COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 401, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, October 18, 2001 10:15 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILMAN FRANK J. DI CICCO COUNCILMAN WILSON W. 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, CHIEF CLERK VINCENT VARALLO ASSOCIATES, INC. Registered Professional Reporters Eleven Penn Center 1835 Market Street, Suite 600 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103 INVOCATION
Good morning, everyone. I note that the hour has come and that a quorum of this Council is present. Council will come to order. Members will take their seats, and visitors will retire to the seats outside the rail. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair welcomes Rabbi Robert Rubin of the Congregation Beth T'Fillah. He is here today as the guest of Councilman Nutter. Will guests and members please rise.
I thank you for the honor of being here today, especially thanks to Councilman Nutter for extending the invitation. It is indeed a special moment. I'm very humbled by this opportunity. I think the presence here together, of course, in this room, a room where you work here on a regular basis, it's easy for take it for granted, but democracy in action is something very special. I've been asked to give an invocation. I'd like to share with you my thoughts. My question really sometimes comes to me, what is an invocation. An invocation is an opportunity to invoke God's name, God's presence among us. But actually, God's presence is already here. The prophet Isaiah INVOCATION teaches us in the biblical Hebrew, "Kadosh Kadosh Kadosh Adonai Tz'vaot m'lo chol ha-aretz k'vodo." "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts, the whole earth is full of his glory." The whole universe is full of God's presence and God's glory. It's only up to us to appreciate that and have a relationship with God. And so if that's true, then what is an invocation? It's an opportunity to reflect on that. How do we manifest? How do we reflect God's presence among us? I think our very presence here, our being together to take care of the needs of the community, to come together and debate the issues of the day, to share with one another our opinion, to disagree if need be but to disagree, as it's been said, to disagree agreeably; to respect one another, all those things help reflect God's presence among us. The Bible again in the book of Psalms in the biblical Hebrew, "Hinay ma tov u-manayim shevet achim gam yachad." "Behold how good and pleasant it is for people, for brethren to dwell together in unity." These are all different ways to reflect God's presence. And I pray that we'll be able to APPROVAL OF JOURNAL continue to do that on a daily basis through our daily lives, taking care of our national needs, our local needs, and our personal needs. Amen.
The Chair thanks Rabbi Rubin for his inspiring invocation. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of October 11, 2001. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, October 11, 2001, stand approved.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, October 11, 2001, stand approved. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.) WELCOME AND PRESENTATIONS
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The Journal of the meeting of Thursday, October 11, 2001, stands approved. The next order of business is requests for leaves of absence. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. A leave of absence is requested for Councilman Cohen.
Leave will be granted. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Madam President, on behalf of the Republicans, there are no requests for leave of absence.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair will dispense with the regular order of business to recognize the guests and visitors joining us in Chambers this morning. On behalf of all Members of City Council, I welcome you WELCOME AND PRESENTATIONS to our Council Session. We appreciate your taking the time to join us as we attend to the legislative affairs of our City. We certainly invite you to come again. I believe I see in the audience one of our former colleagues Councilman Rafferty. Would you stand please, so that we can recognize you. (Applause.)
At this time the Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano who will make a presentation. And I would ask that two of my colleagues from South Philadelphia, Councilmembers Kenney and DiCicco, please join the Councilman. The honorees are Mr. Edward "Babe" Heffron and Mr. Bill Guarnere. Will Mr. Heffron and Mr. Guarnere and those accompanying him please join the Councilmembers at the podium, please.
Resolution honoring Edward "Babe" Heffron and Bill Guarnere. Whereas, Mr. Babe Heffron and Mr. Bill Guarnere were both brought up in South Philadelphia, married young women and raised their families in the neighborhood and lived just one parrish from each other, yet they never knew each other until WELCOME AND PRESENTATIONS E Company of 506 parachute infantry regime brought them together at the start of the World War II; and Whereas, E Company which was brought into combat on D-Day, fought in France, Belgium, Luxemburg, Germany, and Austria, their courage and heroism became part of "Band of Brothers," a best-selling book by Steven E. Ambrose. Now the book has been transferred into a major miniseries produced by Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg and Sergeant Bill Guarnere and Private 1st Class Edward Heffron as key characters; and
Whereas, E Company was reputed to be a crack fighting members were part of an elite all-volunteer outfit because of their brains, stamina, and courage. They may have felt like all other soldiers, but they were different, a unique and loyal band of brothers; and Whereas, after the war, Edward "Babe" Heffron and Bill Guarnere became separated, but not for long. Babe found his platoon sergeant, and once he found him, they became inseparable. And so it was that the two friends came to Hatfield, England, where the film is being shot. They met the actors, collaborated on the details and will be guests in WELCOME AND PRESENTATIONS France as other E Company veterans; and
Whereas, Bill Guarnere and Edward "Babe" Heffron are getting used to being famous. It has not changed their sense of humor, their humility, their sadness for their loss of their comrades or their great spirit of true friendship. They are a credit to America, to Philadelphia, and to their community. Now, therefore, resolved by the Council of City of Philadelphia that we hereby honor and commend Edward "Babe" Heffron and Bill Guarnere. We thank them for what they have been to America and for what they mean to us today. Resolved that engrossed copies of this resolution be presented to Mr. Edward "Babe" Heffron and Bill Guarnere as evidence of the sincere admiration and lasting respect of this legislative body. This is a true and correct copy of the original resolution adopted by the Council of the City of Philadelphia on the 6th day of September, 2001. Presented by Council President Anna C. Verna, introduced by Councilman Mariano and Council President Verna, and cosponsored by all Members of City Council. Congratulations. WELCOME AND PRESENTATIONS
They deserve a standing ovation. (Standing ovation.)
We're very, very proud of both you. Thank you so much. The Chair at this time recognizes Mr. Guarnere for a few remarks.
Don't use my other alias. It's a pleasure being here. I lived in Philadelphia all my life, in South Philly, and I never knew this joint existed. This is the first time I ever been here, and it's my pleasure. But I want to say this: On behalf of Mr. Heffron and I, there are a couple other men from South Philadelphia who are in our company, too. One died; his name is Ralph Trapuzzano (ph) from South Philadelphia, E Company man. The man was a medic Ralph Spina (ph). He lives in Fort Worth, Texas. He was from South Philadelphia and he was a medic in our company, too. I want to make sure that I remember all those other men that served in the company and in the Allied Forces during World War II, army, the navy, the air force, the marines. We all fought together. We are not heros; we are COMMUNICATIONS survivors. Thank you. (Applause.)
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 today, October 11, 2001, I signed the following bill that was passed by Council at its session on October 4, 2001: Bill No. 000716. And I am returning herewith as disapproved Bill No. 000629, passed by the Council on October 4, 2001. And I am transmitting herewith for the introduction and consideration of your honorable body the proposed ordinance entitled, an ordinance amending Title 14 of the Philadelphia Code entitled INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS "Zoning and Planning," by amending Chapter 14-1800 entitled "Zoning Board of Adjustment," by amending Section 14-1807 entitled "Appeals to the Courts," by amending language regarding appeals, under certain terms and conditions.
The messages will be printed in the Journal. The Clerk will please read any other communications in her possession.
Thank you. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. 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 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 INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS introduction. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (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. I have two bills this morning that I introduce on your behalf.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance granting permission to Nick Mangini, also known as Mangini Newsstand, owner of the newsstand located on the north footway of Oregon Avenue, west of Swanson Street. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Title 14 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Zoning and Planning," by adding a new chapter entitled "Military Conversion Districts," providing that no use shall be permitted within any such district unless a master plan for development of such district has been approved.
This bill will also be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
The Clerk will INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution recognizing November 2001 as National Alzheimer's Disease Month in 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 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.
A resolution declaring November as Energy Help Awareness Month.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS
Madam President, I move for 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 Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I offer no bills or resolutions.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter.
The Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance adopting an amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of the INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS Manyunk Special Service District of Philadelphia to extend the term of that authority.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance establishing a no truck parking and tow away zone regulation on Vine Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer one bill and one resolution. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS
The Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance authorizing the Arden Theater Company, 40 North Second Street, to construct and maintain a steel and glass marquis with two electrified icon signs attached to the building.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution honoring and commending Philadelphia print collaborative for recognizing Philadelphia's Prominence as a print-making center dating back to the 1930s and for creating consortium of cultural organizations committed to reviving print-making in Philadelphia.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been move and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The resolution has been adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
The Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 307 by striking from the City Plan vacating Cuthbert Street from 17th Street to 18th Street.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Longstreth. Councilman Longstreth, do you have any bills or resolutions to introduce today? INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution honoring the retiring members of the Philadelphia Office of the Selective Service System for the 20 years of service to America ensuring our national defense.
I move for adoption of this resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All if favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed. (No response.) REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES
The ayes have it, and the resolution has been adopted. The next order of business is reports from committees. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski for a report from the Committee on Appropriations.
Madam President, the Committee on Appropriations reports two bills out with a favorable recommendation.
To the President and Members of the Council of the Philadelphia, the Committee on Appropriations to which was referred Bill No. 010542 entitled, an ordinance authorizing transfers in appropiation for Fiscal Year 2002 from the General Fund, the Director of Finance, provisions for other grants to the General Fund, certain or all city offices.
And Bill No. 010569 entitled, an ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriation for Fiscal Year 2002 within the General Fund from certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions, to certain or all City offices, departments, boards, and commissions, respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Madam Chair, I move the rules of Council be suspended so as permit first reading this day of Bill Nos. 010542, 010569. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading of this day of Bill Nos. 010542 and 010569. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES it. And Bill Nos. 010542 and 010569 will be placed on today's First Reading Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano for a report from the Committee on Licenses and Inspections.
Thank you, Council President. The Committee on Licenses and Inspections reports two bills with a favorable recommendation.
The Committee on Licenses and Inspections to which was referred Bill No. 010498 entitled, an ordinance adding a new Chapter 9-2500 to the Philadelphia Code entitled "Fire Suppression System Workers," providing for the examination and certification of fire suppression system workers and permitting fire suspression system apprentices. And an ordinance amending Title 9 of the Philadelphia Code entitled, "Regulation of Businesses, Trades, and Professions," by amending the provisions of Section 9-618 relating to the sale of spray paint containers and indelible markers to FIRST READING CALENDAR include the sale of etching acid and to make certain technical changes, respectfully reports it has considered the same returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Madam Chairwoman, I move that the rules of Council be suspend so as to permit first reading this day of Bill Nos. 010498 and 010555. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill Nos. 010498 and 010555. All in favor, signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. And Bill Nos. 010498 and 010555 will be placed on today's First Reading Calendar. The next order of business is consideration of the Calendar. The Clerk will FIRST READING CALENDAR please read the bills on the First Reading Calendar.
Bill No. 010542, an ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriation for Fiscal Year 2002 from the General Fund, the Director of Finance, to the General Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions.
And Bill No. 010569, an ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriation for Fiscal Year 2002 within the General Fund from certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions, to certain or all City offices, departments, boards, and commissions.
And Bill No. 010498, an ordinance adding a new Chapter 9-2500 to the Philadelphia Code entitled "Fire Suppression System Workers," providing for the examination and certification of fire suppression system workers and permitting fire supression system apprentices, all under certain terms and conditions.
The Chair SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE CALENDAR agrees.
And Bill No. 010555, an ordinance amending Title 9 of the Philadelphia Code entitled, "Regulation of Businesses, Trades, and Professions," by amending the provisions of Section 9-618 relating to the sale of spray paint containers and indelible markers to include the sale of etching acid and to make certain technical changes.
The Chair agrees. The bills read by the Clerk will be placed on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for our next session. That concludes our First Reading Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for calling up the bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar.
Thank you, Madam President. Today Bill No. 010371 is being called up for second reading and final passage. All other bills are being held.
I'm sorry. I believe there are two bills that are being called for consideration. SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE CALENDAR
No, the sponsor of the second bill decided to hold it.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
Bill No. 010371, an ordinance amending Title 14 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Zoning and Planning," by amending Chapter 14-200 entitled "Residential Districts," by amending Section 14-203 entitled "R2 Residential District," and by amending Section 14-204 entitled "R3 Residential District," and by making certain technical amendments, 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 role.
Point of information. SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE CALENDAR
Madam President, I know this bill went through the -- I assume it went through the Rules Committee. I don't remember missing any Rules Committee meetings. I really don't remember what specifically this bill does. And because of the technical nature, I would appreciate if you would ask the Councilmember if he could at least just give a short explanation of what the bill is.
Gladly. Councilman, this bill actually goes back in the May time frame. And what it does, it takes R2 Zoning and basically makes it identical to R1 and R1-A in terms of the uses allowed. Makes it purely residential with the exception of an amendment to the bill that went in it at the hearing that Councilwoman Reynolds-Brown which allows the day care provision, which we had just passed I think a week before the hearing to remain the same. So the day care provision is in here as it was in the Councilwoman's bill.
So this all involves solely residential, not commercial property? SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE CALENDAR
Aye. The ayes are 15, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes.
I want to take this opportunity to extend our best wishes for a happy birthday to Councilwoman Brown who, I believe, celebrated her birthday on Tuesday the 17th. Happy belated birthday.
That concludes our calendar for today. Are there any speeches on the part of the minority? Are there speeches on the part of the majority? The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco.
Thank you, Madam President. Two points of information. On the Thursday after the tragedy of September 11th, I announced that we were going to look to move up our City Council blood drive, but because of the overwhelming success of the drive in Philadelphia, Red Cross has indicated to me that they actually have a surplus at the moment, so we'll probably go back to our normal January or February blood drive. And I want too thank everyone who's been inquiring about that. Also I want to take this opportunity to thank all of those who expressed concern for Andrew Morteletti, a member of my staff who took ill last week, last Friday in my office. Andy, unfortunately, is still in a coma, but as a result of some of the tests that have been taken as recent SPEECHES as Tuesday where there was no brain activity going into Tuesday morning, they now have a lot brain activity. He opened his eyes yesterday and the day before a few times. While that's encouraging, he's still certainly not out of the woods. There will be additional tests that will be taken tomorrow to determine the extent of the brain damage. So I wanted to take this opportunity thank all the people throughout City Hall who have been calling our office for concern for Andrew. He's certainly in all of our prayers. And I want to thank everyone for that.
Thank you. And, Councilman, I know that you have been praising the work that the policeman did at that time, and I think it's very important that we acknowledge that.
At a later date I wanted to do something in Council for that recognition. Without that police offer, I don't think Andy would have had any chance at all today. He immediately entered my office, began CPR until the emergency personnel showed up on the scene. And as a result of that, we think that there was enough oxygen going to his brain at that particular time SPEECHES that at least gives him a fighting chance going in. So thank you, Madam President.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ortiz.
The record will so reflect that. Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ortiz.
Thank you, Madam Chair. First I want to thank Mayor Street for vetoing Bill 000629. I think it shows a victory for the people of Philadelphia and the citizens and taxpayers. I was not going to speak on that, but it goes along -(Laughter.)
Since my colleague Dave Cohen is not here to thank the Mayor himself personally, I think it's a well-thought-out SPEECHES decision. But nevertheless, I rise up, Madam Chair, because as I go around the City and I talk to people in different aspects of life and organizations, teachers, leadership, and I talk to them about the schools and what is going to be done with the schools, the thing that comes back is, "It's a done deal. The deal between Harrisburg and the Mayor's Office and Edison is a done deal. There's nothing that you can do about it. There's nothing that this body can do about it. There's nothing that the citizens and parents who have kids in the school system can do about it. " And part of it comes out because they go back to the inertia of Philadelphia politics of groupings of people being able to mobilize themselves to oppose a decision that they know is wrong, that will balkinize the City and balkinize public education, that it will create a different public school system in West Philadelphia and a different one in Northwest, a different one in Southwest Philadelphia, all separate and unequal. " SPEECHES This body has not been consulted. We will not be consulted. The referendum that we thought we could put on the ballot in November was vetoed, a veto I oppose as I support this veto today. So the people are shut out of the discussion that is going to be taking place because it's a done deal. Last week, my colleague Jim Kenney put forward a bill, $75 million to start a debate to begin saying in essence that this Council wants to have a say as to how we are going to reformulate the issue of public schools in the City of Philadelphia. But, again, we may not have that opportunity because it is a done deal. And we should say to the Mayor, It cannot be a done deal. You cannot sign anything with Harrisburg without consulting this body and the people and the parents of Philadelphia. And the parents of public school children should demand, should demand, should organize, should rebel and say it is not a done deal until we say it's a done deal, paraphrasing Yogi Berra. And we have to be very careful because this is a decision that is going to affect and impact many families across Philadelphia, most of the families across Philadelphia. SPEECHES And if we're talking about blight, we've got to begin the fight against blight at the public school level. Without a good public school system, there is no solution to the blight problem of this City because people will refuse to move back in. The middle class will leave and we will only be left with the very rich and the very poor and a school system that serves neither. I don't care whether you have charters, whether you have whatever it is, it will not work. If we're going to fight blight, it has to begin with the public schools. If we can create stadiums and go into hock and put the taxpayers of this City into hock for stadiums and other paraphernalia that just goes to please the rich and the very powerful, then we should be able to go into hock for the children of Philadelphia. Flight is fought by creating a public school system that prepares kids for this society. Blight is not fought just by putting out a bond issue that goes for demolition. We begin with public schools. That's where we should begin. That's where we should start. As Jane Carville (ph) said during the 1991-92 Clinton election, at that point it was, is the economy stupid. Well, it is SPEECHES the schools this time around in the City of Philadelphia. And either we are going to be involved, either the people of Philadelphia are going to be involved, the parents, before a deal is done. We cannot just be satisfied with the Philadelphia tradition of the deal done behind closed doors, done by politicians, done without consulting the people. We've got to stop this impression, this reality that is out there that said there's nothing you can do about it, it is a done deal.
So as I thank the Mayor about 000629, I tell him, don't make a deal, don't make a deal on the schools. It is the schools that is the issue. Thank you, Madam Chair.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, last week Councilman Nutter made a very elegant speech where he invoked the names of many great -- his personal heros and American heros, John F. Kennedy, Abraham Lincoln. And I made a comment in the paper that that's good we can get together and sing "Kum Ba Yah." Since SPEECHES someone has taken the privilege to add another paragraph to the "Kum Ba Yah," the old folk song, I was wondering if we could sing that last paragraph before we leave, and I would gladly start that by saying, (singing). "Someone's not getting paid, Lord. Kum ba yah. "Someone's not getting paid, Lord. Kum ba yah. "Someone's not getting paid, Lord. Kum ba yah. "Oh, Lord, kum ba yah." (Applause.)
I hope your mother didn't pay for singing lessons. (Laughter.)
Council President, the good sisters of Holy Innocence Immaculate Heart tried, but I was a lost case. But I can dance pretty good.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco.
Thank you, Madam President. You took the words right out of my SPEECHES mouth. Even though we're not being paid, I think you've been hanging around here for a while.
Certainly not going to be able to go out and sing, that's for sure.
This is true. He's probably the only Italian that can't sing, but that's beside the point. (Laughter.)
I really had no intentions of speaking on the Bill 00629, but since my colleague raised the issue, I think I do owe it to the folks who stayed with me for 7, 8, 10 months, I forgot how long it's been, those folks who've supported the bill to thank them publicly for that. And even to the folks who in this room, my colleagues in this room who did not support the bill, we had a lot of good dialog going on throughout that process. And it is a process. And that's what we get paid to do. Sometimes we introduce bills not are not very popular with the public. It isn't the first time that has happened, and I'm certainly sure that it won't be the last time it happens. As to the bill and the veto, I am SPEECHES disappointed. I think it is not, as Councilman Ortiz said, a good day for the citizens of this City. I think it's a bad day for the neighborhoods of this City. I think what this indicates now that anyone throughout the Commonwealth or throughout the region who has a particular disagreement on a philosophical issue will be able to come into any community throughout the City and basically dictate what occurs in that community regardless, regardless of what the elected officials in that community feel about that application or the community immediately impacted have to say about it. I think if I had done this, being from South Philadelphia, had I entered into an agreement with a company for a half-million-dollar payoff in return for my withdrawal of a court matter in front of the Commonwealth Common Pleas Court, I would be a cellmate today to Joey Merlino. I think this opened up political extortion to the fullest extent. Groups are going to come in here and dictate what goes on in each and every Councilmatic district regardless of who we are and the people who elected us. So I don't think it's a good day for the citizens. I think it's a bad day. Thank you, Madam SPEECHES President.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. As I heard and have been following the issue with Councilman DiCicco's staff member, I am reminded that this is a particular time where we need to review our emergency response workers, not only for Council, but for all of us who work in City Hall and in government buildings. As you know, for two years we went through this process with the School District and ultimately won a battle to have them post health emergency signs in all school offices or somewhere in their buildings. I'm not sure they're there because the last few schools I've visited, I didn't see them, but they're supposed to be there. And certainly, I would like to work with Councilman DiCicco on some review response procedure. Maybe we could have an area in the building where we have medical equipment available where we know who's trained in CPR.
Councilwoman, a memo will be going out very shortly indicating SPEECHES that because we do have employees who are certified. The problem is, I guess, one office doesn't know that the other office has someone who is qualified to do that. But a memo is going out very shortly regarding that.
Are there any speeches on the part of the majority? Seeing none, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for a motion to adjourn.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, October 25th at 10:00 a.m., 2001.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Council stand adjourned until Thursday, October 25, 2001, at 10:00 a.m. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. Thank you very much. (Council adjourned at 11:00 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 October 18, 2001, 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