COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, April 20, 2006 10:25 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILMAN FRANK DiCICCO COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN JACK KELLY COUNCILMAN JAMES F. KENNEY COUNCILWOMAN JOAN L. KRAJEWSKI COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER COUNCILMAN MICHAEL A. NUTTER COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILMAN JUAN RAMOS 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
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 welcomes Reverend John Coger from the New Hope Baptist Church. He is here today as the guest of Councilman DiCicco. I would ask all members and guests to please rise. (Everyone rises.)
Madam President, members of Council, all present, shall we pray. Gracious Father, we are grateful for the privilege to gather in your presence and we ask even on this day thy blessings upon Madam President and members of this august body. We pray that you would grant unto them wisdom and judgment. Grant them heavenly favor in seek to govern, recognizing the fact that they too are governed. We pray that you would grant unto them courage to face adversity. Give them insight and foresight that they might understand the impact of their decisions on this day and future generations of Philadelphia. We pray that you would add your blessings to these proceedings, in the name of our Christ we pray. Amen.
Amen. The Chair thanks Reverend Coger for his very inspiring invocation. Thank you. 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 6, 2006, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, April 6, 2006 stand approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, April 6, 2006 stand approved. All in favor will please indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, the motion carries, and the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, April 6, 2006 is approved. The next order of business is requests for leave of absence, and, again, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. Today a leave of the part of the Majority for Councilman Rick Mariano.
Thank you. Leave will be granted. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Madam President, on behalf of the republicans, there are no requests for leave of absence.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair will dispense with the regular order of business to recognize the guests and visitors joining us in Chambers this morning. On behalf of all members of City Council, I welcome you to our Council session. We appreciate your taking the time to join us as we attend to the legislative affairs of our City. We certainly invite you to come again. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell, who
Thank you, Madam President. Today we're happy to introduce a gentleman who is here with the delegation from the Department of Chamber, Commerce Department in Seattle, Councilman David Della, Councilmember, City of Seattle, Washington.
At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco, who will present a resolution honoring Thora Jacobson for her 33 years of dedication to the Samuel S. Fleisher Art Memorial. Will Ms. Jacobson and those accompanying her please join the Councilman at the podium. Councilman DiCicco is being joined by Councilmembers Brown, Kenney and Nutter. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Madam President, with your permission, I'd like to invite the staff from the Fleisher Museum to come up as well, whoever would like to. Thank you. Thank you, Madam President, and good morning. Resolution honoring Thora Jacobson for her 33-year dedication to the Samuel S. Fleisher Art Memorial, her dedication to the arts and her commitment to making Philadelphia a model for an artistically rich community. Whereas, Thora Jacobson has faithfully served the Samuel S. Fleisher Art Memorial at 709 Catharine Street in South Philadelphia for the past 33 years and as its Executive Director since 1983; and
Whereas, the Fleisher Art Memorial is the country's oldest and largest free and low-tuition visual arts program for adults and children. Founded by Samuel S. Fleisher as the Graphic Sketch Club in 1898, this facility has been a vital educational resource in the community, offering instruction in the visual arts, exhibitions, concerts and interpretation of its historic buildings to all ages; and Whereas, since the death of Samuel Fleisher in 1945, the Art Memorial has been administered by the Philadelphia Museum of Art; and
Whereas, under her leadership and as the center's creative visionary, the Art Memorial has enjoyed numerous accomplishments, including the increased visibility and enrollment of the school, which has continually attracted students from throughout the Delaware Valley, as well as practicing artists who eagerly want to teach at Fleisher; the critically and publicly acclaimed Challenge Exhibitions, now more than 25 years old, giving local, emerging and unaffiliated visual artists a gallery to show their work; and in 1982, she worked with the Fairmount Park Association to oversee the creation by Siah Armajani of the Louis Kahn Lecture Room, dedicated to the Philadelphia-born architect who received his early inspiration as an artist while taking classes at Fleisher. In recent years, Thora oversaw the opening of Fleisher's Center for Works on Paper at 705 Christian Street, and major renovations of the Fleisher main building on Catharine Street; and
Whereas, Thora Jacobson launched and managed three successful capital campaigns at Fleisher; reevaluated the center's permanent collections; supervised its strategic planning; developed the staff's skills; and collaborated with a number of area cultural organizations, including the Philadelphia Folklore Project, the Institute of Contemporary Art, the Mural Arts Program and the Philadelphia Museum of Art; and Whereas, despite her dedication to Fleisher, Thora has managed to be a free-lance curator, a juror for many art exhibitions and competitions, a panelist for several funding sources and a member of several boards and commissions. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Whereas, after so many years, Thora Jacobson is leaving her beloved Fleisher, but, happily, not the Philadelphia cultural community, as she becomes Chief Operating Officer of Philagrafika, an international festival celebrating the impact of the printed image, that will be inaugurated in 2010. Now, therefore resolved, that the Council of the City of Philadelphia, honors Thora Jacobson for her 33-year dedication to the Samuel S. Fleisher Art Memorial, her dedication to the arts and her commitment to making Philadelphia a model for an artistically rich community. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be as evidence of the sentiments of this body. Signed by the Council President, Anna C. Verna, introduced by myself, Councilmen Kenney, Nutter and Councilwoman Brown, co-sponsored by all members of City Council. (Applause.)
Thank you. I turned on my computer this morning and, needless to say, Google came up and all of the sudden I realized, today is Pablo Picasso's birthday, and what it reminded me of is that it has been my pleasure to work on behalf and with artists for 35 years, teaching creative people, working with creative people and being reminded that artists contribute mightily to society, either through their own practice as Picasso did, if one remembers Guernica, and through being incredibly of the staff at the Fleisher Memorial, many of whom are practicing artists, and it is also true of the new staff that I work with at Philagrafika, who are all practicing artists but who all know how to do so many things and do them so well. Fleisher was the perfect platform to go from the very local, but the very wonderful, to working with an international community and bringing the world to Philadelphia and bringing Philadelphia to the world. It's been my pleasure. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you, Madam President. Before moving to the next order of business, I would like us welcome to the Knowledge is Power Program, a Philadelphia charter school of KIPP, which is a network of charter schools across the country. Their motto "Work Hard - Be Nice" was recently saluted by Oprah Winfrey, because the facts are that it has been a very non-traditional academic vigor. These students attend school from 7:30 a.m. to 5 o'clock p.m., Monday through Friday, every other Saturday and one month during the summer. Consequently, their test scores on the TerraNova have gone from the 21st percentile to the 70th percentile in two years. So today we have joining us Marc Mannella, who is the school principal of the KIPP Charter School here in North Philadelphia, and Renee Albritten, Director of the high school placement. Joining us are six of their 7th grade girls. Could we please give a welcome School students.
If they would stand, we would like to acknowledge you. Please stand. Welcome. (Applause.)
You're welcome. At this time, the Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Brown, who will present a resolution honoring NBC 10 on their 10th anniversary of FitFest. Will Ms. Cherie Bank and those accompanying her please join the Councilwoman at the podium.
Honoring NBC 10 on the celebration of the 10th annual FitFest Program. Whereas, the NBC 10 television station is celebrating ten years of good health at its anniversary in April 2006; and Whereas, the FitFest is an over 65,000 consumers and is the third largest expo in the Delaware Valley behind the Flower Show and the Auto Show that continues to grow each year; and Whereas, this free event to the public has provided opportunities to over 100 businesses and non-profit organizations to participate in providing consumer education on staying healthy; and Whereas, the designed intent is to inspire, advocate, educate attendees in the categories of cholesterol, diabetes, osteoporosis, blood pressure, prostate, kidney disease, breast cancer, glaucoma, vision and hearing and so much more; and Whereas, professional fitness experts heightened the experience of an expo visitor through clinics, seminars, demonstrations and classes in exercise, rock climbing, children's aerobics, scuba diving, in-line skating and virtual golf; Whereas, NBC 10 Medical Reporter joining us today, Cherie Bank, has served in the capacity as host since its inception, providing the City with numerous news reports that spotlight the importance of getting early health screenings; and Whereas, the opportunity to meet and greet national celebrities, NBC News team members and health experts permits the attendees to talk and ask questions about the various health issues they champion; and Whereas, this Friday, tomorrow, April 21, 2006, NBC 10 will kick off the festivities of the 10th anniversary as Cherie Bank hosts a half-hour special "NBC 10 FitFest - Commit to Be Fit"; and Whereas, on Saturday, April 22nd and Sunday, April 23rd, NBC 10 will be hosting the annual event at the Pennsylvania Convention Center featuring new attractions of soccer, hockey speed shot, tennis and the biking pavilion during the hours of 10:00 to 5:00 p.m. Now, therefore resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we hereby honor NBC 10 FitFest celebrating ten years of good health. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to NBC 10 representative Dennis Bianchi, President and General Manager, and our own Cherie Bank, as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body. Signed by our President, Anna C. Verna, introduced by Blondell Reynolds Brown and sponsored by all members of Philadelphia City Council. Congratulations. (Applause.)
Thank you. Thank you, President. Thank you, Councilwoman Brown and everybody in Council. I'm very proud to work for NBC 10 as the Medical Reporter, because they take medicine and medical reporting so seriously. It's almost impossible to get an appointment with your doctor, and if you do, he or she only spends six or seven minutes with you. And it's wonderful that we offer health screenings for almost every condition you could possibly have. We even have computers that will show you what you'll look like in ten years if you want to see what you'll look like when you're aging. So it's great to have free medical screening for everyone in the community and a lot of fun, too, and I'm proud that NBC 10 gives back to the community in this way for ten years in a row, and I hope we'll continue for ten more years. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
Thank you. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
The Chair now recognizes Councilman Ramos, who will present a resolution recognizing Operation Firing for Effect. Will Mr. Gene Simes and those accompanying him please join the Councilman at the podium. Councilman Ramos is being joined by Councilman DiCicco. The noise level is really much too high. Councilman Ramos.
Today recognizing Operation Firing for Effect and its effort to bring equal and fair rights to all of the brave men and women who have served our country and urging everyone around the nation to participate in the Veterans March on Washington, DC on April 25th and 26th. Whereas, the purpose of this march is to inform lawmakers in DC and the American public about the deep has regarding the consistent underfunding of the Veterans Administration, veterans benefits and the Veterans Affairs Healthcare System; and Whereas, the march will also address current and future legislation concerning veterans and their families; and COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Whereas, it is the veterans' intention to ensure that the United States Congress, the United States Senate and members of the Executive Branch understand loud and clear that veterans will no longer tolerate the continued underfunding of the Veterans Healthcare System from this day forward. This country owes all veterans of past, present and future the very best healthcare; and Whereas, over the years, veterans' organizations such as, and not limited to, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, Disabled American Veterans, American Legion and the Purple Heart Association have carried the message and have been instrumental in gaining small changes and continue to fight for more veterans' rights; and Whereas, Operation Firing for Effect is a collaboration of two combat tested United States military veterans, Gene Simes and James North, who teamed up on this project to unite veterans nationwide in a common cause; and
Whereas, Gene Simes is a Vietnam Marine veteran who served three tours of duty and James North who is a combat Marine Veteran from the Gulf War and retired after 21 years of distinguished service. Now, therefore be it resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we hereby recognize and honor Gene Simes and James North, who collaborated to create Operation Firing for Effect and their efforts to bring long overdue rights and privileges to our to participate in the Veterans March on Washington on April 25th and 26th of 2006. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Gene Simes further evidencing the sincere respect and admiration of this legislative body. Congratulations, soldiers. (Applause.)
On behalf of all the veterans of the United States of America, that's the grassroot veterans that have given their lives and still giving their lives for those future veterans, thank you, Councilman Juan Ramos and members of the Council and the government body. You know, this is a great time for all of us to unite as one, and we're doing it in a building that is so historical that in 1863 one of the written, and that was the Gettysburg Address. And that meant so much to all of us, because it said "for the people and by the people" and a nation that was put together by a group of men that just gave all that they could to give us the freedom we have. I thank the City of Philadelphia and all the states that is a nation in this United States for today what is given, and in the future that we all should stand together as what the City of Philadelphia has done for our veterans, all of our other states will do the same. Thank you so much. (Standing ovation.)
The next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the 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 pleased to advise you that on April 20, 2006, I signed all of the bills that were passed by Council at its sessions on March 30 and April 6, 2006; and I am transmitting for the consideration of your honorable body a draft of a resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the South Central Urban Renewal Area; and A resolution approving the redevelopment contract and supplement for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area; and A resolution approving the supplement of the Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the South Central Urban Renewal Area; and An ordinance approving the thirteenth amendment for the redevelopment proposal of the Mantua Urban Renewal Area; and An ordinance authorizing the Director of Housing and Community Development, on behalf of the City, to file applications with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development for a Community Development Block Grant.
Thank you. The messages will be printed in the Journal. I would ask the Chief Clerk to please read any other communications in her possession.
Thank you. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended in order to permit the immediate consideration of resolutions at their time of introduction. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit immediate consideration of resolutions at the time of introduction. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I introduce one resolution on your behalf, three bills and four resolutions on my own behalf. One resolution is co-sponsored by Councilman Kenney and Councilman Ramos.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by I-76 Schuylkill Expressway, a Railroad right-of-way and Penrose Ferry Road.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance approving the thirteenth amendment of the redevelopment proposal for the Mantua Urban Renewal Area.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of an amendment to Article VIII, Chapter 5 of the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter, entitled "Referenda Approved by the Voters," by adding a new section providing that the citizens of Philadelphia urge the United States to begin an immediate withdrawal of its troops from Iraq, beginning with the National Guard and Reserve and ending with the total withdraw of U.S. forces by the year end 2006.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution calling on the Council of the City of Philadelphia to hold hearings on the issue of immigration to explore how it affects our City and to make recommendations as to what is appropriate action to protect the residents who live within our borders.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution recognizing Robert Vernon Hess, Deputy Managing Director for Special Needs Housing, for his years of service to the City of Philadelphia and its citizens and congratulating him on his appointment as the Commissioner of New York City's Department of Homeless Services.
The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. 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.)
And a resolution proposing an amendment to Article VIII, Chapter 5 of the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter, entitled "Referenda Approved By the Voters," by adding a new section providing that the citizens of Philadelphia urge the United States to begin an immediate withdrawal of its troops from Iraq, beginning with the National Guard and Reserve and ending with the total withdraw of United States forces by the end of year 2006.
This resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution calling on Council's Committee on Education to hold hearings on the feasibility of creating career and job training opportunities for employment positions in the gaming industry.
Thank you, Madam President. 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.)
The ayes have it and the resolution will be referred to the Committee on Education.
And a resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority, the City of Philadelphia, for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the South Central Urban Renewal Area.
Thank you, Madam President. 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.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer one resolution on behalf of myself and yourself.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution recognizing Sexual Assault Awareness Month and honoring Women Organized Against Rape for its outstanding work.
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 please say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I have one resolution.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution recognizing May 1st to May 7th, 2006 as Correctional Employees Week.
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 please say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter.
Thank you, Madam President. I appreciate the recognition. I'm pleased to be here today and to have the opportunity in this body to offer one bill.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Roberts Avenue, Wissahickon Avenue, Hunting Park Avenue, Crowell Street, Ontario Street and 22nd Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution honoring NBC 10 on the celebration of the 10th anniversary of its FitFest Program.
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will please indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution honoring the Amachi Program on the occasion of its 5th anniversary and declaring April 27, 2006 as Amachi Day in 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 please say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ramos.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Title 9 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Regulation of Businesses, Trades and Professions," by adding a new Chapter, entitled "Sheet Metal Technician," requiring certain licenses of persons performing duct work used in HVAC systems, under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee, and the Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. There's been a change. I have two resolutions and two bills. One of the resolutions is co-sponsored by yourself and Councilman Kenney.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Poplar Street, Canal Street, Lewellen Street and Delaware Avenue.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Section 9-407 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Tour Passenger Carriers," by providing for additional Tour Passenger Loading Zones on Filbert Street between 12th and 13th Street.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution declaring May 18, 2006 as Frankie Avalon Day in honor of his three-generation career in music, movies and television and for his appearance at the 2006 Sorrento Cheese 9th Street Italian Market Festival.
The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will please indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
Is there something wrong with my mike? All those in favor will please indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chief Clerk will please read the second resolution.
And a resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the South Central Urban Renewal Area.
The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Section 14-1611 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Benjamin Franklin Parkway Controls," by providing for additional height controls in the vicinity of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kelly.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution recognizing, honoring and celebrating the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation for its great success on its 10th anniversary building the region's economy and image through destination marketing.
I move for the adoption of this resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? 4/20/06 - STATED - 2ND READING (No response.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. As there are no reports from committee and no bills on the First Reading Calendar, the next order of business is the consideration of the bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar. At this time, I would ask Councilwoman Blackwell to call up the bills to be considered on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar.
Thank you, Madam President. Today on , Bill Nos. 040939 and 050017 will be called up for the purpose of being withdrawn. On , similarly, Bill No. 050798 will be called up for the purpose of being withdrawn by the sponsor. And on , for second reading and final passage we will consider the bill at the bottom of the 4/20/06 - STATED - 2ND READING page, Bill No. 060012, and on the last page, Bill Nos. 060056 and 060144. All other bills are being held.
Madam President, I missed one they're telling me.
On . So we have two bills being called up for the purpose of being withdrawn on . I thought it was 050798, but also 050799.
At this time, I would ask the Chief Clerk to please read the title of Bill No. 040939.
An ordinance authorizing the installation of all-way 4/20/06 - STATED - 2ND READING stop signs at the intersection of Franklin Tower Boulevard and Woods Street.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, I'd like to make a motion to withdraw this bill. (Duly seconded.)
I'm sorry, Councilman. Do you mind repeating? I was distracted.
Yes. I would like to make a motion to withdraw Bill No. 040939. (Duly seconded.)
The 4/20/06 - STATED - 2ND READING ayes have it and Bill No. 040939 has been withdrawn. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 050017.
An ordinance granting permission to Bharat Patel, owner of the newsstand at the southwest corner of Broad and Arch Streets, for the purpose of supplying electrical service and telephone service for the newsstand, under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, I'd like to make a motion to withdraw Bill 050017. (Duly seconded.)
Those opposed? (No response.) 4/20/06 - STATED - 2ND READING
The ayes have it and Bill No. 050017 has been withdrawn. I would ask the Chief Clerk to please read the title of Bill No. 050798.
An ordinance establishing a no parking regulation on Hamilton Street, between 13th Street and Broad Street.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, I'd like to make a motion to withdraw Bill No. 050798. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that Bill No. 050798 be withdrawn. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? (No response.) 4/20/06 - STATED - 2ND READING
The ayes have it and Bill No. 050798 has been withdrawn. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 050799.
An ordinance regulating the direction of movement of traffic on Hamilton Street from 13th Street to Broad Street westbound.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, I'd like to make a motion to withdraw Bill No. 050799. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that Bill No. 050799 be withdrawn. All in favor will please say aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? 4/20/06 - STATED - 2ND READING (No response.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 060012.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to acquire fee simple title to real estate known as 3000 and 3030 East Castor Avenue, under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you. 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 15; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 060056.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development a deed located at 105 to 09 Reed Street in the City of Philadelphia.
This bill having been read on two different 4/20/06 - STATED - 2ND READING days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 15; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. 4/20/06 - STATED - 2ND READING The final bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 060144.
An ordinance amending an ordinance approved June 28, 1966, Bill No. 1845, as amended, known as the "Philadelphia Housing Development Agreement Ordinance" by requiring the express approval of Council by ordinance prior to the transfer of any City-owned property pursuant to that ordinance or pursuant to the agreement authorized by that ordinance.
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 15; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. That completes 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 Nutter.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, I just want to bring to the floor some information about a very important conference that's taking place here in Philadelphia. It's out on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania on possibly one of the most important topics beyond many of the issues that we deal with here on a day-to-day basis, and the title of this conference I think says it all. It's entitled "Poor, Young, Black and Male - A Case for National Action." It's a conference taking place today and tomorrow on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania, headed by Dr. Elijah Anderson, who is a nationally recognized sociologist and ethnographer. When we look at the issue of poor, young, black males, the high level of incarceration rate, the low level of high school graduation, college attendance, employment opportunities, we -- and one of the things that was mentioned this morning at the conference -- is that young people, young black males, 15 to 29, represent about four percent of our population here, yet are about 50 percent of either perpetrators or victims of violent crime here in the City. This issue -- and there are other activities taking place around the City trying to address this particular problem -- I think is critical to how this City moves forward and what we do about this issue, not just on a national basis, and it is a national problem, but located right here in the City. This conference, I think, seeks to not only point out many of the issues, and we're very well aware of them, but also seeks to put forward recommendations and ideas. If any of my colleagues or others who may be listening have an opportunity to stop past this conference, of the most important meetings that takes place this year. Thank you very much, Madam President.
You're welcome. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ramos.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, the Congress of the United States again is taking up the ongoing historical issue of the political status of the island of Puerto Rico. Two people involved in this issue are here in Chambers today, and I would like to recognize them. I'd like to recognize the presence of Senator Eduardo Bhatia. He's the national Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Office in Washington, DC, and accompanying him is the Regional Director of that office, Maria Quinones Sanchez, who is also a former staffer of they please stand up so we could recognize you. (Applause.)
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.
Madam President, I move that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, April 27th at 10:00 a.m. (Duly seconded.)
Before we vote on that, I have been asked if all Councilmembers would just stay in the Chamber so that we could have a photo from Seattle, Washington. It has been moved and seconded that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, April 27th at 10:00 a.m. All in favor will please say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. Thank you all very much. (Stated Meeting adjourned at 11:15 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 April 20, 2006, 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.)