COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, June 17, 2010 11:20 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN DARRELL CLARKE COUNCILMAN FRANK DiCICCO COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN BILL GREEN COUNCILMAN WILLIAM K. GREENLEE COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILMAN JACK KELLY COUNCILMAN JAMES KENNEY COUNCILWOMAN JOAN L. KRAJEWSKI COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILWOMAN MARIA D. QUINONES-SANCHEZ COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO, JR. COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO MICHAEL A. DECKER,
Good morning. I note that the hour has come and that a quorum of this Council is present. Council will come to order. Members will take their seats, and visitors will retire to the seats outside the rails. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Mother Christine Ritter, Vicar of Saint Mary's Episcopal Church. I would ask all members and guests to please rise. (Members and guests rise.) MOTHER RITTER: I say thank you to President Anna Verna for inviting me here this morning. Let us pray. Lord God, behold and visit we pray all the cities of the earth and especially this our City of Philadelphia here in Pennsylvania. Continually renew the ties of mutual regard which form our us honesty and able leaders. Enable us to eliminate poverty, prejudice and oppression, that peace may prevail with righteousness and justice with order, and that men and women from different culture and with differing talents may find with one another the fulfillment of their humanity. We pray today for Mayor Nutter and for all those in the City government, and especially we pray that you will bless this City Council as they meet. Guide them as they discuss and deliberate all those matters which they must consider. Bless them and surround them with your spirit, and help them to be steadfast in their faithfulness to the responsibilities which you have bestowed upon them. We ask this in the name of God who loves us all. Amen. (Amen.)
The Chair thanks Mother Ritter for her invocation. (Council at ease.)
The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, June 10th, 2010, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, June 10th, 2010 stand approved.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, June 10th, 2010 stand approved. All in favor will please indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the Journal is approved. The next order of business is requests for leave of absence, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Madam President. On behalf of the majority, there are no requests for leave of absence today.
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.
Thank you. The Chair will dispense with the regular order of business to visitors joining us in Chambers this morning. On behalf of all members of City Council, I welcome you to our Council session. We appreciate your taking the time to join us as we attend to the legislative affairs of our city. We certainly invite you to come again. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell, who will present a citation honoring Gloria Guard on her retirement from the People's Emergency Center. Will Ms. Guard and those accompanying her please join the Councilwoman at the podium.
Thank you, Madam President. This is a special pleasure for me to be part of honoring a friend for many, many years, and in case many of you did not know, People's Emergency Center in the 3rd District is the oldest shelter in the state. City Council, City of M. Guard. The Council of the City of Philadelphia is pleased to join the People's Emergency Center in honoring Gloria M. Guard on the occasion of her retirement. Whereas, Gloria Guard is President of the People's Emergency Center, PEC, and recipient of the prestigious Philadelphia Award. She is the social transformation agent par excellence and community-building entrepreneur. Gloria has converted PEC, a start-up homeless service agency originally housed in a church basement, that was 3311 Chestnut Street, into one of the nation's most forward-thinking and comprehensive providers of housing and social services to homeless women and their children. Because of its strong record, PEC has attracted over $90 million in government and foundation support under her and has been recognized by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. May I add we are very proud of the Bernice Elza Homes named in honor of our mothers. Whereas, when Gloria began her employment with PEC, the shelter rented space on the first floor of a now defunct church, was open only on weekends. Gloria had a staff of seven and a budget of $194,000. Today, PEC has more than 90 employees and an annual operating budget of more than $6 million. The agency annually provides about 400 homeless women and children with emergency shelter and short-term permanent housing, as well as a full array of services vital for breaking the cycle of family homelessness, including employment training, drug and alcohol counseling, health services, after-school and summer programs for children and teens, parenting skills, and counseling that homeownership; and Whereas, Gloria has a visionary commitment to using the power of technology for helping homeless women and low-income neighborhood residents help themselves. That vision bore fruit in the form of a partnership with One Economy, resulting in computer training programs for teens and adults, computer giveaways to low-income families, technology internships for low-income teens, and creation of Philadelphia's first neighborhood-based wireless hotspot, the first. More recently, she has played a leading role in a burgeoning national movement to provide low-income residents with access to broadband technology. In addition, she started E-Assist, which enables parents to transmit welfare documents, report job hours and resolve problems with their welfare caseworkers through the Internet. The program, one of the first of its kind in the country, the requirements of welfare-to-work legislation without taking time away from obligations to work and family; and Whereas, Gloria is well known for her commitment to development efforts and for her leadership in the homeless arena. She led PEC in establishing its own community development corporation, resulting in almost 200 new units of affordable housing in the low-income Mantua/West Powelton neighborhood of West Philadelphia, 25 new neighborhood businesses, the clearing of more than 100 abandoned lots and the repairing of dozens of decrepit homes and storefronts; and Whereas, she has also an adjunct professorship at the University of Pennsylvania's Fels School of Government and College General Studies.
She chairs the Regional Housing Legal Services Board and co-chairs the Greater Philadelphia Urban Affairs Coalition, national, regional and local boards, including One Economy, the Affordable Housing Advisory Council of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh, and the ING Direct Community Advisory Board. In addition to receiving the Philadelphia Award, Gloria Guard has been presented the United Way's Citizen of the Year award, the Philadelphia Bar Foundation's Louis D. Apothaker award, the Philadelphia Eagles and Dunkin' Donuts 75 Greatest Living Philadelphians award, the Professional Women's Roundtable Power award, and Trinity University's Sower's Seed award. Gloria holds two Master's degrees from Bryn Mawr College and received a Fannie Mae fellowship to the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University in 2001. She lives in Philadelphia and has two children and three grandsons. Therefore, by virtue of this citation, the Council of the City of Philadelphia is pleased and proud to join People's Emergency Center in honoring Gloria Guard on the occasion of her retirement. We wish her a retirement filled with health, happiness and the joys of family and friends, and extend the sincere respect and admiration of this legislative body. We love you, Gloria. Congratulations. )
Now, as Jannie knows, I'm an advocate, and so I couldn't leave this opportunity alone to address the entire magnificent City Council of Philadelphia. Madam Chairwoman, thank you so much, and Ms. Jannie, whose work on behalf of the homeless and the low-income people in her district is without -- is without par. I mean, I cannot tell you that PEC couldn't have done the work it did without Lucien Blackwell's support, and without the support we have in Harrisburg and in Washington. I would like to invite each and every member of City Council, especially those of you who have qualms about the homeless, who worry about low-income housing, take a ride out Lancaster Avenue, the nation's oldest turnpike, look around. What you will see is a neighborhood that is absolutely in the middle of a renaissance. It has been revitalized, and that is despite the homeless shelter that's there, homeless people who are living in rental housing and formerly homeless people who are in homeownership. Our neighborhood in Jannie's district is a living example of how low-income people and economic development can live side by side and can thrive, and the entire neighborhood comes up. And so I thank each and every looking out for the low-income households in this city the way Jannie has, and so that you can know in your heart that supporting poor people is also supporting business. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Tasco, who will present a resolution honoring Tom Pell. Will Mr. Pell and those accompanying him please join the Councilwoman at the podium. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Madam President. It gives me great honor this morning to represent one of our leading businessmen in the 9th District, and I'm pleased to present this resolution honoring Tom Pell. Whereas, the Council of the City of Philadelphia is pleased and proud to honor Mr. Tom Pell for his several years of service as the President of the Wadsworth Avenue Business Association and service to the citizens and institutions of Northwest Philadelphia and the entire City; and Whereas, Tom Pell has been the owner of Sam's Quality Meat Market, located at 1524 Wadsworth Avenue, for 17 years. He began his career in the retail business 34 years ago and worked for almost 20 years in his family's North Philadelphia-based business; and Whereas, Mr. Pell was President of the Wadsworth Avenue Business Association from 1996 to 2007 and returned to his current position as President in 2009, and through his past and current involvement, he has of merchants and the quality of the Association; and Whereas, Tom Pell has been a steadfast contributor and supporter of various community events, like Wadsworth Day, and has worked with numerous organizations and elected officials to improve the Wadsworth Avenue business corridor and the quality of life for the residents of the community; and Whereas, Mr. Pell has dedicated and devoted Northwest community activist -- is a dedicated and devoted Northwest community activist that consistently advocates for the well-being of his fellow merchants and the community as a whole. Now, therefore, be it resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we hereby recognize and congratulate Mr. Tom Pell for his several years of civic and community service to the citizens and institutions Philadelphia through his outstanding service as President of the Wadsworth Avenue Business Association. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Mr. Tom Pell as evidence of the sincere sentiment of this legislative body. Certification, that this is a true and correct copy of the original resolution, adopted by the Council of the City of Philadelphia on the 3rd day of December 2009. It is signed by all members of City Council, and we thank you, Tom, for your leadership. (Applause.)
I'd just like to say, before the President calls on Tom, that Wadsworth Avenue has gone through a great change, and it was with his leadership in working with the merchants to understand the importance of improving the facades of their stores and improving the inside of their businesses. up and you see the streetscape, working with State Senator LeAnna Washington and the hard work of State Representative Cherelle Parker and yours truly, he has been a leader with the Mount Airy Revitalization Corporation as well as Ogontz Revitalization Corporation to make that and change that neighborhood around, and we're real proud of his leadership, because it was very, very difficult, and I want to say thank you, Tom. (Applause.)
Thank you very much, Marian. I'd like to thank all the public officials that have done this for me. I am very deeply honored in the City that I was born and raised and still work here. And, again, I don't know what to say. It's very, very overwhelming. Thanks again. Thank you, Marian Tasco. (Applause.)
I've brought a few friends with me. I have Patrice Edwards, great, great person, works in the corridor, directs things for us. Without Patrice, I could not do it. I have my lovely wife, Judy, with me and John Unger, who used to work for ICDC. I believe I said it correctly. And he's become a very good friend, and he tells me what I need to do and not need to do. Without these people here, I could not do it. Again, thank you very much for your time. (Applause.) (Council at ease.)
The Chair now recognizes Councilmembers Blackwell and Jones, who will present a resolution honoring the African American Museum of Philadelphia. those accompanying him please join the Councilmembers at the podium. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Oh, boy. This is the last session of the year. We have the honor of recognizing and honoring and celebrating the African American Museum of Philadelphia in recognizing Senegal in this year's annual celebrity -"Celebrating Africa" event. Let me start again. You shook me up with that. Recognizing, honoring and celebrating the African American Museum of Philadelphia in recognizing Senegal in this year's annual "Celebrate Africa" event.
Whereas, 2010 is the Fifth Anniversary of "Celebrate Africa," as well as the 50th Anniversary of Senegal's independence; and Whereas, the theme of the event will be "Hospitality-EnracinementOuverture," to simultaneously celebrate the roots of Senegalese cultural heritage and its outreach to the rest of the world; and Whereas, the local African community and the City of Philadelphia will take this opportunity to make "Celebrate Africa" the highlight of 2010 for the African American Museum of Philadelphia. Now, therefore.
Resolved, that the Council of the City of Philadelphia, hereby recognizes, honors and celebrates the African American Museum of Philadelphia in recognizing Senegal in this year's annual "Celebrate Africa" event. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the organizer of "Celebrate Africa" as evidence of our sincere admiration of this legislative body. I'd like to also say that in the Odunde celebration that annually occurs on South Street, there were a lot of celebrations, but also serious discussions about economics and trade with the continent of Africa. One of the interesting statistics is that $18 billion worth of product, goods and services comes through Philadelphia's port and goes around the world. They're a significant partner both in trade, culture and heritage. (Applause.)
Thank you, Madam President, Councilmembers. First I want to thank Councilman Curtis Jones and Councilwoman Blackwell for this resolution, and, again, thank you. Thank was an (unintelligible) and will be a mother for the African immigrant population in Philadelphia. And I will be remiss if I don't thank also Ramona Riscoe Benson, the President of African American Museum, for initiating this event since five years. And the concept is to showcase and celebrate one African country every year, and this year Senegal will be celebrated. So we will be showcasing our country, the tradition, culture, music, arts, food, and it's going to be held at the African American Museum on July 31st, 2010. So we invite everybody to join us. And also, Curtis, I cannot thank you enough. Curtis is a brother for us, and he's been with our family and friends for years now. Thank you. Thank you so much. Thank you for everything. Thank you for the opportunity. (Applause.)
And also I wanted to say also that I'm here with my family and friends and African -- my friend from the African immigrant population, my wife, my sister Fatu. And thank you. Thank you so much. Thank you for being with me. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes at this time Ramona Riscoe Benson, head of the African American Museum, for a few words, please.
Thank you, Madam President. Thank you to Councilman Jones, Councilwoman Blackwell, and good morning to everyone. I do thank you so much for recognizing this very important event for the African American Museum. "Celebrate Africa" is important because as an African American museum, it is essential that we are creating relationships within the African region, and it is gratifying to know that so many people each year commit so much of their time to develop and coordinate this important event for the Museum. And so we thank Elhadji and all of the members of the working committee of "Celebrate Africa." I also want to recognize the fact that many of our members are also members of the Mayor's Commission on African and Caribbean Affairs. That is very important, a very important engine for us in this community, and we thank Councilwoman Blackwell so much for the guidance that she provides this community as it relates to its critical issues that need to be addressed. And so, finally, I also want to let you know that the African American Museum last night dedicated the front entrance, the new front entrance of the Museum, and I am inviting everyone to come and be our guest and experience the new African American Museum. And so for this honor. (Applause.)
The next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant-At-Arms deliver the messages to the Chief Clerk. The Chief Clerk will please read the messages from the Mayor.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, pursuant to Sections 4-604 and 2-307 of the Home Rule Charter, I am today transmitting to the Council the recommendations of the City Planning Commission regarding the following bills: Bill No. 100337, 100338, 100339, 100340, 100358, 100359, 100363, 100365, 100368, 100367, 100371, 100372, 100374, 100375, 100376 and 100377; and I am pleased to advise you that 16, 2010, I signed the remaining bills that were passed by Council at its session on June 3, 2010, except Bill No. 100126, which I am returning without my signature; and I am transmitting for the consideration of your honorable body a resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Tioga Urban Renewal Area, designated as Parcel Nos. 90, 91, 92, 93 and 94; and A resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the South West Germantown Urban Renewal Area, designated as Parcel No. 47; and A resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the New Kensington - Fishtown Urban Renewal Area, designated as Parcel No. 107; and A resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of the Tioga Urban Renewal Area, designated as Parcel Nos. 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88 and 89; and A resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Haddington Urban Renewal Area, Unit Nos. and designated as Parcel No. 24; and A resolution approving the annual Program Statement and Budget for Neighborhood Transformation Initiative Bond Proceeds for Fiscal Year 2011; and An ordinance authorizing the City of Philadelphia to organize an authority to be known as The Philadelphia Health Center Authority, pursuant to the provisions of the Municipality Authorities Act; and An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2011 within the General Fund from the Clerk of Quarter Sessions to the First Judicial District, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you. The messages will be printed in the Journal. I would ask the Chief Clerk to please read any other communications in his possession.
Thank you. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions, and at this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Madam President. On behalf of myself, Councilmembers Brown and Jones, I offer one resolution and one bill.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of a proposed amendment of The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter, set forth in a Resolution approved by Council, to authorize Council to regulate the process by which concessions are awarded for the sale of products or the rendition of services for a consideration on park or recreation land or facilities.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to authorize Council to regulate the process by which concessions are awarded for the sale of products or the rendition of services for a consideration on park or recreation land or facilities.
The resolution will also be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I introduce two resolutions.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution calling on the Redevelopment Authority in the Spirit of Transparency and Cooperation to Honor its Commitment to Work with City Council Going Forward to End the Stalemate and Backlog that Exists Within the Redevelopment Authority.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for a motion.
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.)
And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Twenty-Fourth and Twenty-Seventh Wards 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 say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer one bill, which is co-sponsored by Councilwoman Sanchez.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Chapter 2-200 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Recording of Deeds," by modifying the requirements for the recording of deeds, providing for certain fees and making certain technical changes.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2011 within the General Fund from the Clerk of Quarter Sessions to the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Madam President, I offer one bill and two resolutions.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance authorizing the City of Philadelphia to organize an authority to be known as The Philadelphia Health Center Authority, pursuant to the provisions of the Municipality Authorities Act.
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 of the City of Philadelphia, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Tenth Ward of 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.)
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 Miller.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I offer three resolutions.
Thank you. 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 of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Tioga Urban Renewal Area, designated as Parcel Nos. 90, 91, 92, 93 and 94.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution Recognizing, Honoring and Celebrating the Judicial Intern Opportunity Program for Their Efforts in Providing Opportunities for Those Who Are Traditionally Underrepresented in the Legal Profession.
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 approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the South West Germantown Urban Renewal Area, designated as Parcel No. 47.
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 Councilwoman Sanchez.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Seventh and Nineteenth Wards of 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 Councilman Green.
Thank you, Madam Chair. Today I introduce three resolutions and eight bills. The bills are in two packages. One reforms the budget process, which was co-introduced by 15 of my colleagues, who I thank for their support, and one is a job retention and creation package for local businesses with the support from 15 colleagues. Thank you.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance amending Title 21 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Miscellaneous," by requiring the Mayor to submit to Council, with the Mayor's proposed annual operating budget, program-based budgeting detail that identifies both the cost to performing specific functions funded by appropriations made by the Council as well as the effectiveness of such functions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Title 21 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Miscellaneous," by requiring the Mayor to submit to Council, with the proposed annual capital budget and capital program, a cost-benefit analysis.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Title 21 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Miscellaneous," by requiring the Mayor to submit to Council, with the Mayor's proposed annual operating budget, an information technology strategic plan.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Title 21 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Miscellaneous," by requiring the Managing Director to implement an electronic option for processing all City-related interactions or transactions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Section 17-109 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Local Bidding Preferences," by revising the process for certifying Local Business Entities.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Chapter 17-1000 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Employment of Low-Income and Moderate-Income Persons by City Contracts," by requiring businesses responsible for performing work under certain contracts to provide for a certain percentage of the work to be performed by City residents.
This bill will also be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Chapter 19-300 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Bond Issues," by providing a preference for Philadelphia-based firms and professionals.
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 adding provisions under which local firms will be given a preference to manage the investment of Retirement System assets.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution authorizing the Committee on Labor and Civil Service to hold hearings investigating ways that Accountable Care Organizations can help the City of Philadelphia reduce the cost and improve the quality of providing health care services to its citizens.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution authorizing the Committee on Public Property and Public Works to hold hearings investigating ways for the City of Philadelphia and its affiliated agencies to better leverage publicly-owned assets.
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 the Committee on Labor and Civil Service to hold hearings to explore the implementation of internet-based "cloud" computing technology to enable the City and its workforce to provide better services.
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. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I have three bills, one resolution.
Thank you. Are you sure it's not one bill and three resolutions?
Yes. It's the last session. Three resolutions, one bill.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by amending Chapter 14-1600, entitled "Miscellaneous," by adding a new Section establishing the Roxborough Environmental Control District.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Tioga Urban Renewal Area, designated as Parcel Nos. 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88 and 89.
Yes, 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.)
And a resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Haddington Urban Renewal Area, Unit Nos. and designated as Parcel No. 24.
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.)
And a resolution authorizing City Council's Joint Committees on Transportation and Public Utilities and the Environment to hold hearings on the economic and environmental impacts of hydraulic drilling of Marcellus Shale will have on Philadelphia and the surrounding region.
I'd like to point out that that was co-sponsored by Councilman Kenney and Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown, and 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 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 introduce one resolution co-sponsored by Members Tasco and Councilman Jones, and I'd like to speak briefly on the resolution, Madam President.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution authorizing the Committee on Public Health and Human Services to hold hearings to investigate the National and Local emergence of the improper use and disposal of Prescription Drugs and the need for a Prescription Drug Disposal Program in Philadelphia.
Thank you, Madam President. I should add also Councilman Bill Green co-introduced this. And today I introduce this resolution calling for hearings for a Prescription Drug Disposal Program, thanks principally to our citizen Bernie Strain, who is with us today, who very sadly lost his son to the improper disposal of drugs. And the question is, Madam President, if we can dispose of cans and bottles properly, we should be able to do better when it comes to the disposal of prescription drugs, period. And for that, I'd like to introduce our citizen, Bernie Strain. Would you stand up, Bernie. (Applause.)
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, one co-sponsored by my colleague Councilman Green, and one resolution.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Richmond Street, Cumberland Street, Beach Street, and Schirra Drive.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Title 2 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "City-County Consolidation," by providing that a Sheriff shall no longer be elected, by abolishing the Office of the Sheriff, and by reassigning the powers, functions and duties of that Office to other City agencies.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of the New Kensington Fishtown Urban Renewal Area, designated as Parcel No. 107.
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.
You're withdrawing? Do we have a second? (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.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Thank you, Madam President. I have six -- I'm sorry; seven resolutions.