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Minutes

Stated Meeting, February 26, 2004

Philadelphia City CouncilFeb 26, 2004

People mentioned

Names our system found in this transcript. Automatically extracted, so it can include anyone named in the record, not only officials or parties.

Organizations mentioned

COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, February 26, 2004 10:05 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILMAN DAVID COHEN COUNCILMAN FRANK J. DICICCO COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN JACK KELLY COUNCILMAN JAMES F. KENNEY COUNCILWOMAN JOAN L. KRAJEWSKI COUNCILMAN RICHARD T. MARIANO COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER COUNCILMAN MICHAEL A. NUTTER COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILMAN JUAN RAMOS COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO PATRICIA RAFFERTY, CHIEF CLERK V A R A L L O Incorporated Litigation Support Services Eleven Penn Center 1835 Market Street, Suite 600 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103 215.561.2220 215.567.2670

Council President Verna

Good morning, everyone. I note that the hour has come and that a quorum of this Council is present. The Council will please come to order. Members will take their seats and visitors will retire to the seats behind the rails. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair welcomes the Reverend John H. Roberts, Pastor of the Garden of Prayer Church. He is here today as the guest of Councilman Kenney. All members and guests will please rise.

Reverend Roberts

Let us bow our heads. Our Father and our God, we take time now to thank you, first of all, for waking us up this morning. And not only did you wake us up, but you helped us to get up. And you've given us a portion of strength to allow us to be able to bathe ourselves and to come here for this mornings meetings. We pray for the President of City Council Verna and all of the pray for the leaders of this City. We ask your divine presence even now on the decisions that must be made. Give wisdom to these great leaders of this City. Continue to bless us, for we've come together, now bring us together in the spirit of oneness. Bless us on this day and make us a blessing today. We ask this in the most precious name that we know, Jesus Christ, our lord. We ask us to remember our children in school with your divine protection while they're in school and coming home from school. We ask this again in thy name. Now, God if there is any here sick among us that may not be feeling well in their body we pray that you would touch them, for one of your names is Jehovah Rafa, the Lord thy good healer. We pray for a healing for those not well in their bodies. When we leave this place, let us leave as the three wise men, they went home another way. Help us to leave this praise and to go home another way. For the Bible says that when the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice. But when the wicked have rule, the people mourn. We've mourned long enough. Let us leave today with rejoicing in our spirits. We ask this in thy name and sakes we pray, and as always, Lord, we thank you for listening. Amen. (Council at ease.)

Council President Verna

The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, February 19, 2004. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.

Councilwoman Blackwell

Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, February 19, 2004, stand approved.

Council President Verna

Do I hear a second? (Duly seconded.)

Council President Verna

It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, February 19, 2004, stand approved. All in favor will signify by saying (Aye.)

Council President Verna

Those opposed. (No response.)

Council President Verna

The ayes have it. The motion carries. The Journal of the meeting of Thursday, February 19, 2004, is approved. The next order of business is request for leave of absence. And, again, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.

Councilwoman Blackwell

Thank you, Madam President. Today, there are no requests for leaves of absence on the part of the Majority.

Council President Verna

The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.

Councilman O'Neill

Madam President, on behalf of the Republicans there are no requests for leaves of absence.

Council President Verna

The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair will dispense with the regular order of business to recognize the guests and visitors joining us in Chambers this morning. On behalf of all Members of City Council, I welcome you to our Council session. We appreciate your taking the time to join us as we attend to the legislative affairs of our City. We certainly invite you to come again. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney who will present a resolution honoring St. Joseph's Prep football team. Will Mr. Brooks and those accompanying him, please join the Councilman at the podium?

Councilman Kenney

Madam President, if I may, I would like to request that Councilman O'Neill accompany me at the podium, and if Councilman Nutter comes in, to also send him up.

Council President Verna

All St. graduates?

Councilman Kenney

Yes, ma'am.

Council President Verna

The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.

Councilman Kenney

Thank you, Madam President. This is a resolution congratulating the varsity football team of St. Joseph's Preparatory School for winning the 2003 Philadelphia Catholic League Red Division Championship. Whereas, in a thrilling finale to an unforgettable season, the St. Joe's Prep Varsity Football Team handily defeated a stubborn Cardinal O'Hara Team 45 to 7 in a classic match-up while an energetic and vigorous hoard of hawks fans looked on; and Whereas, this overwhelming victory is particularly gratifying because it is the 14th title in school history and the third consecutive Catholic League Red title in as many years; Whereas, Prep Varsity Football was undefeated in the Catholic League for a second straight year under the leadership and Gill Brooks;

Councilman O'Neill

Whereas, this win extended the Prep's football team unbeaten streak to an unprecedented 35 games, a Catholic League and City of Philadelphia best; and Whereas, this victory marked a mile stone for head coach Gil Brooks in that it was his 105th victory as head coach of St. Joe's Prep Varsity Football Team in 12 years; now, therefore

Councilman Kenney

Resolved by the Council of the City of Philadelphia that we hereby honor the St. Joseph's Prep Varsity Football Team for winning the 2003 Philadelphia Catholic League Red Division Championship. And I'd just like to say as a graduate of school, along with Councilman O'Neill, how proud we are that this team has done so well, not only locally, but nationally. It's a nationally recognized, nationally ranked team. I believe they were second in the country. And also understand athletes. All these people have a very rigorous academic schedule and academic requirements to get through the school, so not only are they great athletes, but they're great scholars and students too. So we congratulate them all. Thank you. (Applause.)

Council President Verna

The Chair recognizes Mr. Brooks for remarks.

Mr. Brooks

Thank you very much, Council President. I would just like to thank City Council for having us here today. We're very proud to be here. We're proud of the St. Joe's Prep Football Team, but we're also very proud of that fact that we represent the City of Philadelphia. We went to New York this year and played the best team in New York, Brooklyn Prep; we beat them. We went down to Baltimore and played the best team in the Baltimore area at Gilman School; we beat them. And at all times we represented the City of Philadelphia in that regard. So we're proud of being St. Joe's Prep, but we're also very proud of being in the City of Philadelphia and we have a little something here for the Councilmembers. That's your very own Prep game jersey, a little token of our appreciation for having us here today. Hopefully, they fit and they're a number you wanted to wear. Thank you very much on behalf of everybody at St. Joe's Prep. (Applause.)

Council President Verna

Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)

Council President Verna

At this time the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco who will present a resolution recognizing Philadelphia's first Anti-Predatory Lending Billboard Campaign. Will Ms. Lewis and those accompanying her please join the Councilwoman at the podium? The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.

Councilwoman Tasco

Thank you, ongoing battle against predatory lending, we're pleased this morning to bring in a group of people who have lent their support and lending their support to this fight. Some have been involved in this battle since 1999 and will continue. So I am just pleased to present this resolution recognizing, commending, and supporting Steen Outdoor, Keystone Outdoor, Clear Channel Outdoor, and the Philadelphia Predatory Lending Task Force for joining forces to develop and promote Philadelphia first Anti-Predatory Lending Billboard and Education Campaign. Whereas, Resolution No. 00479, introduced on June 15, 2000, request that the Committee Council Committee on Finance to conduct an investigation of the extent of predatory lending practices in Philadelphia and the legislative remedies to address this serious problem; and Whereas, this Council has previously recognized that numerous studies have shown that the scourge of predatory lending which of a community is not limited to certain neighborhoods in Philadelphia but the entire City and has been afflicting vulnerable groups of homeowners throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and across this nation; and Whereas, it is the duty of this Council to protect the citizens and neighborhoods of Philadelphia, and this body has already gone on record through identifying the predatory lending epidemic that has plagued this City when they passed unanimously Bill No. 000715A on February 5, 2001; and Whereas, there is a need to educate the citizens of Philadelphia regarding the perils and problems caused by predatory lending; and Whereas, Steen Outdoor, Keystone Outdoor, and Clear Channel Outdoor have been long-term promoters of public service advertising campaigns that support various local and national organizations as well as interests that are beneficial to the City; and whereas Task Force has acted as a clearing house for information related to predatory lending and has worked to develop solutions, including the development of consumer education, to end the problem of predatory lending in our City;. Now, therefore resolved that the Council of the City of Philadelphia recognize, commend, and support Steen Outdoor, Keystone Outdoor, Clear Channel Outdoor, and the Philadelphia Predatory Lending Task Force for joining forces to develop and promote Philadelphia's first Anti-predatory Billboard and Education Campaign. Further resolved that an engrossed copy of the resolution be presented to representatives of Steen Outdoor, Keystone Outdoor, and Clear Channel Outdoor, and the Philadelphia Predatory Lending Task Force as an expression of the appreciation of this legislative body. Certification that this is a true and correct copy of the original resolution to be adopted by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the 26th day of February 2004, signed by President Anna Verna and introduced and supported by Marian B. Tasco. Thank you very much. (Applause.)

Council President Verna

The Chair recognizes Ms. Lewis for remarks.

Ms. Lewis

Thank you, Council President. And I'd like to thank Councilwoman Tasco for her undying efforts not only support the task fourth but support the efforts way before the task force was even formed. I'd like to make sure that I recognize the other task force members. If there are any other task force members that are still seated, would you please come forward, including Councilman Goode and Councilwoman Blackwell who are both members of the Task Force. I'd like to recognize the Co-Chair of the Task Force Cleo Walker of the Housing Association of Delaware Valley, representative Dwight Evans' office, Senator Specter's office is here somewhere. But anyway, I'd like to thank all of the Task Force members. I'd also like who will be going with us on the education campaign the, United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, Milton Pratt from HUD and Wanda Nieves, the Director of the Fair Housing Division at HUD. Also our lending partners Wachovia Bank, Bruce Johnson and Citizens and PNC Bank. Without further ado, I'd like to present to you the other members who have made this possible. These are our partners who have been able to put together something to publicize this effort all over the City of Philadelphia. I'd like to introduce to you Barbara Bridge from Clear Channel Outdoor. (Applause.)

Ms. Bridge

Thank you. President Verna, Councilwoman Tasco, Councilmembers, we'd like to thank you for recognizing our partnership Clear Channel with the Predatory Task Force, Steen and Keystone Outdoor in our efforts in our task to educate the people in Philadelphia as to the dangers of predatory lending. a list of the tentative locations where we intend to put the billboards: 5835 Woodland Avenue; 61st Street north of Passyunk; Washington at 25th Street; Lancaster and 52nd Street; Woodland east of Cobbs Creek; Erie east of 21st Street; 18th and Windram Avenue; Diamond at 27th Street; Allegheny east of Ridge Avenue; 79th and Ogontz Avenue. We are, pleased to provide this service to the members of the Philadelphia community because we are part of the Philadelphia community. And we sincerely hope to work with other Councilmembers in the future. Just give us a call. Thank you. (Applause.)

Ms. Bridge

With that, I'd like to introduce the other two members of Clear Channel, the President of Clear Channel, Mr. George J. Caulker and Randy Brownly, our Senior Sales Executive, without whom I could not have done this program. Thank you. (Applause.)

Ms. Lewis

I'd also like to make and not forget the participation of the other two Outdoor companies, Keystone and Steen. Thank you. (Applause.)

Council President Verna

Are there any other speakers? (No response.)

Council President Verna

Seeing none, Council be at ease. (Council at ease.)

Council President Verna

The next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant-at-Arms -

Councilman Dicicco

Point of order, Madam President.

Council President Verna

I'm sorry. Point of order. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco.

Councilman Dicicco

Thank you, Madam President. I have some guests I'd like to recognize at this time.

Council President Verna

Please do so.

Councilman Dicicco

For the second week in a row, I'm honored to introduce a number of young people who are part of the City Year Program. They are here today with Mr. Christopher Simons. He's the senior project manager. They represent the Kensington High School and Mastbaum High School of my district. And I would ask that they stand to be recognized.

Council President Verna

Please stand. Welcome. (Applause.)

Councilman Dicicco

Thank you, Madam President.

Council President Verna

Thank you. The next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant-at-Arms deliver the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. The Chief Clerk will please read the messages from the Mayor. THE

Chief Clerk

To the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am transmitting herewith for the introduction and consideration of your honorable body a proposed resolution entitled, a resolution confirming the appointment of Pedro A. Ramos as City Solicitor; And a resolution approving the authorization for the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to use NTI bond proceeds to acquire certain properties, under certain terms and conditions; And a resolution agreeing to participate in the 436 Walnut Tax Increment Financing District;. And an ordinance approving the Fiscal Year 2004 Capital Budget providing for expenditures for the capital purposes of the Philadelphia Gas Works for fiscal years 2005 through 2009; And an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to extend the term of a lease agreement for portions of the building and parking lot located at 4700 Wissahickon Avenue; And an ordinance creating the 437 Walnut Tax Increment Financing District, being the area generally bounded by Walnut Street on the north, Fourth Street on the east, Fifth Street on the west and Spruce Street on the south.

Council President Verna

Thank you. The messages will be printed in the Journal. The Chief Clerk will please read any other communications in her possession. THE

Chief Clerk

That's all I have, Madam President.

Council President Verna

Thank you. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for a motion.

Councilwoman Blackwell

Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit immediate consideration of resolutions at their time of introduction. (Duly seconded.)

Council President Verna

It has been moved and properly seconded that the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit immediate consideration of resolutions at the time of introduction. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)

Council President Verna

Those opposed? (No response.)

Council President Verna

The ayes have it, and the motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.

Councilman Kenney

Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions today.

Council President Verna

The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.

Councilwoman Blackwell

Thank you, Madam President. This morning I introduce two bills on your behalf, one resolution on your behalf, and one other resolution.

Council President Verna

Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the first bill. THE

Chief Clerk

An ordinance granting permission to Carmen Polutro and Joseph Polutro, owners the property 2650 South 15th Street to operate and maintain an open air sidewalk cafe on the northwest corner of South 15th Street and Oregon Avenue.

Council President Verna

The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE

Chief Clerk

And an ordinance amending Section 9-204 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled, Sidewalk Vendors in Center City, by exempting sidewalk sales by owners and tenants of 1523 and 1529 Spruce Street.

Council President Verna

This bill will also be referred to the appropriate committee. THE

Chief Clerk

And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority deeds located in the 30th, 36th, 39th Wards of the City of Philadelphia.

Council President Verna

The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.

Councilwoman Blackwell

Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

Council President Verna

It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)

Council President Verna

Those opposed? (No response.)

Council President Verna

The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. The Clerk will please read the next resolution. THE

Chief Clerk

A resolution confirming the appointment of Pedro A. Ramos as City Solicitor.

Council President Verna

This resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen.

Councilman Cohen

Thank you, Madam President. I offer two resolutions, the one with respect to honoring the group that fighting for continuation of the moratorium on death penalty, is cosponsored by Councilwoman Donna Miller who is the author of the original resolution several years ago and by Councilman Goode and Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds. Each resolution has 12 members in support of it, but not necessarily the same 12.

Council President Verna

Thank you. The Clerk will please read the first resolution. THE

Chief Clerk

A resolution calling upon Albertsons, the owner of the Acme Markets to settle the more than 100-day-old lock-out of its workers in Southern California in a way that maintains their health benefits and further urging Albertsons and its CEO Larry Johnston to not try these benefit-destroying tactics in Philadelphia.

Council President Verna

The Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen.

Councilman Cohen

Madam President, I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

Council President Verna

It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)

Council President Verna

Those opposed? (No response.)

Council President Verna

The ayes have it, and the resolution has been adopted. The Clerk will please read the next resolution. THE

Chief Clerk

A resolution declaring the week of February 27 to March 4, 2004 Death Penalty Moratorium Week in Philadelphia, renewing City Council's call for a death penalty moratorium and in commending the staff and community of Pennsylvania Abolitionists United the Death Penalty for the dedicated efforts to advance the cause of a State-wide moratorium.

Council President Verna

The Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen.

Councilman Cohen

Madam President, I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

Council President Verna

It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)

Council President Verna

Those opposed? (No response.)

Council President Verna

The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.

Councilwoman Krajewski

Madam President, I offer one bill.

Council President Verna

Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the bill. THE

Chief Clerk

An ordinance establishing a no stopping anytime regulation on the east side of State Street between Ashburner Street and Linden Avenue.

Council President Verna

The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano.

Councilman Mariano

Madam President, I have two resolutions.

Council President Verna

The Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution. THE

Chief Clerk

A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City deeds located in the 38th Ward of the City of Philadelphia.

Council President Verna

The Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano.

Councilman Mariano

Move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)

Council President Verna

It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Council President Verna

Those opposed? (No response.)

Council President Verna

The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. The Clerk will please read the title of the second resolution. THE

Chief Clerk

A resolution authorizing Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City deeds located in the 19th and 43rd Wards of the City of Philadelphia.

Council President Verna

The Chair again recognizes Councilman Mariano.

Councilman Mariano

Move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)

Council President Verna

It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)

Council President Verna

Those opposed? (No response.)

Council President Verna

The ayes have it, and the resolution has been adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.

Councilwoman Tasco

I offer one bill, no resolutions.

Council President Verna

The Clerk will please read the title of the bill. THE

Chief Clerk

An ordinance approving Fiscal Year 2004 Capital Budget providing for the expenditures for the capital purposes of the Philadelphia Gas Works.

Council President Verna

The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.

Councilwoman Miller

Thank you, Madam President. I offer two resolutions.

Council President Verna

The Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution. THE

Chief Clerk

A resolution authorizing Council's Committee on Public Safety to hold public hearings to investigate the safety of Philadelphia's public libraries in order to determine the most cost effective and least intrusive means to maintain an open atmosphere while assuring the safety for the users and employees.

Council President Verna

The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.

Councilwoman Miller

I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

Council President Verna

It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Council President Verna

Those opposed? (No response.)

Council President Verna

The ayes have it, and the resolution will be referred to the Committee on Public Safety. The Clerk please read the title of the second resolution. THE

Chief Clerk

A resolution approving an amendment of the Redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of an additional portion of the Tioga Urban Renewal Area.

Council President Verna

The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.

Councilwoman Miller

I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

Council President Verna

It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)

Council President Verna

Those opposed? (No response.)

Council President Verna

The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter, if he's available.

Councilman Nutter

Sorry, Madam President. Madam President, I offer one bill and one resolution. I wish to speak on the resolution.

Council President Verna

Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the bill, please. THE

Chief Clerk

An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to extend the term of a lease agreement for portions of the building and parking lot located at 4700 Wissahickon Avenue.

Council President Verna

The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution. THE

Chief Clerk

A resolution recognized February 25, 2004 as Reparations Awareness Day and urging the US Congress to pass HR 40 and the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to pass House Bill 765, both entitled The Commission to Study Reparation Proposals For African Americans Act.

Council President Verna

The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter.

Councilman Nutter

Madam President, I move the adoption of the resolution, and I wish to be heard on it. (Duly seconded.)

Council President Verna

The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter.

Councilman Nutter

Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, we have with us today representatives of the Philadelphia Chapter of the National Coalition of Blacks for reparations in America. The two representatives are across the room, Ms. Ron Johnson and Ms. Mamie Young and I just wanted to recognize them for their efforts.

Council President Verna

Thank you. Welcome. (Applause.)

Council President Verna

It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)

Council President Verna

Those opposed? (No response.)

Council President Verna

The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.

Councilwoman Brown

Thank you, Madam President. I offer two resolutions. The second resolution, cosponsored by my colleagues Councilmembers Goode, Nutter, and Tasco.

Council President Verna

Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution. THE

Chief Clerk

A resolution authorizing the City Council Committee on Commerce and Economic Development and Public Health and Human Services to hold hearings regarding the report developed by the Philadelphia Food Marketing Task Force as a result of the hearings on April 16, 2002.

Council President Verna

The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.

Councilwoman Brown

Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)

Council President Verna

It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)

Council President Verna

Those opposed? (No response.)

Council President Verna

The ayes have it, and the resolution will be referred to the Committees on Commerce and Economic Development and also Public Health and Human Services. The Clerk will please read the title of the second resolution. THE

Chief Clerk

A resolution declaring the final weekend in March, March 26th through March 28th, as Generation Next Weekend.

Council President Verna

The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Brown.

Councilwoman Brown

I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)

Council President Verna

It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)

Council President Verna

Those opposed? (No response.)

Council President Verna

The ayes have it, and the resolution has been adopted. (Applause.)

Council President Verna

At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.

Councilman Goode

Thank you, Madam President. I offer one bill and one resolution.

Council President Verna

Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the bill. THE

Chief Clerk

An ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of the proposal set forth in a resolution approved by Council proposing amendment of the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter relating to the election of the Council President by the voters at-large and reducing the number of other at-large Councilmembers from seven to six, the filling of vacancies in the offices of Mayor and Council President specifying the Council President's powers and duties and permitting Councilmembers and an acting Mayor to be candidates for certain other City offices without first resigning their position fixing the date of a special election for such purposes.

Council President Verna

The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution. THE

Chief Clerk

A resolution proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter relating to the election of Council President by the voters at-large and reducing the number of other at-large Councilmembers from seven to six, the filling of vacancies in the offices of Mayor and Council President specifying the Council Presidents powers and duties and permitting Councilmembers and an acting Mayor to be candidates for certain other City offices.

Council President Verna

This resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ramos.

Councilman Ramos

Madam President, I offer one resolution.

Council President Verna

Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution. THE

Chief Clerk

A resolution authorizing the Committee on Labor and Civil Services to hold public hearings to examine and investigate the high number of unemployed people in Philadelphia and the effects this has on their families, the viability of business commerce in the City's declining population base.

Council President Verna

The Chair again recognizes Councilman Ramos.

Councilman Ramos

Madam President, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

Council President Verna

It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Council President Verna

Those opposed? (No response.)

Council President Verna

The ayes have it, and the resolution will be referred to the Committee on Labor and Civil Service. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco.

Councilman Dicicco

Thank you, Madam President. I offer two bills and one resolution.

Council President Verna

Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the first bill. THE

Chief Clerk

An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning" by adding a new chapter providing for the creation of Neighborhood Conservation Districts providing for the adoption of design guidelines for properties within such districts.

Council President Verna

The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE

Chief Clerk

And an ordinance creating the 436 Walnut Tax Increment Financing District.

Council President Verna

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE

Chief Clerk

And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City deeds located in the 2nd and 31st Wards of the City of Philadelphia.

Council President Verna

The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco.

Councilman Dicicco

Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

Council President Verna

It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Council President Verna

Those opposed? (No response.)

Council President Verna

The ayes have it, and the resolution has been adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.

Councilman O'Neill

Madam President, I have no bills or resolutions.

Council President Verna

The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.

Councilman Clarke

Thank you, Madam President. I have one bill, one resolution.

Council President Verna

The Clerk will please read the title of the bill. THE

Chief Clerk

An ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance, Bill No. 020740, approved January 23, 2003, entitled an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 58 by striking from the City plan and vacating Olive Street from Percy Street to 10th Street.

Council President Verna

The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution. THE

Chief Clerk

A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver Redevelopment Authority of the City deeds located in the 16th, 20th and 37th Wards of the City of Philadelphia.

Council President Verna

Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.

Councilman Clarke

I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)

Council President Verna

It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Council President Verna

Those opposed? (No response.)

Council President Verna

The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kelly.

Councilman Kelly

Madam President, I have no bills or resolutions today.

Council President Verna

The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.

Councilman Rizzo

Madam President, I have one resolution today.

Council President Verna

The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution. THE

Chief Clerk

A resolution honoring, commending and thanking John Bonjove and Craig A. Spencer, Co-Chairman and majority owners and Ron Jawarski, Team President for their pride, confidence and commitment in bringing the Philadelphia Soul Area Football Team to the City of Philadelphia.

Council President Verna

The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.

Councilman Rizzo

I move for the adoption of the this resolution. (Duly seconded.)

Council President Verna

It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)

Council President Verna

Those opposed? (No response.)

Council President Verna

The ayes have it, and the resolution has been adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco. I believe you want to introduce a resolution?

Councilwoman Tasco

Yes, Madam President, I do want to introduce a resolution. We just got it.

Council President Verna

The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution. THE

Chief Clerk

A resolution recognizing, commending, and supporting Steen Outdoor, Keystone Outdoor, Clear Channel Outdoor, and the Philadelphia Predatory Lending Task Force for joining forces to develop and promote Philadelphia's first Anti-Predatory Lending Billboard and Education Campaign.

Council President Verna

The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.

Councilwoman Tasco

I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

Council President Verna

It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Council President Verna

Those opposed? (No response.)

Council President Verna

The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. As there are no reports from committees today, we will continue with the consideration of the Calendar. The Chief Clerk will please read the 02/26/04 - STATED - 1ST READING bills on the First Reading Calendar. THE

Chief Clerk

Bill No. 040033, an ordinance authorizing 111 South 15th Street Associates to construct and maintain a marquis, raised planters and rigid awnings on and over the public footways on Chestnut Street, 15th Street and Sansom Street, under certain terms and conditions.