COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, December 9, 2010 10:20 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN DARRELL CLARKE COUNCILMAN FRANK DiCICCO COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN BILL GREEN COUNCILMAN WILLIAM K. GREENLEE COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILMAN JACK KELLY COUNCILWOMAN JOAN L. KRAJEWSKI COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILWOMAN MARIA D. QUINONES-SANCHEZ COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO, JR. COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO MICHAEL A. DECKER,
Good morning. 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 Reverend Efrain Cotto of St. Philips United Methodist Church. He is here today as the guest of Councilwoman Sanchez. I would ask all members and guests to please rise. (Members and guests rise.)
I want to thank my Councilwoman Maria Quinones for the invitation, and I also recognize and honor my Councilwoman where I reside, Ms. Tasco. God bless you. Let us go before the Lord in prayer. Dear Heavenly Father, I come to name of Jesus thanking you and praising you for our great City of Philadelphia. I thank you for the plan that you gave to our forefathers by which to govern our nation by the division of power so that our destiny does not rest on the hands of one person. In praying for those in authority, I lift up our City Council and our Mayor, and I pray by your holy power our city's legislative body would make laws that are just. Father, I ask also that you give them wisdom to make decisions that would strengthen and prosper our nation. I desire that they would make right decisions concerning the politics and the social welfare and the economics of our city. And I pray that we will be all motivated by your hand and not by our own personal concerns and desires. Father, you guide and govern everything with order and love. Look upon the assembly of our City Council fill them with the spirit of your wisdom. May they always act in accordance with your will and their decisions be for the peace and well-being of all. And we pray this in your name. Amen. (Amen.)
I'd like to extend the blessing in saying may the spirit of Christmas, which is peace, the gladness of Christmas, which is hope, the adoration of Christmas, which is joy, and the heart of Christmas, which is love, be yours now and forever. Amen. (Amen.)
The Chair thanks the Reverend for his invocation. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, 2nd, 2010. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, December the 2nd, 2010 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, December 2nd, 2010 stand approved. All in favor will please indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the Journal is approved. The next order of business is requests for leave of absence, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Madam President. On behalf of the majority, a leave of absence is requested for Councilman Kenney.
Thank you. Leave will be granted. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Madam President, on behalf of the republicans, there are no requests for leave of absence.
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. time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President and colleagues, please join me in recognizing members of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and their affiliate groups joining us here in Council this morning. Thank you.
If they're here, I'd like them to stand so we can recognize and welcome you. (Applause.)
At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilmembers Brown and Jones, who will present a resolution to AFTRA. Would Shelly Figures and those accompanying her please join the Councilmembers at the podium. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, wonderful pleasure to bring before my colleagues and Council guests many of those professionals we never see because they are behind the scene, making things happen on stage and screen. Calling on private and public enterprises who employ screen, stage, television, radio, sound recording and new media employees should endeavor wherever possible to meet and enter into agreements with Actors' Equity, American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, Screen Actors Guild and other unions and organizations that represent artists in Philadelphia, for the purpose of creating and maintaining a professional community within Philadelphia for the benefit of its citizens. Whereas, we all know that Philadelphia has a rich and vibrant arts community; and Whereas, Philadelphia corporations and advertising companies have the potential to create additional jobs through a commitment to producing their projects within our city, because the benefits of generating local activity include not only economic factors but also the availability of top-tier talent; and
Whereas, the stability and diversity of this talent depends on employment opportunities that provide a living wage, healthcare benefits and retirement benefits; and Whereas, the City of Philadelphia benefits from the professional community, the dedication of artists who can support, sustain themselves and their work; and Whereas, the presence of a professional community attracts, retains theatrical and commercial artist endeavors; and Whereas, the Actors' Equity Association, American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, Screen Actors Guild, among other labor organizations, represents the interest of professional screen, stage, television, radio, sound recording and new media employees; and Whereas, Equity, AFTRA and SAG endeavors to create and expand job opportunities for their members. Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that private and public enterprises who employ screen, stage, television, radio, sound recording and new media employees should endeavor wherever possible to meet with and enter into agreements with Actors' Equity, American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, Screen Actors Guild and other unions and organizations that represent artists in Philadelphia, for the purpose of creating and maintaining a for the benefit of all of its citizens. Introduced by Councilmembers Jones and Reynolds Brown and sponsored by all the members of the Philadelphia City Council. We salute these professionals. (Applause.)
Shelly Figures is my stage name. My name is Steve Leshinski, the Director of AFTRA, and if you want to know why union in Philadelphia, I want to introduce you to why union actors in Philadelphia. Tom.
Good morning. My name is Tom Helmer, and I'm here to speak on behalf of over 1,000 members of Actors' Equity Association who live and Philadelphia area. We are proud members of the oldest performing arts union in the nation, and we are also proud to be part of the rich cultural and theatrical heritage of the City. Professional Equity theatres, like the Walnut Street, the Art and Philadelphia Theatre Company, the Walnut, 1812 Productions and many, many more, do challenging and entertaining productions that feed the imagination of audiences and provide Equity actors and stage managers exciting employment opportunities in a city that we call home. These same theatres contribute heavily not only to the cultural fabric of Philadelphia but also to its economic well-being. Equity theatres help create employment for our members as well as for vendors and local businesses. Because of these theatres, our members planted roots here, continue to live and work here, here, pay property taxes and support the economy of Philadelphia and the Greater Delaware Valley. We thank you for supporting this resolution. By doing so, you are supporting the members of Equity, SAG and AFTRA and the professional and creative endeavors of our city. Thank you. (Applause.)
Good morning. My name is Bill Shusta and I represent the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, AFTRA. Philadelphia AFTRA has roughly a thousand members. We inform and entertain you on radio and television. We voice your commercials. We sing your songs. We narrate your industrial projects, audio books and much, much more. The members of Actors' Equity, AFTRA and SAG can help your businesses succeed and make money. We are the (Applause.)
Good morning. My name is John Wooten, President, Screen Actors Guild, Philadelphia Regional Branch. On behalf of our local branch, we would like to thank Mayor Nutter and City Council for supporting the union performing in the Philadelphia region. Many of our performers couldn't be here today because they currently work in productions, earning a decent wage and benefits such as a pension plan. We have over 1,700 members in our fold, all of which contribute to the City's revenue by working in productions. At its very core basis, this resolution speaks to the professionalism of the union performer, and we would like to thank City Council and Mayor Nutter for your gracious support. Thank you very much. (Applause.) (Actor playing Rocky Balboa jogging into Chambers.) ROCKY BALBOA: Yo, Adrienne.
Rocky? (Applause.) ROCKY BALBOA: Councilwoman Reynolds Brown, yo. First of all, I want to thank Councilwoman and everybody in this Council for helping out our three unions, AFTRA, SAG and Equity, because I tell you what, without SAG, I know I wouldn't be here. So now, what I want to do is, I want to give you this, and we wrote a song to say thanks a lot to these guys, and we're going to sing a song together. There's the words right there. All right? Go ahead. (Song sung by union members.) (Applause.)
The Chair now recognizes Councilman DiCicco, who will present a resolution honoring Digitas Health Group. Would Principal Norris Eldridge of Francis Scott Key School and those accompanying him please join the Councilman at the podium. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Tough act to follow.
The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. Good morning. Resolution honoring and recognizing Pamela Notaro, Laurie Mellon and Digitas Health Group for their service and commitment to the faculty, students and community of the Francis Scott Key School. Whereas, Pamela Notaro and Laurie Mellon were instrumental in "Day of Community Service" at the Francis Scott Key School, bringing over 225 volunteers to donate their time; and Whereas, their tireless efforts and organizational skills proved invaluable for the volunteers from Digitas Health to paint several murals, a map of the United States, room numbers, radiator covers and doors throughout the school building; and Whereas, the volunteers of Digitas Health, under the direction of Pamela Notaro and Laurie Mellon, were also able to install new basketball hoops, clean up trash throughout the schoolyard and repaint the lines for the basketball courts; and Whereas, the volunteers were able to assist teachers at the school with setting up classrooms for the upcoming school year; and Whereas, Pamela Notaro and Laurie Mellon and Digitas Health not only talents to this Francis Scott Key School, they also purchased new equipment for the physical education program, provided grant money for a school uniform program and provided gift certificates for needy families to a local supermarket. Now, therefore, be it resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, honors and recognizes Pamela Notaro, Laurie Mellon and Digitas Health Group for their dedication and selflessness to the children, parents, staff and community of the Francis Scott Key School. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Pamela Notaro and Laurie Mellon as recognition of the appreciation of this legislative body. This is a true and correct copy of the original resolution, adopted by the Council of the City of Philadelphia on the 21st day of October 2010. Signed C. Verna. Introduced by myself and sponsored by me, Councilman DiCicco. Congratulations and thank you. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes Principal Eldridge for remarks. PRINCIPAL ELDRIDGE: Thank you and good morning. I'd just like to thank Councilman DiCicco and his staff for recognizing what is an outstanding company who works in Philadelphia, Digitas Health, and also Razorfish Health, who also works with them. They did so much for our school. They've adopted our program for the past few years, and it's been a marvelous relationship, a marvelous partnership. We thank you very much. Councilman DiCicco has been a long-term supporter of the Francis Scott Key School, and we certainly appreciate that. Thank you. (Applause.) UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: We'd like to thank Councilman DiCicco and the Council here, Principal Eldridge, the School District of Philadelphia and Tony, who refused to come up, Tony Gilberti. Thank you very much, Digitas Health and Razorfish Health. It was a real privilege and we had a really great time out there fixing up the school. So 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.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am transmitting for the body a resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Mantua Urban Renewal Area, designated as Parcel No. 276 and also sometimes identified by house number and street address for Parcel No. 276 as 504 through 506 North 39th Street; and An ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance (Bill No. 020252) approved May 29, 2002, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 13-S by striking from the City Plan and vacating Lawrence Street from Wharton Street to Titan Street and Leithgow Street from Wharton Street to Titan Street," by revising the terms and conditions stated therein and extending the period for compliance therewith, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read any other communications in his possession.
Thank you. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I introduce two resolutions.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
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 or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Twenty-Fourth and Fifty-First Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council.
And a resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Mantua Urban Renewal Area, designated as Parcel No. 276 and also sometimes identified by house number and street address for Parcel No. 276 as 504 through 506 North 39th Street.
This resolution will also be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution honoring The Reinvestment Fund on its 25th Anniversary.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I offer no bills or resolutions.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Sanchez.
Thank you, Madam President. No bills or resolutions.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Green, if he's in the room. Any bills or resolutions?
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution adopting the report issued by Council's Joint Committees on Transportation and Public Utilities and the Environment on the economic and environmental impacts that hydraulic drilling of Marcellus Shale will have on Philadelphia and the surrounding region.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer no bills or resolutions today.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. No bills or resolutions this morning.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. I offer one bill.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance (Bill No. 020252) approved May 29, 2002, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 13-S by striking from the City Plan and vacating Lawrence Street from Wharton Street to Titan Street and Leithgow Street from Wharton Street to Titan Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution authorizing the Council of the City of Philadelphia to issue a request for ideas and proposals on how the City can best employ its available natural resources as sources of alternative energy for the benefit of the City's infrastructure, businesses and residents.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council.
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 of pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Twenty-Ninth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
This resolution will also be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council.
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 or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Sixteenth and Forty-Seventh Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council.
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 or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Twentieth and Thirty-Second Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
This resolution will also be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kelly.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, no bills or resolutions today.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank of business is reports from committees. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for a report from the Committee of the Whole.
Madam President, the Committee of the Whole reports out three resolutions 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 of the Whole, to which was referred Resolution No. 100799, entitled, "A resolution confirming the appointment of William H. Brown III as a member of the Board of Ethics, to serve in the term ending November 16, 2014"; and Resolution 100800, entitled "A of Sanjuanita Gonzalez as a member of the Board of Ethics, to serve in the term ending November 16, 2013"; and Resolution 100801, entitled "A resolution confirming the appointment of Sister Mary Scullion as a member of the Board of Ethics, to serve in the term ending November 16, 2015," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached resolutions to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
I move for the adoption of the resolutions. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. Oh, I'm sorry. I believe the resolutions will be placed on the Final next session of Council. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Clarke for a report from the Committee on Rules.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, the Committee on Rules reports three bills with favorable recommendations.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the report.
The Committee on Rules, to which was referred Bill No. 100079, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Zoning and Planning,' by adding a new Section 14-1640, entitled 'Ridge Avenue Special District Controls'"; and Bill No. 100753, entitled "An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land bounded by East Moreland Avenue, Winston Street, East Mermaid Lane and Germantown Avenue"; and Bill No. 100784, 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 Eighth Street, Somerset Street, Seventh Street, and Lehigh Avenue," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Madam President, I move that the rules of Council be suspended this day to permit first reading on Bill Nos. 100079, 100753, 100784. (Duly seconded.)
It properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of the bills just reported from committee. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the bills just read will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for a report from the Committee on Finance.
Thank you. The Committee on Finance reports four bills with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the report.
The Committee on Finance, to which was referred Bill No. 100557, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 19-200 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'City Funds - Deposits, Investments, Disbursements,' by amending Section 19-203, entitled 'Payroll Deductions,' to add the Philadelphia Police and Fire Pipes and Drums to the list of entities for which payroll deductions may be authorized"; and Bill No. 100751, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Director of Finance, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into a lease agreement to lease vehicles and equipment from the Philadelphia Municipal Authority"; and Bill No. 100781, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the City to enter into an interagency agreement with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for a period of years for the Commonwealth to add City and School District taxes to the the electronic filing and payment of taxes"; and Bill No. 100794, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 19-200 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'City Funds Deposits, Investments, Disbursements,' by amending Section 19-203, entitled 'Payroll Deductions,' to add the Police and Firemen's Insurance Association to the list of entities for which payroll deductions may be authorized by City employees, under certain terms and conditions," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of 100557, 100751, 100781 and 100794. (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 bills just reported from committee. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the bills just read will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Clarke for a report from the Committee on Public Property and Public Works.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, the Committee on Public Property and Public with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the report.
The Committee Public Property and Public Works, to which was referred Bill No. 100842, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to enter into a license or long term lease agreement and other related agreements between the City of Philadelphia as licensor or landlord, and the Center City District as licensee or tenant, for a certain parcel of land bounded approximately by John F. Kennedy Boulevard, 15th Street, South Penn Square and the west side of City Hall, commonly referred to as Dilworth Plaza, under certain terms and conditions," respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Madam President, I move that the rules of Council be suspended this day as to permit first reading of Bill No. 100842. (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. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the bill just read will First Reading Calendar for today. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Sanchez for a report from the Committee on Licenses and Inspections.
Thank you, Madam Chair. The Committee on License and Inspection reports two bills 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. 100550, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 9-410 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Pedicabs,' by broadening the definition of Pedicab"; and Bill No. 100749, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code, by amending Subcode 'A' (The Philadelphia Administrative Code) and Subcode 'PM' (The Philadelphia Property Maintenance Code), to require that the owners of residential properties that are vacant following foreclosure register, inspect and maintain such properties, and to provide for enforcement and penalties for failure to do so, all 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. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Sanchez.
I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit first reading of Bill 100550 and 100749. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of the bills just reported from committee. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the bills just read will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Brown for a report from the Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs reports two bills with a favorable recommendation.
The Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs, to which was referred Bill No. 100724, entitled "An ordinance renaming and designation Franklintown Park located between North 18th Street and North 19th Street and between Hamilton Street and Shamokin Street as 'Matthias Baldwin Park'"; and Bill No. 100776, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City, to execute and record a Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions against a portion of Pennypack Park on the Delaware, in favor of the United States, to protect bald eagles and other rare, endangered, or threatened birds, under certain terms and conditions," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable
Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Madam President, I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill Nos. 100724 and 100776. (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 bills just reported from committee. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the bills just read our First Reading Calendar for today. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode for a report from the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Commerce and Economic Development reports two bills with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the report.
The Committee on Commerce and Economic Development, to which was referred Bill No. 100756, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 17-1300 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Philadelphia 21st Century Minimum Wage and Benefits Standard,' by broadening the definition of the 'City financial aid recipients' who are subject to that Chapter to include certain lease property or equipment from persons or entities who receive City assistance"; and Bill No. 100787, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 19-2600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Business Privilege Taxes,' by extending the 'Special Tax Credit Opportunity for Job Creation,' 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. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill Nos. 100756 and 100787. (Duly seconded.)
It properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of the bills just reported from committee. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the bills just read will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill for a report from the Committee on Technology and Information Services.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Technology and Information Services reports one bill with a favorable recommendation.
The Committee on Technology and Information Services, to which was referred Bill No. 100843, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the City Solicitor, on behalf of the City, to enter into a multi-year contract with a provider of codification, editing, and marketing services to produce printed and electronic versions of the 10th edition of The Philadelphia Code and the 2011 Reprint of The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter, with periodic supplements to each, all under certain terms and conditions," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Madam President, I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 100843. (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. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the bill just read will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. 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 12/9/10 - STATED - 1ST READING have been deemed to have had a first reading. These bills will be placed on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for our next session of Council. The Chief Clerk will please read any other bills on the First Reading Calendar.
Bill No. 100656, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 14-305 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "'C-4' Commercial District," all under certain terms and conditions; and amending the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Hamilton Street, 19th Street, Callowhill Street and 20th Street."
Thank you. This bill will be placed on the Second Reading and Final Passage for our next session of Council. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for a motion 12/9/10 - STATED - 2ND READING concerning the bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit the use of a Consent Agenda to consider the following bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar: Bill Nos. 100709, 100614, 100464, 100544, 100675, 100676, 100679, 100680, 100681, 100682, 100683, 100684, 100711, 100716, 100717, 100718, 100719, 100723, 100752, 100757, 100758 and 100760. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the rules of Council be suspended to permit the use of a Consent Agenda to consider the bills just read by Councilwoman Tasco. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
Those 12/9/10 - STATED - 2ND READING opposed? (No response.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries, and we will consider the Consent Agenda shortly. The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for the purpose of calling up the bills on the regular Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar to be considered today.
Thank you, Madam President. In addition to the bills being considered for the Consent Agenda, the following bills and resolutions are being called up for Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar today: 100845, 100846, 100847, 100848, 100849, 100850, 100851, 100773-A, 100721, 100750, 100712, 100713, 100714, 100774 and 100775. Bill 090588, 100489 and 100552 are being amended.
Thank you. Before considering these bills and resolutions, we will consider public comment on the matters listed on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar, portions of the Calendar for possible action at this weak's session of Council. Before our first speaker comes forward, let me review the current status of our public comment procedures. At last week's session, a resolution was introduced to amend Council's rules to provide for a public comment period. That resolution was not voted on, but was instead placed on the Final Passage Calendar for today's session. Council then adopted the proposed new public comment procedures as temporary rules so that we could immediately receive public comment. The proposed procedures would operate as follows: For each Council session, there will be a sign-up sheet to determine the order in which we receive public comment, although no one will be denied the opportunity to provide public comment because they have not previously signed up. Public comment is listed -- I'm sorry; is limited to Philadelphia residents and taxpayers. So when it's your turn, I would ask that you please state your name, where you live, and if you are not a Philadelphia resident, please state that you are a Philadelphia taxpayer. You will then have up to three minutes, three minutes, to provide public comment on bills and resolutions listed on the Calendar for possible action at today's session. I again want to thank all of you for your cooperation and patience as we continue to implement a new procedure. I would now ask the Chief Clerk to please read the name of our first speaker.
Good morning, Ms. Kindt. Welcome. Please identify yourself for the record and proceed.
Good morning, Madam President. My name is Stephanie Kindt. I live at 6392 Overbrook Avenue, Philadelphia 19151. I'll try and be fast. This morning I just wanted to give a few brief comments on Bill 100552 introduced by Councilman DiCicco. It's with regards to a plot of land bounded by Race Street, Florist Street. It's right near the Franklintown Park. There is a hotel project that's proposed, and as part of the hotel project, they're removing a lot of the current zoning regulations, and I just wanted to speak just a minute about -- three minutes about spot zoning. The rezoning of this area of the land would meet the definition of spot zoning as laid out in Township of Plymouth by the Commonwealth Court, and the definition that's given in that case is it's a zoning provision that's adopted to control the use of a specified area of land without regard to the relationship of the land around it. It also in Cleaver versus the Board of Adjustment, it's unreasonable or arbitrary. In order to find spot zoning, it has to be unreasonable or arbitrary classification of that same parcel of land. In this case, what they would have to find as arbitrary and unreasonable, you'd have to look at the totality of circumstances. So you'd look at the surrounding plan, you'd look at the plans that have been approved by the City, you'd look at what expert testimony has been given on studies with regards to specifically traffic that's coming across the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, with regards to the safety and the environmental impact on the project. So in terms of those studies and those witnesses and working with the communities to be in line with the comprehensive plan, clearly none of that has been presented. In addition, it would have to be distinguishable from the surrounding properties. So there would have to be something really special about this property that's different than the other properties. So if we were to remove the zoning codes for this property, you could have a case, Franklintown Park could say, Well, why can't I, if I'm different as well, which they are very similar, why can't I have a six-story digital billboard? If they make that claim, you would have a case for reverse spot zoning. The same thing for the Franklin Mint. In a quote from Harris Steinberg, who just released Green 2015 this week, which is really exciting, he quotes, "spot zoning is a dance of uncertainty pitting sophisticated development lawyers seeking neighborhood approval against an under-resourced civic association who is looking for community benefits." Is that my time?
Thank you. I would ask the Chief Clerk to please read the name of our next witness.
Good morning. Welcome. Please identify yourself for the record.
Good morning. My name is Joe Shiavo. I reside at 155 North 3rd Street in Philadelphia, and I was on -- I am on the list to speak on this bill today. However, I would prefer to speak at the hearing where the bill will be discussed and voted on the 16th.
Our next speaker? The Chief Clerk will please call our next speaker.
No, I'm not also Richard Thom. However, there are many members of the Old City community that have registered with the Chief Clerk's Office to give testimony today because the bill was first scheduled to be read for its second time today and voted, but since the bill is now being held and only amendments are being forwarded today, we will all be asking that we be permitted to testify on the 16th rather than today.
Thank you, sir. I would ask the Chief Clerk to please read the names on the list so that we know whether the speakers are present or not.
Please approach the microphone. Good morning. Welcome. Please identify yourself for the record.
Good morning, members of Council. My name is Mary Tracy. I'm a Philadelphia resident and taxpayer. I live at 604 South Washington Square, 19106. First, I want to thank you all, Councilmembers, for your public service to the citizens of the City and for your commitment to neighborhood communities, who work so hard to improve the quality of life and economic vitality of their neighborhoods. Our common interest lies in making this city a success. Carving out special exceptions to allow a giant flashing television screen in an historic area, a gateway to Philadelphia and a very high-traffic decision-making area, should be considered the wrong direction for the public's interest. Bringing jobs here is important and can be accomplished without circumventing laws passed by City Council in 1988 in collaboration with Philadelphia's business community. These laws were passed to protect public and private investment, promote economic development and commercial revitalization, promote traffic safety by eliminating the hazards to pedestrians and motorists posed by distracting and confusing sign displays, to promote signs which are harmonious with the streetscape and eliminate signs which dominate and obscure views of our city. There are two photographs here. On the right is the developer's rendering showing the building with the sign, which we have superimposed with a photograph of actual digital signage at night on a Florida highway to illustrate the brightness. The other is an example of a full motion video sign located in the City of St. Louis where their City Council and Mayor are at this moment trying to correct their problem through legislation. Thankfully, in Philadelphia this Council enacted sign laws that we needed to protect our gateways, residences and historic areas from towering flashing signage. I strongly urge this Council not to change these laws to satisfy the request of a single developer. We would suggest that if this developer cannot do this project without a JumboTron sign, then there are others in this city who can. If we are looking to generate revenues for the City --
You're welcome. Thank you for your interest. I would ask the Chief Clerk to please read the name of the next speaker.
Although the bill is going to be voted on the 16th, I would like to testify. I have copies for everyone, if they're interested. I live at 3114 West Coulter Street, and our taxes are paid up to date. I thought I was just to say that. President Verna and members of City Council, thank you for this opportunity to plead with you to reject Bill No. 100552. I realize it's being amended, but I didn't realize it in time to change the phrasing a little bit, so I'll just proceed. Passage of Bill No. 100552 in its present form states under Section (e), Signage - one non-accessory, outdoor advertising sign is permitted, which sign is permitted to provide digital display and changeable copy, which sign is to be embedded into the north end of the east facing wall of the building at the western point of the property, and which sign is permitted only facing eastward, with a total maximum allowable sign area of 1,200 square feet. What the bill does not state is the fact that a digital sign, which in addition to being an unaesthetic distraction to drivers, would consume an inordinate amount of energy. As a resident of this planet for the past 69 years, I have become aware of the responsibility of each and every one of us to leave the smallest carbon footprint possible. Approval of this bill and consequently this sign would be one giant step in the wrong direction. According to the graph in the United States Green Building, Central Balcones Chapter, a digital billboard annually emits 110 tons of carbon dioxide, while a static billboard emits five tons. A typical home annually emits ten tons and a typical car, eight tons. I do not know how many trees the developer would have to plant to counteract the 110 tons of carbon dioxide, but I doubt there is adequate space for them in the area in question. For more information on digital signage, I encourage you to read, quote, "Illuminating the Issues" by Gregory Young. His well-researched paper, available through SCRUB's website, will enlighten you on the many aspects of digital lighting and provide information on the policies of cities throughout the world. I also encourage you to visit -- and I list the website address -- to view the one-minute 48-second video, "A Seven-Story Woman," showing a huge billboard, video billboard, on Route I-70 in downtown St. Louis. Bill 100552 is about much more than one billboard. It brings to the forefront the need for completing the overhaul of the Zoning Code and Comprehensive Plan before proposing digital signs of any size in any locale. Thank you.
Thank you very much. The Chief Clerk will please call the name of our next speaker.
Thank you very much for this opportunity. I'm Margherita Larson. I live at 511 Woodland Terrace, Philadelphia 19104, and I have paid all my taxes, and I thank you for everything you do for us, because I can say that I'm a veteran of a fight to save a historic neighborhood in which we were immensely helped by Mrs. Blackwell with her intelligence and understanding of what a historic neighborhood required. Now, the sign that is proposed, the six-story sign that is proposed for the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, is in a project that is not in my neighborhood and that the neighborhood does not oppose per se, but the sign is on a major gateway to my city, and my city, our city, which you protect, happens to be a hallowed city, the first capital of the United States. This is a major gateway for all the visitors to our city. And apart from the very important issues of safety and ecological issues that have been mentioned, this is going to be a true outrage for those who come to the hallowed ground of Independence Mall. I would repeat that the distraction that the sign, a moving sign six stories high, would bring to drivers would be compounded by the fact that we often change the lanes on Benjamin Franklin Bridge without any rail guard in between them. I think that issues of safety, issues of ecological waste, issues of energy and issues of preserving what is so important in our city would command that you do not go with the spot zoning. I urge you not to do this. It opens a terrible ground and it really -I'm afraid that it will establish precedent. Thank you for hearing me.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please call the next speaker.
Good morning. Darrell Zaslow, 7212 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia 19135. I am a Philadelphia taxpayer. Madam President, members of Council, I'm here with one last opportunity to persuade you to legislatively correct your compliance with the Sunshine Law. By now I'm sure you've all read the law and are familiar with it. It requires that you provide for public comment on matters of concern which may come before the Council and matters of concern and official action which are before the Council. By restricting the public comment to only matters of concern which are in front of you today and not matters of concern which the public may feel is important, I believe you are in violation yet of the Sunshine Law. Every municipality in the state provides for that. Pittsburgh's rules and regulations incorporate exactly the Sunshine Law. City of Reading provides for public comment on agenda items first, non-agenda items after that. What is the reason for your decision here to not allow public comment on matters of concern which may be before you and are important to members of the public? It cannot be for matters of time. It cannot be for matters of time. You have a very vocal towers group that came here last week, thousands of members. They were respectful. They came with three people. I represent thousands of property owners. They've sent a single representative, me. In addition, members of Council, you begin your meetings with a beautiful ceremony of giving awards and resolutions and public recognition 10, 15, 20 minutes, wonderful, well deserved, a lot of fun this morning. You have time for that. Give the same time for citizens to come before you on matters of concern to them. Now, you have a very able, superbly competent President who wheels the gavel in a special way, unique in our entire Commonwealth. Surely she will keep these meetings on track as to subject matter and time. I know of only one Pennsylvania appellate case on the issue, and that issue is where some resident wanted to come before a City Council and complain about something the Chief of Police said 14 years before, and the court said that that is not something which City Council needs to hear, it's not relevant from 14 years ago. They did say, however, how important it is that this language matters. "Which may be of concern to the public" is a very broad issue indeed. I would urge your compliance with the Sunshine Law, not just because the law requires it, but because Council will benefit from it. I implore you, let's not put this to another judicial test. Let's not spend another three years wrangling up and down the court system. Let's give the people three minutes to bring to you matters of importance to them, matters which may be of concern and may ultimately come before you. I thank you very much, Madam President, for all of your efforts on these Sunshine Law matters.
Madam President, I have ten seconds left. It's the last day of Hanukkah. May I -
I say with my last ten seconds, it's the last day of Hanukkah and I wanted to wish those of who are looking forward to Christmas a very merry Christmas and spiritual holiday. Thank you, Madam President.
Good morning, Madam President and members of City Council. I'm Rick Remington. I manage Public and Government Affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic and I'm a Philadelphia City taxpayer. On behalf of AAA's 700,000 Philadelphia members, I'm here today to voice AAA's opposition to a provision in zoning Bill 100552 that would allow the installation of an electronic billboard flashing advertisements at motorists as they cross the Ben Franklin Bridge. Greeting visitors to historic Philadelphia with a Jerry Jones style video screen sends the wrong message on traffic safety. Such a sign presents a safety hazard to motorists as they weave their way through heavy traffic and negotiate tight turns trying to enter the City. For those leaving the City, the safety hazard would be posed as flashing lights suddenly appear in their rear-view mirror. This is not just a Philadelphia issue. AAA across the United States opposes the use of such electronic billboards that utilize flashing lights or rather a highly distracting activity in order to present a commercial message. We do support electric signs that provide traffic advisory information. Many of you are no doubt aware of the increased attention that is focused recently on distracted driving, such as texting or using a cell phone while driving. In similar vein, these electronic billboards are another form of distraction which diverts motorists from the job at hand, which is keeping their eyes and their minds on the road. According to the federal government, 20 percent of highway fatalities, 6,000 lives a year, are caused by some form of driving distraction. In the interest of highway safety, we urge City Council to eliminate this provision from the bill. Thank you.
I also live at 3rd and Race and I'm here to voice my opposition to the billboard. I just want to tell you a little story about how I moved to the area. Back in 2000, I was looking for a place to buy my own. I had finally saved up enough money. I wanted to live in historical Center City. My friends said, You want to live in that dump? Where at? I said, 3rd and Race. And they said, Isn't that the corner where that sleazy Black Banana club is? And if you're not familiar, yes, it was sleazy and it was very symbolic of how the entire area was dilapidated at that time. But when I went down to look at the area, I saw that an art gallery had replaced it, and actually that the area had made much progress and recovery. So I moved down there, and the recovery for the neighborhood continued over the years. We had the College of American Physicians built at 6th and Race. Then we had the National Constitution Center. Then we had the Metro Hospital, which if anybody saw it, it was like -- complete looked like it was going to fall down building, and now it's a beautiful condo complex. And, of course, we have the Franklin Park. And how did all this happen? It happened from the tax abatements and zoning laws that this City Council passed over the years, and I should add, extremely wise City Council who passed this over the years. I want to give you a quick applause for rebuilding our neighborhood. And now that you've done all that, that you've accomplished -- made this great accomplishment, now we're talking about putting a six-foot story sign on a new Black Banana that is one block away from where the old one is that says sleazy club complex right here. I don't get it. Neither should you. If you're going to do that, you may as well put a six-foot story thing right on City Hall that says you're at here, call City Council for details. I don't believe anyone here would do that, so you shouldn't be doing this to our neighborhood either. Thank you for your time.
Yes, sir. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: I'm not sure. I certainly don't want to get into a debate with any of the folks who are here to testify. What is procedure? Because I do have a question for the last witness.
Certainly. Would the last witness please come up to the microphone. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: I appreciate your coming here today and your testimony. I was just curious, are you opposed to the entire project or just the sign?
I'm opposed to the entire project. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: The whole thing?
We have enough clubs in Center City as it is now. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: It's -
If we can't get rid of the whole project, I at least don't want the sign advertised. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: It's a hotel.
Isn't there also a club? COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: That was an erroneous flyer that had been put out in relationship to potential of 35,000 square feet of retail space that would be part of phase one of the development. It would be a hotel, with no more than 35,000 square feet that are not related to the hoteliers that could be divided into several types of retailers. It could be a deli. It could be a gift shop. The developer doesn't have any tenants in place. The 35,000 square feet came about when the developer had proposed the possibility of developing a bowling alley with the entertainment pieces that are with a bowling alley, a bar, a seating area and a dining area. That was, I believe, rejected by OCCA. So that's where that 35,000 square feet of entertainment was supposedly proposed, which eventually evolved into some people who want to kill this project stating that it was a nightclub. I helped with some of those things that you talked about that are made positive, and I know we're always going to have an issue on that sign. There are some people who are just against signs. There's some people who are not in favor of the sign on this building. I understand that. But I will not allow 15 years of my hard work in Old City to be destroyed by one project, which I think is a much-needed project not only for Old City but for the City of Philadelphia, because we need another 2,000 hotel rooms if our Convention Center is to be successful. So, again, I don't want to debate you, but that 35,000 square feet is not a nightclub and will never be a nightclub on my watch. Thank you.
Well, I'm glad to hear that. At the very least, though, I don't want a six-story billboard that makes it look like there's a sleazy club there. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: We disagree on that issue, but it will be facing the bridge and you will not be able to see it from your residential property or any other residential property. The way it's going to be built, it will be shielded from residential properties. It will face the bridge only, and the only way you'll see it is if you're coming in from Jersey, New Jersey into Philadelphia.
How can a six-story billboard be hidden from the -COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: I would be more than happy to meet with you in my office to show you how it's designed into the building.
I look forward to that. Thank you. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you.
You're welcome. The Clerk will please read the name of the next speaker.
Good afternoon, ma'am and Councilmembers. My name is Gary Pervines. I'm a convicted felon. I also own a tow company. My taxes is paid, and I send my kids to school and college. I have been driving tow trucks for over 20 years. My problem with the tow bill is that it's a lot of small businesses that's going to be affected and hurt, and I would just like to know what's going to happen to the convicted felons that can't drive a tow truck that haven't been locked up in over 20 years and what we're going to do for income? I'm 46. It's kind of late to be looking for a new career. And I just want to put it out there like that. Like everybody for a few bad apples, everybody shouldn't have to pay the price. Because I work hard. They never mention the good stuff that we do, help people, take people to hospitals, take people home, get up 3, 4, 5 o'clock in the morning. But that's our job, and we do it a lot of extended courtesy to these motorists. And I know a few of them have been abused by certain situations, but them companies should be dealt with individually, because like a lot of people like myself will be out of work, and then it's a shame, because I do pay taxes and I am a resident all my life in Philadelphia. And that's all that I have to say, because this bill with Parking Authority, I mean, the City has convicted felons, Parking Authority has convicted felons working for them. What are we going to do? What are we going to do? What are our taxes -- the City don't want our tax money no more? They'd rather have a conglomerate take over the small people. It's not fair, Madam, and I don't know what I want -- I mean, I don't know what to do after this. And I can't get a job. I got a CDL license, drive tractor-trailer or anything. But this is what I have to say, and I'm not going to burn your ear out, but that's it. Thank you.
Good morning. How you doing? My name is Charles Norton. I live at 51 East Cosgrove, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19144. I'm the owner of Norton's Tow Squad, a minority company for the City and State, certified. I just want to speak on that before City Council passes this bill, 100536, could they please look into maybe a Tow Advisory Board considering police, tow truck drivers, L&I before they pass this bill, because Parking Authority is just going to throw us to the wolves, and that's all I have to say.
Is there anyone else who wishes to provide public comment on today's agenda? Good morning. Please identify yourself.
Good morning, City Council. My name is Alphonzo Lee. I'm the owner of Heat Wave Towing and Recovery. I'm a resident of the City of Philadelphia, a taxpayer in the City of Philadelphia. I'm opposed to this bill that City Council is putting out. I would ask City Council to take this bill back and carefully review it. There are federal laws that this bill is in direct conflict with.
The tow bill that the City has out here for Parking Authority to take over.
And basically this is going to put a lot of people out of business. It's going to stop a lot of hiring in Philadelphia. It's going to have a trickle-down effect on the economy, because when you look at the tow industry, you also have the auto industry. You have auto parts. You have auto repair. And if you look at it, when they take these vehicles to Parking Authority, just the fact that there's a two percent sales tax in the City of Philadelphia, which is eight percent and the rest of the state is six, these insurance companies will take these vehicles outside the City to have repaired, which is going to hurt the economy in the City of Philadelphia, because these cars are going to be fixed in Bensalem, wherever. And if you look at it, how many other people is it going to hurt besides the tow industry? You have the guys in the auto parts. They're going to have to be laid off. You have the tow truck drivers who through some misfortunes of others are now paying the price. There are bad apples in every industry. You need to deal with the bad apples directly. There are bad apples in other industries, and historically they've been dealt with. You can't take a whole industry and punish them for a few bad apples. Thank you.
Good morning. My name is Nicholas Clark. I'm a Philadelphia resident. I moved to Philadelphia only this year and I now live in Councilwoman Blackwell's district. I'm also an attorney with SCRUB, but my testimony today regarding Bill 100552 reflects my individual concerns more than my legal or professional positions. I love cities, and now Philadelphia is my city. Because I want my city to thrive, I want this project to happen, but I want it to happen without the potential for large animated signage. Cities need vibrant spaces and economic opportunities. They need lawful activity that keeps eyes on the streets into the night, and they need an identity that draws talented people to move in to live, to work and to invest in them. Even as someone who doesn't live in Councilman DiCicco's district, doesn't drive and has never been on the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, Bill 100552 affects me because it affects my city. The Benjamin Franklin Bridge is a gateway to Philadelphia's downtown, and what incoming motorists, pedestrians, bus and PATCO passengers identify with this gateway, they will identify with Philadelphia. The animated digital signage that this bill permits will not meaningfully identify the City of Philadelphia. New Jerseyites traveling west on the bridge know they can find the glitz of animated signs 60 miles to the southeast. Philadelphia is a unique city whose appeal lies in its walkable communities and tree-lined bikeable streets, its green spaces, its place in American history and its ability to comingle the contributions of diverse ethnic populations, not in its ability to deliver flashy messages bigger and brighter. This project is a good one mostly. This parcel should be developed with commercial, residential and entertainment uses. Vibrant mixed-use development brings investment and helps to make urban places safer and more livable. I recognize that this development will need to advertise in order to garner the sort of economic activity it will need to thrive, but I don't want the challenge of having to explain away the dangerous eyesore that greets visitors to my city if this project is constructed with large digital animated signage. Because the bridge is a gateway to the City, if large animated digital signage is allowed at this location, Philadelphia will come to be associated with the kind of projects that place road users in danger in exchange for hurried development. If this developer insists on identifying Philadelphia with this kind of garish and dangerous display, the identity of the City will suffer. This one development could sacrifice something irreplaceable in what makes Philadelphia appealing to new talent and new investment, and that is simply too high a price for any city to pay.
Is there anyone else who wishes to provide public comment on today's agenda? (No response.)
Seeing no one, that concludes today's public comment. For those of you who may be interested, I thought I should make the announcement rather than your sitting here the remainder of the session. Bill No. 100536 is being held today. So there's no need for you to stay if you don't wish to. We will now consider today's Consent Agenda. I would like to state that after each title is read, any member may object to the inclusion of the bill on the Consent Agenda. Upon such an objection and without debate, the bill removed from the Consent Agenda and placed on our regular Final Passage Calendar. The Clerk will now please read the title of the bills on the Consent Agenda.
Bill No. 100709, entitled "An ordinance approving the first amendment of the redevelopment proposal for the Center City Redevelopment Area, Franklin Town Project, being the area beginning in the vicinity of Spring Garden and Twenty-First Streets, which provides, inter alia, for amending the land use map and regulations to add religious institutional as a permitted use"; and Bill No. 100614, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of The City of Philadelphia, to amend an existing sublease agreement between the Philadelphia Municipal Authority as landlord and The City of Philadelphia as tenant, for use of certain office space located at 1327 through 39 Chestnut Street"; and Bill No. 100464, 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 Tenth Street to Hutchinson Street and Hutchinson Street from Olive Street to Brown Street"; and Bill No. 100544, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 9-213 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Farmers' Markets,' by adding as a permissible location the sidewalk of the east side of Germantown Avenue from Allens Lane for 175 feet south"; and Bill No. 100675, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 9-213 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Farmers' Markets,' by adding as permissible locations the sidewalk of the east side of South 22nd Street between Cross Street and the sidewalk of the south side of Wharton Street between Hollywood Street and 29th Street"; and Bill No. 100676, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 149 by striking from the City Plan and vacating the legally open portions of Hartwell Lane from a point two hundred seventy-seven feet southwest of Seminole Street to a point approximately sixty-four feet further southwestwardly therefrom"; and Bill No. 100679, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of various City Plans within the vicinity of the Delaware Expressway (I-95) from the Vine Street Expressway (I-676) to the Philadelphia-Bucks County Line by placing on the City Plan, striking from the City Plan, relocating, and revising portions of the Delaware Expressway, its right-of-way, interchanges, and ramp connections"; and Bill No. 100680, entitled "An ordinance authorizing Brandywine Realty Trust, 555 East Lancaster Avenue, Suite 100, Radnor, Pennsylvania, to legalize various existing sidewalk encroachments located on the east footway of Juniper Street between Sansom Street and Drury Street"; and Bill No. 100681, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 307 by striking from the City Plan and vacating Ridge Avenue from Vine Street to the intersection of Eighth Street and Race Street"; and Bill No. 100682, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Streets Commissioner, on behalf of the City, to enter into an agreement with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for the grant to the City of a right-of-way for sewer and drainage purposes extending through a portion of property located at of Thirteenth Street and Arch Street"; and Bill No. 100683, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance (Bill No. 080434) approved July 2, 2008, entitled 'An ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 271 by striking from the City Plan and vacating a portion of Leithgow Street south of Reno Street'"; and Bill No.
100684, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, located at 128 North Broad Street, to construct, own and maintain various encroachments in the right-of-way on the west side of North Broad Street between Arch and Race Street"; and Bill No. 100711, entitled "An ordinance authorizing BIBA UC Limited Liability Company/doing business as BIBA Wine Bar, 3131 Walnut Street, Suite 1A, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to legalize and to construct, own and maintain additional encroachments in the right-of-way located on the north footway of Walnut Street"; and Bill No. 100716, entitled "An ordinance authorizing Mt. Airy USA to install, and the Mount Airy Business Improvement District to own and maintain, four benches on the east and west footway of Germantown Avenue from Mt. Airy Avenue to East Phil-Ellena Street"; and Bill No. 100717, entitled "An ordinance authorizing CM123, Limited Liability Company, trading as The Wishing Well to construct, own and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe at 767 South Ninth Street"; and Bill No. , to construct, own and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe at 806 South Sixth Street"; and Bill No. 100719, entitled "An Borda, owner of Francoluigi's Restaurant, to construct, own and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe at 1549 South Thirteenth Street"; and Bill No. 100723, entitled "An ordinance authorizing Rameshchandra Patel, owner and operator of the newsstand located on the northwest corner of Sixteenth Street and Chestnut Street, to construct, use and maintain conduits in, under and across the northwest corner of Sixteenth Street and Chestnut Street"; and Bill No. 100752, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 10-700 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Refuse and Littering,' by increasing the path of snow to be cleared on sidewalks"; and Bill No. 100757, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 9-205 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Sidewalk Sales,' by prohibiting vending on both sides of Broad Street between Washington Street"; and Bill No. 100758, entitled "An ordinance establishing a two-way regulation on Spruce Street, between 38th Parallel Place to 2nd Street"; and Bill No. 100760, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. "
Thank you. These bills having been read on two different days, the question for each bill now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll, and upon being called, each Councilmember shall vote aye on each of the bills, nay on each of the bills or indicate those bills for which the member is voting aye on those bills, for each member -- or if you're voting nay. Is that clear? Good. Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye on all bills. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative for each of the bills, the bills on the Consent Agenda are now passed. We will now consider the bills and resolutions on the regular Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar. I think we should consider the bills first and then we will consider the resolutions. Therefore, I would ask the Chief Clerk to please read the title of Bill No. 100773, bottom of .
An ordinance 12/9/10 - STATED - 2ND READING declaring that it is desirable for the health, safety and welfare of the people in the area served by The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Foundation for The Hospitals and Higher Education Facilities Authority of Philadelphia to participate with such institutions in constructing a new, 5-story ambulatory care center.
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.
Councilman DiCicco. 12/9/10 - STATED - 2ND READING COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Aye.
Aye. The ayes are 16; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. We will now consider Bill No. 090588.
An ordinance amending Chapter 14-1800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning Board of Adjustment," by amending Section 14-1805, entitled "Hearings," by revising the number of members of the Zoning Board of Adjustment that shall constitute a 12/9/10 - STATED - 2ND READING quorum.
Councilman Clarke, it is my understanding you have an amendment to offer.
Yes, Madam President. I'd like to offer an amendment to Bill No. 090588. A copy of the amendment has been circulated to all the members, and I move the adoption of the amendment. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the amendment be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The 12/9/10 - STATED - 2ND READING ayes have it and the amendment is adopted. The Chief Clerk will now read the title of Bill No. 100489.
An ordinance authorizing the City of Philadelphia to organize an authority to be known as The Philadelphia Health Center Authority, pursuant to the provisions of the Municipality Authorities Act.
Madam President, I offer an amendment to Bill 100489. The amendment has been circulated.
I move for the adoption of the amendment. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the amendment be adopted. 12/9/10 - STATED - 2ND READING All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the amendment is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco regarding Bill No -- I'm sorry. The Chief Clerk will read the title of Bill No. 552.
An ordinance amending the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Race Street, 4th Street, 5th Street and Florist Street; and by amending Section 14-303 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "'C-3' Commercial District."
The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, 12/9/10 - STATED - 2ND READING Madam President. I'd like to offer an amendment to Bill No. 100552. A copy has been distributed to all members of Council, and I move for the adoption of the amendment. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the amendment be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the amendment is approved. The Chief Clerk will now read the title of Bill No. 100721.
An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by amending Chapter 14-1600, entitled "Miscellaneous," by adding a new Section 12/9/10 - STATED - 2ND READING establishing the Fox Chase Environmental Control District.
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 16; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. We will now consider Bill No. 100750.
An ordinance to amend the Institutional Development District Master Plan of Holy Family University, located at 4500 Grant Avenue, by allowing for the construction of a new administrative building.
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 16; 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. 100712.
An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations 12/9/10 - STATED - 2ND READING for Fiscal Year 2010 within the Water Fund from certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions to certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions.
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 16; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. We will now consider Bill No. 100713.
An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2010 within the Grants Revenue Fund from certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions to certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. 12/9/10 - STATED - 2ND READING The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 16; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill 12/9/10 - STATED - 2ND READING passes. We will now consider Bill No. 100714.
An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2010 within the General Fund from certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions to certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions.
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.
Councilman DiCicco. 12/9/10 - STATED - 2ND READING COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Aye.
Aye. The ayes are 16; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. We will now consider Bill No. 100774.
An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2011 within the Grants Revenue Fund from the Director of Finance - Provision for Other Grants Federal Stimulus Funding to certain or all City offices, departments, boards and 12/9/10 - STATED - 2ND READING commissions.
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 16; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. We will now consider Bill No. 100775.
An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2011 from the Grants Revenue Fund, the Director of Finance Provision for Other Grants to the General Fund, the Department of Revenue.
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 16; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for a motion on Resolution No -- I'm sorry.
Resolution 100845, entitled "A resolution amending 12/9/10 - STATED - 2ND READING Resolution No. 080001, which provides for the Rules of Government of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, by providing an opportunity for public comment during Council meetings, and by making other conforming amendments," introduced by Councilmember Tasco for Council President Verna.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for a motion on the resolution.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is 12/9/10 - STATED - 2ND READING adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco -- I'm sorry. We will now consider Resolution 100846.
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 or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Thirty-Sixth Ward of the City of Philadelphia," introduced by Councilmember Tasco for Council President Verna.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for a motion on the resolution.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. 12/9/10 - STATED - 2ND READING (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. We will now consider Resolution 100847.
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 or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the 12/9/10 - STATED - 2ND READING Thirty-Seventh Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Sanchez for a motion on the resolution.
I move -- I call for a motion for the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair -- I'm sorry. We will now consider Resolution No. 100848.
A resolution authorizing Council's Committee on Law 12/9/10 - STATED - 2ND READING and Government to hold hearings to compare the benefits and drawbacks of outsourcing City construction and professional services contracts and to conduct a comparative analysis of proposed contracts in order to further the goals of cost efficiency and local job creation.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The 12/9/10 - STATED - 2ND READING ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Resolution No. 100849.
A resolution recognizing the Philadelphia Eagles for the plan to convert Lincoln Financial Field to self-generated renewable energy including onsite wind, solar power and dual-fuel generated electricity, which will make it the first stadium in the world with these sustainable capabilities.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown for a motion.
Madam President, I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.) 12/9/10 - STATED - 2ND READING
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Resolution No. 100850.
A resolution authorizing the Committee on Public Health and Human Services to hold hearings on the potential health risks from cell phone radiation and the actions the City of Philadelphia can take to better educate all cell phone users, particularly children and teens on ways to reduce radiation exposure by using headsets, speakerphones and texting.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.) 12/9/10 - STATED - 2ND READING
It has been moved and seconded that Resolution No. 100850 be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. We will now consider Resolution 100851.
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 or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Eighteenth, Thirty-Second and Forty-Seventh Wards of the City of 12/9/10 - STATED - 2ND READING Philadelphia.
The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Resolution 100088-A.
A resolution proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to authorize Council to provide that fines imposed for violation of any ordinance intimidation must be paid into a special fund to be used only for assistance to victims and witnesses.
Oh, I'm sorry. Councilman Jones, did you want to hold that?
That concludes the resolutions and the Calendar. That concludes our Calendar for today. Are there speeches on the part of the minority? (No response.)
Are there speeches on the part of the majority? The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Madam President. I'll be brief. I wouldn't normally talk about private companies' promotions, but given these circumstances, I believe an exception is merited. Through December 31st, the Walmart Foundation is encouraging people to visit www.walmart.com/fightinghunger to help decide which city should receive $1.5 million in grants to fight hunger. The participants can choose from a list of 100 communities where hunger rates are the highest. The city with the most support will receive $1 million in grants, and the five runner-ups will receive $100,000 each. This money would go to organizations that fight hunger, such as Philabundance. Philadelphia is among the communities on this list and I want to encourage everyone to take the opportunity to vote and spread the word. Right now Philadelphia is ranked 30th with only about 300 votes. Communities hunger rates are beating us. So this is one time where we have to push the voter turnout again, I guess. All it takes is a simple click to help Philadelphia advance in the rankings and potentially make a huge impact on hunger issues in our community. Again, the website is www.walmart.com/fightinghunger, one word. Thank you, Madam President.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Madam President. I want to thank the Co-Chairs of the Commerce and Economic Development Committee and Public Health for having hearings on Resolution 090608, which was to deal with the retail clinics in Philadelphia or the lack thereof, as we discovered in our hearing process. One of the discoveries was made by my colleague Councilwoman Tasco, and into this question, ask of the particular members of CVS, Rite Aid and other drugstore establishments that what would be the impact of the possible dissolution of the alcohol system in Philadelphia, and in so doing, the biggest winners, losers, winners was going to be CVS's that would be able to, like in other cities, do alcohol distribution out of there. Now, when we started to look at the economic model of what the impacts of a retail clinic where people could get common examinations for things like the common cold or other over-the-counter kind of remedies that deal with health concerns, the prospect of selling retail alcohol is a better business model than the health of the average Joe or Jane. Let me say this, and we warned them and we continue to warn them: If you can find a business model that says it's okay for you to sell alcohol to Philadelphians and can't find a model deserve in the inner city better health, better access to that, then woe unto them if they try to open that in the Fourth Councilmanic District. You will never have a business model that makes sense to this Councilperson that says alcohol over healthcare is better for Philadelphians. So we're going to send that out. We want to send the carrot first to encourage them to open more retail clinics in the inner city, but we will not, by any means of scrutiny, allow them to do alcoholic beverage sales in the inner city without those health clinics. Thank you, Madam President.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. Tonight at 5:30 in these very Chambers the Youth Commission will hold its monthly meeting. This have a presentation from Commissioner John Irizarry of the School Reform Commission on the black and Latino male dropout crisis. In addition, the Commission will hear testimony from men who were once dropouts and who are now back in school, and they will talk about their experiences. We invite all to attend this hearing. Again, that is at 5:30 today in these Chambers. And, number two, I know Council has its party on Thursday after Council, and we always have ours Friday, the 17th, for those of you who don't leave after the President's party, from noon to 3:00 right in our offices and in the corridor. Thank you, Madam President.
Thank you, Madam President. This morning I join the many citizens concerned about the media-driven debate over Superintendent Arlene Ackerman's actions in support of minority business, which some other public agencies routinely and actively ignore. I am reminded of the biblical saying, quote, "A prophet without honor in her own land." It's always important to first consider the facts. In a city with a 57 percent minority community, we have a School District budget of $3 billion plus and an 80 percent minority student body. I repeat, 80 percent. This leader is being attacked for ordering inclusion of a minority firm, which gave the firm a total of $12,000 on a $7.5 million contract, and this apparently is enough for us to fret, completely ignore the fact that as head of a large public agency, Dr. Ackerman is not only responsible but she's obligated to do everything she can to ensure minority and female-owned businesses, to ensure that they have access to opportunities so that they can participate in the economic pie. The lack of attention that was given to her being named "Superintendent of the Year" also makes us quite angry, because when we look to see the attention that was given to that, stacked against the much attention that was given to this opportunity for MBEs/WBEs, it continues to be deeply troubling. We'd be remiss not to acknowledge that this is a professional who works nine days a week, 72 hours a day, focused on moving the academic needle for the students in our Philadelphia public schools. Yet, there remain many of us who feel any share of any public contract that goes to a firm, contractor, consultant must be protested as, quote, "unfair," despite the historic persistent and still chronic underrepresentation of minority firms and tax-funded enterprises. What is more troubling for me is that there are those who turn a blind eye to the importance of role models to minority children and what it means to see people who look like them performing work in their schools and on their playgrounds. For when role models are creating jobs and providing positive images for our children in many neighborhoods who lack them, they are given back in ways that inspires emulation as well as affirms what is indeed possible. So it is striking to me that as a strong advocate with impeccable credentials for education and inclusion, Dr. Arlene Ackerman is somehow ignored for her milestone academic achievements and vilified for her attempts to bring balance, fairness and access to opportunity in the business practices of a multi-billion-dollar institution with, again I quote, 80 percent minority student body. Moving forward, I will continue to work with those and join with those who speak up and speak out for Dr. Arlene Ackerman and other women in leadership in this town, like Sharmain Matlock-Turner at the Greater Philadelphia Urban Affairs Coalition and Ahmeenah Young at the Pennsylvania Convention Center and Jill Michal at the United Way and others, who embrace both the responsibility and the obligation to not only strive for but insist on fairness both inside and outside of our public classrooms. Thank you, Madam President.
You're welcome. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, like to add and say I support the comments made by my colleague Councilwoman Brown. You know, we've been dealing with this issue of inclusion and diversity and the purchasing by not only the School District and public entities but also in the private industry, and through the years, we've noticed that even when the head of a business, a majority business, as well as the heads of our public institutions commit to a diversity plan, it never -- the message is somehow lost as it goes down to those departments that have to make the decisions as to who get the contracts and that they follow the intent of the institution to bring about a diverse vendor pool. And so the messages have to be forced and enhanced and continued to be told to those people who sit at the table, who develop the process, who plan out the bidding, the plans for bidding, as well as all that they do in purchasing is and that there are diversity plans that they should be followed. In most instances, they get ignored and there are excuses found for not to be inclusive. And so the message that Dr. Ackerman sent is that we do have a diversity plan. We have a $3 billion budget, and not only do the students reflect the District, it's the City of Philadelphia. This is a city of many, of a diverse city, and certainly the minority community is a large representation, and the purchasing should reflect what the City looks like. We lose people who try to do business in the City. They can't get contracts because of the discrimination against them, and they're never given an opportunity to participate. So I applaud her. I find it very interesting that some media contend to continue to avoid printing the facts. They give you just a little bit, but they full fact, and that is totally unfair. And I applaud her and ask her to continue to do what she's doing to make sure that diversity is part of what happens over at the School District. Thank you.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke for a motion to adjourn.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, December 16th, 10:00 a.m., 2010. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, December 16th at 10:00 a.m. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. Thank you. (Stated Meeting adjourned at 12:25 p.m.) CERTIFICATE I HEREBY CERTIFY that the proceedings, evidence and objections are contained fully and accurately in the stenographic notes taken by me upon the foregoing matter on December 9, 2010, and that this is a true and correct transcript of same. MICHELE L. MURPHY RPR-Notary Public (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.)