COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, October 4, 2007 10:10 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILWOMAN CAROL ANN CAMPBELL COUNCILMAN DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILMAN FRANK DiCICCO COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN WILLIAM GREENLEE 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 COUNCILMAN DANIEL SAVAGE 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 is present. Council will come to order. Members will take their seats and visitors will retire to the seats outside the rails. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair welcomes Reverend Salim Khan, Interim Pastor of the Crescentville United Methodist Church. He is here today as the guest of Councilwoman Tasco. I would ask all members and guests to please rise. (Everyone rises.)
Let us pray. Oh, Lord our God, we acknowledge that you do good in the affairs of men and women. In this prayer I bring to you the Councilmembers of this body who feel the weight of responsibility and need of divine Councilmember the faith to believe that there is no problem before them that their God-given wisdom cannot solve. As you have guided them in the past, so guide these Councilmembers today. At every desk may there be a whisper of your counsel. We pray for Honorable Council President Ms. Anna Verna and Mayor John Street. Lift up above the acclaims of politics and fill them with the spirit of God that shall make them fearless to seek, to know and to do justice. Almighty God, we pray for the trouble within our city. If ever the Mayor, the President of the Council, the Councilmembers and the Chief of Police needed your wisdom and your guidance, it is now, as they deal with the violence in Philadelphia. Grant them the courage that they fear no man. Help them to bring peace and harmony in the City of Philadelphia. And we ask this in the name of him who created us all equal in Amen. (Amen.)
The Chair thanks Reverend Khan for his very inspiring invocation. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, September 27, 2007, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, September 27, 2007 stand approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, September 27, 2007 stand approved. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, September 27, 2007 is approved. The next order of business is requests for leave of absence and, again, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. On behalf of the majority, there are no requests for leaves of absence.
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 recognize the guests and visitors joining us in Chambers this morning. On behalf of all members of City Council, I welcome you to our Council session. We appreciate your taking the time to join us as we attend to the legislative affairs of our city. We certainly invite you to come again. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco, who will present a resolution recognizing October the 6th as Multiple Myeloma Awareness Day. Will Dr. Edward Stadtmauer and those accompanying him please join the Councilwoman at the podium. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Madam President. the pleasure of presenting our resolution recognizing October 6th as Multiple Myeloma Awareness Day. Whereas, the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation will be hosting its fifth annual Race for Research 5K Walk/Run on Saturday, October the 6th at 9:00 a.m. at Memorial Hall in Fairmount Park; and Whereas, multiple myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cells in the bone marrow, which help the body to detect and attack foreign substances like toxins, viruses, bacteria and parasites that may have entered one's body; and Whereas, the exact cause of multiple myeloma has not been identified. However, researchers have gained a greater understanding of how specific changes in DNA can cause plasma cells to become more cancerous; and Whereas, a number of risk factors for this disease have been identified, including age and having other plasma cell diseases, and common signs and symptoms of multiple myeloma vary based on the extent of the disease and include bone pain, fatigue, weakness and recurrent infections; and Whereas, multiple myeloma may be first detected in routine blood tests. However, additional tests, including bone marrow tests, may be necessary to verify the diagnosis. The treatment and prognosis for the disease depends on various factors, including its stage and the patient's age, and treatment may include bone marrow stem cell transplantation, chemotherapy and radiation therapy; and Whereas, according to the American Cancer Society, approximately 15,980 new cases of multiple myeloma will be diagnosed in the United States in 2008, and the disease is the second most common blood cancer and third fastest growing cancer in terms of mortality in of 65; and Whereas, African-Americans have the highest reported incidence of multiple myeloma and is one of the top ten leading causes of cancer death over the past three years. Now therefore, resolved by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we recognize October 6th as Multiple Myeloma Awareness Day. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution is presented to representatives of the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation as an expression of appreciation 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 20th of September 2007. It is signed by President Verna, introduced by Marian Tasco and supported by all members of City Council. coming in. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes Dr. Stadtmauer for remarks. Is the doctor here? UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Dr. Stadtmauer is not here today. We're waiting for Dr. Meghan, and he hasn't shown. But first I'd like to thank my Councilwoman, Marian Tasco; President of City Council, Ann Verna; and Councilmembers for this resolution. Standing with me today are also members of our support team that one needs to make this journey. Representing us here is our family and friends, the Multiple Myeloma Foundation, a networking group which meets every month at the Ralston House, the Multiple Myeloma Foundation, which is housed in Connecticut. And this Foundation raises over a million dollars a year for research, and for that, we have Amelia Lewis here representing that group and Meghan hasn't gotten here as yet, so she will speak on behalf of the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation.
Good morning. Thank you for that introduction. My name is Amelia Lewis. I am the Race Manager with the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation. It is truly a pleasure to be here today among our friends and supporters of the MMRF. I would first like to thank the Philadelphia Race Committee, who has done an amazing job organizing this Saturday's race. I'm sure we all agree they have definitely brought in nice weather for this race. In 1998, Kathy Giusti, a myeloma patient, and her sister, Karen, founded the MMRF. At that time, myeloma was an unknown disease, and very little research was being done in the myeloma field. With a patient at our helm, we are faced with the urgency to invest that will get treatments to patients as fast as possible. With our focused business approach, the MMRF's work has resulted in significant advances in research and treatment options for patients. Three therapies have already been approved by the FDA. Since its inception, the MMRF has raised over $84 million. We will raise 17 million this year. Ninety-five percent of all of our funds raised go to research and our programming efforts. The success that has resulted in the best research would not have been possible without the support of people like you that are here today. So thank you. Thank you for helping the MMRF offer greater hope for our families, patients and the supporters who support us. Thank you. (Applause.)
The Chair now recognizes Councilman O'Neill, who will present a resolution recognizing the Math, Science and Technology Community Charter School. Will Mr. Richard Trazska, Chief Executive Officer of the Charter School, and those accompanying him please join the Councilman at the podium. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Madam President, preliminarily, let me just say that as proud as I am to have the MaST Charter School here, I'm even prouder to learn that when they do their lottery -and all the charter schools in my area have lotteries because they're high demand, way more than -- the demand is much higher than the number of seats, and people have always told me that they're frustrated by their kids never winning they can't get into the lottery. It's a closed process. And I found out that MaST, in addition to winning this national award, has always had a policy where the parents handle the lottery and it's done in public. The administration steps back and is not involved in it. And I just really commend them for that, because it is the way it should be done. This is a resolution recognizing the Math, Science and Technology Community Charter School on being honored as National Charter School of the Year. Whereas, on February 9, 1998, the School District of Philadelphia granted a charter to the Math, Science and Technology Community Charter School, MaST; and Whereas, in September 1999, MaST opened its doors to students from grades 6 to 12, later adding grades K through 5; and Whereas, after operating a rented space in multiple locations in the Northeast, all MaST students moved to the new and permanent facility at 1800 East Byberry Road on February 25, 2002; and Whereas, MaST has excelled in its mission to provide state-of-the-art educational opportunities in mathematics, science and technology; and Whereas, the Center for Education Reform, a policy and advocacy organization located in Washington, DC, evaluated the nation's charter schools on the themes of achievement, planning and execution, satisfaction and policies and programs; and Whereas, the Center for Education Reform, a policy and advocacy group, has designated MaST as National Charter School of the Year; and Whereas, only 53 of the nation's 3,940 charter schools received this coveted recognition. Now therefore resolved, by the of Philadelphia, that we hereby recognize and honor the Math, Science and Technology Community Charter School for being designated as National Charter School of the Year; and Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the Math, Science and Technology Community Charter School, MaST, as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body. It's signed by the President of City Council, Anna C. Verna, and co-sponsored by every member of Council. (Applause.)
Good morning. Boy, that's quite a tribute. I would like to say thank you to the Council for acknowledging our school's accomplishments, especially to Councilman O'Neill, who has been extremely supportive to our cause. way to describe our school is by what's behind me. The students make the school. I'm the guy that gets the award in front of Council, but the kids and the staff are the people that really make the school. So I would like to acknowledge the students behind me. I have senior Angela Cross. (Applause.)
And my little third grader, Valentino Robechuck. (Applause.)
Thank you again so much for your support, and we will continue to make our city the finest it can be with the best students we can produce, and thank you again, Council, Thank you very much.
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, I am pleased to advise you that today, October 4, 2007, I signed all of the bills that were passed by Council at its session on September 20, 2007; and I am transmitting herewith for the introduction and consideration of your honorable body three resolutions the Board of Directors of the Hospitals and Higher Education Facilities Authority of Philadelphia; namely, Theodore Burden, term to expire January 1, 2009; Robert Bogle, term to expire January 1, 2011; and Jim Baker, term to expire January 1, 2012; and One resolution appointing a new member to the Board of Directors of the Hospitals and Higher Education Facilities Authority; namely, Earle Bradford, term to expire January 1, 2008 and January 1, 2013; and A resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of a portion of the West Fairhill/East Tioga/Hunting Park Urban Renewal Area; and An ordinance approving the thirty-sixth amendment of the redevelopment proposal for the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area; and fourth amendment of the redevelopment proposal for the Tioga Urban Renewal Area; and An ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 188 by striking and vacating the legally open portions of Witte Street from Westmoreland Street to Ontario Street; and An ordinance amending the Philadelphia Property Maintenance Code, entitled "The Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code," entitled "Piers and Other Waterfront Structures," by adding the condition "Poor" to the list of conditions which require immediate notification to the Department of L&I; and An ordinance amending Subcode "A," the Philadelphia Administrative Code, of Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code, by amending certain administrative the fee schedule for various construction-related activities; and An ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 371 in the area bounded by Rowland Avenue, Ryan Avenue and Sandyford Avenue; and An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2008 from the Grants Revenue Fund, the Department of Human Services, to the General Fund, the Department of Human Services.
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 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 say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Madam President. On behalf of myself and Councilman Kelly, I offer one resolution, and on behalf of myself and Councilwoman Campbell, I offer another resolution.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution honoring the Philadelphia Eagles' Go Green Campaign whose mission is to create and sustain championship performance on the field and in the community through programs that promote environmental awareness and sustainability.
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 indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution authorizing the Committee on the Disabled and the Handicapped to hold public hearings on the misuse and enforcement of handicap placards in residential and commercial handicapped parking spaces.
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 say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution will be referred to the Committee on the Disabled and the Handicapped. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I introduce four resolutions.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution appointing Earle Bradford to the Board of Directors of the Hospitals and Higher Education Facilities Authority.
This resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution reappointing Theodore Burden to the Board of Directors of the Hospitals and Higher Education Facilities Authority.
This resolution will also be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution reappointing Robert Bogle to the Board of Directors of the Hospitals and Higher Education Facilities Authority.
The resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution reappointing Jim Baker to the Board of Directors of the Hospitals and Higher Education Facilities Authority.
The resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair at this time recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer two bills and one resolution.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance authorizing the paving of Edgemont Street from Juniata Street to Berkshire Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 371.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to use NTI bond proceeds for the acquisition of 3480 South Vincent Street.
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 say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Madam President, I offer one resolution on your behalf.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution recognizing the 17th anniversary of the Memory Walks in October and observing National Alzheimer's Awareness Month in November 2007 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 Miller.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I have one bill and three resolutions.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance approving the fourth amendment of the redevelopment proposal for the Tioga Urban Renewal Area.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to use NTI bond proceeds for the acquisition of 1912 Dennie Street and 4540 Marvine Street.
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 October 2007 as Crime Prevention Month.
Again, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution proclaiming October 2007 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
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 Savage.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer four resolutions and two bills.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance amending Subcode "A," the Philadelphia Administrative Code, of Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "The Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code," by amending certain administrative and enforcement provisions and the fee schedule for various construction-related activities.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Subcode "PM," the Philadelphia Property Maintenance Code, of Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "The Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code," by amending Section PM-304.9, entitled "Piers."
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution recognizing, honoring and celebrating Tony Figliola and the Holy Ghost Prep Forensics Program on their incredible and impressive winning history in the high school level debate and speech competitions.
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, the City of Philadelphia, for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the West Fairhill/East Tioga/Hunting Park area.
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 deeds located in the 7th, 18th, 19th, 23rd, 31st and 37th 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 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 7th, 18th, 19th, 23rd, 31st and 37th 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 DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. I offer three bills.
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. 188 by striking from the City Plan and vacating the legally open portions of Witte Street from Westmoreland Street to Ontario Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance establishing a no parking anytime regulation on the west side of Butler Street, between Aramingo Avenue and Sepviva Street.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance granting permission to Rekha Patel, owner and operator of the newsstand located on the southeast corner of Juniper Street and Market Street.
This bill will also be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. No bills or resolutions this morning.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer no bills or resolutions.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ramos.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Campbell.
Thank you, Madam President. I have seven resolutions and one bill.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance naming and designating the Marshall Shepard Recreation Center located at 5700 Haverford Avenue as the "Haddington-Marshall Shepard Recreation Center."
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution calling the School District of Philadelphia to provide after-school programs for children with disabilities, and to provide transportation to and from such activities.
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 calling on the Parking Authority to undertake a feasibility study to determine how much additional space is needed at marked handicapped parking spaces to allow for the discharge of passengers from a van with a handicapped ramp.
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 indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution calling upon the Department of Recreation to provide ten percent of all program activities and budgetary expenditures at one Class A recreational facility in the City of Philadelphia for the benefit of children with autistic disorders.
Again, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Campbell.
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 calling upon the Department of Public Property for the City of Philadelphia to install magnetometers at the entrances of municipal buildings, in the category of City Hall and the Municipal Services Building, to ensure the safety of all persons within these buildings.
Thank you. 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 calling upon the School District of Philadelphia to provide adequate support personnel to children who are disabled to allow these children to participate fully in after-school programs.
Again, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Campbell.
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 deeds located in the 4th, 38th and 52nd 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.)
And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority deeds located in the 4th Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Campbell.
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.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution authorizing City Council's Committee on Public Safety to hold public hearings to investigate proposals for expanded use of the police tactic known as "stop, question and frisk," usually referred to as "stop and frisk."
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)