COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 696, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, March 20, 2003 10:22 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILMAN DAVID COHEN COUNCILMAN FRANK J. DI CICCO COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN JAMES F. KENNEY COUNCILWOMAN JOAN L. KRAJEWSKI COUNCILMAN RICHARD T. MARIANO COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER COUNCILMAN MICHAEL A. NUTTER COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILMAN ANGEL L. ORTIZ COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO PATRICIA RAFFERTY, CHIEF CLERK V A R A L L O, INCORPORATED LITIGATION SUPPORT SERVICES Eleven Penn Center 1835 Market Street, Suite 600 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103
I note that the hour has come and that a quorum of this Council is from. Council will please come to order. Members will take their seats. Rev. Peg Mann was going to give the invocation this morning, however, was unable to do so. So we will actually recognize our colleague Councilman Brian O'Neill. Will everyone please stand.
Madam President, in honor of our dear colleague Thacher Longstreth, if he were here today, he'd be called upon in the absence of a Reverend or a minister or rabbi. And what Thacher would always say, I'm going to say. Let's have a Quaker moment of silence. (Moment of silence.)
Thank you. The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting March 13, 2003. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Journal of the Thursday, March 13, 2003 stand approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, March 13, 2003, stand approved. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. And the Journal the meeting of Thursday, March 13, 2003 has been approved. The next order of business is requests for leave 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.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Madam President, on behalf of the Republicans, leave of absence is Longstreth.
Thank you. The Chair will dispense with the regular ordinary of business to recognize the guests and visitors joining us in Chambers this morning. On behalf of all Members of City Council, I welcome you to our Council Session 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. Today, I am very pleased to welcome -well, we have two groups from my district, and I think one is sitting in the anteroom. We will recognize them shortly. The first group is CATCH, which stands Citizens Acting Together Can Help. And in this case, it is certainly true. Accompanying the group today are Ms. Dianne Jordan Adams, Ms. Dorothea Townes. And I would ask that the entire group please stand so that we can welcome you. (Applause.)
Welcome. I don't know if Bartram students have arrived. If they have not, we will recognize them in. The next order of business is communications. The Chair recognizes the Sergeant of Arms for the purpose of delivering messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. The Chief Clerk will please read messages from the Mayor. THE
To the President and Member of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am pleased to advise you that on March 18, 2003, I signed the following bill that was passed by Council at its session on March 6, 2003: Bill No. 020762A. And I am transmitting herewith for the consideration of your honorable body the following ordinance, amending Section 2 of an ordinance, Bill No. 980803, approved January 5, 1999, entitled an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 27S by striking from the City Plan and vacating the legally open portions of Dilworth Street from Wall Street to Ritner Street. And I am transmitting for the consideration of your Honorable Body this following ordinance, authorizing the revision of lines and AND RESOLUTIONS grades on a portion of City Plan No. 308 by striking from the City Plan and vacating the northern most 10 foot wide portion of Delancey Place.
The messages will be printed in the Journal. The Clerk will please read any other communications in her possession. THE
Thank you. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit immediate consideration of resolutions at their time of introduction. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit immediate consideration of resolutions at the time of the introduction. All in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. AND RESOLUTIONS (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. Today, I introduce two bills and two resolutions. One of the resolutions is on your behalf.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance authorizing the paving of Marco Street, Aspen Street, 45th Street and portions of 47th Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
And an ordinance AND RESOLUTIONS authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 107 within an area bounded by Fairmount Avenue, 47th Street, Brown Street, and 44th Street.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the City of Philadelphia deeds located in the 3rd and 6th Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
Madam President, I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the motion carries. The Clerk will please read the title of the second resolution. THE
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority deeds located in the 36th and 40th Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the motion carries. AND RESOLUTIONS At this time the Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer one bill and three resolutions, each of which requires a vote by the City Council.
The Clerk will please read the title of the bill. THE
An ordinance amending Chapter 19-1500 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Wage and Net Profits Tax," by decreasing in stages the rates of the tax imposed upon certain low-income persons and providing for refunds of excess taxes paid, all under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution. THE
A resolution authorizing Council's Committee on Law and Government to conduct a full and comprehensive investigation into recent allegations that City decisions on hiring lawyers to prosecute certain pension fund related lawsuits may have inappropriately limited the amount damages paid to AND RESOLUTIONS the fund.
Madam President, I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution will be referred to the Committee on Law and Government. The Clerk please read the title of the second resolution. THE
A resolution calling upon the Night Rider Corporation to refuse to accept any advertisements promoting predatory pay day loans in any of its Philadelphia newspapers and to instead launch an investigated series of articles on the abuse predatory phenomenon of pay day lending in the AND RESOLUTIONS City of Philadelphia.
Madam President, I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the motion carries. The Clerk will please read the third resolution. THE
A resolution supporting diversity and media ownership by urging the Federal Communications Commission to protect and preserve its ban on cross-ownership of print and electronic media and by urging the Congress to exercise its oversight in the area of federal communication policy by holding public hearings on AND RESOLUTIONS media ownership issues and by enacted legislation to prohibit further media consolidation.
Thank you, Madam President. I move the adoption of the resolution and request the ability to speak on the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
I did not speak on the preceding resolutions because they're very much tied in with the concept of this resolution. Ever since the Daily News and the Inquirer merged under Knight Ridder so that we have a monopoly of newspapers in the City, it seems to me clearly the quality of the news has gone downhill. (Applause.)
It also seems to allow room for kind of tricky things that are very disturbing. For example the Daily News, despite public attention being brought to it, has been advertising predatory lending ads in its newspaper week after week. In an effort to be polite, I AND RESOLUTIONS called attention to it over a series of four weeks, but nothing has happened. As of yesterday, there was still tremendous ads in the Daily News. It permits Knight Ridder to escape scrutiny because people say it's just the Daily News, and I fell into that error. But the Daily News is helping Knight Ridder, the conglomerate Knight Ridder it its effort to look pure in the Inquirer, because the Inquirer does not carry such ads but the Daily News does. It indicates that there are many problems with monopolization. And this particular resolution deals with the further aspect of monopolization. Right now it's illegal print media and electronic media, that is, for example, radios and TVs, to own the newspapers in the City. There is a real effort made by our friend, the President, to change that and to permit -- for example, the Knight Ridder chain could take over the KYW station and thereby kind of monopolize totally the major news sources in Philadelphia. I think that's a terrible move. It's part of the Administration's theory that the bigger things are, the better. We've learned that for the average citizen, the bigger they are, the worse they get. AND RESOLUTIONS (Applause.)
Yesterday, the Inquirer in one of its columns attacked Councilman Ortiz and me for being what they dubbed the "entitlement twins," saying we're trying to reverse the economic situation in the United States by turning more money over to the poor from the rich. Well, if that's a sin, it's certainly much less a sin than robbing the poor to further enrich the rich. (Applause.)
And further, Philadelphia's pretty good at enriching the rich. Look what we did with the stadiums. We've turned millionaires into billionaires by taking public funds which are so desperately need by the City and just handing it over to for Eagles and to the Phillies, private ventures. And that's the wrong way to go. Therefore, this resolution the one I'm speaking on directly, asks that everybody organize against the effort to change current law. Under current law, electronic media and the print media cannot be owned by the same organization. And at AND RESOLUTIONS least let's say that part now. We've got to save it because since last night when war was declared, and I know everybody is going to supporting our troops. We want them home soon, whether we were for war or against the war. But one thing is certain. At this time, we need extreme vigilance in two areas. I would go along and say, yes, we need increased vigilance for security, but I also think we need increased vigilance for the protection of the civil liberties of the people in the United States. (Applause.)
The war must not be used as an instrument for curtailing people's rights. If that has any impact at all, it's got to happen in the other direction. It's got to show what we're allegedly fighting for, and that's greater and stronger democratization and more rights for people. And so I say to all activists, don't be discouraged if you were protesting the war, continue your activity. But let's all of us see no matter how we feel about the war our responsibility is to preserve the United States. It happens at the moment, I believe I'm the only active member of the AND RESOLUTIONS previous armed forces. Of course, I've got to go back about 60 years to a war that nobody remembers anymore, World War II, when I spent two years in the South Pacific. But we fought then for democracy. Let's make sure that this is a battle for democracy and that no matter how we felt, that the world emerges a stronger democratic force. Thank you all. Thank you for your continued vigilance on behalf of civil rights and civil liberties for all people. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you, Madam President. I was going to vote for this resolution when I just saw the heading of it because, in my opinion, it sounds like a good idea. But now that I know it's more of a frontal attack to separate people and to make accusations and having heard Councilman Cohen's arguments in favor of it, I'm convinced it's something we shouldn't be involved in. So I'm going to vote no. Thank you.
The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney. AND RESOLUTIONS
Point of information. Are we voting on Councilman Cohen's resolution relative to the media issue? Because he made additional comments about the Patriot Act.
Are there any other questions or comments from Members of the Committee? Councilman Cohen, there seems to be some confusion. I don't know if everyone got a copy of the resolution. Perhaps you can clarify precisely what the resolution is doing. Councilman Cohen, did you hear me?
Apparently, there seems to be some confusion among Members of Council. They may have not seen or have received a copy of the resolution. Would you mind briefly clarifying what the resolution will do.
Madam Chair, can we just ask the Chief Clerk to reread the title of the current resolution before us? THE
A resolution supporting diversity in media ownership by urging the Federal Communications Commission to protect and preserve its ban on cross-ownership of print and electronic media and by urging the Congress to exercise its oversight in the area of federal communication policy by holding public hearings on media ownership issues and by enacted legislation to prohibit further media consolidation.
It seems to be very clear, Madam President. The resolution is directed at preventing a change in the current law which currently bars print media and electronic media from being owned together. And my discussion explained why it's so important that the freedom of America that that separation be maintained.
It's a very simple resolution. If you think Knight Ridder ought to control everything, then you're going to vote against the resolution. If you interested in free AND RESOLUTIONS speech, then you're going to support the resolution.
Yes, Madam President, I would respectfully disagree with the simple description Councilman Cohen has given. I believe what we're doing here is what we should avoid doing, and that is making a decision based on very little information about how we're going to advise the Congress of the United States on how they should act on a particular piece of federal legislation when all we have is a resolution in front of us, a speech by Councilman Cohen that covered a lot more than the congressional legislation in question. And Congress holds hearings after hearing after briefing after briefing after research on this, and we're going to walk into Council Chambers on a Thursday morning, see a resolution, and expect to have any credibility as a body by telling Congress they should do this instead of doing this. One thing is to have a personal AND RESOLUTIONS opinion and another thing to be telling Congress that we made a decision collectively on how they should handle a piece of legislation in front of them that we just learned about five minutes ago. Thank you. (Audience reacts.)
I would respectfully request that we not get involved in this. Thank you.
Thank you, Madam President. I think it's very important that we let our representatives in Washington know how we feel about legislation. (Applause.)
We do not have the opportunity to go down to Washington to testify. But it's always this Council's effort, and we pass bills in here on predatory lending, resolutions saying to the Congress -- we just did one -- "Don't pass laws on predatory lending that will hurt people AND RESOLUTIONS back home." It gives them our voice in terms of how we feel about proposed legislation that might come before them. We're not telling them what to do; we're asking them to take into consideration how we feel about what they might want to do. (Applause.)
The Congress is so far removed from us. We are here every week, every day on the frontline dealing with constituents. And if the Congress doesn't hear from us -- advocacy is very important. They can't sit down on that hill and not think that people back home don't care about what they do. And a lot of legislation has been passed because they feel that they know best what's best for us, has come to bite us, and I think it's important for us to let them know how we feel on a piece of legislation. (Applause.)
Thank you, Madam Chair. I don't understand this thing about us not giving our opinion to Congress. I thought Congress AND RESOLUTIONS wanted opinions from the people that they're supposed to represent. (Applause.)
And I don't see anything wrong with a resolution that says monopoly, especially monopoly of the media resources in this country, can lead to a concentration of power that will limit the liberties of average citizens. If you put print and TV and radio together in one hand, the person that owns those means has a huge, huge amount of power to direct at public opinion to decide what issues get covered, to decide where and how to shape the news and the editorial coverage. It is an actual threat to democracy. It's an actual threat to our rights. (Applause.)
And I, for one, am not waiting for somebody in Congress to come and tell me something and say, you know, "We're going to pass this," and I have no opinion about it. I want us as a legislative body to be able to tell the Congress of the United States how the citizens of Philadelphia through their legislative body feel about an issue such as this. And I want them to AND RESOLUTIONS hear us. They represent us. And they should be doing our will if they truly represent us as a Congress. (Applause.)
So it isn't about telling them what to do. It is telling them what our opinions are, advising them as to where it is that we want them to go and telling them that power concentrated in very few hands is very dangerous. (Applause.)
Councilman Rizzo, your light was on. Did you want to be recognized?
Madam President, I'd like to be supportive of this resolution, but I rally don't have enough knowledge of the issues. I hear what the Councilmembers have said about sending a message, but I recollect predatory lending we had hearings before we sent a message to Washington. So I'd appreciate it, again, based on this resolution and the knowledge I have of the issue, this is more than just sending a message, it says here we're encouraging them to hold public hearings on media ownership issues and by enacted legislation to prohibit further media consolidation. It's AND RESOLUTIONS obviously more than just a suggestion to have hearings, it's also giving direction. So I would appreciate it if the sponsor could at least give us an opportunity to understand this issue better before it goes to a vote. Thank you, Madam President.
You're welcome. Are there any other members that would like to be recognized? (No response.)
Seeing none, a motion was made and seconded for the approval of the resolution. All in favor will indicate by -
Certainly. The Clerk will please call the roll. The Clerk will please call the roll. THE
So the vote is 13 to 3. The motion passes. (Applause.)
Madam President, I have one bill and one resolution. AND RESOLUTIONS
The Clerk will please read the title of the bill. THE
An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 55 by striking from the City Plan and vacating the legally open portions of Bermuda Street from Adams Avenue to Church Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution. THE
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority deeds located in 7th, 18th, 19, 23rd and 37th Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
Madam President, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. AND RESOLUTIONS All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Madam President, I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions day.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter.
The Clerk will please read the title of the bill. THE
An ordinance amending Chapter 19-1500 entitled, "Wage and Net Profits AND RESOLUTIONS Tax," by adding a new Section 19-1508 entitled, "Tax and Other Funding Assistance," to provide that any new tax or other funding assistance provided to the City or School District of Philadelphia as the result of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's enactment of legislation to provide for local property tax reform, shall be used to reduce the amount of wage and net profits tax liability for resident and non-resident taxpayers.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. A. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer one resolution this morning. Thank you.
The Clerk will please read the title of resolution. THE
A resolution authorizing the City Council Committee on Health and Human Services to conduct hearings on the current status of mental health services for senior citizens in the City of Philadelphia.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown. AND RESOLUTIONS
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The resolution will be referred to the Committee on Health and Human Services. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ortiz.
Thank you, Madam President. Because of the events of last night and beginning of the war with Iraq, we are postponing the introduction of the resolution on the Patriot Act, Madam Chair. But I hope that the people that AND RESOLUTIONS are here keep on defending the Constitution. Thank you. (Audience chants, "Defend our freedoms. Protect our rights.") (Pause.)
At this time the Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco.
The Clerk will please read the title of the bill. THE
An ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance, Bill No. 980803, entitled an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 27S by striking from the City Plan and vacating the legally open portions of Dilworth Street from Wall Street to Ritner Street.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
The Chair thanks AND RESOLUTIONS the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion Plan No. 63, by striking from the City Plan and vacating Melon Street from 16th Street to 17th Street.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. At this time I would like to recognize a group of visitors from the John Bartram High School in Southwest Philadelphia. The 30 young people with us are outstanding students dedicated to good citizenship. Ms. Banks, Ms. Pheifer, and Ms. Kennedy have accompanied the group. We are proud to today. I would ask that you please rise so that we can greet you. Please stand. (Applause.)
Welcome. Our next order of business is reports from committees. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell, who incidentally is a graduate of John Bartram, to give a report from the Committee of the Whole.
Thank you, Madam President. Yes, I'm a very proud graduate of John Bartram High School, and I'm on your Wall of Fame. Former Goode was number 1, I was number 2. Madam President, the Committee of the Whole reports out two bills with a favorable recommendation.
To the President and the Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee of the Whole to which was referred Bill No. 030073 entitled an ordinance amending Section 19-1502 of the Philadelphia Code entitled, "Imposition of Tax," by providing for reductions in the rate of wage and net profits tax under certain terms and conditions; And Bill No. 030096, entitled an ordinance authorizing the creation of a loan or loans to provide funds for and toward various capital municipal purposes, authorizing the Mayor, City Controller, and City Solicitor, or a majority of them to sell bonds at public or private negotiated sale and fixing a day for holding election for obtaining such consent and providing for the arrangement for holding such election; Respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommends.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 030096. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Rules of as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 030096. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and Bill No. 030096 will be placed on today's First Reading Calendar. Bill No. 030073 will be placed on the First Reading Calendar for our next Session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for a report from the Committee on Finance.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Finance reports out three bills with a favorable recommendation.
To the president and Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Finance to which was referred Bill No. 020647, entitled an ordinance amending section 19-1303 of authorization to offer exemption from real estate taxes on new construction of residential properties; And Bill No. 020813, entitled an ordinance amending section 19-1303 of the Philadelphia Code entitled, "Authorization," to offer exemptions from real estate taxes on improvements to residential properties; And Bill 030014, entitled an ordinance amending Section 19-1301 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Real Estate Taxes" by providing that the taxes levied on a property under the section shall not increase in any one year by more than a specific percentage as a result of an increase in the assessed value of the properties returned by the Board of Revision of Taxes, under certain terms and conditions; Respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, that the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill Nos. 020647 and 030014. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Rules of Council suspended so as to permit first read this day of Bill Nos. 02064, and 030014. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the bills just read will be placed on today's First Reading Calendar. Bill No. 020813 will be placed on the First Reading Calendar for our next Session of Council. At this time the Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco for a report from the Committee on Streets and Services.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Streets and Services 16 bills out with a favorable recommendation.
To the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia. The Committee of Streets and Services to which was referred Bill No. 020757, entitled an ordinance granting permission to University of Sciences to construct, own, use and maintain underground steam lines under the 4200 block of Woodland Avenue; And Bill No. 030018, entitled an ordinance authorizing the installation of all-way stop signs at the intersection of Valley Avenue and Renz Street; And Bill No. 030019, entitled an ordinance authorizing the installation of all-way stop signs at the intersection of Parkwood Lane and Summit Avenue. And Bill No. 030020, entitled an ordinance authorizing the installation of all-way stop signs at the intersection of 51st Street and Overbrook Avenue; And Bill No. 030021, entitled an of all-way stop signs at the intersection of Acorn Street and Henry Avenue; And Bill No. 030026, entitled an ordinance authorizing Tenet HealthSystem Hahnemann, to construct, own and maintain underground conduit and 23 pedestrian light poles; And Bill No. 030076, entitled an ordinance authorizing the construction of sanitary sewers and appurtenant work in portions of the Lemonte Street and Fairmount Park Property; And Bill No. 030077, entitled an ordinance authorizing the construction of Dobson's Run Stormwater Relief Sewer in Allegheny Avenue produced and 32nd produced; And Bill No. 030079, entitled an ordinance amending Section 12-2703 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Designation of Permit Parking Districts," by amending the definition of District 5; And Bill No. 030080, entitled an ordinance amending Chapter 12-400 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled a "Right-of-Way Regulations and Penalties," by requiring that stripes be installed at intersections designated by ordinance as "Don't Block the Box" intersections; And Bill No. 030100, entitled an ordinance to authorize the Water Commissioner on behalf of the City to enter into agreements with the owners of the properties and successors of a private street known as Blakiston Lane; And Bill No. 030102, entitled an ordinance authorizing the installation of all-way stop signs at the intersection of 13th Street and Brown Street; And Bill No. 030124, entitled an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 317 and 319 by striking from the City Plan and vacating the legally open portions Borbeck Avenue And Bill No. 030137, entitled an ordinance authorizing the vacating of a portion of Sheaff Lane; And Bill 030139, entitled an ordinance amending Section 9-205 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Sidewalk Sales," by exempting sidewalk sales by owners and tenants of properties on both Avenue; And Bill No. 030140, entitled an ordinance authorizing and striking from City Plan 97 and abandoning a portion of a certain right-of-way for drainage purposes lying within the lines of former Jessup, under certain terms and conditions; Respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading today of Bills No. 020757, 030026, 030076, 030077, 030079, 030100, 030124, 030137, and 030139.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill Nos. 020757, 030026, 030076, 030077, 030079, 030100, 030124, 030137, and 030139. All in favor will indicate by saying (Aye.)
The ayes have it. And the bills just read will be placed on today's First Reading Calendar. Bill Nos. 030018, 030019, 030020, 030021, 030080, 030102 and 030140 will be placed on the First Reading Calendar for our next Session of Council. That concludes reports from committees. Our next item of business is the consideration of the Calendar. The Chief Clerk will please read the bills on our First Reading Calendar. THE
Bill No. 030113, entitled an ordinance amending Title 14 of the Philadelphia Code entitled, "Zoning and Planning," to add a section requiring a Zoning Board of Adjustment certificate to operate a telemarketing business, under certain terms and conditions.
And Bill No. 030096, the creation of a loan or loans to provide funds for and toward various capital municipal, authorizing the Mayor, City Controller and City Solicitor, or a majority of them to see bonds at a public or private negotiated sale.
And Bill No. 020647, an ordinance amending Section 19-1303 of the Philadelphia Code entitled authorization to offer exemption from real estate taxes on new construction of residential properties.
And Bill 030014, an ordinance amending Section 19-1301 of the Philadelphia Code entitled, "Real Estate Taxes," by providing that the taxes levied on a property under the section shall not increase in any one year by more than a specific percentage as a result of an increase in the assessed value of the properties as returned by the Board of Revision of Taxes.
And Bill No. 020757, an ordinance granting permission to University of Sciences to construct, own, use and maintain underground steam lines, telecommunication lines, under the 4200 block of Woodland Avenue.
And Bill No. 030026, an ordinance authorizing Tenet HealthSystem Hahnemann, to construct, own and maintain underground conduit and 23 pedestrian light poles.
And Bill No. 030076, an ordinance authorizing the construction of sanitary sewers and appurtenant work in portions of the Lemonte Street and Fairmount Park Property.
And Bill No. 030077, an ordinance authorizing the construction of Dobson's Run Stormwater Relief Sewer in proposed rights-of-way for drainage and sewer purposes in Allegheny Avenue.
And Bill No. 030079, an ordinance amending Section 12-2703 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Designation of Permit Parking Districts," by amending the definition of District 5 by removing certain portions of that area from the permit parking district, all under certain terms and conditions.
And Bill No. 030100, an ordinance to authorize the Water Commissioner on behalf of the City to enter into agreements with the owners of the properties and their successors of a private street known as Blakiston Lane.
And Bill No. 030124, entitled an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 317 and 319 by striking from the City Plan and vacating the legally open portions Borbeck Avenue.
The Chair 3/20/03 - STATED - 2ND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE agrees. THE
And Bill No. 030137, an ordinance authorizing the vacating of a portion of Sheaff Lane.
And Bill 030139, an ordinance amending Section 9-205 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Sidewalk Sales," by exempting sidewalk sales by owners and tenants of properties on both sides of Girard Avenue between Frankford and Susquehanna Avenues.
The Chair agrees. The bills just read by the Chief Clerk will be placed on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for our next session. That concludes the First Reading Calendar. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for the purpose of calling up bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar to be considered today.
Thank you, 3/20/03 - STATED - 2ND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE Madam President. Today, Bill Nos. 030024, 030099, and 030114 are being called up for second reading and final passage. All other bills are being held.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 030024. THE
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia zoning maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within n area bonded by 48th Street, Brown Street, 44th Street, and Fairmount Avenue.
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. THE
Councilman DiCicco. 3/20/03 - STATED - 2ND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE
Councilwoman Tasco. 3/20/03 - STATED - 2ND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE
Aye. The ayes are 16, 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 030099. THE
An ordinance declaring that it is desirable for the health, safety and welfare of the people in the area served by Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals to participate with the hospitals in the refinancing or reconstruction of certain outstanding indebtedness of the hospital and its affiliates in the acquisition and construction of capital improvements to the facilities of the hospital and its affiliates.
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. THE
Councilwoman Blackwell. 3/20/03 - STATED - 2ND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE
Aye. 3/20/03 - STATED - 2ND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE THE
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The final bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 030114. THE
An ordinance amending Section 14-1610 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Old City Residential Area Special Districts Controls," by providing that telemarketing is a prohibited use within the district, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally? 3/20/03 - STATED - 2ND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE The Clerk will please call the roll. THE
Councilman O'Neill. 3/20/03 - STATED - 2ND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. That concludes our Calendar. Are there speeches on the part of the minority? (No response.)
Are there speeches on the part of the majority? (No response.)
Madam Chair, I move that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, March 27, at 10:00 a.m. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, March 27th. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the motion carries. Thank you. (Council adjourned at 11:15 a.m.) C E R T I F I C A T I O N I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing proceedings of the Council of the City of Philadelphia of March 20, 2003, were reported fully and accurately by me, and that this is a correct transcript of the same. RE: STATED MEETING ___________________________ Lisa C. Bradley, RPR and Notary Public