COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 401, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, May 16, 2002 10:10 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILMAN DAVID COHEN COUNCILMAN FRANK J. DI CICCO COUNCILMAN WILSON W. GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN JAMES F. KENNEY COUNCILWOMAN JOAN L. KRAJEWSKI COUNCILMAN W. THACHER LONGSTRETH COUNCILMAN RICHARD T. MARIANO COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER COUNCILMAN MICHAEL A. NUTTER COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILMAN ANGEL L. ORTIZ COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO PATRICIA RAFFERTY, CHIEF CLERK VINCENT VARALLO ASSOCIATES, INC. Registered Professional Reporters Eleven Penn Center 1835 Market Street, Suite 600 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103
Good morning, everyone. I note that the hour has come and a quorum of this Council is present. Council will please come to order. Members will take their seats. To give our invocation, the Chair welcomes Rabbi David L. Gutterman, Executive Director of the Board of Rabbis of Greater Philadelphia. He is here as the guest of Councilman Cohen. Will members and guests please rise. (Invocation given by Rabbi Gutterman.)
Thank you. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the Meeting of Thursday, May 9, 2002. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, May 9, stand approve. (Duly seconded.)
Moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of 9, 2002, stand approved. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it the motion carries. The Journal of the meeting of Thursday, May 9, 2002 stands approved. The next order of business is requests for leave of absence. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. There are no request for leaves of absence on the part of the Majority.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Madam President, on behalf of the Republicans, there are no leaves of absence.
The Chair dispenses with the regular order of business to welcome our guests and visitors joining us in Chambers this morning. On behalf of all Members of Council, I welcome you to our Council Session. We appreciate your taking the time as we attend to the legislative affairs of our City. We certainly invite you to come again. At this time the Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter who will present a resolution congratulating The Review on the occasion of its 100th anniversary. Will George Beetham, Editor, and those accompanying him please join the Councilman at the podium.
Thank you, Madam President. I am pleased, along with Councilman Rizzo, to be able to present this resolution commending and congratulating The Review on the occasion of its 100th anniversary. Whereas, The Review publishing community paper on Main Street, serving primarily the community, and since that time the review has continuously published a local newspaper growing in terms of size, content, and scope of coverage and now serves the neighborhood of Manyunk, Roxborough, Andorra, East Falls, Blue Hill Falls and Wissahickon; and
Whereas, the local newspaper began its life in the horse and buggy life making its 100th year explosion in E commerce technology; and Whereas, during the 100 years of publishing, The Review has won numerous awards for reporting and advertising excellence; and Whereas, The Review has been an advocate through the communities it serves and has documented life in what it terms our town becoming the newspaper to which people turn to to learn about the happenings and events in the community; Now, therefore
Resolved by the Council of the City of Philadelphia that we hereby commend and congratulate The Review on the occasion of its 100th anniversary. Further resolved that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Mr. George E. Beetham, Jr., Editor of The Review as a symbol of recognition of this legislative body in appreciation of the Review's 100 years of service and dedication to the community and Philadelphia. Signed by Council President Verna, Councilman Nutter, Councilman Mariano, Councilman Rizzo, co-sponsored by all other Members of Council. (Applause.)
Council President Verna, Councilman Rizzo and Nutter and distinguished Members of City Council and guests, on behalf of all the employees of The Review, our readers, and the residents of Roxborough, Manyunk, East Falls, Andorra, Wissahickon, and Blue Bell Hill, thank you for this recognition of our 100th anniversary. A hundred years seems like a long time. The City is more than 300 years old. In Philadelphia's very early days, the first newspaper in this nation Benjamin Franklin's Pennsylvania Gazette had its beginnings just down Market Street. Our founders who met in nearby Independence Hall recognized very clearly the role that citizen's voices played in the nation. They guaranteed the rights of citizens to speak out to express opinions and thereby to participate in the grand scheme of government. They had witnessed firsthand the rulers welding unlimited power with no checks or balances to control their excesses. Our roles, yours as legislatures and ours as journalists, sometimes seem to conflict. The fact is, the founders fully expected that to be the case and provided for it. In our history we have seen example after example of what happens when the press is fettered. Through a Constitutionally provided system of checks and balances, we all do the best we can to ensure good government. Hopefully, we all play roles in governing our City and providing for the welfare of citizens and promoting the best interest of our fellow residents. The Review has played its role for a hundred years. In that time, editors have come and gone, Councilmembers have come and gone, and Mayors have come and gone. In our Republic, it is not individuals who endure, but the institutions they build to serve its people. So we look forward to another century of service to our readers, just as you have already begun the four centuries of service to people of this City. May the institutions we serve continue Thank you again for your proclamation marking our anniversary and for this opportunity to reflect on its meaning. (Applause.)
At this time the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco who will make a presentation recognizing the Cherokee Heritage Weekend. Will chief Buffy Red Feather and those accompanying her please join the Councilwoman at the podium.
Thank you, Madam President. Once again, it gives me great pleasure this morning to welcome Chief Buffy Red Feather Brown to declare May 25th through the 27th, 2002 Cherokee Heritage Weekend in celebration of the Ninth Annual Cherokee Indian Festival. Whereas, predating the arrival of the European explorers by almost 500 years, the Cherokee Indians occupied much of the southern Appalachian to the eastern seaboard of what is now the United States and provided the new settlers with techniques of working and living on the land; and Whereas, the Cherokee Nation today consists of three major groups, the Eastern Band, the Western Band, and the Southeastern Cherokee Confederacy, representing the largest Native American group in the United States; and Whereas, the Southeastern Cherokee Confederacy of Pennsylvania which was designated an official Cherokee group in July 1988 with Buffy Red Feather Brown's appointment as Chief and Hamilton Hog Brown as Vice Chief by the Tribal Office at Ochlocknee, Georgia, now counts 18,375 Native Americans within the Keystone State; and Whereas, the Southeastern Cherokee Confederacy of Pennsylvania has flourished since its formation. The Tribal Council has been successful in preserving the Cherokee language whose written alphabet was invented in 1821 by Sequoia, making the first Native American newspaper, The Phoenix, possible in 1828; and Whereas, the Southeastern Cherokee Federation also offers the culture of the Cherokee students in public and private schools and universities throughout the Commonwealth with exhibitions of dance, art, arts and crafts, music and Cherokee regalia and ideals; and Whereas, the Southeastern Cherokee Confederacy of Pennsylvania preserves the tradition of great respect for learning and education through its scholarship fund and the sponsorship of the Cherokee Festival enabling the award of four-year scholarships to worthy and needy students; and Whereas, the Southeastern Cherokee Confederacy will host representatives from at least 10 states at the Cherokee Festival over the Memorial Day weekend in its fund-raising activities. Now, therefore, resolved by the Council of the City of Philadelphia that we declare May 25 through the 27, 2002, Cherokee Heritage Weekend and salute the Ninth Annual Cherokee Indian Festival. Further resolved that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Chief Buffy Red Feather Brown for her zealous representation of the Cherokee people and by her embodiment of the Indian way and spirit as an expression of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body. this is a true and correct copy of the original resolution adopted by the Council of the City of Philadelphia on the 25th of April 2002. Signed by President Verna, introduced by Marian Tasco, and supported by all Members of City Council. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes Chief Red Feather for remarks. CHIEF RED FEATHER: Thank you so much. I'd just like to say that as chief of the Southeastern Cherokee Confederacy, we appreciate the support that City Council has always given us. These things mean so much to us that you recognize our heritage and that you have great respect for it. It is not easy in this day and time when everyone expects you to mainstream. It is not easy to keep your culture, to keep your language, and to keep your crafts. But we are very, very strong in our determination to have these things that were given to us by our ancestors. So once again, thank you for your support. We're most appreciative. I do have a small gift that I'd like to present to the President of City Council, also from our heart to Councilwoman Marian Tasco and also to Councilwoman Blondel Reynolds-Brown. I'm hoping that next year or when we come back I'll have more baskets. This year, they were a little short. But thank you so much for your support. (Applause.)
Thank you, Madam President. I'd like to introduce a young lady who is working with us in my office for a week for a school project. She attends the Houston School and she's in the 8th grade. Her name is Antonia Mack (ph). Antonia, would you stand up, please? (Applause.)
Welcome. The next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant-at-Arms deliver the messages from the Mayor to the Clerk. 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 today, May 15, I signed Bill No. 020165 and 020246 which passed Council at its session on May 9, 2002. And I am pleased to advise you that today, May 15, I signed all of the bills that passed Council at its session on May 2, 2002. And I am transmitting herewith for the consideration of your Honorable Body, an ordinance amending and restating the ordinance approved July 12, 1968, as last amended effective January 1, 1999, relating to pension benefits for employees working on behalf of Philadelphia Gas Works. And an ordinance dissolving the St. James Court Tax Increment Financing District. And an ordinance authorizing the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development to file an application with the Commonwealth under the Capital Redevelopment Assistance Program in an aggregate amount not to exceed $40,500,000. All respectfully submitted, John F. AND RESOLUTIONS Street, Mayor of City of Philadelphia.
The messages will be printed in the Journal. The Clerk will please read any other communications in his 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. I move that the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit immediate consideration of resolutions at their time of introduction. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit immediate consideration of resolutions at the time of introduction. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.) AND RESOLUTIONS
The ayes have it. And the motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer one privileged resolution.
The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution honoring and congratulating Captain William Fisher, Commander of the Philadelphia Police Civil Affairs Unit for being named the winner of this year's George Fencil award.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. And the resolution has been adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. This morning I introduce five bills and one resolution, two bills on your behalf, one I co-sponsored with Councilman DiCicco, and two on my own behalf.
The Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance authorizing the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development to file an application with the Office of the Budget Commonwealth of Pennsylvania under the Capital Redevelopment Assistance Program in an aggregate amount not to exceed $40,500,000.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 24-S and 25-S within an area bounded by New Hope Street, 29th Street, Tasker Street and AND RESOLUTIONS Bear Avenue.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance declaring that it is desirable for the health, safety, and welfare of the people in the area served by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, the Children's Hospital Foundation, and the Children Seashore House of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia for the hospitals and higher education facilities authority of Philadelphia to participate with such institutions in certain renovations.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing the paving of Douglas Street, Natrona Street, 32nd Street, Napa Street, 31st Street, Corlies Street, 30th Street, Hollywood Street, Fernon Street, Morris Street, Moore Street and Mifflin Street, under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing Drexel University to construct and maintain various AND RESOLUTIONS encroachments.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. I believe you now have a resolution.
A resolution approving the change to the Institutional Development District Master Plan for the University of Pennsylvania Institutional Development District.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution has been adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen.
Madam President, I AND RESOLUTIONS have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
The Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2002 within the Water Fund.
And an ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2002 within the General Fund.
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 Frankford Avenue, Carteret Drive, St. Dennis Drive, Poquessing Creek, Grant Avenue, Dittman Street, Primrose Road, Frankford Avenue, AND RESOLUTIONS Fitler Street, Leon Street and Grant Avenue.
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 Linden Avenue, State Road, a line 233 feet north of Avondale Street and the Delaware River.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano.
The Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development without consideration a deed conveying fee simple title to two certain tracks of City-owned land with the buildings and improvements thereon situate in the vicinity of American Street and AND RESOLUTIONS Montgomery Avenue.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Madam President, I offer two bills and one privileged resolution.
The Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending and restating the ordinance approved July 12, 1968, is last amended effective January 1, 1999, relating to pension benefits for employees working on behalf of Philadelphia Gas Works.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 242 by striking from the City Plan and vacating Cedar Park Avenue from 69th Avenue to Haines Street.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. And the Clerk will please read the title of the resolution. AND RESOLUTIONS
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. The resolution has been adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and AND RESOLUTIONS deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia without consideration deeds conveying traditional fee simple title to lots located in the 11th, 12th, 22nd Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion is carried and the resolution has been adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter.
The Clerk will AND RESOLUTIONS please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance, Bill No. 010268, approved August 31, 2001, entitled an ordinance authorizing the vacating of River Road from a point approximately 10 feet southwest of the Philadelphia and Montgomery County Line.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions this morning.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution honoring Professor Michael Eric Dyson on the occasion of his appointment as Avalon Foundation professor in the Humanities and African-American studies at the University of Pennsylvania. AND RESOLUTIONS
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 has been adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ortiz.
The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution authorizing the Law and Government Committee of the Council to conduct a full and comprehensive investigation into the performance of the School Reform Commission to determine whether the funds appropriated to the AND RESOLUTIONS School District by City Council and expended by these SRC are being utilized in an effective and efficient manner.
Madam President, the resolution is on behalf of Councilwoman Miller and myself, and I move for the approval 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 will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco.
Thank you. AND RESOLUTIONS The Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance authorizing Bricker International, Inc., doing business as Maggiano's, the tenants of the property 1201-1239 Filbert Street to construct and maintain various encroachments.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance granting permission to Pegali, LLC, Pegali Restaurant located at 702-704 North Second Street to operate and maintain an open air sidewalk cafe on the west footway of North Second Street adjacent to 702-704 north Second Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And 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 Swanson Street from Katherine Street northerly to the Delaware Expressway.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. AND RESOLUTIONS
And an ordinance authorizing the Holy Name of Jesus Parish, owner of the property 700 through 712 East Gaul Street to construct, own, and maintain a retaining wall with a mounted fence and landscaped area.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance dissolving the St. James Court Tax Increment Financing District.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance granting permission to Paal News, owner of the newsstand at the northwest corner of 11th Street and Market Street to construct, use, and maintain an electrical conduit.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. And at the Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
The Clerk will AND RESOLUTIONS please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 319 by striking from the City Plan and vacating Whitaker Avenue from Rhawn Street northeasterly to its terminus.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance the installation of the stop signs at the intersection of Krewston and Layton Roads.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Thank you, Madam President. I have four bills and two resolutions.
The Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance authorizing Center City District to construct, own, and maintain 97 pedestrian street light poles and luminaries along Market Street between 15th Street and the Schuylkill River. AND RESOLUTIONS
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance granting permission to Red House Bagels and Deli, tenant of the property 2501 Olive Street to operate and maintain an open air sidewalk cafe.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance declaring that it is desirable for the health, safety, and welfare of the people in the area served by Temple University Hospital in the vicinity of 3401 North Broad Street for the hospitals and higher education facilities authority of Philadelphia to undertake a project.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance granting permission to 18th and Walnut News, owner of the newsstand at the northeast corner of 18th Street and Walnut Street to construct, use, and maintain an electrical conduit.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. AND RESOLUTIONS And I would ask the Clerk to read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Southwest Temple Urban Renewal Area.
Thank you, Madam President. 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 has been adopted. The Clerk will please read the title of the second resolution.
A resolution authorizing the AND RESOLUTIONS Commissioner of the Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia deeds conveying fee simple title to lots of pieces of ground in the 16th, 20th, 28th, 29th, 32nd and 47th Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you, Madam President. Move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution has been adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Longstreth.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
Thank you. The next order of business is reports from committees. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for a report from the Committee of the Whole.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee of the whole reports out three bills with a favorable recommendation.
To the President and Members of the Council of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee of the Whole to which was referred Bill No. 020227 entitled, an ordinance dissolving the Schmitz Plaza Tax Increment Financing District and creating the Schmitz Plaza II Tax Increment Financing District. And Bill No. 020231 entitled, an ordinance dissolving the Jump Street Tax Increment and creating the 1600 North Broad Tax Increment Financing District. And Bill 020309 entitled, an ordinance amending Chapter 19-1500 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Wage and Net Profits Tax," by decreasing in stages the rates of the tax imposed upon certain low income persons, all under certain terms and conditions, respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit First Reading this day of Bill Nos. 020227, 020231, and 020309. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit First Reading this day of Bill Nos. 020227, 020231, and 020309. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the bills just read will be placed on today's First Reading Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen for a report from the Committee on Law and Government.
Madam President, the Committee on Law and Government reports one bill and one resolution with a favorable recommendation.
The Committee on Law and Government to which was referred Bill No. 020255 entitled, an ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter relating to the creation, appointment, powers and duties of an independent Philadelphia Tax Reform Commission. And Resolution No. 020264 entitled, a resolution proposing amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to provide for the creation, appointment, powers and duties of a Philadelphia Tax and providing for the submission of the amendment to the Electors of Philadelphia, respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bill and resolution 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 No. 020255. (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. 020255. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and Bill No. 020255 will be placed on today's First Reading Calendar. Resolution No. 020264 will be placed at of the calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney for a report on the Committee on Public Property.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Public Property and Public Works reports four bills out with favorable recommendations.
The Committee on Public Property to which was referred Bill No. 010631 entitled, an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to acquire fee simple title to parcels 5 and 8 of the Eastwick Urban Renewal Area, Stage 1. And Bill No. 020094 entitled, an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to acquire by condemnation or by purchase a certain underground easement through 3822 Ridge Avenue. And Bill No. 020202 entitled an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to acquire by condemnation or by purchase a certain underground easement through 3111 West And Bill No. 020273 entitled an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to acquire by condemnation or by purchase in lieu of condemnation a certain underground easement through 3500 Scotts Lane for sewer and drainage purposes, under certain terms and conditions, respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Madam President, I move that Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit First Reading this day of Bill Nos. 010631, 020094, 020202, 020203. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit First Reading this day of Bill Nos. 010631, 020094, 020202, and 020203. All in favor will signify by saying aye.
The ayes have it, and the bills just read will be placed on today's First Reading Calendar. That concludes committee reports. Our next order of business is the consideration of the calendar. The Clerk will please read bills on the First Reading Calendar.
Bill No. 020227 entitled an ordinance dissolving the Schmitz Plaza Tax Increment Financing District and creating the Schmitz Plaza II Tax Increment Financing District.
And Bill No. 020231, an ordinance dissolving the Jump Street Tax Increment Financing District and creating the 1600 North Broad Tax Increment Financing District.
And Bill No. 020309, an ordinance amending Chapter 19-1500 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Wage and Net Profits Tax," by decreasing in stages the rates of the tax low income persons.
And 020255 entitled an ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter relating to the creation, appointment, powers and duties of an independent Philadelphia Tax Reform Commission.
And Bill No. 010631, an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to acquire fee simple title to parcels 5 and 8 of the Eastwick Urban Renewal Area, Stage 1.
And Bill No. 020094, an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to acquire by condemnation or by purchase a certain underground easement through 3822 Ridge Avenue.
And Bill No. 020202 entitled, an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to acquire by condemnation or by purchase a certain underground easement through 3111 West Allegheny Avenue.
And Bill No. 0202373, entitled an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to acquire by condemnation or by purchase a certain underground easement through 3500 Scotts Lane, all under certain terms and conditions.
The bills read by the Clerk will be placed on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for our next Session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for the purpose of calling bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar to be considered today.
Thank you, Today, Bill Nos. 010509 will be amended. Bill No. 010659 will be considered. Bill No. 010695 is to be amended. And Bill No. 010719 is to be considered. All other bills are being held.
Yes, Madam President. I've had the discussion where my colleague Councilmember Clarke and upon that discussion I agreed to hold Bill No. 010659 until May 30th, our next session.
The Clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 010509.
An ordinance amending Section 20-101 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Residents Requirements" by providing that active law enforcement officers from elsewhere in the United States entering into Civil Service positions in Philadelphia Police Department need not be bona fide residents of the City when appointed.
Madam President, I'll be offering an amendment to the bill that was just read, Bill No. 010509. All members of City Council should have received a copy of the proposed amendment. The amendment reads as follows: In Section 20-101, Residency Requirements, in Paragraph 1, after the words "Philadelphia Police Department," include the words "and who are appointed before October 31, 2005." I offer that amendment. Thank you.
Councilman, did you make a motion for the adoption?
Make a motion for the adoption of the amendment. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Bill No. 010509 be amended. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and Bill No. 010509 has been amended and will be on the Final Reading Calendar for our next Session of Council. The Clerk will please read the next bill, Bill No. 010695.
An ordinance amending the Philadelphia Code to add various requirements and prohibition relating to be students living in educational housing districts, including amending Title 10 to define educational housing districts and to provide for parental, college and university and landlord responsibility for students who engage in certain conduction prohibited under the code.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, I wish to offer amendments which have been circulated to Bill 010695 and move the adoption of those amendments. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Bill No. 010695 be amended. All in favor will indicate by saying (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and Bill No. 010695 has been amended, and this bill will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for our next session of Council. The Clerk will please read Bill No. 010719.
An ordinance amending Chapter 9-1100 of the Philadelphia Code entitled, "Fair Practices" by prohibiting discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations on the basis of a person's gender identity, as defined, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally? The Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. (Councilwoman Krajewski requests to be recorded as voting no. See , Line 10).
Madam President, I'm sorry, I thought we were voting on another bill. I'd like to change my vote to no on Bill 010719. I'd like to be recorded as voting no.
Thank you. The ayes are 15, the nays are 2. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative. The bill passes. (Applause.)
Madam President, I move the adoption of the resolution.
Do I hear a second? The Councilman is asking for a motion on 020264. Do I hear a second for the adoption?
It's the resolution on the tax reform. That's the package to the ordinance we've acted on this morning. That's the one that calls for the Tax Reform Commission, bill and resolution call for the amendment of Home Rule Charter. It had been introduced by Councilman Nutter. They were heard in committee yesterday. We already acted on putting the ordinance on the First Reading Calendar for action on the 30th. This is the accompanying resolution which goes along with the ordinance on the same matter.
The Councilman has made a motion. Do I hear a second? (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. Since this resolution proposes an amendment to the Home Rule Charter, a two-thirds vote is required to adopt the resolution. The Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are 0. Two-thirds of all the members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the resolution is adopted. That concludes our Calendar for today. Are there speeches on the part of the minority? Are there speeches on the part of the majority. Seeing none, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for a motion to adjourn.
Madam Chair, I move that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, May 30, 2002. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Council stand until Thursday, May 30, 2002, at 10:00 a.m. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. Thank you very much. (Council adjourned at 11:00 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 May 16, 2002, were reported fully and accurately by me, and that this is a correct transcript of the same. RE: STATED MEETING ___________________________ Lisa C. Bradley, RPR and Notary Public