COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Thursday, March 11, 1999 10:15 a.m. Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA COUNCILWOMAN AUGUSTA A. CLARK COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN DAVID COHEN COUNCILWOMAN JOAN L. KRAJEWSKI COUNCILMAN JAMES F. KENNEY COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER COUNCILMAN MICHAEL A. NUTTER COUNCILMAN ANGEL L. ORTIZ COUNCILMAN FRANK DICICCO COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILMAN RICHARD T. MARIANO COUNCILMAN W. THACHER LONGSTRETH COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO PATRICIA RAFFERTY, Clerk VINCENT VARALLO ASSOCIATES, INC. Registered Professional Reporters Eleven Penn Center, Suite 600 Philadelphia, PA 19103 GREETING/INVOCATION P R O C E E D I N G S
I note that the hour has come and that a quorum of this Council is present. The Council will come to order, members will take their seats, visitors will retire to the outside rails. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair welcomes the Reverend Williams Paul Anderson. He is the Pastor of the Holy Cross Lutheran Church and is the guest of Councilwoman Tasco. Members and guests will please rise. (All rise.)
Let us bow our heads. Almighty God, our Lord, our Father in Christ Jesus, Lord God, you have called us to labor in your vineyard. And without you, Lord God, we recognize and realize that we can do nothing. Father, we pray for your presence at this meeting. We ask that you would enlighten us and guide us. That in all matters, Lord God, in which we will deliberate, that Lord God, that we GREETING/INVOCATION may know that it will promote what is best for this city. And that then, Lord God, we may rebound in Your praise. Father, we ask for a special blessing upon this Council, that their Lord God may deliberate, Lord God, with wisdom. That, Lord God, they may deliberate with unity and fairness. That all schism, Lord God, will no longer be present. And that, Lord God, only, only Your mighty presence will be felt here. And that, Lord God, that they will be on one accord. Lord God, the merciful father, give us that special understanding. Give us, Lord God, the peace in knowing that You do all things well. And, Lord God, we pray this prayer in the name of Your precious son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, and our savior, in whom all things we please thee. In His name, we give you the glory and the honor. Amen. ALL: Amen.
The Chair thanks Reverend Anderson for his inspiring invocation. I would ask Councilman Nutter or APPROVAL OF 3/4/99 JOURNAL Councilman Kenney to please introduce the Councilmembers to the Reverend. (Council stands at ease.)
The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of March 4, 1999. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Madam Chair, we vote for the approval of the Journal of that date. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, March 4, 1999 stand approved. All in favor, signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, the motion is carried. The Journal of Thursday, March 4, 1999 is approved. REQUESTS FOR LEAVES OF ABSENCE
The next order of business is leaves of absence. Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter.
Madam President, to the best of my knowledge, there are no direct requests for leaves of absence for the majority at this time.
The Chair thanks the Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Longstreth.
Madam President, I have no requests for leaves of absence for the minority.
The Chair will dispense with the regular order of business to recognize guests and visitors joining us in the chambers this morning. On behalf of all members of City Council, I welcome you to our Council session this morning. We appreciate your taking the time to VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATIONS join us as we attend to the legislative affairs of our city. We invite you to come again. This morning we are honoring Mr. James Brown, IV. I invite Councilman Blackwell to come and make this presentation. (Councilwoman Blackwell comes forward.)
Thank you, Madam President. We certainly invite Mr. Brown and all who are here with him to come forward, and we welcome you here. (Mr. Brown and guests come forward.)
Resolution honoring James Brown, IV: Whereas Mr. James Brown, IV, a native of Virginia, came to Philadelphia in 1961, having worked his way through Virginia Union University to accept a position at the Temple University Medical School. His long-held interest in urban historic restoration soon won his heart, and by 1963, he and his mentor, Mr. William Henderson, became partners in the real estate market; And whereas, by 1967, Mr. Brown had left Temple, was working full-time in historic VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATIONS preservation in West Philadelphia and was beginning to enhance both housing and housing opportunities for the growing minority population in the Parkside neighborhood. Project followed project, and Jim Brown, who had worked in construction in Richmond and had inherited his grandfather's skills in everything mechanical, was on his way to changing the face of his neighborhood; And whereas, the Parkside Historic Preservation Corporation, which Mr. Brown founded and now directs, succeeded in restoring a whole series of the late-1800s mansions and townhouses bordering Fairmount Park, they are now inhabited by a rainbow of mix of citizens, they provide programs and community support, they serve as a national example of the value of preserving what is best in our history and tradition; And whereas, for his singular achievement and mammoth undertaking James Brown, IV has been chosen as one of the five finalists for the Rudy Bruner Award for Urban Excellence. He is a strong candidate for the gold medal, which will be awarded in May. We are persuaded that Mr. VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATIONS Brown and his Parkside Historic Preservation Corporation have done much to bring attention to the lasting beauty of Philadelphia's architectural heritage. And let me add that he is one of the leaders in our city and in our nation that have won many awards; and certainly without him, we could not have the housing stock, we could not do what we do in housing in West Philadelphia. And he works with his family, and I'm sure he will introduce them when he makes his remarks. And he's been a blessing certainly to every one of us in this room and to our entire city. Now, therefore, resolved by the Council of the Council of the City of Philadelphia that we hereby honor and commend James Brown, IV. We congratulate him on this great honor and thank him for the wonderful work done in Parkside. Resolved, therefore, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Mr. James Brown as evidence of the high esteem and deep respect of this legislative body. Certification: This is a true and correct copy of the original resolution adopted by VISITOR RECOGNITION/PRESENTATIONS the Council of the City of Philadelphia on the 18th day of February, 1999. And it is signed and attested to and confirmed by all members of City Council. Congratulations and thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you. I'd like to first thank the City of Philadelphia for giving me the opportunity to demonstrate what can be done. Obviously, I'd like to thank my family, my wife, and my daughter, and my dear sister who's here from Boston. Also, I'd like to say a couple of other things. One of the things that people forget sometimes, other than family and other than legislative bodies, I'd also like to thank the Parkside neighborhood for allowing me the opportunity to assist them in gaining some whereabouts and some ability to become mobile, and some ability to demonstrate to the nation as a whole that there are many communities in Philadelphia, in other cities that need to get COMMUNICATIONS themselves together and begin to work to better their conditions. And that we've tried to do very hard internally in Parkside. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
Council will stand add ease. (Council stands at ease.)
The next order of business is communications. The Chair recognizes the sergeant-at-arms for the purpose of delivering the messages from the Mayor to the chief clerk.
Okay, thank you, INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS Madam President. It gives me great pleasure to introduce a gentleman who is a councilman in the province of Venice, Italy. He's with us today. His name is Paolo Della Vecchio (ph.), and he's here with his interpreter Laura MacIntyre (ph.). Would you please stand. (Applause.)
Thank you. The next order of business is introduction of bills and resolutions. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Clark for the purpose of making a motion to suspend the rules.
Madam Chair, I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit the immediate consideration of resolutions when introduced. (Duly seconded.)
All in favor INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS of the motion to suspend the rules to permit immediate consideration of resolutions at the time of introduction will say aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, the motion is carried. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Clark.
Madam Chair, I have one bill to introduce on behalf of the 5th District.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on 13th Street, both sides, Allegheny to Westmoreland Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
The clerk will please read the title of the bill. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS
An ordinance granting permission to Charles M. Faulk, owner of the newsstand located at the northwest corner of 36th and Market Street, to construct, use and maintain electrical line and communications fiber optic lying over and across the north footway of Market Street.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen.
The Chair thanks the Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano.
The clerk INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution authorizing the Council Committee on Transportation and Public Utilities to hold hearings to investigate the service failures of SEPTA's Paratransit Division.
I move for the adoption, Madam Chair. (Duly seconded.)
The resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer three bills on your behalf and one privileged resolution.
The chief clerk will please read the first bill.
An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Rosewood Street, east side, Wolf Street to Ritner Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS
An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Fitzwater Street, both sides, 20th Street to 21st Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on 17th Street, both sides, Catharine Street to Christian Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution honoring the memory of Joseph Paul DiMaggio, an American legend.
I move the adoption of the resolution by a standing yes vote.
Everyone voting for the resolution will kindly stand. (All present Councilmembers stand.)
The motion has been carried. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer one resolution and one bill.
The clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Lenox Avenue, south side, Broad Street to 15th Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
A resolution recognizing and commending heroic acts and bravery of Don Gravatt and Robert Statler during a fire at the Hill Tower Apartments on the evening of Sunday, February 14, 1999.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
All those in favor of the adoption of the resolution will signify by saying aye. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS Those opposed? The ayes have it, the motion is carried. The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter.
The clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance authorizing the striking from City Plan No. 163 of East River Road from Calumet Street to the line of Fairmount Park, under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. Is Councilwoman Tasco here? (Councilwoman Tasco not present.) The Chair recognizes Councilman Ortiz.
Madam President, I have one bill -- two bills from Councilwoman Tasco and one resolution.
The chief clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Rising Sun Avenue, west side, from Cheltenham Avenue to INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS Alcott Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Front Street, north side, Olney Avenue to Godfrey Avenue.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution calling on the Pennsylvania legislature to enact legislation to prevent gun trafficking by limiting purchases to one gun per month.
Madam President, I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, the motion is carried. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS The Chair recognizes Councilman Ortiz.
Madam Chair, on behalf of Councilman Ortiz, Councilman Cohen, and Councilman Longstreth, I have one resolution.
The clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution urging the Mayor and the City of Philadelphia to support the formation of a Philadelphia-Santiago Cuban sister city relationship while extending its greetings to the people the people of Santiago, encouraging people-to-people communication, friendship, and good will.
Madam President, I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, the motion carried. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS
The clerk will please read the titles of the bills.
An ordinance granting permission to Girish B. Sanghvi, owner of the newsstand located on the northeast corner of Ninth and Market Street, to construct, use, and maintain electrical conduit for service line for his newsstand located there, under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
An ordinance granting permission to Procacci Brothers Sales, 3655 South Lawrence Street, to construct, use, and maintain two 4-inch ducts for fiber optic lines, under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
An ordinance authorizing Michael Del Quardro, owner of the property at 1100 Mercy Street, to construct and maintain various encroachments onto and over the west footway of INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS 11th Street, under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
An ordinance authorizing Lights of Liberty, 150 South Independence Mall West, to construct, operate, and maintain four raised panel boxes on various public rights-of-way, all under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
The clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance authorizing the construction of a sanitary sewer and appurtenant work in a portion of Trevose Road.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Longstreth. COMMITTEE REPORTS
The next order of business is reports from committees. The Chair recognizes the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Clark for the report of the Committee of the Whole.
Madam Chair, the Committee of the Whole reports -- the Committee of the Whole moves that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading -
Would you report the bills that are being reported out of committee? COMMITTEE REPORTS
Oh, all right. Madam Chair, the following bills are called up for consideration today: Bill No. 98 -
The report of the Committee of the Whole. You're reporting out the bill.
Oh, okay. You don't need the suspension of the rules; you just want the bills at this point.
All right. The Committee of the Whole reports out the following bills: Bill No. 980021 (sic), 990022, 990023, 990024, and 99025. Now, on that first one, it should have been 990021. Madam Chair, the committee moves that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading of these bills today.
Thank you. COMMITTEE REPORTS The clerk will please read the titles of the bills.
To the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia: The Committee of the Whole, to which was referred -Bill No. 990021, an ordinance to adopt a Capital Program for the six fiscal years 2000 to 2005 inclusive; And Bill No. 990022, an ordinance to adopt Fiscal 2000 Capital Budget; And Bill No. 990023, an ordinance adopting the Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2000; And Bill No. 990024, an ordinance amending Chapter 19-2600 of The Philadelphia Code entitled "Business Privilege Taxes" by decreasing the rate of the tax based upon gross receipts; And Bill No. 990025, an ordinance amending Chapter 19-1500 of The Philadelphia Code entitled "Wage and Net Profits Tax" by decreasing the rate of the tax. . . -- respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the COMMITTEE REPORTS attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
A motion has been made to suspend the rules of Council so as to permit first reading of Bill No.'s 990021, 990022, 990023, 990024, and 990025. (Duly seconded.)
All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it. Bill No.'s 990021, 990022, 990023, 990024, and 990025 will be placed on our first-reading calendar for today. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney for a report from the Rules Committee.
Thank you, Madam President. The Council Committee on Rules reports out one bill with a favorable recommendation and seeks a rules suspension.
To the President and Members of the Council of the City of COMMITTEE REPORTS Philadelphia: The Committee on Rules -- to which was referred Bill No. 990037, an ordinance amending Section 1 of the ordinance approved June 25, 1998, Bill No. 980452, an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, Director of Commerce, Director of Aviation, and other officials of the City, to acquire real estate and enter into certain leases and other agreements with the Philadelphia Authority For Industrial Development -- respectfully reports that it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Madam President, I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading of Bill No. 990037 today.
It has been properly moved and seconded that the rules of Council be suspended to permit first reading of COMMITTEE REPORTS Bill No. 990037. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, the motion is carried. Bill No. 990037 will be placed on our first-reading calendar for today. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski for a report from the Appropriations Committee.
Madam President, the Committee on Appropriations reports out three bills with a favorable recommendation.
The clerk will please read the titles of the bills.
To the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Appropriations, to which was referred: Bill No. 990032, an ordinance authorizing transfers and appropriations for Fiscal Year 1999 within the Grants Revenue Fund from the Director of Finance Provisions and Other COMMITTEE REPORTS Grants to the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania; And Bill No. 990033, an ordinance authorizing transfers and appropriation for Fiscal Year 1999 within the Grants Revenue Fund from the Director of Finance Provision for Other Grants to the Board of Trustees of the Free Library of Philadelphia; And Bill No. 990034, an ordinance authorizing transfers and appropriations for Fiscal Year 1999 within the General Fund from certain or all City offices, departments, boards, and commissions to certain or all City offices, departments, boards, and commissions. . . . . . respectively reports that it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Madam President, I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading of Bills. No. 990032, 990033, and 990034. (Duly seconded.) COMMITTEE REPORTS
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading of Bill No.'s 990032, 990033, and 990034. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it. Bill No.'s 990032, 990033, and 990034 will be placed on our first-reading calendar for today. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco for a report from the Streets and Services Committee.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Streets and Services reports 22 bills out of committee with a favorable recommendation.
The clerk will please read the titles of the bills.
To the President and Members of the Council City of Philadelphia: The Committee on Streets and Services, to which was referred: COMMITTEE REPORTS Bill No. 980717, an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 128 of an area bounded by Cambria Street, 19th Street, Indiana Avenue, and 17th Street; And Bill No. 980720, an ordinance authorizing Pietro's Coal Oven Pizzeria, located at 121-123 South Street, to construct and maintain various encroachments onto and over the north footway of South Street; And Bill No. 980747, an ordinance authorizing the paving of Park Avenue; And Bill No. 980802, an ordinance authorizing Richard Grande and Anna Grande, owners of Gianna's Restaurant, 721-723 Wharton Street, to construct and maintain one bench anchored into the footway and two electrified private street lights; And Bill No. 980898, an ordinance authorizing the installation of stop signs on Westmoreland Street, at the intersection of Amber Street; And Bill No. 980899, an ordinance authorizing the installation of stop signs on Venango Street, at the intersection of Sepviva COMMITTEE REPORTS Street; And Bill No. 980900, an ordinance authorizing the installation of stop signs on Third Street, at the intersection of George Street; And Bill No. 980924, an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Broad Street, west side, Ellsworth Street to Federal Street; And Bill No. 980925, an ordinance establishing parking regulations on Maplewood Avenue, north side, Green Street to Wayne Avenue; And Bill No. 980926, an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on portions of City Plan No. 177 by striking from City Plan Mayland Street from Stenton Avenue to Crittenden Street; And Bill No. 980929, an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 58 by striking from City Plan and vacating Nectarine Street; And Bill No. 980946, an ordinance granting permission to Marvin Bey, 2009 South 20th Street, owner of the newsstand located at the northeast corner of 20th and Snyder Avenue, for COMMITTEE REPORTS the purpose of supplying electrical services to his newsstand; And Bill No. , registered to do business in Pennsylvania, to construct, maintain, operate, replace, and remove a telecommunication system in and under the public rights-of-way and City streets, and to place such telecommunications systems within the existing facilities; And Bill No. 980948, an ordinance authorizing Mel Heifetz, 304 South 12th Street, owner of the property 1132 Spruce Street, also known as 301 South 12th Street, to construct and maintain a canopy with support columns on and over the east footway of South 12th Street, under certain terms and conditions; And Bill No. 980951, an ordinance amending Title 10 entitled "Regulation of Individual Conduct and Activity" of The Philadelphia Code to prohibit the placement of Dumpsters in the public right-of-way in the area shopping center districts; And Bill No. 980968, an ordinance COMMITTEE REPORTS granting permission to Pennsylvania Hospital, 800 Spruce Street, to construct, use, and maintain conduit with fiber optic cables and fire alarm cables; And Bill No. 980969, an ordinance granting permission to 1356 Corporation, Nifty Fifty's, located at 1356 East Passyunk Avenue, to operate and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe on the east footway of South 10th Street; And Bill No. 990029, an ordinance authorizing Sheridan University City, 3501 Chestnut Street, to construct and maintain an electrified marquee attached to the property at 3501 Chestnut Street; And Bill No. 990030, an ordinance authorizing Sheridan University City, 3501 Chestnut Street, operator of the property located at 3501 Chestnut Street, to construct and maintain various encroachments onto and under the north footway of Chestnut Street; And Bill No.
990031, an ordinance granting permission to West Philadelphia Firehouse Associates to operate and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe on the north footway of Baltimore COMMITTEE REPORTS Avenue; And Bill No. 990035, an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 187 by striking from the City Plan and vacating the legally open portions of Belgrade Street; And Bill No. 990078, an ordinance authorizing the Regional Performing Arts Center, 123 South Broad Street, owner of the building to be constructed at 300-312 South Broad Street, to construct and maintain variance encroachments under, over, and on the public rights-of-way of Broad Street, 15th Street and Spruce Street, under certain terms and conditions. . . respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Madam President. The Chair moves that the rules of Council be suspended for those bills that were just read into the record. (Duly seconded.) COMMITTEE REPORTS
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading of Bill No.'s 980717, 980720, 980747, 980802, 980898, 980899, 980900, 980924, 980925, 980926, 980929, 980946, 980947, 980948, 980951, 980968, 980969, 980029 (sic), 980030, 980031, 990035, and 980079. I feel as though I'm playing bingo. (Duly seconded.)
I believe the bill that you read as 980029 should have been 990029.
990029. I believe I heard you read it off as "980029."
It is. The COMMITTEE REPORTS record will so reflect that. All in favor of the motion will say aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it. Bill No.'s 980717, 980720, 980747, 980802, 980898, 980899, 980900, 980924, 980925, 980926, 980929, 980946, 980947, 980948, 980951, 980968, 980969, 990029, 990030, 990031, 990035, 990078 will be placed on our first-reading calendar for today. The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter for the report on the Select Committee of Fiscal Stability and Intergovernmental Cooperation.
Madam President, the committee on Fiscal Stability and Intergovernmental Cooperation reports out one resolution with a favorable recommendation and a rules suspension requested.
No suspension. The clerk will please read the title.
To the President and Members of the Council City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Fiscal Stability, to which was COMMITTEE REPORTS referred Resolution 990038, a resolution providing for the approval by the Council of the City of Philadelphia of a revised Five-Year Financial Plan for the City of Philadelphia covering Fiscal Years 2000 through 2004.
This resolution will be voted on at our next stated session.
Our next order of business is the consideration of the calendar. The chief clerk will read the bills on the first-reading calendar.
Bill No. 990021, an ordinance to adopt a Capital Program for the six Fiscal Years 2000 to 2005, inclusive;
Bill No. 990022, an ordinance to adopt a Fiscal 2000 Capital Budget;
Bill No. 990023, an CONSIDERATION OF THE CALENDAR ordinance adopting the Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2000;
Bill No. 990024, an ordinance amending Chapter 19-2600 of The Philadelphia Code entitled "Business Privilege Taxes" by decreasing the rate of the tax based upon gross receipts.
Bill No. 990025, an ordinance amending Chapter 19-1500 of The Philadelphia Code entitled "Wage and Net Profits Tax" by decreasing the rate of the tax.
Bill No. 990037, an ordinance amending Section 1 of the ordinance approved June 25, 1998, Bill No. 980452, an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, Director of Commerce, Director of Aviation, and other officials of the City, to acquire real estate and enter into certain leases CONSIDERATION OF THE CALENDAR and other agreements with the Philadelphia Authority For Industrial Development.
Bill No. 990032 an ordinance authorizing transfers and appropriations for Fiscal Year 1999 within the Grants Revenue Fund from the Director of Finance. . .
Bill No. 990033, an ordinance authorizing transfers and appropriation for Fiscal Year 1999 within the Grants Revenue Fund from the Director of Finance. . .
Bill No. 990034, an ordinance authorizing transfers and appropriations for Fiscal Year 1999 within the General Fund from certain or all City offices. . .
Bill No. 980717, an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and CONSIDERATION OF THE CALENDAR grades on a portion of City Plan No. 128 of an area bounded by Cambria Street, 19th Street, Indiana Avenue, and 17th Street, under certain terms and conditions.
Bill No. 980720, an ordinance authorizing Pietro's Coal Oven Pizzeria, located at 121-123 South Street, to construct and maintain various encroachments. . .
Bill No. 980747, an ordinance authorizing the paving of Park Avenue, under certain terms and conditions.
Bill No. 980802, an ordinance authorizing Richard Grande and Anna Grande, owners of Gianna's Restaurant, 721-723 Wharton Street, to construct and maintain one bench anchored into the footway and two electrified private street lights.
Bill No. 980898, an ordinance authorizing the installation of stop signs on Westmoreland Street.
Bill No. 980899, an ordinance authorizing the installation of stop signs on Venango Street.
Bill No. 980900, an ordinance authorizing the installation of stop signs on Third Street, at the intersection of George Street.
Bill No. 980924, an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Broad Street, west side, Ellsworth Street to Federal Street.
Bill No. 980925, an CONSIDERATION OF THE CALENDAR ordinance establishing parking regulations on Maplewood Avenue, north side, Green Street to Wayne Avenue.
Bill No. 980926, an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on portions of City Plan No. 177 by striking from City Plan Mayland Street. . .
Bill No. 980929, an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 58 by striking from City Plan and vacating Nectarine Street;.
Bill No. 980946, an ordinance granting permission to Marvin Bey, 2009 South 20th Street, owner of the newsstand located at the northeast corner of 20th and Snyder Avenue, for the purpose of supplying electrical services to his newsstand. CONSIDERATION OF THE CALENDAR
Bill No. 980947, an ordinance granting permission to Williams Communication, Inc., registered to do business in Pennsylvania, to construct, maintain, operate, replace, and remove a telecommunication system in and under the public rights-of-way and City streets. . .
Bill No. 980948, an ordinance authorizing Mel Heifetz, 304 South 12th Street, owner of the property at 1132 Spruce Street, also known as 301 South 12th Street, to construct and maintain a canopy with support columns on and over the east footway of South 12th Street, under certain terms and conditions.
Bill No. 980951, an ordinance amending Title 10 entitled "Regulation of Individual Conduct and Activity" of The Philadelphia Code to prohibit the placement of CONSIDERATION OF THE CALENDAR Dumpsters in the public right-of-way in the area shopping center districts;.
Bill No. 980968, an ordinance granting permission to Pennsylvania Hospital, 800 Spruce Street, to construct, use, and maintain conduit with fiber optic cables and fire alarm cables.
Bill No. 980969, an ordinance granting permission to 1356 Corporation, Nifty Fifty's, located at 1356 East Passyunk Avenue, to operate and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe. . .
Bill No. 990029, an ordinance authorizing Sheridan University City, operator of the property at 3501 Chestnut Street, to construct and maintain an electrified marquee attached to the property 3501 Chestnut Street.
Bill No. 990030, an ordinance authorizing Sheridan University City, 3501 Chestnut Street, operator of the property located at 3501 Chestnut Street, to construct and maintain various encroachments. . .
Bill No. 990031, an ordinance granting permission to West Philadelphia Firehouse Associates, located at 701 South 50th Street, to operate and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe. . .
Bill No. 990035, an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 187 by striking from the City Plan and vacating the legally open portions of Belgrade Street.
Bill No. 990078, an ordinance authorizing the Regional Performing Arts BILLS ON SECOND READING Center, 123 South Broad Street, owner of the building to be constructed at 300-312 South Broad Street, to construct and maintain variance encroachments under, over, and on the public rights-of-way of Broad Street, 15th Street and Spruce Street, under certain terms and conditions.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Clark for the purpose of calling up bills on the second-reading and final-passage calendar. Excuse me, The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Madam President. I would request to leave the chamber on Council business and would like to be recorded as voting aye on bills that are called before the Council today.
Madam President, Bill No. 980227 is being called up for purpose of recommitment. Bill No. 980464 and 980239 are being held. Bill No. 980895 is being called up for consideration today, as is Bill No. 980901.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The first bill to be called is Bill No. 980227. The clerk will please read the title of that bill.
An ordinance renaming Cobbs Creek skate house in the park to the Laura Sims' Ice Rink in Cobbs Creek Park.
Thank you, Madam President, I move that this bill be recommitted to committee. (Duly seconded.) BILLS ON SECOND READING - 980227
All in favor signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, the bill is recommitted to committee. The clerk will please read Bill No. 980895.
An ordinance amending the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land in the 5th Ward and located within an area bounded by Spring Garden Street, Eighth Street, Vine Street, and 11th Street.
Councilman Kenney is BILLS ON SECOND READING - 980895 voting aye. Councilwoman Krajewski?
Aye. The ayes are 14, the nays are 0. The clerk will please read the title of BILLS ON SECOND READING - 980895 Bill No. 980901.
An ordinance amending the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located in the 57th Ward within an area bounded by Grant Avenue, Academy Road, Holme Avenue, Willits Road, a railroad right-of-way, and Blue Grass Road.
Aye. The ayes are 14, the nays are 0. A majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes.
Are there any speeches on the part of the Minority?
Madam President, we have just been joined in the chambers by a class from the Steel Elementary School, and they are these young people along here.
Please stand. We would love to recognize you. (Applause.)
Are there speeches on the part of majority? The Chair recognizes Councilman Ortiz.
Thank you, Madam Chair. This week Mayor Rendell wrote a very thoughtful letter to the citizens of Philadelphia about welfare reform and what was lacking and the problems with the current welfare reform law. And he detailed in that letter the problems that the welfare reform law had from housing to foster SPEECHES care, health care, transportation to school, day care, and what the cost it would be to the City. Now, it seems like Governor Ridge took offense to the letter, and he wrote a similarly lengthy response to Mayor Rendell, except that it was not a response to the issues; it was merely, as The Daily News editorial page today says and describes it, as responsive but that he didn't address the specific charges that Rendell urged. Instead, he repeated slogans about values and the dignity and honor of work. Each and every one of us understands that no one likes to be on welfare. Each and everyone understands that the families that are on welfare would really rather be working, earning a check, bringing home the food, a check, and a job that pays a living wage. The letter that the governor writes at times is insulting. It goes back to the Regan years of trying to bring up those charges that people on welfare were lazy and didn't want to work. Each and every one of us is for welfare reform, but each one of us is for welfare reform SPEECHES that makes sense. Training, education, and jobs -- and jobs that pay a living wage. None of these three things are available right now. To just say that welfare reform is working because numbers are going down is not to say where those people are ending up. And to have a $29 million surplus and not using that surplus for training, transportation, education, and job creation seems to me to be a sin in this time and age. We need welfare reform, but we need welfare reform that makes sense, that is humane, and that's not only just Right Wing sloganeering from the governor of this State. Thank you, Madam Chair.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco.
Thank you, Madam President. I just would like to take this time to remind my colleagues if they have not yet Clarena Tolson of the Streets Department the streets in their respective district that they want to have SPEECHES as part of the on-street sweeping project, that they should do so by the end of the day tomorrow at the very latest, 'cause the Streets Department would like to get that project up and running by the end of this month. Thank you.
Thank you. Are there any other speeches on the part of the majority? (No speeches on the part of the Majority.)
Seeing none, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Clark.
Madam President, I move that Council stand adjourned until March the 19th?
It's been ADJOURNMENT properly moved and seconded that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, March 18, 1999, at 10 a.m. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it. Council will stand adjourned until Thursday, March 18, 1999. Thank you. (Adjourned at 11:00 a.m.) C E R T I F I C A T E I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing proceedings of the Council of the City of Philadelphia of Thursday, March 11, 1999, were reported fully and accurately by me, and that this is a correct transcript of same. RE: STATED MEETING __________________________________, JOSEPHINE CARDILLO, Registered Professional Reporter