COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, November 17, 2005 10:05 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILMAN FRANK DiCICCO COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN JACK KELLY COUNCILMAN JAMES F. KENNEY COUNCILWOMAN JOAN L. KRAJEWSKI COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER COUNCILMAN MICHAEL A. NUTTER COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILMAN JUAN RAMOS COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO PATRICIA RAFFERTY, CHIEF CLERK V A R A L L O Incorporated Litigation Support Services Eleven Penn Center 1835 Market Street, Suite 600 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103 215.561.2220 215.567.2670
Good morning, everyone. I note that the hour has come to convene today's Council session. I would like to announce that an Executive Session of Council will now be held in the Caucus Room for the purpose of deliberating on applications for take-out beer permits under Act 39. Council will reconvene immediately after the conclusion of that Executive Session, which should not last more than five or ten minutes. So if you'll bear with us, we'll be back very shortly. Thank you. (Short recess.)
Thank you very much. I note that a quorum of this Council is present. This Council session now is reconvened, and the Council will please come to order. Members will take their seats and visitors will retire to the seats outside the rails. this morning, the Chair welcomes Father Gary Pacetti of the Annunciation Blessed Virgin Mary Parish. He is here today as the guest of Councilman DiCicco. I would ask all members and guests to please rise. (Everyone rises.)
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Let us pray. Almighty and Eternal God, you have revealed your glory to all nations, God of wisdom and justice. Through you, authority is rightly administered and judgments are decreed. Assist with your spirit of counsel and fortitude the members of this Council that their deliberations and administration may be be useful to your people over whom they preside and represent. May they encourage due respect for all, and execute their deliberations with justice and mercy. Let the light of your divine wisdom guide their deliberations and shine forth in all of their proceedings. We pray in a special way for all of the citizens of Philadelphia, especially those who are suffering, those who are in need, the victims of violence and their families, and the poor. May they be built up in grace, and help us to help them. We commend all of this to your care and ask your blessing upon us. Amen.
Amen. The Chair thanks Father Pacetti for his very inspiring invocation. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
The of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, November 10, 2005, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, November 10, 2005 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, November 10, 2005 stand approved. All in favor will please indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, November 10, 2005 is approved. The next order of business is absence, and, again, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. On behalf of the Majority, a leave of absence is requested today for Councilman Mariano.
Thank you. Leave will be granted. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Madam President, on behalf of the republicans, there are no requests for leave of absence.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair will dispense with the regular order of business to recognize guests and visitors joining us in chambers this morning. On behalf of all members of City Council, I welcome you to our Council session. We appreciate your taking the time to join to the legislative affairs of our City. We certainly invite you to come again. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney, who will present a resolution honoring the School District of Philadelphia. Will Mr. Paul Vallas and Mr. James Nevels and those accompanying them please join the Councilman at the podium.
Madam President, may I ask the Chair of the Education Committee, Councilwoman Blackwell, to also accompany.
Thank you, Madam President. This is a resolution honoring the School District of Philadelphia for its third year of growth Whereas, on August 22, 2005, the School District of Philadelphia released their 2004-2005 Pennsylvania System of School Assessment Test results from the Pennsylvania Department of Education, showing District students' third consecutive year of PSSA score growth; and Whereas, the District's overall math and reading scores increased by 8.5 percentage points and 2 percentage points respectively from the 2003-2004 test results.
Whereas, data from the Pennsylvania Department of Education shows that over the past three years, gains of 17 to 21 percentage points in math and 10 to 16 percentage points in reading were achieved across racial and economic demographic groups; and Whereas, the recent accomplishments made on the State combined efforts of the District and the School Reform Commission to be successful in strengthening Philadelphia's educational performance; and Whereas, the District's instructional program has played a vital role in improving test scores through initiatives, including increased standardized professional development, data instruction characterized by six-week benchmarks and assessments, and increased instructional time for language, arts and mathematics during and after the regular school day and year; and
Whereas, George DiPilato, President of the Commonwealth Association of School Administrators, stated, "Philadelphia is building a solid foundation in education reform, and the principals are proud to set an example of leadership within the District building. We look forward to future as the hard work continues." Now, therefore be it resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that Council does hereby honor and commend the School District of Philadelphia for their third year of growth on State Achievement Tests. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Paul Vallas, School District of Philadelphia, CEO, and James Nevels, Chairman of the School Reform Commission, as a token of evidence of this legislative body's sincere appreciation for their dedication and efforts in improving the School District of Philadelphia. Thank you very much, gentlemen. (Applause.)
The Chair welcomes and recognizes Mr. Nevels for remarks.
Thank you, Madam morning, everyone. On behalf of everyone at the School District of Philadelphia, I would like to thank this Council that I appeared before four years ago next month for this resolution honoring the progress of the District that the District has made. The children can learn. They can learn, and they have proven it. And they will continue to learn with your support. This resolution is a real honor of their hard work and the effort of the District's 185,000 students and their parents and caregivers in improving public education in Philadelphia. I also want to thank the District's 25,000 employees as well. None of the success that the children are having would be without their help. I also want to thank this Council, the Mayor and members of the Pennsylvania State House and Senate and support and your support to reform public education in Philadelphia. I think it's important that we note that I hope it will be said that we taught our children to stand tall and proud even in the face of history, and the future, our future and the region's future, was made new and whole for each and every one of us, one child at a time. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you. I just want to echo my boss's remarks, Jim Nevels, and I want to thank, first of all, the Council, as well as the state legislature and the Governor, both past and present, for their support in these reform efforts. Let me also extend my congratulations to the Principals Association, George DiPilato, and, of, course, the Teachers Union. At the end of the day, if you have great leadership and effective instruction in the schools, you have dynamic schools. Just this week we recognized 132 of our schools that have made adequate yearly progress based on the No Child Left Behind standards. That's up from 22 schools three years ago. And 108 of those schools, up from 48 schools the previous year, made AYP for the second or third year in a row. They were recognized as Keystone Schools by the state. So that's sustained growth. But the bottom line here is, we've gone from 9 percent of our schools making AYP to 50 percent. Hopefully in the next three years, if we have the same level of growth, we'll be hitting the numbers that we should be hitting, 75, 80 percent, 85 percent of our schools making AYP. So we acknowledge that we have a long way to go, and it will probably more resolutions in a row until we reach the level that we want to reach and we reach the expectations that the public has for us. So I want to thank everybody from here. I also want to recognize the Sulzberger School, I believe Councilwoman Blackwell's school, if you can raise your hands and recognize you. Please stand. Thank you so much.
Thank you very much. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
The Chair now recognizes Councilman Rizzo, who will present a resolution honoring the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Will Mr. Roosevelt Hairston and those accompanying him please join the I understand that Councilman Rizzo will be joined by Councilwomen Brown and Blackwell. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
Good morning. Thank you, Madam President. Recognizing, honoring and celebrating the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia for its international significance as it recognizes historic and groundbreaking progress in the field of pediatric medicine on the occasion of its 150th anniversary in 2005. Whereas, the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia started in 1855 as the nation's first hospital devoted exclusively to caring for children; and Whereas, the Children's Hospital has been the birth place of many dramatic firsts in pediatric medicine; and
Whereas, the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia has fostered medical discoveries and innovations that have improved pediatric healthcare and saved countless children's lives; and Whereas, in an exclusive survey, Child Magazine has ranked the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia the best pediatric hospital in the United States for the third consecutive time; and Whereas, in its comprehensive 2005 survey, Child Magazine also rated the Philadelphia Children's Hospital Cardiac Center and neonatology, oncology and orthopedic divisions number one in the nation and emergency medicine number four; and
Whereas, the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia has been awarded Magnet Status for nursing excellence by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, an arm of the American Nurses Association; and Whereas, the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia was the first hospital in the nation to initiate formal training in pediatrics and also pioneered the fields of pediatric emergency medicine and adolescent medicine; and Whereas, the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia is one of only ten centers in the country devoted to pediatric clinical research; and
Whereas, the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia provides resources ranging from laboratory space and patient beds to specialized nursing, dietary and biostatistical services to support the wide variety of active research projects. Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the City Council hereby recognizes, honors and celebrates the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia for its international significance as it recognizes historic and groundbreaking progress in the field of pediatric of its 150th anniversary in 2005. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia as further evidencing the sincere admiration and gratitude of this legislative body. We'd like to present this resolution to you, sir. (Applause.)
I bring you greetings and thanks on behalf of our Chief Executive Officer, Steve Altschuler, as well as my colleagues on the senior staff and management at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Before I came down here, I briefly had an opportunity to speak to our CEO, and we talked about what I would say briefly, and we decided that I would in particular, and, that is, although CHOP is number one, we cannot guarantee where the Eagles will end up, nor can we guarantee where the Sixers will end up. But we are pleased and we will commit to you that we will do our best to continue to be the best Children's Hospital in this country and indeed, in our belief, in the world. What you do not typically hear about Children's Hospital of Philadelphia is the tremendous impact that our hospital has on this region, and the impact I'm talking about is in terms of the economic impact that we have. When I first started at Children's Hospital nine years ago, we had 3,200 employees. We now have 8,400 employees. Within the next three years, we anticipate that we'll be over 10,000 employees. The construction activity, if you go into West Philadelphia, and I know that Councilwoman Blackwell and others have been in our area, you will see a lot in the middle of what we consider to be a $1.2 billion capital expansion project, and that is in addition to the research projects that we have ongoing, which bring in excess of $100 million a year to this City. And so we commit to you that not only will we continue to try and pioneer clinical care, the best clinical care in the country, but we will also continue to pioneer cutting-edge research and we will continue to be an economic engine for this region in ways that we hope will continue to make the Council proud. And we thank you for your support and we look forward to working with you in the future. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you, and congratulations. Council will stand at ease. (Council at ease.)
The Miller, who will present a citation honoring Mr. Akpan. Will Mr. Akpan and those accompanying him please join the Councilwoman at the podium. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you. City Council, City of Philadelphia, citation honoring and recognizing Chief Nana Kwadwo Akpan. The Council of the City of Philadelphia is pleased and proud to join the d'Zert Club in honoring Chief Nana Kwadwo Akpan, and designating November 17th, 2005 as Sister City Building Day between Fihankra, Ghana and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Whereas, Chief Nana Kwadwo Akpan, leader of Fihankra International, has donated five acres of land in the eastern region of Ghana of West Africa to support of its efforts to provide African-American children with their true and correct history. The d'Zert Club will use the land to build a boarding school and leadership academy. They will house and educate African-American boys in the metropolitan area; and Whereas, the d'Zert Club originated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1997 and was founded by the husband and wife team of Ali and Helen Salahuddin. The d'Zert Club is a Philadelphia-based youth organization geared to provide African-American children between the ages of 7 and 14 with their true and correct African history by enrolling them in a two-year African Genesis program; and Whereas, the d'Zert Club commemorates the survival instincts of Africans who endured a transatlantic journey known as the Middle Passage on slave ships from their homeland to this country; and Whereas, approximately 11.5 million Africans survived the harsh voyage to slave markets in the New World during the late 17th century, and the slave population in the American colonies grew quickly; and Whereas, the descendants of those who survived the devastating realities of slavery went on to help build America and to invent great things, the d'Zert Club lifts up that rich and powerful history for the youth of today; and Whereas, the d'Zert Club is partnering with the Ghanaian Chiefs Nan Kwadwo Akpan and Kwa David Whitaker and the Ghanaian government to create viable economic development programs between the d'Zert Club, the City of Philadelphia and the township of Fihankra in Ghana, which means "they left without saying good-bye." Therefore, by virtue of this citation, the Council of the City of Philadelphia is pleased and proud to join the d'Zert Club in honoring Nana Kwadwo Akpan, and designating November 17th, 2005 as Sister City Building Day between Fihankra, Ghana and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. We extend to him our sincere respect and deep admiration of this legislative body. And this citation was signed by Councilwoman Donna Reed Miller, 8th District, and Anna C. Verna, President of Philadelphia City Council. (Applause.)
Thank you, Councilwoman Miller and other Councilpersons and Administration of this wonderful house. We'd like to express our appreciation and thanks for this high honor. We have been impressed over some time with the work of the d'Zert Club and a portion of land in Ghana for the establishment of the school that has been mentioned in this citation, but also have expressed to a number of persons our interest in creating a Sister City relationship between this great City of Philadelphia and of the District in Ghana in order to further encourage a cultural and economic exchange between our two nations and our two municipalities. So we look forward to future developments that I am certain will evolve from this nation relationship which has just been established, and we thank all of you for the initiative which you have shown and support which we feel exists and will grow in numbers and in force between us. Thank you very much once again for this opportunity to speak before this group and for the warmth and love that you have expressed to us. Thank you very much. (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 November 17, 2005, I signed all of the bills that were passed by Council at its session on November 3, 2005, and I am transmitting for the consideration of your honorable body a draft of a resolution approving the disposition and sale by the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia of a portion of the West Philadelphia Redevelopment Area; and Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to use NTI bond proceeds to acquire 5712 Malcolm Street, under certain terms and conditions; and I am transmitting herewith for the consideration of your honorable body the following ordinances: An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriation for Fiscal Year 2005 within the General Fund from certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions to certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions; and An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriation for Fiscal Year 2005 within the Water Fund from the Water Department to the Water Department; and An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriation for Fiscal Year 2005 within the Aviation Fund from the Director of Finance to the Director of Finance - fringe benefits. for the consideration of your honorable body the following ordinance authorizing Temple University Health Systems and Hunting Fox Associates to construct and maintain a pedestrian bridge over and across Stokely Street; and An ordinance authorizing the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development to file an application with the Office of the Budget, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, in an amount not to exceed $6 million to assist in the development of the Point Breeze Performing Arts Center; and An ordinance authorizing the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development to file an application with the Office of the Budget under the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program in an amount not to exceed $500,000 to assist in the development of Moore College of Art and Design; and An ordinance authorizing the Development to file an application with the Office of the Budget in an aggregate amount not to exceed $3,600,000 to assist in the development of Billy Penn Warehouse and El'Chento D'Orno (ph); and An ordinance authorizing the extension of and modifications to the trial program authorized by Bill No. 040558 under which advanced approval is given to the Philadelphia Facilities Management Corporation; and An ordinance approving the 34th amendment of the redevelopment proposal for the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area.
Thank you. The messages will be printed in the Journal. I would ask the Chief Clerk to please read any other communications in her possession.
Thank you very much. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions, and at this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for a motion.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended in order to permit the immediate consideration of resolutions at their time of introduction. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit immediate consideration of resolutions at the time of introduction. All in favor will please indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Madam President. On behalf of myself and Councilman DiCicco, I offer one bill.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Section 12-1117 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Physically Handicapped and Disabled or Severely Disabled Veteran Parking," by limiting, with respect to on-street parking spaces reserved for physically handicapped persons and severely disabled veterans, the number of hours persons who do not live on the block may park in such reserved spaces.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I introduce on your behalf one bill and on my own behalf one bill and two resolutions.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance authorizing the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development to file an application with the Office of the Budget of Pennsylvania under the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program in an amount not to exceed $6 million.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Chapter 19-1300 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Real Estate Taxes," by providing that real estate taxes levied under that Chapter shall be based on the average of ten years of assessed values, to offset the effects of BRT's Full Valuation Project.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution approving the disposition and sale by the Redevelopment Authority, the City of Philadelphia, of a portion of the West Philadelphia Redevelopment Area.
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 indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to use NTI bond proceeds to acquire 5712 Malcolm Street, under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption.
All those in favor will please indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer four bills and two resolutions, one sponsored on behalf of Councilman Mariano and myself.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriation for Fiscal Year 2005 within the Aviation Fund from the Director of Finance to the Director of Finance - fringe benefits.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriation for Fiscal Year 2005 within the Water Fund from the Water Department to the Water Department.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriation for Fiscal Year 2005 within the General Fund from certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions to all City offices, departments, boards and commissions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Frankford Avenue, Carteret Drive, St. Denis Drive, the Poquessing Creek and I-95 Expressway.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution approving the revision to the Holy Family University Institutional Development District Master Plan.
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 please say aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution honoring St. Christopher's Hospital for Children on the occasion of its 130th anniversary.
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. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Madam President, I offer one resolution, which I'd like to speak on, and three bills.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance amending Section 11-506 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Alleys, Driveways and Retaining Walls," by providing additional methods by which the City may assess abutting property owners to alleys or driveways which must be paved, repaved or repaired, and by authorizing the Procurement Department to designate one or more non-profit entities to enter into the contracts.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing the extension of and modifications to the trial program authorized by Bill No. 040558 under which advance approval is given to the Philadelphia Facilities Management Corporation.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Title 20 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Officers and Employees," by adding a new provision relating to campaign contributions and expenditures, relating to, including but not limited to, the Mayor, District Attorney, City Controller, Register of Wills, Sheriff, Clerk of Quarter Sessions, City Commissioners and City Council.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution calling on the Pennsylvania General Assembly to continue to allow Pennsylvania cities, towns and boroughs to eliminate blight through eminent domain.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
Yes. Madam President, over the past few years, various cities and towns and boroughs in our Commonwealth have witnessed a rebirth and a renewal through the redevelopment of numerous vacant or blighted properties. With the assistance of historically low interest rates and eminent domain, developers have been equipped with the necessary financial and legal resources to acquire and transform these properties into productive developments that have improved the economic viability of our cities and our entire state. In Philadelphia, more than 10,000 units of affordable housing were built and developed through this important redevelopment tool. Although eminent domain has been a productive asset for redeveloping Pennsylvania, concerns have been raised regarding how eminent domain has been used in other jurisdictions. These concerns have led to litigation, which resulted in the U.S. Supreme Court case of Kelso versus City of New London, 45 U.S. Docket No. 04108 and decided in June of 2005. In Kelso, the U.S. Supreme Court decided that the City of New London did not violate the U.S. Constitution when it used the City's authority of eminent domain to take private property for the public benefit of economic development. In response to the Kelso decision, the Pennsylvania House Bill 2054 and Pennsylvania Senate Bill 881 were introduced to prevent this type of result in Pennsylvania. However, this concern is misplaced concerning that the Kelso case is based on Connecticut law, which uses the lower standard of economic development as opposed to Pennsylvania's stricter standard of blight for eminent domain. In addition to the differences between Connecticut's and Pennsylvania's eminent domain laws, House Bill 2054 and Senate Bill 881, if passed in their current form, would severely and negatively impact the ability of Pennsylvania cities to redevelop vacant and blighted properties. Accordingly, various newspapers from the Beaver County Times to the Philadelphia Daily News have written articles concerning the need to have a detailed and informed debate about eminent domain. These publications stress the importance of an acting smart legislation and not legislation that does more harm than good. So I ask my colleagues to support the resolution, which we will send to the House and to the Senate asking them before they pass this bill that they have an open and informed debate, not only in Harrisburg but around the state, to elicit discussion and comments from local counties and boroughs and cities, because they have a habit in Harrisburg of passing things without a lot of public discussion. So on this issue, because it would really and severely hurt us, and particularly as I move to develop in my area, the Logan sinking home area, and a lot of other areas in this City up for redevelopment, this would severely restrict us and hurt us. So we ask our colleagues to support this, and on their own if they would write their legislators. I believe the Pennsylvania Delegation does not support these bills, but we need to reach out to our fellow elected officials across the state to inform them of the impact of these two bills on Pennsylvania. Thank you very much.
Councilwoman, I concur with you, and I will state that I have already written letters to many of our Delegation. I think it's a very important issue.
Councilman Rizzo, your light was on. Did you want to be recognized?
It has been moved and seconded that Councilwoman Tasco's resolution be adopted. All in favor will please say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the bill.
An ordinance authorizing Temple University Health Systems and Hunting Fox Associates to construct and maintain a pedestrian bridge over and across Stokley Street, southwest of West Hunting Park Avenue.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer two bills and two resolutions.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of the proposal set forth in a resolution approved by Council proposing amendment of the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to provide for the appointment of a Chief Information Officer who shall be a member of the Mayor's Cabinet, and authorizing the appropriate officers to publish notice and make arrangements for the special election.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia for the proposal set forth in a resolution approved by Council proposing amendment of the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to provide for an Executive Director of the City Planning Commission.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to provide for the Executive Director of the City Planning Commission, who shall be a member of the Mayor's Cabinet.
This resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to provide for the appointment of a Chief Information Officer, who shall be a member of the Mayor's Cabinet.
This resolution will also be referred to the appropriate committee, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ramos.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer one bill today co-sponsored by Councilwoman Krajewski.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriation for Fiscal Year 2006 within the General Fund from certain or all City offices, departments and commissions to certain or all City offices, departments and commissions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority deeds located in the 31st Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
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 indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
An ordinance amending Section 19-1800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "School Tax Authorization," by adding a new Section 19-1801 by providing for a cap on tax increases, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Thank you, Madam President. I have three bills and two resolutions.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance amending Section 17-107 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Contractors: Labor-Management Relationships," by requiring a certain number of apprentices and journeymen on every City public works contract and further requiring that such apprentices be selected from a City apprenticeship identification program.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance approving the 34th amendment of the redevelopment proposal for the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development to file an application with the Office of the Budget, under the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, in an amount not to exceed $500,000.
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 deeds located in the 18th and 29th Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will please say aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution honoring Samuel T. Freeman & Company Auction House on its 200th anniversary of continued business, operation and success in the City of Philadelphia.
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will please indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kelly.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Title 12 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Traffic Code," to provide for conditions on enforcement of prohibitions on parking a vehicle if the vehicle is not registered or not displaying a valid registration plate.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Section 12-3000 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Use of an Automated Red Light Enforcement System to Prevent Red Light Violations."
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution recognizing, honoring and celebrating Signe Wilkinson, who realized cartooning combined her interest in art and politics without taxing her interest in spelling, on the occasion of her 20th anniversary as editorial cartoonist par excellence for the Philadelphia Daily News.
I move for the adoption of this resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and 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 next order of business is reports from committees, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for a report from the Committee on Finance.
Thank you, Madam President. Today the Committee on Finance reports out eight bills with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the report.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Finance, to which was referred Bill No. 050615 entitled "An ordinance amending Section 17-104 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Prerequisites to the execution of City contracts,' by requiring any City depository authorized to accept City deposits under Section 19-201 of The Philadelphia Code to annually certify compliance with Section 17-104"; and Bill No. 050740, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 19-1300 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Real Estate Taxes,' by providing for a tax credit against real estate taxes for a member of the National Guard or a reserve component of the Armed Forces of the United States"; and Bill No. 050741, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 19-1500 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Wage and Net Profits Tax,' by excluding from tax any duty military personnel"; and Bill No. 050745, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 19-200 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'City Funds, Deposits and Disbursements,' to provide the City with a long-term strategic plan to address disparities in its lending investment activities"; and Bill No. 050746, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 19-200 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'City Funds, Deposits and Investments,' by authorizing the City Treasurer to deposit funds in the Bank of America"; and Bill No. 050747, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 19-200 of The Philadelphia Code by amending Section 19-201, entitled 'City Depositories,' by authorizing the City Treasurer to deposit funds in the Advance Bank"; and Bill No. 050829, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 19-200 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'City Funds, Investments," by authorizing the City Treasurer to deposit funds in Wachovia Bank"; and Bill No. 050830, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 19-200 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'City Funds Deposits and Investments,' by authorizing the City Treasurer to deposit funds in Republic First Bank, under certain terms and conditions," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill Nos. 050615, 740, 741, 745, 746, 747, 829 and 830. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill Nos. 050615, 050740, 050741, 050745, 050746, 050747, 050829 and 050830. 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 at this time recognizes Councilman Kenney for a report from the Committee on Law and Government.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Law and Government reports five bills and one resolution with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the report.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Law and Government, to which was referred Bill No. 040769, entitled, "An ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter relating to the creation, appointment, powers, duties and funding of an independent Board of Ethics;" and Bill No. 050014, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 20-1000 of The Philadelphia Code entitled, 'Campaign Contributions and Expenditures,' by requiring candidates for elective City offices, treasurers of political committees and other persons to file certain campaign finance reports with the Ethics"; and Bill No. 050613, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 17 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Contracts and Procurement,' by prohibiting persons from receiving City financial assistance if they or certain related parties have made certain contributions to elected City officers or candidates for City office"; and Bill No. 051023, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 17 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Contracts and Procurement,' by adding provisions requiring certain disclosures by persons seeking or awarded competitively bid contracts or concessions"; and Bill No. 051024, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 20-600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Standards of Conducts and Ethics,' by providing for the powers and duties of the Board of Ethics of an imposition of civil penalties and providing for the of the Board of Ethics"; and Resolution No. 040817, entitled "A resolution proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to provide for the creation, appointment, powers and duties of an independent Board of Ethics, and providing for the submission of the amendments to the electors of Philadelphia," respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bills and resolution to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill Nos. 040769, 050014, 050613, 051023 and 050124. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill Nos. 040769, 050014, 050613, 051023 and 051024. 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. Resolution No. 040817 will be placed on the Calendar for our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ramos for a report from the Committee on Labor and Civil Service.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Labor one bill with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the report.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Labor and Civil Service, to which was referred Bill No. 050748, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 6 of The Philadelphia Code by adding Chapter 6-900 relating to mold inspections; providing for licensing of residential mold inspectors; and requiring buyers of residential properties to have a licensed mold inspector conduct a comprehensive mold inspection if a home inspection identifies mold or water intrusion, all under certain terms and conditions," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ramos.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading of this Bill No. 050748. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 050748. All in favor will please say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the bill just read will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. Goode for a report from the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Commerce and Economic Development reports one bill with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the report.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development, to which was referred Bill No. 050202, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 17-109 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Local Bidding Preferences,' by amending the terms and conditions under which a business entity may be certified or continue to be certified as a local business entity entitled to a bidding preference on City contracts," considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 050202. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 050202. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? (No response.) 11/17/05 - STATED - 1ST READING
The ayes have it, and the bill just read will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. The next order of business is the consideration of the Calendar. The Chief Clerk will please read the bills on the First Reading Calendar.
Bill No. 050615, an ordinance amending Section 17-104 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Prerequisites to the execution of City contracts, all under certain terms and conditions."
And Bill No. 050740, an ordinance amending Chapter 19-1300 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Real Estate Taxes," by providing for a tax credit against real estate taxes for a member of the National Guard or a reserve component of the Armed 11/17/05 - STATED - 1ST READING Forces.
And Bill No. 050741, an ordinance amending Chapter 19-1500 of The Philadelphia Code by excluding from tax any compensation paid to active duty military personnel.
And Bill No. 050745, an ordinance amending Chapter 19-200 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "City Funds, Investments and Disbursements," to provide the City with a long-term strategic plan to address disparities in its lending and investment activities.
And Bill No. 050746, an ordinance amending Chapter 19-200 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "City Funds, Deposits, Investments and 11/17/05 - STATED - 1ST READING Disbursement," to deposit funds in the Bank of America.
Bill No. 050747, an ordinance amending Chapter 19-200 of The Philadelphia Code to deposit funds in the Advance Bank.
And Bill No. 050829, an ordinance amending Chapter 19-200 of The Philadelphia Code to deposit funds in Wachovia Bank.
And Bill No. 050830, an ordinance amending Chapter 19-200 of The Philadelphia Code to deposit funds in Republic First Bank.
And Bill No. 040769, an ordinance providing for the 11/17/05 - STATED - 1ST READING submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter relating to creation, appointment, powers, duties and funding of an independent Board of Ethics.
And Bill No. 050014, an ordinance amending Chapter 20-1000 of The Philadelphia Code by requiring candidates for elective City office, treasurer or political committees and other persons to file certain campaign finance reports with the Board of Ethics.
And Bill No. 050613, an ordinance amending Title 17 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Contracts and Procurement," by prohibiting persons from receiving City financial assistance if they or certain 11/17/05 - STATED - 1ST READING related parties have made certain contributions to elected City offices.
And Bill No. 051023, an ordinance amending Title 17 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Contracts and Procurement," by adding provisions requiring certain disclosures by persons seeking or awarded competitively bid contracts or concessions.
And Bill No. 051024, an ordinance amending Chapter 20-600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Standards of Conducts and Ethics, all under certain terms and conditions."
And Bill No. 050748, an ordinance amending Title 6 of The Philadelphia Code by adding Chapter 11/17/05 - STATED - 1ST READING 6-900 relating to mold inspections, providing for licensing of residential mold inspectors, all under certain terms and conditions.
And Bill No. 050202, an ordinance amending Section 17-109 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Local Bidding Preferences," by amending the terms and conditions under which a business entity may be certified or continue to be certified, under certain terms and conditions.
The Chair agrees. That concludes our First Reading Calendar. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for the purpose of calling up bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar.
Thank you, Madam President. Today all bills on 11/17/05 - STATED - 2ND READING Pages 1, and are being held, as well as those on . On , we will hear Bill No. 050408. That will be called up for second reading and final passage. On , Bill No. 050742 will be called up for second reading and final passage, as will Bill No. 050823 and 050824. On , Bill Nos. 050825, 26 and 27 will be called up for second reading and final passage, and Bill 050831 will be amended, and on the final page, we'll call up the last bill listed, 050858.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 050418.
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an 11/17/05 - STATED - 2ND READING area bounded by Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Fairmount Avenue, Front Street and Brown Street.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. Before the Clerk calls the roll, I recognize Councilman O'Neill.
Madam President, I will be abstaining on this bill. The law firm with which I am associated, Fox Rothschild, represents the developer in this matter, and I will, therefore, be abstaining. Thank you.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Councilwoman Reynolds Brown. 11/17/05 - STATED - 2ND READING
Aye. The ayes are 14, the nays are zero, and the record will reflect that Councilman O'Neill abstained from voting. We will now consider Bill No. 050742.
An ordinance amending Title 9 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Regulation of Businesses, Trades and Professions," by adding a new chapter setting forth rules and regulations governing Council's consideration of requests for approval of permits to sell malt or brewed beverages for consumption off premises in Philadelphia, all under certain terms and 11/17/05 - STATED - 2ND READING conditions.
Thank you. This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kelly.
Thank you, Madam President. I just want to say that I don't feel comfortable with this bill at all. I think it's not a very good bill. It was thrown to us from Harrisburg, and I think the intent of this bill is to enforce and control the way stop-and-go's operate in our City. I think that's fine, except it includes everyone, every business, whether they're taverns, restaurants, bars or whatever, that have been dispensing and selling take-out beer for many, many years. They're also included. Now it's going to cost them 600 more dollars. To me, it's a slap in the face 11/17/05 - STATED - 2ND READING of the small business people who have been operating legitimately and legally for many, many years in doing this type of business. This to me, I just don't feel comfortable with it. I don't believe in it, and I'm just going to vote no against this bill. Thank you, Madam President.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, I too will be voting against this bill for all the reasons I've spoken with all of you in Council about. I do believe we have legislation in Harrisburg that may try to correct it, albeit it may be well used for some of us. They're very persuasive about it, as Councilman Kelly certainly said. I have other reasons to feel as I do. I don't believe, as I've said many, many 11/17/05 - STATED - 2ND READING times, that in the initial part the bill was structured in a way that is fair to all concerned and that will best serve this Council purpose. Having said that, we're still looking forward to the legislation in Harrisburg to pass. And for that and other reasons, I will be voting against this legislation and certainly urge my colleagues to do the same. Thank you.
Thank you. 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.
Thank you. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 050823.
An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriation for Fiscal Year 2006 within the Grants Revenue Fund from the Director of Finance - provision for other grants to the Fire Department.
This 11/17/05 - STATED - 2ND READING 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 15, the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in 11/17/05 - STATED - 2ND READING the affirmative, this bill passes. We will now consider Bill No. 050824.
An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriation for Fiscal Year 2006 within the Grants Revenue Fund from the Director of Finance to the Director of Finance.
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 15, the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, this bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 050825.
An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriation for Fiscal Year 2006 within the Grants Revenue Fund from the Director of Finance to the District Attorney.
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 15, the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, this bill passes. We will now consider Bill No. 050826.
An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriation for Fiscal Year 2006 within the Grants 11/17/05 - STATED - 2ND READING Revenue Fund from the Director of Finance to the Police Department and the Department of Public Property.
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 15, the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. We will now consider Bill No. 050827.
An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriation for Fiscal Year 2006 within the Grants Revenue Fund from the Director of Finance to the Department of Public Property.
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 15, the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. We will now consider Bill No. 050831.
An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code relating to zoning and planning by amending Chapter 14-1100, entitled "Institutional Development District," under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different 11/17/05 - STATED - 2ND READING days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. We circulated an amendment. We would like to offer an amendment to this bill.
Was the amendment circulated, because I haven't seen -- it has been circulated?
Madam President, I'll second it. I'm aware of the amendment.
It has been moved and seconded that the amendment be adopted. You made the motion, did you not, Councilwoman?
I so move. (Duly seconded.) 11/17/05 - STATED - 2ND READING
It has been moved and seconded that the amendment be adopted. All in favor will please say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the bill has been amended.
Thank you. We will now consider the final bill, Bill No. 050858.
An ordinance consenting to the transfer of control of the Area II cable television franchise from Urban Cable Works of Pennsylvania to Time Warner Cable, and to transfer the assignment of the Area II cable 11/17/05 - STATED - 2ND READING television franchise from Urban Cable Works of Philadelphia to Time Warner Cable, both under certain terms and conditions.
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 15, the nays are zero. The bill passes. That completes the Calendar for today. We will now take up the consideration of applications for take-out beer permits under Act 39. As previously announced, Council held an Executive Session to conduct deliberations on these applications. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer five resolutions on your behalf.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution. 39 APPLICATIONS
A resolution accepting the Hearing Examiner's recommendation and disapproving the following application for a permit to sell malt and brewed beverages for consumption off premises: 55 Fortune Inc., 447 South 55th Street.
The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of this resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will please say aye. (Aye.)
The 39 APPLICATIONS ayes have it and the resolution is adopted.
Thank you. I would just like to note that this is the stop-and-go that on November 29th the community has been demonstrating against for 1,000 days. Thank you.
You're welcome. Again, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for the second application.
Thank you. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will please say 39 APPLICATIONS aye. (Aye.)
I'm sorry. We're ahead of ourselves. I would ask the Chief Clerk to please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution accepting the recommendation of the Hearing Examiner and approving, with conditions, the following application for a permit to sell malt and brewed beverages for consumption off premises: Taurus Investments, 412 West Girard Avenue.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of this resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. 39 APPLICATIONS (Aye.)
The ayes have it, the resolution is adopted, and the record will reflect that Councilman Clarke has recused himself. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for the third resolution.
Thank you, Madam President. I think the Chief Clerk needs to read it first.
A resolution rejecting the Hearing Examiner's recommendation and disapproving the following application for a permit to sell malt and brewed beverages for consumption off premises: Stanley Stein Inc., 2332 Orthodox Street.
Thank 39 APPLICATIONS you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you, Madam President. I wish the record to reflect that I'm recusing myself on this matter. Thank you.
Thank you. I'm sorry, Councilwoman. Did you move for the adoption?
I don't think so. I move for its adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded. All in favor will please indicate by saying aye. (Aye.) 39 APPLICATIONS
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The record will also reflect that Councilman DiCicco has recused himself.
A resolution rejecting the recommendation of the Hearing Examiner and disapproving the following application for a permit to sell malt and brewed beverages for consumption off premises: TCOC Inc., 4301 Main Street.
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. 39 APPLICATIONS All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The record will reflect that Councilman Nutter has recused himself.
A resolution accepting the recommendation of the Hearing Examiner and approving, with conditions, the following application for a permit to sell malt and brewed beverages for consumption off premises: La Quinto Inc., 4602 to 4604 North 5th Street.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, the resolution is adopted, and the record will reflect that Councilman Clarke has recused himself. That completes our business for today. Are there speeches on the part of the Minority? (No response.)
Are there speeches on the part of the Majority? The Chair recognizes Councilman Ramos.
Thank you, Madam President. President, I held a resolution that I want to continue to hold. I'm considering maybe even dismissing the resolution at some point, especially if things get better resolved around issues of missing people. This Council resolved that the week of October 29th through November the 4th would be Philadelphia Missing Persons Awareness Week and that a Philadelphia Missing Persons Conference will be held and it was held on November the 5th at West Philadelphia High School. At that meeting of families who had missing loved ones, there was a lady by the name of Katrina Jefferson and family members and she told the story of a missing loved one named Neici Jefferson. She had been missing since Monday, April 14th of 2003, among other families who had missing loved ones in the Philadelphia region. That Sunday in the Local section of the Inquirer a reporter from the Inquirer reported on the in the Philadelphia region and described and talked about Neici Jefferson. I got a call from Katrina Jefferson this morning and she informed me that her body has been found, that an employee at the Medical Examiner's office read the article in the Inquirer and thought that he had a body in the Medical Examiner's facility that might be this person. It turned out to be her. She had been there for almost two years since she disappeared, and the family called me to let all of us know here how much they appreciated that this Council got behind her family and because the media put it out there and someone read it that happened to work in the Medical Examiner's office, they are starting to have closure in the disappearance of Neici Jefferson. That was my only intent of that conference and it was my only intent of a resolution that I'm holding indefinitely. it to become a world and international issue, but it was about people like Neici Jefferson, Latoya Berg that's still missing and a whole lot of other Philadelphians that are missing out there under their suspicious circumstances. Today Councilwoman Krajewski and I introduced a transfer ordinance so that we can address the issue of the energy crisis in the Philadelphia area, and we will be working with the Administration with the approval of this Council to provide some energy assistance to families in Philadelphia who are going to be hit so hard, all of us, including all of us here sitting, with this dramatic increase in the price of gas. So I just wanted to put that out there, that if everything goes right, there should be some assistance, further assistance, to people in Philadelphia that might not be able to pay their gas bill. you, Madam President.
You're welcome, sir. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Madam President. I will be brief. In today's Philadelphia Inquirer in both an editorial and a separate story, it suggested that Council is considering campaign contribution limits for City contractors through legislation voted out of the Law and Government Committee yesterday. That's simply not true. This Council has already set contribution limits this term and, in fact, set them higher than we did last time. It's amazing to me how journalists who are pushing an ethics agenda would not even understand what we're voting on or choose to misrepresent it. I am further amazed that they last week without knowing that it didn't apply to bond work. It's simply a matter of not fully focusing on the issue but on the politics of the issue. Thank you.
You're welcome. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Madam President, I'd like to invite my colleagues and those who are listening to an exciting opening of one of the, I guess, best state-of-the-art rec centers that will be open tomorrow on Saturday, November the 19th at Pickering and Gowen, the Dorothy Emmanuel Recreation Center. We've been working on that for about eight years, and we will open the door. It is a state-of-the-art, one of the finest and the best recreation facilities in this country, and we invite all of you to come to the opening at 11:00 a.m. I'd like to thank my State Senator, LeAnna Washington, who was State Representative at the time, who contributed $1.5 million to the $4 million that we put in for that rec center. So it's something to see. We took all of the problems that were things that did not happen at other rec centers and all the omissions and made sure that they did not happen at this rec center. We probably did miss something, but it certainly is a state-of-the-art facility, and we would invite you to come.
We congratulate you. Are there any other speeches on the part of the Majority. (No response.)
Seeing none, the Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for a motion to adjourn.
Madam President, I move that we stand adjourned until December the 1st, 2005 at 10:00 a.m. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, December 1, 2005. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. Thank you. (Stated Meeting adjourned at 11:45 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 November 17, 2005, 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.)