COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, February 17, 2011 10:05 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN DARRELL CLARKE COUNCILMAN FRANK DiCICCO COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN BILL GREEN COUNCILMAN WILLIAM K. GREENLEE COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILMAN JACK KELLY COUNCILMAN JAMES KENNEY COUNCILWOMAN JOAN L. KRAJEWSKI COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILWOMAN MARIA D. QUINONES-SANCHEZ COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO, JR. COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO MICHAEL A. DECKER,
Good morning. 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 rails. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Reverend William J. Scott, Sr. of Faith Canaan Baptist Church. He is here today as the guest of Councilman Greenlee. I would ask all members and guests to please rise. (Members and guests rise.)
Shall we pray. Our Father and our God, we come before thy presence and thank you. Lord, we lift up this Council before you. My Father, ask them for guidance. Ask them for clarity, Lord. Lord, we ask special blessings on the President as she leads your people this city, my Father. We ask that you would bless their home, bless their families. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. (Amen.)
The Chair thanks the Reverend for his invocation. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, February 10th, 2011. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, February the 10th, 2011 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that meeting of Thursday, February 10th, 2011 stand approved. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. The next order of business is requests for leave of absence, and, again, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Madam President. On behalf of the majority, there are no requests for leave of absence today.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Madam President, on behalf of the republicans, for leave of absence.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair will dispense with the regular order of business to recognize the visitors and guests joining us in Chambers this morning. On behalf of all members of City Council, I invite you -- I welcome you 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. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco and Councilman Jones, who will present a resolution honoring PGW -- I understand our guests have not arrived yet, so at this time, the Chair will recognize Councilmembers O'Neill and Rizzo, who will present a resolution honoring Tom Muldoon. Will Mr. Muldoon and those the Councilmembers at the podium. I see that Councilman Clarke is also joining Councilmembers Rizzo and O'Neill. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
Thank you. Good morning, Madam President, and good morning, everyone. Today we're here recognizing, honoring, celebrating and thanking Tom Muldoon on the occasion of his retirement as President of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau. Whereas, Mr. Muldoon, a native of Brooklyn, New York, began his career with Loews Hotel in 1962, rapidly moving up the management ladder so that by the age of 28, he was manager of Loews City Squire Hotel, now the Sheraton Manhattan, making him the youngest general manager in New York City; and
Whereas, 12 years with Loews, Mr. Muldoon became general manager of the New York Barclay Hotel, now known as the Intercontinental New York, was hired in 1979 by Canadian Pacific to open Philadelphia's Franklin Plaza Hotel known today as the Sheraton City -- Center City Hotel in Philadelphia, and subsequently opened Philadelphia's Adams Mark Hotel in 1982; and Whereas, in 1985, Mr. Muldoon became President of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau, and in close partnership with the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority, led the effort to position the hospitality industry as Philadelphia's growth industry in the 1990s; and Whereas, Mr. Muldoon was a leader in the initiative to build the Pennsylvania Convention Center that opened in 1993; and
Before I read my few paragraphs, let me just say note, Tom didn't just make us number one in the country as a convention and visitors bureau over those 25 years. He took us from nowhere. We were backwater. We weren't even on the map nationally. And he did it in a way that most women would agree was obvious, but most men may not see it that way. He has a female posse that makes him look good. And Marie Baker Brown is not here, God rest her, but the ladies to my left and others like them, if you go over to the Bureau, it's why it runs so well. And, Tom, you're to be congratulated for that vision. And whereas, during his 25 years of leadership in the City's convention and tourism efforts, Mr. Muldoon created several divisions of the PCVB, including the Multicultural Affairs Congress, the most successful multicultural tourism and convention initiative in the country, the Philadelphia Sports Congress, and the Congress; and Whereas, Mr. Muldoon has played a key role in securing Philadelphia as the main home for the Army/Navy Game and further raising Philadelphia's visibility as a destination by hosting the 2000 Republican National Convention; and Whereas, in 2002, Tom worked to secure funding for the region's first international tourism marketing campaign, which resulted in Philadelphia's seeing record numbers of international visitors from the PCVB's target markets, thus moving Philadelphia from 21st to the 11th most-visited city in the United States; and
And whereas, Tom Muldoon, envisioning the further enhancements of Philadelphia's hospitality infrastructure by the expansion of the Pennsylvania Convention Center, was an integral member of the leadership team that supported the expansion, which will give Philadelphia the ability to host mega trade shows or two major conventions simultaneously. Be it resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that it recognizes, honors, celebrates and thanks Tom Muldoon on the occasion of his retirement as President of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Tom, further evidencing the sincere admiration and gratitude of this legislative body. (Applause.)
Before that, Madam Chair, I'd like to introduce Wanda Paul, Senior Vice-President for Marketing and Communications at the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau. (Applause.)
Thank you. Thank you, Councilman Rizzo, and thank you, Councilmen Clarke and O'Neill, for having us here today. I'd like to briefly let you know who is with us at the podium this morning. We have the senior staff of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau, as well as the staff of GPTMC and Tom's daughter, who is also here with us, his family members are here with us today. Councilman Clarke, I'd like to thank you for recognizing the women power at the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau. We really appreciate that. And although we haven't had too many opportunities to honor Tom over the past couple of months, this is indeed a wonderful opportunity. And we are also, with the help of Councilman Greenlee and Councilman Clarke, renovating a baseball field at 18th and Francis Street in the Francisville section of Philadelphia and the name of Muldoon's Field of Dreams. So thank you, Councilman, for your help in getting us to do this. It's a great honor for Tom. We're all very proud of him, and we look forward to the resolution. Thank you.
Double thanks. Every hotel I ever managed, they either changed the name or tore it down. So you got to think about that a little bit. There's been many of these events. I think my family has about had it up to here, but my youngest daughter and my youngest grandson is here. So out of six kids and 11 grand-kids and one grand. So we have Megan and Jake here. So Jake looks pretty happy. (Applause.)
Just kind of real quick, the Convention Center, the hospitality industry have grown last 30 years, and the body here and some of your predecessors had a tremendous amount to do that. I came down in 1979. Canadian Pacific hired me to open the Franklin Plaza because Frank Rizzo wanted a convention hotel and the City approved it, and that's how the Franklin Plaza happened. Bill Green, the Mayor, wanted -- looked at what happened with the Convention Center in Baltimore and wanted to look at the idea of building a center here. He also wanted to look at what you should do looking at the inner harbor, and that's how Penn's Landing happened, and that's how the Convention Center first started. Wilson Goode was the key person for the eight years in getting the Convention Center done. As I think back, the Convention Center, the first person, elected official, who supported the Convention Center was Lucien Blackwell. a hearing when we came in here and the Multicultural Affairs Congress had put together a plan to make the Convention Center inclusive, education, training, entrepreneurial for minorities and so on, so forth, and I think it was like 4:30 in the afternoon. The only person left was John Street, but he listened, and if you look at the marketing agreement for the Convention Center, it took that mac program and put it together. Over the years, probably the first person I met in City Council was John Anderson, a very special guy, and he was the representative to the City Council, and then it was Joan Specter and my good friend Brian now. So as I look around this room, whether it was the fathers of people or people like Blondell and Marian who have been involved with the Convention Bureau and Multicultural, Jimmy Kenney with the stuff down the river, recently Darrell field, there's no one in this group, certainly including that quiet, elegant lady who runs this place, who hasn't been responsible for the Convention Center, increases in the room tax that have allowed different organizations to propagate themselves. Kelly always said he used to be a waiter or bartender or both. So I think everybody in this room I would like to thank for making my job easy. So thank you. (Applause.)
The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Tasco and Councilman Jones, who will present a resolution honoring PGW on its 175th Anniversary and a resolution honoring Thomas Knudsen upon his retirement. Would Mr. Knudsen and those accompanying him please join the The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Madam President. Good morning, everyone. This is a pleasure to present this resolution declaring February 17th, 2011 as PGW Day in the City of Philadelphia to commemorate the 175th Anniversary of the founding of the Philadelphia Gas Works. Whereas, on February 8th, 1836, 46 natural gas lights along Second Street in Philadelphia were lit for the first time by employees of the newly formed Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW); and Whereas, in 1926, the City of Philadelphia became one of the first cities in the United States to actively market and install natural gas hot water heaters to replace coal-fired hot water heaters; and Whereas, in 1945, the single point ignition range was developed in laboratory, a first for the industry, to give thousands of customers the ability to conveniently light their burners; and Whereas, in 1955, the Northern Liberties Gas Company became the last of ten independent gas companies to merge with PGW; and Whereas, in 1963, the last 24 gas lights on Independence Mall, in addition to 1.64 million customer appliances, were converted in six months to burn today's version of natural gas; and
Whereas, in the 1970s, PGW constructed two 12-story Liquefied Natural Gas storage tanks in its Richmond Plant. Today, they remain one of the country's largest, having saved customers hundreds of millions of dollars. Also during the '70s, the City created the Philadelphia Facilities Management Corporation, a non-profit corporation, to manage and operate PGW; Whereas, in 1983, PGW won the American Gas Association's Merit Award for helping to start the Utility Emergency Service Fund to help low income customers pay their utility bills; and Whereas, for the last decade, PGW has weathered challenging economic times, a challenging customer base while laying the foundations to take advantage of the nation's emerging green energy market; and Whereas, PGW is the largest municipally owned gas utility in the country with distribution systems of approximately 6,000 miles of gas mains and services supplying approximately 500,000 customers; and Whereas, the employees of PGW have dedicated themselves to safely and reliably operate the utility 24 hours a day, 365 days a year in the coldest of winters and the hottest of summers; and
Whereas, 175 years, PGW and its employees have provided essential utility service to the residents and businesses of Philadelphia with a commitment to safety and service; now, therefore, be it Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we do hereby declare February 17th, 2011 as PGW Day in the City of Philadelphia to commemorate the 175th Anniversary of the founding of the Philadelphia Gas Works. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the Philadelphia Gas Works as evidence of the sincere sentiment of this legislative body. It was introduced by Councilmembers Jones and Tasco, who are members of the Philadelphia Gas Commission, supported by all members of City Council. (Applause.)
We're making this a double presentation, honor Mr. Thomas E. Knudsen for his achievements in service to the City of Philadelphia and its citizens as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Philadelphia Gas Works. Whereas, in 1985, Mr. Thomas E. Knudsen joined with the Public Advocate in Philadelphia to protect and support Philadelphia consumers on water and natural gas issues; and
Whereas, in March 2000, Mr. Knudsen joined the Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) as interim Chief Financial Officer and 2001 became its interim Chief Executive Officer; and Whereas, in June 2002, Mr. Knudsen was confirmed as President and Chief Executive Officer of PGW and charged with leading, reforming and transforming PGW during a period of severe operating and financial difficulties; and
Whereas, leadership, PGW has become a key asset to Philadelphia's economic development and is regarded by regulators, financial rating agencies and consumer groups as a well-run, financially stable and a force for positive change; Whereas, under Mr. Knudsen's leadership, PGW continues to provide safe, reliable service; is more customer friendly and has dramatically improved its operation's efficiency; has materially improved its financial outlook, including sufficient funding to operate and a collection rate of 98 percent of billing revenues; and has attained an investor's grade rating of BBB plus, thereby saving consumers money; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we hereby honor Thomas E. Knudsen for his hard work, accomplishments and fine service to PGW citizens of Philadelphia, and wish him much success in his future endeavors. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Thomas E. Knudsen as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body. And I guess by now you understand that Mr. Knudsen is leaving as Executive Director of the Philadelphia Gas Works, and we wanted to share this day with him as we recognize PGW, also thank him so much for his leadership. He's done a wonderful job for PGW and the City of Philadelphia, and we wish him well. (Applause.)
Thank you, Councilman Tasco, Councilman Jones and Councilman Blackwell. President Verna and members of Council, I thank you for this very nice recognition. It has been my honor to be CEO of the Gas Works over the last ten difficult but ultimately successful years. It was just ten years ago last December that I came before you to ask for help. The cost of natural gas had spiked for the first time after decades of being manageably low and we needed $45 million to get through the winter. Many of you were here and voted yes to our plea, and for that, I am very grateful. Without the plan, PGW could very well have failed financially. We paid the $45 million loan back in full in 2008, but that was not where your help ceased. You were also very helpful in supporting the suspension of the $18 million City payment when we faced a bond downgrading in 2004. You may know that we are restarting those payments this year. For the long term, you've also been instrumental in rebuilding the the good offices of Councilman Tasco in her capacity as Chairwoman of the Gas Commission and the Commission and staff, you have supported our capital program, principally replacing old mains and services throughout the City. With the exception of the tragic accident last month, we have built a long record of operating our system safely and reliably without serious incident. With your continued help, we will start that record anew. I also want to express my appreciation for your personal support. As things began to turn around four or five years ago, as service improved and our financial outlook brightened, many of you offered words of encouragement to me directly and to the PGW staff. It meant a lot. I leave the company knowing PGW is in the very capable hands of Craig White and that the relationships we have your staffs will continue to the benefit of our citizen customers. So I thank you for this honor and for the opportunity to be in service to the City. It has been a period of personal growth and fulfillment that I would have missed without the faith and trust of former Mayor Street, of Mayor Nutter and, of course, of City Council. Thank you. (Applause.)
Craig White is now going to be the new Executive Director -- Chief -- Executive Director of Philadelphia Gas Works. (Applause.)
Good morning. Thank you, Councilwoman. Thank you, Councilwoman Blackwell and Councilman Jones. Thank you, Council President Verna.
And members of Council. One of the unique aspects of being the third person to speak is everyone has already said everything that you had written down to say. So I'm going to put that aside for a moment. I come before you today as a 31-year employee of Philadelphia Gas Works and the son of a 42-year employee. My father began at the company in '39. So over the last 72 years, there's been a lot of change at the Gas Works, but that's dwarfed by the 175-year history of the company. It's a storied history. If you look at our history, you'll see that over the years we've had many patents. There's been many things invented by employees at the Philadelphia Gas Works, and we have a very proud group of employees. We hope to continue the fine efforts and the track that Mr. Knudsen has put us on of improving the service and reducing costs. And we have a very fine group of employees, both union and non-union, that work very collaboratively together, and we hope that the next 175 years go as well as the past 175. Thank you. (Applause.)
The Chair now recognizes Councilman Jones, who will present a resolution honoring Dr. Sulayman Clark. Will Dr. Clark and those accompanying him please join the Councilman at the podium. I see that Councilman Jones is being accompanied by Councilman Kenney and Councilman Goode. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Madam President. Into each life some rain must fall, some days must be dark and dreary. of the book and it's by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. One of the reasons we are here today, it is indeed African American History Month, but what we recognize in books like The Rains is that African American History Month is American History Month, is World History Month, and that found within the fabric of African American History Month is people of a kaleidoscope of races, colors, genders that helped in liberating African Americans and thereby creating the country that we have today. Dr. Clark has memorialized this in his book, and we honor him today for his work. Honoring Author Dr. Sulayman Clark, author of "The Rains: Voices of American Liberty." Whereas, Dr. Sulayman Clark, author, lecturer, education consultant, is a native of Philadelphia -- and also the 4th Councilmanic District -- who attended Cheyney University of Master's of Arts from Stanford University in the area of educational administration, planning and social policy; Whereas, Dr. Clark wrote The Rains: Voices for America's Liberty, an historical novel inspired by the true events of heroism of a remarkable inter-faith, multi-racial group of men and women beginning in the Antebellum period, which he will explain, through the Reconstruction era, which I do know what that is; and
Whereas, The Rains traces the history of black education in America, including the quest for educational empowerment and the creation of the nation's first historically black colleges and universities; and
Before I read my part, I just want to tell you that if you really want to understand or begin to understand the true unvarnished and country, read this book. It is well worth it. It will enlighten you beyond what you would ever expect. Whereas, The Rains traces the history of black education in America, including the quest for educational empowerment and the creation of the nation's first historically black colleges and universities; and Whereas, the story is based in Philadelphia and most of the novel's characters were real life "free persons of color" formed a dynamic coalition of social activists who fought to eradicate slavery as a socially accepted and legalized practice;
Whereas, the book has been added to the School District of Philadelphia's history curriculum, inspiring the students of our great city; and Whereas, The Rains is particularly relevant in "the Age of Obama" as it brings history to life in a way that empowers and enlightens the reader; now therefore
Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that it hereby honor Author Dr. Sulayman Clark, author of "The Rains: Voices of American Liberty." Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Dr. Sulayman Clark for his inspiring and enlightening literary work as evidence of our sincere sentiment of this legislative body. Authored by Councilman Curtis Jones and Councilman Jim Kenney. (Applause.)
Thank you and good morning, everyone. I'm going to offer some brief prepared remarks and hope that my age doesn't tell on me. I am honored and indeed humbled resolution, and I want to thank the members of the Council for approving it, and I particularly want to thank Councilman Curtis Jones, Jr. and James Kenney for sponsoring it. As a Philadelphian, I am proud to accept this resolution in honor of one of Philadelphia's greatest native sons, Octavius V. Catto. Catto, a bright and strident educator, was born in 1839 and was tragically murdered on the streets of Philadelphia when he was just 32 years old. But he did more in his short lifespan than many have done in a lifetime. He helped educate and inspire generations of budding scholars and led a campaign to de-segregate the public street cars and, most importantly, encouraged African Americans to vote. At the time of his death in 1871, African Americans in Philadelphia numbered over 25,000 people and were the largest urban population of potential African American voters outside of the 1870, the 15th Amendment was passed, and Catto encouraged African Americans to exercise this right even though they were told that if they did so, they did so at their own peril. In so many ways, he represents all that is good and decent about this city. That is why I'm so happy that this body has approved the erection of a statue honoring him on the apron of City Hall, and it is a most fitting honor exactly 140 years ago the construction of this grand building began. Also in 1871 we lost one of our best and brightest. So, again, I say it is most fitting. And I want to thank Councilman Kenney and others for spearheading this initiative, and pledge whatever resources and talents I have to help bring it into fruition. 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 Chief Clerk. The Chief 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 on February 15, 2011, I signed the following bill that was passed by Council at its session on February 3, 2011: Bill No. 100536; and I am transmitting herewith for the introduction and consideration of your honorable body an ordinance authorizing the continuation and modification of the extended trial program authorized by Bill No. 090003 by establishing an Authorized Program under which advance approval is given to the Philadelphia Facilities Management Corporation to enter into contracts and transactions arising thereunder for the purchase, storage, distribution, transportation and/or transmission of natural and other gas supply on behalf of the Philadelphia Gas Works, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you. The messages will be printed in the Journal. The Chief Clerk will please read any other communications in his possession.
Thank you. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Madam President, today I introduce one resolution.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution recognizing West Philadelphia High School's Hybrid X Team for being among the finalists in the Progressive Insurance Automotive X Prize Contest.
Thank you. This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Wyoming Avenue, both sides, 13th Street to Old York Road.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Tabor Road, both sides, 5th Street to 6th Street.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing the continuation and modification of the extended trial program authorized by Bill No. 090003 by establishing an Authorized Program under which advance approval is given to the Philadelphia Facilities Management Corporation to enter into certain contracts and transactions arising thereunder for the purchase, storage, distribution, transportation and/or transmission of natural and other gas supply on behalf of the Philadelphia Gas Works.
This bill will also be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Yes. Good morning. Thank you, Madam President. Today I offer one resolution and two bills.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance amending Title 9 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Regulation of Businesses, Trades and Professions," by prohibiting the unfair discrimination of individuals with criminal records past the initial application process and to establish provisions and requirements for the screening of criminal records.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Title 9 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Regulation of Businesses, Trades and Professions" by enacting a new Chapter 9-3000 entitled "Fair Criminal Record Screening Standards."
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution proclaiming February 2011 as "American Heart Month" and proclaiming February 4, 2011 as "Wear Red Day in the City of Philadelphia."
The resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Sanchez.
Thank you, Madam President. I have two resolutions.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title.
A resolution recognizing and honoring the Philadelphia Gay News and its publisher Mark Segal on 35 years of ground breaking journalism and civic commitment.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council.
And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Seventh and Forty-Third Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
The resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilman Green.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution recognizing and congratulating Mrs. Hermione Clark Hill-Logan on the occasion of her 100th birthday.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer no bills and resolutions today.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer one resolution this morning.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
Madam President, I might add it will be important that I state for the record that this resolution was co-sponsored by Councilmembers Rizzo, who also serves on the Board, Councilmembers Donna Reed Miller, Marian Tasco and Jim Kenney. Thank you, Madam President.
A resolution recognizing and congratulating the African American Museum in Philadelphia on its 35th Anniversary.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. I offer no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Thank you, Madam President. I have nine bills and one resolution.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bills.
An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Girard Avenue, both sides, Broad Street to 15th Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Taylor Street, west side, Parrish Street to Brown Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on 21st Street, both sides, Wallace Street to Mt. Vernon Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Shirley Street, west side, 19th Street to Olive Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Fontaine Street -
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Old York Road, both sides, Tioga Street to Rising Sun Avenue.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Olive Street, south side, 5th Street to 4th Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Brown Street, both sides, 19th Street to 20th Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Chapter 12-3000 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Use of An Automated Red Light Enforcement System to Prevent Red Light Violations," by authorizing the installation of red light enforcement systems at the intersection of Vine Street at Broad Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia, without consideration, deeds conveying simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Twenty-Eighth, Thirty-Second and Thirty-Seventh Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
This resolution will be referred to our Calendar for next week for final passage. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kelly.
Thank you, Madam President. No bills or resolutions today.
Thank you. The next order of business is reports from committees. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski for a report from the Committee on Appropriations. Joan?
I'm sorry, Madam President. The Committee on Appropriations offers two bills out with a favorable recommendation.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Appropriations, to which was referred 110052, entitled "An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2011 from the General Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions, and from the Grants Revenue Fund, the Director of Finance - Provision for Other Grants to the General Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions"; and Bill No. 110054, entitled "An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2011 from the Grants Revenue Fund, the Director of Finance - Provision for Other Grants to the Acute Care Hospital Assessment Fund, the Department of Health and the Department of Public Health - State Payment," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bills 110052 and 110054. (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 the bills just reported from committee. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the bills just read will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco for a report from the Committee COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Streets and Services reports six bills out with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the report.
The Committee on Streets and Services, to which was referred Bill No. 100782, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 3 of an ordinance (Bill No. 090840), entitled 'An ordinance granting permission to ABEER, owner of the property Oak Lane Diner, 6528 North Broad Street, to legalize a one-story concrete masonry construction,' by extending the period for compliance therewith"; and Bill No. 100860, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance (Bill No. 020252), entitled 'An ordinance authorizing the revision of a portion of City Plan No. 13-S by striking from the City Plan and vacating Lawrence Street from Wharton Street to Titan Street and Leithgow Street from Wharton Street to Titan Street,' by revising the terms and conditions stated therein and extending the period for compliance therewith"; and Bill No. 100871, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance (Bill No. 040505), entitled 'An ordinance authorizing the striking from City Plan Nos. 270 and 258 of Sanger Street from Tacony Street to the westerly Pierhead Line of the Delaware River'"; and Bill No. 100872, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance (Bill No. 080641), entitled 'An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 128 by striking from the City Plan and vacating Eighteenth Street from Cambria Street to Indiana Avenue,' by compliance with the terms and conditions stated therein"; and Bill No. 110004, entitled "An ordinance authorizing John and Concetta Varallo, owners of Pesto Italian Restaurant, 1917 South Broad Street, to construct, own and maintain an encroachment within the right-of-way located on the east footway of Broad Street"; and Bill No. 110055, entitled "An ordinance authorizing Gerald Rothstein and Frederick Mumenthaler, owners of the property located at 1921 through 23 South Bancroft Street, to legalize an existing encroachment in the right-of-way located on the east public footway of Bancroft Street," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading today of the six bills that have just been read into the record. (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 the bills just reported from committee. All of those in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
Those who are in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The 2/17/11 - STATED - 2ND READING ayes have it, and the bills just read will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. The next order of business is consideration of the Calendar. I note that the bills just read from committee with suspension of the rules have been deemed to have had a first reading. These bills will be placed on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for our next session of Council. As there are no additional bills on the First Reading Calendar, the Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for the purpose of calling up bills on Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar to be considered today.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, Resolution Nos. 110085, 110086, 110087, 110088, 110089, 110090, 110091, 110092, 110093, 110094, 110095, 100750-A and 100722-A are being called up for Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar today. Resolution 100139 and Bill Nos. 100121 and 100128 are being recommitted. All other bills and resolutions are being held.
Thank you. Before considering these bills and resolutions, we will consider public comment. Speakers will be called in the order in which their names appear on the sign-up sheet for today's session. If you did not sign up to speak, you will certainly have the opportunity to speak after those who have indeed signed up. Your public comment must concern matters on the Final Passage Calendar for possible action at today's session. Public comment is limited to Philadelphia residents and taxpayers. So please state your name and where you live, and if you are not a Philadelphia resident, that you are a Philadelphia taxpayer. You will have up to three 2/17/11 - STATED - 2ND READING minutes to speak. I would ask the Chief Clerk to please read the names of the people who have indeed signed up to be recognized.
No one has signed up for public comment today, Madam President.
All right. Do we have anyone who wishes to provide public comment on today's agenda? (No response.)
Anyone that wishes to be recognized for today's agenda would please come to the microphone. (No response.)
Seeing no one, that concludes today's public comment period. We will now consider bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Resolution 110085. 2/17/11 - STATED - 2ND READING
A resolution recognizing the week of February 20, 2011, as Frances Harper Week in commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of her death on February 22nd, 1911 in Philadelphia and honoring her as a writer, lecturer and political activist who promoted abolition, civil rights, women's rights, and temperance, nationally and in the Greater Philadelphia region.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? 2/17/11 - STATED - 2ND READING (No response.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Resolution 110086.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Twenty-Seventh and Fifty-First Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the 2/17/11 - STATED - 2ND READING resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco regarding Bill No. 110087.
Madam President, I move for the adoption of Bill No. 110087 -- resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The 2/17/11 - STATED - 2ND READING ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Resolution 110088.
A resolution authorizing City Council's Committee on Public Safety to hold a public hearing to investigate the challenges and barriers effecting individuals with criminal records.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? (No response.) 2/17/11 - STATED - 2ND READING
The ayes have it and the motion carries. We will now consider Resolution No. 110089.
A resolution endorsing and supporting an application by Nolen Properties for a grant of federal Neighborhood Stabilization Program Round 3 funds from the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? (No response.) 2/17/11 - STATED - 2ND READING
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. We will now consider Resolution 110090.
A resolution honoring Author Dr. Sulayman Clark, author of "The Rains: Voices for American Liberty."
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The 2/17/11 - STATED - 2ND READING ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Resolution 110091.
A resolution authorizing the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development to hold hearings on Resolution No. 090724 to investigate whether the School District of Philadelphia has failed to comply with the Philadelphia 21st Century Minimum Wage and Benefits Standard, and to recommend an appropriate remedy for any such failure.
Thank you, 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 say aye. 2/17/11 - STATED - 2ND READING (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. We will now consider Resolution No. 110092.
A resolution recognizing and congratulating women and girls throughout the world on the 100th celebration of International Women's Day.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.) 2/17/11 - STATED - 2ND READING
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Resolution 110093.
A resolution recognizing, honoring and celebrating Nicole Cashman and Cashman and Associates Public Relations and Special Events on their 10th Anniversary.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. 2/17/11 - STATED - 2ND READING (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. We will now consider Resolution 110094.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Sixteenth, Eighteenth, Twenty-Eighth, Twenty-Ninth and Thirty-Second Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you, 2/17/11 - STATED - 2ND READING Madam President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Resolution 110095.
A resolution recognizing and honoring the Philadelphia OIC for its dedication to the elimination of poverty, unemployment and illiteracy to insuring a meaningful and productive quality of life for youth, adults and families within the Philadelphia community. 2/17/11 - STATED - 2ND READING
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 100750-A.
An ordinance to amend the Institutional Development District Master Plan of Holy Family University, located at 4500 Grant Avenue, by allowing for the construction of a new 2/17/11 - STATED - 2ND READING administrative building.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 100722-A.
An ordinance amending Chapter 10-818 of The Philadelphia Code to provide that no person shall carry a firearm on public streets or public property unless the person is licensed to carry such firearm by a political subdivision of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, regardless of whether the person possesses a license issued in another state.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. 2/17/11 - STATED - 2ND READING The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. 2/17/11 - STATED - 2ND READING The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. I would ask the Chief Clerk to please read the title of Resolution 100139.
A resolution proposing an amendment to The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter relating to restrictions on the political activities of City officers and employees.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that Resolution 100139 be recommitted to the Committee of the Whole. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that Resolution No. 100139 be recommitted to the Committee of the Whole. 2/17/11 - STATED - 2ND READING All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 100121.
An ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of a proposed amendment to The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter set forth in a Resolution approved by Council relating to restrictions on the political activities of City officers and employees.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that Bill 100121 be recommitted to the Committee of the 2/17/11 - STATED - 2ND READING Whole. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that Bill No. 100121 be recommitted to the Committee of the Whole. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. I would ask the Chief Clerk to please read the title of Bill No. 100128.
An ordinance amending Chapter 20-600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Standards of Conduct and Ethics," by establishing standards of conduct regarding the political activities of City officers and employees.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that Bill No. 100128 be recommitted to the Committee of the Whole. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that Bill No. 100128 be recommitted to the Committee of the Whole. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. That concludes our Calendar for today. Are there speeches on the part of the majority? The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, want to recognize the passing of a civil servant. Reverend Handy, who has served as the faith-based representative for Mayor Nutter's Administration and Mayor Street's Administration before that, passed away sadly last couple of days, and the whole religious-government community is in mourning. And we want to recognize the fact that her work was well done, doing many things, but one that comes to mind is that every first of the year, she was able to get not one but two but three Mayors to tour the prisons, to look at the conditions of individuals so that they would not remain trapped in a cycle of repetitive violence and criminal activity. Her influence in both the religious community and government will be sorely missed, Madam President. Thank you.
Thank you. Are you aware of any funeral arrangements?
I will make this body and you aware of what I find out. The family is pulling that together now.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. A few weeks ago we had the pleasure to meet the author of the book resting on my colleagues' desk, The Olympian, and I'm simply reminding my colleagues to join myself and my freshmen comrades at a reception in his honor on Monday, the 28th of February, downstairs in Conversation Hall, where we will have a chance to meet the author and simply have the experience of meeting those who care very, very much about this Olympian and American triumph. So I'm reminding all my colleagues to join us next Monday, the 28th, downstairs, Conversation Hall. Thank you, Madam President.
You're welcome. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Madam President. I wanted to come back to Councilman Jones. I too want to express my deepest condolence to the passing of Reverend Handy. She was my spiritual advisor, and we will sorely miss her. She was a friend to everyone in this Council and provided guidance and support to them. I was just totally stunned when I found out that the Lord had taken her home, but I'm sure she's in a good place today. And could we have a moment of silence in her honor, please.
Certainly. Would everyone stand for a moment of silence for Reverend Handy. (Moment of silence.)
Madam President, I think we've said it all. I too wanted to speak for Reverend Handy, who lived in the 3rd and who certainly helped us all and worked with all of us over the years. Thank you. God bless her.
Thank you. Councilman Jones, you wanted to be recognized?
Yes, Madam President. Services for the Reverend will be Tuesday, 11:00 a.m., Mount Pisgah AME Church, 428 North 41st Street, and she will be interned at Fernwood Cemetery afterwards, for the record. Thank you, Madam President.
Would you send a memo out to that effect, please.
Thank you. Are there speeches on the part of the minority? (No response.)
Seeing none, the Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke for a motion to adjourn.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, March 3rd, 10:00 a.m., 2011. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, March 3rd at 10:00 a.m. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. Thank you. (Stated Meeting adjourned at 11:15 a.m.) CERTIFICATE I HEREBY CERTIFY that the proceedings, evidence and objections are contained fully and accurately in the stenographic notes taken by me upon the foregoing matter on February 27, 2011, and that this is a true and correct transcript of same. MICHELE L. MURPHY RPR-Notary Public (The foregoing certification of this transcript does not apply to any reproduction of the same by any means, unless under the direct control and/or supervision of the certifying reporter.)