COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, 5/6/10, 2010, 10:20 a.m. COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT: Anna C. Verna, President Jannie L. Blackwell Blondell Reynolds Brown Darrell L. Clarke Frank DiCicco W. Wilson Goode, Jr. Bill Green William K. Greenlee Curtis Jones, Jr. Jack Kelly James F. Kenney Joan L. Krajewski Donna Reed Miller Brian J. O'Neill Frank Rizzo Maria D. Quiñones-Sanchez Marian B. Tasco Also Present: Michael A. Decker, Chief Clerk DISCOVERYWORKS GLOBAL Litigation Support Specialists 1835 Market Street, Suite 600 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103 215.561.2220 215.567.2670 5.6.10 STATED METING - GREETING/INVOCATION
Good morning, everyone. I note that the hour has come and that a quorum of this council is present. Council will please come to order, members will take their seats, and visitors will retire to the seats outside the rails. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair Recognizes Pastor Frank Rodriguez. He is here today as the guest of Councilman Bill Greenlee. I would ask all members and guests to please rise. Welcome.
Thank you. Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, distinguished members of this council, and Madam President. Let us pray. Heavenly Father, I come before You as a humble servant to ask for a very special blessing. Father, You know this city, you 5.6.10 STATED METING - GREETING/INVOCATION know our hearts. A nation was born here. This is where independence was forged. At the beginning, you were already here. We've heard the prayers of our forefathers in troubled times, and You have blessed this nation. Father, I stand before You, a sinner saved by grace. Today, I ask that You may bless the men and women of our armed forces, our firefighters, our law enforcement personnel, that You may keep our sons and daughters from harm's way. Father, You know the men and women in this room; they are our elected officials. They are one voice that represents the thousands of echoes of our community. Grant them guidance, wisdom, peace, health and patience; and that when they are engaged in passionate debate, may Your words ever be present in this house. Come now, let us reason together for the good of a city, for the good of a nation, for the good of a 5.6.10 STATED - JOURNAL APPROVAL people. Father, in Your most holy name, we pray. Amen. AUDIENCE: Amen.
Amen. Thank you, Pastor. It was a very inspiring invocation. (Council stands at ease.) (Proceedings resume.) * * *
The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, April 29, 2010. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Madam Chair. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday April 29, 2010, stand approved. (Motion duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that 5.6.10 STATED - LEAVES OF ABSENCE REQUESTS the Journal of the meeting of Thursday April 29, 2010, stand approved. All in favor will indicate be saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and the Journal is approved. * * *
The next order of business is requests for leaves of absence. And, again, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Madam Chair. On behalf of the Majority, there are no requests for leaves of absence today.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
Madam President, on behalf of the Republicans, 5.6.10 STATED - LEAVES OF ABSENCE REQUESTS there are no requests for leave.
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 Rizzo, who will present a resolution recognizing Philadelphia Firefighters 2010. Will Bill Gault, President of the IAFF Local 22, and those accompanying him please join the Councilman at the podium. I see that Councilman Rizzo is 5.6.10 STATED - PRESENTATIONS being joined by Councilman Kenney and Councilwoman ... (Honoree, Councilmembers, and others come forward.)
Councilwoman Miller is also joining Councilman Rizzo. Councilman Rizzo.
Thank you, Madam President. Good morning, everyone. Today, we recognize Friday, May 7th, as Firefighter MBA kickoff of the Annual International Association of Firefighters Local 22 Fill the Boot Campaign in the City of Philadelphia to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Whereas, muscular dystrophy, which affects more than a million Americans, refers to a group of hereditary muscle-destroying disorders, which vary in inheritance pattern, age of onset, initial muscles attacked, and rate 5.6.10 STATED - PRESENTATIONS of progression; and...
Whereas, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, or MDA, is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS, and related diseases by funding worldwide research; and Whereas, MDA also provides comprehensive health care and support services and seeks both to provide the power of information to those living with muscle diseases as well as to increase knowledge and awareness of these diseases among scientists, physicians, nurses, therapists, and the general public; and Whereas, MDA's advocacy efforts are committed to making life better for people with muscular dystrophy and related muscle diseases by providing representation in matters of public policy and research, advancement nationally and internationally; and...
Whereas as members of the IAFF Local 22 greatly 5.6.10 STATED - PRESENTATIONS serve and protect the public and property throughout the City of Philadelphia every day; and Whereas, each year, to enable MDA to continue these important efforts, members of the IAFF Local 22 generously and unselfishly donate their time and money to raise money for MDA through their Fill the Boot Campaign; and Whereas, during the Fill the Boot Campaign, Philadelphia firefighters greet motorists, shoppers, and others, asking them to donate money to MDA; and Whereas, IAFF Local 22 encourages everyone in the City of Philadelphia to help them help MDA. Now, therefore...
Further resolved that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Local 22 further evidencing the sincere admiration and gratitude of this legislative body. And, Bill, I hear you picked up a size 17 boot? 5.6.10 STATED - PRESENTATIONS
Big boot. Madam President, I'd like to first introduce the regional director of the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Vicki Berkowitz. (Applause.)
Councilman Rizzo, members of City Council, members of the City of Philadelphia, on behalf of the Muscular Dystrophy Association and all of our clients served who live in the Greater Philadelphia area, it is my pleasure to be able to stand up here and thank the members of the IAFF Local 22, Philadelphia firefighters and paramedics for their continuous support of MDA and for their big hearts. It is really the people of the City of Philadelphia who show their support of these firefighters and their efforts on behalf of MDA. And I'd like to share with you that the money they raise stays locally: 5.6.10 STATED - PRESENTATIONS The money they raise by the Fill the Boot Campaign helps fund the Pediatric clinic at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. It helps fund the General Neuromuscular Clinic at the University of Pennsylvania and an ALS at Drexel Hahnemann. It helps fund a summer camp program, and it helps fund life-saving research, which, in "MDA Land," research equals hope, and hope is what drives our families. So members of Local 22, I thank you. It is my pleasure to stand up here. And this is a tradition that we cherish. (Applause.)
Good morning. I'd like to introduce my board: Mike Kane, Mike Bresnan, Ray Vasselli, Calvin (indiscernible), Michael Conroy, Jack Eltman. 5.6.10 STATED - PRESENTATIONS And I'd like to say thank you all to our medics and firefighters out there. (Applause.)
Good morning. Welcome to all. My name is Bill Gault, and I'm President of the Local 22, the International Association of Firefighters. On behalf of every past and current Philadelphia firefighter or medic, active or retired, I want to thank the entire Philadelphia City Council for passing today's resolution and for the City's continuous support of the firefighters' Fill the Boot Campaign. For more than fifty years, far longer than Jerry Lewis's Annual Memorial Day Telethon has been on TV, firefighters here, in Philadelphia, and from across the country have been partners with the MDA and raising money to support research to find a cure and perfect better 5.6.10 STATED - PRESENTATIONS treatment regimens for those who suffer from this terrible disease. The annual MDA Fill the Boot effort provides a way for all of us to help. Our firefighters and medics will again take to the streets over the next few days to collect the generous contributions from the residents, commuters, and tourists. So when you see our men and women at the intersections passing the boot at an event, please open up your wallets. Every contribution helps, every dollar helps. Let me ask everyone who hears about Fill the Boot on TV or in the papers to join with the Local 22 firefighters and medics in making as generous a contribution as you can. And let me start by making the first donation right now. I don't have a boot, but I'll give Vicki a twenty. Thank you very much. (Applause.) 5.6.10 STATED - PRESENTATIONS
Council will be at ease. (Council stands at ease.) (Proceedings resume.) * * *
The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell, who will present a resolution congratulating Our Mother of Sorrows and St. Ignatius of Loyola School Boys Varsity Basketball Team. Will Father Otto, Pastor of the parishes, and those accompanying him please join the Councilwoman at the podium. (Councilwoman Blackwell and honorees come forward.)
Thank you, Madam President. We accept that -- just learned that Father Otto's sister was rushed to the hospital, so he isn't here. But Sister Owen Patricia Bonner, principle of Our Mother of Sorrows and St. Ignatius 5.6.10 STATED - PRESENTATIONS is. And so, we welcome her. We welcome Rae Maria from your office, Madam President, who's here and all of our other guests. This is a resolution honoring and congratulating the Boys Varsity Basketball Team at Our Mother of Sorrows and St. Ignatius of Loyola School for winning the Pennsylvania State's Grade School Boys CYO Basketball Tournament. Whereas, the boys varsity basketball team at Our Mother of Sorrows and St. Ignatius of Loyola School won the Pennsylvania State Grade Boys CYO Basketball Tournament in Harrisburg on Sunday, March 21st; and Whereas, the tournament featured top teams from the eight dioceses in Pennsylvania. The team from Our Mother of Sorrows and St. Ignatius of Loyola, called the Comets, is the best in the archdiocese of Philadelphia, which includes 234 varsity basketball teams in Philadelphia, Montgomery, Bucks, Chester, 5.6.10 STATED - PRESENTATIONS and Delaware County; and Whereas, the Comets beat Our Mother of Sorrows from the Diocese of Altoona 54 to 35 in the final game of the tournament to win the title of Best in the State and capped off an undefeated 41-to-0 season; and Whereas, this is the second year in the row that the Comets have been the top team in their region, which includes West and Southwest Philadelphia. This is the first time, however, that the Comets have won the Archdiocese of Philadelphia or the Pennsylvania State Tournament. The team also won the St. Margaret Tournament, Archbishop Carroll Tournament, and the West Catholic Tournament; and
41-and-0. Jeez, that's amazing. Whereas, the team is led by Head Coach Leroy Duncan, Assistant Coach Keith Chennault, who are both St. Ignatius of Loyola alumni. The team 5.6.10 STATED - PRESENTATIONS roster is: Xavier Berry, Andrew Bonner, Hondu Brown, Jordan Coles, Termir Durham, John Fletcher, Troy Harper, Frank Johnson, Darius Kennedy, Jaquan Newton, Jalen Roberson Cosby, and Basil Thompson; and Whereas, our Mother of Sorrows and St. Ignatius of Loyola is a pre-K to 8th-grade elementary school, with 310 students. The school has two campuses: Our Mother of Sorrows, located at 48th and Lancaster; and St. Ignatius of Loyola, located at 636 North 43rd Street; and Whereas, some 80 percent of the school's alumni go on to private or charter high schools, and 85 percent graduate in four years. Last year's graduating class earned $34,000 in high school scholarships. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Philadelphia City Council hereby honors and congratulates the Boys Varsity Basketball Team of our Mother of Sorrows 5.6.10 STATED - PRESENTATIONS and St. Ignatius of Loyola School for winning the Pennsylvania State School Boys Catholic Youth Organization Basketball Tournament. Further involved that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented as a sincere expression of this Council's acknowledgment and congratulations of the Comets' victory. Congratulations. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes Sister Owen for remarks. SISTER OWEN: Council President Verna, Councilwoman Blackwell, Councilman Kenney, good morning and thank you for having us here today. We are very proud of our young men. We are proud of them on and off the court for their many accomplishments. 41-and-0 is an impress-story. But we are also proud of all of the things that they accomplish each and every day. We are proud of their 5.6.10 STATED - PRESENTATIONS academic achievements, we are proud of their endeavors to improve their lives to get into good high schools. And so, it is my privilege and my pleasure to stand before you this morning to receive this award in honor of all of the gentlemen who are here but also those who could not be with us today, to acknowledge our coaches, to acknowledge our parents and parishioners. This is a prime example of the village it takes to raise our children today. And we are so grateful to everyone who has contributed to that. And so, once again, I say thank you. (Applause.)
Council will be at ease. (Council stands at ease.) (Proceedings resume.) * * *
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco, who 5.6.10 STATED - PRESENTATIONS will present a resolution honoring the Pennsylvania Bar Association. Will Cliff Haines, President of the Association, and those accompanying him please join the Councilwoman at the podium. (Councilwoman Tasco, Honoree and others come forward.)
Thank you, Madam President. This is an honor this morning to represent this resolution honoring the Pennsylvania Bar Association for hosting the 27th Annual National High School Mock Trial Championship in Philadelphia. Whereas, on May 6th to 9th, 2010, the Pennsylvania Bar Association (PBA) will host the 27th Annual National High School Mock Trial Championship in Philadelphia; and Whereas, mock trial teams competing in the championship include 5.6.10 STATED - PRESENTATIONS representatives of more than forty states as well as Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and South Korea, and more than 750 high school students, teachercoaches, and lawyer-advisers will travel to Philadelphia for the tournament, and more than 300 Pennsylvania law students, lawyers, judges, educators, and other volunteers will staff and judge this event; and Whereas, on an annual basis, Pennsylvania, through the leadership of PBA Pro Bono Coordinator David Keller Trevaskis, Esquire, hosts one of the country's largest statewide mock trial competitions, which, this year, included 339 teams from 284 high schools from throughout the Commonwealth and Philadelphia, through the leadership of Temple Law School LEAP Director Roberta West, Esquire, hosts the John S. Bradway High School Mock Trial Competition, where 50 public and parochial schools compete for the city championships; and 5.6.10 STATED - PRESENTATIONS Whereas, through the competition, six to eight member students teams are given the opportunity to argue both sides of a case in an actual courtroom before a judge and the students, playing the roles of lawyers, witnesses, plaintiffs, and defendants, are assisted by teacher-coaches and attorney-advisers in preparing for competition, and volunteer lawyers and community leaders serve as jurors in the trials and determine the winners in each trial based on the team's ability to prepare their cases, present arguments, and follow court rules; and Whereas, the National High School Mock Trial Competition is the premier national law-related academic tournament for high school students and mock trial programs and is designed to give students an inside perspective on the legal system, providing them with an understanding of the mechanism through which society chooses to resolve many of 5.6.10 STATED - PRESENTATIONS its disputes and participation in a performance-based, hands-on program of this nature, provides students with the practical knowledge of the operation of our legal system; and Whereas, mock trial programs develop young citizens who can sustain and build our nation by making a reasoned and informed commitment to democracy and provide students with the opportunity to develop and improve important life skills, including oral advocacy, critical thinking, effective communication, quality preparation, team work, and following rules. And these life skills will benefit mock trial students throughout their lives, regardless of their chosen careers. Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Council of the City of Philadelphia that we hereby honor the Pennsylvania Bar Association for hosting the 27th Annual National High School Mock Trial Championship in Philadelphia. 5.6.10 STATED - PRESENTATIONS Further resolved that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the representatives of the Pennsylvania Bar Association and its National Mock Trial Committee as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body. This is a true copy of the original resolution adopted by the Council of the City of Philadelphia on this 22nd of April, 2010, and supported by all members of City Council. We thank you. And thank you for coming to Philadelphia. (Applause.)
Thank you, Madam President and members of Council. We thank you so much for this recognition. The Pennsylvania Bar Association is 28,000 lawyers' strong statewide, with the largest contingent coming from the Philadelphia community. 5.6.10 STATED - PRESENTATIONS Over the next three days, we are going to host students from forty states, as you heard in the resolution. These are the champions of their respective states, who are coming to Philadelphia for the final round of championship competition for the crowning glory of being the national champion on Saturday night. All of these students have volunteered to do this work. All of these students are going to be trying a case that is built around the history of Philadelphia, both social and political. I invite you to come to the Criminal Justice Center tomorrow, on Saturday, and watch these young people perform. They are our future leaders. We are indebted to Drexel University for its support of this venture financially as well as many other organizations around the state. Standing behind me, to the right, is Andy Susco, who is a former 5.6.10 STATED - PRESENTATIONS president, who was instrumental in having this event come to pass in Philadelphia. Immediately behind me and to his left is Chuck Ipolito, who is currently our secretary. And to his left is Jim Wells, who happens to be one of my business partners, but also was instrumental in making sure that this event would go smoothly in Philadelphia. And to his left are two representatives of Drexel University. We are going to showcase not only Pennsylvania lawyers, but the City of Philadelphia, to these young people. It is our distinct honor and pleasure to be the supporters of this and to see that Philadelphia is presented to these young people from around the United States in the most positive light. They are, in truth, the recipients of this award, more so than the Pennsylvania Bar Association. But we'll take it. 5.6.10 STATED - MESSAGES FROM THE MAYOR Thank you. (Applause.)
Council will be at ease. (Council stands at ease.) (Proceedings resume.) * * *
The next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant-at-Arms deliver the messages to the Chief Clerk. The Chief Clerk will please read the messages from the Mayor.
To the President and members of Council of the City of Philadelphia: Pursuant to Sections 4604 and 2307 of the Home Rule Charter, I am today transmitting to the Council the recommendations of the City Planning Commission regarding the following bills: 100079, 100130, 100156, 100157, 100161, 100187, 100195, 100196, 100197, 100199, 5.6.10 STATED - MESSAGES FROM THE MAYOR 100220, 100221, 100226, and 100227; And I am pleased to advise you that on May 5, 2010, I signed the following bill that was passed by Council at its session on April 22, 2010: Bill No. 090923; And I am transmitting herewith, for the introduction and consideration of your honorable body, a resolution approving a one-year extension until June 30, 2011, for the Zoning Code Commission's adoption and provision of a written report containing Zoning Code proposals and a zoning map provision plan, as provided for in Section 4-1300 of the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter; And an ordinance authorizing the City Representative to enter into agreements with the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development and the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau, both for purposes of hosting the Army-Navy Intercollegiate Football Game in certain years; 5.6.10 STATED - MESSAGES FROM THE MAYOR And an ordinance constituting the 10th Supplemental Ordinance to the Amended and Restated General Airport Revenue Bond Ordinance; And an ordinance approving the Fiscal Year 2011 Capital Budget providing for expenditures for the capital purposes of the Philadelphia Gas Works; And an ordinance amending the Title 4 of the Philadelphia Code by adopting the 2009 edition of the International Fire Code, as published by the International Code Council; And an ordinance amending Chapter 11-600 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Construction Encroachments and Projections Over, On, and Under Streets," by adding a new definition and a new subsection providing for the granting of permits for the installation of bicycle racks on sidewalks; And an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property and the Director of Commerce to sell to 5.6.10 STATED - MESSAGES FROM THE MAYOR Biaggio DeSimone fee simple title to a certain title of real estate, with any improvements situated thereon, known as 11295 Roosevelt Boulevard, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you. The messages will be printed in the Journal. The Chief Clerk will please read any other communications in his possession.
The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer one resolution on my 5.6.10 STATED - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS INTRO. behalf, and a resolution and a bill on behalf of myself and Councilmember Tasco.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
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 an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter providing for an mandatory budget stabilization reserve.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter providing for a mandatory budget stabilization reserve.
This 5.6.10 STATED - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS INTRO. resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution welcoming the new owners of the Philadelphia Inquirer and Daily News.
Move for the adoption of the resolution. (Motion duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. Today, I introduce one resolution cosponsored by Councilwoman 5.6.10 STATED - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS INTRO. Donna Reed Miller, Councilman Curtis Jones, and Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds-Brown.
A resolution calling for hearings before the Committee on Public Health and Human Services to examine the Department of Human Services' policies and procedures concerning adoption and foster care.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for a motion.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Motion duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. Those opposed? 5.6.10 STATED - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS INTRO. The ayes have it, and the resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke Krajewski.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Madam President, I offer two bills on your behalf and two on behalf of the 5.6.10 STATED - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS INTRO. Administration.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bills.
An ordinance authorizing the City Representative, on behalf of City of Philadelphia, to enter into agreements with the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development and the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau both for purposes of hosting the Army-Navy Intercollegiate Game in certain years.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance constituting the 10th supplemental ordinance to the amended and restated General Airport Revenue Bond Ordinance.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. 5.6.10 STATED - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS INTRO.
And an ordinance authorizing and directing the division of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 308 by widening the cartway of Van Pelt Street between Chestnut Street and Sansom Street.
This bill will also be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance approving the Fiscal Year 2011 Capital Budget providing for expenditures for the capital purposes of the Philadelphia Gas Works.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you, Madam President. Today, I offer two resolutions.
Thank you. 5.6.10 STATED - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS INTRO. The Chief Clerk will please read the title.
A resolution proclaiming the month of May of 2010 as "Building Safety Month."
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Motion duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted.
And a resolution proclaiming the month of May 2010 as "National Foster Care Month."
Again, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank 5.6.10 STATED - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS INTRO. you, Madam President. This resolution is also on behalf of Councilwoman Blackwell. I move for the adoption. (Motion duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Sanchez.
Thank you, Madam President. I have one bill and two resolutions I'd like to speak to.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Subcode F of Title 4 of the Philadelphia Code by adopting the 2009 5.6.10 STATED - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS INTRO. edition of the International Code Council Fire Code.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
A resolution urging the City of Philadelphia to divest all business from the State of Arizona until it repeals SB 1070, its discriminatory law targeting immigrants.
Thank you, Madam President. Today, hundreds of people across Pennsylvania, as far away as Lancaster, will join in some sort of public action to show their outrage for proposed bill HB 2479 introduced Tuesday in the House of Representatives. This copycat legislation, modeled after Arizona, which may be unconstitutional, has ignited our national debate on immigration. I want 5.6.10 STATED - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS INTRO. to thank President Obama for his commitment yesterday to make this the next major issue of his national agenda. After Council, I will join Reform Immigration America as they walk to Love Park from Senator Casey's office, who still has not pledged to support comprehensive reform. I want to thank Senator Arlen Specter, who, on Friday, visited my district with Senator Mendez from New Jersey, where they pledged their support and leadership for comprehensive immigration support. Today, I ask my colleagues to support two separate resolutions -- one urging the Pennsylvania General Assembly to reject this copycat legislation (indiscernible) after Arizona, and a separate resolution similar to the one passed by Boston City Council, asking the City of Philadelphia to divest from Arizona. As of yesterday, 19 conferences have been cancelled in Arizona, leading 5.6.10 STATED - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS INTRO. to the loss of over 15,000 hotel nights. Immigration is a federal issue. Let's not waste limited police resources on this immoral activity. As an American-born city and a black Puerto Rican, my rights could be violated through this racial profiling in the legislation. Contrary to statements made by proponents of this legislation, undocumented residents are not committing crimes; in fact, in Arizona, crime is down and has been reduced by 43 percent, leading the national average of 30 percent reduction. Let's work with our Congressional delegation and our president to do comprehensive immigration reform right and do it now. I ask that you join me and support this resolution and over the 12 million undocumented law-abiding citizens who are working and helping us grow our economy. This resolution is cosponsored 5.6.10 STATED - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS INTRO. by Councilman Kenney, who's been a leader in this issue, and also Councilman Green and Councilman Jones. Thank you, Madam President.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Motion duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. Those opposed? I'm sorry. Which are nos? Okay, the record will indicate that members Krajewski and Kelly voted no. All other members voted in the affirmative. (Councilman O'Neill later asked to be recorded as voting nay on this resolution. See , line 15.) 5.6.10 STATED - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS INTRO.
A resolution urging the Pennsylvania General Assembly to reject legislation based on Arizona's discriminatory and unconstitutional SB 1070 and to affirm its commitment to ensuring the equal rights of all people in Pennsylvania.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Motion duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. Those opposed?
No. (Councilman O'Neill later asked to be recorded as voting nay on this resolution. See , line 15.) 5.6.10 STATED - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS INTRO.
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Green.
Thank you, Madam President. I introduce one bill cosponsored by Councilpersons O'Neill, Krajewski, and Kelly.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the ordinance.
An ordinance amending Chapter 19-1301 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Real Estate Taxes" by revising the real-estate tax rate under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones. 5.6.10 STATED - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS INTRO.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution recognizing and honoring Lesia C. Kuzma, Esquire, for her leadership and work as the Chair of the First Judicial District's Mortgage Foreclosure Steering Committee.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Motion duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. 5.6.10 STATED - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS INTRO. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer no bills or resolutions today.
Point of order. I'd like to be recorded as voting nay on Councilwoman Sanchez's resolutions.
The record will reflect that. Thank you. Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer no bills or resolutions today.
The 5.6.10 STATED - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS INTRO. Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. No bills or resolutions today.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. I offer three bills and one resolution, which was cosponsored by Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance amending Section 9-205 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Sidewalk Sales," by prohibiting sidewalk vending on both sides of North Second Street 5.6.10 STATED - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS INTRO. between Spring Garden Street and Girard Avenue.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Bill No. 090296, approved by Council on May 21, 2009, and signed by the Mayor on June 3, 2009, entitled "An Ordinance to Amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps," by changing the designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Front Street, Lombard Street, Second Street, and Pine Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Chapter 11-600 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Construction Encroachments and Projections Over, On, and Under Streets," by adding a new definition and a new subsection providing 5.6.10 STATED - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS INTRO. for the granting of permits for the installation of bicycle racks on sidewalks.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution approving the one-year extension until June 30, 2011, for the Zoning Code Commission's adoption and provision of a written reporting containing Zoning Code proposals and a zoning map provision plan, as provided for in Section 4-1300 of the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter.
The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Motion duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. 5.6.10 STATED - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS INTRO. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Chapter 4-200 of Subcode A of the Philadelphia Administrative Code and Title 4 of the Philadelphia Code by amending Section A-906, entitled "Property Maintenance Code Fees." 5.6.10 STATED - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS INTRO.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
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 conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots and pieces of ground, with the buildings and improvements thereon, situated in the 37th Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and the 5.6.10 STATED - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS INTRO. resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kelly.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
The next order of business is reports from committees. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee for a report from the Committee on Law and Government.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Law and 5.6.10 STATED - COMMITTEE REPORTS Government reports out one bill and one resolution with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the report.
To the President and members of the City Council City of Philadelphia: The Committee on Law and Government, to which was referred Bill No. 090580, entitled "An ordinance providing for the submission of the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of a proposal set forth in a resolution approved by Council proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter confirming Council's power to enact ordinances that require the City, City contractors, and recipients of City financial assistance to provide their employees a minimum level of pay and benefits and/or that require certain or all City contracts to include 5.6.10 STATED - COMMITTEE REPORTS provisions mandating compliance with such a requirement"; And Resolution No 090610, entitled "A resolution proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter confirming Council's power to enact ordinances that require the City, City contractors, and recipients of City financial assistance to provide their employees a minimum level of pay and benefits and/or that require certain or all City contracts to include provisions mandating compliance with such a requirement"; Respectively reports that it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bill and resolution to Council, with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee Greenlee.
Thank 5.6.10 STATED - COMMITTEE REPORTS you, Madam President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 090580. (Motion duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of the bill just reported from committee. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and the bill just read will be placed on our first-reading calendar for today. Resolution No. 090610 will be placed on the calendar for our next session of Council. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco for a report from the Committee on Streets and Services. 5.6.10 STATED - COMMITTEE REPORTS COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Streets and Services reports six bills with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the report.
The Committee on Streets and Services, to which was referred Bill No. 100219, entitled "An ordinance establishing a one-way regulation on East Duval Street from Lowber Street to Mansfield Avenue westbound"; And Bill No. 100221, an ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance, Bill No. 051234, approved February 16, 2006, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the directing of the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan 266 by striking from the City Plan and vacating Jefferson Street and Heston 5.6.10 STATED - COMMITTEE REPORTS Street each from 52nd Street to Paxin Street"; And Bill No. 100226, an ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance, Bill No. 040511, approved June 21, 2002, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 55 in the area bounded by Aramingo Avenue, Frankford Creek, and Adams Avenue"; And Bill No. 100248, an ordinance establishing a no-parkinganytime regulation on McMenamy Street between Cottage Street and Jackson Street; And Bill No. 100250, an ordinance authorizing HACE Community Development Corporation, 167 Allegheny Avenue, to construct, own, and maintain eight trash receptacles and twelve artificial metal palm trees on the east and west footway of Fifth Street from Lehigh Avenue to Indiana Avenue; And Bill No. 100252, entitled 5.6.10 STATED - COMMITTEE REPORTS "An ordinance authorizing Marianos Chris Fetfatzes, owner of 738 MOC, Inc., also known as Hawthornes, 1108 Fitzwater Street, to construct, own, and maintain an encroachment in the form of an open-air café on the sidewalk located at 738 through 42 South 11th Street, under certain terms and conditions; respectfully reports that it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. I move that the rules be suspended so as to permit first reading today of the bills that have just read into the record. (Motion duly seconded.)
It 5.6.10 STATED - COMMITTEE REPORTS has been moved and seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of the bills just reported from committee, with the exception of, Councilman DiCicco -Councilman DiCicco, we're reporting all bills out, with the exception of Bill No. 100226; is that correct? COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: That's correct. Thank you, Madam Chair.
All in favor will say aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and the bills just read will be placed on our first-reading calendar for today. Bill No. 100226 will be placed on the first-reading calendar for our next session of Council. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Sanchez for a report from the Committee on Licenses and Inspections.
Thank 5.6.10 STATED - COMMITTEE REPORTS you, Madam Chair. The Committee on Licenses and Inspections reports out one bill with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the report.
The Committee on Licenses and Inspections, to which was referred Bill No. 100158, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 12-1109 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Permits Required for Parades, Processions, and Assemblages," by conditioning the issuance of such permits on the applicant's agreement to reimburse the City for additional costs the City incurs as a result of the activity for which the permit was issued subject to a maximum reimbursement amount by making such maximum reimbursement amount retroactive and by requiring refunds to persons who reimburse the City for costs in excess of 5.6.10 STATED - COMMITTEE REPORTS such maximum amount, all under certain terms and conditions, respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to allow first reading of this bill on this day, Bill No. 100158. (Motion duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of the bill just reported from committee. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and the bill just read will be placed on our 5.6.10 STATED - COMMITTEE REPORTS first-reading calendar for today. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Jones for a report from the Committee on Transportation and Public Utilities.
Thank you, Madam Chair. The Committee on Transportation and Public Utilities reports one bill with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the report.
The Committee on Transportation and Public Utilities, to which was referred Bill No. 100163, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the City of Philadelphia to organize an authority to be known as 'The Philadelphia Energy Authority,' pursuant to the terms of the Municipalities Authorities Act of 2001," respectfully reports it has considered and amended the 5.6.10 STATED - COMMITTEE REPORTS same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee Jones.
Thank you, Madam Chair. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 100163. (Motion duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of the bill just reported from committee. All in favor will say aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and the bill just read will be placed on our first-reading calendar for today. * * * 5.6.10 STATED - CALENDAR CONSIDERATION
The next order of business is the consideration of the calendar. I note that the bills just reported from committee, with a suspension of the rules, have been deemed to have had a first reading. The bills will be placed on our second-reading and final-passage calendar for our next session of Council. There are no additional bills on our first-reading calendar. Therefore, at this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for the purpose of calling up bills to be considered -
Oh, I'm sorry. We do have an amendment by one of the Councilmembers on one of the bills listed on the first-reading calendar. At this, time the Chair 5.6.10 STATED - CALENDAR CONSIDERATION recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit the amendment to be offered to Bill No. 090580, which was just reported out of the Law and Government Committee. (Motion duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and seconded. All in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it. And, again, the Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Madam President. I'd like to offer an amendment to Bill No. 090580. A copy of the amendment has been circulated to all members of Council. I move for the 5.6.10 STATED - FINAL-PASSAGE CALENDAR adoption of the amendment. (Motion duly seconded.)
All those in favor of the motion will indicate by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and Bill No. 090580 has been amended and will be placed on our final-passage calendar for next week. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for the purpose of calling up bills on the second-reading and final-passage calendar to be considered today.
Thank you, Madam President. Bill No.'s 100227, 100093, 100216, 100217, and 100214 are being called up for second-reading and final-passage calendar today. All other bills are being held.
Thank you. 5.6.10 STATED - FINAL-PASSAGE CALENDAR At this time, I would ask the Chief Clerk to please read the title of Bill No. 100227.
An ordinance authorizing the provision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 123 by relocating the northerly house line of Montgomery Avenue from 15th Street to Broad Street, thereby reducing the width of said Montgomery Avenue.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is: Shall the bill pass finally? The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. We will now consider Bill No. 100093.
An ordinance authorizing and directing the Mayor of the City of Philadelphia, on behalf of 5.6.10 STATED - FINAL-PASSAGE CALENDAR the City, to enter into, execute, and deliver an agreement with the Philadelphia Housing Authority to broaden and make more efficient housing opportunities and related services administered by the Philadelphia Housing Authority and existing within the City.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is: Shall the bill pass finally? The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 100216.
An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2010 from the Grants Revenue Fund - The Director of Finance Provision for Other Grants to the Housing Trust Fund, the Mayor Office of Housing 5.6.10 STATED - FINAL-PASSAGE CALENDAR and Community Development.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is: Shall the bill pass finally? The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. We will now consider Bill No. 100217.
An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2010 within the Grants Revenue Fund from the Director of Finance - Federal Stimulus Funding to the Department of Parks and Recreation (Parks), the Department of Human Services, Philadelphia Prisons, and the District Attorney.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is: Shall the 5.6.10 STATED - FINAL-PASSAGE CALENDAR bill pass finally? The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Council President 5.6.10 STATED - FINAL-PASSAGE CALENDAR Verna?
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. We will now consider Bill No. 100214.
An ordinance amending Title 4 of the Philadelphia Code by amending Subcode F, entitled "The Philadelphia Fire Code," by further delineating the Philadelphia Fire Department's mission and obligation to provide fire and other emergency services via uniformed fire personnel, including firefighters and fire-service paramedics, and clarifying that all uniformed fire personnel, including fire-service paramedics, are authorized and required to act as fire personnel.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is: Shall the 5.6.10 STATED - FINAL-PASSAGE CALENDAR bill pass finally? The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Council President 5.6.10 STATED - FINAL-PASSAGE CALENDAR Verna?
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are zero. A majority of all medics having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. (Applause.)
Are there speeches on the part of the Minority? (No response.)
Are there speeches on the part of the Majority? The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Madam President. I rose a couple of weeks ago to talk about the condition of bridges in the City of Philadelphia. It was 5.6.10 STATED - SPEECHES reminiscent of a court case called Brown versus the Board of Education when Amtrak said that they would do repairs with all deliberate speed. I'm glad to report today and thank my colleagues to say that progress has been made, and it won't take twenty years to get it done. Amtrak has agreed to remove the rusting metal that serves as a monument to the rust belt away from the bridge. They put metal plates to safeguard the holes that are in the bridge. They plan on painting the bridge and are making progress to secure fencing so that debris does not fall from the bridge. So I'm happy to say to my colleagues here today thank you for your continued support in this matter. I kind of felt like Captain Ahab, and that bridge at 52nd and Jefferson was my white whale. I would only caution us to say that these are Band-Aids, Band-Aids that 5.6.10 STATED - SPEECHES need to be addressed, but the long-term solution is the repair and replacement of major bridges in the City of Philadelphia. Councilwoman Blackwell shares that same fate at 40th Street. So as we look to the federal government for stimulus money, we need to use those dollars in efforts on projects that make a difference to Philadelphians every day. So thank you again and, most importantly, the Parkside Business Association for their agitation so that we did not have Brown versus the Board of Education.
You're welcome. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell. 5.6.10 STATED - SPEECHES
Thank you, Madam President. We have today our Partnership for Prescription assistance table outside. And certainly, we invite everyone to inform their constituencies so that they may take advantage of this prescription service. Thank you
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Green.
Thank you, Madam President. I am pleased to have raised numerous spending cuts for consideration to this body and to the Administration that the Mayor has decided to do accept in part. It is for only 17 million of the 46 million I proposed, but he agrees we can cut Prisons by 5.5 million rather than 9 million that I've suggested; or 5.6.10 STATED - SPEECHES Police by 3 million, reducing overtime, rather than 6. However, I just received a letter from the Administration that all members of Council have, and there are significant numbers of reductions that apparently were either misunderstood by the Administration or mischaracterized in its revised proposal. It is a weak and nonsubstantive response to responsible spending reductions off of the amount the Administration has requested us to appropriate. For instance, the Administration contends that the proposed savings in public health will severely impact services. I am having difficulty understanding this contention. The $571,000 in savings in my proposal were ones provided by the department, savings based on filling all vacant positions which were funded in my proposal. 5.6.10 STATED - SPEECHES Similarly, with respect to Parks and Rec, my proposal was to fill dozens of currently-vacant servicedelivery positions -- 12 rec leaders, 9 rec facility caretakers, 15-plus maintenance workers -- while saving 1.6 million by not adding 43 brand-new positions. The Administration's contention that filling these vacancies but not adding the new positions will somehow have serious consequences for the operations of the department, including canceling systematic community safety initiatives already underway has the ring of fear-mongering. I cannot understand how, when there are not currently people in that position, we are somehow engaging staffing reductions, which is the phrase consistently used throughout the Administration's response. It is not a staffing reduction to not have a new position. It does not 5.6.10 STATED - SPEECHES hurt services to not have a new position. It maintains services at current levels and, in many cases, increases services where boots are on the ground. Like in Sanitation, 100 unfilled positions can be filled in my proposal. In Parks and Rec, 36 can. So I was disappointed in the response, but I'm glad to see some movement in the direction of responsible cuts so that we can make sure our taxes are as low as possible. The fundamental disagreement that I'm having with the Administration is, during a recession, we should not reduce -- I'm sorry. During a recession, we should not increase the cost and size of city government. We are the only major city in the country considering such a thing. We need to lower the cost and size of government responsibly over time through attrition, working with our unions, through the implementation of 5.6.10 STATED - SPEECHES technology. And I look forward to continuing working with my colleagues and the Administration to getting in place more responsible cuts. Thank you, Madam President.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Miller.
Thank you, Madam President. I'd just like to let the public know that the deadline for submitting an application for membership to the Police Advisory Commission is soon approaching. The Advisory Commission was created to bridge the gap between the community and the Police, and I applaud its selection process because it allows for diversity. I just wanted to say that I urge citizens to participate in this process by submitting an application. 5.6.10 STATED - SPEECHES And anyone that wants to be considered as one of 21 nominees must submit an application by next Thursday, May 20th, the Thursday after next, at the close of business. Council's Committee on Public Safety will hold a public hearing at which all applicants will have a chance to speak before Council submits its nominees to Mayor Nutter. The process is simple and can be done online. Citizens have three options to obtain an application: They can visit www.phila.gov to download a copy of the application; they may visit any Philadelphia public library; or they may go to City Council's Chief Clerk Office, Room 402, in City Hall, to pick up a copy. But we do want to urge people to apply. We actually announced the opening of the application process a couple weeks ago and just want to remind folks that if they haven't applied that 5.6.10 STATED - SPEECHES now is the time. And also, the completed applications can be e-mailed, faxed, or hand-delivered or mailed. So I just wanted to again remind folk to apply for the Police Advisory Commission. Thank you.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Madam President. I just want to thank Councilman Jones for his tenacity in dealing with Conrail on his bridge. I'd just like to -- I'm sure I speak for a lot of District Councilmembers who have Conrail tracks in their district, that they -- we aren't even asking paint up or for fix up of the bridge; we only want them to clean the track and the land around where they own 5.6.10 STATED - SPEECHES and keep it clean from trash. And it's been an ongoing battle with Conrail through the years since I've been here. So congratulations to him on getting that bridge done. Thank you very much.
You're welcome. Are there think other speeches on the part of the Majority? (No response.)
Seeing none, the Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke for a motion to adjourn.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, before I call for an adjournment, I just would like to make a very brief statement. With respects -- and believe me, I do not want to enter into the debate between Councilman Green and the Administration. 5.6.10 STATED - SPEECHES
I was just saying that I do not want to be engaged in any way, shape, or form in the debate between Councilman Green and the Administration with respects to expenditure reduction. But I would like to briefly speak from my perspective of how what's happening with respects to that process. First, I think it's a little to premature to put a number on what the actual expenditure reductions will be because that is an ongoing process. Secondly, I'd like to say that whatever that agreement is and whatever that dollar figure is, it's as a result of the participation of all members of Council in a series of meetings facilitated by you and your staff and other staff from other Councilmembers. So it was a group effort, 5.6.10 STATED - SPEECHES whatever that number ends up being and the level of expenditures and how we apply them. So I just wanted to clear that. From my perspective, that's how that process happened. So with that, I call for the adjournment.
I want to concur with Councilman Clarke. Everybody on Council's done a lot of hard work on this budget, and I'm proud to have worked with people and sat in meetings and worked together to identify potential reductions. I do want to make clear for the record that with everything I'm proposing, I am increasing by 47 the number of paramedics and firefighters vacancies that can be filled. I'm 5.6.10 STATED - SPEECHES increasing the number of unfilled positions in Parks and Recs by 36. I'm increasing. So these are not reductions; they are increases over current service levels in almost every area of government. And I want to make that absolutely clear. And it is my goal to increase government responsibly where we have, you know, decreased it to a point where we have to maintain a basic service level, but we need to really consider additional cuts to the requested appropriation, not to services, not to staff. Thank you.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
I don't mean for this to be a debate. I do concur with Councilman Clarke about the process that we're going through, and it's not over yet; it's 5.6.10 STATED - SPEECHES fluid and moving forward. But I keep trying to get Councilman Green to understand, yes, he has selectively chosen areas to increase, but the increase is -- we've cut those departments in the past, so it doesn't even get us to the level of service that we need to operate the facilities. So I appreciate his efforts to um... I think I'll end there. Thank you.
Councilman Green. This is really becoming a debate.
Thank you, Madam President. Many of you probably do not have the letter from the Mayor that he sent to Council; my staff brought it down to me today. The Mayor, in that letter to Council, identified $17 million of cuts he was willing to accept. 5.6.10 STATED - SPEECHES So, in my statement, I was not suggesting the process was over. In fact, I was suggesting that, hopefully, it was a good first step and, hopefully, he will continue to look at this as closely as we are. Thank you.
Again, the level of cuts that the Mayor has agreed to came as a result of the leadership of City Council. Thank you.
Although I indicated that I did not want to get into a debate with Councilman Green -
I guess if 5.6.10 STATED - SPEECHES I respond other than calling for an adjournment, I will continue to be dragged into it. So, with that, I will call for an adjournment -(Applause.) -- to May 13, 10 a.m., 2007.
It has been moved and properly seconded that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, May the 13th. All in favor will say aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and the motion carries. (Proceedings end at 11:40 a.m.) * * * C E R T I F I C A T E I HEREBY CERTIFY that the proceedings of the 5/6/10 Stated Meeting of the Philadelphia City Council are contained fully and accurately in the stenographic notes taken by me on Thursday, 5/6/10, and that this is a true and correct statement of same. __________________________________ JOSEPHINE CARDILLO Registered Professional Reporter (The foregoing certification of this transcript does not apply to any reproduction of the same by any means, unless under the direct control and/or supervision of the certifying reporter's.)