COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Thursday, 06/14/01 10:33 a.m. Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE L. BLACKWELL COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILMAN DAVID COHEN COUNCILMAN FRANK J. DICICCO COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN JAMES F. KENNEY COUNCILWOMAN JOAN L. KRAJEWSKI COUNCILMAN W. THACHER LONGSTRETH COUNCILMAN RICHARD T. MARIANO COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER COUNCILMAN MICHAEL A. NUTTER COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILMAN ANGEL L. ORTIZ COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO PATRICIA RAFFERTY, Deputy Chief Clerk VINCENT VARALLO ASSOCIATES, INC. Registered Professional Reporters Eleven Penn Center, Suite 600 Philadelphia, PA 19103 GREETING/INVOCATION P R O C E E D I N G S
Thank you, thank you very much. We're going to do this Council session and we're going to do it without any disturbance, so please be very cooperative. Please. I know you're all here and I know that many of you would rather be working, so in order for you to know what we're doing today, I will make an announcement very early on that Bill No.'s 658 and 137 are not going to be considered today; they're going to be held until fall. So if any of you feel that you'd like to leave and go to work, feel free to do so, but I am going to tell you that we are going to do this Council session without any disruption. Anybody that causes disruption will be escorted out of the chamber. I think I've made myself clear, and I'm not going to say it again. I note that the hour has come and that a quorum of this Council is present. The Council will come to order, members will take their seats, visitors will retire to the seats outside the rails. To give our invocation this morning, the GREETING/INVOCATION welcomes Reverend Dr. W. Goode, Sr., Assistant Pastor of the First Baptist Church of Pascal. He is here today as the guest of Councilman Goode. Councilmembers and guests will please rise.
Almighty and all-wise and all-loving God, we come this morning to ask Your blessings upon this noble body of men and women with authority to make laws and authorize budgets. Endow them with a high sense of responsibility. Make them immune to temptation of selfish interests. Fill them with knowledge and wisdom so that the interests of the people come before the interests of politics and patronage. Empower them to be an advocate and a special advocate for our children. We pray today especially for our children, that no child will suffer from hunger, that no child will spend their life in homeless shelters or suffer from the abuse of a parent, a loved one, of a coming danger because of an insincere but unprepared teacher. Protect our children from the expediency of budget cuts and political Russian roulette. Protect our children GREETING/INVOCATION from uncaring prosecutors and judges and members of City Councils who advocate for locking our children up as adults. Protect us, protect our children, and protect those who seek social services but deny appropriate service to them. And we pray for those misguided and misdirected political politicians in Harrisburg who seek political patronage under the guise of helping our children. And now, Lord, as we bring this prayer to a close, we thank You for this body of noble men and women charged with legislation of this city. Empower them, O, God, to make mountains level, to make valleys high and rough places smooth and crooked place straight. Inspire them, O, Lord, to be merciful, to love justice, and to walk humbly with their God. We pray in Your name and for Your sake. Amen.
Amen. The Chair thanks the Reverend Goode for his inspiring invocation. Council will be at ease. (Council stands at ease.) GREETING/INVOCATION (Proceedings resume.)
Mr. Balka, I did make an announcement before we started our session. Apparently, I was not clearly understood. Do you want to make a statement so that your membership would know exactly what is happening here today?
Thank you. Thank you very much. Vendors, you've won. Go home. (Commotion as vendors exit chamber.)
Mr. Balka, Mr. Balka, Mr. Balka, I'm not going to tolerate this. You can't hear me. Mr. Balka, come to the floor. (Mr. Balka comes forward.)
Mr. Balka, I'm sorry, we can't tolerate this. Please tell your people that -
I don't care. This has got to stop. (Vendors leave chambers.) JOURNAL APPROVAL/LEAVES OF ABSENCE
I think we can now proceed with the regular order of business. The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, June 7, 2001. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of the meeting of Thursday, June 7, 2001, stand approved.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, June 7, 2001, stand approved. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, June 7, 2001, has been approved. JOURNAL APPROVAL/LEAVES OF ABSENCE
The next order of business is requests for leaves of absence and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. There are no requests for leaves of absence on the part of the majority.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you, Madam President. There are no requests for leaves of absence today on behalf of the Republicans.
The Chair will dispense with the regular order of business to recognize guests and visitors joining us in chambers this morning. On behalf of all members of City Council, I welcome you to our session today we appreciate your taking the time to join us as we attend to the legislative affairs of our city. We certainly invite you to come again. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney, who will present a resolution VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATIONS honoring principal dancer Jeffrey Gribler of the Pennsylvania Ballet Company. Will Mr. Gribler and those accompanying him please join him at the podium. (Honoree et al. come forward.)
Thank you, Madam President. This is a resolution honoring principal dancer and ballet master Jeffrey Gribler on the occasion of his retirement from the Pennsylvania Ballet. Whereas, Jeffrey Gribler, a principal dancer of the Pennsylvania Ballet is an unusually gifted ballet dancer, who began dancing at the age of 7 in his hometown of Dayton, Ohio, and at the age of 17, was offered an apprenticeship with Pennsylvania Ballet, one of the premier ballet companies in the nation, joining its Corps de Ballet in 1976 and promoted to its principal dancer 1982; and Whereas. . .
Whereas, Jeffrey Gribler has demonstrated remarkable versatility over the years with an extensive repertoire of both VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATIONS classical and modern works, including dancing leading roles in numerous ballets by George Ballanchine, such as A Mid Summer Night's Dream, Prodigal Son, (indiscernible) and the Fourth Temperments, leading roles in other classical repertoires such as Sigfried in Swan Lake, Albrecht in Giselle, Franz in (indiscernible), and a stepsister in Cinderella, and Mercutio in Romeo and Juliette, and modern works such as Paul Taylor's Company B, Cunningham's Arcade, Kevin O'Day's (indiscernible), and Laura Lubichev's Concerto 622; and. . .
Whereas, Jeffrey Gribler has choreographed several works for Shut Up and Dance, the annual benefit of MANNA, and has had several pieces included in the company's annual program of new works and has staged works by Lynn Taylor Corbett and Peter Martins around the United States and Europe; and. . .
Whereas, after entertaining so many audiences throughout the region and the world, Jeffrey Gribler has recently announced his retirement as principal dancer at age 43, marking an extraordinarily long and VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATIONS distinguished career of 26 years with the Pennsylvania Ballet; and Whereas, Jeffrey Gribler has also been ballet master for the Pennsylvania Ballet since 1986, a position he will continue to hold, responsible for rehearsing the students who appear in the company's annual production of The Nutcracker, and he will henceforth be responsible for teaching the Ballet's contemporary repertoire. Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Council of the City of Philadelphia that we honor principal dancer and ballet master Jeffrey Gribler on the occasion of retirement from the Pennsylvania Ballet. And let me just add one other note that's not in the resolution. Those of us who have enjoyed over the last few months watching the Philadelphia 76ers' Allen Iverson, Dikembe Mutondo, and others who are graceful athletes, those who enjoy watching Donovan McNab and wide receivers in the NFL do tremendous things, those who love watching Doug Landel (ph.) run into center field and snag a ball in deep center field, if you enjoy those kinds of things and events, then you would love the VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATIONS ballet. These individuals standing here, Mr. Gribler and Mr. Kaiser, are world-class athletes. And not only are they world-class physical atletes, but they have to do something else too: They need to be able to dance a piece with precision and with grace, at the same time maintaining their athleticism. Mr. Gribler has given us as much fame throughout the world in the arts and cultural community as Allen Iverson has done in the last few months. And for that, I want to thank him for putting us on the map of ballet and arts and culture in this world and want to wish him well on his retirement from the ballet. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you, ladies and gentlemen of the Council for a very exciting morning -- exciting in more ways than that I thought it would be.
You thought they were all here for you. VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATIONS
I did, I thought they were all here for me, but they said to me, no, man, don't retire. I'm going to keep this really brief because I haven't retired yet and I have to go to class. So I can't imagine that I danced for 26 years. I mean, I'm just a kid from Ohio who wanted to dance and somehow I was lucky enough to end up doing what I wanted to do, which was to dance in a company what that I love, which is Pennsylvania Ballet, and in a city that I just think is incredible that I've learned to call home, and that's Philadelphia. It's been more amazing to me than I could have imagined. This 26 years, it's gone like that. If I could do 26 more, I'd do 'em. Not possible. So, like I said, I'm going to keep this really brief. Thank you very much for this honor and from someone who has spent, oh, probably the first ten years of his career feeling like the underdog, I just want to say, Go Sixers! (Applause.)
Council will be at ease. (Council stands at ease.) VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATIONS (Proceedings resume.)
The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Tasco, who will make a presentation honoring the Father's Day Rally Committee. Will Mr. Bilal Quayyum and those accompanying him please join the Councilwoman at the podium. (Honoree et al. come forward.)
Thank you, Madam President. It gives me great pleasure this morning to present a, friend, longtime friend, this resolution recognizing the wonderful world of Father's Day rally and the leadership of Bilal Quayyum as head of this outstanding and dynamic group. And this is a resolution honoring Father's Day Rally Committee on its efforts and initiatives that have positively impacted on the quality of life of African-American communities and African-American males in particular within both Philadelphia and the entire Delaware Valley region at large. VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATIONS Whereas, nationally and locally, African-American males lead in every category of negative statistics and are more likely than any other singular group to be unemployed, involved in the criminal justice system, or to commit suicide. Startling data documents that the homicide rate is six times higher, AIDS contractions three times more likely, and death from heart attacks 50 percent higher among African-American males in comparison to their white male counterparts; and Whereas, a group of concerned African-American men established the Father's Day Rally Day Committee, Inc. in 1989. Seeing and understanding the myriad of social ills that plague minority communities, FDRC sought to formulate clear initiatives geared at reducing violence and educating communities that many of them at one time or another called home; and Whereas, the Father's Day Rally Committee believes and positively exemplifies through their word and by deed that men working together at the grassroots level can launch a meaningful attack on the negatived attitudes which contribute to the destruction of families and VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATIONS neighborhoods; and Whereas, the Father's Day Rally Committee initiated a citywide peace campaign designed to heighten awarenessness of and open dialogue on decreasing the number of senseless killings and other acts of violence against and attributed to African-American males in response to a dramatic increase in the City's already historically high homicides rate. FDRC has sponsored dozens of peace marches and rallies, reaching upwards of 25,000 people in connection with this and other similar campaigns; and Whereas, the Father's Day Rally Committee has spearheaded many noteworthy and innovative programs that are reaching African-American males, particularly between the ages of 15 to 25 with positive and lasting results. Those programs include the David P. Richardson, Jr. Rites of Passage Program, an outgrowth of the African-American awakening of the 1960s and '70s, designed to teach young men of responsibilities of manhood as they relate to the family, community, and the nation at large; Operation Footprint, a mentoring program where older African-American males VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATIONS speak and make themselves available to their younger counterparts, attending area high schools; Fatherhood Always, a noncustodial parent project; and an annual Father's Day picnic, the 12th being held on Sunday, June 17, 2001, celebrating and honoring African-American fathers and fatherhood, has become a well-attended and highly-regarded event in the Philadelphia area. Now, therefore, resolved by the Council of the City of Philadelphia that we hereby honor and commend the Father's Day Rally Committee's efforts and initiatives that have impacted on the quality of life of African-American communities and African-American males in particular within both Philadelphia and the entire Delaware Valley region at large. We further salute them on their 12th anniversary and admire their fortitude and resolve to attack those issues that have robbed our neighborhoods of an essential component, young African-American males, for far too long.
Further resolved that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Bilal Quayyum, President of the Father's Day Rally Committee, as an VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATIONS expression of the sincere sentiment and high regard of this legislative body. Certification that this is a true and correct copy of the original resolution adopted by the Council of the City of Philadelphia on the 31st day of May, 2001, signed by Council President Verna, introduced by Tasco, and supported by all members of City Council. We congratulate you, Bilal, on the fine work that you do and trust that you will keep up the good work. )
Madam President, Councilmembers, and visitors and guests today, I just want to be very brief. Let me, first of all, thank my councilwoman for presenting the resolution. I'd like to thank Councilman Kenney for a donation to our fatherhood awards reception that will take place tomorrow night, where we honor 18 fathers. We also will -- unfortunately, we do national fatherhood awards and we're honoring this year reverend Leon VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATIONS Sullivan, who, unfortunately, passed away, but we hope to be giving his award to his family. Let me just briefly say that statistics show that without a father in the household, a child's most likely to drop out of school. Without a father in the household, a child will most likely have some kind of encounter with the criminal justice system. Without a father in the household, a child will most likely grow up in poverty. So having fathers around, taking care of their children, is probably ome of the most important things -- or the most important thing that men can do in today's society. I totally believe that unless fathers step up to the bat, take on responsibility to take care of their children, not only financially, spiritually, and morally, then we as a society will have failed. Most of the proceedings that take place in this Council is affected by men not being in the household, when you talk about budgets in the Health Department, Recreation, whatever. So fathers have to step up and become men and take care of their kids. That's what the Father's Day Rally Committee is about, that's what we believe, that's VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATIONS what we promote. We have in the past honored our good councilman, Councilman Clarke, as one of the awardees. We're now working on finding him a wife. (Laughter.)
But a lot of folks don't know there are a lot of Councilman Clark's out there, men taking care of their kids, taking on that responsibility, and there are thousands of them in this City of Philadelphia and millions across the country. We just think we're just playing a small part in being an advocacy for men and fathers. Once again, thank you very much for your support and the continued support and work that we will continue to do in the City of Philadelphia. Thank you. (Applause.)
Council will be at ease. (Council stands at ease.) (Proceedings resume.)
At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Ortiz for the VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATIONS introduction, passage, and presentation of a special resolution.
You're presenting the resolution. The clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution welcoming the distinguished Puerto Rican Reverend Wilfredo Estrada Adorno as he visits Philadelphia and other cities in the Northeast as part of his ongoing work to end the US Navy bombings in Viesques, Puerto Rico.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. Those opposed?
The record VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATIONS will indicate that Councilman Longstreth voted in the negative, all other members in the affirmative. The motion passes. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Ortiz, who will make the presentation.
I want to thank President Verna for allowing this. It's not often that you get one of your heroes really, one of the individuals that you admire for their work in terms of national liberation and human rights to -- for you to give him an award and an honor while he is still alive and ongoing. Puerto Rico, as you know, has been going through the struggles against the Navy for over sixty years. This morning, the Navy announced that it will end its bombardment in the year 2003 and will look for somewhere else. (Applause.)
And President Bush has committed to that, but that commitment would not have been possible without the work of Reverend Wilfredo Estrada Adorno and the other clergy in Puerto Rico who have organized and unified the nation of Puerto Rico as it has never been organized VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATIONS and unified around any issue of human rights in Puerto Rico. And this is a resolution from me and the Puerto Rican community in Philadelphia and the Latino community in Philadelphia and the City Council of the citizens of Philadelphia, thanking him for his work, welcoming the distinguished Puerto Rican Reverend Wilfredo Estrada Adorno as he visits Philadelphia and other cities in the northeast as part of his ongoing work to end the US Navy bombings in Vieques, Puerto Rico. Whereas, the Reverend Wilfredo Estrada Adorno is visiting the City of Philadelphia to meet with local leaders and convey the urgent nature of the plight of the Puerto Rican people in Viesques who have been victims of US Navy bombing exercises for the last five decades; and Whereas, Reverend Estrada Adorno is one of Puerto Rico's most prominent spiritual leaders, well known for his relentless efforts on behalf of the poor and those who are victims of human rights violations and social injustices; and Whereas, in his capacity as spokesperson for the Pro Viesques Ecumenical Coalition, Reverend VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATIONS Estrada Adornoa has met with Congressional representatives and top White House officials in order to bring attention to the human and environmental injustices that are being perpetrated against the people of Puerto Rico by the United States Navy; and Whereas, Reverend Estrada Adorno is a highly respected religious eofficial and educator who has served in varying capacities in many prominent religious institutions and associations, he currently serves as general secretary of the Bible Society of Puerto Rico and was vice president of the Latin American Ministries of Evangelism, Reverend Adorno completed his doctorate degree in ministry from Emory University in Atlanta and has taught in prestigious religious and secular educational institutions; and Whereas, in 1999, the City Council of Philadelphia unanimously passed a resolution urging the President of the United States and the Philadelphia Congressional Delegation to bring about a complete cease of United States military bombing on the Island of Vieques, Puerto Rico. Therefore, be it resolved that the City VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATIONS Council of Philadelphia extends its warm welcome to the distinguished Reverend Wilfredo Estrada Adorno as he visits Philadelphia and other cities in the northeast as part of his ongoing work to end the US Navy bombings in Viesques, Puerto Rico. Further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the Reverend Wilfredo Estrada Adorno as an expression of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body, Ann Verna, President, introduced by City Councilman Angel Ortiz, and supported by almost all members of City Council. (Applause.)
Thank you, Mrs. Chairperson. Thank you, men and women. What a privilege to be with you today here. So on behalf of the Puerto Rican people and the people of Viesques, I thank you for this distinct honor. It hasn't been easy, but somehow the Lord always calls us to the things that we must do, and I have felt the spirit of the Lord guiding me in the process of uniting the people of Puerto Rico VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATIONS together in this work to stop bombing in Viesques. Let's just be sure of a few facts about Viesques. Viesques is a tiny island in the archipelago of Puerto Rico, and 72 percent of its population of 9,400 live below the poverty level. The rate of unemployment in Viesques is over 60 percent. Viesques has 27 percent higher cancer rate than the rest of Puerto Rico. The US Navy expropriated and controls 26,000 of Viesques' 33,000 acres since the 1940s. The Navy uses three-fourths of Viesques soil war maneuvers and bomb storage. The sea, air, and land are highly contaminated by Navy pollutants and military debris, napalm, and depleted uranium have been used by the Navy in Viesques. Due to Navy bombing, the east tip of Viesques has more craters per kilometers than the moon. Endangered species have been massacred by the Navy in Viesques. Human and civil rights have been disregarded shamelessly by the Navy in Viesques. Civil disobedience has been the last resource in our quest for peace, dignity, and justice. Hundreds of civilians have been imprisoned and are awaiting trial. We say enough is enough. COMMUNICATIONS (Applause.)
Thank you very much, and I really appreciate the time in addressing you you for these brief moments. (Applause.)
Council will be at ease. (Council stands at ease.)
The next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant-at-Arms deliver the messages from the Mayor to the clerk. The clerk will please read the messages from the Mayor.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am pleased to advise you that I have today, June 14, 2001, signed THE remaining bills that were passed by Council at its session of May 31, 2001. And I am transmitting herewith for the introduction of your honorable body a resolution calling for a genuine partnership among the City of Philadelphia, the School District, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to devise a long-term COMMUNICATIONS plan that will restore the finances of the School School District in order to improve the education of its students and and condemning the shameful use of the crisis in public education as a cover for an outrageous on Philadelphia home rule.
Thank you. The messages will be printed in the Journal. The clerk will please read any other communications in her possession.
The next order of business is introduction of bills and resolutions, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for a motion.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit consideration of resolutions at their time of introduction. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS Council be suspended so as to permit immediate consideration of resolutions at the time of introduction. All in favor of the motion will say aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and the motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer one resolution and three bills.
The clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance amending Title 14 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Finance, Taxes and Collections," by cleating a Rainy Day Fund to cushion the impact of unanticipated declines in City revenues, providing for the circumstances under which City monies must be deposited into the Rainy Day Fund and the circumstances under which expenditures may be made from the Rainy Day Fund, and providing for the custody and management of the Rainy Day Fund, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Section 21-01 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Resident Requirements," by providing that an employee in the civil service need not be a bona fide resident of the City when appointed but must establish and maintain bona fide residence in the City within six months after appointment.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Section 9-601 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Garages, Parking Lots, Sales Lots, and Sales Showrooms," to provide for the posting of signs listing the accepted methods of payment of parking fees at public parking garages and public parking entrances, under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution authorizing City Council's Legislative Oversight Committee and Committee on Public Health and Human Services to INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS hold joint public hearings on possible solutions to the alarming increase in medical malpractice insurance rates in the region and the detrimental effect these increases may have on the City's health care industry and public health services.
I move 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. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. This morning, I introduce one bill and resolution on your behalf and one bill and resolution on my own.
The clerk will please read the title of the bills.
An ordinance authorizing INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS Anthony Lucidonio, owner of the property 4044 Oregon Avenue, to construct, own, and maintain tables and chairs, a service stand, and aluminum awning with with removable enclosure panels and aluminum support poles.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing Richard Lee to construct, own, and maintain a private pole, electrical appurtenances, and aerial wire over, on, and under the south footway of the 3800 block of Powelton Avenue.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.) INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS
It has been moved and secondeded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the resolution has been adopted. The clerk will please read the title of the second resolution.
A resolution expressing Council's intention to extend the time period for exemptions, abatements, or credits in certain sub zones of the Keystone Opportunity Zone.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the resolution has INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS been adopted what have. The Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano.
The clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance adding a new Chapter 9-2500 to the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Fire Supression System Workers," providing for the examination and certification of fire suppression system workers and the permitting of fire suppression system apprentices, prohibiting the performance of fire suppression system work without the necessary certification or permit, and providing INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS for penalties, all under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Title 12 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Traffic Code," by amending the provision relating to parking by physically handicapped persons and the disabled and severely disabled veterans.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
The clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia deeds located in the 10th Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and the resolution has been adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer three resolutions, one on the behalf of myself and all members of City Council.
The clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution calling for a genuine partnership among the City of Philadelphia, the School District, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to devise long-term plan that will restore the finances of the School District in order to improve the education of its students and INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS condemning the shameful use of the crisis in public education as a cover for the outrageous attack on the Philadelphia home rule.
Councilman Cohen, did you want to be recognized? Did you want to be recognized on this resolution?
I want to be recognized in support of the resolution. I am very concerned yet about the responsibility of the City on a continuing basis for the $45 million which we are prepared to offer for the School District. I'm glad the Mayor included in his letter that he would not take action to carry it out without assurance that the State legislation would be changed so as to free us from the specter of the State deciding to take over the school system and then using a provision which already exists to show that the 45 million remains a continuing obligation. One could take the State on its good faith until what happened yesterday in the Parking INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS Authority, the grab for power. I just can't understand how the State could have permitted legislation to get through the House of Representatives and the State Senate, and I can't understand the Governor's willingness to sign the legislation. It's the most drastic violation of the Home Rule Charter. So for all of these reasons, I'm just very concerned about the action of the State and about the use of this $45 million and whether or not it is going to be a problem in the future for us. The State, as far as I can see it, has not offered anything to the schools. We've been waiting for delivery on the promise of the Governor to take necessary action to see that the schools are properly funded by the State, and instead of State action, all we get is this effort to grab hold of the Parking Authority and use it as a patronage tool for the House Speaker and for members of the -- for partisan political purposes as far as anybody could see. So I'm very concerned about the matter, Madam President, and thank you for the opportunity to be heard on the question. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Madam President. Due to the unprecedented nature of yesterday's action by the House and due to the seriousness of this resolution showing unanimity of the City government against this attempt, I would request respectfully a roll-call vote.
Thank you. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Ortiz.
I was going to join Councilman Kenney on that. Madam Chair, obviously the State legislature and the Governor are not interested really in resolving the issue of school funding. We have gone and what we're doing today in transferring $45 million is another Band-Aid procedure, it's another patchwork, it's another patch that we put on a system that is hurting because it doesn't have the resources that are necessary. It's like when you're a kid and you have a bicycle and your bicycle continuously disinflates and you put a patch on it. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS There comes a time when it doesn't work anymore. And that's what we're doing here in this Council here in the City. We have gone from 15 million added, we have gone to 45 million plus the 15 million added. That still is a Band-Aid, it is patchwork. The other day, I received a letter from Senator Fumo, and I'm sure that every one of us got it, and I happen to agree with his premise. If they are not serious and we cannot keep on telling our kids in this city that we are really doing something for public education, but if the State, the Governor, and the legislature are not serious about really correcting the funding problem that we have, really reforming the formula so that we have a funding source that is reliable and equitable across the board, across the State, then let them run it. Let Governor Ridge and the State legislature run it. Because what we're doing by putting more patches on the wall, by putting fingers on the dike is not solving our problem. And if they want to take the Parking Authority and they want to take the school system and they want to run the City, let 'em do it, let 'em do it. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS But we cannot keep on keep on fooling ourselves that we're sustaining a public school system that works, that has the resources. We cannot keep on -- even if we add another $45 million to the $45 million that we have today, it still is not going to do the job because we need new schools, we need new wiring, we need smaller classes, we need equitable pay for teachers. These are the issues that the legislature's not looking at and Governor Ridge refuses to come forward on. Taking the Parking Authority is not going to resolve the problem of the School Board and the public school system of Philadelphia. That is not going to add the monies that are necessary. So if they're serious about this, if they want to do it, come in and take it, run the Philadelphia public school system, give it the resources, and find out whether those are the resources that are needed. But I'm tired of us trying to fool the people of Philadelphia that we're actually funding a system in an equitable manner. Thank you, Madam Chair. (Applause.)
I believe INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS Councilman Mariano's light's. On does he want to be recognized? Is he in the room? (Councilman Mariano not present at this time.)
Okay. Councilwoman Miller, did you want to be recognized? Councilman Cohen, do you want to be recognized?
Yes. I just wanted to add to some of the comments. It used to be standard talk that if Philadelphia elected a representative of either party, that that representative understood that the first duty was to the City, not to the political party, that Philadelphia could have confidence that their elected representatives truly represented the City. I must say that I am stunned by the actions taken by the speaker -- by the Majority Leader in the House of Representatives who comes from Philadelphia, yet seems to take every position opposite to the interests of Philadelphia, and seems interested in curtailing the rights of Philadelphians to run their own organizations the INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS way they judge to be in the best fashion. And I think that maybe cuts through both parties because of the number of representatives that seem to vote for the State against the City's interest. I think it's time that we did something about that situation. It's important to recognize that when you're elected by the people of the community, your responsibility is to the body that elects you, not to some other body. And I hope that the people elected by Philadelphia to represent Philadelphia in the House and in the Senate come to their senses and begin to take interests which are in the line of the interests of Philadelphians rather than in the interest of those who, either for patronage reasons or for reasons that no one understands, are seeking to punish Philadelphia instead of giving us direction and assistance to help solve Philadelphia's problems. Thank you, Madam President.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you, Madam President. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS I too was going to call for a roll-call vote. It's my understanding that there are a couple of Councilmembers did not sign the resolution. As you and I are well aware, sometimes signatures are very difficult to decipher the way people sign the resolutions. Also, I'd just like to comment that Philadelphia's children deserve a fully funded education system. They deserve the opportunity to receive the best. You know, for too many years, the debate goes on on whether it's the State's responsibility or the City's responsibility to fund our educational system. And who gets hurt? The children get hurt, more and more, the children get hurt. So I too, as chair of the Education Committee, would just like to call on the State to sit down and begin to have serious discussions with its City partners to talk about ways that we can actually work out funding the schools and doing something real with the deficit. Thank you.
Thank you. A motion has been made by Councilwoman INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS Miller for a roll-call vote. Councilwoman Tasco, do you want to be recognized?
Yes. Just a point of information. I agree with everything that's been said, but I'd like to remind our legislators that we have some bond issues coming up for the City, and Wall Street gets nervous when there's chaos, and we have to look at how much that will cost us in terms of debt service and the rates that they will charge us for the bond deals that we have -- the Hospital Authority, we have PGW, we have the Parking Authority. So, you know, I'm just -- would hope that our legislators from Philadelphia would know that taxpayers here in Philadelphia will be hurt when they take actions without thinking of the ramification not only relative to the education issue but also in just how we do business here in Philadelphia. So I will vote for this resolution.
Thank you. Again, a motion has been made by Councilwoman Miller for a roll-call vote. Is there INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS a second? (Duly seconded.)
All those in favor? All those opposed? The ayes have it. And I would ask the clerk to please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 15, the nays are 2, and the motion carries. The clerk will please read the second resolution introduced by Councilwoman Miller.
A resolution declaring September 23, 2001 as "John W. Coltrane Day" in the INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS City of Philadelphia.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the resolution has been adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, I ask to be excused to take care of Council business, and I'd like to be recorded as voting aye on all bills and resolutions.
Leave will be granted. The clerk will please read the title of the third resolution introduced by Councilwoman Miller.
A resolution authorizing the INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia deeds located in the 13th, 43rd and 61st Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the resolution has been adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter.
The clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance establishing a no-through-bus regulation on Dauphin Street from INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS 52nd Street to Dakota Street and Dakota Street from Dauphin Street to 51st Street.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing the President of the Fairmount Park Commission and the Executive Director of the Fairmount Park, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into a ground lease with the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, a body corporate and political organized and existing under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania under which the City would lease approximately seven acres of Gustine Recreation Center to PAID and pursuant to which PAID would enter into a ground sublease.
This bill will also be referred to the appropriate committee also. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. I have one resolution cosponsored by Councilman Nutter, Councilman Clarke, Councilman Rizzo, and myself, and two bills cosponsored by Councilman Kenney and Councilman Clarke. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS
The clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance amending Section 19-1301 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Real Estate Taxes," by rescinding the current single rate tax on land and improvements and by imposing a tax on land or a split rate tax on land and improvements, all under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Section 19-1800 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "School Tax Authorization," by rescinding the authorization for the Board of Education of the School District of Philadelphia to impose the current single rate tax on land and improvements and by authorizing the Board of Education to impose a tax on the land or a split rate tax on land and improvements, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. And the clerk will please read the title INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS of the resolution.
A resolution authorizing City Council Committee on Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs to hold hearings regarding the status of public parks in Philadelphia and to investigate methods to improve the parks and the park system.
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Madam President. I have one resolution cosponsored by every member of Council, and I'm requesting that it be read in its entirety. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS
The clerk please read resolution in its entirety.
A resolution urging the City of Philadelphia representatives on the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority Board to oppose SEPTA's proposed fare increases. Whereas, Council's Committe on Transportation and Public Utilities recently approved a comprehensive comparative review of SEPTA operations among the ten largest cities in the United States and found that SEPTA is not costeffective when compared to peer agencies according to data that the agencies submitted to the Federal Transit Administration; and Whereas, in budget testimony before City Council in February of 2001, SEPTA representatives were not forthcoming about proposed SEPTA increases; and Whereas, in subsequent testimony before City Council's Committee on Transportation and Public Utilities in April of 2001, SEPTA representatives again would not disclose proposed fare increases; and Whereas, SEPTA has since proposed an INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS increase in its base fare rate from $1.60 to $1.90 and a corresponding increase in the cost of a transfer from 40 cents to 60 cents; and Whereas, this proposed fare increase would bring SEPTA's base fare rate to the second highest in the United States; and Whereas, additionally, the proposed cost of tokens would increase from $1.15 to $1.30, and the cash cost of the Paratransit Shared Ride Program would also increase from $2.85 per trip to $3.50 per trip; and Whereas, these particular burdens imposed by these fare increases would be borne by Philadelphia's most vulnerable citizens, the young and the old; and Whereas, SEPTA should at a minimum freeze costs for the School District of Philadelphia, its largest client, and for senior citizen programs for it's most long-standing clients. Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Council of the City of Philadelphia that Council urges the City of Philadelphia representatives on the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS Authority Board to oppose SEPTA's proposed fare increases.
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the resolution has been adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ortiz.
Madam Chair, I have no bills or resolutions. (Applause.)
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco.
Was that the INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS applause for you, Councilman? (Laughter.)
I doubt that very much, I doubt that very much. I offer seven bills, two of which are cosponsored by Councilman Kenney.
Thank you. The clerk will please read the title of the bills.
An ordinance amending Section 21-01 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Residence Requirements," by providing that active law enforcement officers from elsewhere in the United States entering into civil service positions in the Philadelphia Police Department need not be bona fide residents of the City when appointed but must establish and maintain bona fide residence in the City within six months after appointment.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Section 12-1303 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Authorization to Offer Exemptions From Real Estate Taxes on New Construction of Residential Properties," by expanding the time to make an INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS application for the exemption, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing Irving Bruskin, owner of the property 2451 South Fifth Street, to construct and maintain a fence for a Dumpster enclosure on the east footway of South Fifth Street, under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing Philadelphia Hotel Partners, owners of the property 410 South Front Street, to construct and maintain to canopies and two rigid awnings attached to the building and projecting over the west footway of Front Street, all under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing Philadelphia Hotel Partners, owners of the property 410 South Front Street, to construct, own, and maintain underground conduit and four spotlight INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS fixtures in and under the west footway of Front Street, all under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance granting permission to Sunesys, its successors and assigns, to construct, maintain, and operate a telecommunications system along, over, and under the public right-of-way and City streets, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance granting permission to Sunesys, its successors and assigns, to construct, maintain and operate, replace and remove a telecommunications system along, over, in and under the public rights-of-way and City streets, all under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Madam President, I have no bills or resolutions. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
The clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Model Cities Urban Area.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? COMMITTEE REPORTS The ayes have it, and the resolution has been adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Longstreth.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
The next order of business is reports from committee, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for a report of the Committee of the Whole.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee of the Whole reports out one bill and 23 resolutions with a favorable recommendation.
To the President and members COMMITTEE REPORTS of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee of the Whole to which was referred: Bill No. 010372, an ordinance amending Chapter 19-32 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Keystone Opportunity Zone," by extending the time period for exemptions, abatements or credits from certain tax, under certain terms and conditions; And Resolution No. 000422, a resolution appointing Bob Emberger to the Board of Directors of the Germantown Special Services District of Philadelphia; And Resolution No. 000423, a resolution appointing Brenda Stovall to the Board of Directors of the Germantown Special Services District of Philadelphia; And Resolution No. 000425, a resolution appointing Marilyn Tadlock to the Board of Directors of the Germantown Special Services District of Philadelphia; And Resolution No. 000426, a resolution appointing Larry Simmons to the Board of Directors of the Germantown Special Services District of Philadelphia; And Resolution No. 000427, a resolution COMMITTEE REPORTS appointing Tracy Beers to the Board of Directors of the Germantown Special Services District of Philadelphia; And Resolution No. 000428, a resolution appointing David Alexzcyzk to the Board of Directors of the Germantown Special Services District of Philadelphia; And Resolution No. 000429, a resolution appointing Donna Miller to the Board of Directors of the Germantown Special Services District of Philadelphia; And Resolution No. 000430, a resolution appointing Leroi Simmons to the Board of Directors of the Germantown Special Services District of Philadelphia; And Resolution No. 000431, a resolution appointing Steve Vaughan to the Board of Directors of the Germantown Special Services District of Philadelphia; And Resolution No. 000432, a resolution appointing Sabryia Hadi to the Board of Directors of the Germantown Special Services District of Philadelphia; And Resolution No. 000433, a resolution COMMITTEE REPORTS appointing Anita Hamilton to the Board of Directors of the Germantown Special Services District of Philadelphia; And Resolution No. 000435, a resolution appointing Steve Kuzmicki to the Board of Directors of the Germantown Special Services District of Philadelphia; And Resolution No. 010457, a resolution appointing Abdur-Rahim Islam to the Board of Directors of the Center City District; And Resolution No. 010458, a resolution appointing Barbara Potts to the Board of Directors of the Center City District; And Resolution No. 010459, a resolution appointing Evelyn Smalls to the Board of Directors of the Center City District; And Resolution No. 010460, a resolution appointing David Marshall to the Board of Directors of the Center City District; And Resolution No. 010461, a resolution appointing Robert Butera to the Board of Directors of the Center City District; And Resolution No. 010462, a resolution appointing Dean Adler to the Board of Directors of COMMITTEE REPORTS the Center City District; And Resolution No. 010463, a resolution appointing Janet Calderwood to the Board of Directors of the Center City District; And Resolution No. 010464, a resolution appointing Greg Dudkin to the Board of Directors of the Center City District; And Resolution No. 010465, a resolution appointing John Conners to the Board of Directors of the Center City District; And Resolution No. 010466, a resolution appointing Ricardo Dunston to the Board of Directors of the Center City District; And Resolution No. 010467, a resolution appointing John Sullivan to the Board of Directors of the Center City District; respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill and resolutions to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the rules of Council COMMITTEE REPORTS be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 010372.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 010372. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and Bill No. 010372 will be placed on today's first-reading calendar. Councilman Cohen, would you like to make a motion regarding the resolutions? I don't think that it's necessary that we vote on each resolution separately. If it's not your opinion that this would be a consent agenda, I think we would all be very grateful.
Consent agenda applies soley to ordinances. That's what the Home Rule Charter.
I think it would be COMMITTEE REPORTS very nice if you would do that.
Resolutions can be considered as one group requiring only one vote.
Wonderful. Thank you, thank you, thank you. (Laughter.)
All those in favor of the adoption of the resolutions as read by the Chief Clerk will please say aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the resolutions have been adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano for a report from the Committee on Licenses and Inspections.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Licenses and Inspections reports four bills with a favorable recommendation.
The Committee on Licenses and Inspections, to which was referred: Bill No. 000657, an ordinance amending COMMITTEE REPORTS Chapter 10-1200 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Posting of Temporary Signs," to prohibit the placement of temporary signs and political campaign posters upon public utility poles, street lights, and various other public fixtures without the owner's permission; And Bill No. 010269, an ordinance amending Title 9 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Regulation of Business, Trades, and Professions," by requiring any establishment that sells alcoholic beverages for consumption on or of the premises to install and maintain and use electronic equipment that scans identification cards and displays the age of the person as indicated on the card; And Bill No. 010274, an ordinance amending Title 4 of the Philadelphia Code by adding provisions for the dumping of waste materials, all under certain terms and conditions; An Bill No. 010369, an ordinance amending Section PM-309.0 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Emergency Nuisance Abatement Program," by amending the designated area in which properties must be located order to be eligible for participation in the Emergency Nuisance Abatement COMMITTEE REPORTS Program, under certain terms and conditions; respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. Bill No.'s 000657, 010269, 010274, and 010369 will be placed on the calendar for our first reading at our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode for a report from the Committee on Transportation and Public Utilities.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Transportation and Public Utilities reports out one resolution with a favorable recommendation.
The Committee on Transportation and Public Utilites, to which was referred Resolution No. 000957, authorizing the committee on Transportation and Public Utilities to conduct comprehensive comparative research into the state of the City's transportation and public utilities system and hold hearings into the same, COMMITTEE REPORTS respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached resolution to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. Councilman Goode, do you want to move for the adoption of the resolution?
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the resolution has been adopted.
The next order of business is the consideration of the calendar. The clerk will please read the title of the bill on the first-reading calendar. FIRST-READING CALENDAR
Bill No. 010372, an ordinance amending Chapter 19-3200 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Keystone Opportunity Zone," by extending the time period for exemptions, abatements, or credits from certain taxes, under certain terms and conditions.
The Chair agrees. This concludes the bills on the first-reading calendar. The bill read by the clerk will be placed on our second-reading and final-passage calendar for our next session of Council.
The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for the purpose of calling up bills to be considered on the second-reading and final-passage calendar.
Thank you, Madam President. Today, Bill No.'s 000771-A, 010302, 000708, 000709, 010416, 010417, 010418, 010419, 010420, 010348, 010373, 010349, 010378, 010382, 010421, 010462, 010065, 010066, 010128, 010130, SECOND READING - BILL 000771-A 010267, 010268, 010336, 010339, 010342, 010343, 010344, 010345, 010346, 010350, 010370, 010375, 010376, 010377, 010379, 010380, 010381, 010383, 010384, 010385, 010386, 010387, 010388, 010389, 010390, 010391, 010393, 010394, 010395, 010396, 010397, 010399, 010400, 000602, and 010374 are being called up for second reading and final passage. All other bills are being held.
Thank you. The clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 000771-A.
An ordinance amending Title 4 of the Philadelphia Code by providing for certain penalties and abatement of trees that overhang or encroach adjoining property, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all members having voteded in the affirmative, this bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 000708. The clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2001 from the Grants Revenue Fund - the Director of Finance to the General Fund - Certain or All City Office, Departments, Boards and Commissions.
This bill having been read two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will please call the roll.
Councilman Cohen? (Councilman Cohen not present at this time.)
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. I believe we skipped Bill No. 010302. Councilwoman Krajewski, are you ready to go forward with that?
The clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Frankford Avenue, Linden Avenue, the I-95 Expressway on-ramp, and Torresdale Avenue.
This bill SECOND READING - BILL 010302 having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will please call the roll.
Councilman Cohen? (Councilman Cohen not present at this time.)
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, this bill passes. The next bill being called for consideration is Bill No. 000709.
An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2001 from the Grants Revenue Fund to the General Fund Certain or All City Offices.
This bill SECOND READING - BILL 000709 having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will please call the roll.
Councilman Cohen? (Councilman Cohen not present at this time.)
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 010416.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, the Director of Commerce, and the Recreation Commissioner, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to execute and deliver a first amendment to lease agreement by and between SECOND READING - BILL 010416 the City and the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development with respect to certain lease agreements dated July 12, 1994 by and between the City and PAID, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Madam President. I will be brief 'cause I have spoken about this before. I believe in my heart that today we should be holding this bill or voting no until the Administration agrees to withdraw its appeal of the firefighters' hard-fought arbitration award, that we are going out of our way to provide additional funds on top of the hundreds of millions of dollars that we have provided for this project to create jobs and to build much needed sports facilities, while at the same time move forward with the promise that those teams and these corporations would not be back asking for additional money, and five months later, they're back. SECOND READING - BILL 010416 I think we have an opportunity to utilize this bill as leverage to help our firefighters, the only municipal union in the City without a contract today. If we were to hold this bill, I'm sure that come the fall, we would have a resolution to our firefighters' contract along with the severe problem of hepatitis C. I know that Councilmember have said that things like this should not be linked. I believe that this is the perfect opportunity for linkage. There's been linkage used in the past on other bills, and I think our firefighters should come before our sports teams, I think that our our children and schools should come before our sports teams, and I do not believe that we should be providing additional monies to this project unless and until our firefighters have a contract that was fairly awarded to them through an arbitration process that they depend on until they get the Administration to stop its appeals of this hard-fought arbitration award. Firefighters and police officers cannot strike and we don't want them to be able to strike, but but they depend on binding arbitration as a way SECOND READING - BILL 010416 in which to get fairness in their contracts. This arbitration was binding -- it should have been binding, but the Administration simply says, We're not going to abide by it and we're going to use taxpayers' dollars to go into court to fight our firefighters. Now, our firefighters haven't stopped working. They don't stop running into burning buildings or cutting you out of a car in a car accident because they haven't gotten their way, but I think this is the appropriate time to either turn this bill down, because construction won't stop on this project. We have provided, again as I said, hundreds of millions of dollars to provide good work for our construction employees in the building trades -(Sound system difficulties).
Thank you very much. I think that what we did back in December, although the circumstances were difficult, I think in the end, it was the right thing to do. It's going to create hundreds of construction jobs, hundreds of tax ratables. And the three teams there, both the Eagles and the Phillies and Comcast SECOND READING - BILL 010416 Spectacore, are decent, good companies who do great work in our city, and I'm happy that they're moving forward. This is not pitting one union against the other. This is our need and our responsibility to stand up in unison and to support our firefighters who unflinchingly support and serve us us by saying we will not do this bill until the City simply does one thing: And that's stop spending taxpapyers' money to appeal a binding arbitration award that is disgracefully being appealed and is keeping people in limo as it relates to their employment circumstances relative to the City of Philadelphia. So I would urge either our colleagues here to vote no on this bill or that we all should stick together and withhold the vote on this bill until September to do what's right by our firefighters because we've already done in December what's right by the teams and by those companies. Thank you.
Thank you, Madam SECOND READING - BILL 010416 Chair. I concur with Councilman Kenney and all of the issues that he puts forward. We have gone through this argument once before. The City had said that they were not coming back for any more money from the taxpayers, this and another return back to the taxpayers trough so that they can again subsidize the millionaires who own the baseball and football teams so that they can build their palaces. I don't believe the taxpayers should be in that type of business, not while the school is underfunded, not while we have joblessness in this city, not while we have neighborhoods who have homes that are sinking. I think our money better be spent somewhere where taxpayers get a direct benefit and not on corporate welfare. I am voting no on this bill and on the bill that follows for those reasons and reasons that I have previously stated.
Madam President, I concur basically with the sentiments expressed both SECOND READING - BILL 010416 by Councilman Kenney and Councilman Ortiz. Actually, with the firefighters, the situation is even worse. In the most recent hearing just held a couple days ago by the Law and Government Committee, it turns out that the City refuses to recognize the fact that firefighters and police injured on duty, that those medical claims ought to be paid under Workman's Compensation laws. Instead, the City seems to be requiring the health funds of both the firefighters and the police groups -- and maybe others, we don't know yet -- they're requiring the health funds to pay costs that properly are work injuries. So that the cause that Councilman Kenney espouses on behalf of the firefighters is indeed a very worthy cause. And, secondly, I wanted to state that on the question of linkage that Councilman Kenney raises, I think that's a very important concept. To deny that all issues are linked is to take away the power from Council. Even in the old wild west days, cowboys and others knew that if they were going into a tavern where there may be a fight, that it was a very unwise thing to disarm themselves or to turn their weapons over to the opponents because they SECOND READING - BILL 010416 know they might need them, but we in Council historically follow the policy of never being able to deal successfulfully with the Mayor because we always permit any mayor to convince us -- and it's a total fantasy -- that each issue should be treated separately. Everybody knows all these issues are linked, and the way in which a legislative body has leverage is by dealing with issues on a leverage basis. If the Mayor feels one way on one bill and comes to us for support, he certainly has to listen to our procedures on other bills. So I support fully this concept of linkage. I think this bill ought to be held for the various reasons given by Councilman Kenney and by Councilman Ortiz. But in addition, it would also begin to maximize the negotiating strength of City Council. There's no reason for us to be a pushover body. We don't accomplish the duties for which we were elected when we put ourselves in a position of having no power when we negotiate with the Mayor. We do put ourselves in a position to honestly represent those who elect us when we maintain our power and understand that City government consists of many issues, all of them are linked together, and SECOND READING - BILL 010416 you use leverage to deal not only with that issue but also with other issues. So for that reason, I urge strongly that we either take no action, as Councilman Kenney suggests on this bill, or vote in opposition to it. Thank you, Madam President. (Applause.)
Madam President, I would move that Bill No. 010416 be laid on the table until September, until we return to session in September. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that Bill No. 010416 be tabled. I think we need a roll-call vote on this. It has been seconded. All those in favor? I think we should have a roll-call vote, please.
No. (Council President Verna and the clerk confer off the record.)
I'd like to change my vote from yes to no. I vote no.
The vote is what, 8 to 8? The vote is 9 to 8. The motion fails. The clerk will please read. . .
Madam President, I think all parties ought to note the closeness of that vote, and the City Administration ought to be prepared to pay proper attention to the just claims of the firefighters.
Thank you. The clerk will please call the roll on Bill No. 010416.
Aye. The ayes are 11, the nays are 6. The majority of Council having voted in the affirmative, this bill passes. The clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 010417.
An ordinance authorizing the Director of Commerce and the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to consent to the execution and delivery of the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development agreements of sale or other agreement which would permit the use or occupancy of said baseball ballpark facilities or said football stadium facilities by or for certain professional baseball and football teams, which will now or hereafter SECOND READING - BILL 010417 conduct their home games elsewhere in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 15, the nays are -- oh, I'm sorry. The ayes are 14 and the nays are 3. The record will indicate that Councilmembers Cohen, Ortiz, and Kenney voted no.
Goode. I'm sorry, Goode. I'm sorry, excuse me. I can make a mistake now and then too. SECOND READING - BILL 010418 So Councilman Cohen, Councilman Goode, and Councilman Ortiz voted in the negative. The clerk will now read the title of Bill No. 010418.
An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Year 2002 from the General Fund, the Director of Finance Contributions to the School District to the Grants Revenue Fund, the Director of Finance - Provision for other grants.
The bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. SECOND READING - BILL 010419 The ayes are 17, the nays are 0. A majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 010419.
An ordinance amending Chapter 19-1300 of Philadelphia Code, entitled "Real Estate Taxes," by reducing the rate of tax and real estate within the City and authorizing the Board of Education of the School District of Philadelphia to impose an increase in the rate of tax on real estate within the City.
This bill having been read two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will please call the roll.
Councilwoman Tasco is voting aye. SECOND READING - BILL 010420 Council President Verna?
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are 0. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, this bill passes. The clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 010420.
An ordinance authorizing the City of Philadelphia, acting through its Department of Commerce to amend that certain agreement by and between the City of Philadelphia and the Philadelpia Convention and Tourist Bureau, known as "the Tourism Promotion Law."
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will please call the roll.
Councilwoman Tasco is voting SECOND READING - BILL 010348 aye. Council President Verna?
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are 0. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 010348.
An ordinance declaring that it is desirable for the health, safety, and welfare of the people of City of Philadelphia served by the Community College for the Hospitals and Higher Education Facilities Authority, all under certain terms and conditions.
Madam Chair, I'm going to abstain on Bill No. 010348. The law firm with which I am associated represents a party in this bill. I have not taken part in any discussions or deliberations on this matter.
Thank you. This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill SECOND READING - BILL 010348 pass finally? The clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, this bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 010373.
An ordinance authorizing Mayor, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to file an application with the the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development for a community development block grant.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question SECOND READING - BILL 010348 now is, shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are 0. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration Bill No. 010349.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to purchase parcels of ground within the area bounded by Lehigh Avenue, 28th Street, Oakdale Street, and 29th Street for public library purposes, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill SECOND READING - BILL 010349 having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are 0. A majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 010378.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into a lease agreement with the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, under certain terms and conditions. SECOND READING - BILL 010378
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are 0. A majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, this bill passes. Bill No. 010382 is being called next.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development a deed located at 313, 315, 317, 319, 321, 323, and 325 Race Street, all under certain terms and conditions. SECOND READING - BILL 010382
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are 0. A majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 010421.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into a sublease agreement with the Philadelphia Municipality Authority, all under certain terms and conditions. SECOND READING - BILL 010421
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are 0. A majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill being called for consideration is Bill No. 010426.
An ordinance authorizing the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, on behalf of the City, to purchase a certain 16-acre tract of land situated at 9450 Ashton Road, all under certain terms and conditions. SECOND READING - BILL 010426
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are 0. A majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 010065.
An ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance (Bill No. 990373) approved July 1, 1993 by extending the period for compliance complying with the authorization conditions therein.
This bill SECOND READING - BILL 010065 having been called on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are 0. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 010066.
An ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance (Bill No. 980717) approved March 23, 1999 by extending the period for compliance with the authorization conditions therein.
This bill SECOND READING - BILL 010066 having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are 0. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, this bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 010128.
An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 319, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question SECOND READING - BILL 010128 is, shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are 0. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 010130.
An ordinance authorizing the paving of Meadow Brook Drive, Peach Tree Lane, Apple Blossom Way, Cherry Blossom Way, Apple Blossom Drive, Rose Petal Way and Rose Petal Drive, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question SECOND READING - BILL 010130 now is, shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are 0. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, this bill passes. The clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 010267.
An ordinance establishing a no-truck-parking regulation on Lancaster Avenue from 52nd Street to 63rd Street, both sides.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will please call the roll. SECOND READING - BILL 010267
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are 0. A majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, this bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 010268.
An ordinance authorizing the Board of Surveyors to adopt a resolution vacating River Road from a point approximately ten feet southwest of the Philadelphia-Montgomery County line.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will please call the roll. SECOND READING - BILL 010267
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are 0. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, this bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 010336.
An ordinance granting to PF.Net, Inc. to construct and remove a telecommunications system, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are 0. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, this bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 010339.
An ordinance authorizing the vacating of Byberry and Bensalem Road from South Hampton-Byberry Road to the Philadelphia and Bucks County line, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are 0. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 010342.
An ordinance granting permission to Kent R. Miller to construct and maintain a private sewer line, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are 0. A majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 010343.
An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 296 and 240.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are 0. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 101344.
An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 308, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are 0. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 010345.
An ordinance granting permission to Global Crossing Local Services to construct and remove a telecommunications system, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will please call the roll.
Councilwoman Tasco is voting SECOND READING - BILL 010346 aye. Council President Verna?
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are 0. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 010346.
An ordinance authorizing the United States of America, acting through the United States Department of Justice Federal Bureau of Prisons to construct and maintain various precast concrete planters on the south footway of Arch Street, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are 0. A majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 010350.
An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines grades on a portion of City Plan No. 307, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will please call the roll.
Councilwoman Tasco is voting aye. SECOND READING - BILL 010370 Council President Verna?
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are 0. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 010370.
An ordinance amending Section 4 of an ordinance (Bill No. 00161) authorizing Anthony Lucidoni, owner of the property 39 Oregon Avenue to construct and maintain a sidewalk cafe.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will please call the roll.
Councilwoman Tasco is voting aye. SECOND READING - BILL 010375 Council President Verna?
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are 0. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passess. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 010375.
An ordinance granting permission to Starbuck's Coffee Company to operate and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will please call the roll.
Councilwoman Tasco is voting aye. Council President Verna? SECOND READING - BILL 010376
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are 0. A majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 010376.
An ordinance authorizing the revision of City Plan No. 43 and 269, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are 0. A SECOND READING - BILL 010377 majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called the for consideration is Bill No. 010377.
An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 178, all under certain terms and conditions paragraph.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are 0. A majority of all members of Council having voted in SECOND READING - BILL 010379 the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 010379.
An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 161, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are 0. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for SECOND READING - BILL 010380 consideration is Bill No. 010380.
An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No.'s 163 and 310, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 010381.
An ordinance authorizing Edward Flippen, owner of the property located at 5651 Lansdowne Avenue, to construct use and maintain SECOND READING - BILL 010381 a one-story building addition on and over the east footway of 57th Street, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are 0. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 010383.
An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City SECOND READING - BILL 010383 Plan No. 307, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are 0. A majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 010384.
An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 196, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill SECOND READING - BILL 010384 having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are 0. A majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be call for consideration is Bill No. 010385.
An ordinance granting permission to Sunesys, Inc. to construct, maintain and operate, replace, and remove a telecommunications system along, over, in, and under, the pubic rights-of-way and City Streets, all under certain terms and conditions. SECOND READING - BILL 010385
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are 0. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be call for consideration is Bill No. 010386.
An ordinance granting permission to Sunesys, Inc., to construct, maintain and operate, replace, and remove a ductbank for certain telecommunications uses under and in the public rights-of-way, City streets, and the SECOND READING - BILL 010386 Frankford Creek Channel, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on to different days, the question now, shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are 0. A majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 010387.
An ordinance granting permission to GPU Telecom Services, Inc. to construct, maintain and operate, replace, and remove SECOND READING - BILL 010387 a telecommunications system along, over, in, and under the public rights-of-way and City streets and/or to placy such telecommunications system within the existing facilities, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are 0. A majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 010388. SECOND READING - BILL 010388
An ordinance granting permission to CTSI, Inc. to construct, maintain and operate, replace, and remove a telecomunications system along, over, in and under the public rights-of-way and City streets and/or to place such telecommunications system within existing facilities, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are 0. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. SECOND READING - BILL 010389 The next bill to be call for consideration is Bill No. 010389.
An ordinance repealing an ordinance (Bill No. 000411) signed by the Mayor on August 11, 2000 and authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 271, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on to different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are 0. A majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. SECOND READING - BILL 010390 The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 010390.
An ordinance authorizing the paving of Latimer Street, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will please call the roll.
Councilman Cohen, how are you voting? Councilman Cohen?
Councilwoman Tasco is voting aye. Council President Verna? SECOND READING - BILL 010391
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are 0. A majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 010391.
An ordinance granting permission to Williams Communications LLC, to construct, maintain, operate, replace, and remove a telecommunications system under certain public rights-of-way and City streets and/or to place such telecommunications system within existing conduit facilities, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are 0. A majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 010393.
An ordinance granting permission to 3rd Wire, Inc., to construct, mantain and operate, replace, and remove a telecommunications system along, in, and under the public rights-of-way and City streets and/or to place such telecommunications system within existing facilities, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now, is shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are 0. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 010394.
An ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance (Bill No. 990816) approved December 30, 1999 by extending the period for compliance with the authorization conditions therein.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are 0. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for considering is Bill No. 010395. An ordinance authorizing One Meridian Partners, LP, 121 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to construct and maintain a building encroachment under the south footway of South Penn Square, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on to two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will please call the roll.
Just a minute, please. When your name is being called, please, for the sake of -- you know, we have a rather long calendar. I think the clerk cannot hear, the stenographer cannot hear what your vote is, and I can't hear what your vote is, and I don't think that Mary Mason can hear you. So please just have a little more patience and hopefully we'll get through the day without any pain. Please continue.
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are 0. A majority of all members having voted in the SECOND READING - BILL 010395 affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 010396.
An ordinance authorizing the Parkway Corporation to construct and maintain two electrified marquees, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are 0. A majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. SECOND READING - BILL 010397 The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 010397.
An ordinance granting permission to WXIII/PHL Real Estate Limited Partnership, to construct, maintain and operate, replace, and remove ductbanks for certain telecommunications suses under and in the public rights-of-way and City streets, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are 0. A SECOND READING - BILL 010399 majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 010399.
An ordinance authorizing SAS-1600 Arch Street, LP, owners of the property 1600 Arch Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to construct and maintain an electrified metal frame and glass skylight marquee with support posts attached to the building, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will please call the roll.
Councilwoman Tasco is voting aye. Council President Verna? SECOND READING - BILL 010400
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are 0. A majority of all Council members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 010400.
An ordinance authorizing SAS-1600 Arch Street to construct and maintain various fabric awnings on ridged metal frames, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. SECOND READING - BILL 000602 The ayes are 17, the nays are 0. A majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 000602.
An ordinance amending subcode PM of Title 4 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "The Philadelphia Property Maintenance Code," by providing for the suspension and revocation of a residential rental property license, multiple-family dwelling license, rooming house license, or vacant lot or building license for failure to correct code violations related to licensed properties, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill is having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are 0. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The last bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 010374.
An ordinance authorizing the President of the Fairmount Park Commission and the Executive Director of Fairmount Park, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into an agreement with the Cobbs Creek Community Environmental Education Center, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are 0. A majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. This concludes our calendar.
Thank you, Madam President. I had intended at this point to move to suspend the rules of City Council to permit introduction and consideration of a special resolution, it having come to my attention that yet another bill had been introduced in the House of Representatives to preempt Philadelphia legislation. In the month of April, this council SPEECHES passed unanimously a bill condemning predatory lending, it was a unanimous vote. It became law without the Mayor's signature by the end of April. I was very concerned there were reports that even representatives from the Philadelphia area both in the Senate and in the House were considering support. I ordered my staff to immediately prepare a resolution since I received this information during the session today, and they have prepared it, but before -- just a few minutes ago, I received a telephone conversation, and I apologize to the Chair for the interruption in the orderly processes of Council. I took that call from Councilwoman Tasco, who is the leader of the fight in City Council to get this legislation passed. We all know the long time she spent educating us on the problems that the predatory lending practices raised, and she is now very busy in negotiating at the state level with representatives from the Senate and the House of Representatives. She urges that we not present this resolution and hopes that the discussions she's having both with leadership and with members, and particularly with Philadelphia SPEECHES delegation, that the matter will be satisfactorily resolved. Accordingly, I thank the President for her consideration permitting me to have this opportunity to introduce the resolution, but the resolution had been distributed to each of the members of the Council so you see the language of it and you know the content, but I'm not going to be offering it in the hope that maybe for once in this case, we're going to stop the effort to preempt Philadelphia from carrying out its duties. Thank you, Madam President.
You're welcome, sir. Are there any speeches on the part of the minority? (No speeches on the part of the minority.)
Are there any speeches on the part of majority? (No speeches on the part of the majority.)
At this time, I know that my colleagues would like to join me in SPEECHES thanking Pat Rafferty for doing such a great job. (Applause.)
And also, I think that we also have to compliment our stenographer, who never takes a break, never asks for anything. Thank you, thank you. (Applause.)
There are no speeches on the part of the minority or the majority. Therefore, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for a motion.
Madam President, may I announce that the Law and Government Committee will hold a brief session immediately at the end of the Council session for the purpose of reviewing the documentation be offered by the Administration on health matters. So, please, members of the Law and Government Committee, stay around for a few more minutes.
Madam President, I move that City Council stand adjourned SPEECHES until Thursday, September 13, 2001, at 10 a.m. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Council stand adjourned until Thursday,, September 13, 2001, at 10 a.m. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and Council will stand adjourned until Thursday, September, 13, 2001. Thank you all very much. (Adjourned at 1:00 p.m.) C E R T I F I C A T E I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing proceedings of the Council of the City of Philadelphia of Thursday, June 14, 2001, were reported fully and accurately by me, and that this is a correct transcript of same. RE: STATED MEETING __________________________________, JOSEPHINE CARDILLO, Registered Professional Reporter