COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, February 19, 2004 10:00 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
I note the hour has come and that a quorum of this Council is present. Council will please come to order. Members will please take their seats. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair welcomes the Reverend Philip G. Bochanski , Pastor of the Resurrection of Our Lord Church. He is here today as the Councilman Kelly. All Members and guests will please rise.
Let us pray. Lord God, we thank you for your many gifts. You have made us in your image and appointed us stewards of your creation. You have written your law on our hearts and given us the freedom to carry it out. You have blessed us with the voice of conscience which leads us on our way to you. Help us this day to appreciate your gifts fully, to seek to apply them wisely, to complete our tasks conscientiously to full extent of our strength. to recognize you in every upturned face and outstretched hand and to respect and protect the dignity of every human person. Help us to act in freedom to say what you would say, hear as you would hear, judge as you would judge, love as you would love. Make us attentive to your voice speaking in the depth of our heart, calling us to be more truly ourselves by placing ourselves at the service of all. Bless us today with your wisdom, your love, and your grace. You who are God forever and ever. Amen.
The Chair thanks Father Bochanski 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, February 12, 2004. recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, February 12, 2004, stand approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal the meeting of Thursday, February 12, 2004, stand approved. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries, and the Journal of the meeting of February 12, 2004, is approved. The next order of business is request for leaves of absence. And the Chair, again, recognizes
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.
Madam President, 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 Councilwoman Tasco who will present a resolution designating February as American Hudson Smith and accompanying her please join the Councilwoman as the podium?
Madam President, I ask Councilmembers Miller and Blondell Reynolds Brown to join us.
Thank you, Madam President. It's a pleasure this morning to present this resolution designating February as American Heart Month and recognizing women of Heart Goal Red for Women in the City of Philadelphia. Whereas, cardiovascular disease is the nation's leading cause of death and stroke and is third leading cause of death; and Whereas, cardiovascular disease, CVD is the leading cause of death among women; and
Whereas, heart attack, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases claims the lives of more than half a million women each year, more than the next combined and nearly twice as many as all forms of cancer, including breast cancer; and Whereas, the cost of cardiovascular disease and stroke in United States is estimated at 352 billion; and Whereas, one in five females in the United States has some form of cardiovascular disease; and
Whereas, 63 percent of women who died suddenly of coronary heart disease had no previous symptoms of this disease; and Whereas, the American Heart Association has launched a new campaign, Go Red For Women to encourage women to pay attention to their hearts and help them live longer, stronger lives by reducing their risk for cardiovascular disease. Now, therefore
Resolved by the Council of the City of Philadelphia that we hereby proclaim February 19, 2004, as Women's Heart Day in the City of Philadelphia. We call upon all women to recognize the fight against heart disease and urge all women to be educated and aware of the risk factors for this devastating disease and take action to reduce them. Resolved that this engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the American Heart Association, further evidencing the sincere sentiment and high esteem of this legislative body. Certification that this is a true and correct copy of the original resolution adopted by the Council of the City of Philadelphia on the 22nd day of January 2004. Signed by President Anna Verna, introduced by Tasco, Verna, Brown, Miller and everybody and sponsored by all Members of Council. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes Mrs. Hudson Smith for remarks.
Madam President, Councilwoman Tasco, Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown and Councilwoman Miller and all Members of Council, on behalf of the American Heart Association, its Board of Directors, staff and volunteers, first let me thank City Council of Philadelphia for this opportunity and your continued support of the American Heart Association, especially for this resolution in support of the Go Red For Women Campaign and 2004 Women of Heart Campaign, especially at a time when over 500,000 women die from heart disease in a calendar year. There is poem that is done by Alice Walker that says, "They were women then, my momma's generation. Husky of voice and stout of step with fist as well hand, batter down doors, ironed starched white shirts, walked through land mines, booby traps to get books desks, even when they didn't know a page of it themselves." And even when we don't know, we are certain that we must go forward together to learn and live to ensure all women are take the necessary steps to protect themselves from this serious health threat. So I give you a special invitation. We invite you today to put your red dress on, which is on your desk, and come down to Conversation Hall from 11:00 to 3:00 p.m. to get your important health screening. Do it like Nike says, "just do it." The life you save may be your own. And if you can't make it today, on Saturday, February 28, 2004, from 10:00 to 4:00 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center at 12th and Arch we will be doing screenings again. So, again, we thank you for this opportunity. And we say, take care of your health, your wives, your daughters, just do it. Thank you. (Applause.)
The next order of business is communications. the Sergeant-at-Arms deliver the messages -
Madam President, there are some guests here and I'd like the opportunity to introduce them.
Thank you, Madam President. I think everyone knows the good works that the group City Year does throughout this City. This morning we're honored to have Mr. Rex Carney and members of City Year who are here today. Mr. Carney is the director of communication and government affairs. I would ask that they please stand to be recognized. (Applause.)
If they would all stand, we'd be very happy to recognize them. Welcome. (Applause.)
The Chief Clerk will please read the messages from the Mayor. THE
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read any other 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 so as to permit 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 signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Madam President, I offer one resolution which I request be referred to committee.
The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution. THE
A resolution authorizing City Council's Legislative Oversight Committee to hold public hearings on the legislative acts of City Council that develop the City's Historical Preservation Code, its enforcement and its budgetary expenditures.
Madam President, may I ask the courtesy of getting an answer as to why?
I'm very happy to respond. At our second Session, I believe it was on the 29th of January, we introduced a bill to call for hearings dealing with the Historic Commission. We are currently in touch with the City, state and federal levels and dealing with information on this issue. We intend to have a full public hearing. I have one that was to be established in my district. Our colleagues know that I've been working on this issue and continue to do so. And for another one of my colleagues to introduce a resolution dealing with the same information I have a bill on is frankly offensive. I did reach out to my colleague yesterday. That is why we ask that the Rules of Council be enforced so that we have an opportunity to talk with one another about resolutions before they're introduced. I tried to do that. I did not get a return call. We're working hard to have a bill that services all neighborhoods in our City, and to have a resolution -- to have a hearing when we are already dealing with it in proper fashion, in a bill fashion, is offensive. I believe it's out of order. And, again, I move that this resolution be tabled.
Madam President, may I respond? This resolution is an effort to examine the current state of the Historic Preservation Ordinance. As a City-wide elected official, I think it is entirely appropriate for myself as Chairman of this Committee that is specifically designed cover and to look at existing ordinances that we inform the public as to exactly what the Historic Preservation Ordinance is, what it does. And any other legislation that may have an impact on it can be handled at another hearing at another forum. I think it's important to have a base of understanding and knowledge of what the Historical Preservation Ordinance is, what it does, and what potential changes may be coming to it. I think this is more an informational hearing, and I think that based on the amount of calls, e-mails, and letters that I've received relative to pending legislation, I think it would be appropriate to have a base of knowledge of the general public City-wide on what the Historic Preservation Ordinance does and what it means. I have in the course of this resolution being introduced, I have followed my instructions, I have gotten my homework done on time, I circulated the resolution in an appropriate fashion, and I think it's unprecedented that a chairman of a committee, the only committee, frankly, that I have left to Chair would be denied the opportunity to have a hearing which is basically informational and informational gathering in no way intended to make an opinion on any other pending piece of legislation. So I would ask my colleagues to just allow the thought and process of discussion to go forward without that thwarting it. If people want to against this resolution, I understand that. But I think to table it shows somewhat inconsistency in approach to this resolution. I also think that it shows that people don't want to face it and vote one way or the other. So I would ask the courtesy of allowing me to have a hearing in my own committee. If the subject matter is upsetting to people, I'm sorry. It's not meant to be. It's a pretty forthright and simple resolution.
Madam President, to say that there is an issue with us even raising the want is certainly dishonest. Even under the current Mayor when he was President of Council, you never had a resolution and a bill dealing with the same subject. It wasn't policy. It wasn't permitted. To say that there are many concerns, I live in an area where an historic district has been proposed. To all of a sudden that there are issues that need to be discussed when we have a bill on the floor, which means that all Members of Council have the opportunity to vote on it at the appropriate time. We haven't scheduled public hearing yet. We will have public hearings. We will have people in from around the City and State to deal with the issue. That's what our process is. Our process is to introduce a bill. We have to have public hearings. We intend to do that. For one of my colleagues to then say, that's not good enough, that in spite of the fact that we've introduced a bill that requires public hearings that he or she wants to introduce a resolution and undermine our process and undermine my leadership and my interest and my concern for my district where the issue exists is offense, it's unconscionable, I've never heard of it. And I've been here forever. I've been here since January 3, 1976. I've never heard of anyone attempting to do such a thing. It's offensive. All of my colleagues will have the opportunity to vote after we have public hearings where we discuss all that a historic district is, all that it does. And to assume that that's not true, I assume that my colleague means that our discussion of City Council and the City Council's vote isn't good enough, that somehow his research is different than anyone else. I have no idea what he thinks. It's unconscionable, it's unfair, it undermines our process. As Majority Leader, it is my job and responsibility and my interest to try to represent everyone. I'm for that, in spite of some one particular news account reported. It's not true. I respect each and every member here. I want to be here. I'm very happy to be Majority Leader. I want to work with President and all Members. And certainly, I believe that we should respect the process. I introduced a bill. We're doing our research. We're going to have public hearings. And that's the way it should be. That's the fair thing to do. To try to undermine that process and introduce a non-binding resolution, to have rah-rah team or whatever the interests are, to try to say that's no good or that that person doesn't agree is offensive. Not only that, I hope my colleague realizes that he is at-large and that everybody in the 3rd District has likewise to vote for him. And I hope my colleague keeps that in mind as well. Again, I move to table.
Madam President, may I respond? This resolution, in my opinion, doesn't do any of the things that were just discussed. As a matter of fact, the word "rah-rah" isn't in it. What I would ask -- and this resolution does nothing adverse to what the pending bill does. The pending bill is being recommended or being introduced and suggests that certain changes be made to an ordinance has existed since 1988 in its present form. And what I want to do is set a base of information for people to understand what the ordinance is. It's a simple way to gather information so that people understand it. And the Legislative Oversight Committee is the appropriate forum for that. It has nothing else to do with anything other than that. I don't want to debate the merits of the bill, of Councilwoman Blackwell's bill, because it hasn't come to a vote yet. But I do think that it's important for people to understand what this ordinance does and what it's supposed to do and then we can go from there. That's the purpose. By the way, I did run in the last election City-wide. I think that as City-wide elected official I have responsibility to discuss deal with these issues, and I did quite well, as a matter of fact, in that election. I thank all the people in the City who voted for me.
Madam President, let me likewise say, since my colleague said he did all his homework. He will note that there is no section that he lists on his resolution. It's probably a typo, but since he's saying he did all his homework, then he should have reread it and realized that he has the wrong section listed on the legislation. There is no such 15 whatever it is, 15-2007. There is no such section.
I would accept an amendment to the resolution to have the appropriate section inserted.
Madam President, I move to table. (Duly seconded.)
We have a motion on the floor and it's seconded to move to table
There's a motion table and it has been seconded.
I resent the inference and the efforts by the Majority Leader to limit discussion on these matters.
Councilman Cohen, a motion has been made and seconded to table the bill. I would ask the Clerk to please call the roll. THE
The resolution is tabled. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I introduce one resolution, and I note that it's co-signed by all Members of Council. Thank you.
The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
See that all Members of Council were invited to sign that resolution.
Because I'm very disturbed by the actions of the Majority Leader here today. She seems to think -
The microphone is not on, Councilman. Councilman, you have to put your microphone on, please
There's a point of order on the table, Madam President
I believe we're introducing bills and resolutions, and the Chief Clerk was ready to read the resolution introduced by Councilwoman Blackwell. THE
A resolution calling on Mayor John F. Street to establish a Commission on African affairs to encourage the development and implementation of policies, programs, and practices which was specifically intended to improve conditions affecting the cultural, social, economic, political, education, health and general well-being of African immigrants, refugees, and asylums residing in 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 signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen.
Madam President, before I make my statement with respect to bills and resolutions, I notice here today are representatives from the 17th Ward who are carrying on a fight for their community, and I would like to know whether I could introduce them now briefly or later.
I believe it would be more appropriate at the end of our Session, sir.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
The Clerk will please read the title of the bill. THE
An ordinance amending Section 10-717 of Chapter 10-700 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Source, Separation and Collection and Disposal of Refuse," to provide for the allowable times for setting refuse for collection, all under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you, Madam President. I have three resolutions and one bill.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the bill. THE
An ordinance amending Chapter 10-800 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Safety," by adding a new section entitled "Prohibited Possession, Sale and Transfer of Firearms by Persons Subject to Protection From Abuse Orders."
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution. THE
A resolution commending and recognizing the employees of Food Services Division of the Philadelphia School District.
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 motion carries. The Clerk will please read the title of the second resolution. THE
A resolution honoring and recognizing Phillip Goldsmith, Philadelphia's Managing Director, and Fran Dougherty, Office of the Managing Director Project Manager.
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 has been adopted. The Clerk will please read the next resolution THE
A resolution joining the nation in recognition of Read Across America Week in celebration of 100th birthday of Dr. Suess.
Again, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
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 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 one bill and one resolution.
The Clerk will please read the title of the bill. THE
An ordinance amending Section 17-104 entitled "Prerequisites to the Execution of City Contracts," by adding a new subsection entitled "Slavery Era Business/Corporate Insurance Disclosure" to the promote full and accurate disclosure to the public about any slavery policies sold by any companies or profits from slavery by other industries or their predecessors who are doing business in the City of Philadelphia.
Please read the title of the bill again please. THE
An ordinance amending Section 17-104 entitled "Prerequisites to the Execution of City Contracts," by adding a new subsection entitled "Slavery Era Business Corporate/Insurance Disclosure" to promote full and accurate disclosure to the public about any slavery policies sold by any companies or profits from slavery by other industries or their predecessors who are doing business with the City of Philadelphia, all under certain terms.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. I would ask the Clerk to please read the title of the resolution. THE
A resolution honoring the Salvation Army for their culinary job training program, Soup's On.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution. THE
A resolution authorizing the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development to hold hearing examining small business lending in low and moderate income and minority areas within the City of Philadelphia and calling on the Small Business Lending Task Force of the community and Economic Development Committee of the Greater Philadelphia Affairs Coalition to present testimony on several potential solutions to lending disparity, including a loan guarantee fund.
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 Commerce and Economic Development. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ramos.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution. THE
A resolution recognizing February 27, 2004, as National School Counselors Day.
Madam President, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco.
Thank you, Madam President. Earlier in the Caucus Room I indicated I would be introducing two bills and two resolution. I've changed that to two bills and one resolution.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the first bill. THE
An ordinance amending Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "The Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code," by amending Subcode PM by amending Subcode PM 704 by adding East Passyunk Business Improvement District.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
And an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 307 by striking and abandoning portions of a certain pedestrian walkway and right-of-way for gas main purposes lying between Fourth Street and Fifth Street.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution. THE
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the redevelopment Authority of the City deeds located in the 1st 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 signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Thank you, Madam President. I have one resolution and two bills.
The Clerk will please read the title of the first bill. THE
An ordinance amending Chapter 10-800 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Safety," by adding a new section entitled "Acquisition or Transfer of Firearms" to regulate the acquiring or transferring of any firearm within the City of Philadelphia.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
And an ordinance amending Chapter 10-800 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Safety," by adding a new section entitled "Reporting Requirements Upon the Application For a Renewal of a License to Carry a Firearm" to provide for certain reporting requirements for the issuance of renewal of licenses to carry firearms within the City of Philadelphia.
This bill will also be referred to the appropriate committee. The Clerk will please read the tile of the will of the resolution. THE
A resolution memorializing the City of Philadelphia through its Department of Commerce and Finance Department to enter into discussions and to comb resources within the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation, the Center City District and other interested parties to develop a comprehensive program to ascertain the feasibility of enacting legislation to provide tax abatement incentives in order to attract new and to retain and grow existing businesses within the City of Philadelphia.
Madam President, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kelly.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo..
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution. THE
A resolution authorizing City Council's Committee on Transportation and Public Utilities to hold public hearings to investigate the proposed gas cost rate increase to be effective September 1, 2004, requested by the Philadelphia Gas Works with Public Utilities Commission and in furtherance of such investigation authorizing the issuance of subpoenas to compel the attendance of witnesses and production of documents to the full extent authorized under section 2-401 of the Home Rule Charter.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes it, and the resolution will be referred to the Committee on Transportation and Public Utilities. The next order of business is reports from committees. And the Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco for a report from the Committee on Streets and Services.
Thank you Madam President. The Committee on Streets and Services reports 11 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 Streets and Services to which referred Bill No. 040006, entitled an ordinance amending Title 9 of the Philadelphia Code by amending Section 9-205 by prohibiting vending on certain portions of Chester Avenue and and Kingsessing Avenue; And Bill No. 040026, entitled an 1(a) and (c) of an ordinance, Bill No. 030344, approved July 31, 2003, entitled an ordinance granting permission to Ride the Ducks International to remove an existing wood and metal newsstand located on the west sidewalk of South Independence Mall West; And Bill No. 040027, entitled an ordinance granting permission to Robert Bitros, owner of the property 931-933 North Second Street to operate and maintain an open air sidewalk cafe; And bill 040033, entitled an ordinance authorizing 111 South 15th Street, its successors and assigns to construct and maintain a marquee, raised planters and rigid awnings on and over the public footways of Chestnut Street; And Bill No 040058, entitled an ordinance establishing a no truck parking regulation on the 2800 block of East Allegheny Avenue; And Bill No. 040061, entitled an ordinance amending an ordinance approved 3, 1992, Bill No. 1205-AA, by providing that all permitted vendor locations on both sides of 11th Street between Arch Street and Chestnut Street; And Bill No. 040062, entitled an ordinance amending an ordinance approved January 3, 1992, Bill No. 1205, which designates the location in Center City at which vending is permitted by providing the all permitted vending locations on both sides of Eighth Street and Ninth Street between Arch Street and Market Street shall be assigned only to vendors licensed to sell prepared food; And Bill No. 040063, entitled an ordinance amending an ordinance approved January 3, 1992, Bill No. 1205, by providing that all permitted vending locations on both sides of 12th Street between Arch and Chestnut Street shall be assigned only to vendors licensed to sell prepared food; And Bill No. 040065, entitled an ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of 58 of an area bounded by Ninth Street, Tenth Street, Callowhill Street, and Noble Street; And Bill No. 040067, entitled an ordinance amending Section 9-205 of The Philadelphia Code entitled "Sidewalk Sales," by prohibiting sidewalk sales on portions of Franklintown Boulevard; Respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Madam President. I would ask the Clerk, did the Clerk read Bill No. 040025? THE
No, I didn't. Sorry. Bill No. 040025, entitled an ordinance granting permission to Nahal Desai and Raju Desai, owners of the newsstand at the corner of 13th and Market Streets, for the purpose of supplying electrical service and newsstand.
Thank you. I would ask that the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bills No. 040006, 040025, 040026, 040027, 040058, 040065 and 040067. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading of Bill Nos. 040006, 040025, 040026, 040027, 040058, 040065 and 040067. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. And the bills just read will be placed on today's First Reading Calendar. Bill Nos. 040033, 040061, 040062, and 040063 will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for our next Session of Council. The next order of business is the The Chief Clerk will please read the bills on the First Reading Calendar.
Madam President, will it be in order to make the introduction?
I thought we could do it after the Session, but if you feel that it's something you want to do at this point in time so that the people would not have to be kept waiting. We have a very short Calendar. Councilman Cohen, Ms. Mason is saying that she can't hear you. Can you put your microphone on? It's on now. Please speak directly into the microphone.
Thank you, Madam President. I wanted to ask the people with the signs on the right side here to stand up for a minute. They come from the community Belfield community which is busy, as the papers suggest in fighting on behalf of community problems. They've come, I understood last week. They may be coming because I let them know that City Council is a 02/19/04 - STATED - 1ST READING place that's open to the public and where people bring their concerns. So I wanted them to know that they will always be welcome here. Thank you, Madam President.
Council President, I have another bill to introduce.
Okay. I would ask the Clerk to please read the title of the bill. THE
An ordinance approving the first amendment of the redevelopment proposal for the Wister III Urban Renewal Area.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. I would ask the Clerk to please read the bills on the First Reading Calendar. THE
Bill No. 040034, an ordinance requiring the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development to enter into a certain agreement with the City regarding authority transactions involving 02/19/04 - STATED - 1ST READING non-city government agencies as a condition of Council approval of future Authority transactions, under certain terms and conditions.
And bill No. 040006, an ordinance amending Title 9 of the Philadelphia Code by amending Section 9-205, "Sidewalk Sales," by prohibiting vending on certain portions of Chester Avenue and Kingsessing Avenue 53rd Street and 54th Street.
And Bill No. 040025, an ordinance granting permission to Nahal Desai and Raju Desai, owners of the newsstand at the corner of 13th and Market Streets, for the purpose of supplying electrical service and telephone service to the newsstand.
The Chair agrees. 02/19/04 - STATED - 1ST READING THE
And Bill No. 040026, an ordinance amending Section 1(a) and (c) of an ordinance, Bill No. 030344, approved July 31, 2003, entitled an ordinance granting permission to Ride the Ducks International to remove an existing wood and metal newsstand located on the west sidewalk of South Independence Mall West.
And Bill No. 040027, an ordinance granting permission to Robert Bitros, owner of the property 931-933 North Second Street to operate and maintain an open air sidewalk cafe.
Bill No. 040058, an ordinance establishing a no truck parking regulation on the 2800 block of East Allegheny Avenue.
Bill No. 040065, directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 58 of an area bounded by Ninth Street, Tenth Street, Callowhill Street, and Noble Street.
And Bill No. 040067, an ordinance amending Section 9-205 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Sidewalk Sales," by prohibiting sidewalk sales on portions of Franklintown Boulevard.
The Chair agrees. That concludes the First Reading Calendar. There are no bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar today. Are there any speeches on the part of the Minority? (No response.)
Are there speeches on the part of the Majority? The Chair recognizes Councilman
Thank you, Madam President. I've been spending a lot of time since the beginning of this Session trying to find out what's happening in City Council, and it's certainly a strange story. For one thing, I've been researching throughout the country to see if I could find another City that had an overwhelmingly Democratic legislative body which named a Republican to decide the issue if two top Democratic leaders can't agree. Now, I find that personally very offensive as a Democrat because it's my understanding that the Democratic Rules prohibit that kind of action because we try in the Democratic Party to represent the Democratic point of view. The Republican point of view is entirely different. I don't want to get into the details now because of the time element but will want to at a future time. But I think it's an absolutely disagrees that a Democratic body with 14 Democratic members decides that if the No. 1 Democrats disagree, they're going to go to the Minority Leader who represents out of 17 members and turn that person into the Super President with the power to make the final decision. Now, in a presidentional election year, are we Democrats saying we're kind of a pathetic group, and I think that's what we look like because we don't have the wisdom to decide and if our two top leaders can't agree on something then we've got to turn to the great wisdom of the Bush Republicans to get an answer. And I find that personally offensive. I want everyone to know that I will not rest quietly as long as that treachery to the Democratic Party exist. I think it's wrong to have a Republican Super President to this body with the power to make final decisions. I thought when I went out campaigning in this last year's election I was campaigning on behalf of a Democratic program for City Council, and I can't understand for the life of me why the Democratic Majority Leader would ever propose turning control of the Republicans who have three measly seats, only 1 out of 10 District Councilmembers, and the other posts they have, they have by virtue of the fact that the Home Rule charter guarantees their election. I have nothing against any of the three Republicans individually, but it's a matter of conscience. And the matter of conscience is we as Democrats have a duty to have the Democrats Party control the policies of this City Council. Fourteen of the seventeen members are Democrats. And turn to turn ultimate leadership over and to have it done by Democratic leader like a Majority Leader I think is totally unthinkable and a violation of basic Democratic policy. Thank you, Madam President.
Seeing none, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for a motion to adjourn.
Thank you, that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, February 26, 2004. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, February 26, 2004. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the motion carries. (Council adjourned at 10:40 a.m.) C E R T I F I C A T I O N I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing proceedings of the Council of the City of Philadelphia of February 19, 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