COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, April 10, 2008 10:10 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILMAN FRANK DiCICCO COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN BILL GREEN COUNCILMAN WILLIAM GREENLEE COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILMAN JACK KELLY COUNCILMAN JAMES F. KENNEY COUNCILWOMAN JOAN L. KRAJEWSKI COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILWOMAN MARIA QUINONES-SANCHEZ COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER 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
I note that the hour has come and that a quorum of this Council is present. Council will come to order. Members will take their seats and visitors will retire to the seats outside the rails. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair welcomes Father Al Smith of Holy Family University. He is here as the guest of Councilwoman Krajewski. I would ask all members and guests to please rise. (Everyone rises.)
Recognizing the divine presence, let us bow our heads. Oh, God, as we implore your blessings, we know one thing about you, you love us deeply to the very depth of our being. Today we wish to proclaim our we request your blessing on this assembly, as we request your blessing for us to be the people we are meant to be under your guidance, and to ask for your blessing that we give of ourselves for others. We ask all of this through you and your son. Amen. (Amen.)
The Chair thanks Father Smith 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, April 3, 2008, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Madam President, I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, April 3rd stand approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, April 3, 2008 stand approved. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the Journal is approved. The next order of business is requests for leave of absence, and, again, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Madam President. On behalf of the majority, there are no requests for leave of absence today.
Madam President, on behalf of the republicans, there are no requests for leave of absence.
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 to join us as we attend to the legislative affairs of our City. We certainly invite you to come again. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski, who will present a resolution honoring the Sounds of Liberty Barbershop Chorus on their 60th anniversary. Will Father Al Smith and those the Councilwoman at the podium.
A resolution honoring the Sounds of Liberty Barbershop Chorus on their 60th anniversary. Whereas, the Sounds of Liberty Chorus continues to add to Philadelphia's rich tradition of excellent music and entertainment through the unique American art form called Barbershop Harmony;
And whereas, established in 1947 as the Quaker City Chorus, the all-male chorus continues to entertain and excite audiences of all ages; and Whereas, renamed in 1991 as the Sounds of Liberty, the Chorus entertains throughout the Delaware Valley. Notable appearances of the Chorus have been at the Independence Hall, the Academy of Music, Philadelphia Convention Center and Philadelphia Phillies games at Citizens Bank Park; and
Whereas, the Sounds of Liberty is led by Choral Director Lori Ludlum since 2000. An incredibly committed director, Lori shares over 20 years of barbershop experience every Tuesday evening during choral practice and has attended almost every regional education event since 1981, has taught classes on arm-waving, music theory and presented workshops on many of her projects. In addition, she has done quartet and chorus coaching in the region; and
Whereas, the Sounds of Liberty is the Philadelphia Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society. The Society is built on a fundamental principle that drives their mission, "Singing Brings Joy to Our Lives and World"; and Whereas, the Barbershop Harmony Society has grown into the world's largest all-male singing organization, with more than 30,000 singers in more 800 chapters in the United States and Canada; and now
Therefore, the City Council of Philadelphia, raises a ceremonial toast to the members of the Sounds of Liberty Barbershop Chorus on their 60th anniversary of sweet sounds of liberty and harmony; and Furthermore, an engrossed copy of this resolution is given to Sounds of Liberty Choral Director Lori Ludlum and members of the barbershop chorus that have brought joy and singing to our lives and world. Therefore, a certified copy of this resolution is presented by all members of City Council and signed by Anna C. Verna, President. (Applause.)
They really are a very handsome-looking group, aren't they? The Chair recognizes Father remarks?
First of all, I would like to ask all of the men who are present here and Lori Ludlum, our Director, to all in one voice say "thank you." (Thank you.)
And we say that for the men who are not here, because we were founded in '47. That's 1947. And we wish to express our thanks to all those who have helped us be an organization for the 60 years, and we're most grateful for this special appreciation shown by the leadership, the political leadership, of good old Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Thank you. (Applause.)
If there are any Councilmembers that would the photo-taking, please join the gentlemen. (Sounds of Liberty Chorus singing.)
If we could have another song, I think we'd appreciate it. (Sounds of Liberty Chorus singing.) (Applause.)
The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell, who will present a resolution recognizing Mr. Carl Greene, Executive Director of the Philadelphia Housing Authority. Will Mr. Greene and those accompanying him please join the Councilwoman at the podium. I understand that Councilmembers Jones, Clarke, Miller, Tasco and Councilwoman Quinones will be joining Councilwoman Blackwell for the presentation.
Thank you. Good morning. Resolution congratulating and recognizing Carl R. Greene for his achievements during ten years as Executive Director of the Philadelphia Housing Authority, over which time he has transformed the agency from one of the lowest rated housing authorities in the nation to among the most respected for property development and management, financial innovation and strength, and customer satisfaction. He has dramatically changed the look and condition of public housing in Philadelphia as well as the public image of the Philadelphia Housing Authority; Whereas, Mr. Greene has revolutionized PHA's portfolio with a ten-year $1.4 billion construction program that to date has created more than 6,000 units of attractive, safe and affordable housing, 3,000 new units and 3,000 completely renovated, with another 1,500 units either underway -- you hear that, Darrell, part of mine -- or planned; and
And whereas, under Mr. Greene, PHA has attracted significant private investment into new developments, accounting for about a quarter of all construction funds raised. PHA has become a national model for other housing authorities with the use of low-income housing tax credits and bonds; Whereas, PHA has revitalized some of Philadelphia's most distressed neighborhoods with well-designed, low-rise housing developments complete with full amenities. Members of the public who see developments such as Richard Allen Homes, Greater Grays Ferry Estates, Lucien E. Blackwell Homes, Cambridge Plaza, Martin Luther King Plaza, Falls Ridge and the brand new Ludlow Homes are surprised to learn that they are public housing sites. They are even more surprised to learn that PHA has included homeownership in most new sites neighborhoods; and
Whereas, a study by Econsult showed that over the period from 1999 to 2004 property values of homes surrounding PHA rebuilt sites grew at a rate of 2.5 times faster than the City as a whole. This reflects Mr. Greene's belief that PHA can build quality housing for low-income families while improving the neighborhood for all residents; and Whereas, Mr. Greene launched a first-of-its-kind-in-the-nation pre-apprenticeship program in the building trades, a program that has helped public housing residents turn their lives around and which has provided a pipeline of skilled minority workers in the construction trades. PHA has graduated more than 400 men and women from the program, with most entering union jobs in construction; and
Whereas, PHA far exceeds federal guidelines for women-owned businesses, awarding more than 30 percent of its contracts to those firms in the past year. This improvement is the result of Mr. Greene's insistence that all qualified companies get an equal opportunity to compete for PHA work; and Whereas, Mr. Greene has overseen a major upgrade in PHA's technology systems to promote better customer service, efficiency and accountability. Standard and Poor's says PHA has the most sophisticated information technology systems of any authority that it has ever evaluated; and
Whereas, Mr. Greene's efforts have also paid off with a "Strong" rating by Standard and Poor's, the highest rating award to any public housing authority in the country. The rating is an endorsement of PHA's property portfolio, its high-quality management and its service to residents. PHA also received Standard and Poor's rating; and Whereas, working with the Citizens Advisory Committee from Northeast Philadelphia, Mr. Greene brought major changes to the Housing Choice Voucher Program, including a seven-year limit for the benefit, increased educational opportunities for clients, and aggressive enforcement of admission standards, property inspections and rules for both clients and landlords. The voucher program, once vilified by the public, is now an accepted part of the affordable housing mix in the City. Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, that the Philadelphia City Council congratulates and recognizes Carl R. Greene for his achievements during ten years as Executive Director of the Philadelphia Housing Authority, over which time he has transformed the agency from one of the most lowest rated housing authorities in the nation to among the development and management, financial innovation and strength, and customer satisfaction. He has drastically changed the look and condition of public housing in Philadelphia as well as the public image of PHA; and Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Mr. Carl Greene as a sincere expression of this Council's recognition and appreciation. This certification is a true and correct copy of the original resolution, adopted by the City Council of Philadelphia and supported by all members of City Council. Thank you. (Applause.)
First let me say I want to give thanks to the members of this Council and thanks to God and to all given me the opportunity to serve this great City. I was blessed ten years ago to be given an opportunity to assist the political leadership and the civic leadership and all of those folks who really are stakeholders in the neighborhoods across the City of Philadelphia and transforming neighborhoods by trying to eliminate some of the most extreme blight and trying to reduce some of the concentrations of Section 8 and trying to bring integrity to these programs. I know there have been some stories in the paper lately about me sort of standing up for what we believe is right. You know, I think that the members of this body -- and I've worked with them all for the last ten years -have been honorable and have encouraged us to do the right thing, and moving the work program, in which we're challenged with retaining now, has allowed us great balance, not so many Section 8 vouchers Northeast, a lot of brand new public housing in West Philly and North Philly and restoring developments in South Philly. So we've been able to work in all the districts, in all the neighborhoods across the City in a balanced way, not bringing too much of what's bad, but demolishing the old and obsolete and replacing it with the new. It's with that integrity and leadership of the members of this body that we try to follow at PHA, and we try to recognize the challenges in which all the City leaders have with bringing integrity to public service and integrity to the neighborhoods. And it's with that that my commitment is to continue to try to do that, continue to try to provide the best service to the citizens of Philadelphia, continue to try to be responsive to the members of this body as they call on behalf of their constituents, and continue to try to not one thing in one neighborhood. We don't want too much Section 8 in one neighborhood. We might want a lot of brand new public housing in another neighborhood. So there's balance, and every member of this body is faced with their constituents needing affordable housing, but we're also faced with balancing the services that we serve to all the citizens of the City of Philadelphia. So it's on behalf of the residents of public housing and Section 8 and employees of public housing and Section 8 that I would like to give thanks to you for supporting me and allowing me to serve all of you over the last ten years. For every day that I'm in this job, I will continue to do my best, and I'm really humbled by being here today and having the opportunity to stand with these members of this great body and to give thanks to them and all the citizens Philadelphia for the opportunity to serve with integrity and responsiveness to the great leaders of this great City. Thank you all very much. (Applause.)
I'm joined by one of our long-standing commissioners, Commissioner Nellie Reynolds. I don't know if she wants to say a few words. (Applause.) COMMISSIONER REYNOLDS: I think it's a beautiful day, and we are awful grateful that you have acknowledged the fact that Carl Greene is really an outstanding operator. And it makes me proud to stand here with him today and support his efforts, and I thank you all, City Council. (Applause.)
Yeah. I'd like to say Carl hired me when he came here. It was one of the best decisions he made. thank him for his support, for his senior staff. He makes this work, and we enjoy our job, and we're very, very proud of PHA and the accomplishments that he has brought to this City. Thank you. (Applause.)
I would like to say on behalf of all of the employees at the Philadelphia Housing Authority, we're very proud to work with our Executive Director. He's a visionary and a leader of PHA, and we're proud to work with him, and congratulations on your day today. (Applause.)
I just want to say that we've always been very proud working for Carl for these years, but probably never more so than the past year or so in our dispute with HUD and taking on the HUD secretary. It was a very courageous in the end, we won that battle, and we appreciate all the support from Council on Carl's behalf. Thank you. (Applause.)
Good morning. It's a pleasure to say thank you for this great honor you've given Mr. Greene and the Philadelphia Housing Authority and for the Council to be so gracious to give this honor and for our staff and for our residents, who have worked very hard, being a long-time employee, to see the firsthand renovation of the Housing Authority, who set the City to a new height and level. Thank you. (Applause.)
Councilman, just a moment, please. Anyone having conversations, I would suggest you do so in the corridor. Thank you. Councilman Clarke.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, at this time, I would like to recognize a group of the most deserving and probably the most special individuals, not only in my district but from around the City of Philadelphia. Today we have representatives from the Martin Luther King Older Adult Center, who are here today to voice their concern, is the way I would like to characterize it today, about the fact that they have for years in the facility that they're currently residing in. This is a long-going battle. I support their being here today for purposes of bringing to the attention the fact that the facility at North Philadelphia is probably one of the only facilities that's in a building that is shared by numerous other individuals. As you know, as a Council, we have struggled with the ability to have the appropriate capital funding to deal with new facilities, and we have been working over a period of years trying to identify -- and my understanding now, the price is upwards of $5 million. We will continue. It is going to be a challenge, but I just want to say today for the record I support them being here today to bring particularly in this place where this is the people's place and it is important that they let this very important issue continue to be in I'd just like to welcome them.
We certainly welcome you, and I know that Councilman Clarke will do everything in his power to try to accommodate your needs. So, again, I say welcome. And I would ask all Councilmembers to please join me in saying welcome. (Applause.)
And, Madam President, I would just like to say this is probably the most appropriate time now that we're in the midst of our budget hearings. So hopefully members of the Administration are also in the Chambers, because I need help.
order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant-At-Arms deliver the messages to the Chief Clerk. The Chief 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 for the consideration of your honorable body a draft of a resolution approving the amended and restated redevelopment contract of the Redevelopment Authority, the City of Philadelphia, for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Ellsworth Urban Renewal Area; and An ordinance authorizing the City's Chief Information Officer, on behalf of the City, to enter into a multi-year contract with one or more providers of online legal research services to be used by various City and City-funded agencies, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you. The messages will be printed in the Journal. The Chief Clerk will please read any other communications in her possession.
Thank you. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Section 12-1120 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Abandoned Vehicles," by providing that towing and storage fees, charged by authorized salvors for the towing and storage of abandoned vehicles, be assessed in accordance with the provisions of Section 12-2406, under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I introduce one resolution co-sponsored by Councilman Jones.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution recognizing the week of April 20th to 26th Philadelphia Donate Life Week.
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 Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance establishing a one-way regulation on Guilford Street, from Crispin Street to Rowland Avenue.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance establishing a one-way regulation on Brighton Street, from Sackett Street to Rowland Avenue.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Madam President, I offer five resolutions and one bill.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance establishing a neighborhood improvement district in an area that generally includes Cheltenham Avenue with boundaries of Wadsworth Avenue on the west and Broad Street on the east.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution declaring May 24th to 26th, 2008 Cherokee Heritage Weekend in celebration of the 15th Annual Cherokee Indian Festival.
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.)
And a resolution honoring Temple University, Beasley School of Law Dean Robert Reinstein on his retirement.
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.)
And a resolution recognizing and honoring author Paula Giddings.
Madam President, I did not circulate that earlier. Could I get a suspension of the rules? (Duly seconded.)
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.)
And a resolution declaring June 6, 2008 as "Safe Night Philadelphia Day."
Again, I ask for a suspension of the rules. (Duly seconded.)
The ayes have it. And, again, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
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.)
And a resolution initiating action to establish a neighborhood improvement district in an area that generally includes Cheltenham Avenue with boundaries of Wadsworth Avenue on the west, Broad Street on the east, Ogontz Avenue with boundaries of Cheltenham Avenue on the north and 67th Avenue on the south.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you, Madam President. Good morning. Today I offer two resolutions and one bill.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance to amend the Institutional Development District Master Plan of LaSalle University by allowing for the expansion of Holroyd Hall.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution recognizing, honoring and celebrating the Turn Purple Campaign for their mission of working to prevent youth homelessness by raising awareness, uniting youth organizations, increasing advocacy and heightening prevention efforts.
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.)
And a resolution proclaiming the week of April 26, 2008 as "Safe Kids Week."
Again, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Sanchez.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer one resolution.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution recognizing Philadelphia-born actor Elliot Ruiz on the May 17th premier of his film Battle for Haditha.
The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Sanchez.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Green.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I offer two bills and one associated resolution -
-co-sponsored by Councilman Rizzo to be referred to the appropriate committee, and one additional resolution.
Okay. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Bill No. 080156, entitled "An ordinance adopting the Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2009," by decreasing funding to the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Bill No. 080156, entitled "An ordinance adopting the Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2009," by eliminating funding to the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution declaring the Council of the City of Philadelphia's intention to eliminate funding to the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania within the next four-year period and urging the Pennsylvania General Assembly to carry out its constitutionally mandated and court-ordered responsibility to fund the First Judicial District as mandated by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.
Thank you, Madam President. I ask that that resolution be referred to the appropriate committee.
Would you move for the adoption, please. Oh, okay. I'm sorry. This resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution urging the Pennsylvania General Assembly to oppose and defeat Senate Bill 1250, which would amend the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to provide that only a union of marriage between a man and a woman shall be legally recognized or valid in Pennsylvania.
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.)
Roll call. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
The ayes are 12; the nays are five. The resolution is adopted.
So be it. The Chair at this time recognizes Councilman Jones.