COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Thursday, March 5, 1998 10:50 a.m. Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT JOHN F. STREET COUNCILWOMAN ANNA CIBOTTI VERNA COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE L. BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN MICHAEL A. NUTTER COUNCILWOMAN JOAN L. KRAJEWSKI COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILWOMAN AUGUSTA A. CLARK COUNCILMAN DAVID COHEN COUNCILWOMAN HAPPY FERNANDEZ COUNCILMAN JAMES F. KENNEY COUNCILMAN W. THACHER LONGSTRETH COUNCILMAN ANGEL L. ORTIZ COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO COUNCILMAN FRANK DiCICCO COUNCILMAN RICHARD T. MARIANO COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER MARIE B. HAUSER, Chief Clerk VINCENT VARALLO ASSOCIATES, INC. Registered Professional Reporters Eleven Penn Center Plaza, Suite 600 Philadelphia, PA 19103 INVOCATION
Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. The Chair notes that the hour has come and that a quorum is present. Council will come to order. Members will take their seats. Visitors will retire to the seats outside the rail. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair welcomes Reverend Dr. Thomas J. Ritter, who is the Pastor of Second Macedonia Baptist Church. He is here today as the guest of Councilwoman Tasco. Members and guests will please rise.
Let me thank Councilwoman Tasco for inviting me, President Street and all of the Councilpersons for receiving me. Let us bow and pray together. Our God and our Father, from whom all blessings does flow, whom by thy creation made us all of one blood, brothers and sisters in the Lord, we thank thee for this Council and for the work and the labor, the sacrifice they and their families have to make for the good of all. In your word, you have taught us the steps of a good person are ordered by the Lord. INVOCATION Order their steps, that they might walk right; order their eyes that they might see right; order their minds that they might think right; order their hearts, that they might do right. We thank you for them and we thank you for this city. We thank you for our Mayor, for our Governor, and for our President. And we thank you, Lord, for being such a good God. We ask that you would visit this Council today and preside over it, so that everything that's done and everything that's said crowns your glory and honor. And may this Council leave a legacy that for years to come those might look to it and admire and praise you for having brought them all this way. We ask it all in thy name. Amen.
The Chair thanks Reverend Thomas Ritter for his inspiring invocation. (Councilmembers greet Reverend Ritter.)
The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the APPROVAL OF JOURNAL/LEAVES OF ABSENCE meeting of Thursday, February 26, 1998. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Clark.
Mr. President, I move the adoption of the Journal of that date. (Duly seconded.)
All in favor let it be known by saying aye. Those opposed say nay. The ayes have it. The Journal is approved. The next order of business is leaves of absence. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Verna.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the majority, there are no requests for leave of absence.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
On behalf of the WELCOME VISITORS/PRESENTATIONS Republicans, there are no requests for leaves of absence.
The Chair thanks Councilman O'Neill. At this time we will dispense with our regular order of business to recognize visitors. To all of our visitors and guests with us this morning, we welcome you here and applaud your interest in the civic affairs of our city, and certainly invite you to come again. At this time, our first presentation designates March as Arts and Humanities Month in the City of Philadelphia. To make this presentation, the Chair appoints Councilman Kenney. The Chair invites Mr. Jimmy Clark and those with him to come and receive this resolution.
Mr. President, if I may, I would like to invite the other members of City Council who are members of the Philadelphia Cultural Fund Board, Council members Tasco, Fernandez and Rizzo, to help present this resolution. PRESENTATIONS
This is a resolution designating the month of March 1998 as Arts and Humanities Advocacy Month in the City of Philadelphia. Whereas, every year, Americans for Arts, a national arts advocacy and service organization, sponsors Arts Advocacy Day in Washington D.C.; And whereas, representatives from the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance, a member organization that serves as the collective voice and advocate for culture in the Greater Philadelphia region, along with many other advocates, travel to Washington to meet with their local legislators to discuss federal support for the arts.
And whereas, the Alliance is using Advocacy Day, March 10, 1998, as a starting point for Advocacy month in Philadelphia. With decreases in public funding for the arts at all levels of government, the Alliance is striving to emphasize the importance of incorporating advocacy for culture into its members' daily activities; PRESENTATIONS And whereas, the Alliance will use this month to encourage members to invite legislators to their events, encourage audiences to communicate their support for culture to their legislators, and conduct voter registration drives at member sites; and....
Whereas, investing in the arts is a great investment in the economic growth of our communities, and over 1.3 million jobs are supported by the nonprofit arts industry; And whereas, the arts are an investment in our children and families, as research indicates that the arts stimulate learning and creativity, develop problem-solving skills, promote teamwork, and improve overall academic performance; And whereas, government support for the arts, through the funding of excellent cultural performance and exhibits, as well as community service activities and education programs, helps to bring the arts to the individual and groups of every age, income, and cultural background. Therefore....
Resolved by the PRESENTATIONS Council of the City of Philadelphia that we designate the month of March 1998 as Arts and Humanitarian Advocacy Month in the City of Philadelphia. Further resolve that an engrossed copy of this Resolution be presented to the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance as evidence of the sincere sentiments and recognition of this legislative body. (Applause.)
I turn the podium over to Adrienne Jenkins, the Director of Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance.
We would like to thank City Council for recognizing the vital role of arts and culture as integral to the city's economic and social health, and for acknowledging our efforts to increase awareness and support of these community treasures. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
Council will stand PRESENTATIONS at ease. (Council stands at ease.)
At this time the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Verna for a motion that the Rules of Council be suspended to permit the immediate introduction and consideration and presentation of a resolution by Councilwoman Tasco.
All in favor let it be known by saying aye. Those opposed say nay. The ayes have it, the Rules are suspended. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for the introduction of a resolution.
The clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
Mr. President, I move for a suspension of the Rules so as to vote on this. (Duly seconded.)
It's been done. All in favor that the resolution be adopted let it be known by saying aye. Those opposed say nay. The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. At this time our second presentation recognizes March as Save Your Vision Month. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for the purpose of of making this presentation. The Chair invites Mr. Eugene Wayne to come and receive this Resolution.
Good morning. It gives me great pleasure to introduce this resolution declaring March as Save Your Vision Month. And I would like to thank the President for his cooperation in helping us overcome PRESENTATIONS our mistake in delivering this resolution this morning. Whereas, Save Your Vision Month is a national event sponsored every March by the American Optometric Association; And whereas, the Pennsylvania College of Optometry is celebrating Save Your Vision Month with a vision health public awareness campaign with the theme "Being Together Seeing Together"; And whereas, the Pennsylvania College of Optometry is co-sponsoring Save Your Vision Month with the Police Athletic League, the Free Library of Philadelphia, local schools and community organizations; And whereas, the official 1998 Save Your Vision campaign kick-off in City Hall will launch a series of free vision screenings at PAL centers, regional library branches, senior citizen centers, and residential complexes, and the Eye Institute; And whereas, the College of Optometry hopes that the public awareness campaign will encourage families to develop a greater understanding of the important role vision plays in PRESENTATIONS our lives by encouraging grandparents and their grandchildren to be together and to see together; And whereas, eyes change as people grow older, these changes can be compensated for with prescription lenses and behavior modifications through early diagnosis and treatment; And whereas, vision problems in children are most easily treated if they are detected early, thereby avoiding learning and developmental difficulties; And whereas, the Pennsylvania College of Optometry is also participating in Vision USA, a national effort to provide free eye examinations for working persons with no health insurance who have not had an eye examination in the last 12 months. Therefore resolved that the Council of the City of Philadelphia declares and celebrates March as Save Your Vision Month. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this Resolution be presented to representatives of the Pennsylvania College of Optometry, the Police Athletic League, the Free Library of Philadelphia, local schools and community organizations as a serious expression of Council's PRESENTATIONS gratitude, appreciation, and commendation for sponsoring and organizing free vision screening throughout Philadelphia during Save Your Vision Month. This has been introduced by Councilman Marian B. Tasco, and supported by all members of City Council. I would also like to say that from 12:00 to 2:00, there will be free vision screening in the Council Caucus Room, and you are all invited for free screening. Again, congratulations to all of the groups and to the College of Optometry for Save Your Vision Month, as usual, in the month of March. Congratulations. (Applause.)
Thank you, Mr. President, Councilwoman Tasco, and all the members of City Council for showing your concern for the vision health of the people of Philadelphia through this resolution. The College is very proud to again be PRESENTATIONS co-sponsoring Save Your Vision Month 1998 with the Police Athletic League and the Free Library of Philadelphia, as we have in years past. Our joint goal during March is to provide free vision screenings to as many people as possible at the sites of our co-sponsors and also at the Eye Institute in Oak Lane. I would like to introduce Captain Charles Brown, Executive Director of PAL, and Ms. Doreen Velnick, representing the Free Library of Philadelphia. (Applause.)
This year we would like to extend a special invitation to the grandparents in the city to bring their grandchildren to any of the locations for free vision screenings. And, of course, I would like to remind City Council, again, that they and their staffs are invited to the free vision screening which will be held today at noon in the Council Caucus Room. Again, thank you very much. (Applause.)
Council will stand COMMUNICATIONS at ease. (Council stands at ease.)
The next order of business is Communications. The Chair recognizes the Sergeant At Arms for the purposes of delivering the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. The Chief Clerk will read the messages from the Mayor.
March 2, 1998, To the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia: I am pleased to advise you I have today signed the following bills which were passed by Council at its session of February 19: Bills No. 970747, 834, 827, 970828, 970830, 970831, 970832. And an Ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located in the 27th Ward and within an area bounded by Spruce Street, 34th Street, Civic Center Boulevard, University Avenue, and 38th Street. And an Ordinance approving the expenditure of $500,000 in Fiscal Year 1998 from the Health Choices Behavioral Health Revenue Fund for COMMUNICATIONS the purpose of providing grants to primary and secondary schools operated by the School District of Philadelphia to fund comprehensive behavioral health services, including both prevention and treatment, in a public school setting to children and adolescents who would not be reached through a traditional behavioral health provider network known as School Based Behavioral Health Services in Philadelphia, Public School Plan; And an Ordinance approving the expenditure of $500,000 in Fiscal Year 1998 from the Health Choices Behavioral Health Revenue Fund, for the purpose of providing services and support to persons with mental illness who are living on the street or in shelters, to assist them in gaining access to appropriate treatment, rehabilitation, and housing services during the winter months, known as the Mental Health Winter Homeless Plan.
The messages will be printed in the Journal. The Chief Clerk will read any other communications in her possession.
There are none, Mr. President. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS & RESOLUTIONS
The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Mr. President, I have three bills and one resolution.
The clerk will please read the title of the bill. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Verna for a motion prior to the reading of the titles of the bills.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit consideration of all resolutions immediately after introduction. (Duly seconded.)
All in favor let it be known by saying aye. Those opposed say nay. The ayes have it. The Rules are suspended. The clerk will please read the titles INTRODUCTION OF BILLS & RESOLUTIONS of the three bills introduced by Councilwoman Blackwell.
An Ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located in the 27th ward, and within an area bounded by Spruce Street, 34th Street, Civic Center Boulevard, University Avenue, and 38th Street.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The clerk will please read the titles of the three resolutions introduced by Councilwoman Blackwell.
A resolution supporting the transfer of $15 million from the City General Fund to the School District of Philadelphia to support the continued improved operation of the public school system.
This resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee.
A resolution calling on City Council's Committee of the Whole to hold hearings and conduct an investigation into the Philadelphia School District's proposed FY '99 INTRODUCTION OF BILLS & RESOLUTIONS budget and the impact of the School District's looming fiscal disaster on the city's children, residents, and businesses.
This resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a Resolution commending the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University for their outreach activities to the West and Southwest Philadelphia communities, and calling for their continued participation, making their facilities available for sports and other cultural activities.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for a motion.
Mr. President, I move the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
Properly moved and seconded. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. I arrived this morning to speak to INTRODUCTION OF BILLS & RESOLUTIONS the resolution, which was signed by all members of Council. We thank you for your support. Unfortunately, on Sunday night, there was an incident that happened at the Palestra. And albeit this incident happened in University City, and in the University of Pennsylvania territory, it did not itself mean that the university, nor did it mean that Drexel University was in any way to blame for crime that spills over in their neighborhood, when we have students and others who come from other neighborhoods, and it just happens that it is there that violence erupts. We wanted these universities to know that we support them. And both have new presidents. And we have worked very, very carefully with them and very, very hard to establish a relationship, and a growing relationship, with them and their surrounding community. This resolution is intended to say that, certainly, we commend you for your outreach activities, and all that we are doing to make the neighborhood in West Philadelphia better and brighter. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS & RESOLUTIONS We are working well together. And we certainly hope that an incident that happened, over which you had no control, that dealt with individuals who came from other neighborhoods, and who were just using one of your facilities, does not in any way mean that we blame you. But also, we are asking them to continue to make their facilities available for all members of the city, and even beyond our city walls. Because we don't want to go back. It has taken a long time to come to this point. And we want by all members signing this resolution to show that we support them and want them to maintain the availability of their facilities, to continue that, so that we can continue to move forward together.
Thank you very much. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Clark.
Mr. President, I associate myself with the comments of my colleague, Councilwoman Blackwell, and in the strongest way possible urge Drexel not to rescind its invitation INTRODUCTION OF BILLS & RESOLUTIONS to host the All Star Game. Because it would then send a message that the best way to prevent progress is to commit a random act of violence. I am one of the Drexel 100, and Drexel is one of my favorite institutions. I do not wish to see this university take a step backwards. We really need them to step forward in this period of adversity, show us some institutional leadership. And we have, as a government, an obligation to offer them the kind of enhanced support in the form of uniformed and non-uniformed police presence, so as not to menace or put at hazard any of their students, their facilities, or their community. Having said all of that, I will be very disappointed if the President and the Board do not rescind their intent not to have the game, rescind their cancellation. I want them to go forward and permit our youngsters to have their day in the sun for being All Stars. Thank you very much for the INTRODUCTION OF BILLS & RESOLUTIONS opportunity to speak on it.
Thank you very much. The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter.
Thank you, Mr. President. I would first like to commend my colleague Councilwoman Blackwell for the leadership that she is demonstrating under these circumstances. But at the same time, like Councilwoman Clark, I was highly disappointed to read, if the reports are correct, that Drexel University has already made what I would characterize as a knee-jerk overreaction to this situation. I understand their concern. But, one, it did not happen on their campus. And, two, unfortunately, in various places throughout our city, whether it is at Drexel, Penn, or anywhere else, things do happen. They were not associated with the Public League game that took place over the course INTRODUCTION OF BILLS & RESOLUTIONS of the last weekend. And we know that there are various other acts that take place near our public schools that have nothing to do with the public school students themselves. I would urge, as Councilwoman Clark said first, Drexel should reconsider. But should they decide not to, I believe that we must help to find other appropriate venues for this particular activity. I have also read -- and I do not know if it is accurate -- that the University of Pennsylvania is slated to be a host of some other activity, and that they are reevaluating whether or not they will host that particular event. To the University of Pennsylvania I would say, don't even think about it. This is a very serious matter, Mr. President, in the city. And we have to be able to figure out ways to make sure that events take place, that they are safe. But at the same time we have seen events take place in the city where there were no problems. We had four Presidents and Oprah in INTRODUCTION OF BILLS & RESOLUTIONS Germantown hosted by Councilwoman Miller. We had an unfortunate situation in Grays Ferry where people did March. And with Councilwoman Verna's leadership, there was virtually no violence and no problem at that event. And Councilman Kenney was involved in what people thought was going to be the demise of the city when the Metallica concert took place in South Philadelphia. So there are ways to make sure that people can be safe, that they can be sound, that they can have their activities. But it is highly dispointing that the University would so immediately react, without reaching out and trying to get some help and support to make sure that we demonstrate the kind of leadership that we need to to our public school students or any group of students who are trying to do the right thing. Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you very much. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Fernandez. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS & RESOLUTIONS
Mr. President, I would like to go back to the spirit of the resolution introduced by Councilwoman Blackwell, which is clearly commending and thanking Penn and Drexel for all that they do. As someone who lives probably eight blocks from where this incident took place, it was shocking, it was disgusting, it made everyone fearful and angry that not only these young men were not public school students, but who were young adults who seemed to have some other fight among themselves, and, unfortunately, they were armed with guns, that they not only injured and killed each other, but also hit an innocent bystander. And I think the issue here that was also addressed by the Commissioner Designate Timoney in his hearings the other day, the bigger problem is, there are far too many people with guns in this city and far too many deaths, and we have to find ways to prevent them. And I am very hopeful that the Commissioner will focus hard and sharp and sustain attention on the drug business that is spawning most of the homicides and violence in this city. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS & RESOLUTIONS And I would say the other target we need to look at is the gun laws, which were recently further loosened up, so that now 31,000 people in the City of Philadelphia have a permit to carry a concealed weapon. And that was because of a change in the law where it used to be only someone who had a clear reason to carry a concealed weapon, and went through a very careful screening process, had the right to carry a concealed weapon. There used to be only about 1100 a year with such permits, and it jumped to 12,000. So the underlying problem here is the proliferation of permits to give people the rights to carry concealed weapons and the drug business that has gone on far too long unchecked. And I think that needs to be the focus of our attention, rather than the details, the very unfortunate details, of this one incident. Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you very much. The Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS & RESOLUTIONS
Thank you, Mr. President. I think the issues that have been raised and talked about are very urgent. Drexel and the University of Pennsylvania are two fine institutions and deserve to be commended for things that they have done well in the past. That does not mean that they always do everything right, because institutions tend to do things at various times that are hurtful to a community. The action of Drexel on this occasion is very harmful to the entire city. It sends just the wrong message everywhere. Because Drexel would be saying, it is just too dangerous to have a citywide affair anywhere. And I would certainly hope that the comments of my colleagues are taken very seriously by Drexel and by the University of Pennsylvania. I think it is absolutely intolerable that the situation remained where Drexel says, we are fearful and will not permit a citywide sports contest to take place because the city is so INTRODUCTION OF BILLS & RESOLUTIONS dangerous, that we can't afford to have people of our city come together. The record shows that such an attitude is wrong. And I hope that Drexel will reconsider its position and that the University of Pennsylvania, if it has any thoughts of moving in that direction, I hope they understand it would certainly be the very wrong direction. And I commend Councilwoman Blackwell very strongly for taking the initiative and making it clear that we don't bow to these acts of violence; we look for very effective ways to prevent them. And I think Philadelphia is well on its way to becoming a place recognized for sane approaches to these problems. I think we are going to have a safe city. I think events are safe. There are events, there are things that take place everywhere. Where there are groups of people that come together, there is always the potential. But nothing, no action should be taken by a major institution indicating a belief, because it would be an incorrect belief, that INTRODUCTION OF BILLS & RESOLUTIONS Philadelphia is unsafe for citywide activities. Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you very much. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Mr. President. Just quickly. Councilwoman Blackwell's resolution is extremely thoughtful and in measured tones expresses, I believe, the true belief of the majority of members of this Council, or perhaps all members of this Council. But the thing I think you don't want to lose site of is what was written today in the Inquirer story, which I am glad they did, on their front page. The real losers in this whole situation are those young athletes from high school who have worked very hard, who have continued their studies, who have produced both in classroom and on the basketball court, and whose maybe only opportunity to attend Division 1 colleges like Michigan and Notre Dame and Duke and Virginia will INTRODUCTION OF BILLS & RESOLUTIONS be this game. Their exposure, their ability to showcase themselves and their talents in this type of venue, in front of college recruiters and college coaches, is the real sad part about this whole entire incident, in addition to the tragic death of one of our citizens and the wounding of others. But I think the message that we want to send to those high school athletes is that, the work that you do and the effort that you make and the sacrifice that you make to stay in school, to do the right thing, and to study should not be overshadowed by the actions of others. And there should be a venue somewhere, if it is not Drexel or Penn, but somewhere, that these young people can expose their talents and have the opportunity to attend these type of Division and Division schools so they can gain an education and do well in life, but also to bring pride back to the Public League and to the citizens of Philadelphia. So I am wholeheartedly voting with Councilwoman Blackwell on this resolution.
Thank you very INTRODUCTION OF BILLS & RESOLUTIONS much. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you, Mr. President. I too speak to support Councilwoman Blackwell's resolution, and also commend Drexel University and University of Pennsylvania. A random act of a few people impacts the entire city. I know lots of people that were at that game, including some of my family members and staff members. And, you know, these championship games are just tradition here in Philadelphia. It is a good positive family activity. Both young and old were there. The All Star Game is a great opportunity, as Councilman Kenney said, for young people to be able to show what they have learned, their talents, their skills. It is a motivating piece, it is image building, all those kinds of things we want to happen for our young people. It builds their confidence. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS & RESOLUTIONS So I would hope, too, that Drexel and Penn would reconsider their decision. I heard the decision this morning on the news that the Public League All Star Game was cancelled. And Councilwoman Blackwell and I -well, not cancelled; it just won't be held at Drexel. Councilwoman Blackwell and I talked about this earlier. So I too want to ask University of Pennsylvania and Drexel to reconsider their decisions.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Fernandez. Is your light on?
Yes, Mr. President. I just wanted to add, I hope that, as Mr. Kenney said, people will work to find another venue, if having the game at Drexel does not work out. Because the lives of these young people -- and, again, the story so poignantly described how many of these young people have worked so hard to get there. And it is really opening INTRODUCTION OF BILLS & RESOLUTIONS doors of opportunity. And maybe we could all find ways to go to the game and find ways to turn it around so it is not an utter tragedy and loss, but maybe even highlight what they have done and enhance their prospects to get scholarships and successful careers in basketball. Thank you.
Mr. President, I appreciate all that has been said on this. I do not think we should give Drexel the way out by suggesting that they help us find another venue. We have found a venue, and it is Drexel. And we have an obligation to make the event safe, and they have an obligation to go forward. I don't want to start restructuring the deal now. Drexel has an obligation. They have just short of 10,000 students who come to that university every day. Are they going to cancel classes because it is too dangerous? I don't think INTRODUCTION OF BILLS & RESOLUTIONS so. I think that Drexel should go forward with the game in the venue where it was planned. And I do not wish to be a part of structuring some other venue. I spoke with someone in Drexel last night, and they suggested that maybe we ought to have it at the CoreStates, as a prelude to a 76ers game, as if our children who are athletes and stars would be a warm-up act for the real game. No. These youngsters have a right to have their All Star Game be the event of the evening. I don't want to restructure another venue. I don't think that Drexel should sustain more than a reasonable risk. But I think that we have the police power. Drexel has the police chief. Come on. Drexel has got the police chief.
Thank you very much, Councilwoman. We appreciate your comments. (Applause.)
I will offer for the members' information the following information: When I came to work this morning, I did not know INTRODUCTION OF BILLS & RESOLUTIONS that this resolution was going to be offered. But somehow I believed that we would have this discussion. And I spoke personally with Commissioner Timoney, who said to me by phone this morning that he is willing to meet with representatives of Drexel University, and that he would personally guarantee a security plan for that game, where everyone at the game and the spectators, players, people in the neighborhood, would be safe. And I was encouraged by that. And he has said that he will make himself available to representatives of Drexel to cooperate with them in order to develop whatever security plan they think is necessary in order to continue with the game. So I would be more than willing to work with Councilwoman Blackwell or any other Council member to make sure that the city offers the support that it needs to offer in order to make everybody comfortable that a safe game can be held. Is there anyone else who wishes to speak on the resolution? All those voting in favor will be INTRODUCTION OF BILLS & RESOLUTIONS voting in favor of the resolution. Those voting no will be voting against it. All of those in favor let it be known by saying aye. Those opposed say nay. The resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen.
The Chair thanks the Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Verna.
The Chair thanks Councilwoman Verna. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS & RESOLUTIONS The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one resolution and one bill.
An Ordinance amending Title 10 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Regulation of Individual Conduct and Activity," by amending Chapter 10-300 entitled "Minors," by amending Section 10-305 entitled "Unlawful Conduct of Owners or Operators of Establishments," to require owners and operators of said establishments to display posters denoting the official hours of curfew for minors, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The clerk will please read the title of the resolution introduced by Councilman Kenney.
A Resolution honoring and commending Police Commissioner Richard Neal for his exemplary record of service to the City of INTRODUCTION OF BILLS & RESOLUTIONS Philadelphia.
All in favor let it be known by saying aye. Those opposed say nay. The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter.
The Chair thanks the Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Mr. President, I have no bills or resolutions today.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman INTRODUCTION OF BILLS & RESOLUTIONS Fernandez.
Mr. President, I have no bills or resolutions today.
The Chair thanks Councilwoman Fernandez. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
The Chair thanks Councilwoman Tasco. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ortiz.
The clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A Resolution urging Philadelphia's Congressional Delegation to vigorously oppose the Medicare Beneficiary Freedom to Contract Act, known as the KYL Archer Bills, that, if passed, could jeopardize the quality and cost efficiency of health care services currently available and provided to senior citizens and INTRODUCTION OF BILLS & RESOLUTIONS persons with disabilities.
Mr. President, I move adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
All in favor let it be known by saying aye. Those opposed say nay. The resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Clark.
The clerk will please read the titles of the resolutions.
A Resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia deeds for properties situate in the 28th, 32nd, and 37th Wards of the City of Philadelphia. And a Resolution congratulating Central High School on winning the Philadelphia INTRODUCTION OF BILLS & RESOLUTIONS Public League Girls Basketball Title. And a resolution honoring the Benjamin Franklin High School Boys Basketball Team.
Mr. President, I move the adoption of all three resolutions. (Duly seconded.)
All in favor let it be known by saying aye. Those opposed say nay. The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
The Chair thanks the Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Mr. President, I have one resolution. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS & RESOLUTIONS
The clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A Resolution calling upon the Congress of the United States to pass H.R. 1151 to clarify existing law and ratify the longstanding policy of the National Credit Union Administration Board with regard to field of membership of Federal Credit Unions.
All in favor let it be known by saying aye. Those opposed say nay. The resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano. (Applause.)
The Chair thanks the Councilman. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS & RESOLUTIONS The Chair recognizes Councilman Longstreth.
The Chair thanks Councilman Longstreth. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
An Ordinance amending Chapter 17-100 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Procurement Contracts," by adding a provision requiring that every contract which permits any person to place advertising on city-owned or controlled property shall include a provision prohibiting the placement on such property of advertisements for alcohol or tobacco products, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. Next order of business is reports REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES from committees. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Verna for the report of the Council Committee on Finance.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Finance reports two bills out of committee with a favorable recommendation.
The clerk will please read the report. The Chair recognizes Councilman Longstreth.
Mr. President, I ask permission to leave. I have city business.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia: The Committee on Finance, to which was referred Bill No. 970820, entitled an Ordinance authorizing real REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES estate transactions necessary to permit the City of Philadelphia to acquire property needed for use by the Philadelphia International Airport, in particular authorizing the Director of Commerce and the Commissioner of Public Property to acquire by amicable negotiations, swap, or by condemnation a certain parcel of property owned by 4721 Island Avenue Associates, Limited, located at 4721 Island Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Bill No. 970829 entitled, An Ordinance authorizing the Director of Commerce to enter into an amendment to the agreement between the City and the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, authorized by Bill No. 546, approved June 15, 1993, under which financial assistance is provided to the Parking Garage Project, constructed as part of the overall Market Street East, Gallery II Redevelopment Project, which amendment provides for the deferral until August 15, 2013, of the city's right to receive reimbursement for payments made by the City in support of the project. Respectfully reports that it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation. FIRST READING CALENDAR
Mr. President, I move that the Rules of Council be suspended to permit first reading of Bills No. 970820 and 970829. (Duly seconded.)
All in favor let it be known by saying aye. Those opposed say nay. The ayes have it. The Rules are suspended. Bills No. 970820 and 970829 will be added to our first reading calendar today. Next order of business is the consideration of the calendar. The Chief Clerk will read the bills on the first reading calendar.
Bill No. 970820, An Ordinance authorizing real estate transactions necessary to permit the City of Philadelphia to acquire property needed for use by the Philadelphia International Airport, in particular authorizing the Director of Commerce and the Commissioner of Public Property to acquire by amicable negotiations, swap, SECOND AND FINAL READING PASSAGE CALENDAR or by condemnation a certain property of parcel of property owned by 4721 Island Avenue Associates.
Bill No. 970829, An Ordinance authorizing the Director of Commerce to enter into an amendment to the agreement between the city and the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, authorized by Bill No. 546, approved June 15, 1993.
The Chair agrees. The bills read by the Chief Clerk will be placed on our second and final reading passage calendar for our next meeting. Council will now consider bills or the second and final passage reading calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Verna.
Mr. President, all bills on the second reading and final passage calendar are being called for consideration, with the exception of Bills No. 960633, 960629, and 970272.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. SECOND AND FINAL READING PASSAGE CALENDAR The first bill for consideration will be No. 980025. The clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An Ordinance authorizing the transfer in appropriations for Fiscal Year 1998 within the Grants Revenue Fund, from the Director of Finance, Provision for Other Grants, to the Law Department.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The clerk will call the roll.
Councilman Kenney. SECOND AND FINAL READING PASSAGE CALENDAR
Aye. SECOND AND FINAL READING PASSAGE CALENDAR The ayes are 17, the nays are zero. A majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill for consideration is Bill No. 980026. The clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An Ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 1998 within the Grants Revenue Fund from the Director of Finance, Provision for Other Grants, to the Police Department, the Department of Recreation, the District Attorney, and the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The clerk will call the roll.
Councilman DiCicco. SECOND AND FINAL READING PASSAGE CALENDAR COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Aye.
Councilwoman Verna. SECOND AND FINAL READING PASSAGE CALENDAR
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are zero. A majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill for consideration is Bill No. 970027. The clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An Ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 1998 within the Grants Revenue Fund from the Director of Finance, Provision for Other Grants, to the Procurement Department.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The clerk will call the roll.
Councilwoman Tasco. SECOND AND FINAL READING PASSAGE CALENDAR
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays zero. A majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill for consideration is Bill No. 980028. The clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An Ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 1998 within the Grants Revenue Fund from the Director of Finance, Provision for Other Grants, to the Mayor's Office of Community Services.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The clerk will call the roll.
Councilwoman Clark. SECOND AND FINAL READING PASSAGE CALENDAR
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are zero. A majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. Next bill for consideration will be Bill No. 980029. The clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An Ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 1998 within the Grants Revenue Fund from the Director of Finance, Provision for Other Grants, to the Managing Director.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The clerk will call the roll. SECOND AND FINAL READING PASSAGE CALENDAR
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are zero. A majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill for consideration is Bill No. 980030. The clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An Ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 1998 within the Grants Revenue Fund from the Director of Finance, Provision for Other Grants, to the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania.
This bill having SECOND AND FINAL READING PASSAGE CALENDAR been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The clerk will call the roll.
Councilman Nutter. SECOND AND FINAL READING PASSAGE CALENDAR
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are zero. A majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill for consideration is Bill No. 980031. The clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An Ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 1998 within the Grants Revenue Fund from SECOND AND FINAL READING PASSAGE CALENDAR Director of Finance, Provision for Other Grants, to the Police Department.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The clerk will call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are the zero. A majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill for consideration is Bill No. 980032. The clerk will please read the title SECOND AND FINAL READING PASSAGE CALENDAR of the bill.
An Ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 1998 within the Grants Revenue Fund from the Director of Finance Provision for Other Grants to the Department of Human Services Office of Emergency Shelter and Services.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The clerk will call the roll.
Councilwoman Krajewski. SECOND AND FINAL READING PASSAGE CALENDAR
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are zero. A majority of all members of Council SECOND AND FINAL READING PASSAGE CALENDAR having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill for consideration is Bill No. 980033. The clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An Ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 1998 from the Grants Revenue Fund, Director of Finance, Provision for Other Grants, to the Special Gasoline Tax, Department of Streets.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The clerk will call the roll.
Council President Street. SECOND AND FINAL READING PASSAGE CALENDAR
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are zero. A majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill for consideration will be Bill No. 980034. The clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An Ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for the Fiscal Year 1998 within the Water Fund from the Water Department to the Department of Revenue.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The clerk will call the roll.
Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Aye. SECOND AND FINAL READING PASSAGE CALENDAR
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are zero. A majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill for consideration will be Bill No. 980035. The clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An Ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 1998 within the General Fund from certain or all city offices, departments, boards and commissions, to certain or all city offices departments boards and commissions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The clerk will call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are zero. A majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill for consideration is Bill No. 980036. The clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An Ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 1998 within the Grants Revenue Fund from Director of Finance, Provision for Other Grants, to the Mayor's Office of Information Services.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The clerk will call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are zero. A majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill for consideration is Bill No. 980038. The clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An Ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 1998 within the Grants Revenue Fund from the Director of Finance, Provision for Other Grants, to the Mayor's Office of Community Services.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. SECOND AND FINAL READING PASSAGE CALENDAR The clerk will call the roll.
Councilman O'Neill. SECOND AND FINAL READING PASSAGE CALENDAR
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are zero. A majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. This brings us to the end of our consideration of the calendar. Are there any speeches on the part of members of the minority? Are there any speeches on the part of members of the majority? The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter.
Mr. President, under the circumstances, I think I can wait. Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. President. The great thing about a democracy is that it sometimes gets very uncomfortable. Sometimes we hear music, sometimes we hear discord in voices. What we're hearing today is from a group of citizens of the City of Philadelphia who came here today hoping that there would be some discussion about their lives, about the fact that the City of Philadelphia has taken action which they regard as very dangerous to their lives, and that's SPEECHES the reason they are here. And they are here because they feel that the regular doors that are open to most citizens, most of the time, have been closed to them. And they felt that there was apparently no other way for them to be heard. There is nothing on the agenda scheduled with respect to PHA, but the issue as everybody knew even before today is far from a dead issue. Studies are being made of the legality of the action that was taken by the Board of one housing agency to hire Carl Green, and then to assign him to another agency. And I believe that the tenants in Philadelphia Housing have a right to be treated like all other citizens. I must say, I have never known of a case in which such a large number of very fine people, part of the City of Philadelphia, have sought to be heard, sought to have their injustices rectified, that has been so disregarded by the City of Philadelphia. And I just make this statement because while it was very difficult to conduct our SPEECHES Council business today under these circumstances, I think the situation cries out for rectification by the City of Philadelphia. And I hope this body as a body attempts to do it. And I thank all my colleagues. I think this body understood that the action that was ultimately taken was a bad action, even in this early stage. So I think the citizens are here to tell us they are not going to rest or be quite or permit their rights to be taken away from them. Thank you very much, Mr. President. (Applause.)
Thank you, Mr. President. I am glad to be associated with the comments made by my colleague. Certainly these leaders came to me this morning and were expressing concern about the process, what was legal, where they go from here. And as we all know, they were in Council last week because they wanted to be included in the process. SPEECHES And their continued complaint has been that they feel shut out of the process in electing a new PHA director, and now today they feel further alienated from the process. And certainly we would hope that an effort will be made to include them in a meeting, so that they feel that they have some way to address the situation, other than being forced to come into Council and to demonstrate to let their opinions be known. Certainly as we said in the past, many of us support them. All of us have members of various tenant associations in Section 8 who are here, and whom we support. And certainly we would want to say that we will continue to support them, because they are the leaders in our communities in our districts. Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have a couple brief issues that I would like to make mention of. But first and foremost, many of the tenant leaders also reside in the district that I represent. And I certainly hope that we are able to bring this particular matter to a mutual resolution, that people feel that they have been respected, that their interests are heard, and that there is at the end of the day some satisfaction with the process and also the result. Secondly today, Mr. President, a resolution had been circulated yesterday with regard to reports of an action taken by the Philadelphia Facility Management Corporation, generally known as PFMC, with regard to their actions pursuant to an amendment made by Council ordinance some time ago on performance standards and salaries and bonuses for high-level employees of the Philadelphia Gas Works. At the request of a couple of my colleagues, and as our normal practice is, I have agreed to hold that resolution only for hearings to look into the matter. Our usual practice is if a request is SPEECHES made, it is most often accommodated by the member. And I have done that with regard to this particular resolution. That does not, Mr. President, resolve the issue in any way, shape, or form. Our Finance Director was quoted in the newspaper as saying that the action taken by the Board was done so because someone had made a promise about doing something. I have asked the City Solicitor to look into this matter, because I do not believe that any verbal promise, commitment, statement, nod and wink, handshake or anything else can override an Ordinance passed by this City Council, and dictates that that order must be followed and carried through. And we will get to a resolution on that particular matter. Lastly, Mr. President, yesterday we saw at times, I guess, a somewhat tension-filled environment here in our chambers. And I want to say to my colleagues that if any of them felt uncomfortable in that regard, I certainly regret that. But I stand by the actions and the SPEECHES statements that I made yesterday. And I will continue to represent my constituents, ask questions and demand answers from anyone who comes in this chamber to seek support from this City Council. That is the process, that is the way things go. And if you can't stand the heat, then you certainly need to get out of this kitchen. (Applause.)
We have a responsibility, I believe, Mr. President, to get answers to the various questions that people ask. And as you stated yesterday -- and I appreciate your standing up for the body -- in the statements that you made with regard to how people conduct themselves and their business here in these chambers. The fact of the matter, Mr. President, is that last summer, the District Attorney has characterized all of this as being personally driven or politically motivated. She is 100,000 percent wrong. This is professional. This is what I do for a living. I ask questions, try to get answers. She has a responsibility to respond SPEECHES to the citizens of this city. That is the way it goes, and that is the deal. But she reached out to me last summer because she was concerned about her general election, re-election efforts in November. We had a meeting. She made commitments. She did not follow through, and she lied. And that is why there is such a problem between myself and the District Attorney, because she does not answer questions and doesn't think she has to, and then can come in this chamber and act like everything is okay. Well, it is not okay. And I will continue to demand that questions be answered in a respectful fashion. She has other matters to deal with with her staff, and I won't address those. I think that you and Councilwoman Clark handled those matters yesterday in the best and appropriate fashion. And I appreciate my colleagues here for the work that we did yesterday and for what we try to do for the citizens. SPEECHES This is all business, Mr. President. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
Thank you, Mr. President. I would like to say that Public Housing tenants throughout the whole process of the hiring of the new Executive Director have acted very responsibly, have organized themselves, and for the first time in years we are hearing the voices of those individuals, our citizens, who live in the developments -- and we are hearing it very clear -that they want to have a voice in the decisions that most affect them, and that they will not be shut out ever again from that process. And I think we have to pay attention to that. Throughout the last ten years, we have seen an attack of low-income housing. Low-income and moderate housing has not been built in this city. Low-income housing in the city has been let to deteriorate, and now we are talking SPEECHES about almost eliminating it from governmental priorities. Well, I think the tenants in their organizing have said that that will not happen as long as they are able to organize themselves and speak for themselves. And I am very glad that they have done that. I think we need to move into the resolution of all the questions that are still out there. But I think this process has done a great service, that it has awakened a population that was there, a constituency that had been under attack. Statewide, nationwide, the poor have been made the scapegoat of governmental indifference. And I think this time around, government cannot be indifferent to the interests that they are expressing and putting forward. I would like to say something about what my colleague Michael Nutter said about yesterday. We still did not get some of the answers that we needed from the District Attorney. We did not get some of the answers specifically as to what is happening in the East Division, in the SPEECHES drug-infested areas of the city, and what her office plans to do to be able to bring that plague under control. We have asked the answers of the Police Commissioner, we have asked for plans from the Police Department and from the Mayor, and we are asking her to do the same thing. And how she plans to begin to cooperate with the new Police Commissioner, with the U.S. Attorney, with DEA and all of the other federal agencies, those are things that she has to come up to Council with if she ever wants to have our cooperation. Because we need to have her as a full-fledged partner, not an individual out there all by herself, but as a partner in a concerted process and a plan that works together with all of the different departments of the city and the state and the federal government. And she has not answered those questions, and she has to come in and give us that plan and that answer. Thank you, Mr. President.
Are there any other speeches? The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Verna.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, March 12, 1998, at 10 o'clock. (Duly seconded.)
All in favor let it be known by saying aye. Those opposed say nay. Stay in your seats, please. This Council stands adjourned until Thursday, March 12, 1998, at 10 o'clock. (Stated Meeting adjourned at 12:15 p.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 Thursday, March 5, 1998, were reported fully and accurately by me, and that this is a correct transcript of same. RE: STATED MEETING _____________________________________ DEBRA A. WHITEHEAD, RPR