COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, October 21, 2004 10:05 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILMAN DAVID COHEN COUNCILMAN FRANK J. DICICCO COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN JACK KELLY COUNCILMAN JAMES F. KENNEY COUNCILWOMAN JOAN L. KRAJEWSKI COUNCILMAN RICHARD T. MARIANO 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. I note that the hour has come and that a quorum of this Council is present. This Council will please come to order. Members will take their seats, and visitors will retire to the seats outside the rails. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair welcomes Reverend Rodney Adam Lyde of the Mount Sinai Baptist church. He is here today as the guest of Councilman Clarke. All members and guests will please rise.
Let us pray. Oh, Lord, here we are, people gathered together from all different places, from different walks of life; but nevertheless, gathered together for one cause, to make this place, to make this City better than how we have seen it. May we put aside differences and unite for our common cause. May we, God, as we do so, seek you first; and moreover, God, as we work together, remember the causes that are ever before us. Lord, give us the strength, the endurance of faith, and the hope that indeed what we do can indeed the causes and the conditions that plague this great City. We remember to pray for those who are less fortunate than us, remembering the honor and privilege to be called a servant. And I pray for all of the servants here all gathered in this place that they indeed might have the humility that is a requisite to be a servant leader and a leading servant. May your blessings be upon everyone that is gathered here and represented here, remembering above all else that you have created all, that you are over all, and that indeed you bless all. We ask you, God, to be present among us even now. We acknowledge who you are and we submit and surrender to your authority and to who you are, asking you, God, to help us decrease that you might increase, that we might lessen that you might be more, and that your cause, which is for justice, righteousness, peace, and togetherness, might move to the forefront, oh, God. We do ask this prayer in humble submission, in the name of Jesus we do pray, amen.
The Chair thanks Reverend Lyde for his very inspiring invocation. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, October 14, 2004, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, October 14, 2004, stand approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, October 14, 2004, stand approved. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. And the Journal the meeting of Thursday, October 14, 2004, is approved. The next order of business is requests for leave of absence. And the Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. There are no requests for leaves of absence on the part of the Majority.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
On behalf of the Republicans, there are no requests for leaves of absence.
Thank you. The Chair will dispense with the regular order of business to recognize the 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 us as we attend to the legislative affairs of our City. We certainly invite you to come again. At this time the Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
Madam President, I'd like to introduce a young man that is visiting from Bakersfield, California. His name is Robert Nesheiwat.
If he would stand, we would certainly recognize him.
He's all the way in the back. He's visiting. He's an engineer, and he's William Nesheiwat's brother, my legislative aid. So he's visiting from California checking out our legislative process.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell who will present a resolution to someone we all know have certainly worked with him and he has worked with us in City Council for a number of years. Would Mr. Rob Dubow and those accompanying him please join the Councilwoman at the podium? Would Councilman O'Neill and Councilwoman Brown please join Councilwoman Blackwell? I understand Councilman Mariano and Councilman Kenney are also joining the Councilwoman.
Good morning. Resolution honoring Rob Dubow. The Council of the City of Philadelphia is pleased and proud to honor Budget Director Rob Dubow for his loyal and dedicated service to the citizens of Philadelphia. Whereas, Mr. Dubow earned a master's of business administration degree from Wharton in 1987, where he majored in financial analysis and a BA degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1981; and
Whereas, from August 1990 to January 1992, Rob was a research associate with the Pennsylvania Economy League. In January of '92, he was hired by PICA as their senior analyst. This is where Rob developed expertise in analysis of the City budget with specialization in analysis of human service issues and state funding formulas, and he developed the first report analyzing this City's Five-Year Financial Plan; and
Whereas, in March 1994, Mr. Dubow was hired by the Rendell Administration as Assistant Budget Director. He developed the first leave usage reporting system and developed analysis of sanitation worker productivity and social services funding; and Whereas in May 1996, Mr. Dubow was promoted to Deputy Budget Director. He supervised a program evaluation unit where he was responsible for long range budget planning and analysis. He developed the first performance measurement system for the City to link departmental spending with service delivery. He also produced the Mayor's first report on City services, a report that focused solely discussion of service level and delivery;
And, whereas, in August 1999, Mr. Dubow was promoted to his current position as Budget Director and reappointed by Mayor John street in January 2000. His keen insights and understanding of the budget and budget process and his willingness to sit through all the Council hearings, and not yell at us -- no, I just added that -- and his willingness to answer all questions from Council has been invaluable asset to this City Council, and for this we are extremely grateful; now, therefore
Resolved by the Council of the City of Philadelphia that we here by express our gratitude to Mr. Rob Dubow for his loyal and dedicated service to the citizens of the City of Philadelphia; And further resolved that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body. Congratulations and thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you. Thank you very much. I really appreciate this a lot. In a kind of strange masochistic way, I really enjoyed my time up here. But I will say it's much nicer being over here than sitting at the table. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
At this time the Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter who will present a resolution honoring the Mural Arts Program. Will Ms. Jane Golden and those accompanying her please join the Councilman at the podium. joined by Councilwoman Brown. Is Jane Golden here?
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, I'm joined by, as you've acknowledged, Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown who was on the original board of the Philadelphia Anti Graffiti Network which was the predecessor organization to now the Mural Arts Program. So she'll be reading some of the resolution as well. This is a resolution congratulating the Mural Arts Program on the occasion of its 20 anniversary. Whereas, in 1984, the Philadelphia Anti Graffiti Network was founded by Mayor W. Wilson Goode as part of a City-wide anti-graffiti initiative; and Whereas, the Anti Graffiti Network engaged graffiti vandals in painting murals to community, and this unconventional strategy provided many of these young people with an opportunity to use art as a means of avoiding the dangerous path of vandalism, drugs and crime; and
Whereas, in 1985, with the involvement of 100 young people, the first mural, Life in the City, was completed. It is painted on both sides of the Spring Garden Street Bridge, spans 636 feet and links West Philadelphia to Center City; and Whereas, in 1992, the Anti Graffiti Network won the Prestigious Innovations in American Government Award from the Ford Foundation; and Whereas, in 1996, Mayor Ed Rendell restructured the Anti Graffiti Network and designated the Mural Arts Program as a distinct City program and established the Philadelphia Mural Arts Advocates to help advise and support the program; and Whereas, in 1998, amidst racial strife in Grace Ferry, the Peace Wall went up, skepticism, the mural brought together divided residents and gradually became a symbol of unity; and
Whereas, the Mural Arts Program now works with over 100 communities each year to create murals that serve the unique needs of each neighborhood by stabilizing abandoned lots, revitalizing open spaces and inspiring civic pride; and Whereas, since 1984, over 2,400 murals have been created, transforming Philadelphia to the nation's City of Murals and a leading model in neighborhood revitalization through public art; and Whereas, from Life in the City, Tribute to Dr. J, Boy With Raised Arm, Peace Wall, to the Age Story Common Threads, each mural tells a story. Now, therefore, resolved by the Council of City of Philadelphia that we hereby congratulate the Mural Arts Program on the occasion of its 20th anniversary. Further resolved that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Jane of the legislative body's sincere appreciation for the permanent and visible achievements of the many artists, volunteers, community leaders and dedicated staff of the Mural Arts Program. Signed by Council President Verna and cosponsored by all Members of City Council. (Applause.)
Thank you. Good morning, everyone. I just want to say that the success that we've had is really your success. I am deeply humbled and grateful that the City has supported us all these years. There's really not another City anywhere that does this, and it's because the Administration and City Council, you have always been there for us. So thank you so much. There are 1100 kids in our after school programs. We do about a hundred murals each year. There are tours. There are people over. And in Philadelphia, every citizen has access to art, and I feel deeply, deeply privileged to do this job. I just want to, on behalf of my staff and myself, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. (Applause.)
The Chair again recognizes Councilman Nutter who will present a resolution honoring City Year. Will Mr. David Rosenblum and Tiffanie Harris and those accompanying them please join the Councilman at the podium. The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter.
Thank you, Madam President. All I ever wanted was a City Year jacket. A bunch of years ago on a cold, bright morning in Boston, I traveled with a couple folks to talk about a new program that the country -- I'd never heard of it -- called City Year. Eight years later or so, Philadelphia City Year is not only in place but one of the largest sites in the United States of America. A group of young people who are providing an incredible service. This resolution is recognizing their work and a new corps group for this year. Congratulating City Year Greater Philadelphia on its achievements and welcoming the new class of corps members for 2004 to 2005 as they begin their year of service. Whereas, City Year's mission is to build democracy through citizen service, civic leadership, and social entrepreneurship; and Whereas, young adults between the ages of 17 to 24 commit to a year of service full-time for 10 months working in schools, neighborhoods and community-based organizations; and Whereas, corps members receive college tuition and professional training in leadership development and project management in addition to the positive changes they make service; and Whereas, City Year has 15 programs throughout the United States and is operated in the City of Philadelphia since 1997; and Whereas, City Year Greater Philadelphia is the largest site in the network and has grown by 100 percent since its inception; and Whereas, the Philadelphia program has delivered over 1,250,000 hours of community service that have positively impacted more than 50,000 Philadelphia children by providing academic help and has graduated more than 1,000 corps members; and Whereas, a five-year study of City Year Greater Philadelphia alumni found that upon completing a year of service, they voted nearly twice the rate of their peers, 89 percent are likely to volunteer regularly, 81 of those who had joined City Year prior to receiving a high school diploma completed their GED; and Whereas, after completing a year of service, 95 percent of corps members state job or educational options; 98 percent say that they made friends with people from different races, economic backgrounds, religion and educational levels; and 95 percent state that they made an important difference in someone's life; and Whereas, starting this fall, the new class of 175 corps members will be outfitted in their signature red jackets and Timberland boots, they will be a positive force throughout the city; Now, therefore, resolved by the Council of the City of Philadelphia that we hereby congratulate City Year Greater Philadelphia on its achievements and that we welcome a class of corps members as they begin their year of service. I would only add I also want to congratulate the members of board and the co-chairs Joe Banner and Phil Baer for the incredible job that they have done in making City Year Greater Philadelphia one of the best sites in the United States of America. Congratulations. (Applause.)
Before I recognize Mr. Rosenblum and Ms. Harris, I think we do have a number of members from this group with us. If they would please stand, we would love to recognize you. (Applause.)
Thank you for coming in. The Chair recognizes Ms. Harris for brief remarks.
Good morning. My name is Tiffanie Harris, and I was born and raised in the Logan Olney Section of Philadelphia. I'm a proud member of City Year 2004-2005 Corps, serving with City Heroes team.
My name is David Rosenblum. I grew up in the Fox Chase section of the Northeast, and I'm also a member of the 2004-2005 corps, proudly serving in University City High School. On behalf of the board, staff, alumni, and entire corps of City Year Greater Philadelphia who you see right up there in the Year, how ya'll feel? CITY YEAR: Fired up.
We are honored to accept this resolution from our City Council. The support that we receive from this Chamber has made our service in Philadelphia possible.
It has been seven years since we began service in Philadelphia. We are honored to represent not only this corps but the seven generations of City Year Greater Philadelphia corps members who came before us. Just as you serve in the City on this Council, so do we tutoring, mentoring in the classroom every day and in after school programs across the City. Our mission is to support the positive development of youth through the experience of service and civic engagement so that they grow up confident, compassionate, and educated citizens.
We're proud to report THAT since 1971, City Year has 1.3 million hours of service in Philadelphia. We believe we can do even more to make Philadelphia stronger in our schools and our communities, and we look forward to coming back and giving you updates.
We want to say a special thanks to Councilman Michael Nutter who has a board member for City Year all these years and is a true champion of our service. We want to say thank you in advance to Councilman Mariano who is helping to make our Serve-A-thon a great success. Thank you to everyone because so many of you have stepped forward to help us build a stronger community. To all of you, thank you for your service to Philadelphia and thank you again for believing in City Year. (Applause.)
Now, because we know that some of you may wonder what we were doing in front of City Hall each morning, we would like to introduce you to our PT Crew who will explain our morning physical training. (Applause.) (PT Crew demonstrates physical training: Front-side-back-side-front.) (Applause.)
We would like to thank everyone for participating in our front-side-back-side-front. That was an excellent job. You looked beautiful. Now we would like to present each member of the City Council with a City Year sweatshirt in honor of your service that you give to our City. (Applause.)
To my colleagues, if there are any size discrepancy issues, we'll work those out after the session privately.
The next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant-at-Arms messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. The Chief Clerk will please read the messages from the Mayor. THE
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read any communications in her possession. THE
Thank you. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. 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 Council be suspended so as to permit immediate consideration of resolutions at the time of introduction. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution. THE
A resolution honoring the Philadelphia based artist Henry Bemudez, world-renown Venezuelan painter, on the occasion of the Obix Arte and Design Gallery, featuring Mr. Bemudez work.
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 Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. Today, I introduce no bills or resolutions.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill. THE
An ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance, Bill No. 020430, approved November 13, 2002, entitled an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 312 by striking from the City Plan and vacating the legally open portions of Jackson Street from Pearson Street to Aubrey Street by extending the period for compliance with the authorization conditions therein.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill. THE
An ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance, Bill No. 010713, approved April 17, 2002, entitled an the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 194 by extending the time for compliance with the conditions stated therein.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority deeds located in the 7th, 18th, 19th and 23rd Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
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 signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution. THE
A resolution declaring White Cane Month in the City of Philadelphia.
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 signify by saying (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. THE
And a resolution memorializing the Governor and General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to appropriate supplemental state funds for the federally funded low-income energy assistance program allocations that will be available for all households throughout the Commonwealth that qualify for federal assistance.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you, Madam President. Today, I have one resolution.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution. THE
A resolution joining the nation in recognizing October 2004 as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and supporting the numerous activities recognizing this effort around the country.
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 Nutter.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer one bill and three resolutions.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill. THE
An ordinance amending Section 4 of an ordinance, Bill No. 010381, approve June 14, 2001, entitled an ordinance authorizing Edward Flippen, owner of located 5651 Lansdowne Avenue, to construct, use, and maintain a one-story building addition over the east footway of 57th Street, as amended, by extending the period compliance with the authorization conditions therein.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
And a resolution authorizing the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development to hold hearings for the purpose of reviewing and evaluating the marketing and promotional strategies the, economic development initiatives, the financial assistance programs, and the management of land bank by the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation.
Thank you, Madam President. I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution will be referred to the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development. THE
And a resolution congratulating the Theater Alliance of Greater Philadelphia on the 10th anniversary of the Barrymore Award Ceremony and designating the week of November 15th as Greater Philadelphia Theater Week.
Thank you, Madam President. I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has 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
And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority deeds located in the 4th and 52nd Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you, Madam President. I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution. THE
A resolution urging the Mayor to fulfill his responsibility under Executive Order 893 and fill the vacant positions of the Police Advisory Commission, including the seven City Council designees and two City Council alternates.
Madam President, the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Councilman Kelly, your light is on. Did you want to be recognized?
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions this morning.
The Chair Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ramos.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer two bills and one resolution.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill. THE
An ordinance amending Title 12 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Traffic Code" by enacted a new chapter of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Prohibition Against Motor Vehicle Cruising" motor vehicle cruising in an area bounded by Lombard Street on the north, Front Street on the east Bainbridge Street on the south and 11th Street on the west.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
And an ordinance granting permission Sunesys, its successors and assigns to construct, maintain, and operate, replace and remove a telecommunications system along, over, and under the public rights-of-way, City streets, and Fairmount Park.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
And a resolution authorizing Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority deeds located in the 1st and 45th Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
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 Councilman O'Neill.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution authorizing Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority deeds located in the 5th, 16th, 28th, 29th and 32nd Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
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 Councilman Kelly.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution. THE
A resolution authorizing a joint hearing for both City Council's Committee on Public Safety and City Council's Committee on Technology and Information Systems to hold public hearings to investigate the malfunction of the City of Philadelphia's 800 megahertz digital radio system which occurred five times, and in furtherance of such investigation authorizing the issuance of subpoenas to compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of documents to the full extent authorized under Section 2-401 of the Home Rule Charter.
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 signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution will be referred to the Committee on Public Safety and the Committee on Technology and Information Systems. The next order of business is reports from committees. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for a report from the Committee of the Whole.
Thank you, of the Whole reports out two bills with a favorable recommendation.
The Chief Clerk will please read the report. THE
To the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee of the Whole to which was referred Bill No. 040785, entitled an ordinance amending Bill No. 040602, approved July 1, 2004, relating to the fiscal 2005 Capital Budget by reacting certain appropriations made in that ordinance for improvements to existing recreation facilities; And Bill No. 040786, entitled an ordinance amending Bill No. 040603, approved July 1, 2004, relating to the Fiscal 2005 through Fiscal 2010 Capital Program by reacting certain appropriations for improvements to existing recreation facilities for Fiscal Year 2005, and by making certain technical amendments; Respectfully reports it has returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Rules be suspended so as to permit first reading today of Bill Nos. 040785 and 040786. (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. 040785 and 040786. All in favor will please indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the bills just read will be placed on today's First Reading Calendar. Councilwoman Blackwell for a report on the Committee on Finance.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Finance reports out one bill with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the report. THE
To the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Finance to which was referred Bill No. 040765, entitled an ordinance approving the Fiscal Year 2005 Capital Budget providing for expenditures for the capital purposes of the Philadelphia Gas Works, subject to certain constraints and conditions, and acknowledging receipt of the forecast of capital budgets for Fiscal Years 2006 through 2010; respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Rules of Council be suspended so to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 040765. (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. 040765. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the bill just read will be placed on today's First Reading Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski for a report from the Committee on Appropriations.
Madam President, the Committee on appropriations reports two bills out with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the report. THE
To the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Appropriations to which was referred Bill No. 040760, entitled an ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriation for Fiscal Year 2005 within the General Fund from the Department of Public Property City subsidy for SEPTA to the Director of Finance; And Bill No. 040779 entitled, 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 the Fire Department; Respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
Madam President, I move that the Rules of Council be suspended as to permit first reading of Bill No. 040760 and Bill 040779, with a suspension of the Rules.
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. 040760 and 040779. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes it, and the bills just read will be placed on today's First Reading Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ramos for a report on the Committee on Labor and Civil Service.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Labor and Civil Service reports one bill with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the report. THE
To the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Labor and Civil Service to which referred Bill No. 040184 entitled, an ordinance amending Title 17 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Contracts and Procurement" by adding a new Chapter 17-1200 entitled "Foreign Outsourcing," prohibiting City service contracts under which the work is performed outside the United States, under certain terms and conditions; Respectfully reports it has returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ramos.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that is the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 040184. (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. 040184. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the bill just read will be placed on today's First Reading Calendar. Brown for a report from the Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs reports one bill with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the report. THE
To the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs, to which was referred Bill No. 040613, entitled an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to acquire by purchase, condemnation, or other means an easement in the vicinity of Poquessing Park and upon completion of the City's acquisition of the easement, incorporate such easement into Poquessing Park and place the easement under the jurisdiction of the Fairmount Park Commission; respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
I move that the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 040613. (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. 040613. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the bill just read will be placed on today's First Reading Calendar. 10/21/04 - STATED - 1ST READING The next order of business will be the consideration of the Calendar. The Chief Clerk will please read the bills on the First Reading Calendar. THE
Bill No. 040785, an ordinance amending Bill No. 040602, approved July 1, 2004, relating to the Fiscal 2005 Capital Budget by reacting certain appropriations made in that ordinance for improvements to existing recreation facilities.
And Bill No. 040786, an ordinance amending Bill No. 040673, approved July 1, 2004, relating to Fiscal 2005 through 2010 Capital Program by reacting certain appropriations for improvements to existing recreation facilities for fiscal year 2005 and by making certain technical amendments.
And Bill No. 10/21/04 - STATED - 1ST READING 040765 an ordinance approving the Fiscal Year 2005 Capital Budget providing for the expenditures for the capital purposes of the Philadelphia Gas Works, subject to certain constraints and conditions and acknowledging receipt of the forecast of capital budgets for Fiscal Year 2006 through 2010.
And Bill No. 040760, an ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriation for Fiscal Year 2005 within the General Fund from the Department of Public Property City subsidy for SEPTA to Director of Finance, all under certain terms and conditions.
And Bill No. 040779, 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 the Fire Department. 10/21/04 - STATED - 1ST READING
And Bill No. 040184, an ordinance amending Title 17 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Contracts and Procurement," by adding a new Chapter 17,1200 entitled "Foreign Outsourcing" prohibiting service contracts under which the work is performed outside the United States.
And Bill No. 040613, an ordinance authorizing Commissioner of Public Property on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to acquire by purchase condemnation or other means an easement in the vicinity of Poquessing Park and place the easement under the jurisdiction of the Fairmount Park Commission.
The Chair agrees. That the completes the First Reading Calendar. The Chair now recognizes 10/21/04 - STATED - 2ND READING Councilwoman Blackwell for the purpose of calling up the bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar to be considered today.
Thank you, Madam President. Today Bill No. 040764 is being called for second reading and final passage. All other bills are being held.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the Bill No. 040764. THE
An ordinance amending Title 9 of the Philadelphia Code entitled regulation of Business, Trades and Professions by adding a section to prohibit the sale of certain motor vehicles, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Clerk will please call the roll. THE
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. That concludes our Calendar for today. Are there any speeches on the part of the Minority? (No response.)
Are there part of the Majority? The Chair recognizes Councilman Ramos.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, Councilman Cohen, Councilman Nutter, and I this morning introduced a resolution concerning a preoccupation of ours concerning the Police Advisory Commission. I am now very disturbed of this fact that this Commission is now a government institution and technically has no commission members. This is an issue I've written to the Administration about. I know Councilman Nutter has done the same thing. Back in November, the list of those appointees recommended by this body were presented to the Administration. However, it is the responsibility of Mayor to make these announcements. We have now people in this City, outstanding citizens, that want to give of their time, they want to volunteer and be part of this great civic fabric that this City is seems as though that second floor can't come around to getting more people that want to serve in this body, the Police Advisory Commission. They don't get a single cent. These are people waiting to be appointed. We've already submitted our names. I think it's very, very unfair, to the point where this body of government can now not function. A few weeks ago, I had a young man with his mother and his relatives come. The allegation was that he was beat up by some police officers. Whether it's true or not, I'm not to judge; I'm not in that business. However, when that case goes to this group called the Police Advisory Commission -- they work closely, of course, with the police -they can't do anything about it. They don't have the authority to do anything about it. I think this is very, very unfair. And this is going on with other boards and commissions of this government, people waiting in line, people that want to serve. If I was one of those people, I'd say, "The heck with want me, let me move on." It is very discouraging while we talk around here about civic and community involvement, at the same time we have people that want to be involved and we just don't open the doors for their involvement. So anyway, I don't know of this speech, Councilman Nutter and my colleagues, is going to get anywhere, but I sure hope that the Mayor's Office fulfill its responsibility and get this appointment over with, please.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Madam President. I have good news to report. Almost five years ago, my first City Council Session, I introduced a resolution calling for an annual review of small business lending by the City Controller. The resolution followed my release of the Greater Philadelphia Capital Access Report which showed disparities in small business lending by neighborhood income 1998. The Controller recently released his latest report which indicates that the disparities in loan availability between poor and richer communities actually changed in 2003. In fact, over a six-year period, from 1998 to 2003, the percentage of loans in low and moderate income communities grew from 39 percent to 52 percent. For the first time since we examined this issue, the majority of small business loans were dispersed in low and moderate income communities. In fact, it was a huge jump from 40 percent to 52 percent in one year. There's no coincidence that the jump occurred in 2003, the first year City Council required City depository banks to set annual goals for small business lending in those neighborhoods. So I want to, again, thank my colleagues for your support of that reinvestment legislation. It's actually made a difference.
Thank you, Madam President. I will first want to note that the last two very fine speeches made by Councilman Ramos and Goode, that they're both Councilmembers-at-Large, that they're dealing with problems that are vital to the healthy existence of the City of Philadelphia. I mention that because of other things. I would hope that the District Councilmembers who largely concern themselves in the position of assistant developers and don't otherwise bother very much with their constituencies will take note and begin concerning themselves. Yesterday, on the $35 an hour matter, the Committee hearing, it was reduced finally to Ramos, Goode, and Cohen, all three of us at-Large members. Councilwoman Blackwell, a District Councilmember, sat in her seat all during the hearing and participated, and I think she showed an what we expect from District Councilmembers. I don't think the role of a District Councilmember is to be an assistant developer. I think it is to represent the people as fully as Councilmen-at-Large do, and sometimes I wonder, except in the cases of a few of the District Councilmembers, whether that's the case. But today, I largely want to talk about definitions of words. I deeply resent the fact that the President of the United States is going around spreading bigotry instead of clarification. I want to cite two areas. " He attacks the democratic presidential candidate, which he has every right to do, but he attacks him a liberal. Well, I'm a liberal, and a liberal is a good word, not a bad word. And the President of the United States is using it as a bad word. The difference between a conservative and a liberal is a conservative is only interested in giving government money to rich business corporations, while liberals are interested in things like spreading the quality of life issues that people in the communities without resources, without much money, need. It's the liberals who fight for social security, for pensions, for all those things; it's not the conservatives. The conservatives want to give real benefits, tax benefits, back to the rich in order not to have money when it comes time to fund things that the ordinary population needs. So the more liberal a person is, it means that person is seeking to spread the benefits of life to poorer people. A conservative is a person who believes that poor people are not entitled to benefits and shouldn't get them. That's that word on liberal, and I think it's shameful that a President of the United States, instead of trying to broaden everybody's understanding and encourage their participation in government, is just doing the opposite. The other thing is the way the word "government" is used. It's said that little government is good and big government is bad. stupidity. And that's also what President Bush seems to be good at spreading, because whether government is big or little, it doesn't matter. What matters is, is it doing the right thing by people, is it making life better? And good government makes things better, and poor government makes things less good. Now, the reason the conservatives talk about reducing the size of government is they want business to operate freely without any regulations. And we saw what happened even with regulations on the Enron and all the other business scandals that have occurred. Business never likes to be regulated. They like to trample people's rights because all they're interested in is profit. We support business corporations that show a consideration for other people, not like the pharmaceutical companies that are only interested in profit and never interested in performing necessary health services for people. So I'm urging Mr. President of the go back and be a leader in the country and don't ill defame words that are very useful.
It's not a question of whether government is big or small, but it's a question of whether it's performing its services right. And with respect to liberal, don't use it as a scare word; it's a wonderful word because it means that somebody's interested in all the people. Thank you, Madam President.
You're welcome, Councilman Cohen. Are there any other speeches on the part of the Majority? (No response.)
Seeing none, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for a motion to adjourn.
Madam President, I move that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, October 28th at 10:00 a.m. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that Council stand Thursday, October 28th. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and Council will stand adjourned until Thursday, October 28th. Thank you. (Council adjourned at 11:15 a.m.) C E R T I F I C A T I O N I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing proceedings of the Council of the City of Philadelphia of Thursday, October 21, 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