COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Thursday, September 18, 1997 10:30 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 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 P R O C E E D I N G S
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 Vito Carbone of Our Lady of Loretto Church. Reverend Carbone is here today as the guest of Councilwoman Verna. Members and guests will please rise.
Let us pray. Oh God of wisdom, all that lies ahead of us is yet unseen. May we come to know one another and the service we have been called to. Let us not forget that you ask us to be the servants and not the masters. We are here to work for the good of all our community. Be with us as our counselor and our support. Brothers and sisters, we open our hearts to hear the word of the Lord. All wisdom comes from the Lord, and INVOCATION with him it remains forever. The sand of the seashore, the drops of rain, the days of eternity, who can number these. Heaven's height, earth's breadth, the depth of the abyss, who can explore these? Before all things else, wisdom was created and prudent understanding from eternity. To whom has wisdom's root been revealed? Who knows her subtleties? There is but one wise and truly awe-inspiring seated upon his thrown. It is the Lord. He created her, has seen her and taken note of her. He has poured forth upon all his works, upon every living thing according to his bounty. He has lavished her upon his friends. We raise our voice in praise. Let the nations shout and sing for joy, since you dispense true justice to the world. You dispense strict justice to the people. On earth you ruled the nations. Let the nations praise you, God. Let all the nations praise you. Amen. APPROVAL OF JOURNAL
The Chair thanks Father Carbone for his inspiring invocation. (Council members greet Father Carbone.)
The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, September 11, 1997. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Verna.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of that date be approved. (Duly seconded.)
All in favor let it be known by saying aye. Those opposed say nay. The ayes have it. The Journal of the meeting of Thursday, September 11, 1997, stands approved. The next order of business is leaves of absence. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Verna. LEAVES OF ABSENCE/WELCOME VISITORS
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 Longstreth.
A request for leave of absence for Councilman O'Neill. Otherwise, we are here and ready to go.
The Chair thanks that Councilman. Leave will be granted. Councilman O'Neill is on official business. I think it is the League of Cities. 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. Is there any member of Council who WELCOME VISITORS/PRESENTATIONS wishes to recognize a visiting group at this time? The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Mr. President. With us this morning are students from the University of Notre Dame School of Architecture. They are in our city with their instructor, Kara Carassio. And they will be primarily in the vicinity of the Independence Mall area, looking to do some design for the possible future Constitution Center. They will be presenting their ideas and suggestions to Ed Bacon and others. They are here with us this morning.
Thank you very much for being with us. (Students rise to applause.)
Our presentation for today declares October 1 as Work To End Domestic Violence Day. To make this presentation, the Chair appoints Councilwoman Tasco. PRESENTATIONS The Chair invites Miss Lori Burns-Simms and Miss Jacqueline Hall to come and receive this Resolution. If there are others that are with this group, the Chair invites you to join Councilwoman and our other guests.
The whole issue of domestic violence has reached greater heights throughout the last few years. And I have personally become interested in this issue because I have had so many personal friends who are victims, have been victims, of domestic violence. And several have lost their lives to domestic violence. It is ironic that this morning we offer this Resolution to work to end domestic violence in the City of Philadelphia and in this country on the day after our former President's daughter was murdered in a domestic violence incident. I would personally offer my condolences to President Coleman and my Lions sister Jessie Coleman on the loss of their daughter. So it is with great sadness, but with PRESENTATIONS hope, that I declare October 1, 1997, as Work To End Domestic Violence Day in Philadelphia. Whereas, once a secret kept among families, domestic violence is now recognized as a serious crime, one that often has severe consequences for the victims, their children, their employers, and the community; And whereas, nearly 30,000 women sought help from Philadelphia's four domestic violence service agencies in 1995, 1996; And whereas, the American Medical Association estimates that the cost of treating domestic violence victims range from 5 to 10 billion dollars each year, and one in three women seeking emergency room care does so for injuries received from an abusive partner; And whereas, the National Crime Survey found that domestic violence has a direct bearing on productivity, effectiveness, absenteeism, and employee turnovers in workplace, an estimated 175,000 days per year are missed from paid work due to domestic violence; And whereas, stopping the cycle of this vicious crime requires not only the resolve and PRESENTATIONS the courage of survivors, but also the support and involvement of all of us, and especially the criminal justice system, community-based service providers, and employers; And whereas, enhanced education, prevention, and intervention efforts to help increase public awareness of the severity and extent of domestic violence, and thereby helping to prevent acts of child abuse and neglect, as well as workplace violence, assuring a reduction in cost to society. I now, therefore, resolve that the Council of the City of Philadelphia declare October 1, 1997, the Second National Work To End Domestic Violence Day in Philadelphia; Resolve further that the Council of the City of Philadelphia implore and encourage Philadelphia employers to host and direct appropriate programs, seminars, and workshops focusing on education and intervention by designing policies to ensure that workplaces are supportive of the special needs of the employees who are facing domestic violence; Resolve, finally, that the Council of PRESENTATIONS the City of Philadelphia present an engrossed copy of this Resolution to Philadelphia Let's Stop Domestic Violence, a project of the Family Violence Prevention Fund, in collaboration with Women Against Abuse, Women in Transition, Lutheran Social Mission Society, and Congresso De Latino Unidos, as an expression of the sincere gratitude of the Council, for their efforts in sponsoring these timely discussions and actions and activities across our city. Certification that this is a true and correct copy of the original Resolution adopted by the Council of the City of Philadelphia on the 15th day of May, 1997, is signed by the President of City Council, introduced by Marian B. Tasco, and supported by all members of City Council. (Applause.)
Thank you, Council. It is with deep sadness that we witness the shocking events such as this week with President Coleman's daughter. And our hearts go out PRESENTATIONS to all of the families of victims who have lost mothers and daughters to domestic violence. It is a shocking reminder that we all must start to renew our efforts to end domestic violence. Beginning October 1, the agencies that have been mentioned and the Family Violence Prevention Fund, Philadelphia Let's Stop Domestic Violence Project, is kicking off a new campaign to do education prevention efforts in the workplace, to enlist employers in that effort. There will be a calendar of events happening throughout October, ending with the candlelight vigil on October 30 which will unveil a mural to commemorate those victims of domestic violence. And I thank and applaud the Council for joining in these efforts.
Is there anyone else who wishes to comment at this time?
Good morning, everybody. My name is Lori Burns-Simms. I am the Project Director of Philadelphia Let's Stop Domestic Violence. PRESENTATIONS I would really like to thank City Council for taking the time out and for giving us the resolution to make October 1 Work To End Domestic Violence Day. And I applaud their active participation in that day and in their effort to help solve this epidemic, domestic violence. I would also like to acknowledge the people who are standing behind me, who are very integral to the Philadelphia Let's Stop Domestic Violence Project and to helping to eradicate domestic violence in the City of Philadelphia, as well as nationwide. Those people are Jacquiline Hall, who is the Executive Director of Lutheran Settlement House; Ramona Washington, the Executive Director of Women Against Abuse; Rebecca Barragin, who is representing Congresso De Latino Unidos; Roberta Hacker, who is Executive Director of Women in Transition; Rebecca Wilson-Lowe, from Lutheran Settlement House; Karen Friedman, who is working on the Philadelphia Let's Stop Domestic Violence Project; Vicki Casino, who is a member of the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence; PRESENTATIONS and Marian Tasco's Denise Pride, Women Against Abuse. I would like to just thank them all for their efforts and their hard work in working to stop domestic violence in Philadelphia, and commend them on all the work they have done up to this point and will continue to do. I'd also like to thank all the businesses -- and there are over two dozen in Philadelphia -- who will be participating on Work To End Domestic Violence Day on October 1. I would also like to urge other businesses to get involved. It is not too late. You can contact the Philadelphia Let's Stop Domestic Violence office. But I would also like to urge businesses not only to take up the issue of Domestic Violence on October 1, but to make this a part of the agenda and make it a part of workplace policies throughout the year and in years to come. This is not an issue that is going to stop on October 1; it is going to continue. And it is something that we all need to pitch in and work together on to help stop, because it is stoppable. COMMUNICATIONS Thank you. (Applause.)
Will Councilwoman Verna please approach the Chair, with her glasses, if you have them. (Councilwoman Verna assumes the Chair.)
The next order of business is communications. The Chair recognizes the Sergeant At Arms for the purpose of delivering the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. The Chief Clerk will read the messages from the Mayor. THE
Thank you. The next order of business is introduction of bills and resolutions. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Clark.
Thank you, Madam INTRODUCTION OF BILLS & RESOLUTIONS Chair. I have two resolutions that are presently being circulated.
While the resolutions are being circulated, supposing we go to Councilwoman Blackwell. Are there any bills or resolutions to be introduced, Councilwoman Blackwell?
The clerk will please read the title of the resolution. THE
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia, without consideration, deeds for properties situated in the 6th, 51st, and 60th wards in the City of Philadelphia.
Council will consider the resolution at the end of today's calendar. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Clark.
Thank you, Madam Chair. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS & RESOLUTIONS Today I have two privileged resolutions for which I ask consideration at the end of today's calendar.
A resolution honoring William H. Gray, III, and a resolution honoring Rosemarie B. Grecco.
The resolutions will be considered at the end of today's calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
Madam Chairwoman, I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you, Madam INTRODUCTION OF BILLS & RESOLUTIONS Chair. I have one resolution.
A resolution urging the United States Senate and House of Representatives to pass Senate Bill 803, known as the United States Cruise Tourism Act of 1997.
The resolution will be considered at the end of today's calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
A resolution honoring and recognizing the James Memorial United Methodist Church on the occasion of their 125th Anniversary. And a resolution honoring Mark Hughes, Founder and President of the Herbal Life International and recognizing Good Nutrition Awareness Day on November 2, 1997. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS & RESOLUTIONS (Council President Street resumes the Chair.)
These resolutions will be considered at the appropriate time. The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter.
The clerk will please read the title of the bill. (Chief Clerk read the title of the bill. See Journal of Council.)
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. At this time the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Verna for a motion that all resolutions introduced from this point on be considered at the time of their introduction.
Mr. President, I move that the Rules of Council be considered so as to permit consideration of all bills immediately after introduction. (Duly seconded.) INTRODUCTION OF BILLS & RESOLUTIONS
All in favor let it be known by saying aye. Those opposed say nay. It is carried. The clerk will please read the title of the resolution introduced by Councilman Nutter. THE
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia deeds for properties situated in the 34th Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
Mr. President, I move the adoption of the resolution. (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 Councilwoman Fernandez. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS & RESOLUTIONS
Mr. President, I have one resolution for introduction today.
The clerk will please read the title of the resolution. THE
A resolution commending and honoring Jerome J. Shestack, Esquire, and his outstanding achievements as Philadelphia lawyer, and for the distinction of being elected President of the American Bar Association.
Mr. President, I move the 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 Tasco.
The Chair INTRODUCTION OF BILLS & RESOLUTIONS thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ortiz.
The clerk will please read the title of the resolution. THE
A resolution calling upon the Mayor to develop and submit to this Council, no later than the date he introduced the Fiscal Year 1999 budget, a crash program to eradicate juvenile homicide and sharply reduce all other homicides in the city.
Mr. President, I move the 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 Councilman DiCicco. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS & RESOLUTIONS COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Mr. President. I offer four bills.
The clerk will please read the titles of the bills. (Chief Clerk read the titles of the bills. See Journal of Council.)
These bills will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano.
Mr. President, I have one resolution, and I would like to speak on it.
The clerk will please read the title of the Mariano resolution. THE
A resolution authorizing the Council's Committee on Public Safety to conduct hearings on the status of the city's program for the seizure and impoundment of unregistered vehicles and vehicles driven by unlicensed drivers.
The Chair INTRODUCTION OF BILLS & RESOLUTIONS recognizes Councilman Mariano.
Mr. President, I would first like to start by reading a letter that a constituent sent me on this matter.
Councilman, I need you to move for the adoption.
I'm sorry. I move for the adoption of this resolution. (Duly seconded.)
The Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano for remarks.
I'm sorry, Mr. President. "Councilman Mariano: I received in the mail today an auto insurance rate quote from AIG Auto Insurance. I am presently insured with Allstate for two very used 1985 automobiles. "I have close to the bear minimum of liability coverage on these vehicles, at a cost of roughly $1,850 a year. "When I sent for the rates from AIG, I added my 18-year-old son, who has been attending Temple University in fall, thinking he can get his driver's license and occasionally drive back and INTRODUCTION OF BILLS & RESOLUTIONS forth to school. "I was shocked to see the quote for $2,507 for six months. That's over $5,000 a year for basic liability with limited tort and without having a claim or an accident in over 15 years. "I thought there must be a mistake. But after checking with my company, Allstate, and other insurance companies, it pretty much came out the same. "This is outrageous. $5,000 a year would almost pay for a year's tuition at Temple. "When is someone in the city or the state going to get the guts to finally address and resolve this problem? "Also what greatly disturbs me is the enormous amount of people driving without insurance, and nothing substantial is being done to control it. "If I could afford these outrageous rates, which I can't, and one of the many uninsured motorists runs into me, causing extensive damages, I would incur all the loss after paying these ridiculous premiums for my basic liability only. This makes me very angry, and is just not fair. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS & RESOLUTIONS "Two of my brothers have experienced this very problem, having to absorb the costs to repairs after their vehicles were hit by uninsured motorists because my brothers only had the basic liability that they could afford. "In conclusion, I will not be able to pay the insurance premiums, and my son will not be able to drive. And I will grow angrier as I see people his age driving around the city with beat-up cars and stolen or temporary tags, knowing they have no insurance and nothing is being done. "I guess it doesn't pay to do things the right way and obey the law. "Respectfully," and I will hold the guy's name. Like the writer of this letter, every law-abiding resident who pays for auto insurance wants to know why there are thousands of people driving around without licenses, without registrations, or any of the documents of financial responsibility. Also, like the writer of this letter, people who are paying through their noses for insurance are disgusted with all the scofflaws in INTRODUCTION OF BILLS & RESOLUTIONS the city, as well they should be. Every day I hear horror stories from people who had accidents with scofflaws or irresponsible people driving without insurance. People aren't stupid. They know the city has the power to impound these cars for over a year now, and nothing is being done. People have the right to know why scofflaw cars are not being booted, towed, and impounded. Some people may tell me they are driving without insurance simply because they can't afford it. I understand these arguments, and I sympathize with them, but the status quo cannot continue. I estimate between 100 and 200 thousand cars are now ready to be impounded over the next couple of years in the City of Philadelphia if we enforce this law. If we have to impound and sell 200,000 cars to get insurance rates down, so people can afford to purchase insurance and do the right thing, then let's do it. I am going on record today on behalf INTRODUCTION OF BILLS & RESOLUTIONS of the people in the city who pay their taxes, pay their insurance, and obey the law. The disgust and anger of citizens caused by those who scoff at the law is one of the biggest reasons why we are losing people to New Jersey and the suburbs. It is not even right to say we are losing them. The truth is, we are forcing these people out of the city because we don't enforce these laws.
People who ignore the laws do so because it doesn't cost them anything and they have nothing to lose. They should at least lose their car. I am not saying this because I am against poor people; I am not. The climate of this lawlessness is what's giving the insurance company an excuse to keep Philadelphia insurance rates among the highest in the country. These impoundment laws have to be enforced if we are ever going to get insurance companies to lower their rates. In addition to the angst this problem causes for the people who obey the law and pay their INTRODUCTION OF BILLS & RESOLUTIONS bills, there is an additional way the city suffers for these illegal cars. This has to do with drug dealers, guns, and drugs. It is a known fact within the Philadelphia Police Department, and mainly in the East Police District that we talked about yesterday, that people routinely hide drugs and guns in these cars. And the police patrolmen are telling me every time I am out there, Mr. President, if we start impounding these cars, it will make the streets safer for them and our citizens. The sooner we hold these hearings, the safer it will be for people to walk the streets of Philadelphia. We have to lead to some action on this issue. Mr. President, I am asking that we get this to the Committee on Public Safety and we get this scheduled real fast, so we can find out what's going on here, so the people in the city can feel safe. Not about paying car insurance rates, because that's important. But more important to me are these guns and drugs that are hidden in cars. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS & RESOLUTIONS Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you very much. All in favor let it be known by saying aye. Those opposed say nay. The resolution is adopted. The clerk will please read the title of the fourth bill introduced by Councilman DiCicco. THE
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia deeds for properties situated in the 5th and the 18th wards of the City of Philadelphia.
The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: I move for the adoption of the resolution. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS & RESOLUTIONS (Duly seconded.)
All in favor let it be known by saying aye. Those opposed say nay. The resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Longstreth. The Councilman has no bills or resolutions for introduction today. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
The Chair thanks the Councilman. At this time the clerk will please read the title of the -
Mr. President, I am sorry. I do have one resolution that I would like to introduce.
A resolution INTRODUCTION OF BILLS & RESOLUTIONS authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia, without consideration, deeds for properties situated in the 30th, 36th, and 40th wards in the City of Philadelphia.
I move the 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 clerk will please read the title of the first resolution introduced by Councilwoman Clark. THE
I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.) INTRODUCTION OF BILLS & RESOLUTIONS
All in favor let it be known by saying aye. Those opposed say nay. The resolution is adopted. The clerk will please read the title of the second resolution introduced by Councilwoman Clark. THE
I move the 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 clerk will please read the title of the resolution introduced by Councilwoman Blackwell. THE
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority INTRODUCTION OF BILLS & RESOLUTIONS of the City of Philadelphia deeds for properties situated in the 6th, 51st, and 60th wards in the City of Philadelphia.
Mr. President, I move the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
All in favor let it be known by saying aye. Those opposed say nay. The resolution is adopted. The clerk will please read the title of the resolution introduced by Councilman Kenney. THE
A resolution urging the United States Senate and House Of Representatives to pass Senate Bill 803, known as the United States Cruise Tourism Act of 1997.
All in INTRODUCTION OF BILLS & RESOLUTIONS favor let it be known by saying aye. Those opposed say nay. The resolution is adopted. The clerk will please read the title of the first resolution introduced by Councilwoman Miller. THE
A resolution honoring and recognizing the James Memorial United Methodist Church on the occasion of their 125th Anniversary.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the 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 clerk will please read the title of the second resolution introduced by Councilwoman Miller. RECONSIDERATION OF BILL NO. 970234 THE
A resolution honoring Mark Hughes, the Founder and President of the Herbal Life International, and recognizing Good Nutrition Awareness Day on November 2, 1997.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
All in favor let it be known by saying aye. Those opposed say nay. The resolution is adopted. Council will now proceed to the reconsideration of Bill No. 970234 under the special order of business. If you will recall, on June 19, 1997, Council passed Bill No. 970234. At last week's session the Mayor returned the bill, together with his veto message. At this time I ask that the Chief Clerk again read the veto message from the Mayor. RECONSIDERATION OF BILL NO. 970234 THE
"September 11, 1997. To the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia: "I am returning herewith as disapproved Bill No. 970234, which was passed by Council at its session on June 19, 1997. "The bill would change the zoning of the city block bounded by Delancy, Panama, 25th, and 26th Street from RC-3 residential to RC-10 residential. "The effect of the zoning change would be to impose a building height restriction of 35 feet on the property. "Let me explain why I am compelled to veto the bill. "First, I have been advised by the City Solicitor that the bill, if enacted into law, will have no practical impact on the current development plans for the property. "The property owner applied for the Zoning and Use Permit for the property on May 21, 1997. On May 28, 1997, before the bill was reported out of the City Council Committee, the Department of Licenses & Inspections granted the permit RECONSIDERATION OF BILL NO. 970234 over-the-counter because the proposed development plan was consistent with the current RC-3 area zoning. "The City Solicitor has advised me that because the application for a Zoning and Use Permit was filed before the bill was reported out of the Committee, the pending ordinance doctrine would not apply. "Therefore, the permit is valid until the then-existing zoning and the development may proceed, whether or not the bill becomes law. "Second, I believe that it is simply bad public policy for this legislative body to attempt to pass an ordinance singling out a specific property for zoning change in an area that is uniformly classified just when the property is about to be developed in a manner consistent with the previously enacted areawide zoning classification. "To allow this practice would severely inhibit economic development initiatives throughout the City of Philadelphia. "Property owners and developers would be able to rely on previously enacted areawide zoning classifications in making their planning RECONSIDERATION OF BILL NO. 970234 decisions. "For all these reasons, I must disapprove Bill No. 970234. "Respectfully submitted, Edward G. Rendell."
Mr. President, I move that the Council reconsider Bill 970234.
All in favor let it be known by saying aye. Those opposed say nay. The motion carries. Council will now reconsider the vote by which Bill 970234 was taken. The Chief Clerk will read the title of the bill. THE
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia zoning maps by changing the RECONSIDERATION OF BILL NO. 970234 zoning designation of certain areas of land located within the block bounded by Delancy Street, 25th Street, Panama Street, and 26th Street.
This bill, having been read on two different days, was duly approved by City Council on June 19, 1997, and returned to Council by the Mayor on September 11, 1997, as disapproved. The question is shall Bill No. 970234 pass, notwithstanding the Mayor's disapproval. The clerk will call the roll. (The Chief Clerk called the roll.)
The ayes are 16, the nays are zero. A two-thirds majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the Mayor's veto is overridden. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Verna.
Mr. President, it is my understanding that some of my constituents and area residents are here in the room, and I would ask them to please stand. And on their behalf and on behalf of REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES/CONSIDERATION OF CALENDARS the more than 400 people that signed petitions in favor of this ordinance, I would like to thank my colleagues for their vote. (Constituents rise to applause.)
Thank you very much. The next order of business are reports from committees. There are no reports from committees. We will then proceed to the consideration of the calendars. The Chief Clerk will read the bills on the first reading calendar. THE
There are no bills on first reading calendar, Mr. President.
Council will now consider bills on the second and final reading passage calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Verna.
Mr. President, there are no bills on the second reading and final passage calendar being called for consideration. SPEECHES/MOTION TO ADJOURN
Thank you very much. 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 Councilwoman Verna.
Mr. President, I move that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, September 25, 1997, at 10:00 a.m. (Duly seconded.)
All in favor let it be known by saying aye. Those opposed say nay. It is carried. Council stands adjourned until Thursday, September 25, 1997, at 10 o'clock a.m. Please remember to be at the Mayor's Office by noon. (Meeting adjourned at 11:10 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 Thursday September 18 1997, were reported fully and accurately by me, and that this is a correct transcript of same. RE: STATED MEETING _____________________________________ DEBRA A. WHITEHEAD, RPR