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. 3/31/11 - STATED - 2ND READING/CONSENT AGENDA 100611.
An ordinance amending Section 9-601 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Garages, Parking Lots, Sales Lots and Sales Showrooms," by requiring Public Parking Lots and Public Garages to accept credit cards and debit cards in payment of parking rates.
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. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Aye. 3/31/11 - STATED - 2ND READING/CONSENT AGENDA
Councilwoman 3/31/11 - STATED - 2ND READING/CONSENT AGENDA Reynolds Brown.
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. 100844.
An ordinance amending Section 11-505 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Sidewalk Paving and Other Improvements by Property Owners," by providing further 3/31/11 - STATED - 2ND READING/CONSENT AGENDA specifications for sidewalk paving, in particular, permitting the use of sustainable products and materials for the construction of sidewalks.
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 3/31/11 - STATED - 2ND READING/CONSENT AGENDA Greenlee.
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. I believe that completes our Calendar; does it not? Are there any speeches on the part of the minority? (No response.)
Are there speeches on the part of the majority? The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. On this the last celebration of Women's History Month, I rise to speak in my capacity as a proud member of the Philadelphia Visitors and Convention Bureau -- I might add that Councilman Jim Kenney and Brian O'Neill are members of that Board -- and as a member of the Multi-Cultural Affairs Congress. Let the record reflect that contrary to the naysayers, the blockers and the impossibility thinkers, our new $780 million Convention Center expansion project, the largest public works project in the history of the Commonwealth, finally opened its doors to the public. On March 4th, the leader, the engine, the CEO, the woman, Ahmeenah Young, delivered this largest public works project on time and on budget. As Mayor Nutter stated, this is a regional asset that will fulfill the dreams and hopes of many people in this city. It's not just a building. It represents an investment. to contribute $150 million to the region, create about 2,000 hospitality jobs and generate 10 million in income tax revenue for the state. Why do I raise this issue, Madam President? I join the Philadelphia Visitors and Convention Bureau Board of Directors, its 1,000 members and staff who are always mindful that we must seize every opportunity when we can to sell this spectacular new space, its services and our thriving city to new customers. The sad part is that when we choose not to do this, we impact the most -- those employees who are the front-line hotel, restaurant, attraction and retail workers that rely on the convention industry to put food on their tables. In closing, as Nick DeBenedictis acknowledged in a recent letter, are things perfect? No. Are there changes needed to make us even more effective? Yes. But major progress has been made. National savvy customers demanded the tough decisions that Executive Director Ahmeenah Young and her team embarked on. The rebooking rate has doubled in the last three years, which means something is being done right. Madam President, we all should be routing for the home team and encouraging customers to choose Philadelphia. I thank you, Madam President.
You're welcome. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Madam President. Change will not come if we wait for some other person, some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for, and we are the change we seek. That's President Barack Obama. Yesterday, a thousand -- close to a thousand students marched from the Criminal Justice Center to the School District headquarters, and what they wanted was hope in solidarity for a decent education. And I might say they looked beautiful marching, understanding their First Amendment rights. As we will discuss in these Chambers, the School District is facing a $629 million potential shortfall. And let me state what that number really means. It means for those students the potential increase in class size, the reduction of programs in art, music and athletics. It means the elimination of daycare assistance. It means the potential elimination of full-day kindergarten, and it means the reduction of extended-day programs and the end of summer school and summer programs. We and the School District of Philadelphia owe the 167,000 students that we serve a decent education. We be the pawns of the education game. They deserve better. We must do more. Thank you, Madam President.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I only want to remind people that we have a 1 o'clock Housing hearing, and it will take place on time. Thank you.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you, Madam President. I just want to thank my Council colleagues for their vote today on our ban-the-box bill. Thank you.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke for a motion to adjourn.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, April 7th, 10:00 a.m., 2011. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that Council stand adjourned until April 7th. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. Thank you. (Stated Meeting adjourned at 12:45 p.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 March 31, 2011, 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.)