COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, May 5, 2011 10:10 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 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, everyone. 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 Pastor Damon Jones of Bibleway Baptist Church. He is here today as the guest of Councilman Jones. I would ask all members and guests to please rise. (Members and guests rise.)
If every head would bow. Father, we thank you and we praise you for this day and what you have blessed us with. We are grateful, Lord, for an opportunity to be here. We pray for our great nation and everyone who calls this nation their you, and we pray for a wise and deliberate and thoughtful leader in our President, Barack Obama, and we're blessed to live in this nation, and we thank you for the fact that this nation was born in this city. And so we pray today for this city and we pray for our Chief Executive, Mayor Nutter, and we pray for those charged with the awful and awesome responsibility of governing this city. And so we ask your blessings on each member of this august body of legislators. Endow them with your wisdom, endow them with your knowledge, endow them with what they need to make moral and ethical decisions and the wherewithal to accomplish what you would have them to do in this great city. We thank you, Lord, for all of the Councilpersons, and we thank you for those who thought it not robbery to even think about this city being a place that more palatable for older citizens as well as younger citizens. And so we ask that you will continue to watch over us today, and as this day begins, we pray that everything that is said and done will be done ultimately for your glory, your honor and your praise. And so we thank you for this time, for it is in Jesus' name that we do pray with thanksgiving. Amen. (Amen.)
The Chair thanks the Reverend for his 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, April 28th, 2011. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, April 28th, 2011 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, April 28th, 2011 stand approved. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the Journal is approved. The next order of business is requests for leaves of absence, and, again, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Madam President. On behalf of the majority, there are no requests for absence, leave of absence today.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Madam President, on behalf of the republicans, there is a request for a leave of absence for Councilman Jack Kelly.
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. 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 Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Madam President. I'm very pleased to recognize 18 students, seniors, from the Mennonite High School at 24th and Poplar Streets in the great section of Fairmount in Philadelphia. They're accompanied by their teacher, Mr. Benjamin Moore, and they are sitting right there.
If they would stand, we would like to recognize you. Welcome. (Applause.)
At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller, who will present a resolution honoring Matthew Chea. Would Mr. Chea and those accompanying him please join the Councilwoman at the podium, please. I see that Councilwoman Miller is being accompanied by Councilwoman Tasco and Councilman Rizzo. Is Mr. Chea here?
I see we're being honored by our very distinguished District Attorney. Good morning. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you, Madam President. Resolution recognizing, honoring, and celebrating Matthew Chea for his many efforts in victim advocacy and receiving the FBI Director's Community Leadership Award. Whereas, Matthew Chea spearheads the Cambodian Americans Professional's Association; and Whereas, the Cambodian Americans Professional's Association is a group that promotes giving back to the community and involvement among young professionals; and
Whereas, Matthew Chea has been an active member in Advisory Committee; and Whereas, Matthew Chea works as a victim or witness coordinator in the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office; and Whereas, Matthew Chea is fluent in multi languages and serves as an advocate for crime victims of diverse populations; and
Whereas, Matthew Chea also works as a volunteer and is an active member of the Philadelphia Anti-Human Trafficking Coalition and Interpersonal Violence Against Asian Communities Task Force; Whereas, each year, the FBI presents one individual or group from each of the FBI's 56 field offices; and Whereas, in 2010, we are proud to say that Matthew Chea, a Philadelphian, has been selected by the FBI to receive the FBI's Director of Community Leadership Award.
Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that City Council hereby recognize, honor and celebrate Matthew Chea for his many efforts in victim advocacy and receiving the FBI's Director's Community Leadership Award. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Matthew Chea as further evidencing the sincere admiration and gratitude of this legislative body. This is a true and correct copy of the original resolution, adopted by the City Council of Philadelphia on the 7th day of April 2011. Signed by Anna C. Verna, President of City Council. Introduced by Donna Reed Miller and co-sponsored by all members of City Council. Thank you. (Applause.)
At this time, the Chair recognizes our very brief remarks.
Thank you. Thank you, Madam President and members of Council. I'm very fortunate and thankful to have Councilwoman Donna Reed Miller introduce this legislation. I'm very thankful to recognize one of the true unsung heroes. Now, I chose to be a District Attorney, police choose to become police officers, but victims of crime don't choose to have their cars stolen, don't choose to have their children shot on the porch in front of them, don't choose to be raped. And Matthew and the victim witness advocates that we have fight tirelessly every day for victims of crime, and they don't get any accolades or recognition for the great work that they do, because truly helping crime victims heal is the most important part of the criminal justice system. So I just want to thank you, Councilwoman, for all of your help, for recognizing Matthew. I'd like to thank Matthew for being a true hero and champion for the victims of crime in Philadelphia. (Applause.)
Thank you, City Councilwoman and the DA's Office -District Attorney. It's an honor to receive this resolution. Thank you. (Applause.)
The Chair now recognizes Councilman Jones, who will present a resolution Celebrating May as Older Americans Month. Would Willo Carey and those accompanying her please join the Councilman at the podium. Jones is being accompanied by Councilmembers Brown and Tasco. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
As we are, they once were, and as they are, if we're lucky, we will be. Gathered this morning with me are Willo Carey of WHYY -- you can clap. (Applause.)
Lydia Hernandez Velez, Deputy Managing Director of Aging for the City of Philadelphia. (Applause.)
Ms. Angela Brown from NewCourtland and Courtland Healthcare Technologies. (Applause.)
Leslie Reis from CVS Cares, and they really do. (Applause.)
Gail Garrett from the Philadelphia Corporation for the (Applause.)
Together, we represent a construct and a think-tank called Aging in the New Age, which is defining the paradigm of what it takes to grow older in the second quarter of life. We are pulling together all of the brightest minds in the City of Philadelphia, public policy minds, to do a one-day conference sponsored by WHYY to examine the question of aging in the new age. And what we've discovered early on is one size no longer fits all, that there is a new dynamic among our more seasoned citizens and they come in all shapes, sizes and economic abilities. And we want to recognize that and give them a multitude of choices as they continue along the aging paradigm. So to that effect, we have a Older Americans Month and designating May 9th, 2011 as "Aging in the New Age" Day to recognize the diversity and contributions that Philadelphians in their second half of life have made and continue to make to our culture, economy and character within our communities.
Whereas, May has been nationally designated as Older Americans Month since President John F. Kennedy first recognized it in 1963; and Whereas, there will be 353,000 Philadelphians over the age of 55 by 2015, and the number of City residents between the ages of 65 to 74 will increase by 17 percent between 2015 and 2025. The 75 to 84-year-old group will grow by 14 percent; and
Whereas, the concept of aging is shifting as more people in the second half of life are active, involved and engaged longer at work, home and throughout the community as urban dwellers; and Whereas, on May 9th, 2011, a summit entitled "Aging in a New Age" will take place in Philadelphia to address the opportunities and challenges of the increasing aging population and to harness the talents, wisdom and skills of Philadelphians to make Philadelphia a flagship city for all ages; and
Whereas, the "Aging in a New Age" Summit is a joint effort of government, non-profit and private sectors which will take place at WHYY and four satellite locations throughout the City and will engage policymakers and community members to propose legislation and other initiatives to further create a city truly welcoming to all ages; now therefore
Be it resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that it hereby celebrate Month and designating May 9th, 2011 as "Aging in a New Age" Day in Philadelphia and recognizing the contributions that Philadelphians in their second half of life have made and continue to make to our culture, economy and character in our communities. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the sponsors and partners of the "Aging in a New Age" Summit as evidence of our sincere sentiments of this legislative body. (Applause.)
Thank you very much, and it is a great honor, and we all wish to thank Councilman Curtis Jones, the full body of Council, our Mayor Nutter and also the Mayor's Commission on Aging. And I just want to say that we're looking at creating a city for all ages, young families, we've seen students and certainly all of us who are of a certain age or looking forward to or in the second half of life. And on Monday we're going to be looking not only at the challenges that many of our older citizens face, many of them are sort of invisible and would like to be engaged, but we're also going to be looking at opportunities to really involve them, engage them as citizens with tremendous experience that could be applied to education, to civic life, and hopefully together all of us can create that city for all ages and enable us all to build a much stronger community. And, again, I wish to thank Councilman Curtis Jones for his vision in putting this together, and I think that our success is going to be tremendous because of the cooperation and partnership among so many organizations as well as various departments of City government. So, again, thank you for this great honor and thank, again, all members of Council. (Applause.)
Council will be at ease. Please introduce yourself.
Yes. Good morning, Councilman Jones, members of City Council, corporate and community partners and also invited guests. My name is Leslie Reis. I'm the Senior Manager of Workforce Initiatives and I'm here on behalf of CVS Caremark. I'm joined by Barbara Hoenig, a mature worker, consultant. Barbara, you can raise your hand. Sam Gerges, our Pharmacy Supervisor in this market, and Kim Rodriguez, one of our District Managers. And we're honored to be here today to accept this citation. CVS Caremark strongly supports "Aging in a New Age" Summit to establish Philadelphia as the country's flagship age-friendly city and to recognize and appreciate the values of our growing older population. At CVS, our proud motto, "Talent is Ageless," and it signifies our commitment to a diverse workforce in which mature workers are engaged in learning, opportunities and advancing their careers, often acquiring and applying new skills. CVS values its mature workers for their enthusiasm, dedication and contributions. These are the very qualities that the Philadelphia summit will look to and increasing and creating an environment that is friendly for all ages. And I just wanted to say thank you to Councilman Jones and the members of City Council for having us here today and for what you're doing for our senior population. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Miller, who will present a citation recognizing May 2nd through May 10th as Correctional Employees Week. Would Commissioner Louis Giorla and those accompanying him please join the Councilwoman at the podium. I see that Councilwoman Miller is being accompanied by Councilman Rizzo. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you, Madam President. You know, it's really good when we can honor some of our hard-working Philadelphians and certainly --
Councilwoman, just a minute, please. The noise level is much too a private conversation, I ask that you do that in the corridor, please. Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you. Certainly our correctional employees are dedicated and work very, very hard and long hours, and so it's great to be able to recognize them today. City Council citation recognizing May 2nd through May 10th, 2011 as Correctional Employees Week. The Council of the City of Philadelphia is pleased and proud to recognize May 2nd through May 10th as Correctional Employees Week in the City of Philadelphia.
Whereas, the employees of the Philadelphia Prison System manage a population of over 7,000 inmates, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year; and Whereas, our prison employees safety, security, dignity and well-being of those who are charged to their care; and Whereas, by carrying out their duties effectively, the men and women who work in the Philadelphia Prison System are protecting our communities and enabling the smooth function of our criminal justice system; and
Whereas, within a controlled environment, our correctional employees provide the guidance, instruction, skills and opportunities that allow people to remake their lives and reconnect with their families and communities; Whereas, most importantly, our correctional employees have demonstrated a vision of a correctional system that works hand in hand with our communities and neighborhoods to support and encourage those who change their lives and begin to reach the promise and potential that is within each of us; Whereas, correctional employees are a vital partner in the public safety picture. This group of Philadelphia's public servants who work in our correctional facilities, parole and probation officers have a more difficult and less publicly visible job compared to other City employees.
Therefore, by the virtue of this citation, the Council of the City of Philadelphia does hereby recognize May 2nd through May 10th, 2011 as Correctional Employees Week in the City of Philadelphia. With great appreciation for all that they do, we extend the sincere respect and admiration of this legislative body. And I want to personally congratulate the Commissioner here. I think he's done a really, really great job, and this -- so I want to congratulate you, Commissioner. And this is, of course, introduced by Donna Reed Anna C. Verna and co-sponsored by all members of City Council. Thank you. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes the Commissioner for brief remarks. COMMISSIONER GIORLA: Thank you, Madam President. Accompanying me today are just a fraction of the people that we've honored as Employees of the Year in the Philadelphia Prisons. Among them, our Lifetime Achievement Award winner, Warden Arthur Blackmon; our Administrator of the Year, Deputy Warden Melvin Whitaker; and for Distinguished Service, Social Work Supervisor Alexander Velitskovich. I'm honored, on behalf of the men and women who work in the Philadelphia Prison System, to accept this citation. I particularly want to thank Councilwoman Miller, Councilwoman and all the members of City Council for their support and faith they've placed in us in the last few years. And, Madam President, I know that this will be your last year with Council. I want to thank you for your support as well, and all the retiring members of City Council, wishing them well in their pursuits. Thank you again.
The next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant-At-Arms deliver the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. The Chief Clerk will please read the messages from the Mayor.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am 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 West Philadelphia Redevelopment Area identified by house number and street address as 1326 through 1336 North Fifty-Second Street; and An ordinance approving the ninth amendment of the redevelopment proposal for the Haddington Urban Renewal Area, Unit No. 2 and Unit No. 3, being the area beginning at the northwest corner of Parrish and Fifty-Second Street, including the fifth amendment to the urban renewal plan and the third amendment to the relocation plan, which provides, inter alia, for the additional land acquisition of approximately eight related uses; and An ordinance approving the thirty-ninth amendment of the redevelopment proposal for the Model Cities Urban Renewal area, being the area beginning at the northwest corner of Front Street and Spring Garden Street, including the thirty-first amendment to the urban renewal plan and the twenty-seventh amendment to the relocation plan, which provides, inter alia, for the additional land acquisition of approximately fifty five properties for residential, institutional and related uses; and An ordinance approving the third amendment of the redevelopment proposal for the West Parkside Urban Renewal Area, being the area generally bounded by Parkside Avenue on the north; Belmont Avenue and Girard Avenue on the east; Lancaster Avenue on the south; and Fifty-Second Street and the Easterly Central Railroad Line on the west, including the third amendment to the urban renewal plan and relocation plan, which provides, inter alia, for the additional land acquisition of approximately fifty four properties for residential and related uses; and An ordinance approving the Fiscal Year 2012 Capital Budget providing for expenditures for the capital purposes of the Philadelphia Gas Works (including the supplying of funds in connection therewith) subject to certain constraints and conditions, and acknowledging receipt of the Forecast of Capital Budgets for Fiscal Years 2013 through 2017; and An ordinance authorizing the Director of Commerce to enter into an extension of the Use and Lease Agreements between the City of Philadelphia and each of the airlines servicing Philadelphia International Airport, under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you. The messages will be printed in the Journal. The Chief Clerk will please read any other communications in his possession.
Thank you. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Chapter 9-600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Service and Other Businesses," by adding a new Section regulating an employer's treatment of gratuities left by patrons for employees, including, but not limited to, a requirement that all gratuities be paid over to employees without deduction.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I introduce one resolution.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title.
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 West Philadelphia Redevelopment Area identified by house number and street address as 1326 through 1336 North Fifty-Second Street.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Madam President, I offer one resolution on your behalf, one bill on your behalf and one bill on behalf of the Administration.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance authorizing the Director of Commerce to enter into an extension of the Use and Lease Agreements between the City of Philadelphia and each of the airlines servicing Philadelphia International Airport.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance approving the Fiscal Year 2012 Capital Budget providing for expenditures for the capital purposes of the Philadelphia Gas Works (including the supplying of funds in connection therewith) subject to certain constraints and conditions.
This bill will also 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 Thirty-Sixth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I offer one resolution.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title.
A resolution proclaiming the week of May 8th, 2011 as "National Women's Health Week."
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Sanchez.
Thank you, Madam President. I have two resolutions.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title.
A resolution authorizing Council's Committee on Housing, Neighborhood Development and the Homeless to hold hearings concerning the public benefits created by community gardening and urban agriculture.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council.
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-Third Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilman Green.
Thank you, Madam Chair. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Madam President. I have two bills, one resolution co-sponsored by Councilwoman Brown and Councilman Kenney.
Can't forget that. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution -ordinance.
An ordinance approving the ninth amendment of the redevelopment proposal for the Haddington Urban Renewal Area, Unit No. 2 and Unit No. 3, being the area beginning at the northwest corner of Parrish and Fifty-Second Street, including the fifth amendment to the urban renewal plan and the third amendment to the relocation plan, which provides, inter alia, for the additional land acquisition of approximately eight properties for residential and related uses.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance approving the third amendment of the redevelopment proposal for the West Parkside Urban Renewal Area, being the area generally bounded by Parkside Avenue on the north; Belmont Avenue and Girard Avenue on the east; Lancaster Avenue on the south; and Fifty-Second Street and the Easterly Right-of-Way of the Pennsylvania Central Railroad Line on the west, including the third amendment to the urban renewal plan and relocation plan, which provides, inter alia, for the additional land acquisition of approximately fifty four properties for residential and related uses.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution authorizing Council's Committee on Commerce and Economic Development to hold hearings on how the City can become more competitive in the global economic markets and reassert itself as a destination for international tourism, economic investment, export markets, job creation and cultural offerings.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council. 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 offer one resolution co-sponsored by members Jones, Tasco and Blackwell.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title.
A resolution recognizing, congratulating Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated on the Centennial Anniversary of their historic founding.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Madam President, I offer one resolution co-sponsored by all Councilmembers.
A resolution urging the Mayor to again invoke the "Extraordinary Extension" clause of the City's DROP ordinance, in order to authorize and encourage firefighters who are, or in 2012 will be, in the fourth year of the DROP program to remain employees for up to one additional year, in light of the fact that absent such extraordinary relief, the Fire Department, which is currently unable to hire entry-level firefighters until a new, valid civil service test is in place, will experience a shortage of approximately 98 firefighters in all of FY2012 and part of FY2013.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance amending Chapter 10-100 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Animals," to establish provisions for the reporting of wild raccoons, and to provide for the manner of their abatement, all under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by amending Section 14-1605(2)(1) to add Cash for Gold establishments to the definition of Pawnshop.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance approving the thirty-ninth amendment of the redevelopment proposal for the Model Cities Urban Renewal area, being the area beginning at the northwest corner of Front Street and Spring Garden Street, including the thirty-first amendment to the urban renewal plan and the twenty-seventh amendment to the relocation plan, which provides, inter alia, for the additional land acquisition of approximately fifty five properties for residential, institutional and
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council. I'm sorry. That was a bill. That will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
Thank you. The next order of business is reports from committees. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney for a report from the Committee on Rules.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Rules reports one bill with a favorable recommendation.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Rules, to which was referred Bill No. 110184, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, by amending Section 14-305(7)(e)(.2)(.b) by exempting certain corner lots from the application thereof, under certain terms and conditions; and amending the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within the area bounded by Walnut Street, 8th Street, Locust Street, and 9th Street, all under certain terms and conditions," respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. Bill No. 110184 will be placed on for our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke for a report from the Committee on Public Property and Public Works.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, the Committee on Public Property and Public Works reports five bills with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the report.
The Committee on Public Property and Public Works, to which was referred Bill No. 110186, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to convey to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, a parcel of land with the improvements thereon, located at 1900 1970 North 9th Street"; and Bill No. 110207, entitled "An ordinance naming and designating Public Health Center No. 10, located at 2230 Cottman Avenue, as 'District Health Center No. 10, the Judge Edward B. Rosenberg Center'"; and Bill No. 110209, entitled "An ordinance renaming and designating the Strawberry Mansion Health Center, located at 2840 West Dauphin Street, as the 'Dr. Chetwynd Bowling Health Center'"; and Bill No. 110228, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to enter into a 25-year Sublicense Agreement with the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development for the use of a certain strip of land, owned by PECO Energy Company and licensed to PAID, approximately 16 feet wide, beginning near the intersection of Nixon Street and Shawmont Avenue"; and 110257, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to convey to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, all or part of an irregularly shaped parcel of land currently used by the Philadelphia Zoo for parking, along with the improvements thereon, in an area generally located on the south side of Girard Avenue, east of North 38th Street and north of the Philadelphia Zoo, under certain terms and conditions," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Madam President, I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit of Bill Nos. 110186, 110207, 110209, 110228 and 110257. (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 the bills just reported from committee. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the bills just read will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. The Chair now recognizes Councilman DiCicco for a report from the Committee on Streets and Services. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on 11 bills out with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the report.
The Committee on Streets and Services, to which was referred Bill No. 100783, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 9-200 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Commercial Activities on Streets,' by amending Section 9-205, entitled 'Sidewalk Sales,' by prohibiting sidewalk vending on certain portions of Castor Avenue from Oxford Avenue to Rhawn Street"; and Bill No. 100874, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 157 by striking from the City Plan and vacating the legally open portions of American Street from Sedgley Avenue southeastwardly to its terminus"; and 110081, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 9-200 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Commercial Activities on Streets,' by amending Section 9-205, entitled 'Sidewalk Sales,' by prohibiting sidewalk sales within the area bounded by and including both sides of East Tioga Street, Kensington Avenue, East Ontario Street, Potter Street, 'I' Street, East Westmoreland Street, 'F' Street, Kensington Avenue, East Monmouth Street, and Emerald Street"; and Bill No. 110157, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 63 by relocating the northeasterly curbline of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, from Twentieth Street to Twenty-First Street, two feet southwestwardly"; and Bill No. 110182, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the plotting upon City Plan Nos. 258 and 270 of two rights-of-way for sewer and drainage lying southeast of Tacony Street and southwest of former Vankirk Street, within the property formerly known as the Frankford Arsenal"; and Bill No. 110183, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan Nos. 196, 197, and 305 by relocating the southwesterly curbline of Allegheny Avenue, from a point approximately two-hundred feet southeast of Richmond Street to Delaware Avenue, ten feet northeastwardly, thereby increasing the width of the southwesterly footway of said Allegheny Avenue; closing Allegheny Avenue, southeast of Delaware Avenue, to vehicular traffic; and relocating the southeasterly curbline of Delaware Avenue"; and Bill No. 110231, entitled "An ordinance authorizing Liberty/Parkway 8th and Walnut, Limited Partnership, or its designee, to construct, use and maintain the proposed building to be located at the southwest corner of 8th and Walnut Streets and projecting over the footways of 8th and Walnut Streets"; and Bill No. 110232, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 12-3000 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Use Of An Automated Red Light Enforcement System to Prevent Red Light Violations,' by authorizing the installation of red light enforcement systems at the intersection of Island Avenue at Lindbergh Boulevard"; and Bill No. 110260, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 9-213 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Farmers' Markets,' by adding a permissible location on the sidewalk of the west side of the 1600 block of East Moyamensing Avenue"; and Bill No. 110273, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City 278 by striking from the City Plan and vacating Delaware Avenue from Robbins Street to Levick Street"; and Bill No. 110276, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 121 by striking from the City Plan and vacating the legally open portions of the westerly twelve feet wide portion of Thirty-Second Street from Glenwood Avenue to a point approximately twelve feet south of the southerly side of Master Street produced," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. 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 bills that have just been read into the record, with the exception of Bill Nos. 100783, 110081, 110231, 110273 and 110276. (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 the bills just reported from committee, with the exception of Bill Nos. 100783, 110081, 110231, 110273 and 110276. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the bills just read will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. Bill Nos. 100783, 110081, 110231, 110273 and 110276 will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for our next session of Council. The next order of business is the consideration of the Calendar. 5/5/11 - STATED - 2ND READING I note that the bills just reported from committee with suspension of rules have been deemed to have had a first reading. These bills will be placed on our Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for our next session of Council. As there are no additional bills on the First Reading Calendar, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for the purpose of calling bills and resolutions on the Second Reading Calendar to be considered today.
Thank you, Madam President. The following resolutions and bills are being called up from the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar today: Nos. 110313, 110314, 110315, 110316, 110317, 110318, 110319, 110321, 110322, 110323, 110324, 110325, 110326, 110327, 110328, 110329, 110210-A and 110070. All other bills and resolutions are being held.
Thank you. Before considering these bills and resolutions for consideration, we will consider public comment as follows. Your public comment must concern matters on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for possible action at today's Council session. All speakers must sign up in order to testify. If you have not already signed up for testimony, please do so by giving your name to the Sergeant-At-Arms who is at the table to my left. You will be called in the order in which your name appears on the sign-up sheet. You will have up to three minutes to speak. I would ask at this time the Chief Clerk to please read the name of our first speaker.
Mr. Baldia is here. I would ask that he approach the microphone and give his comments.
Thank you. First and foremost, I would like to thank Councilman Kenney and Councilwoman Blackwell for their resolution to support the Pennsylvania Compact, as well as their longstanding support of immigrant communities in Philadelphia. The Pennsylvania Compact was developed over several months by groups and individuals who were concerned about the tone of Pennsylvania's immigration discussion. The Compact is based on Pennsylvania's values, and we urge our leaders to use these guiding principles as they address the complex challenges associated with a broken national immigration system. The Compact has broad support from community leaders, business associations, law enforcement officers and members of Pennsylvania's religious community. It is a simple document that expresses our values as a community and as they relate to specific policy issues that they become central to the immigration discussion. Thank you.
On behalf of the Muscular Dystrophy Association, we would like to thank members of Council and also Local 22 Firefighters for their partnership with the Muscular Dystrophy Association and this resolution. Their work in fundraising and with your support helps local families in the Philadelphia and surrounding areas with neuromuscular disease. Their efforts have made a tremendous difference in the efforts of service, research and other day-to-day living that helps these families locally. Thank you so much.
Hi. My name is Anita and my daughter and I, Debriana, would like to thank City Council and the Philadelphia Firefighters. I'd like to thank the firefighters for everything they do, from "Filling-the-Boot" and coming out to the MDA camp and cooking for the kids. Debriana would also like to thank them for making her Honorary Fire Chief last summer. Thank you.
There are no other speakers on the public comment list, Madam President.
Is there anyone else here who has signed up to provide public comment on today's agenda?
We were just commenting that Mr. Fisher is not here today and we really miss him. Most sincerely, we actually do miss him.
We will now consider the bills and resolutions on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Resolution No. 110313. 5/5/11 - STATED - 2ND READING
A resolution authorizing City Council's Legislative Oversight Committee to hold public hearings on immigration reform and the Pennsylvania Compact.
I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Resolution No. 110314.
A resolution 5/5/11 - STATED - 2ND READING urging the Obama Administration to create a Haitian family reunification parole program to help Haiti recover, save lives, and end a double standard.
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 Clerk will please read the title of Resolution No. 110315.
A resolution 5/5/11 - STATED - 2ND READING 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 Sixth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
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 say aye. (Aye.)
The 5/5/11 - STATED - 2ND READING ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Resolution No. 110316.
A resolution calling on the Governor and the Pennsylvania General Assembly to restore funding for the Homeowners Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program.
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 indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? (No response.) 5/5/11 - STATED - 2ND READING
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Resolution No. 110317.
A resolution in memory of Private First Class John Kihm, 10th Mountain Division Infantry Unit United States Army.
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 indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? (No response.) 5/5/11 - STATED - 2ND READING
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. We will now consider Resolution 110318.
A resolution also naming the northwest corner of Thompson and Orthodox Streets as "Przybylowski Corner."
I was waiting for him to pronounce that name. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The 5/5/11 - STATED - 2ND READING ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Resolution 110319.
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 Thirty-Sixth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will indicate by 5/5/11 - STATED - 2ND READING saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. We will now consider Resolution No. 110321.
A resolution naming the 6400 block of Rising Sun Avenue as "William J. Glatz, Jr. Way."
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
Those 5/5/11 - STATED - 2ND READING opposed? (No response.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. We will now consider Resolution 110322.
A resolution recognizing and honoring the Nation of Paraguay on the 200th Anniversary of its independence from Spain.
Thank you, Madam Chair. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
Those 5/5/11 - STATED - 2ND READING opposed? (No response.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. We will now consider Resolution 110323.
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 Nineteenth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It 5/5/11 - STATED - 2ND READING has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Resolution 110324.
A resolution recognizing the United States Department of Justice and the National Drug Enforcement Administration on their successful efforts to curb prescription pill abuse through National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on April 30, 2011.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption. 5/5/11 - STATED - 2ND READING (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. We will now consider Resolution No. 110325.
A resolution recognizing and congratulating the 2nd Annual Uniquely You Summit for Girls for its work to enrich the civic values and leadership skills of young women in the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you, 5/5/11 - STATED - 2ND READING Madam President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Resolution 110326.
A resolution initiating action to establish a neighborhood improvement district in an area that generally includes, with the exception of those properties having frontage on North Broad Street, the area bounded by the northeast corner of Broad and Vine Streets, the southeast corner of 5/5/11 - STATED - 2ND READING Broad and Spring Garden Streets, the southwest corner of 8th and Spring Garden Streets, the northwest corner of 8th and Vine Streets and the northeast corner of Broad and Vine Streets and certain blocks of intersecting streets within such area, to be known as the Callowhill Reading Viaduct Neighborhood Improvement District.
The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: 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 indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? (No response.) 5/5/11 - STATED - 2ND READING
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. We will now consider Resolution 110327.
A resolution authorizing City Council to retain outside counsel to commence legal proceedings on behalf of the City of Philadelphia seeking action that would provide a reasonable remedy for the prevalence of improperly permitted gun possession in our City and further provide an increased level of public safety and protection for our citizens.
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will indicate by 5/5/11 - STATED - 2ND READING saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. We will now consider Resolution 110328.
A resolution recognizing, honoring, celebrating, and thanking The Dining Car for its invaluable contributions to the Frankford/Torresdale community and the City of Philadelphia on the occasion of its 50th Anniversary.
Madam President, I move for the adoption of this resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It 5/5/11 - STATED - 2ND READING has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. We will now consider Resolution 110329.
A resolution recognizing Friday, May 6, 2011 as Firefighter/Muscular Dystrophy Association Day to kickoff the annual International Association of Firefighters Local 22 "Fill-the-Boot" campaign in the City.
Madam President, I'd like to speak briefly on 5/5/11 - STATED - 2ND READING this resolution. I'm pleased to have introduced this resolution, which was signed by all members, all members of City Council. Philadelphia's bravest, the members of the Philadelphia Fire Department, will again this year donate their time and energy to enable MDA to continue its valuable work and commitment to helping those with muscular dystrophy, ALS and related muscular diseases. During the "Fill-the-Boot" campaign, as the Philadelphia Fire Department greets everyone throughout the streets of the City of Philadelphia, I hope that they will meet with open hearts, wallets on behalf of Local 22, that they really pitch in and help and make this a real successful campaign. I encourage everybody to contribute in the efforts to help the MDA by giving generously. With that, I move for the adoption of this resolution. 5/5/11 - STATED - 2ND READING (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 110210-A.
An ordinance amending Chapter 10-100 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Animals," to provide for mandatory annual licensing of dogs, provide for minimum standards for the care and control of dogs and cats, to provide for sterilization of dogs and cats, to provide for the confiscation and protection of dogs used in dog fighting, and to provide for the administration and 5/5/11 - STATED - 2ND READING enforcement of laws relating to animals.
I'm sorry. This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Councilman DiCicco. 5/5/11 - STATED - 2ND READING COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Aye.
Aye. The ayes are 16; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. We will now consider Bill No. 110070.
An ordinance amending ceratin Sections of Title 3 ("Air Management Code") of The Philadelphia Code relating to license and permit fees and other charges by modifying the amount of such fees. 5/5/11 - STATED - 2ND READING
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 16; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The Clerk will please read any additional resolutions that he may have. Do we have any additional resolutions?
There are no other resolutions for consideration, Madam President.
Thank you. That concludes our Calendar for today. Are there speeches on the part of the minority? (No response.)
Are there speeches on the part of the majority? The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Madam President. January 15th, 2004, Fire Lieutenant Derrick Harvey died as a result of his valiant efforts to save his fellow firefighters trapped in a burning building. Last week, Firefighter Jack Slavinski was in the midst of a controversy involving a fundraising effort to financially support the families of our fallen brothers and sisters by using his well-developed physique. He wanted to participate in a "hunky" calendar in a nationwide display of other hunky firefighters. The proceeds of this calendar sales would be donated to a fund for the survivors of these police officers and firefighters who have died in the line of duty. Well, he did not get the necessary approval from Fire Department command. In every paramilitary organization, such approval is understandably necessary. Protocol and a discipline and effective organization. The good news is, Fire Commissioner Ayers agreed that Firefighter Slavinski's heart was in the right place and ordered that Firefighter Slavinski remain in his elite position at Heavy Rescue 1. I did not realize until I involved myself in this issue that one of the young firefighters who was trapped in that building on January 15, 2004 was in fact Jack Slavinski. He has a deeply personal reason to want to assist the families of our fallen brethren. All of us should now dedicate ourselves to making this calendar a national success in memory of Lieutenant Harvey and all those who have made that sacrifice. Thank you, Firefighter Slavinski, for your efforts. Thank you, Madam President.
Thank you, Madam President. This is another cry out to encourage my colleagues to participate in the Aging in the New Age Summit. The keynote speaker for that summit will be none other than Wilson Goode, Sr., who is now a senior, and he will be joining us at WHYY, 150 North 6th Street. There will be also broadcasting out of 5331 Haverford Avenue, the Haddington Senior Community Center, and at the Kroc Center, 4200 Wissahickon Avenue, and 509 South Broad Street, also the NewCourtland Education Center at 6950 Germantown Avenue. Now, we are running out of space. The seniors are excited about this conference dedicated to their changing, ever-changing, dynamic in life. They have changed the game. Every aspect baby-boomers, when they went to school, we built more schools. When they went to work, we had more jobs. When they now enter into this phase of their life, we need to be prepared for that, too. So I encourage my colleagues to come out and be a part of that worthwhile summit. Thank you, Madam President.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Madam President. I'd just like to say that we call on our Philadelphia Delegation to be ever vigilant in Harrisburg relative to our local School District. We know that there will be a shortfall in the School District's budget, and we also know that it has been reported there are additional revenues that have come to the state. And we want it's very important not to cut education for children and particularly full-day kindergarten for young people, which is so important to their education and development. I believe Councilwoman Blackwell has sent a resolution on behalf of this Council calling on them not to cut education funding, and I certainly, in light of the additional revenue that has come to the state, that our delegation certainly fight for the children of Philadelphia. Thank you very much.
Thank you. Are there any other speeches on the part of the majority? (No response.)
Seeing none, the Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke for a motion to adjourn.
Thank you, that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, May 12th, 10:00 a.m., 2011. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, May 12th at 10:00 a.m. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. Thank you. (Stated Meeting adjourned at 11:30 a.m.) CERTIFICATE I HEREBY CERTIFY that the proceedings, evidence and objections are contained fully and accurately in the stenographic notes taken by me upon the foregoing matter on May 5, 2011, and that this is a true and correct transcript of same. MICHELE L. MURPHY RPR-Notary Public (The foregoing certification of this transcript does not apply to any reproduction of the same by any means, unless under the direct control and/or supervision of the certifying reporter.)