Just a moment, please. The first bill that you read will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Section 14-1402 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Parking in Residential Districts."
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance, Bill No. 050203, approved June 2, 2005, entitled, "An ordinance amending Title 9 of The Philadelphia Code," entitled "Regulation of Businesses, Trades and Professions."
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by adopting a new Chapter 14-400, entitled "Commercial Entertainment District," under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you, Madam President. Thank you for the opportunity to speak on this bill. Madam President, for years it's been obvious that the legislators in Harrisburg do not believe that we in Philadelphia can act responsibly. That fact was hammered home when the State Assembly passed legislation that permitted two slot bollards in Philadelphia but failed to allow Philadelphia Zoning control over the process. Fortunately, that portion of the legislation was struck down by the courts. Yet, there are whispers in Harrisburg, and rumors continue, that Harrisburg doesn't want Philadelphia to have a say, and the House leadership intends to introduce legislation to restrict our Home Rule. By doing so, if they're successful, they would restrict our ability to protect our neighborhoods and our residents and our businesses. By doing so, they would refuse to allow us to grow and direct our own economic development. By doing so, they would be slapping us in the face, the Mayor and every member of this Council, and most importantly, they would slap the faces of our constituents. The legislation that I am introducing today written by the Gaming Task Force and supported by Mayor Street is meant to show a few things to our friends in Harrisburg. It is meant to show that we, as elected officials, are committed to protecting our constituents. While we cannot dictate our slot bollards where they will go, we can offer stringent guidelines on what the establishments will look like, how tall they are, how much open space they would provide, how much parking they provide for customers and what kind of signage they erect and how they would ensure adequate traffic patterns. If the state takes this control away from us, the City may be struck with concrete blocks in the middle of cement parking lots adjoined by neon signs. Maybe Harrisburg thinks that's okay, but I don't believe that we should allow Philadelphia's architectural integrity, our neighborhood's fabric and our quality of life to deteriorate for the sake of this industry. But this legislation is also meant to show that there are those of us in the City that are willing to enact reasonable zoning legislation in regards to gaming. We recognize the economic impact that this industry will bring to Philadelphia. It will provide thousands of jobs, spur economic activity in depressed neighborhoods, increase the City's tax base, add other entertainment option for tourists and, lastly, will provide desperately needed wage tax relief. In short, this legislation will allow us to protect our residents while encouraging that type of economic development. I need to note at this point that this may not be the final draft of the legislation and that I would be willing to listen to my Council colleagues, the Administration and the residents of the City during public discussions to explore possible amendments. This bill is not a perfect solution to the quality-of-life issues that surround gaming establishments, but it is a first step, I believe, in building a foundation of long-term, responsible and effective measures. I hope our friends in Harrisburg take note. Before I close, I want to take this opportunity to thank the Mayor for his leadership in forming the Gaming Advisory Task Force. We appreciate the dedication of Paul Levy, Dr. Bernard Anderson, Sandra Dungee Glen and Romulo Diaz for their stewardship of the Task Force. The Task Force's various volunteers should be commended for their time, energy and expertise. And I wanted to thank Shawn Fordham and his staff for working along with me in drafting this legislation. Thank you, Madam President.
Thank you very much. This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. Councilwoman Brown, did you want to be recognized? Your light was on.
Yes, I did. I wanted to respond to Councilman DiCicco's comments on the bill, if I may. Is that appropriate at this time? If not, it's not a problem. We can proceed.
You know, I think Councilman DiCicco was given some latitude in that he spoke about this pending legislation. I think once you speak, then somebody else is going to speak -
-and we're going to be debating the issue before it even is listed for a hearing.
I really appreciate it. Thank you very much. The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee, as I said. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution approving the redevelopment contract for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Model City's Urban Renewal Area.
I move for the adoption of the resolution, Madam President. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
I'm sorry. I have no bills or resolutions. I apologize.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Thank you, Madam President. I have one resolution. I would like to speak very briefly on that resolution.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution authorizing City Council's Committee of the Whole to hold hearings to assess the feasibility and practicality of continuing certain City-sponsored property tax abatements in Philadelphia.
The Chair recognizes -- is there a second? (Duly seconded.)
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, we were prepared to introduce legislation to deal with this particular issue, the various tax abatements that are granted in the City of Philadelphia, but after consultation with a couple of my colleagues, it was thought best to just have a hearing to discuss the issue before we put any legislation in place. We didn't want to send the signal to some of the developers and possibly stem the tide of very aggressive housing starts, but I do think this is something that we need to talk about, particularly given the fact that we're now talking about hundred percent valuation, we're now talking about the change in assessments, possible buffering and other issues as it relates to this very important issue. So while I have not personally made up my mind as to whether or not there should be some altering of the abatement program, I think that it is the appropriate time to have the discussion despite of Mr. Mark Alan Hughes's statements in the earlier hearing that we should not have this debate at this particular time.
Move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will please say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the second resolution.
Councilman, did you have one or two resolutions?
Okay. Fine. Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kelly.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The next order of business is reports from committees, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke for a report from the Committee on Rules.
Madam President, the Committee on Rules reports two bills with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will kindly read the report.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Rules, to which was referred Bill No. 050797, entitled "An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Grant Avenue and the Roosevelt Boulevard"; and 050831, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code relating to zoning and planning," amending Chapter 14-1100, entitled "Institutional Development District," by modifying the conditions under which amendments to the Institutional Development District are approved by City Council, under certain terms and conditions, respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. Bill Nos. 050797 and 050831 will be placed on our First Reading Calendar at our next session of Council. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski for a report on the Committee on Appropriations.
Madam President, the Committee on Appropriations reports six bills out with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the report.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Appropriations, to which was referred Bill No. 050822, entitled "An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriation for Fiscal Year 2006 within the Grants Revenue Fund from the Director of Finance to the Department of Records"; and Bill No. 050823, entitled "An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriation for Fiscal Year 2006 within the Grants Revenue Fund from the Director of Finance to the Fire Department"; and Bill No. 050824, entitled "An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriation for Fiscal Year 2006 within the Grants Revenue Fund to the Director of Finance"; and Bill No. 050825, entitled "An appropriation for Fiscal Year 2006 within the Grants Revenue Fund to the District Attorney"; and Bill No. 050826, entitled "An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriation for Fiscal Year 2006 within the Grants Revenue Fund to the Police Department and Department of Public Property"; and Bill No. 050827, entitled "An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriation for Fiscal Year 2006 within the Grants Revenue Fund from the Director of Finance to the Director of Public Property," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
Madam President, I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill Nos. 050822, 050823, 050824, 050825, 050826 and 050827. (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 Bill Nos. 050822, 050823, 050824, 050825, 050826 and 050827. All in favor will please indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the bills just read will be placed on our First Reading Calendar. The next order of business is the consideration of the Calendar. 11/3/05 - STATED - 1ST READING I would ask the Chief Clerk to please read the bills on the First Reading Calendar.
Bill No. 050822, an ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriation for Fiscal Year 2006 within the Grants Revenue Fund to the Department of Records.
And Bill No. 050823, an ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriation for Fiscal Year 2006 to the Fire Department.
And Bill No. 050824, an ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriation for Fiscal Year 2006 to the Director of Finance.
And Bill No. 050925, an ordinance authorizing 11/3/05 - STATED - 1ST READING transfers in appropriation for Fiscal Year 2006 to the District Attorney.
And Bill No. 050826, an ordinance authorizing transfer in appropriation for Fiscal Year 2006 to the Police Department and the Department of Public Property.
And Bill No. 050827, an ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriation for Fiscal Year 2006 to the Department of Public Property.
The Chair agrees. That completes the bills on our First Reading Calendar for today, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for the purpose of calling up the bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar to be considered today. 11/3/05 - STATED - 2ND READING
Thank you, Madam President. Today on , Bill No. 050832 is being called up for second reading and final passage. Bill No. 050 -
I'm sorry. Councilman O'Neill, 050832, the bottom of -
-- I believe I was led to believe you wanted to hold that.
Yes, Madam President. As I was just instructed, that bill will be held, so that means that our Calendar starts then on your bill on the bottom of .
No. I believe Councilman O'Neill is suggesting that Bill 050833, 834 and 835 be voted on today. Is that correct?
Councilman Clarke, your light is on. Did you want to be recognized?
Yes, Madam 11/3/05 - STATED - 2ND READING President. Madam President, we have two bills listed on the Calendar that we were asking to proceed for a final vote, but I need to clarify some language in the two bills, so I'm going to hold those today.
Again, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell regarding Bill No. 050833.
Thank you, Madam President. I hope I've gotten it straight today.
I think you have to tell us what bills are being considered.
Madam President, today the following bills are being called up for second reading and final passage: I believe we start on with Bill No. 050833, Bill No. 050834, 835, Bill No. 050836.
That's held. Bill No. 050836 is being held. Madam President, I believe yours is going up.
Bill 11/3/05 - STATED - 2ND READING No. 050742, Bill No. 050510, Bill No. 050650, 651, 653, 654, 655, 656, 657, 658, 659, 662, 663, 664, 665, 667, 668, 675, 677, 678, Bill No. 050681, 682, 687, 689, 692, 693, 788. Now we're up to . I hope I'm correct here. Bill No. 050799.
789, Bill No. 050471 and, finally, Bill No. 050792. All other bills are being held.
I would ask the Clerk to please read the title of Bill No. 050833.
An ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 395, all under certain terms and conditions.
This 11/3/05 - STATED - 2ND READING bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 15, the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in 11/3/05 - STATED - 2ND READING the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called is Bill No. 050834.
An ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 395 by placing on the City Plan Meyer Place and Ruth Way.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 15, the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, this bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 050835.
An ordinance regulating the direction of movement of traffic on Ruth Way.
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.