COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, October 7, 2004 10:10 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 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
Thank you and good morning. 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 Marguerite Handy of the Mt. Pisgah African Methodist Episcopal Church. Reverend Handy is also Assistant Managing Director for the City of Philadelphia and is here as the guest of Councilwoman Blackwell. At this time, I would ask all members and guests to please rise.
First of all, I would like to say good morning to everyone, for certainly this is a day that the Lord has made and we shall be exceedingly glad and happy in it. Gracious and eternal Father, the master of the universe, we come this morning the only way that we know how. Father, we come with bowed heads and with humble hearts standing in the need of prayer. Father, for to thee, for no other help we know. If thou withdraw thyself from us, Father, where should we go? Father, we come this morning asking you to embrace our country. We ask you to enter into every heart of every public leader regardless of position or level of government they serve. But now, Father, we're asking you right now to stop here in the City of Philadelphia, for we certainly need you here this morning. We need you here. We need you to send your Holy Spirit to be with us today and from hence forth. Father, we ask you now to look upon this body of believers. We ask you to look upon the Mayor of this City, to keep him empowered, to sustain him, to lift him up on every side as he goes forth to do the work that you've entrusted in his care. We ask you right now to look upon the President of City Council, Sister Ann Verna. Father, give her the ability to continue to lead and to direct. And also give those that should understand by follow-ship. Oh, Father, trust that in their care. Now, Father, we ask you to look upon them. I know sometimes, my Lord and Savior, that they get a little weary and they get a little tired, but you called them to this work. And it's through you that they need to speak to those of us, their families, their constituencies for us to be able to do the things that we need to do. Father, we ask you right now, right now in your precious son Jesus Christ that you would go forth with them today as they do the work for the City of Philadelphia. Father, for they have an agenda. We ask you to look at that agenda. Oh, Father, we ask you to come forward, for I know, Father, that you've anointed them. I know that you have appointed them. I know that you have equipped them to do what you've asked them to do. And now, Father, as I come to a close with this prayer and when they come to the end of this day, when everything has been said and done to the glory of your name, oh, Father, you will be able to say to each and every one of us, "My servant, you have done well for today. You've been my good and servants." And I leave right now, Father, letting them know that you are in this place, that you are dispatching your angels to be here with them today and forever more. This is your servant's humble prayer, and my soul, my soul, says amen.
The Chair thanks Reverend Handy for her 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, September 30, 2004. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Journal of the Meeting of Thursday, September 30, 2004, stand approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, September 30, 2004, stand approved. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, the motion carries, and the Journal of the Meeting of Thursday September 30, 2004, is approved. The next order of business is request for leaves of absence. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. This morning a leave of absence is requested for Councilman Michael Nutter.
Thank you. Leave will be granted. The Chair recognizes Councilman
Madam President, there are no requests for leaves of absence on behalf of 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 affairs of our City. We certainly invite you to come again. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. I would like to join you in welcoming the membership and the leadership of Christian Stronghold Baptist Church anchored in West Philadelphia. We'll ask all the members of Christian Stronghold Baptist Church and the leadership, Pastor Willie Richardson and Reverend Ken Staley to our Chambers.
Thank you for coming in. Thank you very much. At this time the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco who will present a resolution declaring Alzheimer's Memory Walk Day and Alzheimer's Awareness Month. Will Ms. Danita Vetter and those accompanying her please join the Councilwoman at the podium?
Madam President, we've asked Councilman Rich Mariano to join us.
Good morning. It is my pleasure to present this resolution declaring Alzheimer's Memory Walk Days and the month of November as Alzheimer's Awareness Month. Whereas, the Alzheimer's Association of Delaware Valley Chapter stages this Memory Walk 2004 in six locations in the tri-state area of Southeastern Pennsylvania, South Jersey and Delaware; and Whereas, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Memory Walk 2004 will take place on Sunday, October 10, 2004, at Memorial hall at Fairmount Park; and Whereas, National Alzheimer's Awareness Month is observed nationally in November as official acclaimed by then President Ronald Reagan in 1982; and
Whereas, the Memory Walks are staged not only to create awareness but to raise funds for the support of such programs as family caregiver training, a 24-hour-a-day, 7-day-a-week, 365-days-a-year telephone help line; and Whereas, the Delaware Valley Chapter provides these service and more to 268,000 individuals suffering from Alzheimer's disease and related dementia; and Whereas, National Alzheimer's brings to the forefront of the work being done in research and education to overcome this debilitating and devastating disease.
Resolved by the Council of the City of Philadelphia that we support the Memory Walks as a forerunner to National Alzheimer's Awareness Month in November and urge the business community to participate by becoming sponsors and supporting team workers. And we encourage tri-state residents to join in by raising funds and participating in the six walks. Further resolved that an engrossed copy of this resolution be given to the representatives of the Delaware Valley Alzheimer's Association as evidence of the sincere sentiments 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 30th day of September, 2004, by President Anna C Verna, introduced by Marian B. Tasco and Richard T. Mariano and all Members of City Council. We're glad to do this and thank you for all of the good work that you do. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you. It's such a pleasure to be here this morning to represent the Delaware Valley Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association. And I'd like to thank Councilwoman Tasco and Councilman Mariano for sponsoring and issuing this proclamation. Our memory walk is so very important to so many families in our service area and especially in Philadelphia and surrounding counties. We do provide a number of free services for families who are dealing with the challenges of Alzheimer's disease, and we are also charged with the responsibility of raising the money to provide those services. And our memory walk is our largest fundraiser of the year, and we would appreciate and we do appreciate the support of City Council, and we all of you at Fairmount Park on Sunday the 10th. Many thanks to the Fairmount Park Commission for helping us to set up the walk at Memorial Hall and for helping to turn the fountains at Dilworth Plaza and JFK Plaza purple today and tomorrow in commemoration of walk and all of those living with this disease and who have passed on from it. Many, many thanks from the Delaware Valley Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association. (Applause.)
Thank you. I would also just like to mention that accompanying Ms. Vetter is someone that's been around the halls of this Chamber for many years, Abe Rosen. We certainly welcome you and thank you for all the wonderful work you do. Thank you. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
The next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant-at-Arms the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. The Chief Clerk will please read the messages from the Mayor. THE
To the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am pleased to advise you that on September 30, 2004, I signed the following bill that was passed by Council at its Session on September 30, 2004: Bill No. 040328-A. And I am transmitting for the consideration of your honorable body a draft of a resolution entitled, a resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Southwest Urban Renewal Area. And a resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of the South Central Urban Renewal Area. the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Grays Ferry Urban Renewal Area. And a resolution for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the 44th and Aspen Urban Renewal Area. And a resolution for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the 44th and Aspen Urban Renewal Area. And an ordinance authorizing the extension of the term of the Center City District pursuant to the provisions of the Municipality Authorities Act until 2025. And an ordinance amending Section 9-601 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Garages, Parking Lots and Sale Showrooms" by deleting certain requirements regarding private parking lots and garages. And an ordinance repealing Section 10-813 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Swimming Pools" and amending PM-302 of the Philadelphia Property Maintenance Code entitled "Exterior Property Areas." And an ordinance amending Section 9-703 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Dance Halls" by redefining the types of establishments and activities that require a license under that section. And an ordinance amending Section 10 of the Philadelphia relating to fees of Commissioner of Records to increase the fees for recording certain documents. And an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development a deed located in the vicinity of 49th Street and Parkside Avenue. 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 Parkside Avenue, 48th Street, Jefferson Street and 49th Street. And to the President and members of the Council of the City Council, I am herewith returning to you as disapproved Bill No. 040666 which would amend Title 14 of the Philadelphia Code relating to zoning and planning by amending provisions of Section 14-205 concerning R-1A Residential Districts, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you. Can I assume that everyone has received a copy of the Mayor's letter regarding his veto? Has everyone received a copy of the letter? COUNCILMEMBERS: Yes.
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. Can we have a suspension of the Rules. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for a motion to suspend the Rules.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for suspension for Rules for all resolutions to be considered 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 the resolutions immediately upon introduction. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution. THE
A resolution congratulating Saint Joseph's Preparatory High School graduate Pete Cipollone on winning the gold medal in the men's eight oars rowing competition in 2004 Olympics Athens Greece.
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
And a resolution honoring Citizens Acting Together Can Help.
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. This morning I introduce one bill and three resolutions. We note that one resolution is signed by all Members who are present today.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill. THE
An ordinance amending Section 9-205 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Sidewalk Sales" by prohibiting vending within an area bounded by 65th Street, Eastwick Avenue, Lindbergh Boulevard, 70th Street and Holstein Avenue.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
And a resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and the urban renewal of a portion of 44th and Aspen Urban Renewal Area.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. THE
And a resolution authorizing the Committee on Labor and Civil Service to hold hearings on the City's decision to charge an application processing fee of $35 for Civil Service positions within the City of Philadelphia.
The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution, although it is to be referred to Committee.
All in favor of the adoption of the resolution will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution will be referred to the Committee on Labor and Civil Service. THE
And a resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the 44th and Aspen Urban Renewal Area.
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 Cohen.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
Madam President, I offer one resolution and one bill.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill. THE
An ordinance establishing a one-way regulation on Guilford Street from Sackett Street to Hawthorne Street northbound.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
And a resolution honoring the 75th anniversary St. Timothy Parrish.
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 Mariano.
Madam President, I have four bills and one resolution.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the first bill. THE
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Rhawn Street, Leonard Street, Loney Street and the Roosevelt Boulevard.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
And an ordinance amending Section 9-601 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Garages, Parking Lots, Sales Showrooms" by deleting certain requirements regarding private parking lots.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
And an ordinance repealing Section 10-813 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Swimming Pools" and amending Section PM-302 of the Philadelphia Code Property Maintenance Code.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
And an ordinance amending 9-703 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Dance Halls" by redefining the types of establishments and activities that require a license under that section.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
And a resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the East Frankford Redevelopment Area.
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 Tasco.
Madam President, I have no bills or resolutions, but I do have three resolutions on behalf of the Councilman Michael Nutter.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution. THE
A resolution commending the Reverend Cannon Thomas Wilson Steely Logan, Sr., on his 65th anniversary in the priesthood.
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
And a resolution congratulating City Year Greater Philadelphia on its achievements and welcoming the new class of corps members for 2004-2005 as they begin their year of service.
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
And a resolution authorizing City Council Committee on transportation and public utilities to hold hearings on the extent of damage resulting from the summer rain storms and to evaluate the City's current storm water management infrastructure.
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 will be referred to the Committees on Transportation and Public Utilities. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer one resolution this morning.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution. THE
A resolution authorizing City Council's Committees on Education and Health and Human Services to hold hearings regarding the crisis of youth of this City.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted and will be referred to the Committee on Education and Health and Human Services. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I have no bills or resolutions.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer no bills or resolutions.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ramos.
Madam President, I offer one bill, cosponsored by Councilwoman Krajewski and Councilman Clarke.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the bill. THE
An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriation for Fiscal Year 2005 within the General Fund from the Council to the Director of Finance.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer three bills and one resolution.
The Clerk will please read the title of the bill. THE
An ordinance authorizing the extension of the term of the Center City District pursuant to the provisions of the Municipality Authorities Act until 2025.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
And an ordinance amending Section 14-1627 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Gambling Establishments" which provides that licensed gambling establishments are not a permitted unless specifically approved by ordinance.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
And an ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance, Bill No. 030347 approved July 31st entitled, an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 238 by striking from the City Plan and vacating Salter Street from Third Street to Orianna Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
And a resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the South Central Urban Area.
Move for the adoption of the resolution, Madam President. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Thank you, Madam President. I have one bill and one resolution.
The Clerk will please read the title of the bill. THE
An ordinance amending Section 19-2900 of Title 19 Philadelphia Code entitled "Senior Citizen Low Income Special Tax Provisions" by expanding the coverage of this chapter to include senior citizens who are eligible to participate in the Commonwealth's pharmaceutical assistance contract for the elderly needs enhancement tier.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
And a resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion Southwest Temple Urban Renewal Area.
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.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
Thank you. Our next order of business are reports from Committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman from the Committee on Public Property and Public Works.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Public Property and Public Works reports one bill with a favorable recommendation.
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. 040703 entitled, an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner on Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development a deed located at 2815 Ridge Avenue generally under and subject to the terms and conditions of the Philadelphia Industrial and Commercial Development Agreement between the City, PAID, and the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation, respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable
Madam President, I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 040703. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 040703. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. And the bill just read will be placed on today's First Reading Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco for a report from the Committee on Streets and Services.
Thank you, on Streets and Services offers six bills 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 was referred Bill No. 040643 entitled, an ordinance authorizing the paving of Capri Drive, DaVinci Drive and Verona Drive; And Bill No. 040673 entitled, an ordinance authorizing revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 187 by striking from the City plan and vacating a portion of Salmon Street between Castor Avenue and Butler Street; And Bill 040766 entitled, an ordinance amending Section 9-205 of the Philadelphia Code relating to sidewalk sales, prohibiting sidewalk sales and vending in the area bordered by and including Chew Avenue, Stenton Avenue, Johnson Street and Mount Airy Avenue; And Bill No. 040781 entitled, an ordinance authorizing and directing revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 146 by striking from the City Plan and vacating Morse Street from Beach Street to Allen Street; And Bill No. 040783 entitled, an ordinance amending Section 9-208 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Sidewalk Cafes" by permitting sidewalk cafes to be maintained on Ninth Street, both sides, between Christian Street and Federal Street; And Bill No. 040784 entitled, an ordinance authorizing Pennsylvania Horticultural Society to construct and the Fox Chase-Rockledge Business Association to maintain a Welcome to Fox Chase sign in the Fox Chase traffic island located between Hasbrook and Oxford Avenues, under certain terms and conditions; Respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable
Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilman DiCicco.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of the six bills that have just been read into the record. (Duly seconded.)
It has moved and properly seconded that the Rules of Council be suspended as to permit first reading this day of Bill Nos. 040643, 040763, 040766, 040781, 040783, and 040784. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the bills just read will be placed on today's First Reading Calendar. 10/07/04 - STATED - 1ST READING The next order of business will be the consideration of the Calendar. The Chief Clerk will please read the bills on the First Reading Calendar. THE
Bill 040703, an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute AND deliver to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development a deed located at 2815 Ridge Avenue.
And Bill No. 040643, an ordinance authorizing the paving of Capri Drive, DaVinci Drive and Verona Drive, under certain terms and conditions.
And Bill No. 040673, an ordinance authorizing revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 187 by striking from the City plan and vacating a portion of Salmon Street between Castor Avenue and Butler Street. 10/07/04 - STATED - 1ST READING
And Bill 040766, an ordinance amending Section 9-205 of the Philadelphia Code relating to sidewalk sales, prohibiting sidewalk sales and vending in the area bordered by and including Chew Avenue, Stenton Avenue, Johnson Street and Mount Airy Avenue.
Bill No. 040781, an ordinance authorizing and directing revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 146 by striking from the City Plan and vacating Morse Street from Beach Street to Allen Street.
And Bill No. 040783, an ordinance amending Section 9-208 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Sidewalk Cafes" by permitting sidewalk cafes to be maintained on Ninth Street, both sides, Federal Street.
And Bill No. 040784, an ordinance authorizing Pennsylvania Horticultural Society to construct and the Fox Chase-Rockledge Business Association to maintain a Welcome to Fox Chase sign in the Fox Chase traffic island located between Hasbrook and Oxford Avenues, under certain terms and conditions.
The Chair agrees. The bills just read will be placed on our Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for our next Session of Council. There are no bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar to be considered today. Are there speeches on the part of the Minority? Councilman Kelly.
Madam President, as you and most of my colleagues here are aware, the City CSX Transportation Company have been in talks to create safer crossings at Grace and Locust Streets for citizens to gain access to the Schuylkill River Park. Over the last few weeks, negotiations have taken a turn for the worse. And now CSX has given the City an ultimatum to fence off the area in question allowing for no access to the park by our residents and visitors. I'm personally offended that this corporation, who over the years has been the beneficiary of numerous tax breaks and incentives from the City and State, have turned their backs on us. We are trying to come to a mutually amicable resolution to this problem. And quite frankly, this company does not care. This is a public safety issue and must be resolved immediately. CSX is perpetrating a hazardous environment for our citizens. There have been overwhelming support for these crossings. Myself, along with over 30 civic associations and public leaders like Specter, Congressman Fatah, State Senator Fumo, Representative Josephs, you, Madam President, and Councilman Darrell Clarke, a colleague in Council, all agree that this is the right and safe thing to do. I hope that you will all join me in reaching out to this company to come to a fair and, more importantly, safe resolution to this problem. It's about time for CSX to act like good neighbors to all of us. Thank you, Madam President.
You're welcome. Are there any other speeches on part of the Minority? (No response.) Are there speeches on the part of the Majority? The Chair recognizes Councilman Ramos.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, today I introduce a bill transfer ordinance. It's about the so unanimously fought so very hard earlier this year to make sure that the scholarship program was extended to Catholic and other private schools. I'm here to say close to 2000 students have been issued scholarship award letters, about 400-some to the Catholic Archdiocese schools, 350-some to the other private schools. I think that this program is on its way to become a very good program. But there's only one problem. The schools have not gotten paid. And I have parents and now schools that I'm aware of CCP, Kutztown, and others that tell me that they were expecting payment by mid-October, between mid-October and end of October. For some reason, I thought that there was going to be some sort of an administrative transfer of these funds so we could get them and pay up. However, I have not heard anything in that regard. But I think if we're going to make this payment in a timely fashion, we need to get this transfer ordinance on this schedule so we can proceed and make sure that this program continues to be a successful program. Thank you, Madam President.
You're welcome. Are there any other speeches on the part of the Majority? I'm sorry. Councilman O'Neill.
Madam President, at this time I would like to introduce five women from Northern Ireland, who are here as the guests of our staff member Bill Ivers. I ask them to stand and be recognized.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen.
Thank you, Madam President. I want to say a few words about the labor situation in Philadelphia. It seems to me that the City of Philadelphia is moving backwards. The main contracts with the City settled as of June 30th. This is well into October, and a major union still is in the midst of negotiating -well, I can't say negotiating because there are charges that the City is not negotiating in good faith. Whatever it is, I think it's about time to settle the labor disputes. And both sides, I urge them to try to resolve their differences quickly so we can get a report back in Council or else I'm going to find it very difficult to stay away from those labor negotiations. It seems to me Philadelphia is getting the opposite name, instead of being a good labor City, it is making clear that it's not. And in that regard, I want to note that I'm very concerned about an action City Council that I hear rumors about. The rumors are about hitting Cohen. That's me. If nobody knows it, my name is David C-O-H-E-N. I've been a member for a short time at least. And I understand there is an effort to bash Cohen and that it's taken a form of dismissal of an employee who has allegedly been refusing didn't get approval from me. A wholly concocted story, having no merit, and one which makes me very unhappy because it seems that while the two major factions that divide City Council can argue well and eloquently on many subjects, on is this they seem to be divided to bash Cohen. I don't have the facts yet, but I want to find out whether there is an alleged hit list and whether the one victim already mentioned is a victim of that hit list. So I'm just serving notice I'm going deeply in it. And I would welcome information from anybody who knows the stories of the so-call hit list involving David Cohen. I know one of the three leaders in City Council many years ago described me as a cancer in the heart of City Council. And I suspect that that may have come alive. I want you to know that I will strongly oppose any labor bashing based on any basis in City Council. I think City Council has made the Council a place that everybody in Philadelphia to when they have a problem. That's the way it ought to be. And as a democratic body, I think we've got to remove ourselves from the Bush influence. The Bush influence, the President's influence is felt here in Council when we as a democratic body place at top position a member of the opposing party. I'm not talking about whether it's good or bad, I'm just saying the democratic body ought to make democratic decisions and those decisions ought to be considered the responsibility of the Democratic Party. And I am really ashamed to go to people and let them know that this great democratic body overwhelming reelected last year by the City Council has advocated its responsibility and is turning itself over to the Republicans for nominations. Thank you, Madam President.
Thank you. Are there any other speeches on the part of the Majority? (No response.)
Seeing none, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for a motion to adjourn.
Madam President, I move that Council stand adjourned until Thursday October 14th at 10:00 a.m. (Duly seconded.)
All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. Council will stand adjourned until Thursday, October 14th at 10:00 a.m. Thank you all very much. (Council adjourned at 10:50 a.m.) C E R T I F I C A T I O N I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing proceedings of the Council of the City of Philadelphia of Thursday, October 7, 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