COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, June 15, 2006 10:35 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 MICHAEL A. NUTTER COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILMAN JUAN RAMOS COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO PATRICIA RAFFERTY, CHIEF CLERK V A R A L L O Incorporated Litigation Support Services Eleven Penn Center 1835 Market Street, Suite 600 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103 215.561.2220 215.567.2670
Good morning, everyone. I note that the hour has come and that a quorum of this Council is present. Council will please come to order. Members will take their seats, and visitors will retire to the seats outside the rails. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair welcomes Reverend Thomas NiBlack of the New Gethsamene Baptist Church. He is here today as my guest, and I would ask all members and guests to please rise. (Everyone rises.) REVEREND NiBLACK: President Verna, distinguished members of Council, those who are gathered here today, shall we pray. Our Father and our God, we thank you for this, another year, that has gone by, the many things that you have done in and through Council. We thank you, Father, that you kept those, sick and have gone into the hospital and you brought them out. We thank you, Lord, that the business of the City still went on. We pray, oh, God, as we come this morning that you would impart wisdom and integrity to keep the members of this house and those who are in their staff with the character with which the office dictates. We thank you, God, that legislation went on and legislation is continuing to go on. We pray, God, your wisdom would rest upon them. They are about to embark on their vacation and the close of this session. We pray that you would be with each of them. Bring them back, Lord, to their prospective positions rested, but let your peace rule and abide. So we thank you. In Jesus' name, amen.
Amen. The Chair thanks Reverend NiBlack 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, June 8, 2006, and, again, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, June 8, 2006 stand approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, June 8, 2006 stand approved. All in favor will please indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, June 8, 2006 is approved. The next order of business is requests for leave of absence, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. Today there are no requests for leaves of absence on the part of the Majority.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. 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 will dispense with the regular order of business to recognize the guests and visitors joining us in Chambers this morning. On behalf City Council, we welcome you to our Council session. I certainly welcome you to come back any time that you feel that you're free and you're interested in any particular issue before the members of Council. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you very, very much, Madam Chair. I would ask my colleagues and guests to please join me in welcoming Rodney David Jones, Jr., a sixth grader visiting us today to watch government in action, a sixth grader at the Haverford School for Boys.
At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell, who will present a resolution recognizing Mr. Robert V. Hess for his many years of service to the Mr. Hess and those accompanying him please join the Councilwoman at the podium. I am told that Councilmembers Ramos, Miller and Brown will be accompanying the Councilwoman.
Thank you very much. I usually don't take time from Council to speak on this, but as we are reading this, I would like to say a special thanks to Mr. Hess and certainly all those who are here from OESS. You're welcome to join us. Let me say that this is a very, very special time for me, because Lucien Blackwell started the homeless program in the City, and Robert Hess has been more than we could ask for. And I've said this before. Many of you remember the young woman Tanya Hayman who used to come here and disrupt Council on the side asking for money and disrupting me, who away, but because of Mr. Hess and his leadership, she was in a Housing First program where she finally lay her head at night on her own bed, because OESS had a program that tried to get people on their feet and pay their bills but allowed them to get in their first home. So before she turned 50 -- she was in her late 40's -- she had her first home, so that when she passed away, she was okay. If for no other reason, I love him, but he's been wonderful. So many creative projects, and we are grateful that he instead of dealing with 3,000 homeless people a night, now he deals with 32,000 a night, so we couldn't keep him, but we're grateful for his leadership. Resolution recognizing Robert Vernon Hess, Deputy Managing Director for Special Needs Housing for his years of service to the City of Philadelphia and its citizens, and congratulating him on his appointment as Commissioner of New Homeless Services. We recognize his wife and his parents who are here as well. Whereas, Robert Vernon Hess joined the City's Managing Director's Office in 2001 as Deputy Managing Director for Special Needs Housing; and Whereas, his responsibilities included oversight of the Office of Adult Services, the Office of Emergency Shelter Services, Riverview Home for the Aged, Housing Support Services and the Office of HIV Planning; and Whereas, under the leadership of Mr. Hess, the Office of Adult Services helped develop the Mayor's ten-year plan to end homelessness; and
Whereas, during his tenure, the Office of Adult Services reduced the number of individuals living on the streets of Philadelphia by 60 percent; and Whereas, Mr. Hess spearheaded program which served the chronically homeless individuals in the City, resulting in more than 130 individuals moving from the streets and into permanent housing; and Whereas, Mr. Hess and the Adult Services team of nearly 250 professionals helped establish the Philadelphia Housing Support Services Center to act as a centralized gatekeeper for local housing resources; and
Whereas, Mr. Hess helped to create a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week emergency response and relocation system to move families and individuals in need of emergency relocation directly into supportive housing; and Whereas, last fall, Mayor Street asked Mr. Hess to head the City's relief effort for more than 1,400 Hurricane Katrina victims who fled to Philadelphia; and Whereas, during his career, he appointments, including appointment by Mayor Street to the Philadelphia Homeless Trust Fund Board, appointment by Governor Rendell as a member of the Pennsylvania Housing Advisory Committee, an appointment by Mayor Schmoke to serve on the Baltimore City Homeless Relief Advisory Board; and
Whereas, Robert Hess has left his position as the City's Deputy Managing Director for Special Needs Housing; and Whereas, he will be surely missed; and Whereas, we will be forever grateful for his dedication and commitment to improving the quality of life for the City's less fortunate; and Whereas, we congratulate him and wish him success in his new position as the Commissioner of New York City's Department of Homeless Services. Now, therefore
Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we hereby recognize Robert Vernon Hess, Deputy Managing Director for Special Needs Housing, for his years of service to the City of Philadelphia and its citizens, and we congratulate him on his appointment as Commissioner of New York City's Department of Homeless Services; and Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented as an expression of this body's sincere sentiment for the contributions and the commitment of Mr. Robert Vernon Hess. Certification that this is a true and correct copy of the original resolution adopted by the Council of the City of Philadelphia on the 20th day of April 2006. It's signed by President Anna C. Verna, introduced by the members of City Council who are behind me and co-sponsored by each and every member of Council. love you, Robert. (Applause.)
Thank you. Thank you so much. Madam President, Majority Leader Blackwell, members of Council, I stand here humbled and honored and really accept this wonderful resolution on behalf of all these great folks out here. The staff of OESS and Adult Services, the Managing Director's Office, if you could just stand for just a second, just a second. (Applause.)
What incredible work they have done each and every day, and I will tell you that over the last five years, we've had some successes, and I think the citizens of this City are better off because of the work that these folks do each and every day. We have reduced the number of people on the by 60 percent. We still have 3,000 people in shelter. We still have a couple of hundred people that live on our streets each and every night. We have a ways to go. We have a ways to go, but the Mayor has made a commitment. The Managing Director is helping to lead that commitment. Dainette Mintz will be a great leader of this effort, and we will get there. (Applause.)
This City, the City of Philadelphia, is positioned because of the leadership of the Mayor, the Managing Director, this department and this Council. This City now at this point in time is positioned to be the first city in America to end the need for anyone to sleep on your streets, anyone. You can do that here in this city. Most cities, including the great City of New York, we can't have that discussion yet. In this city, you can. I hope and I know that working get there. You will get there. And you will get there rapidly. And I hope to work to help New York be the second city in America to get there. So this is a great honor for me. I thank you so much for all your great support. I will tell you that I've almost enjoyed every second I spent in this Chamber. There might have been one or two exceptions, but by and large, I have enjoyed it. You have helped us create better policy in this City. The back and forth, the challenging us to do better has really paid off. And I'll finally tell you that there is no Councilperson in this country that I have met that cares more about people experiencing homelessness in our city or our country than the Majority Leader. What a wonderful commitment she has made. (Applause.)
To Madam President, Majority Leader, members of Council, thank you ever so much for this wonderful honor today.
The Chair now recognizes Councilman Kelly, who will present a resolution honoring Mr. Ray Keough and the Torresdale Boys Club Nine-Year-Old Division Basketball Team. Will Mr. Keough and those accompanying him please join the Councilman at the podium. Councilman Kelly is being joined by Councilman O'Neill. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kelly.
Thank you, Madam President. I just want to say that it gives me a great privilege to be presenting this resolution today. It's about determination and dedication, and I think that Ray has really gone to great lengths to show that, and because of that, I think that the basketball team of Torresdale Boys Club is much, much better off. So, therefore, I would like to present the following resolution honoring Ray and his actions. Whereas, on March 27, 2006, the Nine-Year-Old Division Boys Basketball Team representing Torresdale Boys Club won the Department of Recreation Championship game in front of a packed gymnasium at Northeast High School; and Whereas, Ray Keough is a life-long resident of Northeast Philadelphia and graduate of Archbishop Ryan. Mr. Keough also serves as Director of the Northeast Sting, an AAU basketball team, and coaches the Philadelphia Flash Team; and
Whereas, this team faced great hardship through the season, when in November Coach Keough's wife, Terry, was diagnosed with brain cancer; and Whereas, Coach Keough and his team remained steadfast in spite of the setback. Coach Keough never missed a practice or game, traveling back and forth between Fox Chase Cancer Center and the gymnasium; and Whereas, the devoted team stayed strong, dedicated and committed, not only to the game of basketball but to Coach Keough through his personal struggle; and
Whereas, the team's stunning victory, coupled with their unrelenting support to Coach Keough's wife, Terry, and their two young children, Alicia and Timothy, is a triumph of the human spirit. Now, therefore, be it resolved, the City of Philadelphia, that we hereby commend and congratulate Ray Keough and the Nine-Year-Old Division Basketball Team of the Torresdale Boys Club. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Mr. Keough as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body. Signed by the President of City Council and all members of City Council. (Applause.)
Thank you very much. This award is truly an honor. Excuse me. I'm a little emotional. Being involved in the community helping youth of our City has always been a passion. To me and many others, sports are a common denominator that bring people together. We've all witnessed this with the Philadelphia sports teams, Today, with the top news stories being so tragic and other tragedies in the City, it is important to be able to share my ideals and enthusiasm for sports with our community. With Father's Day this weekend, it is very special to me to be able to have this day with my children, Tim and Alicia. I'm proud to say that both are excellent students and athletes. Also for Father's Day I'd like to thank my father, who also served the children of Philadelphia by coaching for several years and was a Philadelphia police officer for over 25 years. He taught me that it was important to put kids first. I'd like to thank Madam President, Joan Krajewski, Jack Kelly and all City Council, Mayor Street, Torresdale Boys Club President John Giargiari and the folks at Torresdale that have coached there and helped me for life, my good friend Jim Hasher, who is the Athletic Director at Torresdale and I've shared wins and losses with since our kids have been four years old, and, most importantly, my wife and best friend, Terry, who has always supported me. (Applause.)
Thank you very much. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski, who will present a resolution honoring Father Judge High School. Will Club President Michael Imbrenda and those accompanying him please join the Councilwoman at the podium. The Councilwoman is being joined by Councilman Kenney. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
Thank you very much, Madam President. I'll tell you, I am so proud to be standing here. Is this a beautiful site or is it not? (Applause.)
Resolution honoring Father Judge High School achieving top honors at the Model United Nations. Whereas, the Model United Nations Club of Father Judge High School, best at nearly 2,500 high school students from across the country and 190 other nations to capture top honors at the United Nations in New York; and Whereas, under the direction of the Reverend John J. Hurley, moderator and coach for almost two decades, 20 Father Judge students won the coveted Secretary General Award for earning more points than any other school; and
Whereas, the Father Judge Model United Nations President Senior Michael Imbrenda represented the South American nations of Venezuela and Suriname and argued on behalf of resolutions they devised; and Whereas, the students aimed to expand their culture awareness, foster interest in global affairs and promote non-violent solutions that were evaluated on the quality of their position papers, their ability to represent the positions of designated countries, knowledge of foreign affairs and diplomatic skills; and
Whereas, the Father Judge Team is no stranger to winning, as they already won honors in several local and regional competitions and was named one of the top three Model UN teams in the United States at Georgetown University in February 2006 and claimed the Secretary General Award back in 1991; and Whereas, team members John Cook Duley, both seniors, received engraved gavels for their first place finish and extraordinary work on human rights, an honor that highlighted their high school UN careers. And now
Therefore, the City Council of Philadelphia bestows our congratulations and well wishes on the Father Judge High School Model United Nations Club for their phenomenal win and for placing their school and the City of Philadelphia on the map due to their hard work, dedicated study and outstanding achievements. This is a true and correct copy, signed by the President of City Council, Anna C. Verna, and signed by all members of City Council. Congratulations. (Applause.)
First, distinguished Councilmembers, Madam President, first of all, I'd just like to thank the City Council of Philadelphia for bestowing this honor upon us and to the best Councilwoman in the City of Philadelphia, Joan Krajewski, for allowing us to come to the ground floor of government here today. A lot of us are really interested in civil service and hope to pursue it later on in life, and it's just really good to be here on the ground floor. So probably a lot of you are asking what exactly is Model United Nations. Students take the roles of countries or cabinet ministers, depending on the Council, and discuss international issues like terrorism, human rights, nuclear proliferation in a forum with other students and try to represent their nation's policies as accurately as possible. We as Venezuela, if you pay attention to the news, had to represent a viewpoint, sort of being very anti-American, but that's part of the sport. You have to sort of act and get into a correct tone of speaking. And it allows you to build public speaking skills, negotiation skills and, most importantly, conflict resolution skills that can help you handle back here at home and in whatever job you may pursue later on in life. I'd also like to thank Father Hurley, who has been with this club and in Model UN for well over 50 years. (Applause.)
And has provided us with constant guidance on all the issues. He knows everything there is to know about international affairs, and we just constantly go to him for any advice, and he's been such a great help. If you'd like to say a few words, Father.
So yet again, I'd just like to thank the City Council. From the team, we'd like to thank the City Council for allowing us this great honor of standing here today. Thank you. (Applause.)
The next order of business 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 June 13, 2006, I signed the following bill that was passed by Council at its session on June 1, 2006: Bill No. 060388; and I am hereby returning to you 060320; and On June 15th, I signed all of the remaining bills that passed Council on June 1, 2006; and I am pleased to advise you that on June 15, 2006, I signed the following bill that was passed by Council at its session on June 8, 2006: Bill No. 060007; and I am transmitting for the consideration of your honorable body a resolution approving the amended and restated redevelopment contract for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the South Central Urban Renewal Area; and A resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority, the City of Philadelphia, for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the American Street Industrial Corridor Urban Renewal Area; and A resolution approving the supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the American Street Industrial Corridor Urban Renewal Area; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to use NTI bond proceeds for the acquisition of 408, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 21, 22, 24, 28, 32, 34, 35, 37, 39, 41, 43 and 45 North Daggett Street; and An ordinance approving the second amendment of the redevelopment proposal for the West Fairhill/East Tioga/Hunting Park Urban Renewal Area; and An ordinance approving the thirty-fifth amendment of the redevelopment proposal for the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area; and An ordinance amending Chapter 19-200 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "City Funds," by authorizing the City Treasurer to deposit funds in U.S. Bank, under certain terms and conditions; and Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into an agreement with the 21st Ward Athletic Association.
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 very much. Could I ask that the Councilmembers who are out of the Chambers, please come back so that we can continue with our business. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
I'm sorry, sir. 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 indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I introduce two bills and two resolutions on my behalf and one bill and one resolution on yours.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of an amendment to Article VIII, Chapter 5 of the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter, entitled "Referenda Approval by the Voters."
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Chapter 19-200 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "City Funds Deposits, Investments, Disbursements," by amending Section 19-201, entitled "City Depositories," by authorizing the City Treasurer to deposit funds in the U.S. Bank, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. I would ask the Chief Clerk to please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority deeds located in the 44th Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will please indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority deeds located in the 36th Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
Again, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
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 please say aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the South Central Urban Renewal Area.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will please indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution proposing an amendment to Article VIII, Chapter 5 of the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter, entitled "Referenda Approval by the Voters," by adding a new section calling on the citizens of Philadelphia to urge the Philadelphia Board of Revision of Taxes to retain its current method of real estate tax assessment and not change the method as proposed under BRT's Full Valuation initiative.
The resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Madam President, I offer three resolutions and one bill.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Section 6-301 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Food Establishments," by providing additional measures by which the City shall use to ensure that food establishments operating in the City are safe and healthy.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority deeds located in the 49th Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco. Councilwoman Tasco.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will please say aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority deeds located in the 49th Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
Madam President, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and 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 City's inspection procedures for food establishments.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
The ayes have it and the resolution will be referred to the Committee on Public Health and Human Services. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Title 9 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Regulation of Businesses, Trades and Professions," by enacting a new Chapter 9-3000, entitled "Fair Criminal Record Screening Standards," to establish provisions and requirements for the screening of criminal records by certain employees within the City of Philadelphia.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer two bills and two resolutions.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into an agreement with the 21st Ward Athletic Association.
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 West Coulter Street, Stokely Street, Midvale Avenue and McMichael Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution declaring June 26, 2006 as Philadelphia Day in Support of Torture Victims.
Thank you, Madam President. I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to use NTI bond proceeds for the acquisition of 408 to 443 and 445 North Daggett Street, under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you, Madam President. I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will please say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer two bills and one resolution.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter creating a Youth Commission.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by adding a definition providing for daycare in certain commercial districts and as an accessory use to churches and places of worship, all under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter creating a Youth Commission and providing for the submission of the amendment to the electors of Philadelphia.
This resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer two resolutions, one co-introduced by -
I offer two resolutions co-introduced by Councilman Nutter, Councilwoman Brown and co-sponsored by all members of Council.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution honoring The Links, Incorporated on the occasion of its 60th anniversary celebration and its 35th national assembly.
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will please say aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution honoring the Pennsylvania Association of Ministers' Wives and Ministers' Widows on the occasion of hosting the convention of its international association.
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution recognizing June 15, 2006 as Justice for Janitors' Day and further recognizing and honoring the Service Employees International Union for their continued commitment to improving the lives of fellow property service workers throughout the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you, Madam President. That resolution is actually Councilman Ramos'.
Oh, okay. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ramos.
There's so much confusion on the floor, I don't know who is who. Okay.
I don't know whether we should call a recess and then come back, because I don't know that anybody is paying any attention and it's very confusing. Councilman Ramos.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution. What you just read, Pat. Just read the first sentence.
A resolution recognizing June 15th as Justice for Janitors' Day and further recognizing and honoring the Service Employees International Union.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will please say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. I offer two bills and I'm actually circulating -- two resolutions and I'm circulating an ordinance that I will have in a moment.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority, the City of Philadelphia, for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the American Street Industrial Corridor Urban Renewal Area.
The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Madam President, I apologize. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority, the City of Philadelphia, for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the American Street Industrial Corridor Urban Renewal Area.
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 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.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, I have three bills and three resolutions, one resolution co-sponsored by Councilman DiCicco and Councilman Ramos, one bill co-sponsored by Councilwoman Donna Reed Miller.
Thank you very much. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance amending Title 9 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Regulation of Businesses, Trades and Professions," by adding a new Chapter, entitled "Firearms Dealers."
Thank you. The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance approving the second amendment of the redevelopment proposal for the West Fairhill/East Tioga/Hunting Park Urban Renewal Area.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance approving the thirty-fifth amendment of the redevelopment proposal for the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution authorizing Council's Committee on Rules to hold public hearings to explore whether and how "inclusionary zoning" could be implemented to address the critical shortage of affordable housing in the City of Philadelphia.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. I'm sorry. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke. I believe that was a resolution.
Yes. It's a resolution to be referred to Rules Committee, but I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will please say aye. (Aye.)