COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, September 21, 2006 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 JACK KELLY COUNCILMAN JAMES F. KENNEY COUNCILWOMAN JOAN L. KRAJEWSKI COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER 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
I note that the hour has come and that a quorum of this Council is present. The Council will please 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 the Reverend Monsignor Joseph P. Garvin of the St. Christopher's Roman Catholic Church. He is here today as the guest of Councilman O'Neill. I would ask all members and guests to please rise. (Everyone standing.)
I do want to say it's an honor to be here and I thank Councilman O'Neill for his invitation. God, our Father, we ask you to be with us today as we begin this session of City Council. In this cynical age, that prayer can change people and institutions. Help us also to know that prayer can bring lasting results and that it can bring unity to our City. It is in that spirit that we ask your blessings for our City and the members of this Council. Enlighten them with the spirit of wisdom, charity and justice that they may faithfully serve in their office to promote the well-being of all people, especially the poor and the needy. Keep them forever mindful of the importance of and expectation that they be men and women of integrity. Help them to be upright, honest and sincere in all they do. In a special way, bless the families of the members of this Council. Help our Councilmembers as they balance their responsibilities between home and public office. May their family relationships not suffer because of their devotion to their office. May our feel the gratitude of their fellow citizens for the sacrifices and time spent on their behalf. Lord, give your blessings to the staff of our City Council members. Help them to greet their work with enthusiasm and an eagerness to serve the common good. Finally, dear God, we ask you that you give our Councilmembers strength, vision, love and compassion to make them strong and effective leaders. May they experience a spirit of servant leadership as they gather today and every day for the good of all in our City. We place these prayers before you confident that you will hear and answer them, because you are a good and gracious God who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen.
Amen. The Chair thanks Reverend Monsignor Garvin for his very inspiring will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, September 14, 2006, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, September 14, 2006 stand approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, September 14, 2006 stand approved. All in favor will please indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, September 14, 2006 stands approved. The next order of business is requests for leave of absence, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. There are no requests for leaves of absence today on the part of the majority.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Madam President, on behalf of the republicans, there are no requests for leave of absence.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair at this time will dispense with the regular order of business to recognize the guests and visitors joining us in Chambers this 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. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ramos, who will be recognizing the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Will the representatives of the Chamber please join the Councilman at the podium. Councilman Ramos is also being joined by Councilman Goode and Councilman Kenney.
Good morning, everyone. A resolution recognizing the week of September 18th through the 25th as Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Week, and further recognizing and honoring the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce on having their 27th annual convention in the City of Philadelphia. Whereas, the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will hold its 27th annual national convention in the City of Philadelphia from September 20th through September 23rd, 2006; and
Whereas, in 1979, several dedicated Hispanic leaders realized the enormous potential the Hispanic business community in the U.S. and envisioned the need for a national organization to represent its interests before the public and private sectors; and Whereas, later that year, the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, USHCC, was incorporated in the State of New Mexico, creating a structured organization aimed at developing a business network that will provide the Hispanic community with cohesion and strength; and Whereas, the Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce was established in 1990; and Whereas, the USHCC has worked toward bringing the issues that concerns the nation's more than 2 million Hispanic-owned businesses to the forefront of the national economic agenda; and
Whereas, the USHCC has enjoyed outstanding working relationships with international heads of state, members of Congress and the current White House administration; and Whereas, the USHCC has helped in implementing and strengthening national programs that assist the economic development of Hispanic firms; and Whereas, the USHCC has continued to increase business relationships and partnerships between the corporate sector and Hispanic-owned businesses; and Whereas, the City of Philadelphia is proud to welcome the many thousands of Hispanic businesses, Chamber members, corporate executives and legislators who will descend upon the City of Philadelphia during the national conference. Now, therefore, be it resolved
By the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we hereby recognize the week of September 18th through the 25th as Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Week, and further recognize and honor the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce on having their 27th annual national convention in the City of Philadelphia. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the Vice-President and those accompanying him from the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce as an expression of the sincere admiration of this legislative body. Congratulations. (Applause.)
Madam President, I'm not the Vice-President, but if I may, my name is Ken Trujillo and I'm delighted to be the Chairman of the Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. It's an honor and a pleasure to be here, and, Madam President, I have a legal opinion I'd like to present. (Laughter.)
I'm sorry. I do not have a legal opinion. I am here on behalf of the Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and I'm pleased to be here. This is an exciting week for us because we're going to have approximately 4,000 business people from all over the world in Philadelphia and in the largest collection of Latino business people ever assembled in the United States. With me I'm delighted to recognize Mr. Luis Torres-Llompart, who the U.S. Hispanic Chamber; Ms. Esperanza Porras Field, who is the Convention Chair of this great event; Varsovia Fernandez, who is the Executive Director of the Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and I would also like to recognize Allen Gutierrez, who is the Chief Executive Officer of the USHCC. We also have a couple of Board members who you will recognize, who are great business people here in Philadelphia, Ray Yabor, who is behind me, as well as Mike Munoz. And in the far corner of this room, another great Board member of ours, who many of will you recognize, Luz Cardenas, who has been instrumental also in putting this event together. So it's an honor and a pleasure to be here and I appreciate the opportunity. I'd like to now introduce the Vice-Chair, Mr. Luis Torres-Llompart.
Good Mr. George Franco, the Chair of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and Mr. Michael Barrera, the President and CEO of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and on behalf of my representation as Vice-Chair of the USHCC, we want to thank the Council, especially Councilman Juan Ramos, for this resolution or recognition. During these days and just starting today, we will have business activity that will help the Philly community. We at the USHCC represent over 2 million Hispanic-owned businesses and we are represented with over 200 Hispanic Chamber of Commerce around the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico. Really again it's an honor. We are very proud to be here in Philly, and, again, we want to thank all of you for this recognition today. Thank you. (Applause.)
I want to to our Chairwoman for the USHCC 2006 convention, Ms. Esperanza Porras Field. (Applause.)
Buenos dias. Thank you very much for your hospitality. Philadelphia is a wonderful city. We're very excited to be here. We got people coming from all over the world, and they love it. Please come down and enjoy the convention. We prepare very good seminars, exciting events and good parties. So we'll see you at the Convention Center, and, again, thank you for your hospitality. I'd like to introduce you to Varsovia Fernandez, the Director of the Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
Thank you, Esperanza. Thank you, Madam President, and everyone in Council, and particularly to Councilman Ramos for having us here today of the Latino businesses not only in Philadelphia but across our nation. It is just wonderful being here. And I don't know if I'm supposed to introduce somebody, but if I am, it will be Ray Yabor.
I'm a new member to the Board, but nothing has given me more pleasure or nothing has made me more proud of what's happening here in the Hispanic community, and also to be able to show off what's happening in Philadelphia and what Philadelphia people are. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you very much. Again, we welcome you. Council will now be at ease. (Council at ease.)
The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Miller, who will present a resolution recognizing September 23, 2006 as John Coltrane Day. and those accompanying him please join the Councilwoman at the podium.
Good morning, everyone. This is a resolution proclaiming September 23, 2006 as John W. Coltrane Day in the City of Philadelphia. (Applause.)
Whereas, Philadelphia's most noted jazz musician, arranger, composer, cultural humanitarian and Grammy award winner, John William Coltrane, was born in Hamlet, North Carolina on September 23, 1926, on the Equinox. He grew and realized that the music he was to play existed in the past, present and future also between the notes of conventional notations; and Whereas, in 1944, at the age of 18, Coltrane arrived in Philadelphia at the North Philadelphia train station, and is documented as being one of the major tenor and soprano saxophone players of his era, and today he still remains and older musicians; and COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Whereas, his musical acumen evolved in Philadelphia and he received wide recognition as an integral member of the renowned Miles Davis Quintet, before forming his own group consisting of Philadelphians, McCoy Tyner on piano, Elvin Jones on drums and Jimmy Garrison on bass; and Whereas, Coltrane was constantly searching, probing and looking for new dimensions and heights to climb, and he humbly asked his audience to reexamine both their ideas of music and themselves; and Whereas, Coltrane wrote, "My goal is to live the truly religious life and express it in music. I wish for all of us happy and productive lives. My music is the spiritual expression of what I am, my faith, my knowledge and my being"; and
Whereas, the TraneStop Resource Institute was named in the spirit and work ethic of John Coltrane, and its emergence in 1979 filled a void and gave the City of Philadelphia and the music community a focused endeavor for sustaining the connection of the music to its uniquely African and American roots; and Whereas, in Coltrane's honor, the TraneStop devotes attention, support and resources to the art form of jazz, conducts town meetings, community concerts, special educational presentations and seminars to improve the conditions of African-American classical music in Philadelphia and around the world. TraneStop's initiatives not only seek to honor the contributions of John Coltrane but other Philadelphia-connected musicians as well; and Whereas, from September 1st through the 3rd of 2006, the TraneStop is presenting the John Coltrane Festival - well, that's changed -- in honor of this great Philadelphian, and featuring, among others, Philadelphia-bred, international recording artists Archie Shepp and Billy Paul, and co-hosted by State Representative John Myers and State Senator Leanna Washington.
Now therefore, be it resolved, by the City Council of Philadelphia, that September 23, 2006 and forevermore be declared John William Coltrane Day and that we honor TraneStop for its efforts to ensure jazz preservation through education, advocacy and documentation. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to TraneStop Resource Institute, Inc. as further evidencing the sincere admiration and gratitude of this legislative body. Certification that this is a true and correct copy of the original resolution adopted by the Council of the the 21st day of September 2006. Signed by Anna C. Verna, President of City Council. Introduced by Donna Reed Miller, Marian Tasco, Frank DiCicco, and co-sponsored by all members of City Council. (Applause.)
Good morning. I'd like to introduce Arnold Boyd, Executive Director of TraneStop. My name is Raymond Wood. I'm the Chairman of the Board of TraneStop.
Good morning. Supporting a local treasure. One of your former Councilmembers, Councilman Edward A. Schwartz, on June 4, 1987 introduced to City Council a resolution designating jazz as a rare and valuable treasure of the City and that Philadelphia is the home of John Coltrane and other historical and contemporary jazz greats. The resolution goes on to say art form has yet been properly recognized, nor afforded the institutional status equal with this value or importance. Furthermore, be it resolved, by the City Council of Philadelphia in that resolution, it stated that we hereby recognize jazz as a rare and valuable City treasure to which we would devote our attention, support and resources. Philadelphia is a jazz city. Most jazz band leaders come through Philadelphia to stock their bands, because they know that the Philadelphia musician comes from great stock. We need a community of buildings in this City where jazz can be a unifying force, and bridge cultural and religious gaps. For 25 years, TraneStop has kept jazz on the right tracks. Help TraneStop speed to its goal of an educational music institution that provides resources and guidance to build a better appreciation of this art form. invites the public to come out to the arboretum in Germantown on September the 23rd, 2006 from 1:00 until 8:30 p.m. and celebrate the 80th birthday of Philadelphia's most noted jazz musician, arranger, composer and cultural humanitarian, John William Coltrane. This free outdoor concert is part of the John Coltrane Jazz Festival - Giant Steps Over Philadelphia, conceived by our TraneStop Executive Board Chair Raymond Wood and is hosted by State Representative John Myers and State Senator Leanna Washington and a host of other sponsors, including Community 500, Einstein Health Group, just to name a few. Thank you. (Applause.)
The is communications. The Chair requests that 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.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am pleased to advise you that on September 21, 2006, I signed Bill No. 060507 that was passed by Council at its session on September 14, 2006; and I am transmitting herewith for the consideration of your honorable body an ordinance authorizing the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development to file an application with the Office of the Budget, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, in an amount not to exceed $2 million to assist in the development of Simeone Automotive Foundation Education Center; and An ordinance authorizing the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial application with the Office of the Budget in an aggregate amount not to exceed $7 million to assist in the development of the North Philadelphia Health Systems, the Old Metropolitan Opera House and Progress Plaza; and An ordinance authorizing the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development to file an application with the Office of the Budget in an amount not to exceed $1 million to assist in the development of Woodlands Arboretum and Botanical Gardens Project; and An ordinance authorizing the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development to file an application with the Office of the Budget in an amount not to exceed $500,000 to assist in the development of the Philadelphia University Center for Community Fitness; and An ordinance authorizing the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial application with the Office of the Budget in an amount not to exceed $5,150,000 to assist in the development of the Germantown YWCA and Morris Arboretum, and authorizing the City to enter into the agreement; and An ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 344 by placing on the City Plan Sunshine Lane and Solar Way; and An ordinance authorizing the paving of Sunshine Lane and Solar Way; and An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 105 by striking from the City Plan and vacating Ludwick Street from Haverford Avenue to Wallace Street; and An ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 278 by placing on the City Plan Delaware to Magee Avenue; and An ordinance constituting the Tenth Supplemental Ordinance to the Restated General Water and Wastewater Revenue Bond Ordinance of 1989.
Thank you. The messages will be printed in the Journal. I would ask the Chief Clerk to please read any other communications in her possession.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ramos.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, in the audience today we have three extraordinary folklore artists from Puerto Rico performing tonight at the annual Puerto Rican Day mass at the Cathedral of Sts. Peter and Paul: Victoria Sinabria, Christian and Modesto Nieves. Will you please stand so we can acknowledge you. (Applause.) (Music played.)
Madam President, congratulations. God bless Philadelphia.
The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for a motion.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended in order 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 will please say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer five bills, four resolutions and I also offer a bill on behalf of the Fourth District.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance proposing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of the proposal set forth in a resolution approved by Council proposing amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to provide for the composition of the City Planning Commission and fixing the date of a special election for such purpose.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of the proposal set forth in a resolution approved by Council proposing amendment of the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to provide for the composition of the Zoning Board of Adjustment.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of the proposal set forth in a resolution approved by the Council proposing amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to empower the City Planning Commission to extend the time period within which it must provide recommendations to Council on pending legislation affecting zoning.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by amending Section 14-102, entitled "Definitions," by amending Section 14-305, entitled "Commercial and Commercial Districts."
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by amending Section 14-231, entitled "Residential District Rules and Exceptions."
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development to file an application with the Office of the Budget in an amount not to exceed $500,000 to assist in the development of the Philadelphia University Center for Community Fitness.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to empower the City Planning Commission to extend the time period within which it must provide recommendations to Council on pending legislation affecting zoning, the City's physical development plan, land subdivision and authorizing the purchase of sale or real estate.
The resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to provide for the composition of the Zoning Board of Adjustment.
This resolution will also be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to provide for the composition of the City Planning Commission and providing for the submission of amendment to the electors of Philadelphia.
The resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution honoring Keith Primeau on the occasion of his retirement from the Philadelphia Flyers and the National Hockey League.
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 is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I introduce two bills on your behalf, three on my own behalf and one resolution.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance authorizing the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development to file an application with the Office of the Budget in an amount not to exceed $2 million to assist in the development of Simeone Automotive Foundation Education Center.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development a deed located at 2501 to 2515 South Street.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance constituting the Tenth Supplemental Ordinance to the Restated General Water and Wastewater Revenue Bond Ordinance of 1989.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development to file an application with the Office of the Budget in an amount not to exceed $1 million to assist in the development of the Woodlands Arboretum and Botanical Gardens Revitalization Project.
This bill will also be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing and approving the execution and delivery of a Service Agreement between the City of Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development relating to the comprehensive program to improve and enhance the City of Philadelphia's cultural and commercial corridors for the benefit of the residents of the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you. This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution calling on the Council Committee on Finance to hold hearings for a call to action to stop the violence by providing additional funding for job training programs, extended hours of operation for school and recreation facilities and the extended TANF benefits for those working in schools and neighborhoods.
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. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution honoring Northeast Philadelphia's Bianca Taylor Ryan on winning the $1 million grand prize on the reality television show America's Got Talent.
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 Tasco.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution declaring October 2006 as Human Relations Month in the City of Philadelphia.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution authorizing the Council Committee on Public Health and Human Services to hold hearings regarding the inmate overcrowding and security problems at the Philadelphia Prison System.
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 as adopted will be referred to the Committee on Public Health and Human Services. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I have two bills and two resolutions.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance authorizing Commerce Bank to construct, operate, maintain a building facade located 8600 Germantown Avenue.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development to file an application with the Office of the Budget in an amount not to exceed $5,150,000 to assist in the development of the Germantown YWCA.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution recognizing September 2006 as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and honoring the National Children's Cancer Society.
This resolution was also co-sponsored by Councilwoman Krajewski, and 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 September 23, 2006 as John William Coltrane Day in the City of Philadelphia.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer no bills or resolutions today.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer no bills and no resolutions.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill. I'm sorry. Did you say you had one bill or no bills?
Very well. Councilman Goode has no bills or resolutions today. Therefore, the Chair recognizes Councilman Ramos.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer two bills and one resolution today.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance amending Section 22-310 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Deferred Retirement Option Plan," by defining the employees by whom an extraordinary extension for participants in the DROP program may apply.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Title 22 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Public Employees Retirement Code," by amending Section 22-1303, entitled "Exemption from attachment," to add AFSCME District Council 47 to the list of designated payees.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution recognizing and honoring Dr. Leonel Fernandez Reyna, President of the Dominican Republic, on his visit to Philadelphia.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution.
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 three bills and three resolutions. One is a privileged resolution. There is another one that I'm offering on your behalf that has been co-sponsored by all members of City Council.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, relating to Zoning and Planning, by amending Chapter 14-1700, entitled "Administration and Enforcement."
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Chapter 14-2000 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Special Controls in Areas Abutting Parkways, Historical Shrines and Civic Projects."
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter relating to the creation, appointment, powers and duties of an independent Philadelphia Zoning Code Commission, as approved by resolution of the City Council.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution authorizing Council's Committee on Rules to hold public hearings on whether and how the City could implement impact fees to address community infrastructure needs derived from new development.
The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: 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.)
This bill will be referred to the Committee on Rules.
And a resolution proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to provide for the creation, appointment, powers and duties of the Zoning Code Commission and providing for the submission of an amendment to the electors of Philadelphia.
The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
Oh, I'm sorry. I was distracted. Do you mind reading that title again, please?
A resolution proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to provide for the creation, appointment, powers and duties of the Zoning Code Commission.
This resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution designating the week of Monday, October 2, 2006 as Christopher Columbus Week.
The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: 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. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance amending Chapter 10-800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Safety," by adding a new section, entitled "Failure to Report Lost or Stolen Firearms."
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development to file an application with the Office of the Budget in an amount not to exceed $7 million to assist in the development of the North Philadelphia Health System, the Old Metropolitan Opera House and Progress Plaza.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kelly.
Madam President, I offer three bills on behalf of the Seventh Councilmanic District.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 344 by placing on the City Plan Sunshine Lane and Solar Way.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing the paving of Sunshine Lane and Solar Way, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. I believe there are two bills and one resolution.
And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority deeds located in the 7th, 18th, 19th, 23rd, 37th and 42nd Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will please indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. 9/21/06 - STATED - 2ND READING The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
Madam President, no bills or resolutions today. Thank you.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. As there are no bills on the First Reading Calendar, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for the purpose of calling up the bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar to be considered today.
Thank you, Madam President. Today all bills on the first page are being held. On , the bills at the bottom, 060445-A and 060467-A, are being called up for second reading and final passage. Those on are being held, are being held. On , we will introduce 050575 for the purpose of withdrawal. On , the bill at the bottom, 060204, is being called up for second reading and final 9/21/06 - STATED - 2ND READING passage. Bill No. 060287 on will be called up for the purpose of withdrawal. And on our final page, , the two bills at the bottom of the page, Bill Nos. 060485 and 060474, are being called up for second reading and final passage. All other bills are being held.
Thank you. I would ask the Chief Clerk to please read the title of Bill No. 060445-A.
An ordinance to amend the Institutional Development District Master Plan of Temple University by allowing for the construction on a new building to be used for the Fox School of Business and Management.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please 9/21/06 - STATED - 2ND READING call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 14; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. We will now consider Bill No. 060467-A.
An ordinance authorizing the owner of 7252 Marsden Street at the southwest corner of Cottman Avenue to construct, own and maintain an 9/21/06 - STATED - 2ND READING addition to the south public sidewalk on Cottman Avenue.
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.
Aye. The ayes are 14; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in 9/21/06 - STATED - 2ND READING the affirmative, this bill passes. Councilwoman Blackwell, did you ask that Bill No. 050575 be withdrawn?
Thank you. The record will so reflect that Bill No. 050575 is being withdrawn at the request of the sponsor. We will now consider Bill No. 060204. I would ask the Chief Clerk to please read the title.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development a deed located 8011 Frankford Avenue in the City of Philadelphia.
This bill having been read on two different 9/21/06 - STATED - 2ND READING days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 14; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. We will now consider Bill No. 060503.
An ordinance 9/21/06 - STATED - 2ND READING authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2007 within the Grants Revenue Fund from the Director of Finance - provision for other grants to the Personnel Director.
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.
Aye. The ayes are 14; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, this bill passes. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell regarding Bill No. 060287.
Thank you, Madam President. As the resolution failed, we are requesting withdrawal of the bill.
Thank you. The record will reflect that at the request of the sponsor, Bill No. 060287 has been withdrawn. We will now consider Resolution No. 060485.
A resolution proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter relating to the appointment of the members of the Fairmount Park Commission and providing for the submission of the amendment to the electors of Philadelphia. 9/21/06 - STATED - 2ND READING
Thank you. Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, I just want to say a few words about this bill and this process and this park and this City. During the last almost two decades, I have personally been involved in the parks informally, formally as either President of the Advisory Council, as a member of the Park Commission and now as a Councilperson, and I've always had a love for the park as a child living two blocks from the park. I probably got in more trouble as a result of the park being two blocks from me, because I couldn't figure out a way to stay out of the park, but it was a good thing because I've grown to love our Fairmount Park 9/21/06 - STATED - 2ND READING system. When I got involved in this most recent process of park reform, I was very excited about it. There were a number of people who were excited about it. This Council was excited about it. We appropriated dollars to have a Fairmount Park strategic plan, where we anticipated that we would move forward in real park reform. So Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown and myself put the bill together to talk about some of the recommendations as it related to park reform. Admittedly, our first bill was extremely aggressive. It talked about full consolidation, and we quickly realized that full consolidation wasn't going to happen at this point in time. So as a result of that, we entered into a process of discussion and solicitation from members throughout the City of Philadelphia and what we believe to be park advocates, and at the end of the 9/21/06 - STATED - 2ND READING day, we crafted a bill that we believed to be the one thing that everybody had a consensus, that the selection process of the Commissioners should be changed. I don't think I've ever seen anywhere in print form, electronic form or any form where people thought that the current process, in all due respect to the Board of Judges, the current process where the Board of Judges select members -- and I hate to use the term "secretive," but it implies that something is being done incorrectly, but the reality is that it is not a public process. So this bill, which was crafted to reflect that 100 percent consensus, maybe separate and aside from the Board of Judges and a couple of Commission members, was what we attempted to proceed to do. During the last year and particularly during the summer, per our recommendation at the last Council 9/21/06 - STATED - 2ND READING session in June, we got together on a couple of occasions with the Task Force that was formed by both park Commissioners and other park advocates, and we anticipated that we would come up with a solution crafting a bill that everybody can feel comfortable about, understanding that it was just the first phase. And it was my belief -- and the Councilwoman I guess can speak for herself -- that we in fact had that and we had the support of us changing the selection process. But at the last minute -- and I might end up getting myself in trouble, but I got to say what I got to say -- in what I believe to be an underhanded way, having recommendations slid under my door at the 11th hour, not even having the opportunity to have a phone call from the individuals that we had been meeting with during the course of the summer and for today a memo circulated somehow being posed as an opinion, an official opinion 9/21/06 - STATED - 2ND READING by a lawyer -- and I'm thinking about asking my lawyer, Will Carter, to give another opinion to refute that, because if that's all it is is simply an opinion from a lawyer stating the obvious. I'm extremely frustrated, Madam President. I have never been involved with a process like this in my life, with people who thought that they were, I believe, were trying to do the right thing.
I don't understand how people who have indicated time and time again that they wanted to change the process of the selection of the Board of Commission be opposed to a process that sets up an independent nominating panel based on criteria established by that group -- and this was a recommendation of that group -- recommend nominees to the Mayor, subsequently the Mayor forwards those recommendations, and those nominees will be selected based on a set of criteria that we all agreed on. Those nominees 9/21/06 - STATED - 2ND READING didn't come to the Council of the City of Philadelphia for a public hearing for each individual nominee that's been recommended, and this Council must pass by a two-thirds margin. I don't understand how anybody can feel comfortable with the Board of Judges' process as opposed to this particular process. But, Madam President, at some point in your life, you move on. And I have spent the last year and a half working with people, and I probably did it the wrong way, because I thought working with the leadership and the advocates leadership and the leadership of the Commission that we would get at the appropriate place, and I probably should have taken it out to the people, because that's simply what this bill is calling for. This bill will not change the Charter. This bill will essentially place that on the ballot so the people can speak, all of the people, anyone who 9/21/06 - STATED - 2ND READING chooses, and not having a select group of individuals, some of them self-serving, determine the direction of the park system. But you know what, Madam President? I'm done. If people want to accept the status quo, then so be it. So I say all that to say at this time I'm going to ask that this bill be held and I'm going to ask for withdrawal next week, because if people are comfortable with the way things are done, I'm okay with it. I'll move on and I'll deal with the other part of our original proposal dealing with our recreation systems. So, Madam President, with that, I'm going to formally ask you to hold this bill and the subsequent resolution.
That concludes our Calendar for today. 9/21/06 - STATED - 2ND READING Oh, Councilwoman Brown, your light just went on. Did you want to be recognized?
Thank you, Madam President. I'd simply like to underscore two points raised by my partner and colleague on this bill, and they are, one, Councilman Clarke and I approached this, we believed, in a very thoughtful, considerate, open, candid manner over the past 18 months. And there are always lessons learned in the legislative process. Councilman Clarke has mentioned that one lesson learned for us is to consider the leadership, factor in the leadership of various stakeholders, but ultimately take it to the membership of those organizations so that they get an accurate message on the intent of any particular legislation. And then, finally, we crafted the bill. We made amendments. We made changes based on the information brought back to us over the past 18 months from 9/21/06 - STATED - 2ND READING all of those who sat at the table. So the bill we are actually delaying today is a reflection of interests that have been expressed by all of those who wanted to be about park reform. I support my colleague in holding the bill. Thank you, Madam Chair.
Councilman, are you speaking on the resolution and the bill?
Yes, ma'am. Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, when I came here to City Council a couple years ago, I remember when Councilman Clarke and Councilwoman Reynolds Brown introduced this resolution and the bill, and in a very embarrassing way minutes later, I asked this question of -- I told Councilman Clarke, 9/21/06 - STATED - 2ND READING Councilman Clarke, I think this is a very good thing, you need to get some experts, maybe dig up some experts that can help you along with this. And he says to me, Councilman, I was on the Advisory Board and I was on the Commission. And I have apologized to him many times over the last couple years because of my ignorance of not knowing how well informed and how knowledgeable my colleague, Councilman Darrell Clarke, is on this issue, that without a doubt, he is one of the most involved and most dedicated persons to making this park that we all are very proud of into a better place for this City. So those of us here in this Chamber and those that are watching us on cable TV, I want all of us to recognize that Councilman Clarke, without a doubt, and with the help of Councilwoman Reynolds Brown, are very, very knowledgeable on this issue, that they're than the good members of the Fairmount Park Commission or other entities out there that love the park. And then I think that this is an effort that at some point we need to take up for a vote and that Councilman Clarke should not be disillusioned or disheartened, particularly because of all the hard work and his dedication to our park system. Thank you, Madam President.
You're welcome. This concludes our Calendar, as I said, for the day. Are there speeches on the part of the minority? (No response.)
Are there speeches on the part of the majority? The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I rise to speak about housing reorganization. As many of you know, Council has been really supportive of trying to have our programs continue with the housing agencies and try to support some housing program that makes sense. Albeit it is not over and we will report again next week, we are very fearful of some people who report that -- we were told that there would be a case where people -- we asked for two, but where people have one year would be able to act as if they had a year and could enter the DROP and it would be a one-for-one replacement. Anybody who enters the DROP, they would replace them with a union person. And we have heard that a woman who will be, for example, 55 in May, this has not happened and has to bump down. Now, we were promised that we wouldn't enter into a union busting situation where people in order to work have to lose their jobs or bump down, if you're not given any opportunity. (Applause.)
And we are hopeful, Madam President, that given the fact that there will be more negotiations next week, we're hopeful that this whole issue of people being of the range of those in the union and outside of the union that we won't lose some 40 percent of people who were in the union, not in the union. And albeit the whole issue of unions is not narrowly our concern, the whole issue of delivery of services between OHCD, RDA, PHDC and the whole issue of whether or not there's -and Vacant Property Review Committee, those are our concerns. So, again, we say we are hopeful that the Administration, Mr. Hanna, who is negotiating this for the Administration, will work in good faith with all the employees so that the programs that we have continued to be citizens of our City be preserved and continue. We'll try to report again next week. We've been dealing with this on a daily basis. Today isn't a good day, so I'm hopeful that next week we will have positive information to report. Thank you very much.
Thank you, Madam President. Today as Chair of Public Safety, City Council's committee, I want to encourage Philadelphia citizens to attend the rally in Harrisburg on September 26th. As I've stated before, in the May 17, 2005 primary election, Philadelphia voters overwhelmingly voted in favor of a referendum to call on our legislators in Harrisburg and the Governor to pass legislation that would and control its own weapon laws. In this effort, certainly we are doing that to encourage and reduce gun violence, yet Harrisburg has not heard our pleas. Today we as a City must ask the question, how many more people, most of whom are children, must die before Harrisburg will enact measures to allow us to combat gun violence. And we also know that that's only one, but we call it a key step in helping us to combat some of the violence here. On September 26, 2006, a network of concerned Philadelphians from all walks of life will travel to Harrisburg to show the General Assembly and to protest violence and demand stricter gun laws and funding for education and jobs. On this historic day, caravans of buses will converge on the State Capitol. These buses will be filled with fathers, mothers, sisters and brothers. I too will be there, not official but as a mother, a sister and a Philadelphian who will stand in solidarity with other Philadelphians in this special cause. We're going to Harrisburg to say enough is enough, and I strongly urge others to do the same. Again, I urge citizens to join us in Harrisburg and to sign up. For a seat on the bus, you can just simply call 215-923-1940. The buses are free. You must take your own lunch, but the buses are free. Most of them are leaving Philadelphia at 8:00 a.m., leaving Harrisburg at 4:00 p.m. and targeted to arrive back in Philadelphia at 6:00 p.m. on September 26th, our collective voices will be heard. So, again, I just want to encourage the citizens of Philadelphia to pick up the phone to dial 215-923-1940 to reserve a seat on the bus. It's my understanding that the School District is also taking buses. 25 buses. So I think that's room for about 1,000 people. So, again, I just want to encourage everybody to attend. Thank you.
Thank you, Madam President. On the same note around violence, yesterday there was an article in the Philadelphia Inquirer that talked about where Philadelphia stands in terms of other cities around violence. They say we are No. 1 in violent crimes and fifth in terms of the overall crime rate. But the number is just too high. We should be and would like to be last. We support the effort on Monday, and I, too, ask those people who are listening to us today to please come out and support the rally in Harrisburg. laud Men for a Better Philadelphia, headed up by Bilal Qayyum, for their march to Harrisburg. They're walking to show their concern and gather support for the hearing in Harrisburg on Monday. But the City Council of Philadelphia's Committee on Public Safety and Health and Human Services last spring introduced a resolution calling for Council hearings on the Blueprint for a Safer Philadelphia. We had several hearings in different communities in the Northwest and the Northeast. On Thursday night, the 28th -- that's tonight, the 21st. It's at Overbrook High School. I'm sorry. There's an error here. Tonight at Overbrook High School the Committee will meet to hear the community talk about their input for the Blueprint for a Safer Philadelphia. The initial dollars granted to that program to provide services and dollars to programs in Philadelphia for young people, spearheaded by Dwight Evans, has been increased and additional dollars will have been committed, and we ask the neighbors in West Philadelphia in the Overbrook section or wherever -- they can come from any parts of the City -- to come out tonight to testify on the Blueprint for a Safer Philadelphia. Thank you.
You're welcome. Are there any other speeches on the part of the majority? (No response.)
Seeing none, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for a motion to adjourn.
Madam President, I move that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, September the 28th at 10:00 a.m. (Duly seconded.)
It seconded that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, September 28th at 10:00 a.m. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. Thank you. (Stated Meeting adjourned at 11:25 a.m.) CERTIFICATE I HEREBY CERTIFY that the proceedings, evidence and objections are contained fully and accurately in the stenographic notes taken by me upon the foregoing matter on September 21, 2006, and that this is a true and correct transcript of same. ______________________________ MICHELE L. MURPHY RPR-Notary Public (The foregoing certification of this transcript does not apply to any reproduction of the same by any means, unless under the direct control and/or supervision of the certifying reporter.)