COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, February 12, 2004 10:25 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILMAN DAVID COHEN COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN JACK KELLY COUNCILMAN JAMES F. KENNEY COUNCILWOMAN JOAN L. KRAJEWSKI COUNCILMAN RICHARD T. MARIANO COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER COUNCILMAN MICHAEL A. NUTTER COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILMAN JUAN RAMOS COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO MICHAEL DECKER, 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 behind the rails. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair welcomes the Reverend Dr. Albert F. Campbell, Pastor of Mount Carmel Baptist Church. He is here today as the guest of Councilman Goode. All members and guests will please rise.
Thank you, President Verna. Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, distinguished members of the Philadelphia City Council and all other distinguished citizens here assembled. I am Albert Franklin Campbell, as it has been stated, Pastor of the Mount Carmel Baptist Church in West Philadelphia in which the Honorable Michael A. Nutter and the Honorable W. Wilson Good, Jr., are respected members. although I'm delighted to have been invited to give a prayer of invocation and intercession on behalf of this august body of city government leadership, nevertheless, I want you to know that I pray for you daily. Every dawning of every new day I pray for you because of the weighty responsibilities that accrue to you as City Councilpersons. And so with that kind of deeply spiritual connection in mind and my kind of empathetic participation in the governing process in which you are engaged, I invite you to join me in thoughtful meditation and prayer. Let us pray. Almighty God, our creator; God of Abraham, Isaac, Ishmael, and Jacob; God our father and our mother too, our divine parent, our redeemer, our savior, our friend, we give all glory and honor and praise to you. Please accept our humble offerings and expressions of genuine gratitude for this day's opportunity for the City Council of Philadelphia to convene, to be in session, in order to address those issues which come before it on this day. Council's membership, oh dear God, and grant them energy, grant them the fortitude for the facing of this day's demands. Give to them the moral and spiritual integrity to openly and honestly deal with those issues that claim their attention for this time. Deliver them and deliver us all from the perils of blind partisanship and rather help us to learn and to practice life's higher and more noble lesson of seeking justice, of loving mercy, and of walking humbly with our God. May the compromises that often must be made be made in the interest of the greatest good for the greatest number. As this Council membership moves forward in its deliberations and decision-making processes, grant them the serenity to accept the things they cannot change, courage to change the things they can, and the wisdom to know the difference. In thy holy name we pray, amen.
The Chair thanks Dr. Campbell for his very inspiring invocation. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, February 5, 2004. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday February 5, 2004, stand approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal the meeting of Thursday, February 5, 2004, stand approved. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries, and the Journal of Thursday, February 5, 2004, is approved. The next order of business is requests for leaves of absence. And the Chair, again, recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. A leave of absence is requested today for Councilman Frank DiCicco.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. Leave will be granted. The Chair at this time recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
Madam President, there are no requests for leave of absence from the Republicans.
Thank you. The Chair will dispense with the regular order of business to recognize the guests and visitors joining us in Chambers this morning. On behalf of all Members of City Council, I welcome you to our Council session. We appreciate your taking the time 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 honoring the work of the Philadelphia Tax Reform Commission. Will the Honorable Edward Schwartz and Mr. William Miller and those accompanying them please join the Councilman at the podium. Councilman Nutter.
Thank you, Madam President. This is a resolution commemorating the work of the Philadelphia Tax Reform Commission. Whereas, there was submitted for the approval of the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter relating to the creation, appointment, powers and duties of a Philadelphia Tax Reform Commission pursuant to an ordinance of the Council of the City of Philadelphia; and Whereas, on November 5, 2002, nearly 170,000 voters in Philadelphia by a margin of 4 to 1 supported the creation of the first independent Tax Reform Commission in Philadelphia's history; and Whereas the Tax Reform Commission's 15 Commissioners and 23 Advisory Committee Member spent 10 months and more than 10,000 hours conducting a comprehensive review of the City's tax structure; and Whereas, the Tax Reform Commission released its final report of November 15, 2003; and Whereas, the final report is a comprehensive package of socially and fiscally responsible proposals to address the longstanding problems of our tax system; and Whereas, it is in the interest of the Council to reduce taxes of Philadelphia residents, workers, and businesses in an equitable manner, reform the tax structure to enhance and improve the City's ability to compete with other jurisdictions in the region and throughout the nation in attracting new residents, businesses, and jobs and retaining residents, businesses, and jobs, provide tax fairness and tax equity in apportioning tax burdens. Now, therefore, resolved by the Council of the City of Philadelphia that it hereby honors and commends the members of the Philadelphia Tax Reform Commission for their thoughtful and diligent efforts on behalf of the citizens, workers, and employers of Philadelphia, and reaffirms its commitment to enact meaningful tax reform legislation in Philadelphia in a timely manner. Further resolved that an engrossed copy of the resolution be presented to the members of Philadelphia Tax Reform Commission as evidence of the sincere congratulations and appreciation of this Legislative Body. Signed by Council President Verna, introduced by Members Goode, Nutter, and DiCicco, and cosponsed by all Members of Council. (Applause.)
It's good to see all back here. Commission, I know that I speak for all of us that we are really honored to receive this recognition. And I suppose we owe all of you a debt of gratitude, and Councilman Nutter as the initiator, for giving us this opportunity. And we took this opportunity very seriously. And we're delighted that what we've done seems to have met with some degree of public support and public admiration. Obviously, the important step now is to see how much of what we're doing will actually become part of the City's public policy. We'll have a lot to say about that over the next few months and beyond. I want to make three basic points that underlies everything that we did. The first question that we had to address from beginning to end was whether or not we felt the tax changes that we now propose were essential to the economic future of the City. There was doubt about that at the beginning. There's no doubt now. Either we move to make significant changes in the tax City, or we will continue to face the economic problems that we face. That's a core assumption of our work. Secondly, we were created to look at the tax system as a system. Obviously, Members of Council have been able to introduce bills on particular parts of the tax system. We were asked to look at the whole system, and we did. And so when we say that we're presenting you a package, it's not just some mindless score card of how many points in fact we expect to win, as will become apparent in the debate that moves forward. If we move on one part of this system without the others, we'll create new problems. And that's the second point. The third point was central really to our own work, to yours, and where we need to go. Ultimately, the criteria for success is the improvement of the City of Philadelphia as a decent place to live and work. Why do 15 of us come together, as diverse as our views and origins were, and be able to in fact accomplish what we did by a huge vote because commitment to the City, just as the Members of this Council do. And at moments when we need this Council and the Administration to come together for the City, we rise to that occasion and things get better; or we don't, and things get worse. So we thank you. We look forward to the ongoing dialog of making this a reality. And we are simply at this moment delighted that we were able to live up to the promise that this resolution and the original ordinance presented for us. And now I'd like to ask Bill Miller, who has been a stalwart worker on the Commission and has continued to work beyond it, to say a few words about some things that are going to happen next. Bill.
Thank you, Councilman Nutter, Madam President, and Members of Council. know, when people have said great things about you, you've got to also know when to leave. So I'll be extremely brief. The essence of a democracy is simply in its citizens' participation. You gave us an opportunity as citizens to participate. I want to say to you that we gave of our time, our energy, and our own money for the City we love. We think for the City to become a world class city, tax reform is absolutely an imperative. Toward that end, continuing citizens' participation, my colleagues and I at our own expense -- and we've already begun to raise money -- will launch an organization that all of you be hearing from to the point where you're tired of hearing from us. It is called Philadelphia Forward. The Philadelphia Forward Organization represents the body of community organizations with its endorsement from the African American Chamber, as well as the Philadelphia Chamber of Commence, as well as the Latino Chamber, the North Philadelphia Chamber, and the Northeast Chamber and many other organizations such as the Pennsylvania Economy League and the Greater Philadelphia Urban Affairs Coalition. What we intend to do quite diligently is launch a massive community informational and educational campaign so that people will understand. And we're going to put a real face on tax reform. Again, I thank you for this opportunity. And you will be hearing from us. Thank you. (Applause.)
Again, we certainly thank each and every member for all of the time and hard work that they put into this. Is there any other member that would like to say very brief remarks? (No response.)
Seeing none, Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco resolution honoring Black Family Technology Awareness Week. Will Ms. Smith and those accompanying her please join the Councilwoman at the podium?
Good morning. It is my pleasure to present this City Council resolution recognizing February the 15th through the 21st as Black Family Technology Awareness Week. Whereas, the Workforce 2000 Advisory Council will be coordinating City-wide activities for the 5th Annual Black Family Technology Awareness Week being held from Sunday, February 15, 2004 to Saturday, February 21, 2004; and Whereas, the purpose of Black Family Technology Awareness Week is to change how African Americans perceive engineering, science, and technology, and education and vigilance is needed to ensure that African Americans will qualify and compete to secure technology jobs; and Whereas, new data from the US report, entitled "Digital Divide," show that even though all racial groups now own more computers than they did in 1994, blacks and Hispanic now lag even further behind in the levels of PC ownership and online access; and Whereas, now more than ever we need to expand our awareness about the opportunities that exist in the technology industry, and through Black Family Technology Awareness Week many events will take place throughout the City of Philadelphia and will focus on helping African Americans understand how technology will continue to have a major impact on the way they work, live, and play. Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Council of the City of Philadelphia that we recognize February 15th through February 21st as Black Family Technology Awareness Week. Further resolved that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to representatives to the Workforce 2000 Advisory Council as an expression of appreciation of that this is a true and correct copy of the original resolution adopted by the Council of the City of Philadelphia on the 5th day of February 2004. Signed by President Anna C. Verna, introduced Marian Tasco, and sponsored by all Members of City Council. Thank you, and we congratulate Carol Smith and her staff on a wonderful job. (Applause.)
Thank you, Council President and Councilmembers, for your support of this very important effort. As Philadelphia faces the 21st Century, it is going to imperative that we have the workforce that has the technical skills to attract the businesses that we need to remain economically competitive. I also serve as the Executive Director of the Mayor's Commission on Technology who hs cosponsored this event, as will be kicking off the event this afternoon at a lunch at the United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania. There will be activities throughout the City in both community-based organizations and educational institutions that are designed to provide residents of the City of Philadelphia with the information they need about jobs and careers and the kinds of skills that will be required to hold and keep and grow in the technology, economy, and the digital age. I thank you again very much for your support. (Applause.)
At this time, Councilwoman Blackwell will introduce some very talented special visitors. Councilwoman.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, it gives me great ask to come forward at the podium special guests who are here at the Merriam Theater just a few blocks from here on Broad Street who are in the play Sweet Spot. Certainly, Maurice Floyd -- and I'll ask them to stand -- is certainly the consultant who has brought us together. Many of you have met Reverend Clifton Davis. He was around last year campaigning for our Mayor, and an actor. Garrett Morris, an actor, we all know him. I don't didn't. Very beloved. (Applause.)
Certainly, we ask Egypt who's in the press and Yasmine Sulimann also to please stand, and Mr. James Francis. (Applause.)
Madam President, they also want to do one song from Sweet Spot, and it's here all week until Sunday. And we're just so proud and honored to have them with us and thank them for all that they are doing to help make our City great. We love you and thank you. (Applause.)
Madam President, Councilmembers, visitors, and friends, it's an honor to stand before this distinguished body again. I'm feeling more and more like a citizen of the City of Philadelphia. I feel like in the best and most wonderful way you're twisting my arm to move back here. I enjoy the culture. I enjoy the arts. I enjoy the political scene. And most of all, I enjoy the people of the City of Philadelphia. And now we're proud to be here in a new musical entitled The Sweet Spot. We're proud because we're at a historical theater, the Merriam, where many, many wonderful shows have appeared and in fact The Producers, a great hit has just closed. We'll be there for the next week, and we're proud to be working with so many distinguished and talented entertainers. I would like to ask very briefly for each of them to say a word in their way. all, my good friend and a fun guy to know, an educated and well-traveled man of the television airwaves, theater, and film, Mr. Garrett Morris. (Applause.)
Thank you so much, Clifton. We're doing a play that is called The Sweat Spot, which of course we do not mean -- it does have a double edge, but we're talking about religious things here. We're talking the sweet spot being deep down in the heart and soul of your epiphany, your meeting with God, deep down where that is. And right now I am in a sweet spot, the sweet spot of Philadelphia, which is deep where all the energy and where the creative energy, hopefully for good, is being done. I've met some of your most brilliant people, Ms. Blackwell among them. And I'm hoping that along with her we get a lot of people who come and support us tomorrow and until Sunday because we have some very talented people. Among them, you're going to meet Ms. Yasmine Sulimann and of course one of your native -- ladies, Ms. Egypt Sharrod. He said make it brief. I don't want you to be glad to see me get up and also glad to see me down by staying too long. Thank you very much, and I hope I see you. (Applause.)
Thank you Mr. Morris. I would like you to meet now one of your own daughters, formerly a radio personality here in the City of Philadelphia. I met some of her former coworkers over at CBS Television yesterday when I was on News At Noon. And she also has broadcast at WBLS in New York and is now going to Power 105. She's a wonderful actress and singer, Egypt. (Applause.)
Good morning. Good morning, everybody. So this is where it all goes down, as they say I guess. It is definitely an honor to be here today. I'm a graduate of Temple University, born and raised in West Oak Lane. I've got to tell you, it's not only an honor to be here because I an Philadelphia native, but representing The Spot, I've got to tell you, this is a play that you want to bring your family to, your friends, your coworkers. And you don't want to just see it once, you want to see it twice. And you have plenty of time because we're here to Sunday. But the character I represent, that I play The Sweet Spot is Ruby. And Ruby is independent. She is a spitfire. She's an entrepreneur and she represents a lot of women today in the fact that she's going to make it happen by any means necessary. She's going to do what it takes win and she's going to do what she has to do stay on top and to keep those bills paid. And on top of that, she's very, very funny. So I hope that you all come out and see it definitely, okay? Thank you very, very much. I gotta get a cheese steak before I leave town. (Applause.)
Moving very quickly, let me share with you that I play the character Sweets. I own The Sweet Spot. But these folk They come into my sweet shop, a bakery cafe, and what happens to their lives on that one hot summer today in Harlem, New York, changes their lives forever. It's a wonderful evening of theater with drama, comedy, music and, of course, wonderful performances. Briefly, I want you to meet our executive producer, Mr. James Francis.
Thank you very much for allowing us to come in and share this with you and share it with the City of Philadelphia. It's a pleasure for me to return here. I started my professional career out of college at 17th and Market with IBM. And we are glad to have chosen Philadelphia to for our debut of The Sweet Spot. We certainly encourage you to come out. We are trying with beloved to create Broadway-style entertainment and productions, and we think we have done that. We encourage the City to come out and support it so we can bring these type of productions back time and time again. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
Lastly, but certainly not least, a young talented artist who plays the character Maya in our play, will speak to us in her own way, a musical way with a brief, brief presentation of a song from The Sweet Spot, Ms. Yasmine Sulimann. (Applause.) (Singing.) (Applause.)
And I would like just before we sit down say a special thank you to Council Lady Blackwell. Jannie is an amazing human being and has come to become a very good friend of ours. And we thank you for your representation in this City and for your leadership. And thank you for this opportunity today. (Applause.)
Thank you very much. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
The next communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant-at-Arms deliver the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. The Clerk will please read the messages from the Mayor.
To the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am transmitting herewith for the introduction and consideration of your honorable body a proposed ordinance entitled, an ordinance constituting the Fifth Supplemental Ordinance to the Amended and General Airport Revenue Bond Ordinance, authorizing the Mayor, the City Controller, and the City Solicitor or a majority of them to issue one or more series Airport Revenue Bonds. And I am transmitting an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property and Director of Commerce on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to exercise the City's option under a lease agreement and enter into an agreement to acquire all right, title, and interest of the Philadelphia Parking Authority, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you. 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 induction of bills and resolutions. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit consideration of resolutions at their time of introduction. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit immediate consideration of resolutions at the time of introduction. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the motion carries. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Madam President. On behalf of Councilwoman Krajewski and myself I offer one resolution.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution declaring February 15, 2004 Fire Fighters Recognition Day in 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 say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution has been adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. Today, I introduce two resolutions on your behalf, two on my behalf, and two bills.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance constituting the Fifth Supplemental Ordinance to the Amended and Restated General Airport Revenue Bond Ordinance, authorizing the Mayor, the City Controller, and the City Solicitor, or a majority of them to issue one or more series of Airport Revenue Bonds.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance Commissioner of Public Property and Director of Commerce on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to exercise the City's option under a lease agreement and enter into an agreement to acquire all right, title, and interest of the Philadelphia Parking Authority.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia without consideration a deed conveying conditional fee simple title to a certain City-owned lot or piece of ground in the 30th Ward of City of Philadelphia.
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, and the resolution is adopted. The Clerk will please read the next resolution.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia without consideration deed conveying fee simple title to a certain City-owned lot or piece of ground in the 36th Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
Again, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
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 Clerk will please read the next resolution.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia without consideration deed conveying conditional fee simple title to a certain City-owned lot in the 6th Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. The Clerk will please read the final resolution.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia without consideration deed conveying conditional fee simple title to a certain City-owned lot in the 24th Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Councilwoman, didn't you have another resolution?
Four. Two for you, two for me, and then two bills.
I believe there was a resolution that was circulated yesterday. Have you decided not to introduce that?
You are correct, Madam President. I forgot it. Do we have it? Thank you, Madam President. I won't hold up the process, I'll come down, if that's okay.
Thank you. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer one resolution on behalf of the majority of members.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution authorizing the City Council's Committee on Law and Government to hold public hearings to investigate the establishment, use and economic impact of Keystone Opportunity Improvement and Expansion zones in Philadelphia and toward a remedy authorizing the issuance of subpoenas to compel the attendance of witnesses.
Thank you, Madam President. I move the adoption of the resolution. I would like to speak on it. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you, Madam President. When I was a young man, though it may be difficult for some people to believe that ever occurred, the phrase "Philadelphia lawyer" meant something to the whole nation. It meant somebody who is interested in their public duties in the public service. It meant somebody who didn't think only of themselves, but always thought about the public good, and the Philadelphia lawyer was a very respected term. Now I'm not so sure in view of what's happened because Philadelphia lawyers, of which I am one for the last 65 years, are exposed as a group of people who are trying to use legislation made for underprivileged people made to improve the opportunities of those who have been denied fair opportunity. Philadelphia lawyers, with an average income of more than $800,000 a year in one of the largest Philadelphia law firms are standing criticized by many people, including the Mayor of the City, including other public officials, including the Center City District, including just about everybody except the law profession itself as being guilty of taking advantage of tax benefits set up for those who are less privileged who we hoped to bring into Philadelphia to put an end or at least put a serious crimp in the number of blighted buildings in the City. And now we're getting the strange thing of having places like 30th and Market and 17th and Arch Street in the heart of Philadelphia's commercial district and residential district, we're getting them considered as blight areas when they're among the finest in the City and we're having a game played of merry-go-round from building to building, leaving many fine buildings vacant and operating at a terrible loss. And I refer to the two cause designations, the first is her at center which Council adopted on the say-so of the Commerce Department last June, and now on the second part the one involving original Willard Rause Building which is said to intended to be the home of Comcast and a major law firm. Comcast was just yesterday offered $66 billion for the purchase of Disney Land hardly needs the help of the Philadelphia tax system. It hardly needs what happens when there are tax benefits given to the very rich. It means those who are much less rich, many who are very poor, in fact, carry the tax burden. And it just indicates that Philadelphia lawyers are, in fact, no other than the kind that have been typified or that are regarded as typifying lawyers generally. Greedy people who learn the law for their own benefit. The opposition and the questioning as such, I think City Council is under a duty to raise this issue because it's typical of things that occur whenever you have the huge campaign contributions ongoing in the City. And while there may be questions as to whether things are legal or not, we know the difference between right and wrong. And people know this is wrong. And that's the reason I say, let's get at the facts, let's have a hearing, let's find out whether we were given the truth, let's find out whether the tax benefit should adhere to Comcast and the rich law firms. One thing I feel certain, we may not know whether it's legal or not until there's definitive action by the federal or state governments, but one thing we know is the difference between right and wrong. And what's ongoing is wrong. Therefore, I urge all my colleagues to support this resolution.
Thank you, Councilman. Councilman Clarke, your light is on. Did you want to be recognized?
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, while I agree with the substance of this particular resolution and supportive of our need to analyze this whole KOZ process, my question centers more about the referral of the resolution to the Committee on Law and Government and not commerce and Economic Development since that is the Committee that traditionally hears resolutions and bills that discus fiscal impacts and job creation or opportunities. I guess I'm asking the sponsor why he would not have referred it to Commerce and Economic Development.
You will note, Councilman Clarke, that sponsoring this resolution with me is the Chairman of the Economic Development Committee because there are elements of economic development, but there are other elements. There are elements of fairness and equity. We had a Tax Reform Commission. I didn't want to pour rain on the confirmation and the applaud that's given to the Tax Reform Commission, but I had a lot of doubts about it, but it was an interesting process. It's a process aimed at achieving fairness and equity. And that's also part of this resolution. It's more than economic development, it's the whole way of doing business. And I think it's time we decided to do it the right way and to win support from people instead of increasing the number of cynics who say all of us in politics are in it only for we can get out of it. It's time for us to set the path. Politics ought to be and I think is historically a very fine profession and I think we ought to demonstrate it by our day-to-day activity, and that goes beyond economic development. That was the reason I chose it for the Law and Government Committee, of which I am the chairman.
Okay. I didn't really get an answer to my question. But if the premise is -
I'm sorry, Councilman. I didn't hear the last statement.
I spoke with Councilman Goode about it. He wanted time to consider it. He had the time. And I was very pleased this morning he announced he was signing on as the chief cosponsor.
So the chairman of that Committee is comfortable with it going to Law and Government, is what you're saying?
My question is, are you saying that the Chairman of Commerce and Economic Development Committee was comfortable with the referral to Law and Government?
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Madam President. I am comfortable with the referral of this resolution to Law and Government. I wouldn't mind holding it joint hearing, but I think it is appropriate also if it be heard in Law and Government because the real issue here is that the State Legislature is actually trying to pass legislation to enable us to pass legislation. I'm not sure anyone here asked them to pass the KOZ legislation or amendments to the legislation. So this is an issue of law. It is an issue our interaction between local and state government and the fact that the State Legislature is legislating on our behalf so it is appropriate also for it to go to Law and Government.
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution will be referred to the Committee on Law and Government. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Section 9-212 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Newsstands," by prohibiting newsstands within the area bounded by Dyre Street, Cheltenham Avenue, Penn Street and Frankford Avenue.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer one resolution and two bills.
Thank you. The Clerk will read title of the first bill.
An ordinance amending Chapter 10-800 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Safety" by adding a new Section 10-832 entitled "Firearms Tracing" to require that the City of Philadelphia Police Department conduct traces of firearms illegally possessed by anyone under 21 years of age.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Clerk will please read the title of the second bill.
An ordinance amending Section 10-800 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Safety" by adding a new Section 10-833 entitled "Possession of Weapons on School Property" to prohibit the possession of weapons in and around educational institutions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia without consideration deed conveying conditional fee simple title to a certain City-own lot or piece of ground situate in the 11th, 12th, 13th and 17th 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 indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer two bills and one resolution.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance amending Chapter 20-600 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Standards of Conduct and Ethics" by adding anti-nepotism provisions prohibiting City officers and employees from taking or recommending certain personnel actions affecting family members.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Clerk will please read the title of the second bill.
An ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of amendment to Section 2-102 of the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter relating to the redistricting of the City to revise the boundaries of the Councilmanic districts.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution proposing an amendment to Section 2-102 of the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter relating to the redistricting of the City to revise the boundaries of the Councilmanic districts after each decennial census.
This resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer no bills or resolutions this morning.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ramos.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Thank you, Madam President. I have one resolution and two bills.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance amending Chapter 10-800 of The Philadelphia Code entitled "Safety" by adding a new Section 10-831 entitled "straw and multiple gun purchase reduction" to limit purchases of firearms by Philadelphia residents to one a month and to prohibit straw purchases of firearms utilized by criminals for the purposes of evading the one gun a month limitation.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Clerk will please read the title of the second bill.
An ordinance amending Chapter 10-800 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Safety" by adding a new Section 10-834 entitled "Sale or Transfer of Ammunition" to require all sales of ammunition for firearms to be reported to the City of Philadelphia Police Department.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia without consideration deed conveying conditional fee, simple title to a certain City-owned lot or piece of ground in the 47th ward of the City of Philadelphia.
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 Kelly.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
Thank you very much. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke for a report from the Committee on Public Property and Public Works -- I'm sorry before we go into that, Councilwoman Blackwell, did you want to introduce your resolution at this time?
Thank you, Madam President. I introduce one additional resolution.
The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution authorizing the Committee on Licenses and Inspections to hold comprehensive hearings along with members of the City, State and Federal Delegations regarding stop-and-go delicatessens and the sale of prepackaged brewed or malt beverages throughout neighborhoods in the City of
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution will be referred to the Committee on Licenses and Inspections.
At this time, again, the Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke for a report from the Committee on Public Property and Public Works.
Thank you, Madam Public Property and Public Works report one bill with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the report.
To the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Public Property to which was referred Bill No. 040034, entitled an ordinance requiring the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development to enter into a certain agreement with the City regarding Authority transactions involving non-City government agencies as a condition of the Council approval of future Authority transactions, under certain terms and conditions, respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bill to Council with favorable recommendation.
Thank you. Bill No. 040034 will be placed on the First Reading Calendar for our next Session of Council. Clarke, your light is on. Did you want to be recognized?
Yes. Madam President, I would like to be excused from Council. I have a funeral service for Mr. James Young, one of the community leaders in my district, and I would like make my presence known representing the Members of Council with a citation.
Madam President, I may have missed it, and I apologize. I'm not sure that the Committee report was actually adopted.
I thought we did. It was a bill that had a public hearing.
I understand that, Madam President. There was a report I don't think the Committee's report was -- I don't think there was a vote on the Committee report
I understand that, Madam President. Normally, the Chair of the Committee makes a motion to adopt the report when it comes in, is my recollection.
So, again, that bill will be placed on the First Reading Calendar for our next Session of Council. That concludes Committee reports. There are no bills on either the First or Second Reading Calendars today. Are there any speeches on the part of the minority? (No response.)
Are there speeches on the part of the majority? The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, I was out of the Chambers and didn't really have the time, but I'm asking that we stand in a moment of silence for the nine-year-old victim at Pierce Elementary School and his family who is actually clinging to life at Temple Children's Hospital. And also, we introduced bills this morning as it relates to gun control because I think it's important that we not only utilize all the resources and methods that we have at a community level, but also within local, state, and federal government. So Councilman Clarke and I are hoping that -- and I know last night at the rally Representative Jewell Williams and many other State Reps met and a couple State Senators to talk about trying to legislation. You know, some of the things that we can't control are people's behavior. But if we can begin to put some type of control on guns and on weapons and calling schools a safety zone, we have to put a safety net around our children. And there's a meeting tonight at Deliverance Church at 21st and Lehigh, a community, meeting, where everybody's coming together, the religious community, the School District, of course, the elected officials in the area, and many other groups at 6 p.m. tonight. So far we've had the community is mobilized. The police department is there. So I do think that I'd like us to stand and have a moment of meditation and prayer for he.
Can we all stand for a moment of silent prayer for the 10-year-old student that was shot yesterday. (Moment of silence.)
We will certainly continue to pray for him. 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, February 19th at 10:00 a.m., 2004. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, February 19, 2004. All will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the motion carries. Thank you. (Council adjourned at 11:27 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, February 12, 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