideration of bill 980328, is that correct?
Yes, that is correct. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980328
And is the Councilmember's request that there be a vote on the resolution now that we're trying to bill?
Councilman Cohen has introduced this resolution in connection with the bill that is on the floor. The Chair rules that the resolution is out of order because it is out of order. However, it's out of order according to our rules. Councilmen Cohen has tried to explain it by saying, and we can get to the heart of this, if we adopt this resolution urging the administration to eliminate whatever it is, then he wants to be able be for the bill. That's pretty much what he has said. We can agree to consider the resolution or not to consider the resolution. We don't have to do it. I mean, we can if we want; we can not if we want. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Fernandez who rose to a point of order.
My point of order is I have not been given a copy.
The Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980328
I have not yet introduced the resolution. I stated that the contract contained a provision. I thought the hearing was very well attended by Councilmembers. It required -- there was a great deal of discussion. A number of Councilmembers expressed concern. I was suggesting that the end of this bill I would like to introduce that resolution. It's not before the floor, but since Councilwoman Verna seems so terribly concerned about the order, when we pass resolutions blindly in this when in the morning of the Council session a Councilmember is given a resolution never distributed to other members of City Council and then we take a vote on it, I just find her reasoning very difficult to follow. But in any event, in view of her objections I will not introduce the resolution. I have not introduced it. There's no point of order before you. I stated that I was seeking permission to introduce the resolution. I'd earlier announced that there was a resolution my office was working on and I asked permission to be able to introduce it at a later time.
Councilman STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980328 Cohen, I don't want split hairs with you. What you said is in your comments on the bill that you have this resolution, you'd like to vote for the bill and then be able to consider the resolution. Now, that's what you said.
I didn't want to introduce it during the bill. I was going to explain an action.
I understand that. And I say technically, the resolution is sitting on everybody's desk. You have commented on it and we might as well deal with the question of whether or not deal with your resolution at this time.
Well, I'm not going to introduce the resolution. I thought it was a very important -- many members felt that it would be an excellent resolution to deal with the situation. It was a big concern, but in view of the majority leader's, feeling that it's all out of order, nobody STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980328 knows anything about it. When everybody heard about it, it was widely reported. The room was full when there was testimony. I'll withhold it.
Thank you, Mr. President. If it is at all helpful, Mr. President, I would like to put on the record that there was a great amount of discussion and concern at the hearing which I believe was on a Tuesday . That hearing was subsequently recessed until Thursday, I believe last Thursday, and in the interim, there was an amendment made to the contract and testified to by our City Solicitor and the Streets Department. If it provides any additional clarification, Mr. President, I'd like to read this letter into the record.
Councilman, I do not wish to burden this record by having you read a letter that we already have.
We have a letter. People can look at it. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980328 Councilman Cohen has said that he is not asking that this resolution be considered at this time. Is there anybody who has anything on the substance of the bill? This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will call a roll.
Councilwoman STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980328 Krajewski.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980329 Majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill for consideration is Bill No. 980329. The clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An Ordinance authorizing the Streets Commissioner, on behalf of the city of Philadelphia, to enter into an agreement with USA Waste Transfer of Philadelphia.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will call a roll.
Councilwoman Fernandez. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980329
Aye. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980383
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. Majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill for consideration is Bill No. 980383. The clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An Ordinance authorizing the Streets Commissioner, on behalf of the City, to execute an Inter-Governmental Agreement for a Southeast Pennsylvania Regional Household Hazardous Waste Education, Collection and Management Project.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will call a roll.
Aye. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980383
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. Majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill for consideration is Bill No. 980384. The clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An Ordinance amending Sections 13-101 and 13-201 of the Philadelphia Code, relating to the standards pursuant to which the Water Department fixes and regulates rates.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will call a roll. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980384
Councilwoman Miller. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980386
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. Majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill for consideration is bill 980386. The Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An Ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property and the Director of Commerce, on behalf of the city to amend a certain lease agreement dated May 1, 1976, STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980386 as amended, between the City and the Redevelopment Authority.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will call a roll.
Councilman STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980386 Longstreth.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. Majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill for consideration bill for STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980441 consideration is Bill No. 980441. The clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An Ordinance constituting the Second Supplemental Ordinance to the Amended and Restated General Airport Revenue Bond Ordinance.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will call a roll.
Aye. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980441
Aye. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980450 The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. Majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill for consideration is Bill No. 980450. The clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An Ordinance amending chapter 19-2600 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Business Privilege Taxes."
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will call a roll.
Councilwoman Fernandez. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980450
Aye. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980451
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. Majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill for consideration is Bill No. 980451. The clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An Ordinance authorizing the Managing Director to execute on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, an amendment to the Contract dated as of August 1, 1987 with the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will call a roll.
Councilman Cohen. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980451
Councilman Rizzo. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980452
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. Majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill for consideration is Bill No. 980452. The clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An Ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, Director of Commerce, Director of Aviation and other officials of the City to acquire real estate and to enter into certain leases.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally? The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980452
Thank you, Mr. President. I had to leave chambers for a few minutes, and I'd like to be recorded as voting aye on all bills that were voted on in my absence.
Thank you. It is so noted. The clerk will call a roll.
Aye. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980452
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. Majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980526 The next bill for consideration is Bill No. 980526. The clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An Ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 1999 from the General Fund, the Director of Finance contribution to School District, tax cuts and the City Representative and the Director of Commerce.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will call a roll.
Councilwoman Fernandez. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980526
Aye. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980527
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. Majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill for consideration is Bill No. 980527. The clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An Ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 1999 within the Grants Revenue Fund from the Director of Finance - provision for other grants to the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will call a roll.
Councilman Cohen. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980527
Councilman Rizzo. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980532
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. Majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill for consideration is Bill No. 980532. The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter.
Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. President, I have been out of the chamber a few minutes, I wish to be recorded as voting aye on any bills that I missed.
An Ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 1999 within the General Fund from the Department of Public Property -- City Subsidy for STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980532 SEPTA, to the Council.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will call a roll.
Councilman Longstreth. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980532
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. Majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill for consideration is Bill No. 960882. The clerk will please read the title of STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 960882 the bill.
An Ordinance renewing the Area III and Area IV cable television franchises held by Comcast Cablevision of Philadelphia, L.P. 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 call a roll.
Aye. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 960882
Aye. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 970777 The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. Majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill for consideration is Bill No. 970777. The clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An Ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the city of Philadelphia, to inter into an Agreement of Lease between the City of Philadelphians U.S. Four, Inc.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will call a roll.
Aye. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 970777
Aye. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 970793
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. Majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill for consideration is Bill No. 970793. The clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to convey to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia without consideration, a deed conveying fee simple title of certain premises located at 216 West Somerset Street.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will call a roll.
Aye. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 970793
Aye. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 970833
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. Majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill for consideration Bill No. 970833, the clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An Ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, a deen conveying fee simple title to a certain tract of City-owned land with the buildings and improvements situated at Fifth and Huntingdon STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 970833 Streets.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will call a roll.
Councilman Longstreth. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 970833
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. Majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill for consideration is Bill No. 980147. The clerk will please read the title of STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980147 the bill.
An Ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City, to enter into an amendment to the lease dated July 10, 1990, between the City and the Far Northeast Senior Citizens, Inc.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will call a roll.
Aye. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980147
Aye. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980270 The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. Majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill for consideration is Bill No. 980270. The clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An Ordinance amending an ordinance approved September 29, 1981, as amended, which ordinance authorized a lease between the City of Philadelphia and the Twenty-first Ward Athletic Association.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will call a roll.
Aye. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980270
Aye. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980407
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. Majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill for consideration is Bill No. 980407. The clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An Ordinance authorizing the Director of Commerce and the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into a Deed of Dedication of Easement and Agreement with Tinicum Township.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will call a roll.
Aye. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980407
Aye. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980442
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. Majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill for consideration is Bill No. 980442. The clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An Ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia, deeds for property at 800 North Broad Street and 1438-1414 Brown Street.
This bill STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980442 having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will call a roll.
Councilman Mariano. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980458
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. Majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill for consideration is Bill No. 980458. The clerk will read the title of the bill.
An Ordinance STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980458 authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the city of Philadelphia, to enter into a real estate purchase contract with Louis Fox and Catherine Katz for 700-04 Third Street.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will call a roll.
Councilwoman Krajewski. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980458
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. Majority of all members of Council having voted in STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980459 the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill for consideration is Bill No. 980459. The clerk please the read the title of the bill.
An Ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into a lease agreement with Spring-Del Associates.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will call a roll.
Aye. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980459
Council President STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980533 Street.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. Majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill for consideration is 980533. The clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An Ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the city of Philadelphia, pursuant to the Urban Redevelopment Law P.L. 991 (May 24, 1945), to execute and deliver the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia, without consideration a deed for Philadelphia Housing Authority for egress and ingress at 4501 Ridge Avenue.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will call a roll.
Councilwoman Clark. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980533
Councilman Ortiz. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980308
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. Majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The nex bill for consideration is Bill No. 980308. The clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An Ordinance establishing a parking regulation on South Street, north side, from Second Street to Eighth 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 call a roll. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980308
Councilwoman Miller. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980379
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. Majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill for consideration is Bill No. 980379.
An Ordinance granting permission to the Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania to construct, own, energize, maintain, operate, replace, and remove poles, electrical conduit and appurtenances for STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980379 pedestrian lights.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will call a roll.
Councilman Longstreth. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980380
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. Majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill for consideration is Bill No. 980380. The clerk will please read the title of STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980380 the bill.
An Ordinance granting permission to the Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania to construct, own, energize, maintain, operate, replace, and remove poles, electrical conduit and appurtenances.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will call a roll.
Aye. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980380
Aye. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980381 The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. Majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill for consideration is Bill No. 980381. The clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An Ordinance granting permission to the Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania to construct, own, energize, maintain, operate, replace, and remove poles, electrical conduit and appurtenances.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will call a roll.
Aye. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980381
Aye. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980402
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. Majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill for consideration is Bill No. 980402. The clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An Ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Aspen Street, both sides, 25th Street to 26th Street.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will call a roll.
Councilman Cohen. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980402
Councilman Rizzo. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980403
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. Majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill for consideration is Bill No. 980403. The clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An Ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Aspen Street, both sides, 26th Street to 27th Street.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will call a roll.
Aye. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980403
Aye. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980404
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. Majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill for consideration is Bill No. 980404. The clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An Ordinance authorizing the striking from City Plan No. 166 and abandoning of a certain right-of-way for gas main purposes from 40th Street to Preston Street, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980404 now is shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will call a roll.
Aye. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980408
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. Majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill for consideration is Bill No. 980408. The clerk will pleasured the title of the bill.
An Ordinance authorizing the placing on City Plan No. 163 of a STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980408 certain-right-way for drainage purposes, water main purposes and gas main purposes.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will call a roll.
Councilman STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980408 Longstreth.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. Majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill for consideration is Bill STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980443 No. 980443. The clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An Ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 120 of an area bounded y 18th Street, 19th Street, Master Street and Jefferson Street.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will call a roll.
Councilman Kenney. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980443
Council President Street. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980444
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. Majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill for consideration is Bill No. 980444. The clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An Ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of city Plan No. 58 by striking from the City Plan and vacating Reno Street from Broad Street to 13th Street.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will call a roll.
Councilman DiCicco. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980444
Councilwoman Tasco. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980445
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. Majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill for consideration is Bill No. 980445. The clerk will now read the title of the bill.
An Ordinance granting permission to Herman Hinton, owner and Operator of the newsstand located on the southeast corner of Ridge and Girard Avenues to install, use and maintain certain electrical wires, conduits and appurtenances.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will call a roll.
Councilwoman Blackwell. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980445
Councilman Nutter. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980463
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. Majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill for consideration is Bill No. 980463. The clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An Ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 396 of an area lying generally southeastwardly from the intersection of Global Road and Red Lion Road.
This bill STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980463 having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will call a roll.
Councilman Mariano. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980530
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. Majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill for consideration is Bill No. 980530. The clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An Ordinance STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980530 amending Section 2 of an Ordinance (Bill No. 23), approved July 5, 1996, entitled "An Ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grads on a portion of City Plan No. 359."
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will call a roll.
Councilwoman Krajewski. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980530
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. Majority of all members of Council having voted in STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980388 the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill for Bill No. 980388. The clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An Ordinance amending Section 9-205 of the Philadelphia Code, relating to sidewalk sales by adding a new provision prohibiting sidewalk sales on Verree Road from Oxford Avenue to Bloomfield Road and Rhawn Street from Pine Road to Algon Avenue.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will call a roll.
Councilwoman Fernandez. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980388
Aye. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980446
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. Majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The last bill for consideration is Bill No. 980446. The clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An Ordinance renaming the Cobs Creek Skate House in the Park to Laura Sims' Skate House in Cobbs Creek Park.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will call a roll.
Councilman DiCicco. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980446
Councilwoman Tasco. STATED MEETING - 2ND, FINAL READING CAL. - 980446
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. Majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. This concludes our consideration of the calendar.
Are there any speeches on part of members of the minority? Are there any speeches on the part of members of the majority? The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
Mr. President, I would like to introduce Matthew Saad Muhammad who is the light heavy-weight champion from 1979 to 1982. He was just this week invoked in the Boxing Hall of Fame and he's a constituent of Councilman Nutter. (Applause.)
Any other speeches on the part of any other member? I'd like to remind Councilmembers that we have a meeting of the Council Committee of the Whole tomorrow at 9 o'clock. There is a recessed hearing of the special session of City Council that was originally convened for Tuesday, so we need you tomorrow morning at 9 o'clock. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Verna.
I move the Council stand adjourned until Thursday, September 17, 1998 at 10:00 a.m. (Duly seconded.)
All in favor, let it be known by saying aye. All opposed say nay. The ayes have it. This Council stands adjourned until Thursday, September 17, 1998, 10 o'clock a.m. (Adjourned at 1:50 p.m.) ¡›î› C E R T F I C A T I O N I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing proceedings of the Council of the City of Philadelphia of June 18, 1998, were reported fully and accurately by me, and that this is a correct transcript of the same. RE: STATED MEETING ___________________________ Lisa C. Bradley, RPR and Notary Public