COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, January 29, 2004 10:08 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 MICHAEL A. NUTTER 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
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 Thomas Parker, Associate Minister at Penn Memorial Baptist Church. He is here today as the guest of Councilwoman Brown. I would ask all Members and guests please rise.
Let us bow. Good morning, God. As we stand in humble submission to your will, we come before you in reverence, give you all praises and honor and glory. I come asking that you would shine forth on this Council today, that you would give them wisdom, that you would give them knowledge, and that you would give them understanding. Help them to be what you want them to be as representatives of the people of this City. Grant unto them, peace. And when disagreement, let them not be disagreeable. We thank you, God, for all of your blessings. Now help us as this year unfolds that you would give us all that we stand in need of, to be strong and peaceable individuals in this new year. Bless the President of this Council, all who are staff members, and may you receive all the glory. Amen.
The Chair thanks Reverend Parker 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, January 27 2004. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Journal of the Meeting of Thursday, January 22, 2004, stand approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the Meeting of Thursday January 22, 2004, stand approved. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the motion carries. The Journal of the Meeting of the Thursday January 22, 2004, is approved. The next order of business is request for leaves of absence. Again, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. There are no requests for leaves of absence on the part of the Majority.
Madam President, the Republicans have no requests for leave of absence.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair will dispense with the regular order of business to recognize 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. Over a year and a half ago when we realized the extent of the damage to our Chambers, we were faced with a very difficult task of finding a temporary meeting space. President Judge Frederica Massiah-Jackson and Judge Norman Ackerman graciously welcomed us into Courtroom 696 until the repairs to the Chambers were completed. I don't think they realized, nor did we, how long it would take. Today, we want to publicly thank Judge Massiah-Jackson and Judge Ackerman. And we want them to know we are extremely, extremely grateful. Will your Honors please stand so that we can show you our deep appreciation? (Applause.)
Thank you so very, very much. And at this time, I think it would be nice if all the Councilmembers and the judges would take a photo. (Council at ease.)
At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller who will present a resolution honoring Men United For a Better Philadelphia. Will Mr. Bilal Qayyum, Ray Jones and Malik Isaiah (ph) and those accompanying them please join the Councilwoman at the podium? I am just being told that Councilman Clarke, Councilwoman Blackwell and Councilman Mariano will please join Councilwoman Miller.
Good morning. It is our pleasure to honor and commend this dedicated group of men who work diligently throughout the City towards the effort of public safety. Honoring and recognizing Men United for a Better Philadelphia on the occasion of its second anniversary and for marking December 2003 as Month of Peace.
Whereas, Men United for a Better Philadelphia was founded in January 2002 by a cross-section of African-American men who were motivated by the alarming number of violent, drug-related homicides in neighborhoods in the City; and Whereas, Men United For a Better Philadelphia marked December 2003 as the Month of Peace in which members appealed to an end of violence and spread their anti-violent message twice a week in many parts of this City; and
Whereas, Men United For a Better Philadelphia has as its core mission the reeducation of young men through a men's network of support services focused on attracting youth away from a life-style associated with criminal activity; and Whereas, Men United For a Better Philadelphia, as part of its efforts to stem violence in the City, travel throughout Philadelphia neighborhoods in groups of three and five with a message of stop of violence.
Resolved by the Council of the City of Philadelphia that Men United For a Better Philadelphia are recognized and honored for commitment and dedication to the goals of stopping violence in the City of Philadelphia. Further resolved that an engrossed copy of this resolution is presented to representatives of Men United For a Better Philadelphia as an expression of the gratitude and sincere appreciation of this Legislative Body. Signed by Anna Verna and all the Members of City Council. (Applause.)
Honorable President Verna, Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell, Councilwoman Donna Miller, Councilman Darrell Clarke, Councilman Rick Mariano, and the rest of the distinguished body, my Councilwoman Marian Tasco and other Members, we are here -I was going to thank you for this resolution, but it's an issue that I wish we weren't here for. As I speak here this morning, I believe we have 26 deaths in the City of Philadelphia, and the day is only January 29th. It's a death per day. A murder has taken place per day since the 1st of the year. So our efforts of trying to reduce homicide -- we will intensify our efforts this year. We need your support, all Council support and all the support of the citizens of Philadelphia. We noticed that last year our homicide rate went up after having a 17-year drop of 288 deaths in 2002. In 2003, we had 347 deaths. So we're going to intensify and increase our efforts and go into every neighborhood with the same message of we've got to save lives. The last comment I'd like to make is that homicide violence affects everything. I had a discussion with Councilman Clarke a couple weeks ago when he was trying to attract a business in one of our commercial corridors, and there was a homicide a week before. The business raised an issue about "Is it safe?" So it affects everybody. It affects our economy. It affects human life. It affects everybody sitting in this audience. And it's not -- even though you see here men of African-American background, it affects every ethnic group in this City; white, black, Latino, Asian. Everybody is affected by violence and homicide. So once again, we are here receiving the citation. Thank you very much for it. But it's only beginning our work to reduce homicide in the City of Philadelphia, and we need your support. We will be counting and of Council in the next couple of months to support us in our efforts to eliminate violence in the City of Philadelphia. And I must say, the men standing behind me -- I'm sorry I didn't mention them in my remarks. These are just some of the men. I have hundreds of men in Men United For a Better Philadelphia. We go out on the street corners and talk to young men and try to get them to stop participating in negative behavior and participate in positive behavior. So, once again, thank you, Council. We will appreciate and hang this resolution in our office. And this inspires us to do more to solve violence in the City of Philadelphia. (Applause.)
Thank you very much. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilmen Juan Ramos for a presentation honoring the Will Judge Diaz and those accompanying him please join the Councilman at the podium?
It's my first time up here. You look beautiful out there. It's an honor for me today to present my first resolution as your new Councilman. I think it's only fitting that this resolution goes to a gentleman that I've known since I was teenager. He was only a couple years older than me when I first met him and his career has been an all-American story of a Hispanic young man who came out of the projects and went on to become the first Hispanic lawyer in the State of Pennsylvania, certified, went on to become the first Hispanic judge of the City of Philadelphia, went on to Washington in the Clinton Administration, came back and took private practice in Philadelphia, and a couple years ago was named City Solicitor of the City of Philadelphia. And during all those years, this fine Philadelphian always gave back to the community without any charge. to honor our City Solicitor who is leaving us, Judge Nelson Diaz. Whereas, after 27 months of diligent and noteworthy service, the Honorable Nelson A. Diaz is leaving from the position of City Solicitor of Philadelphia; and Whereas, under his direction, the Law Department was strategically reorganized to promote more effective management and delivery of high-quality legal services to City Council, the Mayor, as well as the operating departments of the City of Philadelphia; and
Whereas, during his tenure, the Law Department was able to attract a significant number of the brightest and most qualified law school graduates from area schools, increasing the number of Latino and other minority attorneys, as well as in management and supervisory positions; and
Whereas, at great savings he created the Neighborhood Transformation Initiative Law Department to City Council and the Mayor to revitalize and invest in local neighborhoods and communities throughout the City; and
Whereas, he instituted a nationally recognized Lead Paint Court with the Court of Common Pleas to abate the dangerous conditions related to the serious public health danger and increase enforcement actions; and
Whereas, he filed a complaint with the Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner that led to the successful reduction in automobile insurance rates; and Whereas, under his proactive leadership, the Law Department experienced record-setting levels of enforcement and collection of delinquent taxes, reduce Law Department operating costs, and in particular the expense of outside counsel, instituted a mediation program at both the federal and state level that resolved significant numbers of cases, while at the same time reducing expenditures, approximately $18 million since 1994; and
Whereas, through his involvement, planning and advocacy obtained a unanimous Supreme Court decision invalidating Act 230 in the Convention Center Case, establishing a legal precedent finding for the first time in Pennsylvania's history an Act invalid on procedural grounds; and Whereas, by his review and consideration of the City Charter Pennsylvania Statutes and federal regulations issued a Solicitor's opinion that allowed approximately 30,000 City employees to be eligible to participate in foster care programs and ease the backlog and delay of the adoption process. Now, therefore, be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Philadelphia that we honor Judge Nelson A. Diaz for his commitment and dedication to the citizens of Philadelphia and for his decades of public service to the City. And be it further resolved that an engrossed copy of this resolution shall be A. Diaz as evidence of the sincere respect, deep admiration and high regard this legislative body has for him and his service. Signed by Council President Anna Verna, introduced by yours truly, Richard T. Mariano, Frank DiCicco, Donna Reed Miller, and Jannie Blackwell, and sponsored by all Members of City Council. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes Judge Diaz for remarks, as we thank him for his many years of public service. JUDGE DIAZ: Thank you, Madam President. You members of City Council, I truly appreciate the opportunity you gave me. I started here. You gave me a unanimous vote and you send me off in a wonderful way, and I'm very, very grateful to you. I was very privileged to serve you. It was a lot of fun. And I was very privileged to serve the citizens of Philadelphia. All the support you gave me, everyone of you, whatever side of the were, Republican and Democrats alike, I truly, truly appreciate the opportunity you gave me to do this. As you know, I have a hard problem staying still, and glass ceilings have to continue to be broken for people who come from my background. And even though it was unanticipated that I would move this quickly, I have made a choice to do so. I also am very grateful for the Law Department members who are here who decided to make sure that this change was a positive change. And they have all been incredibly supportive of you and the ability to put some reforms in the court system. It's a really managed area. The judges feel incredibly very, very gratified with the kind of representation we are giving. An example would be in the Family Court where we were really, really in major trouble with dependent children. Those are the kids who essentially can and should be receiving federal support. And at times we were derelict in those duties. I have to tell has totally been reformed in a way that I think you will be very proud to see its effectiveness. I enjoy this job. I enjoy you. I hope you stay friendly with me. I hope I can support you either financially or otherwise as I proceed in my other activities. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you, Judge. Council will be at ease. JUDGE DIAZ: Council President corrected me so I make sure I get home tonight and get supper. This is wife, Sarah, who had an introduction to the Philadelphia at that vulturous meeting where I was supposed to be confirmed, and as a result, you remember, you had a few lapse votes around here and it took about three or four hours. So I tell you, Sarah, they're really wonderful people. It was just an anomaly. Thank you again. (Council at ease.)
The next order of business is communications. the Sergeant-at-Arms deliver the messages from 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 transmitting herewith for the consideration of your honorable body a resolution approving the action of the Boards of the Philadelphia Industrial Corporation and the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development to sell Parcel F13 to MDC Philadelphia, developer for Airborne Express. 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 West Mill Creek Urban Renewal Area.
Thank you. The messages will be printed in the Journal. The Chief Clerk will please read any other communications in her possession. THE
Thank you. The next order of business introduction of bills and resolutions. 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 the 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 of the motion 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 myself and Councilman Juan Ramos, I offer one resolution. I ask it to be referred to the appropriate committee.
Yes, but I will hold my comments. We know that our Rules indicate our resolutions should be circulated 24 hours in advance. And we did also question the committee to which it was referred. But my colleague said he's happy that it be referred to the appropriate committee, so certainly we're happy to waive our concern and can look at that sometime in the next few days. Thank you.
The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution. THE
A resolution authorizing City Council's Legislative Oversight Committee to hold public hearings on strategies to increase foreign immigration to Philadelphia and to improve the immigrant experience within Philadelphia.
The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney -- I'm sorry. Councilwoman Blackwell, your light was on again.
Again, we note that it was read in the title, but my colleague, the sponsor of the resolution, said that he is happy to refer it to the appropriate committee, and for that reason I -
I'm sorry, I think I wrote the resolution so I think I know what it means. When I said "appropriate committee" in my remarks, I meant the committee in the title in the resolved clause. This resolution was introduced four years ago, exact same wording. The only difference is that I've asked Councilman Ramos to accompany me in trying to create this effort to invigorate and revitalize the City. It's the same language, the same words, and it went into the same committee four years ago. That's why I suggested it go in this committee now. And I do apologize Madam President for my tardiness in not getting the resolution 24 hours in advance. I'm first getting used to the new rules, as everyone else is and also was quite busy, and it was simply an oversight on my part. So I do sincerely apologize for my lack of not getting the resolution around, but I would consider today that due to the fact that this is not very controversial resolution and the wording is the same as it was four years ago, the Committee is the same as it was four years ago, and the only addition is Councilman Ramos' agreement, thankfully, to help me and to push this issue. I see no reason why it shouldn't be considered today.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Madam President. I just want to be clear on how these resolutions are to be dealt with. In the past and since I've been here in City Council, Councilmembers have requested that their resolutions be referred to committees in the resolution. There has been no problem with that since I've been here. And I just wanted to -- because I know there's some question raised about the resolution that I introduced last week on the rapid refund loans, and I'm not sure the rules refer to how resolutions are to be handled. And I think that past practice is in order. Thank you
Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. It is a question of having rules and adhering to the rules in our Charter. So we reiterate that every Councilperson has the right to introduce any bill or resolution that he or she sees fit to govern our City and people who live and work here. But certainly, we have to do it in accordance with the Rules of Council and with the Home Rule Charter. A bill dealing with immigration, an immigration issue, does not go to the Committee of Legislative Oversight. That's too big a stretch.
Excuse me, Councilwoman Blackwell. There is point of information by Councilman Kenney.
The Member's indicated that our Rules -- certainly our Rules in place do indicate a 24-hour requirement, but she also made reference to the Charter, and I don't know of any provision in the Charter that requires a 24-hour circulation of resolutions. So I just want the record to be clear that although the Rules may indicate that, the Charter certainly does not. I would like to also stipulate again that the issue of the Committee on Legislative Oversight was not an issue four years ago when the bill was asked to be referred there and referred there. There were extensive hearings held by the Committee on Legislative Oversight at the time. And actually, one of the other reasons why I asked for the bill to be referred to this particular committee is because I chair it, Number 1; and Number 2, Councilman Ramos who is the cosponsor of the resolution also sits on the Committee. And I thought it would be, because of past practice and because of practicality, it would be the best committee for it to be in. I don't remember our Rules indicating, however, that -- I understand there's an issue relative to ordinances in the assignment of committees, but I didn't realize there was any comment about resolutions in the assignment to commitments. So I would suspect that we would proceed as we have in the past. This is not, again, an earth-shaking resolution. It's something I've been working on four years trying to get done, and Councilman Ramos has agreed to try to help me, and I see no reason why we just can't proceed.
Thank you. Councilwoman, I notice your light is on, but it's not registering on the screen. Did you want to be recognizes again?
Yes, I do. My answer was in response to Councilwoman Tasco's remarks with regard to the Home Rule Charter. With regard to the Rules of Council, I would say if you turn to , Section 6 on the Introduction of Rules, it says "All resolutions (excepting resolutions of condolences and congratulations) shall be sent by the sponsor to every Councilperson so as to be in possession of Members at least the day prior to the day of introduction and to the Council, and when introduced shall be printed for the use of Members and public and shall be numbered consecutively." Furthermore, on under Legislative Oversight Committee, it says, "All matters related to the legislative acts of Council it is to check with the executive and judicial branches on the enforcement of laws passed by Council on the carrying out of projects voted by Council, the budgetary expenditures as allowed in the various budget funds and all matters relating to the Pennsylvania Convention Center." So I would still like to note I don't think this refers to the Pennsylvania Convention Center, and I think it's a stretch to assume that this resolution should be referred to that Committee.
Because I think -- let me state prior to whatever happens to this really serious controversial resolution here that the intention, again, was that because Legislative Oversight is such a wide-ranging committee, it is a catch-all in many areas for every aspect of government, and the fact that I've worked on this issue diligently for the last four years and I Chair this Committee and that this resolution was introduced and passed and sent to this Committee four years ago -- the only change, again, as I said, is Councilman Ramos' agreement to cosponsor this with me. Again, I sincerely and wholeheartedly apologize for my tardiness in not getting this thing for 24 hours. And as I used to tell the Sisters at Mercy Our Lady of Mt. Carmel when I was in school, I really am sorry and I will try to do better next time. But in the meantime, I see no reason why this needs to be delayed. It is something that this City needs to be working on. It needed to be working on it in the last four years, with very little cooperation with the second floor. And I think that this is something we need to do. Other cities in the country have repopulated their cities and kept their population up with this kind of effort. And to delay this further, to me, really is nonsensical. But certainly, the majority will have its say. Thank you
Clarify the record, Madam President, I was not speaking in terms of the circulation and the timely matter in which that should be done. I was speaking in terms how Councilmembers have in the past in their resolution designated a Committee which they would like to have their issue heard, and that has been respected by presidents in the past since I've been in this City Council. That was my remark. Thank you.
Let me note that I agree with the subject of the resolution. I don't have any question that we need to deal with foreign immigration as an issue. And I have a lot of especially Africans who have moved into the 3rd District that we work diligently with. We held the first, as everyone knows, Echoes of Africa affair in the City, a reception for Africans living in Philadelphia for the first time in the history of the City. It started as Unity Day had started, to welcome the African immigrants in City. So I say that to say I don't disagree with the content of the resolution, but we do say if we have Rules, that we need to adhere to the Rules and adhere to the process governs us. That is all, Madam President.
I do believe that even though the Rules are in order and in enforce that I do have the right as a Member of this body to draft a resolution, to deal with an issue, and to refer it to a committee that I feel appropriate. There is nothing in the Rules that indicate that there is any type of consideration or deliberation relative to resolutions. The assignment of bills particular committees, sad to say, is a matter for a group vote. However, there's nothing in the Rules to indicate resolutions follow the same course. And as an effort to try to streamline the work of this day, I would move the adoption of the resolution.
That is not true. Again, I refer my colleague and all my colleagues , No. 6, which states all resolutions. I just read it. So to say it is not a matter of the Rules is not true. It is a matter of the Rules, is in print, and these were Rules adopted by the Council at our investiture service.
Madam President, if I may. I believe that section refers to the circulation resolutions 24 hours in advance. I do not believe that it refers to the issue of where the ultimate resolution is assigned, especially in light of the fact that the proposer of the resolution puts in the title and in the resolve clause where the resolution should go. If Councilmembers, nine or more, decide that they don't want the resolution to go to a particular Committee, then they should vote on it when the resolution is moved for adoption. It is not a matter for discussion amongst the Majority, Minority Leader, and the President. I don't see that in the Rules. Now, if we want to change the Rules to make resolutions operate this way, then I guess 9 or 11 people can do that. But in the meantime, I drafted a resolution. I've asked for the Council's approval to send it to Legislative Oversight where it was sent four years ago. It's been moved and seconded. If it goes up, it goes up. If it goes down, it goes down. It won't be the first resolution or bill I've ever lost in this Chamber in 12 years. But I think this is a bit nitpicky.
On the question, Madam President. We would be happy to support my colleague's resolution if he would reassign the Committee to which it goes. It is not a Legislative Oversight Committee issue.
It is up to the sponsor of the bill. It could go to Rules. It could even go to -- we're happy to even support it even if it went to Committee of the Whole. It is not a Legislative Oversight Committee issue.
Well, what we did four years ago -- if it happened four years ago and we were wrong, we have a chance to correct what we do today. I'm trying to go by the Rules. That's what I'm elected to do, and that's what I intend to do.
Councilman Cohen's light has been on. Did you want to be recognized, sir?
Yes. You know, we can deteriorate into a body dealing with rules. That's all right with me. I don't mind taking another course in rulemaking. But it certainly seems awfully silly to spend this amount of time arguing. When a Member of this body writes a resolution, he's writing it the way he sees it. He can't take any power away from anybody else. He's stating his preference. I see absolutely nothing wrong in doing that. But the President always has the right to make the recommendation of the proper Committee if she thinks the one mentioned is not proper or for some other reason she thinks the Committee preferable. But, please, let's not deteriorate into a body that has to obey every rule for no reason at all. It just seems to me to be ridiculous to have us fall into that line where we're arguing what committee a bill gets into. Seems to me we have more important things to do than that. Thank you, Madam President.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Madam President, I'd like for the record to know what Rules are we reading from? Councilwoman Blackwell refers to , Item 6. I do not have those Rules at my desk. We ask for the Rules from the Clerk. There is no Item 6 in the Rules that we have. Since we did not see the Rules when they were introduced on January the 5th, I'd like to know what Rules are we operating under?
Councilwoman Blackwell, can you respond to Councilwoman Tasco?
Thank you, Madam President. Everyone has a copy of these Rules. They have been distributed. As my colleagues have asked that we move on and not spend additional time, then I will withdraw my objections to this resolution. But I would say to all Members of Council, can we please try to go by the Rules, can we try to circulate our resolutions 24 hours in advance? I have been elected. It is my responsibility to try to make sure we do the right thing to concur with the President on committees, on bill assignments, and I intend to do that. We're happy to move forward. Nobody wants to spend undue time on this issue and so we're happy to move forward.
Thank you very much. Councilman Kenney, I believe you made a motion. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for a point of order.
I'd still like to have a copy of the Rules that Councilwoman Blackwell is reading from. My Rules on , there is no Item 6. I do not know what Rules we're operating under.
Madam President, I'll give her a copy if she doesn't have them.
We got these Rules from the Clerk's Office. I'd like to know what Rules we're operating under.
Madam President, I will give her another copy if she doesn't have her Rules.
I'd like to know what Rules are being disseminated to all Councilmembers, not just me. Councilwoman Miller does not have the Rules that Councilwoman Blackwell is speaking from.
In the copy circulated by the Chief Clerk, if you will turn to , No. 5, Roman numeral 6, No. 5, you will see it printed, and I just read it.
I apologize. I may have misunderstood what you were saying. You were saying Item 6, and so I was looking for Item 6. I have Introduction of Bills, Section 6, but you were saying No. 6, and so I was looking for No. 6 in that section which does not appear in the Rules that I have. Now that you made yourself clear, I thank you.
Thank you, Madam President. I would like to thank the Majority Leader for her graciousness and colleagues for their support, and 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 will be referred to the Oversight Committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. Today, I introduce two resolutions on your behalf and two on my own.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution. THE
A resolution approving the action of Boards of the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation and the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development to sell Parcel F13 Stage A Industrial to MDC Philadelphia, developer for Airborne Express.
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 has been adopted. The Clerk will please read the title of the second resolution. THE
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City deeds located in the 36th 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 has been adopted. The Clerk will please read the next resolution. THE
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City deeds located 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 will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution has been adopted. The Clerk will please read the final resolution. THE
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 West Mill Creek 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. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution. THE
A resolution authorizing City Council's Committee on Law and Government to hold public hearings to investigate the payment by the Philadelphia Pension Board of management, brokerage, finders and other fees, and in furtherance of such investigation a remedy authorizing the issuance of subpoenas to compel of attendance of witnesses and the production of documents to the full extent authorized under Section 2-401 of the Home Rule Charter.
Madam President, 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 has been adopted and 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. THE
An ordinance establishing a no truck parking regulation on the 2800 block of East Allegheny Avenue, both sides.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano.
The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution. THE
A resolution authorizing Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority deeds located in the 18th, 19th, 31st and 37th 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, and the resolution has been adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer two resolutions, one on behalf of the Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown and myself.
The Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution. THE
A resolution honoring and commending the North Central Philadelphia Health Coalition on the occasion of the National Black HIV/AID Awareness Day.
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 Clerk will please read the title of the second resolution. THE
A resolution authorizing Council's Committee of the Whole to hold hearings on findings and recommendation of the Tax Reform Commission's final report released on November 15, 2003, and further authorizing the Committee to seek advice and recommendations on tax policy and tax reform from citizens, financial experts, economists, academia, business executives, and State Legislative and Executive Branch offices.
The Chair, again, recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
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 will be referred to the Committee of Whole. 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 Nutter.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer one bill and two resolutions, one resolution cosponsored by my colleague Councilman Darrell Clarke.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the bill. THE
An ordinance amending Chapter 19-500 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Taxes and Rents General" by providing for time limitations on examinations and assessments, under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution. THE
A resolution honoring the Association of the Study of African-American life and history on the occasion of black history month.
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 say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution has been adopted. The Clerk will please read the title of the second resolution. THE
A resolution honoring the African-American Children's Book Project on the occasion of the Annual African-American Children's Book Fair.
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 Goode.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer one resolution on your behalf, co-introduced by all Members of Council.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution. THE
A resolution honoring James J. Cuorato, City Representative and Director of Commerce, City of Philadelphia.
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 Ramos.
Madam President, I offer one privileged resolution cosponsored by Councilman Mariano.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution. THE
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 has been adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer seven bills and four resolutions.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the first bill. THE
An ordinance amending 19-2600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Business Privilege Taxes," by amending the definition of "net income."
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
And an ordinance amending the ordinance approved January 3, 1992, Bill No. 1205-AA, which pursuant to Subsection 9-204 of The Philadelphia Code, designates the locations in Center City at which vending is permitted, by providing that all pretermitted vendor locations on both sides of 12th Street between Arch and Chestnut Street.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
And an ordinance amending the ordinance approved January 3, 1992, which pursuant to Subsection 9-204 of The Philadelphia Code designates the locations in Center City at which vending is permitted.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
And an ordinance amending Chapter 9-200 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Commercial Activities on Streets," by requiring persons licensed under that chapter, Section 9-203, Section 9-204 of sidewalk vendors and neighbor business districts.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
And an ordinance amending an ordinance approved January 3, 1992, as amended, which pursuant to Subsection 9-204 of The Philadelphia Code designates the locations in Center City at which vending is permitted by providing that all permitted vending locations on both sides of Eighth Street and Ninth Street between Arch and Market.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
And an ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion City Plan No. 58 of an area bounded by Ninth Street, Tenth Street, Callowhill Street, and Noble Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE
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 Snyder Avenue, Swanson Street, Oregon Avenue and Fifth Street.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution. THE
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia without consideration deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground situate in the Second 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 has been adopted. The Clerk will please read the title of the second resolution. THE
A resolution appointing Noah Webster to the Board of Directors of the South Street/Headhouse District of the 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 has been adopted. The Clerk will read the title of the next resolution. THE
A resolution appointing Steve Kujolic to the Board of Directors South Street/Headhouse District of Philadelphia.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
Councilman DiCicco, don't we normally have public hearings on these issues?
Yes, but I think they will be referred to the Committee of the Whole and that's where the public hearing will take place. Instead of moving for the resolution approvals, you're saying?
You're voting for the adoption of a resolution for the appointment of the individual. And it will be referred to the appropriate Committee. I want the record to be extremely clear. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco.
Move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
I would ask that it be referred to the appropriate Committee.
I think there were two others that were read. I believe that they would have to be referred to the appropriate Committee, so we really don't have a vote on those. We simply have to refer them to the appropriate committee.
And so I withdraw my motion on adopting the resolution and ask that they be referred to the Committee.
Thank you. And the record will reflect that, please. The Clerk please read the title of the next resolution. THE
A resolution appointing Marvin Finklestein to the Board of Directors of the South Street/Head House District of Philadelphia.
I would ask that that be referred to the appropriate committee.
This resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee. And 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 9-205 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "sidewalk sales," by prohibiting sidewalk sales on portions of Franklin Town Boulevard.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution. THE
A resolution authorizing Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City deeds located in the 14th, 18th, 28th, 29th and 43rd Wards 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 has been adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kelly.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
Thank you. We have neither reports from committees nor bills on the First or Second time, are there speeches on the part of the Minority? (No response.)
Are there 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 5, 2004, at 10:00 a.m. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, February 5, 2004. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. Thank you. (Council adjourned at 11:10 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 January 29, 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