Stated Meeting, October 30, 2003

COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 696, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, October 30, 2003 10:35 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILMAN DAVID COHEN COUNCILMAN FRANK J. DICICCO COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN JAMES F. KENNEY COUNCILWOMAN JOAN L. KRAJEWSKI COUNCILMAN RICHARD T. MARIANO COUNCILMAN MICHAEL A. NUTTER COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILMAN ANGEL L. ORTIZ COUNCILMAN RICHARD T. MARIANO COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER 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. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair welcomes Rabbi Sue Levy Elwell of the Union of the American Hebrew Congregations. She is here today as the guest of Councilman Ortiz. All members and guests will please rise.

Stories illuminate our lives. This week Jews all over the world will be reading in our Torah the story of Noah and the ark about a flood that threatens to destroy the world. We are living in very perilous times as fires threaten to destroy more homes and more lives in the State of California. This story reflects our and ancestors attempts to create a story that would give us hope even in the face of destruction and disaster, a story about saving the lives, a story about the interdependence of God creatures, a story about recreating a just and fair society. And at the end of the story of Noah we have a rainbow of hope. Thinking about Noah and the animals on the ark, I thought of another ancient tale. A grandparent speaks to a child and says to that child, "There are two wolves inside of you just like ark. One wolf is greedy and angry and vindictive, arrogant and selfish. The other wolf is fair and generous, compassionate, open-hearted and the just." The child turns to the grandmother and says, "But, Grandmother, which wolf is stronger?" The grandmother turns to the beloved child and says, "It depends on which wolf you feed." Holy one of blessing, help us to feed the wolf inside of us that is devoted to justice and tolerance and generosity. We who consider ourselves Noah's decendents have the power to create and maintain a just and fair and tolerant and compassionate society. May we do God's work. Amen.

The Chair thanks the Rabbi for her 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, October 23, 2003. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.

Thank you, Madam move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday October 23, 2000, stand approved. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, October 23, 2003, stand approved. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. The motion carries, and the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, October 23, 2003, is approved.

The next order of business is request for leave of absence. And 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 leaves 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 Councilmembers, 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.

Thank you very much Madam President. I'd like to add to the visitors that we have a very special guess from my district this morning visiting City Council. These are young people, Reginald Johnson, Lydia Johnson and Sarah Johnson are the 50th ward of the 9th District. The children are here with their mother, Mrs. Audrey Johnson who is home schooling them and presently learning about local government and how it operates. And she wanted to attend a Session of the City Council to see what we do firsthand. your mom, and thank you so much for coming in to spend the time with us. (Applause.)

I see we have other visitors today. I believe they're called Coalition to Save Our Homes. We certainly welcome all you of. Thank you for coming in. (Applause.)

And I know that some members of the coalition have come to my office to visit and they have requested a meeting with all Councilmembers, and I assured them that probably sometime after next week we would do that. The next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant-at-Arms deliver the messages from the Mayor to the Clerk. The Clerk will please read the messages from the Mayor. THE

To the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am pleased to advise you that October 30, 2003, I signed all the bills that were passed by Council at its Session on October 16, 2003, except Bill No. AND RESOLUTIONS 030641. And I am transmitting herewith the introduction and consideration of your honorable body a proposed resolution finding that a negotiated private sale of general obligation bonds is in the best financial interest of the City of Philadelphia. And an ordinance authorizing the construction of a sewer and appurtenant work required to alleviate unsanitary conditions in a portion of McClellan Street.

The messages will be printed in the Journal. The Clerk will please read any other communications in her possession. THE

To the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am herewith returning to you as disapproved Bill No. 030641, which was passed by Council at its Session on October 16, 2003.

Thank you. The next order business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for a motion. AND RESOLUTIONS

Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit 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 of the motion will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed, nay. (No response.)

The ayes have it, and the motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.

Thank you, Madam President. I offer one bill.

The Clerk will read the title of the bill. THE

An ordinance amending AND RESOLUTIONS Chapter 2600 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Standards of Conduct and, Ethics," to limit the receipt of contributions by elected City officials or candidates for City offices from individuals or businesses who are applicants for or receipts of City contracts or financial assistance.

The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.

Thank you, Madam President. This morning I introduce two bills on your bill and one resolution.

Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the first bill. THE

An ordinance approving the 4th amendment of the Redevelopment Proposal for the Point Breeze East Urban Renewal Area.

The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE

And an ordinance amending Section 15-201 of the Philadelphia Code relating to areas under the care and jurisdiction of the Fairmount Park Commission. AND RESOLUTIONS

This bill will also be referred to the appropriate committee. The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution. THE

And a resolution finding that a negotiated private sale of general obligation bonds is in the best financial interest of the City of Philadelphia.

The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.

Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it, and the resolution has been adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen.

Thank you, Madam President. Out of deference and respect for my AND RESOLUTIONS colleagues, I'm going to withhold action on the resolution that I circulated with respect to the moratorium. I want the people who are here today -as everybody see, they are a large number -- to understand that we are in the beginning of serious consideration to make sure that homeowners are properly treated. Thank you. (Applause.)

The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.

Madam President, I have no bills.

Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano.

Madam President, I have one resolution.

The Clerk will read the title of the resolution. THE

A resolution recognizing October 27, 2003 through November 25, 2003 as the month of Ramadan.

The Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano. AND RESOLUTIONS

Madam President, I move for the adoption of that resolution. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it, and the resolution has been adopted.

The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.

Madam President, I have no bills or resolutions.

Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.

Thank you, Madam President. I offer one bill.

The Clerk will please read the title of the bill. THE

An ordinance authorizing the construction of a sewer and AND RESOLUTIONS appurtenant work required to alleviate unsanitary conditions on a portion of McClellan Street.

The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter.

Thank you, Madam President. I offer eight bills, one of which is on behalf of the Councilman Rizzo and I.

Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the bills. THE

An ordinance amending Chapter 17-100 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Procurement Contracts" by adding a provision requiring that every contract which permits any person to place advertising on City-owned or controlled property shall include a provision prohibiting the placement on such property or advertising for alcohol, under certain terms and conditions.

The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE

And an ordinance amending Section 11-505 of the Philadelphia Code, AND RESOLUTIONS entitled "Sidewalk Paving and Other Improvements by Property Owners" by revising the process governing the grading, paving, re-paving or repair of the sidewalks.

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE

And an ordinance granting permission to St. Joseph's University, a Pennsylvania non-profit corporation, its successors and assigns to construct, maintain and operate, replace and remove conduits for electrical power supply.

The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE

And an ordinance approving a new plan estimated cost and proposed methods of charges of the City Avenue Special Services District.

The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE

And an ordinance establishing a no parking regulation on Grakyn Lane, Wissahickon Avenue to Clyde Lane, both sides.

The bill will AND RESOLUTIONS be referred to the appropriate committee. THE

And an ordinance establishing a no parking regulation on Laura Lane, Wissahickon Avenue to Clyde Lane, both sides.

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE

And an ordinance amending section 14-312 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Commercial District Rules and Exceptions for All Districts."

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. THE

And an ordinance amending Section 12-2409 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Towing Zone Locations and Hours."

The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.

Thank you, Madam President. I offer no bills or resolutions this morning.

The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode. AND RESOLUTIONS

Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions.

Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ortiz.

Madam Chair, I have one privileged resolution.

The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution. THE

A resolution recognizing the achievements of the Hispanic Bar Association of Pennsylvania Legal Education Fund as it celebrates its 16th annual scholarship banquet on November 21, 2003.

The Chair recognizes Councilman Ortiz.

Madam President, I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? AND RESOLUTIONS (No response.)

The ayes have it, and the resolution has been adopted.. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco.

Thank you, Madam President. I offer one bill.

The Clerk will please read the title of the bill. THE

An ordinance approving the 2nd Amendment of the Redevelopment Proposal for the Jefferson Square Urban Renewal Area.

The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.

Madam President, I have no bills or resolutions.

Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.

Thank you, Madam President. I have one resolution.

The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution. THE

A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of public Property to AND RESOLUTIONS execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City deeds located in the 37th and 43rd Wards of the City of Philadelphia.

The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.

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.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it, and the resolution has been adopted.

The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.

Madam President, no bills or resolutions today.

Thank you. The next order of business is reports from committees. Kenney for a report from the committee on Rules.

Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Rules reports nine bills out with favorable recommendations.

Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the report. THE CHIEF Clerk: To the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Rules to which referred Bill No. 030395 entitled an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Roosevelt Boulevard, Grant Avenue, and Blue Grass Road; And Bill No. 030488 entitled an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Snyder Avenue, Vandalia Street, the former McKean Street and Christopher Columbus Boulevard; And Bill No. 030564 entitled an ordinance to waive certain conditions, covenants and restrictions affecting the use and development of a situated in the 58th Ward; And Bill No. 030565 entitled an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land situate in the 58th Ward of the City of Philadelphia; And Bill No. 030566 entitled an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Academy Road, Morrell Avenue, Black Lake Creek, Berea Street and president Street; And Bill No. 030628 entitled an ordinance amending Title 14 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Zoning and Planning" by adding a new Section 14-1628 entitled "Third Councilmanic District Special Controls"; And Bill No. 030644 entitled an ordinance granting permission to the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth to expand their cemetery or place burial, located at the northwest corner of the former Stevenson Street; And Bill No. 030657 entitled an ordinance amending Title 14 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Zoning and Planning" by amending Section 14-1621 entitled "Passyunk Avenue Special District Controls"; And Bill No. 030658 entitled an ordinance amending Title 14 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Zoning and Planning" by amending Section 14-1604 entitled "Outdoor Advertising and Non-accessory Advertising Controls"; Respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.

The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.

Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 0303950, 030564, 030565, 030566, 030628, 030644, 030657 and 030658. There were nine bills reported out of committee, there's only a request for suspension of Rules on eight of them, Madam President. Thank you.

Thank you.

I make that motion. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and seconded that the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill Nos. 030395, 030488 -- I'm sorry.

Bill 030488 is being reported out in a regular fashion.

Thank you. 030564, 030565, 030566, 030628, 030644, 030657, and 030658. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it, and the bills just read will be placed on today's First Reading Calendar. THE Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco for a report from the Committee on Streets and Services.

Thank you, Madam Chair. The Committee on Streets and Services reports 11 bills out with a favorable recommendation.

Thank you. please read the report. THE

To the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Streets and Services to which was referred Bill No. 020477 entitled an ordinance establishing a "No Truck Parking" regulation on Summerdale Avenue from Kendrick Street to Hoffnagle Street; And Bill No. 020478 entitled an ordinance establishing a no trucking parking regulation on Friendship Street between Loretto Avenue and Summerdale Avenue; And Bill No. 030424 entitled an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 165 by striking from the City Plan Crefeld Street from Gravers Lane to Meade Street; And Bill No. 030427 entitled an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 238 by striking from the City Plan and vacating Norfolk Street and Beck Street; And Bill No. 030554 entitled an ordinance 9-205 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Sidewalk Sales" by prohibiting sidewalk vending on portions of Chester Avenue and South 54th Street; And Bill No. 030616 entitled an ordinance granting permission to Lougeswaran Vijayhratnam, owner of the newsstand at the southeast corner of 18th and Chestnut Streets for the purpose of supplying electrical service and telephone service to the newsstand; And Bill No. 030643 entitled an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 313 by widening Suffolk Avenue where it meets Island Avenue; And Bill No. 030646 entitled an ordinance amending Section 9-205 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Sidewalk Sales" by prohibiting sidewalk sales on portions of Fox Street; And Bill No. 030655 entitled an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades of an area bounded by University Avenue Extension; And Bill No. 030659 entitled an ordinance authorizing the installation of all-way stop signs at the intersection of Sixth Street and Locust Street; And Bill No. 030661 entitled an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 119 by striking from the City Plan and vacating Delhi Street from 10th Street to Montgomery Avenue; Respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.

Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco.

Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of the 11 bills that have just been read. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill Nos. 020477, 02478, 030424, 030427, 030554, 030616, 030643, 030646, 030655, 030659, and 03661. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it, and bills just read will be placed on today's First Reading Calendar. That concludes our committee reports. The Council will now proceed under a special order of business to the reconsideration of Bill No. 030641. This bill was passed by the Council at its October 16, 2003 Session and has been returned disapproved by the Mayor to this week's Session of Council. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.

Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Council reconsider Bill No. 030641 which was approved by City Council on October 16, 2003.

Is there a second?

Second. (Duly seconded.)

All in favor, let it be known by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed, nay. (No response.)

The motion carries. Council will now reconsider the vote by which Bill No. 030641 was passed. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill. THE

An ordinance amending Chapter 20-300 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Compensation" by increasing the salaries of elected City officials and amending the provisions for annual cost of living salary adjustments, all under certain terms and conditions.

This bill having been read on two different days, was duly approved by City Council on October 16, 2003. And was returned to Council by the Mayor as disapproved to this week's Session of Council. The question is, shall Bill No. 030641 pass notwithstanding the Mayor's disapproval? Please note that a vote of aye, is a vote Mayor's veto. A vote of no is to sustain the Mayor's veto. At this time, I would ask the Chief Clerk to please call the roll. THE

Councilwoman Blackwell.

Aye. THE

Councilman Clarke.

Aye. THE

Councilman Cohen.

Aye. THE

Councilman DiCicco.

No. THE

Councilman Goode.

No. THE

Councilman Kenney.

Aye. THE

Councilwoman Krajewski.

No. THE

Councilman Mariano.

Aye. THE

Councilwoman Miller.

Aye. THE

Councilman Nutter.

Aye.

Councilman O'Neill.

No. THE

Councilman Ortiz.

Aye. THE

Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.

Aye. THE

Councilman Rizzo.

Aye. THE

Councilwoman Tasco.

Aye. THE

Council President Verna.

Aye. The ayes are 12, the nays are 4. A two-thirds majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the Mayor's veto is overridden. The next item of business is the consideration of the calendar. The Chief Clerk will please read the bills on the First Reading Calendar. THE

Bill No. 030395, an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of an area bounded by Roosevelt Boulevard, Grant Avenue, and Blue Grass Road.

The Chair agrees. THE

And Bill No. 030564, an ordinance to waive certain conditions, covenants and restrictions affecting the use and development of a certain area of land situated in the 58th Ward.

The Chair agrees. THE

And Bill No. 030565, an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land situate in the 58th Ward of the City of Philadelphia.

The Chair agrees. THE

And Bill No. 030566, an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Academy Road, Morrell Avenue, Black Lake Creek, Berea Street and president Street.

The Chair

And Bill No. 030628, an ordinance amending Title 14 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Zoning and Planning" by adding a new Section 14-1628 entitled "Third Councilmanic District Special Controls."

The Chair agrees. THE

And Bill No. 030644, an ordinance granting permission to the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth to expand their cemetery or place burial, located at the northwest corner of the former Stevenson Street.

The Chair agrees. THE

And Bill No. 030657, an ordinance amending Title 14 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Zoning and Planning" by amending Section 14-1621 entitled "Passyunk Avenue Special District Controls." THE

And Bill No. 030658, an ordinance amending Title 14 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Zoning and Planning" by amending Section 14-1604 entitled "Outdoor Advertising and Controls," all under special terms and conditions.

The Chair agrees. THE

And Bill No. 020477, an ordinance establishing a "No Truck Parking" regulation on Summerdale Avenue from Kendrick Street to Hoffnagle Street.

The Chair agrees. THE

And Bill No. 020478, entitled an ordinance establishing a no trucking parking regulation on Friendship Street between Loretto Avenue and Summerdale Avenue.

The Chair agrees. THE

And Bill No. 030424, an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 165 by striking from the City Plan Crefeld Street from Gravers Lane to Meade Street.

The Chair agrees. THE

And Bill No. 030427, an revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 238 by striking from the City Plan and vacating Norfolk Street and Beck Street, all under certain terms and conditions.

The Chair agrees. THE

And Bill No. 030554, an ordinance amending Section 9-205 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Sidewalk Sales" by prohibiting sidewalk vending on portions of Chester Avenue and South 54th Street.

The Chair agrees. THE

And Bill No. 030616, an ordinance granting permission to Lougeswaran Vijayhratnam, owner of the newsstand at the southeast corner of 18th and Chestnut Streets for the purpose of supplying electrical service and telephone service, all under certain terms and conditions.

The Chair agrees. THE

And Bill No. 030643, an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and portion of City Plan No. 313 by widening Suffolk Avenue where it meets Island Avenue, all under certain terms and conditions.

The Chair agrees. THE

And Bill No. 030646, an ordinance amending Section 9-205 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Sidewalk Sales" by prohibiting sidewalk sales on portions of Fox Street, 22nd Street and Allegheny Avenue.

The Chair agrees. THE

And Bill No. 030655, an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 43, 166, 265 and 269 of an area bounded by University Avenue Extension.

The Chair agrees. THE

And Bill No. 030659, an ordinance authorizing the installation of all-way stop signs at the intersection of Sixth Street and Locust Street.

The Chair 10/30/03 - STATED - 2ND READING & FINAL PASSAGE agrees. THE

And Bill No. 030661, an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 119 by striking from the City Plan and vacating Delhi Street from 10th Street to Montgomery Avenue, all under certain terms and conditions.

The Chair agrees. That completes the First Reading Calendar. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for the purpose of calling up bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar.

Thank you, Madam President. Today, Bill No. 030509A is being called up for second reading and final passage. All other bills are being held.

Point of order, Madam President. It was 010509A. Point of order Madam President.

Yes.

At the request of the Majority Whip Councilwoman Tasco and other colleagues, I'm going to hold this bill at least for one more week. I'll make every attempt to speak to the police Commissioner, although I don't think that will change things much. But I will hold it for at least one week.

Thank you. So, Councilwoman, we don't any bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar. Thank you. That, therefore, concludes business on the Calendar for today. Are there any speeches on the part of the Minority? (No response.)

Are there speeches on the part majority? The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.

Thank you, Madam President. I would like to thank all the Members of Council who have come to me, who have offered space in their offices, who have offered staff members to help during the tragedy of the fire in our office. As many of you see, the building still smells like unfortunate innate. But I really, really wanted to say thank you and certainly to thank all of those who even offered to help with furniture, from the Police Department to institutions in my district like Penn to private companies. We say thank you to all who have come forward who have been so kind, to all the ministers who have come and so many others who have come forward, who visited us to pray with us and certainly to offer their support. In ever tragedy that I've ever seen, I'm always re-energized by the human concern and love that we pay to one another. And certainly I want to say thank you to each and every one of you and to all the members throughout the City who have been so kind. So for those who are looking for us, we are in the large conference room, 319A. I apologize to my colleagues for the inconvenience, but certainly we are grateful to God for all things. Thank you, Madam President.

Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen.

Thank you, Madam Members of the Law and Government Committee, it was a hearing scheduled today at 5 p.m. by Law and Government Committee with respect to PHA. That hearing will be continued for three weeks. There will be no hearing this afternoon. So I wanted to make that clear to everybody. The next scheduled hearing will be -- I believe the date is November 20th. That was accorded because people felt they were very busy with the election and wanted to get that out of the way. Secondly, I wanted to note something strange happening. In the City Council, I think we have become much more civil to each another, much more respectful. Despite differences of opinion, we've learned how to discuss them in a way that leads to possible conclusions rather than to continued strife. At the same time, strange things are happening in the political world and I think we're going to spend a lot time addressing that. We ought never to have elections under the atmosphere that this election is being held. It's too important for the people of Philadelphia and for the to saved for another day after the election. But we in Council, I think are setting a fine example. Thirdly, and probably most importantly, the people that are here, some of whom are standing now and carrying the labels of the alphabet reading "Moratorium" and "Stop taking our homes," I want you to know that there was a resolution which I had prepared for introduction today to express the feeling that there should be an immediate moratorium enacted by the Redevelopment Authority which should only happen with the full support of the Mayor. A number of my colleagues felt that they had not had sufficient time to discussion the matter. Some developments are already underway that seem to raise questions as to whether or not stopping them were practical. And in deference to my colleagues and hoping to win their support later as they learn more about the situation, I agreed to withhold that. And that's the announcement that I made at the beginning. But I want to express my thanks to the people who are here, especially to Rosemary Cubis with whom I've worked for in the Latino community years, and to all participants that are here today. Without your participating in the way you are, this issue which has long taunted and been a betrayal of everything Philadelphia stands for, that is, the taking of homes without adequate notice, without adequate consideration, with government acting in the worst of developers' ways. That's been something that Philadelphia only had reason to be ashamed of, not proud of. People have a right to expect to be able to live in their own homes, particularly if they bought them; particularly if they're maintain in fairly good shape. And the policy of the City up until now has been a policy of "Let's do the quickest and dirtiest way possible, let's keep information away from the people so they won't have a chance to protect themselves." That policy must be changed. (Applause.)

And I have no doubt that it will be changed because this is the first time it's been seriously addressed. At the same time, we do have to recognize that government has a responsibility to keep its good condition, that new developments have to exist. But that has to happen under conditions which everybody's rights are protected. Certainly before anybody is threatened with loss of their homes, they have to explained why; and if they have a good reason to maintain their home, ways have to be found to protect them. And the City, instead of sneaking around quietly like the worse kind of developer, has to come out in the open and has to have open forums explaining what they're doing and why, and then there's got to be discussion. And when there's discussion, usually you'll find answers to problems. So I want to say to the people who have come here today, please be ready for a long fight if necessary, but I think you're going to find that Council is growing together rather than separating and apart and that all Councilmembers are going to be interested in your concerns. But keep in mind that we can't permit blight to remain. We've got to modernize it so that all the people of the City benefit. But we're going to do it in a decent way so that everybody's interests are protected. It may be a long fight, but I'm going to say to you what I really confident, I'm going to say "On to victory" because we're going to win before we're done. (Applause.)

Thank you again for coming and expressing so clearly the views of so many of our citizens. Thank you, Madam President.

You're welcome. Are there any other speeches on the part of the Majority? (No response.)

Seeing none, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for a motion to adjourn.

Thank you, Madam President. Good luck to all of my colleagues on Tuesday. Madam Chair, I move that Council stands adjourned until Thursday, November 13, at 10:00 a.m. 2003.

All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. Council stands adjourned until Thursday, November 13th. Thank you all very much. (Council adjourned at 12:16 p.m.) C E R T I F I C A T I O N I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing proceedings of the Council of the City of Philadelphia of Thursday, October 30, 2003, were reported fully and accurately by me, and that this is a correct transcript of the same. RE: STATED MEETING _________________________ Lisa C. Bradley, RPR