Thank you, Madam President. I have two resolutions, one to be referred to the appropriate committee.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the first resolution.
A resolution authorizing Council's Committee on Transportation and Public Utilities to hold hearings on the safety of Philadelphia's subways, elevated trains, buses and commuter rail lines and the measures that SEPTA, the City and the Department of Public Property and the Police are taking to protect all riders on the public transportation system.
I move for the adoption of the resolution, Madam President. (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 appropriate committee.
And a resolution authorizing City Council to commission an economic research study to develop indicators, processes and tools which will allow Council to mitigate significant disruptions in the housing market related to predatory lending practices.
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, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer no bills or resolutions today.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer one resolution co-sponsored by my colleague, Councilman Kenney.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution urging the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to enact House Bill No. 2200 and Special House Session Bill No. 1, which are both significant steps in Pennsylvania toward the establishment of a green jobs initiative and green economic revitalization.
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 is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. I offer two bills.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of curb lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 97 by relocating the easterly curb line of Broad Street approximately nine feet six inches eastwardly from a point approximately 77 feet one inch of the south curb line of Fitzwater Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Delaware Avenue, Fairmount Avenue, Front Street and Poplar Street.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee, and the Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance authorizing Mariner Commercial Properties, owner and developer of 1441 Chestnut Street, to construct, own and maintain various encroachments to be installed in conjunction with a mixed-use development, all under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing Arch Street Hotel Partners to construct, own and maintain various encroachments at 1421 Arch Street.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing Grasso Holdings, the owner and developer of 1601 Vine Street, to construct, own and maintain various encroachments.
This bill will also be referred to the appropriate committee, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Kelly.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, the resolution that I indicated in caucus that I was going to introduce today, I'm going to hold that, but I'd like the opportunity to speak.
Thank you. I'm holding my resolution co-sponsored by Council Lady Maria Quinones-Sanchez and Councilman Darrell Clarke urging Independence Blue Cross to reach agreement with Hahnemann University Hospital and Saint Christopher's Hospital for Children to pay market competitive rates for services provided to Independence Blue Cross members and seek a 30-day extension on contract negotiations. Independence Blue Cross and Hahnemann University Hospital and Saint Christopher's Hospital for Children all acknowledge that they have reached an impasse. And I repeat, they both indicate that they have reached an impasse in their contract negotiations, and the current extension of the contract will expire on April 30th of this month. Historically, the contracts have reimbursed medical services for these hospitals at below-market rates. The overall quality indicator rating for Hahnemann University Hospital by the United States Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Service is higher than the national average, the state average, the Philadelphia County acute care hospital average and the Philadelphia Academic Medical Center average. Tens of thousands of Independence Blue Cross members who are patients at Hahnemann University Hospital and Saint Christopher's Hospital for Children will be negatively impacted with additional costs for non-emergency services when those hospitals become out-of-network healthcare providers after the Independence Blue Cross contract expires. While I don't want to interfere in the natural operation of the marketplace, the negative impact upon Independence Blue Cross members who are patients at Hahnemann University Hospital and Saint Christopher's Hospital for Children warrants the call to reason. These are quality hospitals that should receive market competitive rates. However, I have been asked to hold this resolution, and my colleagues, Council Lady Sanchez and Councilman Darrell Clarke, have agreed that we will hold this resolution, hoping that some action will occur this week. So we're going to reintroduce this next Thursday, if it's necessary. Thank you, Madam President.
You're welcome. The next order of business is reports from committees, and the Chair recognizes -- I'm sorry. Councilman Kelly, you want to be recognized?
Thank you, Madam President. While I usually agree with my colleague, Councilman Rizzo, I don't on this issue. I don't think we have any business being involved with a dispute between two companies, one in Pennsylvania, one in Texas. I don't think that's Council's business right now. I think, in my opinion, that we have more important issues to deal with than getting involved with companies. What's next? Do we get involved with hostile takeovers? Do we get involved with CEOs being replaced by their Board? There's a lot of different things here that I don't think we have any business in doing this, and I certainly want to go on record as opposing this resolution, and I will do so next week, if possible. Thank you.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Madam President, I echo the -- as much as I know Councilman Rizzo has his heart in this issue, I really think it's bad enough when we start getting involved with the state Legislature's business, but when we start getting involved with corporate business, this is one corporation in a dispute with another, and it's a local corporation. Blue Cross -- I guess a Texas corporation, Tenet. And I think we might want to go as far as have a new committee of Council to deal with Blue Cross disputes, because they could come up every week with somebody else having an interest or a corporation coming to them, and then we can have a subcommittee on Blue Cross claims, because there's a lot of disputes about those. I really think this is something we shouldn't be dealing with. It's a private matter, and it's not labor negotiations or something like that, and I'll be voting against it next week, if it comes up. Thank you.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
Madam President, I appreciate that. That's what this is all about, but I remember an issue called foie gras one of my colleagues was interested in. And I just want to make sure that we all know that there were a lot of issues in this Council Chamber that a lot of us didn't think were important, but this one is, because on April 30th when my constituents go to Hahnemann or take their kids to the Children's Hospital and have to pay out-of-network rates for care, I think that should be important to all of us. And, again, this is an effort to try to get these two parties together, because they both have indicated that they're at an impasse, and they need to move this on before my constituents and my colleagues' constituents are negatively affected. Thank you.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Sanchez.
I just wanted to say as the Council representative in the 7th Councilmanic District, my job is not to interfere in the corporate negotiations, but it is my job to let the corporations who impact the daily lives of my constituents know that we are looking at what they're doing and that their choices related to their bottom line negatively impact in this case children's lives in my councilmanic district. So while I am not interfering, I am saying that I am concerned that we don't shoot the victim to get to the perpetrator. So we're just saying to them, it is on our radar, it is very important to us, and for both parties to come and deal in good faith and finalize the situation. Thank you.
You're welcome. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kelly.
Thank you, Madam President. I just want to remind my colleague that the mistreatment of animals has nothing to do with this issue and that's another issue at another time. Thank you.
Thank you. The next order of business is committees, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for a report from the Committee of the Whole.
Madam President, the Committee of the Whole reports ten resolutions with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the report.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee of the Whole, to which was referred Resolution No. 080098, appointing Bernie Prazenica to the Board of Directors of the Board of Direct of the City Avenue Special Services District of Philadelphia; and Resolution No. 080099, appointing Matthew Schure to the Board of Directors of the Board of Direct of the City Avenue Special Services District of Philadelphia; and 080100, reappointing George Goldstone to the Board of Directors of the Board of Direct of the City Avenue Special Services District of Philadelphia; and Resolution No. 080101, reappointing H. James Tollett to the Board of Directors of the Board of Direct of the City Avenue Special Services District of Philadelphia; and Resolution No. 080102, reappointing Reverend Timothy Lannon to the Board of Directors of the Board of Direct of the City Avenue Special Services District of Philadelphia; and Resolution No. 080226, reappointing Fran Smith to the Board of Directors for the Old City Special Services District; and Resolution No. 080227, reappointing William Moore to the Board of Directors for the Old City Special Services District; and Resolution No. 080228, the Board of Directors for the Old City Special Services District; and Resolution No. 080229, appointing Luca Sena to the Board of Directors for the Old City Special Services District; and Resolution No. 080230, appointing Stanley Taraila to the Board of Directors for the Old City Special Services District, respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached resolutions to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The resolutions just read will be considered at the end of today's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke for a report from the Committee on Public Property and Public Works. Is Councilman Clarke in the room?
Sorry, President, the Committee on Public Property and Public Works reports five bills with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the report.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Public Property and Public Works, to which was referred Bill No. 080135, entitled "An ordinance designating the Family Court Building located 1801 Vine Street as the Judge Nicholas A. Cipriani Family Court Building"; and Bill No. 080205, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City, to acquire the beds of portions of Delaware Avenue and Buckius Street that are to be opened pursuant to Bill No. 080131"; and Bill No. 080206, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to transfer to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development property known as 1815 East Washington Lane, for further conveyance"; and Bill No. 080208, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to transfer to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development properties known as 4301 Tacony Street, for further conveyance"; and Bill No. 080209, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to transfer to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, for nominal consideration, some or all of the City's interest in land, with the buildings and improvements thereon, for further conveyance," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Madam President, I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of all the bills just reported, with the exception of Bill No. 080209. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of the bills just read from committee. indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the bills just read will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. Bill No. 080209 will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for our next session of Council. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Brown for a report from the Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs reports one bill with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the report.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs, to which was referred Bill No. 080166, entitled "An ordinance naming and designating the Department of Recreation-owned field located at 4th and York Streets as the Eric N. Casiano Field," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 080166. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of the bill just reported from committee. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the bill just read will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode for a report from the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Commerce and Economic Development reports one bill with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the report.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development, to which was referred Bill No. 080021, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 17-1300 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Philadelphia's 21st Century Minimum Wage Standard,' by amending the minimum wage standard that regulates the wages employers subject to that chapter must pay to employees covered by that chapter, and by requiring such employees to provide certain benefits to such employees, all under certain terms and conditions," respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Madam President. I move the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit 4/10/08 - STATED - 1ST READING first reading this day of Bill No. 080021. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of the bill just reported from committee. All in favor will please indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the bill just read will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. The next order of business is consideration of the Calendar. I would ask the Chief Clerk to please read the bills on the First Reading Calendar.
Bill No. 080246, an ordinance authorizing the revision of 4/10/08 - STATED - 1ST READING lines and grades on a portion of City Plan Nos. 240 and 296 by placing on the City Plan River Road, all under certain terms and conditions.
And Bill No. 080247, an ordinance authorizing the construction of sanitary sewers and appurtenant work in portions of River Road and Nixon Street.
And Bill No. 080248, an ordinance authorizing the paving of River Road from the existing northwesterly terminus of Nixon Street to a point approximately ten feet southeast of the Philadelphia-Montgomery County Line.
And Bill No. 080279, an ordinance authorizing and 4/10/08 - STATED - 1ST READING directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan Nos. 52-S and 53-S by placing on the City Plan 26th Street from Penrose Avenue southwardly, all under certain terms and conditions.
And Bill No. 080280, an ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 367 by placing on the City Plan a variable width right-of-way for drainage purposes on the westerly side of Welsh Road, under certain terms and conditions.
Bill No. 080135, an ordinance designating the Family Court Building located 1801 Vine Street as the Judge Nicholas A. Cipriani Family Court Building.
The 4/10/08 - STATED - 1ST READING Chair agrees.
And Bill No. 080205, an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City, to acquire the beds of a portion of Delaware Avenue and Buckius Street that are to be opened pursuant to Bill No. 080131.
And Bill No. 080206, an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to transfer to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development a certain parcel of land known as 815 East Washington Lane.
And Bill No. 080208, an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to 4/10/08 - STATED - 1ST READING transfer to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development a certain parcel of land known as 4301 Tacony Street.
And Bill No. 080166, an ordinance naming and designating the Department of Recreation-owned field located at 4th and York Streets as the Eric N. Casiano Field.
And Bill No. 080021, an ordinance amending Chapter 17-1300 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Philadelphia 21st Century Minimum Wage Standard," by amending the minimum wage standard that regulates the employees subject to that chapter must pay to the employees covered by that chapter, all under certain terms and conditions. 4/10/08 - STATED - 2ND READING
The Chair agrees. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for the purpose of calling up bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar.
Thank you, Madam President. Today Bill Nos. 080018-A, 080032-A, 080035-A, 080017, 080033, 080256, 080204, 080207, 080210, 080211, 080244, 080254, 080276, 080281 and 080003 are being called up for Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for today.
Thank you. Councilman Jones, I understand that Bill No. 080281 is to be held?
Thank you. And, Councilwoman Tasco, did you call up Bill No. 080255 on ? 4/10/08 - STATED - 2ND READING
Okay. I'm sorry. I misunderstood. I thought that was being held.
Councilman Clarke, you want to go with that, don't you? .
I have to leave Council for some Council business. May I be excused, please? I'd like to be recorded as voting aye on all of the bills.
Thank you. Leave will be granted. 4/10/08 - STATED - 2ND READING I would ask the Chief Clerk to please read the title of Bill No. 080018-A.
An ordinance amending Chapter 10-800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Prohibited Possession, Sale and Transfer of Firearms by Persons Subject to Protection from Abuse Orders."
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Aye. 4/10/08 - STATED - 2ND READING
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, this bill passes. We will now consider Bill No. 080032-A.
An ordinance amending Chapter 10-800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Failure to Report Lost or Stolen Firearms," by requiring prompt notification of lost or stolen firearms and imposing penalties.
The 4/10/08 - STATED - 2ND READING Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Madam President, I'd like to be recorded an aye vote on the resolutions regarding the special services district.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Councilman Clarke, how are you voting on this bill?
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 080035-A.
An ordinance amending Chapter 10-800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Straw and Multiple Handgun Purchase Reduction," all 4/10/08 - STATED - 2ND READING under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.