COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, February 22, 2007 10:15 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILWOMAN CAROL ANN CAMPBELL COUNCILMAN DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILMAN FRANK DiCICCO COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN WILLIAM GREENLEE COUNCILMAN JACK KELLY COUNCILMAN JAMES F. KENNEY COUNCILWOMAN JOAN L. KRAJEWSKI COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILMAN JUAN RAMOS COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO COUNCILMAN DANIEL SAVAGE 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 and that a quorum of this Council is present. 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 Ernest Flores, Pastor of the Second Baptist Church of Germantown. He is here as the guest of Councilwoman Miller. I would ask all members and guests to please rise. (Everyone rises.)
Let us pray. Gracious God, we are ever grateful for the opportunities you give us to serve you and to serve each other. We thank you for the City Council here of the City of Philadelphia and for wonderful individuals who make up its constituency. And we ask, Lord, that you will bless the work of this Council. cooperative spirit. Grant them listening hearts. Grant that their priorities and values be reflected in their work today and every day. May we heed the words of the prophet. May justice roll down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream, and may all that they say and do here be pleasing in your sight. May we reach out and touch the lives of poor people, neglected people, people who feel that nobody cares. May this Council reflect that this City cares for its people, for its neighborhoods, for its legacy. Bless this people. Bless this work. Bless the City of Philadelphia. In Jesus' name, amen.
Amen. The Chair thanks Reverend Flores 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, February 15, 2007, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, February 15, 2007 stand approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, February 15, 2007 stand approved. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, February 15, 2007 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, there are no requests for leaves of absence today.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
Madam President, there are no requests for leave of absence from the republicans.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. 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 our city. We certainly invite you to come again. As has been our practice over the past years, we have many distinguished visitors with us today, including elected officials, heads of departments, boards and commissions and many representatives of the Administration. Although I would like to individually acknowledge each of you, owing to the time constraints, today I am unable to do so. Please know that we deeply appreciate your being with us today. We want to extend a warm welcome and offer our thanks for all of the good work you do. At this time, I would like to ask all of our distinguished guests, elected officials and representatives of the Administration to please rise so that we may acknowledge you with a round of applause. Would you please stand. (Guests, officials and representatives standing.) (Applause.)
Again, we thank you. 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 read the messages from the Mayor.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am pleased to advise you that on February 21st, I signed all of the bills that were passed by Council at its session on February the 8th, except Bill No. 060832 and Bill 060834; and I am herewith returning to you as disapproved Bill No. 060834, which would amend the Capital Budget for 2007, and Bill No. 060823, which would amend the Capital Program for Fiscal Years 2007 through 2012; and I am transmitting herewith for the consideration of your honorable body the approval by the Council of the City of Philadelphia of a Revised Five-Year Financial Plan for the City of Philadelphia covering Fiscal Years 2008 through 2012; and An ordinance to adopt a Capital Program for the six Fiscal Years 2008-2013; and And an ordinance adopting the Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2008; and An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2007 within the Housing Trust Fund from certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions to certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions; and An ordinance amending Section 19-1801 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Authorization of Tax," to further authorize the Board of Education of the School District of Philadelphia to real estate within the City of Philadelphia; and An ordinance amending Chapter 19-1800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "School Tax Authorization," by amending Section 19-1806, entitled "Authorization of Realty Use and Occupancy Tax"; and An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2007 to certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions; and An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2007 within the General Fund to certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions; and An ordinance authorizing the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development to file an application with the Office of the Budget in an amount not to exceed $7,500,000 to assist in the development of the Free Library of Philadelphia; and the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Christopher Columbus Boulevard and Tasker Street; and An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land within an area bounded by Delaware Avenue and providing for parking rules.
Thank you. The messages will be printed in the Journal. The Chief Clerk will please read any other communications in her possession.
Thank you. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for a motion.
Thank you, Madam President. Good morning. I move that the rules of Council be suspended in order to permit first 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 their introduction. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Good morning, Madam President. I offer two resolutions.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution calling on Philadelphia's major television broadcast stations to voluntarily offer either free or reduced-rate advertising slots to Philadelphia mayoral candidates to reduce the impact of money on campaigns.
The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney for a motion on the resolution.
I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution amending the Rules of Council to create a standing Committee on the Environment.
I move 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 Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I introduce eight bills and three resolutions. Six bills and one resolution are on taxes, one bill and one resolution on your behalf and one bill and resolution on my own.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of an amendment to Article VIII, Chapter 5 of the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter, entitled "Referenda Approved by the Voters," by adding a new section providing that the citizens of Philadelphia urge the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission to deny the Philadelphia Gas Works' 2006 request for a base rate increase.
The 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 Front Street, Oregon Avenue, the Delaware River and a Railroad, also known as the northern boundary of the Philadelphia Naval Base.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance to adopt a Capital Program for the six Fiscal Years 2008-2013.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Section 19-1801 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Authorization of Tax," to further authorize the Board of Education of the School District of Philadelphia to impose a tax on real estate within the City of Philadelphia.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Chapter 19-1800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "School Tax Authorization," by amending Section 19-1806, entitled "Authorization of Realty Use and Occupancy Tax."
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of a proposed amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter relating to the location of licensed gaming facilities within the City.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance adopting the Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2008.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution proposing an amendment to Article VIII, Chapter 5 of the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter, entitled "Referenda Approved by the Voters," by adding a new section providing that the citizens of Philadelphia urge the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission to deny the Philadelphia Gas Works' 2006 request for a base rate increase.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
This resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution submitting to the electors of the City of Philadelphia, on an election date to be designated by ordinance, an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter relating to the location of licensed gaming facilities within the City.
The resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution providing for the approval by the Council of the City of Philadelphia of a Revised Five-Year Financial Plan for the City of Philadelphia covering Fiscal Years 2008 through 2012.
This will be referred to the appropriate committee, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2007 within the Housing Trust Fund from certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions to certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2007 within the Aviation Fund from certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions to certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2007 from the General Fund to certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Madam President, I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Madam President, I have no bills or resolutions today.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Savage.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2007 within the General Fund and within the Grant Revenue Fund from certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions to certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. I offer one resolution. It's co-sponsored by Councilman Kenney and signed by all members of City Council.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution honoring, recognizing and memorializing Barbara Gittings, the "Mother of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transsexual Civil Rights Movement."
The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: 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 Councilwoman Brown.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution calling on the Department of Health to study and consider local municipality legislation to minimize health effects from the use of mercury.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will please say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer no bills or resolutions.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ramos.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Campbell.
You have no bills or resolutions? Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Thank you, Madam President. I have one bill and two resolutions to be referred to committee.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance authorizing the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development to file an application with the Office of the Budget in an amount not to exceed $7,500,000 to assist in the development of the Free Library of Philadelphia.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution also naming Broad Street from Diamond Street to York Street "Georgie Woods Boulevard."
The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke. Do you want that to be -
Thank you. This resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution also naming Diamond Street from 16th Street to 19th Street "Father Paul Washington Avenue."
This resolution will also be referred to the appropriate committee, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Kelly.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The next order of business is reports from committees, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke for a report from the Committee on Rules.
Madam President, the Committee on Rules reports one bill with a favorable recommendation.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Rules, to which was referred Bill No. 070003, entitled "An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Aramingo Avenue, a Railroad Right-of-Way, Delaware Expressway, Luzerne Street, Almond Street and Wheatsheaf Lane," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Madam President, I move that the rules of Council be suspended this day as to Bill No. 070003. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of the bill just reported from committee. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the bill just read will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for a report from the Committee on Finance.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Finance reports out three 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. 070047, entitled "An ordinance amending Bill No. 051138, approved December 22, 2005, entitled 'Authorizing, generally, the continued issuance and sale by the City of Philadelphia of the Gas Works Revenue Notes of the City'"; and Bill No. 070048, entitled "An ordinance constituting the Nineteenth Supplemental Ordinance to the General Gas Works Revenue Bond Ordinance of 1975 authorizing the Mayor, the City Controller and the City Solicitor, or a majority of them, to sell, either at public or private sale, Gas Works Revenue Bonds"; and Bill No. 070075, entitled "An Supplemental Ordinance to the General Gas Works Revenue Bond Ordinance of 1998 authorizing the Mayor, City Controller and City Solicitor, or a majority of them, to sell, either at public or private sale, Gas Works Revenue Bonds," respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bills 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 as to permit first reading this day of Bill Nos. 070047, 48 and 75. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of the committee. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the bills just read will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke for a report from the Committee on Public Works and Public Property.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, the Committee on Public Property and Public Works reports four bills with favorable recommendations.
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 Public Property and Public Works, to which was referred Bill No. 060545, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to grant the owner of 3201 South 74th Street an easement across a portion of a certain parcel of land adjacent to 70th Street"; and Bill No. 060934, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development a deed located at 1716-32 Frankford Avenue"; and Bill No. 060956, entitled "An ordinance naming and designating the Ogontz Branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia located 6017 Ogontz Avenue as the 'David Cohen Ogontz Branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia'"; and Bill No. 070004, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to purchase from the School District of Philadelphia 4000 to 4010 Germantown Avenue and to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development a deed to the Triumph Baptist Church, for nominal consideration," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Madam President, I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill Nos. 060545, 060934, 060956 and 070004. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of the bills just reported from committee. All in favor will please say 2/22/07 - STATED - 1ST READING aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the bills just read will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. The next order of business is consideration of the Calendar. The Chief Clerk will please read the bills on our First Reading Calendar.
Bill No. 070003, an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Aramingo Avenue and Wheatsheaf Lane.
And Bill No. 070047, an ordinance amending Bill No. 051138, approved December 22, 2005, 2/22/07 - STATED - 1ST READING entitled "Authorizing, generally, the continued issuance and sale by the City of Philadelphia of the Gas Works Revenue Bonds of the City."
And Bill No. 070048, an ordinance constituting the Nineteenth Supplemental Ordinance to the General Gas Works Revenue Bond Ordinance of 1975 authorizing the Mayor, the City Controller and the City Solicitor, or a majority of them, to sell, at either public or private sale, Gas Works Revenue Bonds.
And Bill No. 070075, an ordinance constituting the Eighth Supplemental Ordinance of the General Gas Works Revenue Bond Ordinance of 1998.
The Chair agrees. 2/22/07 - STATED - 1ST READING
And Bill No. 060545, an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to grant the owner of 3201 South 74th Street an easement.
And Bill No. 060934, an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development a deed located at 1716 to 32 Frankford Avenue.
And Bill No. 060956, an ordinance naming and designating the Ogontz Branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia located 6017 Ogontz Avenue as the "David Cohen Ogontz Branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia." 2/22/07 - STATED - 1ST READING
And Bill No. 070004, an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to purchase from the School District of Philadelphia a deed conveying fee simple title to properties for further conveyance to the Triumph Baptist Church.
The Chair agrees. That completes 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 our Calendar begins on where Resolution No. 060590 will be amended. Those amendments have been circulated, as will Bill No. 060576, also amended. The rest of the bills on our Calendar will be called up 2/22/07 - STATED - 2ND READING today. They include Bill Nos. 060861, 060849 on . All the bills on : Bill Nos. 060894, 852, 929, 930, 931 and 932. On and 11, all bills. They include Bill Nos. 060933, 935, 937, 938, 060941, 960 and 070045. All other bills are being held.
Thank you. I would ask the Clerk to please read the title of the first bill, Bill No. 060902. Councilman Clarke, you wanted that to be called up today?
All right. I would ask the Clerk to please read the title of Resolution No. 590.
A resolution proposing an amendment to Article VIII, 2/22/07 - STATED - 2ND READING Chapter 5 of the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to retain its current method of real estate tax assessment and not change the method as proposed under BRT's full valuation initiative.
Thank you, Madam President. May I likewise be heard?
These two bills are being amended due to language. The City Solicitor has prevailed upon us to indicate the proper language to go on the ballot, and I move that Bill No. 060590, that the amendment already circulated be adopted. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the amendment -- and I believe the amendment was circulated to everyone yesterday -be approved. 2/22/07 - STATED - 2ND READING All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the amendment is adopted. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 060576.
An ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of an amendment to Article VIII, Chapter 5 to retain its current method of real estate tax assessment and not change the method as proposed under BRT's full valuation initiative.
Thank you, Madam President. We move that the amendment to this bill likewise be adopted. 2/22/07 - STATED - 2ND READING (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the amendment be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the amendment is adopted. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Resolution No. 060861.
A resolution proposing an amendment to Article VIII, Chapter 5 of the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to urge the United States to make Year 2007 the time to redeploy U.S. troops out of harm's way in Iraq.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. 2/22/07 - STATED - 2ND READING (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded -- this Resolution No. 060861 is a Charter change to the Home Rule Charter and it requires a two-thirds majority vote. I would ask the Chief Clerk to please call the roll.
A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the resolution passes. I would ask the Chief Clerk to please read the title of Bill No. 060849.
An ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of an amendment to Article VIII, Chapter 5 to urge the United States to make Year 2007 the time to redeploy United States troops out of harm's way in Iraq.
This bill having been read on two different 2/22/07 - STATED - 2ND READING days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 14; the nays are three. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. We will now consider Bill No. 060894.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to acquire by condemnation for the purpose of a public right-of-way for a new bridge crossing the Schuylkill River through South Street.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, this bill passes. We will now consider Bill No. 2/22/07 - STATED - 2ND READING 060852.
An ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 129.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 060929.
An ordinance regulating the direction of movement of traffic on Cedarbrook Avenue between Greenwood Street and Vernon Road.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please 2/22/07 - STATED - 2ND READING call the roll.
Aye. 2/22/07 - STATED - 2ND READING The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. We will now consider Bill No. 060930.
An ordinance regulating the direction of movement of traffic on Cedarbrook Avenue between Phil-Ellena Street to Greenwood Avenue.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 060931.
An ordinance establishing a "No Truck Parking Any Time" regulation on the 5500 block of Tabor Road, both sides.
This 2/22/07 - 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 17; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. We will now consider Bill No. 060932.
An ordinance establishing a "No Truck Parking Any Time" regulation on the 5600 block of Tabor Road, both sides.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 060933.
An ordinance 2/22/07 - STATED - 2ND READING establishing a "No Truck Parking Any Time" regulation on the 1500 block of Upsal Street.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. We will now consider Bill No. 060935.
An ordinance granting permission to Aruna Patel, owner and operator of the newsstand located on the northeast corner of 9th and Chestnut Street, for the purpose of supplying telephone service to said newsstand.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please 2/22/07 - STATED - 2ND READING call the roll.
Aye. 2/22/07 - STATED - 2ND READING The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. We will now consider Bill No. 060937.
An ordinance granting permission to Ashwin Patel, owner and operator of the newsstand located at the southwest corner of 10th and Chestnut Streets.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 060938.
An ordinance granting permission to Mohammed Ahamed, owner and operator of the newsstand located on the southeast corner of 7th 2/22/07 - STATED - 2ND READING and Market Streets.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. I would ask the Chief Clerk to please read the title of Bill No. 060941.
An ordinance authorizing the installation of all-way stop signs at the intersection of 11th Street and Tioga Street.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. We will now consider Bill No. 2/22/07 - STATED - 2ND READING 060960.
An ordinance authorizing Wachovia Bank, its successors and assigns, to place a freestanding ATM kiosk on the north sidewalk of East Allegheny Avenue, 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.
Councilman DiCicco. 2/22/07 - STATED - 2ND READING COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Aye.
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, this bill passes. The final bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 070045.
An ordinance granting permission to Marilyn Stroud, 1543 Dickinson Street, to operate and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe on the northeast corner of 16th and Dickinson Streets, under certain terms and conditions. 2/22/07 - STATED - 2ND READING
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. That completes our Calendar for today. The time has come for us to consider the Mayor's presentation of his annual budget message. The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter states that the Mayor shall submit to Council no later than 90 days before the end of the fiscal year his operating budget message and proposed operating budget ordinance for the ensuing fiscal year. At the same time, the Mayor shall submit to Council the recommended Capital Program and Capital Budget as received from the City Planning Commission, to the extent approved by the Mayor. following committee to escort the Mayor into the Council Chambers: Councilwoman Blackwell, Councilman O'Neill, Councilwoman Tasco and Councilman Rizzo. (Pause.)
Ladies and gentlemen, I am pleased to introduce the Mayor of the City of Philadelphia, Mayor John F. Street. (Applause.)
Thank you, Madam President. Good morning, President Verna, members of City Council, members of my Cabinet and Administration, special friends and guests. I am here today to present for your consideration my proposed FY08 Budget, my proposed Capital Budget and Program, along with my proposed Five-Year Financial Plan for FY08 through 12. I began my career in public service in 1980 here in these ornate Chambers as the Fifth District Councilperson. And now here in this special place, 27 years later, I report to you for the eighth and final time as Mayor of our city. Let me first say thank you to the citizens of Philadelphia for providing me the opportunity to serve. Your spirit, your ideas and your involvement have been a constant source of motivation and inspiration. Next I thank you, the members of City Council, and especially those men and women with whom I served for over 19 years. We share a lifetime of special moments as we served the people of our city. Let us pay a special moment of respect for our colleagues Councilmembers Thatcher Longstreth who honored our City with their service. And I welcome new members of this Council as I look forward to working with you in the final year of this term. Philadelphia has balanced its budgets for 15 consecutive years. We have had an unprecedented 13 years of tax reduction. 3 billion. We must maintain an aggressive tax reduction program without compromising our investment in our economy, Center City, our neighborhoods, families and schools. Our City has become a national leader in many ways. Officials from cities like Baltimore, Boston and Seattle have visited our City to see the results of our Neighborhood Transformation Initiative. Our homeless programs have been cited by the White House and admired San Francisco and Atlanta. People from all over the world have come to learn about Wireless Philadelphia enhancing our national and international reputation for cutting-edge technology. Our emergency preparedness planning is a national model, as is our children's agenda, including our annual Children's Report Card and Budget, our after-school and beacon programs and the wealth of activities we sponsor to protect the well-being of children. The Operating Budget and Five-Year Financial Plan I present to you today allows us to sustain our momentum and achievement of important objectives while exercising the discipline needed to maintain the City's fiscal health. Our Plan is built on an FY06 certified fund balance of $254 million, sound fiscal management, disciplined spending and careful planning. But the Budget and Plan also recognize that future costs and risks will certainly and then some. Our Financial Plan provides for an unprecedented investment in public safety. 55 billion in funding for our Police Department, which will provide the tools needed to fight crime effectively. This Budget and Five-Year Plan includes funding for hiring the 200 new police officers authorized last year. The first class of those officers will hit the streets on March 12th, followed by the second class on June 15th. Thanks to our investments in public safety, serious crime has declined almost 16 percent over the last seven years. However, the recent rise in homicides and gun violence threatens our progress. Let me be clear, this Administration will fight every second that I'm the Mayor to make our streets safe for our children and families. It's our job. Operation Safer Streets is our data-driven, flexible anti-violence strong collaboration between the community, the Police Department and other City agencies and a commitment to stronger gun laws against illegal guns in our Commonwealth.
This budget also funds our curfew and truancy efforts that are showing promising results. Since the first curfew center opened in Point Breeze last July, juvenile shootings have dropped dramatically in the First Police District and the 17th Police District, the two areas covered by the center. We plan to open 11 more curfew centers this year. We will also fund our considerable efforts to reintegrate into our community recently released persons from our prison system. Ensuring the public's safety in post 9/11 America also demands that cities take appropriate steps to make sure they are prepared to handle any disaster or catastrophic event. Philadelphia undertook a comprehensive preparedness and we are now implementing the findings. The budget before you increases the staff of our Office of Emergency Management, an essential finding of the report. At the same time, we are working with our regional partners to ensure the entire region is coordinated and prepared. This budget includes funding to continue our greening and quality of life programs under our Neighborhood Transformation Initiative. Under NTI, thousands of dangerous buildings were demolished and vacant lots were cleaned and greened. More than 12,000 units of affordable and market-rate housing have been built, and 13,000 more are planned or underway. Vibrant neighborhoods are indispensable to a bright future in the 21st century. Although second- and third-generation families remain the anchors in our neighborhoods, new families are moving in to help grow our face of the infrastructure and landscape in our neighborhoods mirror the change and the progress being made elsewhere in our city. Thousands of members of our regional workforce proudly call a Philadelphia neighborhood home. The City has a stellar partner in its neighborhood work. The Philadelphia Housing Authority, under the leadership of Carl Greene and a caring Board of Directors, public housing has been transformed in Philadelphia and now serves as a catalyst for rising property values in neighborhoods that for decades experienced only decline and decay. Our next step in transforming neighborhoods is restoring our commercial corridors. Thanks to $65 million in bond proceeds already approved by this Council and reflected in this budget, this transformation is underway. Neighborhood commercial corridors like those along Baltimore Avenue, Girard Avenue, Torresdale Avenue, 5th Street and many other areas will become vibrant places of commerce, shopping and other activities in the continual revitalization of our neighborhoods. We will continue to invest in our economy in accordance with a detailed economic blueprint spearheaded by Commerce Director Stephanie Naidoff. We will aggressively market our city through our tourism and hospitality entities. Our waterfront is an enormous asset and we have taken great strides toward making Philadelphia the New River City. This Budget and Five-Year Plan includes 125 million in bond proceeds to promote this goal. The housing, commercial and research development underway along both rivers will attract 21st century jobs and employers, as well as highlight Philadelphia as a center for innovative research in health, science and engineering. Philadelphia must be first-tier competitor in the technology-based global economy. The Budget and Plan also provides $65 million in funding for infrastructure needs of arts and cultural organizations. Arts and culture are big business in our city and region, and these investments will produce huge dividends in jobs, quality of life and economic development in the years ahead. Just like neighborhoods, arts and cultural organizations have felt neglected and taken for granted. No more. We are a city that cherishes its history.
As such, we will engage the entire art and cultural community, including neighborhood, ethnic and minority organizations, to help us promote the traditional symbols of our city, like the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, while defining the new mediums of expression and symbols that define the contemporary influences of the 21st century. We must get in step with conscious, yoga set, who are mainstream but attracted by non-traditional priorities. Two other huge economic development projects are supported by our Five-Year Plan: the expansion of the Pennsylvania Convention Center and the introduction of gaming to our city. Convention Center expansion, scheduled to be completed by 2009, will allow us to be more competitive in attracting large conventions to our city. An expanded center will create an estimated 2,000 hospitality jobs and pump millions of dollars into our community. In addition, by making strategic financial commitments to the expansion of the Convention Center, Select Greater Philadelphia, Career Philly, the Knowledge Industrial Partnership and Innovation Philadelphia, we clearly demonstrate that Philadelphia understands that regions will succeed in the 21st century that are identified with innovative new ideas, young professionals businesses. Our investment of time and resources also demonstrates that we stand prepared to be the hub of a great region and partner with the surrounding counties in Southeastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Northern Delaware. We have worked long and hard to be prepared for the introduction of gaming to our city and we welcome the significant economic opportunity it presents. We anticipate more than 1,000 construction jobs and as many as 9,000 permanent casino jobs once these two facilities are operating on our waterfront. We are committed to working with the operators and community to ensure concerns about traffic, zoning, citing, materials and access to the water are fairly met. Inclusion is also important to the future of our city. We are steadily increasing the percentage of city contracts that are awarded to minorities, disadvantaged, but we must continue to do more. We have streamlined the process, and our preliminary Fiscal Year 2006 figures show that minority and women-owned businesses will have received just over 20 percent of the value of our contracts. Several years ago, when circumstances were dire, we fought hard for our children and a unique new governance and funding commitment for the School District of Philadelphia. There is no question that the City's future is tied to the long-term success of our public schools, and we are encouraged with the increased progress that has been made in student test scores during the past several years. We also know that the School District has a long way to go to meet the quality and performance demanded by colleges and workplaces of the 21st century. Although the City's annual support for the School District has increased, any decision for increased funding should wait until the Education Task Force issues its draft report and we have reviewed the analysis of School District finances being conducted by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. 2 billion. Or let me put it this way: That amounts to more than the aggregate amount of money we annually spend in the combined budgets of the Philadelphia Prison System, the First Judicial District, the District Attorney's Office, the Sheriff, the Clerk of Quarter Sessions and the Police Department; in other words, more than the collective budget of our entire criminal justice system. We have always viewed our more than just making sure we live within our means. That's the easy part.
Responsible budgeting requires a delicate balancing of important objectives, such as improving our City services, making strategic investments in our economy, children, education and jobs. Our FY08 budget is no exception. This Budget and Plan advances the priorities that we have pursued over the last seven years: creating jobs and economic opportunities, fostering a safe and healthier quality of life, and nurturing the next generation to achieve its potential. We also are sustaining those initiatives that have made Philadelphia a regional and national leader: NTI, Wireless Philadelphia, public safety, the campaign to end homelessness, children and families, and the City's arts and cultural organizations. presented today is not without its challenges. We project the budget balance will shrink to approximately $47 million by the year 2012, which is the minimum amount required by the Pennsylvania Intergovernmental Cooperation Agency. To maintain budget balance in the out years will require creative cost-cutting initiatives and tight spending controls. There is little margin to spare, and we must start now. So once again, we're asking many of our operating departments to improve their service deliver with less money. Our commissioners have always been up to the challenge, and I am convinced they will continue to perform at their usual high level. I salute their ingenuity and commitment to public service. Will all the members of this Administration please stand. )
Thank you. You have served this City well. I am enormously proud of your work. While we appropriately take pride in our considerable achievement, basic structural fiscal challenges will continue to present obstacles to our future fiscal health: escalating health benefit, pension and utility costs; increasing social service, criminal justice and prison costs; and declining financial support from other governments. Today we can take pride in our accomplishments. Notwithstanding our differences, more often than not we found common ground. We were guided by our ultimate responsibility to promote both the short- and long-term well-being of our city and citizens. The challenge of the '90s was nursing our city back to fiscal health and restoring our civic confidence in our seven years of this century have seen the extraordinary prosperity and financial recovery of our city spread to every section of our city, whether it be Rittenhouse Square, Norris Square or a host of locations in between. But the successes of the '90s and the first decade of the new century represent a beginning, not an end. Philadelphia must become the prototype 21st century livable city. We must reduce our automobile dependency, become more environmentally friendly. With the U.S. population growing at approximately 2.5 million a year, both young and retiring adults will be looking for financially competitive eco-cities with sustainable features and enhanced quality of life through better design and policy decisions. For the new millennium, sustainable regional land-use planning with truly exciting prospects must become more common. Our region must promote and and historic lands and sites. We must function as a destination and not a series of competitive political subdivisions squabbling over scarce resources. New technology and the global economy will force us to adapt or we will suffer. Philadelphia is no longer America's next great city. We are today a great city, in large measure due to the work we have done over the past 15 years. But there are many great cities throughout our America and the world, working every day through a committed partnership of public and private bipartisan leadership seeking to sustain and build upon their greatness. If we mirror those successful partnerships and build on the wonderful changes that are going to occur in Philadelphia and the region over the next few years, future greatness is ours for the taking. I'm proud that during my tenure as Mayor we have met the challenge in each moment of together, the Mayor, City Council and other elected officials and civic leaders, let us put our shoulder to the oar and on behalf of all Philadelphians and the region claim our future. For many of us who have occupied these chairs for decades, the future is now. We have had far more yesterdays than tomorrows. However, for those who follow, the future is inextricably bound to the decisions made right in this Chamber. God bless you and thank you very much. (Applause.)
Are there any speeches on the part of the minority? (No response.)
Are there any speeches on the part of the majority? Councilwoman Tasco.
Yes. I don't have a speech. I'd just like to make some introductions at this time, if it's appropriate.
I'd just like to make some introductions at this point, if it's appropriate.
I'd like to recognize some new staff members for the Ninth Councilmanic District. Sheila Louie, who is the Director of Legislation in the Ninth District; Sharon Losier, Legislative Aide; Crystal Jacobs, Communications Director and Community Outreach; Cathy Winsinger, Secretary; Dwayne Terry. Will they please stand. (Applause.)
Dwayne Terry, an Assistant, and Margaret Wright, who have all joined my staff in this new staff people. But we welcome them aboard, and I wanted the Councilmembers and staff and visitors to know that these people are available to serve them in the Ninth Councilmanic District office. Thank you.
Thank you. Are there any other speeches or does anyone want to be recognized? (No response.)
Seeing no one, again, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for a motion to adjourn.
Madam President, I move that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, March 1, 2007. Thank you. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that Council stand in recess until Thursday, March 1st 10:00 a.m. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. Thank you very much. (Stated Meeting adjourned at 11:25 a.m.) CERTIFICATE I HEREBY CERTIFY that the proceedings, evidence and objections are contained fully and accurately in the stenographic notes taken by me upon the foregoing matter on February 22, 2007, 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.)