¡›î› COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 401, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Wednesday, April 7, 1999 10:15 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN DAVID COHEN COUNCILMAN FRANK DI CICCO COUNCILWOMAN JOAN L. KRAJEWSKI COUNCILMAN RICHARD T. MARIANO COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER COUNCILMAN MICHAEL A. NUTTER COUNCILMAN ANGEL L. ORTIZ COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO MARIE B. HAUSER, CHIEF CLERK VINCENT VARALLO ASSOCIATES, INC. Registered Professional Reporters Eleven Penn Center 1835 Market Street, Suite 600 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103 OPENING AND INVOCATION
Good morning. I note that the hour has come and that a quorum of this Council is present. The Council will come to order. Members will take their seats, and visitors will retire to the seats outside the rail. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair welcomes Reverend Douglas Carpenter who is the pastor of the Philadelphia Prayer of Praise Worship Center. He is the guest of Councilwoman Clark. Members and guests will please rise.
Our Father and our God, we do come in your presence on today to ask your wisdom and guidance for this session of Council whereby your wisdom and guidance will prevail as the President and Members of Council proceed to develop ordinances and legislation to bless and protect the citizens of this great city. Lord God, we pray that you would hear and respond to this, our humble prayer, as you present yourself to us as you illuminate our minds, bodies, souls, and spirits, in the powerful name of Jesus we do pray. Amen.
The Chair thanks Reverend Carpenter for his inspiring APPROVAL OF JOURNAL invocation. (Council at ease.)
The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of March 25, 1999. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Clark.
Madam Chair, I move the approval of the Journal on that date.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, March 25, 1999, stand approved. All in favor will vote aye. Those opposed will vote nay. The ayes have it. The motion carries. The Journal of Thursday, March 25, 1999, is approved.
The next order of business is request for leaves of absence. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Clark.
Madam Chair, I'm LEAVES OF ABSENCE / WELCOME not aware of any requests for leaves of absence at this time.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Madam Chair, leave of absence is requested for Councilman Thacher Longstreth.
The Chair thanks the Councilman. The leave will be granted.
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 this morning. We appreciate your taking the time to join us as we attend to the legislative affairs of our City. We invite you to come again.
The next order of business is communications. The Chair recognizes the Sergeant-at-Arms for the purpose of delivering the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. COMMUNICATIONS The Chief Clerk will please read the messages from the Mayor.
March 23, 1999, to the President and Members of the Council City of Philadelphia. I am pleased to advise you that I have today signed Bill No. 990059. I'm transmitting for the consideration of your Honorable Body a draft of resolution entitled, a resolution approving the redevelopment contract in Disposition Supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion East Venago Industrial Urban Renewal Area consisting of two parcels, respectfully designated as Parcel Nos. 5A and 5B, beginning at a point on the northwesterly side of Victoria Street at a distance of 254 feet, more or less, from the intersection of Bath and Victoria Street. 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 Model City's Urban Renewal Area, also sometimes identified by house number and street COMMUNICATIONS address as 1403-1404, including 1809-1837 Harlan Street.
The messages will be printed in the Journal. The Chief Clerk will read any over communications in her possession.
There being none, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you, Madam Chair. I would like to announce some guests that are in here today. I wasn't at my desk when you called for that.
I'd like to recognize Tom Doyle and other union members from Local 1201 for school district employees.
Please stand so we can recognize you. (Applause.)
We thank you for joining us today. INTRO. OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS
The next order of business is introduction of bills and resolutions. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Clark.
Madam Chair, I move that the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit immediate consideration of resolutions at the time of their presentation. (Duly seconded.)
All in favor of the motion to suspend the Rules of Council to permit immediate consideration of resolutions at the time of introduction will vote aye. Those opposed will say nay. The ayes have it. The motion is carried. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Clark.
Madam Chair, today I have one resolution by request for benefit of the Fifth District.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution INTRO. OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS approving the redevelopment contract in disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Model City's Urban Renewal Area, also sometimes identified by house numbers and street addresses as 1403-1404 Harlan Street.
Madam Chair, I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it. The motion is carried. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen.
Madam President, I INTRO. OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS offer two resolutions.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution in solemn recognition during the week of April 19 through 25, 1999, of the annual remembrance of the 6 million Jewish martyrs who perished in the Holocaust.
Madam President, I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it. The resolution passes. The Chief Clerk will please the title of the second resolution.
A resolution authorizing Council's Committee on Law and Government to investigate the overall impact of INTRO. OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS electric deregulation on the City and its residents, including but not limited to such issues as whether there is a need for city government to fill gaps left by the Public Utility Commission in informing citizens of money-saving options created by deregulation, whether a customer's decision to switch electric suppliers are being properly honored and implemented, and whether steps can be taken to further reduce the City and School Districts' cost of purchasing electricity.
Madam President, I move the adoption of the resolution.
All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it. The motion is carried. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski. INTRO. OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano.
The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution authorizing the Council's Committee on Education to conduct immediate hearings to investigate the proposed changes to the admissions criteria to the Medical Engineering Aerospace Magnet Program.
Madam President, I move for the adoption. And on the resolution, due to the timing of this, I would ask if we could have immediate hearings and if we could possibly have them at Northeast High School for the Committee on Education. If you would take that into consideration, please.
Will you send INTRO. OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS me a memorandum to that effect, please.
You're asking that it be sent to the Education Committee. This resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee, and I would ask that Councilman Mariano send me a memorandum so we can make the necessary arrangements. Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Madam Chair. On your behalf, I offer one bill.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Chapter 12-1600 of the Philadelphia Code entitled, "Special Restrictions," upon use of vehicles in areas under the control of the Fairmount Park Commission by amending Section 12-1604 relating to parking or driving a motor vehicle on the grass, ball field, picnic ground, playground, or other public areas without proper authorization by making parents responsible for the conduct of their minor children in violation of that section; and amending INTRO. OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS Section 12-2809 of the Code entitled, "Civil Penalties and Cost," to increase the civil penalty for violations of the existing provisions of Section 12-1604 to provide a civil penalty for the new parental liability provisions of Section 12-1604, all under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer two resolutions.
The Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution honoring West Mount Airy neighbors on its 40th year of serving as a viable community organization and commending its continued contribution within a noted racially diverse community.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.) INTRO. OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it. The motion is carried. The Clerk will please read the title of the second resolution.
A resolution calling upon the School District in Philadelphia to reconsider their plans to eliminate, reduce, or phase out by way of attrition the employees who serve as attendants on school buses.
Councilwoman, your resolution does not indicate whether you're requesting public hearing or simply the passage of this resolution.
I think we need to have a public hearing on it. It just didn't say it at the end.
I believe we need INTRO. OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS a public hearing on it. The last sentence just doesn't state that. So I'd like it to go to the committee.
Very well. This resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee. Thank you. (Applause.)
On the previous issue, certainly we would like to -- as former chair of the Education Committee, we've done a lot of work in this arena, we've done studies in the top 20 cities in this country who deal with this issue, and certainly we support Councilwoman Miller in this regard and would like to work with her to try to get ready for a public hearing on bus attendants.
That would be fine. I'm sure the Councilwoman welcomes your support. (Applause.) INTRO. OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS
The Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to lease to Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development for further sublease to PhilCom, Limited, a certain parcel of ground or a portion thereof located at 5201 Umbria Street, under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution honoring the achievements of the Widener Knights Chess Club and declaring April 29, 1999, as Chess Day in the City Council.
The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter. INTRO. OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS
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. Those opposed? The ayes have it. The motion is carried. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
The Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance terminating meter parking and parking regulations on Rising Sun Avenue, both sides, from Devereaux Street to Longshore Street at certain times.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Clerk will please read the second bill.
An ordinance INTRO. OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS establishing a tow away regulation, a taxi stand on Broad Street, east side, beginning at a point 81 feet north of the Olney Avenue for 36 feet.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ortiz.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco.
The Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance authorizing the University of the Arts, owner of the property 211 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to construct and maintain an electrified marquee attached to the property 211 South Broad Street and projecting over the east footway of Broad Street, under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. INTRO. OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS
An ordinance authorizing G & G Enterprises, owner of the property 1605 through 1627 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to construct and maintain a building encroachment with electric lights over and above the south footway and cartway of 1600 block of Stock Exchange Place adjacent to the rear of the property 1605 through 1627 Sansom Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
An ordinance authorizing the University of the Arts owner of the property 211 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to construct and maintain various encroachments onto and over the east footway of Broad Street and the south footway of Walnut Street adjacent to the property 211 South Broad, all under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
An ordinance granting permission to Elizabeth M. Landy, owner and operator of a newsstand located on the traffic island at 13th Street, Passyunk Avenue, and Mifflin INTRO. OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS Street to construct, use, and maintain overhead electrical and telecommunication lines from an existing utility pole on the island over and across the public right-of-way for the purpose of supplying electric and phone service to our newsstand, under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. I believe all four bills were read, were they not?
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Madam President, I offer one bill by request. And on behalf of the Councilman Longstreth I offer a privilege resolution for which I ask immediate consideration.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance granting position to SPD Electrical Systems, 13500 Roosevelt Boulevard, Pennsylvania, to construct, use, and maintain two conduits with fiberoptic cables under and across Hornig Road, south of Kubach INTRO. OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS Road, all under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. Will the Clerk read the title of the resolution?
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 signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it. The motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
Next order of REPORTS FROM COMMITTEE business is reports from committees. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney for a report from the Rules Committee.
Madam President, the Rules Committee reports out three bills with favorable recommendations.
To the President and the Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Rules to which was referred Bill No. 990111 entitled, an ordinance amending an ordinance approved June 23, 1998, which approved the redevelopment proposals of the Urban Renewal Plan and the Relocation Plan of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment of the Point Breeze East Urban Renewal Area by approving the first amendment of the Redevelopment Proposal and the first amendment to the Urban Renewal Plan which provides, inter alia, for certain additional land acquisition and provision of certain relocation services as required by law for the individuals, families, and business concerns which may be displaced. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEE Bill No. 990112, entitled an ordinance amending an ordinance approved December 22, 1987, which approved the redevelopment proposal of the Urban Renewal Plan and the Relocation Plan of the Redevelopment Authority of City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment of the Cecil B. Moore Avenue Urban Renewal Area by amending the fifth amendment of the Redevelopment Proposal, the fifth amendment to the Urban Renewal Plan, and fifth amendment to the Relocation Plan, which provides, inter alia, for the additional land acquisition of approximately 42 properties and provision of certain relocation services as required by law for the individual families and business concerns which will be displaced.
The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney. I'm sorry. Is there another bill?
Bill No. 990113, an ordinance amending an ordinance approved December 15, 1969, as amended, which approved the redevelopment proposals of the Urban Renewal Plan and the Relocation Plan of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the REPORTS FROM COMMITTEE redevelopment of the Model City's Urban Renewal Area by approving the 23rd amendment of the Redevelopment Proposal and the 15th amendment to the Urban Renewal Plan which provided, inter alia, for additional land acquisition of approximately 218 properties. Respectfully reports that it consider the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading of Bill Nos. 990111, 990112, and 990113 today. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Rules of Council be suspended so as permit first reading of Bill Nos. 990111, 990112, and 990113 today. Those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and Bill Nos. 990111, 990112, and 990113 will be placed on our First FIRST READING CALENDAR Reading Calendar for today. Are there any other reports from committees?
Seeing none, the next order of business is the consideration of the Calendar. The Chief Clerk will please read the bills on the First Reading Calendar. Number 980763, an ordinance amending 12-2700 of the Philadelphia Code relating to permit parking districts, by adding a new subsection designating a new permit parking district. 990057, an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Snyder Avenue, both sides, 12th Street to 13th Street.
Bill No. 990058, an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Fitzwater Street, north side, Sixth Street to Seventh Street and on Fitzwater Street, south side, Sixth Street to Sheridan Street.
Bill 990079, an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Eighth Street, west Side, Fitzwater Street to Catharine Street, and on Eighth Street, east side, Fitzwater Street to St. Albans Street.
Bill 990080, an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Salter Street, south side, Seventh Street to Eighth Street.
Bill 990081, an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Decatur Road, east side, between Darnell Road and Drummond Road.
Bill No. 990111, an ordinance amending an ordinance approved June 23, 1998, which approved the redevelopment proposals of the Urban Renewal Plan and the Relocation Plan of FIRST READING CALENDAR the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment of the Point Breeze East Urban Renewal Area.
990112, an ordinance amending an ordinance approved December 22, 1987, which approved a redevelopment proposal of the Urban Renewal Plan and the Relocation Plan of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment of the Cecil B. Moore Avenue Urban Renewal area.
Bill No. 9901113, an ordinance amending an ordinance approved December 15, 1969, as amended, which approved the redevelopment proposal of the Urban Renewal Plan and Relocation Plan of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment of the Model City's Urban Renewal Area.
The Chair agrees. All the bills just read by the Chief SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE CALENDAR Clerk will be placed on the Second Reading and Final Reading Calendar for our next meeting. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Clark for the purpose of calling up bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar.
Madam President, all bills on Second and Final Passage Calendar are called up except Bill No. 980464 -
Councilwoman Krajewski, did you want that bill to go forward or do you want it held?
Then 990100 is not being held but being called up? SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE CALENDAR
The first bill for consideration is Bill No. 990115. The Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
Bill No. 990115. An ordinance authorizing the creation of a loan or loans to provide funds for and toward various capital municipal purposes; authorizing the Mayor, City Controller and City Solicitor or a majority of them to sell bonds at public or private negotiated sale; setting forth the capital purposes and the amounts for which the proceeds of the loan or loans will be expended; providing for the maturities and for other terms and conditions and for the form of the bonds; providing that certain bonds may be redeemable and for appropriations to the Sinking Fund Commission.
This bill having been read on two different days the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Clerk will call the role. SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE CALENDAR
Councilman Ortiz. SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE CALENDAR
Aye. The ayes are 14; the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The Clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 990004.
An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on the west side of the 4200 block of Penn Street and the north side of the 1400 block of Church Street.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Clerk will call the role.