Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The last bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 041005. THE
An ordinance amending Title 22 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Public Employees Retirement Code," including sections 22-701 and 22-702, to allow for benefits to be paid to trusts for disabled children and disabled adopted children of members, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill 01/25/05 - STATED - 2ND READING having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll. THE
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members having voted in the affirmative, this bill passes. And that concludes our Calendar for has come for us to consider the Mayor's presentation of his annual budget message. The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter states that the Mayor shall submit to Council no later than 90 days before the end of the Fiscal Year his Operating Budget and message and proposed Operating Budget Ordinance for the ensuing Fiscal Year. At the same time, the Mayor shall submit to Council the recommended Capital Program and Capital Budget as received from the Planning Commission to the extent approval or it is approved by the Mayor. At this time I appoint the following Committee to escort the Mayor to the Council Chambers: Councilwoman Blackwell, Councilwoman Tasco, Councilman O'Neill, and Councilman Rizzo. (Pause.)
Ladies and gentlemen, I am proud to introduce the Mayor of Philadelphia, Mayor John F. Street. (Applause.)
I think I should thank Councilman Mariano for giving me a picture of my son and Randal Cunningham in my son's Randal Cunningham throwback jersey. Thank you, Councilman. Might as well get that out the way. Can I hear everybody just say "Go Eagles"? AUDIENCE: Go Eagles.
We are on the way to the Super Bowl. It's very, very -- we're on our way. It's very, very special. I, of course, am having a great day, but not as good as Sunday. While we celebrate, we must also remember our troops at home and abroad as well as the families of those who have been victims of catastrophic acts of nature throughout the world. Members of City Council, thank you for the opportunity to present for your consideration my proposed FY '06 Operating Budget; Capital Budget and Program, as well as my proposed Five-Year Financial Plan. We have just celebrated a great holiday season highlighted by tree lightings and candle lightings, a best ever Mummer’s Parade and the National Holiday in commemoration of the life of Dr. , one of the great leaders in world history. Thirty-seven years after his death, Dr. King’s life still stands as a model for service, sacrifice and commitment. Philadelphians should be proud that we host the largest day of service in America to honor his memory and struggle for equal opportunity for all Americans. The pursuit of opportunity for disadvantaged citizens largely from North Philadelphia brought me to public life more than 25 years ago, and the pursuit of a better for all Philadelphians inspires the commitment of this Administration to neighborhoods, children, and public education. We have proudly focused our attention on these critical issues without turning our backs on the growth and development of Philadelphia’s economy. Our efforts are making a profound difference in the quality of life of people who live in our neighborhoods while simultaneously inuring to the benefit of all who work in or simply visit our City. The proposed financial plan I present today provides the critical funding necessary to support these goals. Our Neighborhood Transformation Initiative is producing clean, vibrant, livable neighborhoods, with a range of housing options for students, individuals and families. Since 2001, approximately 3,900 units of affordable housing and approximately 3,004 units of market rate housing are completed or under construction. Unprecedented increases in property values can neighborhoods throughout the city, not just in center city. The average sales price in the city has increased by more than 20 percent over the last several years. Under NTI, building collapses have been reduced from 1,040 in FY '02 to 70 thus far in FY '05. Fifteen Million or approximately 48 percent of demolition contracts have been won by MBE firms and 72 percent of the workers on demolition sites have been minority workers. I take great personal satisfaction in the number and quality of public housing units that have been completed since this Administration took office and the renewed pride that is evident in tenant leaders and public housing residents. Public housing is now lifting neighborhoods up. A special thanks to Carl Greene and his entire staff, as well as the PHA Board of Directors for a job well done. Our street corners are no longer an oasis for drug dealers and buyers, and public safety is still a priority in this government. keep children off the streets and out of harm's way, and our Social Services agencies will continue to attack problems of delinquency and drug abuse as our child welfare agencies work in a more coordinated way to improve the plight of children in our City. Growing out of our historic partnership with the Commonwealth, the Philadelphia School District, which was on the brink of bankruptcy when I became Mayor, is now on sound financial footing and showing demonstrable educational progress. I again thank former Governor Mark Schweiker for his commitment to our children.
The Microsoft School of the Future is a direct product of the success we are having in providing quality public education. I thank School District CEO Paul Vallas and School Reform Commission Chairman Jim Nevels, as well as all of the SRC members, for their fine work and assure them they have our full support. Ordinances have been transmitted to Council, which continue funding for our public schools. have become nationally known as Best Practices. The San Francisco Chronicle did in an article entitled “The City That Knows How – Philly,” concluded that Philadelphia could teach other cities how to treat homeless men, women and children with respect. This work will continue under the current budget proposal. In fact, we are committed to creating for public release, before the beginning of the ’06 Fiscal Year, a plan to end homelessness in Philadelphia. This year, we will maintain our efforts to improve the opportunities available to inmates in our County prisons, particularly those recently released into our communities. Without training and a support network 75 percent will return to prison within 3 years, usually for more serious crimes. If we do not provide life-changing experiences for these citizens and help them reintegrate into their families and communities, they will fail and the victims of their predictable behavior will undoubtedly be innocent, hard-working, decent people. this goal, and as Chairman of the United States Conference of Mayors Faith-Based and Re-entry Committee, I am leading a lobbying effort for Federal Legislation to help fund this effort. Historically, our prison budget which represents almost a million dollars in our Five-Year Plan has grown faster than any other department. Working with our faith-based community, we will expand our re-entry efforts largely from non-General Fund sources. We will also build a state-of-the-art Youth Study Center to create a better future for our troubled youth by putting them in a safe and caring environment designed to reshape their priorities, build their self-esteem and teach them life-sustaining skills. These activities paint a portrait of a city that cares about all of its people, a proud legacy Dr. King would be pleased to embrace. Unfortunately, Philadelphia is one of just a few major American cities with no official street named in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. So I take this occasion to the Fairmount Park Commission favorably consider naming the West River Drive in honor of Dr. King. Nothing is more rewarding than seeing the positive results of the hard work of this government as is now happening with our economic agenda. Retail developments anchored by Loews, IKEA, Home Depot, BJ’s and Circuit City, particularly in the Northeast and South Philadelphia, combined with the stunning growth of residential market rate housing in all areas of the City are the best evidence that Philadelphia is an enormously desirable place to live, work and invest. We will continue to build upon this momentum and ensure that small minority and women-owned businesses capitalize on this growth and property. The Barnes collection on Benjamin Franklin Parkway could become the greatest tourist attraction in the history of our city and will soon be an indispensable part of our strategy to transform the Benjamin Franklin of the leading cultural centers in the world, and it nicely compliments the exciting plans for library expansion, which will make our central library the best in the country. I also support the relocation of Family Court to more appropriate facilities; thereby, creating another exciting opportunity to increase the vibrancy of the Parkway.
The Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, which is celebrating its 200th anniversary and exhibiting “The Chemistry of Color, A Collection of Contemporary African-American Art,” will serve as another significant point of entry to our Parkway institutions. Philadelphia has matured as a destination city. Total visitors and traveler spending in the region are up, and the Philadelphia hotel occupancy rate last summer was at a five-year high. The expansion of the Pennsylvania Convention Center, which now seems certain, will solidify our reputation as an elite international destination city. Comcast’s new corporate headquarters and the Cira Center will not only redefine Philadelphia’s skyline, they also represent critical large investments of private capital which will stimulate our economy and make an important statement about our future. I personally and publicly thank the Roberts family and Comcast Corporation for their important decision to stay and grow thousands of jobs in Philadelphia. A very special thanks to Governor Rendell and this Council, whose support helped make this possible. Philadelphia is Comcast country. By the way, the incentives necessary to support these projects will continue as part of the City’s Economic Development Blueprint which will be presented at the Chamber of Commerce Luncheon next month. That Blueprint will include a commitment to make Philadelphia America’s New River City by supporting Penn, Drexel, the University Science Center and Children’s Hospital as they increase their capital investments on the west side of the river, by supporting Toll Brothers, Westrum Development, Liberty Property Trust, and Synterra, as they transform acres of underutilized waterfront property into unique mixed use communities at the Navy Yard, and along the Schuylkill and Delaware Rivers; and by working with the Schuylkill River Development Corporation as it spearheads improvements to the trails, ramps, decks and bridges connecting Center City to the burgeoning West Philadelphia community and creating access to and enjoyment of the water. This Budget contains no new initiatives, but it does contain funding for the purchase of the surety bond necessary to release the $125 million to support the infrastructure projects that will leverage New River City and other neighborhood economic development projects. Failure to free up those funds could jeopardize hundreds of millions of dollars in private investment in these priorities. The Blueprint will reaffirm our strategy to grow population and appeal to university students, young professionals and Knowledge Industry Partnership. We will grow our job base through the coordinated efforts of PIDC and Innovation Philadelphia by enhancing opportunities for business start-ups, attracting new businesses in partnership with Select Greater Philadelphia Program and creating an environment that is business friendly and cost effective for our companies. Our wireless Philadelphia Initiative has enormous potential to help meet these goals. There is a growing national view that Philadelphia is on of the hot cities in America, and that view is supported by the conclusions of several respected publications who took a close look at Philadelphia in 2004. The Milken Institute stated in a report, entitled “Best Performing Cities: Where America’s Jobs are Created and Sustained,” that “the city’s economy improved over the last year largely due to the strength in the leisure and hospitality industry, the fastest-growing segment of Philadelphia’s vibrant economy this past year. Housing prices, which have appreciated at a rapid pace, remain relatively affordable. ” Trend Savvy said, “People love Philly because it is both endearingly provincial and culturally vibrant.
For those visitors who expect to find narrow, tree-lined streets and elegant brick rowhouses, the city’s charming neighborhoods don't disappoint. ” two years, Bliss received Esquire’s coveted Best New Restaurant in the country award. The Franklin Institute and the National Constitution Center are among the 50 top rated family attractions in the country. LaCroix at the Rittenhouse was named the world’s best hotel dining room by Gourmet Magazine and the Rittenhouse ranked sixth among boutique hotels in the United States and Canada. No matter how gratifying it is to know non-Philadelphians have published such wonderful things about our city, it is more important that we Philadelphians know and believe that we are doing good things in our City. I do have a serious concern, however, about gaming and its potential impact on the quality of life as well as the economy of our city. Although, state law vests all significant decisions in this important matter with the State Gaming Control Board, local stakeholders must have a significant voice in determining how gaming will be integrated into economic fabric of our city. We have worked too hard and too long to have state-appointed officials make uninformed decisions that could dramatically impact our business environment and quality of life. For gaming to work, it must be done right. Towards that end, I will appoint a local Gaming Advisory Board to work with this government on all aspects of the introduction of the industry in our city. Location, parking, traffic and other implications of this new industry require careful study. Dr. Bernard Anderson, Paul Levy, and our own Maxine Griffith have agreed to co-chair the Advisory Board, and I am confident that its work will offer invaluable assistance to this government to its preparation to influence the decision-making process in this sensitive and important area. In November of 2001 in a speech before City Council, I warned that Philadelphia could not afford further tax reductions beyond those proposed by this Administration, fund fair labor contracts, the City’s workforce by approximately 2500 employees, which would result in City service levels that would greatly concern the public. In our last budget, we labored long and hard to balance our commitment to quality services as against the benefits of further tax reductions. It was a long and ardently fought debate. While we have delayed the day of reckoning and avoided the most devastating service cuts, we are not out of the woods. We have managed because of the extraordinary work of the dedicated, exempt and City service employees who have professionally and strategically managed our meager resources to operate this government under increasingly stressful circumstances. Let us take a moment and thank them. Can we have all the City employees who are here who worked on all of those initiatives, can I ask you all to stand, the City employees who are here who worked on those budget initiatives? )
This might be the nicest thing you'll hear in the next couple of months. I also want to take this opportunity to thank our Managing Director Phil Goldsmith who is with us today but who probably will not be with us for a whole lot longer. Phil Goldsmith, would you please stand? (Applause.)
I didn't know that you were related to John Domzalski, Phil. (Laughter.)
Phil has worked with us for some years now. He worked with us at the School District of Philadelphia, in our parks and as Managing Director and we really do appreciate his work and wish him the best and confirm that he will be testifying on this Budget at City Council. Due to the work of these fine public servants, overtime is down 12 percent from this time last year. Managers in L & I, Recreation, Streets and other City Departments to direct service positions. And the Police command structure has been reduced by 31 percent, while the number of police officers on the street remains the same. Three hundred twenty city cars have been replaced with the services of Philly Carshare, a local company that uses fuel-efficient hybrid automobiles. By restructuring the hours of operation at 20 neighborhood libraries, we will soon have Saturday hours at all neighborhood branches. Cell phone and travel privileges have been reduced. Office space has been consolidated; excess real property is being aggressively marketed; and administrative clusters and technology-driven efficiencies are being implemented. 3 million annually. Now, There has been considerable, of our proposals with respect to the Fire Department. We absolutely do not propose to close any fire stations, and anyone who suggests otherwise is being untruthful. We do, however, continue to support our proposal to realign Fire Department resources by reducing ladder and engine companies and increasing EMS services. Over the last decade, structure firs in our City are down 23 percent and emergency medical services calls are up over 50 percent. In all, approximately 24 Departments have contributed to this year’s streamlining and efficiency efforts which will produce savings that will exceed $160 million over the life of our Five Year Plan. Those savings are used, in large measure, to fund our tax reduction programs. By the end of the current fiscal year, we will have reduced the City’s workforce by approximately 2200 employees through a combination of employee reduction initiatives that have unfortunately included more than 200 layoffs. knows, I don't like layoffs, which are almost always devastating to a family. I will do everything reasonable to make new career opportunities available to every displaced worker. They will not, however, be returned to their former jobs. Those jobs have been eliminated. I will also honor the request made by our union leadership that their names be maintained on a worker file for two years, one year longer than is required by law. These workers will be the first considered for new jobs that come available. I am pleased to report we have already found jobs for approximately 25 percent of the affected employees. To keep our budgets balanced in a sluggish economy and afford the tax cuts already scheduled, we have made difficult choices among competing services and policies. 3 million in FY '06 or our plan, the one I introduce today, and it will require major changes which will undoubtedly produce undesirable service levels and consequences for our constituents. We cannot afford fewer police officers, firefighters, health care workers, sanitation workers and staffing in already strained city departments. SEPTA desperately needs adequate, predictable, dedicated funding, which the Governor and the General Assembly should make available immediately. The Frankford El must be completed promptly to free the businesses on 52nd, 60th Streets and Market Streets from the economic hardship they are experiencing because of the unreasonable disruption of their businesses. SEPTA should also be seriously identifying cost-effective ways to expand and improve service.
I will engage in an unrelenting fight in favor of full funding for SEPTA and in opposition to the proposed fare hikes and service cuts. Their implementation would punish innocent riders, struggling businesses, and ultimately lead to the demise of the system. The importance of to our regional economy and its growth cannot be exaggerated. 44 billion in General Fund revenues. With adjustments, the FY '06 Budget is balanced with a small positive fund balance. This Budget supports adequate levels of city services and funds the smallest City workforce since 1955. It provides for the continuation of the currently approved tax reduction program that has reduced the tax burden on wage and business taxpayers by more than a billion dollars since 1995, a record no other city can match. In a sluggish economy, with escalating pension, labor and other costs, there is little latitude for change. Each dollar of additional spending or tax reduction must be offset by other reasonable revenue sources or service reductions, otherwise the budget will be out of balance and won't work. This Administration continues to support tax reductions and believes that improvements in our financial position should further reduce the tax burden on wage and business taxpayers so long as tax reductions are properly balanced against the need for high quality City services and new investments. We believe tax reductions in our business taxes will improve Philadelphia’s economic attractiveness, although there are other important considerations taken into account by businesses when making location decisions. Remember, over the past several years, 83 of 84 major companies operating in Center City decided to stay. Given our fiscal challenges, the Administration believes that any additional tax reductions must be offset fully by new revenue sources. Accordingly, we propose to reduce the gross receipts portion of the business tax by $71 million over the Five Year Plan by raising the parking tax from 15 percent to 20 percent and implementing other efficiencies included in the Plan. This will double the business tax reduction in the present Plan, and result in an aggregated total of $378 million in tax reductions during the proposed Five Year Plan. I also recommend we commit to reduce the business tax even further by dedicating the repayment of the $45 million PGW loan repayment to business tax reduction. Today, I am presenting a Budget that's balanced and works. It provides for the maintenance of our progress and investments in our future and provides a desirable measure of added business tax relief. It is now time for those of us who hold the public trust put our differences, focus on the job at hand, and honor the great privilege we have been given to lead this City. External issues should not distract us from our work, nor interfere with our commitment to effectively manage the affairs of our government. As you begin your deliberations, I make two simple requests: One, that the representatives of this Administration be treated with respect and dignity as they testify in public hearings; and two, that you by March 31, 2005. In closing, let me summarize my vision for our city which this plan supports. I see an emerging 21st Century world-class Philadelphia. I see neighborhoods with viable, affordable, market rate and public housing choices; neighborhoods with trees, gardens, and open spaces for children to play; a city with spray grounds; side yards; passive and active recreational options; Good schools, with quality after school programs, with art, music and other enrichment activities important to families and children. I see adults excited about the Philadelphia urban lifestyle; children anxious to attend major events at our world-class facilities.
I see thousands of domestic, business, and international travelers overwhelmed by the impressive array of arts, cultural and recreational activities available throughout our neighborhoods, Center City and waterfront. city of university students who decide to stay in our city because of the high quality of life and opportunity, including jobs, nightlife, restaurants, arts and cultural activities. Students who live on wireless campuses love living in a wireless City. I see one of the 25 million people who annually go through our world class international airport take a cab, make restaurant reservations, order theatre tickets, reserve a rental car, and pay a few bills, all on line during the ride to the hotel. At lunchtime, I see busy office workers sitting in Love Park ordering groceries on-line while they listen to their favorite music. I see volunteers and children huddled around a table in Malcolm X Park being mentored in computer technology while students at Norris Square might be engaged in an on-line chess tournament with students from one of our sister cities. I see a city that respects its past buildings, but is fully committed to building a new 21st Century infrastructure. I see economic opportunity and jobs. I see a daily stream of construction, office and knowledge workers headed to Comcast Center, waterfront businesses and construction sites. Our skyline is dotted with cranes, the symbol of economic prosperity and growth. Many of those workers live in the neighborhoods, a representative number are minorities and women. Many are living in recently built new housing throughout the city. Some are former inmates, some successfully completed drug treatment programs, and others got their skills from neighborhood schools. I see a wireless city full of new jobs and opportunities. I see our residents with a new appreciation for the transforming power of information and technology in our lives. In my 21st Century city Philadelphia, small businesses are more economy. Our city delivers better services, in a more cost-effective and less labor-intensive way. My emerging 21st Century Philadelphia does not simply have the school of the future, it’s the city of the future, a place with opportunity for everyone! Thank you and God bless. )
That concludes our Calendar for today. Are there speeches on the part of the minority? (No response.)
Are there speeches on the part of the Majority? The Chair at this time recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Thank you, Madam President. I have a special presentation to make. And I'm looking for the individual who is going to have this presentation made to them, please come to the Council Chambers.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, today I make this presentation with mixed emotions. I am happy for my good friend, and as I an affectionately call her, Mama Neat, that she will be going on to another chapter in her life, i.e., retirement. But I must say that I'm sad because I've had a special relationship with. Is person over the years, a relationship behind the scenes that most people never know about. She is one of the few people that I've seen around here that can, frankly speaking, get the current 5th District Councilperson and the prior 5th District Councilperson to do the right thing, stepping to us when nobody else has enough heart to do it. So I will truly miss having her around. But she will still be in my life. So on behalf of the staff of the 5th District and all of you her, I'd just like to read this citation. City Council City of Philadelphia citation honoring Bonita Wroten. The Council Philadelphia is pleased and proud to honor Bonita Wroten on the occasion of her retirement from City Council after 16 years of dedicated service to the City and the constituents of the 5th Councilmanic District. Whereas, Bonita Wroten began her employment with the City of Philadelphia in July 1988 as an intern. She became a permanent employee in 1988 working for the 5th District Councilman, John F. Street; and Whereas, Ms. Wroten who is also affectionately known as Ms. Nita and Mama Neat was also a Committee Person for the 32nd Ward for many years and presently serves as Judge of Elections, faithfully working every primary and Election Day. And throughout her career Nita has met the challenges and difficulties that constituent services representatives face each and every day. And for those of you who work as a constituent service representative, you have a true appreciation of that term. Her patience, pervasive and calm nature is admired and appreciated by constituents of the 5th Council District. However, most of all, presence, contagious smile and "good morning, ladies" greetings will sorely be missed by all in City Council. Therefore, by virtue of this citation, the Council of the City of Philadelphia is pleased and proud to honor Bonita Wroten on the occasion of her retirement after 16 years of dedicated service to the City in 5th Councilmanic District. We wish her well and hope that she now has the time to spend with her 5 sons, 10 children, 4 great grandchildren. We wish her well in any future endeavors and extend sincere respect and admiration of the legislative body. Thank you, Mama Neat, for a job well done. Congratulations. (Applause.)
Just a few words. I'd just like to thank everybody. It's been a joy working with all the people around City Hall. I will miss you. And I thank the Mayor, I have to thank him for first getting me started boss, Darrell Clarke. Thank you so much, everybody.
I understand there will be a cake in Councilman Clarke's office for anyone who would like to stop in and personally say goodbye.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for a motion to adjourn.
Madam President, I move that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, February 3, 2005.
All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and Council will be adjourned until Thursday, February 3, 2005, at 10:00 a.m. Thank you. (Council adjourned at 11:40 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 Tuesday, January 25, 2004, were reported fully and accurately by me, and that this is a correct transcript of the same. RE: STATED MEETING _________________________ Lisa C. Bradley, RPR