COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 401, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, April 13, 2000 10:10 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA, Chair COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE L. BLACKWELL COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILMAN DAVID COHEN COUNCILMAN FRANK J. DI CICCO COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN JAMES F. KENNEY COUNCILWOMAN JOAN L. KRAJEWSKI COUNCILMAN W. THACHER LONGSTRETH COUNCILMAN RICHARD T. MARIANO COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER COUNCILMAN MICHAEL A. NUTTER COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO MARIE HAUSER, CHIEF CLERK VINCENT VARALLO ASSOCIATES, INC. Registered Professional Reporters Eleven Penn Center 1835 Market Street, Suite 600 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103 INVOCATION
I note that the hour has come and that a quorum of this Council is present. The Council will come to order. Members will take their seats. Visitors will retire to the seats outside the rails. Councilman Clarke, do you want to be recognized? Your light is on.
Thank you. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair welcomes Bishop Andrew Ford, Jr., Pastor of the Ford Memorial Temple. He is here today as the guest of Councilwoman Miller. All members and guests will please rise.
Heavenly Father, we come before you today to say thank you. We thank you for this day that you have made, for it is a day that we shall bless your name and be glad therein. We thank you even, God, for another Council meeting to have brought people from different parts of this great city together to make policy and to do things that would cause the city to rise above the ashes. God, we thank you for our Chairman. We thank you for everyone in their particular places. INVOCATION God, we ask you to continue to smile upon this city. Bless our Mayor and those that are in position to make this city grow like never before. Help us that we would have a spirit of unity that as we come together in this meeting today that when we leave this room, this city will leave a greater place. Touch each neighborhood. Touch each economic situation. Touch the state government that they will turn over the finances that we may be blessed to do a greater work. God, as we stand here today, touch each of our hearts that we not be here for any personal reasons, but our decisions and the decisions that shall be made will be made for the betterment of every community. Bless our children that they shall get a greater education. Bless the homeless that before you come back every man, woman, and child will have a roof over their head. Bless our church community that we may come together in unity to continue to pray for this great caucus. We bless your name and we magnify you in the precious name of Jesus we pray. Now, let the words of our mouth and the meditations of our hearts be acceptable in thy sight, oh, Lord, our strength and our redeemer. This we pray in Jesus name. APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL Everyone, say Amen. MEMBERS: Amen.
The Chair thanks Bishop Ford for his inspiring invocation. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting March 30, 2000. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Journal of Thursday, March 30, 2000 stand approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, March 30, 2000, stand approved. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed, nay. The ayes have it. The motion carries. The Journal of Thursday March 30, 2000 is approved.
The next order LEAVES OF ABSENCE of business is requests for leaves of absence. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. On the behalf of the majority, a leave of absence is requested for Councilman Ortiz.
Leave will be granted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Longstreth. Councilman Longstreth, are there any requests for leaves of absence on part of the minority?
I request leave of absence for Brian O'Neill. Councilman O'Neill is out of town.
The Chair thanks the Councilman. 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 Council, I welcome you to our session this morning. We appreciate your taking the time to join us as we attend to the legislative affairs of our City. We PRESENTATIONS certainly invite you to come again. Today we are honoring Mr. Russell Buoncuore -- is Councilman DiCicco back in the room? He is not. We will then go on with another presentation. April is Child Abuse Awareness Month, and Council is pleased to commemorate such an important observance this morning. Will Councilwoman Brown and Councilman Clarke please come forward to make this presentation. I would ask Helen Dennis, Executive Director of the Philadelphia Society for Services to Children to also join the Councilmembers. And anyone that's accompanying Ms. Dennis, I would also welcome them to come to the podium. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam Chair. I'm delighted to join my colleague Councilman Darrell Clarke in what we all know to be or should be a front-burner issue when it comes to protecting the children in the City and throughout the region. And so we are here to declare April as Child Abuse Prevention Month here in Philadelphia. Whereas, child abuse is a community PRESENTATIONS problem and finding solutions depends on involvement of people and organizations throughout our entire community; and, Whereas, child abuse and neglect is of serious broad concern in the nation and in the City of Philadelphia; and, Whereas, if counted in official statistics, child abuse would count for one-fifth of the nation's crime; and, Whereas, more than 30 Philadelphia children, I repeat, 30 Philadelphia children, are reported abused or neglected every day. In 1998, the City Department of Human Services determined that over 1500 young children suffered definite harm as a result of abuse and neglect; and, Whereas, the tragic effects of child abuse can last a lifetime and child abuse or neglect tends to continue from generation to generation. The financial cost to the community of responding to child abuse exceeds $10,000 a year per child; and
Whereas, effective child abuse prevention programs succeed because of partnerships among social service agencies, schools, health care organization, religious and civic PRESENTATIONS organizations, law enforcement agencies, and the business community; and Whereas, all citizens should become more aware of the negative effects of child abuse and its prevention and become active in supporting parents to raise their children in a safe, nurturing environment; and, Whereas, in declaring April Child Abuse Prevention Month in Philadelphia, we call upon all citizens, community agencies, religious and health organizations, corporations and businesses to keep all children safe at home thereby strengthening the Philadelphia community. Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Council of the City of Philadelphia that the City Council of Philadelphia declares April Child Abuse Prevention Month in Philadelphia. Signed, Council President Anna Verna and all Members of Council. (Applause.)
On behalf of the Philadelphia Society for Services to Children whose PRESENTATIONS mission it is to prevent child abuse and to strengthen and sustain families, I thank Council for this resolution and for your caring with us about our City's children and their families. Thank you. (Applause.)
Is there some one else that wants to be recognized?
Hello, I'm Cheryl Ransom, Executive Deputy of the Department of Human Services here for Commissioner Martinez. I'm here to thank you, Council, for this resolution. Child abuse prevention is so important and it's one of the priorities of DHS and we need all of your support in doing that. And we will continue to work hard at this effort to make sure that every child is safe. Thank you. (Applause.)
Today we are also honoring Mr. Russell Buoncuore. Will Councilman DiCicco and Councilman Clarke please come forward to make this presentation. And will the PRESENTATIONS recipient and those accompanying him kindly come forward and join the Councilmen.
Good morning. Today we have a resolution honoring Russell Buoncuore. Whereas, at approximately 8:30 a.m. on February the 10th, eight construction workers were hard at work smoothing concrete onto a ramp that would form part of the underground parking garage at the Regional Performance Art Center.
Whereas, suddenly the grid work supporting the platform on which they were standing collapsed, plunging the eight men 40 feet into pit filled with steel, wood, and 40 tons of fresh concrete; and
Whereas, Russell Buoncuore, a crane operator for nearly 38 years immediately blew the crane's horn to alert other workers of danger; and
Whereas, within minutes, fire trucks, ambulances, police, and other rescue workers convened on the scene working to free the trapped men. Two men were freed by emergency personnel leaving six trapped in the debris. PRESENTATIONS
And, whereas, without hesitation, Mr. Buoncuore swung a 230-foot boom over the hole where a stretcher was attached to the hook. As the men were loaded on the stretcher one at a time, Mr. Buoncuore gingerly and smoothly lifted each man from the hole to the waiting ambulances. One mistake could have shifted the stretcher sending an injured back into the pit; and Whereas, miraculously all eight are expected to make a full recovery. Doctors and city officials credit the quick work of the fire rescue teams and in particular Mr. Buoncuore, calling him a hero. Now, therefore
Resolved by the Council of the City of Philadelphia that we hereby honor and commend Russell Buoncuore for going above and beyond the call of duty. His act of heroism is a shining example of what the Golden Rule means and how we should all respond in moments of danger and stress. Be it further resolved that a engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Mr. Buoncuore as evidence of the admiration and respect COMMUNICATIONS of this legislative body. Signed by Council President Anna C. Verna, introduced by myself and all Members of City Council. Congratulations. (Applause.)
Good morning. On behalf of my family and myself, I'd like to thank you for the honor and the privilege for being here. And I also think that there's a lot of other people that should probably be here with me, namely, the fellow construction workers and the Philadelphia Fire Department all done a lot of great things that day. And I think it was actually a miracle. They call it miracle on Broad Street, and I think maybe the Good Lord had to do with it, too. Thank you. (Applause.)
The next order of business is communications. The Chair requests COMMUNICATIONS that the Sergeant-at-arms deliver the messages from the Mayor to the Clerk. The Clerk will read the messages from the Mayor.
April 11, 2000. I am pleased to advise you that I have today signed the following bills that were passed by Council at its session on March 30th: Bill No. 000003, 000004, 000005, 000006, 000007, 000008, 000009, 000010, 000012, 000013, 000015, 000017, 000118, 000119, and 000122. And an ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance 980897, approved January 5, 1999, entitled an ordinance authorizing revision of lines and grades on a portion of 12th Street and Kovats Street. And to the President and Members of the Council, I'm pleased to advise you that I have today signed the following bills which were passed by Council at its session on March 23, 2000: Bill No. 000082 and 000106. And a resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the Philadelphia for COMMUNICATIONS the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of West Mill Urban Renewal Area. And I am transmitting herewith the consideration of your honorable body a draft of a resolution entitled resolution confirming the appointment of Kenneth Trujillo, Esquire, as City Solicitor. And an ordinance creating the West Chestnut Retail Tax Increment Financing District and approving the project plan of the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development. And an ordinance approving the redevelopment proposal of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment of a portion of the Germantown Redevelopment Area Wistar Three Urban Renewal Area. And an ordinance authorizing the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, PAID, to purchase a certain 66.4-acre tract of land situate a 4501 Richmond for a consideration not to exceed 3,300,000. And an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City COMMUNICATIONS of Philadelphia -- the Authority for Industrial Development without consideration a deed conveying fee simple title to a certain tract of City-owned land situate at 1300, 1302, 1304 Frankford Avenue and subject to the terms and conditions of the Philadelphia Industrial and Commercial Development Agreement between the City, PAID, and the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation. An ordinance creating Networks Tax Increment Financing District and approving the project plan of the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, PAID, for the redevelopment of the Networks Tax Increment Financing District. An ordinance creating South 9th Retail Tax Increment Financing District and approving the project plan of the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development. And an ordinance creating Schmitz Plaza Tax Increment Financing District and approving the project plan of the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development. And an ordinance authorizing the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, PAID, to purchase a certain tract of 18.4-acre tract INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS of land situate at 3101 East Orthodox Street for a consideration not to exceed 874,500.
The messages will be printed in the Journal. The Clerk will please any other communications in her possession.
The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. This morning I have one resolution on your behalf -- I'm sorry. Excuse me, Madam President.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Rules of Council be suspended to permit immediate consideration of all resolutions at their time of introduction. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit immediate consideration of resolutions at the time of introduction. All in favor of the motion will say aye. Those opposed, nay. The ayes have it and the motion is carried. We will now consider a special order of business. A resolution recalling Bill No. 000120. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco.
The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution requesting the Mayor to return to Council Bill No. 000120 entitled an ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance Bill No. 980897 approved January 5, 1999, entitled an ordinance authorizing the revision and grades on a portion of City Plan by relocating a portion of the northerly curb line of INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS Clover Street between 12th Street and Kovats Street.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and duly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed, nay. The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. The Clerk will read the letter from the Mayor.
April 13, 2000. To the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am returning herewith as requested by your resolution adopted April 13, 2000, Bill No. 000120 entitled an ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance Bill No. 980897 approved January 5, 1999, entitled an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS City Plan No. 307 by relocating a portion of the northerly curb line of Clover Street.
At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco for a motion that Council reconsider the vote by which Bill No. 000120 was passed.
All in favor, let it be known by saying aye. Those opposed, nay. The ayes have it. The Clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 000120.
An ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance Bill No. 980897 approved January 5, 1999, entitled an ordinance authorizing revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 307 by relocating a portion of the northerly curb line of Clover Street between 12th Street and Kovats Street and relocating a portion of the southerly curb line of Market Street between 12th Street and 13th Street, under certain INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS terms and conditions.
Aye. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS The ayes are 15. The nays are 0. A majority of all Members having voted in the affirmative, the vote by which 120 was passed has been reconsidered. This bill having been approved and reconsidered is now before us. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco for the purpose of introducing an amendment.
Thank you, Madam President. Amendment to Bill No. 000120, add "The Council of the City of Philadelphia hereby ordains." Thank you, Madam President. I offer that as an amendment.
Thank you. Does the stenographer and all Members have a copy of the amendment?
Madam President, just a point of order, it's a technical amendment. The contents of the bill does not change, it's just a technical amendment.
At this time are you moving for the approval of the amendment?
You'll make a INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS motion.
Madam President, I heard everything that Councilman DiCicco said. Do I understand that there are copies of the amendment floating around somewhere?
While the amendment is being circulated, I just want to see what we can do about clearing up the matter here. This was a bill that had been previously passed, and some human error, I guess, failed to include the language which is typical on all bills that the Council of the City Philadelphia hereby ordains. It is a technical glitch. That's the purpose for the INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS amendment today. Nothing changes in the contents of the bill, as I stated earlier. This has to do with encroachment on a sidewalk for the Loews Hotel which is now up and running and we have to make it all legal by the language that was left off the original bill.
Thank you. Any questions from any Members? Any Members have any questions on this matter? The Chair again recognizes Councilman DiCicco to make a motion.
Madam President, I move for adoption of the amendment. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the amendment be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed. The ayes have it. The motion is carried. The bill, as amended, will be printed and placed on the Final Passage Calendar for our next meeting. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney for the purpose of introducing any bills or resolutions.
Thank you, Madam President. On behalf of Councilmember Ortiz who is absent, I offer one privilege resolution.
The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution recognizing April 30, 2000 El Dia de Los Ninos, Children's Day, in the City of Philadelphia.
I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed, nay. The ayes have it. The motion is carried. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS Blackwell.
Madam President, this morning I have one bill on your behalf and one bill and resolution on my own behalf.
The Chief Clerk will please read the first bill.
An ordinance creating the West Chestnut Retail Tax Increment Financing District and approving the project plan of the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development.
This bill will be referred to appropriate committee. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the second bill.
The Clerk will please the title of the first resolution.
A resolution confirming the appointment of Kenneth I. Trujillo, INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS Esquire, as City Solicitor.
This resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee.
A resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for redevelopment urban renewal of West Mill Creek Urban Renewal Area.
Thank you, Madam President. I move the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it. The motion is carried. The Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen.
Madam President, I offer one resolution which I'm going to ask a vote INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS since it deals with two committees.
A resolution authorizing a full and comprehensive joint investigation by Council's Committees on Law and Government and Commerce and Economic Development of the allegations raised in the PICA and Controller's Office report concerning the economic stimulus program and the use of quasi-governmental bodies to distribute public funds to private for-profit enterprises.
Councilman Cohen, you're asking for a roll call vote.
Aye. The ayes are 14. The nays are 1. The resolution will be referred to the appropriate committees. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance Bill No. 980547, an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 187 by striking from the City Plan and vacating a legally open portion of Belgrade Street from Butler Street to Castor Avenue.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
An ordinance INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS authorizing the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development to purchase a certain 18.41-acre tract of land situate at 3101 East Orthodox Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
An ordinance authorizing the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development to purchase a certain 66.4-acre tract of land situate at 4501 Richmond Street for a consideration not to exceed $3 million.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano.
The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution declaring the week of April 24th through April 30th as the anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War Commemoration Week in Philadelphia.
The Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed, nay. The ayes have it. The motion is carried. Councilman Rizzo, you have your light on.
Yes, Madam President. Madam President, there's a resolution that's going to be read. I have to abstain from voting on the resolution. I'm affiliated with a corporation that owns a religious broadcast station that may be applying for license renewal.
Councilman Rizzo, at the time of the vote you can merely say that you're abstaining and say why.
Okay. I was directed by Counsel to do it before the resolution was read.
No, it's not necessary to do it before, sir. Thank you. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution introduced by Councilwoman Tasco.
A resolution calling on the Federal Communications Commission to continue to permit the broadcast of religious and spiritual radio and television programs.
Thank you, Madam President. I'd like to speak on the resolution. I move for the adoption of the resolution first.
I introduced this resolution to allow our City Councilmembers to go on record as opposing any attempt to restrict religious broadcasting on radio and television. This attempt by the same organization that succeeded in banning the reading of the Bible and conductive prayer in our nation's schools seeks to prohibit the reading of the Bible on the airways and of our country and it seeks also to eliminate all seasonal programing of Christmas theme songs and music from the airways, public schools, and office buildings. And also if INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS it is affirmed this petition now contains 287,000 signatures and will prohibit all Sunday worship services and limit the content of all other programs. When we speak of family and social values, we must protect the freedom of speech. This is what I believe we ought to protect, the right of people to express themselves and also practice their belief and spiritual activities. I am asking all Councilmembers to write to protest this petition and any of our listening audience to also protect the right of free speech. Thank you very much.
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 signify by saying aye. Those opposed?
Councilman Rizzo. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS
Madam President, I have to abstain from voting on this resolution. I'm affiliated with a corporation that owns a religious broadcast station that may be applying for license renewal presently before the Federal Communications Commission.
The ayes are 14. The nays are one. The motion are carried. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Madam President, I offer two resolutions and one bill.
The Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance approving the redevelopment proposal of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment of a portion of the Germantown Redevelopment Area Wistar Three Urban Renewal Area being the area generally bounded by Wakefield Street, Baynton Street between Wistar Street and Shedaker Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Clerk INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS will please read the title of the first resolution.
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 fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon in the 13th and the 22nd Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it. The motion is carried. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the second resolution introduced by Councilwoman Miller. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS
A resolution declaring Saturday, April 22, 2000, Sultan Jahad Hamad (ph) Scholarship Fund and Keystone Mercy Health Plan 2000 Family Walk for Peace Day.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it. The motion is carried. Councilman Rizzo, with Councilwoman Tasco's resolution, you want to abstain or do you want to vote no?
The record will then reflect that the ayes were 14 and 1 abstention.
Thank you, Madam President. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS
You're welcome. The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter.
The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution authorizing the Council Committee on Fiscal Stability and Intergovernmental Cooperation hold hearings in order to fully examine and analyze the current and future financial condition of the School District of Philadelphia and to receive testimony from Mayor John F. Street and the Board of Education on proposed plans to stabilize the funding base of the School District to prevent fiscal insolvency, avoid a possible State takeover, and ensure a quality education for Philadelphia's Public School children.
Madam President, I move the adoption of the resolution, and I wish to be heard on the resolution as well. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, this is an issue that we've had some discussion on in the past. I've raised this matter in this body sometime ago here on the floor concerning the future financial situation of the School District. The Mayor has made numerous pronouncements and encouraged the citizens of this City to get involved with this particular issue through the education town meetings that he's been hosting throughout the City. Again, I personally know the Mayor's concern for public education and I'm sure that he is working on various plans and proposals to make sure that the schools are able to open in September and continue on through the school year 2000. Notwithstanding that, there is also a concern that the plan for the future of the School District is not particularly clear at that moment. We also know that the teachers' contract expires at the end of August of this year. It is very difficulty, naturally, to negotiate a contract when the Board of Education has recently passed a lump sum statement indicating that in the next fiscal INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS year the School District anticipates a $205 million deficit. So I am very concerned about that state of affairs. We know when the City was facing a similar fiscal crisis some 10-odd years ago upwards of $200 million, action was taken and there was no discussion, certainly out in public, that the City would possibly be allowed to run out of money. It was at that time, quite coincidentally, Madam President, Councilperson Street and Councilman O'Neill, our colleague, who introduced a resolution back in late 1990 which created the select Committee on Fiscal Stability and Intergovernmental Cooperation. They held 23 hearings in a 10-month period of time between the end of 1990 and the end of 1991. The result of all of that work was a fiscal recovery plan that led to an Intergovernmental Cooperation Agreement and creation of PICA which was passed by City Council on January 3, 1992. So there are a number of things I think, Madam President, that can be done, that should be done, and the public needs to be made quite aware and early what those steps are and that we are INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS committed to public education in this City. But also we're making sure that the schools stay open and that we have our own financial recovery plan. I do not know what Harrisburg will do, and I don't have the opportunity, certainly, to have the level of discussion that the Mayor has with the legislators and with the Governor's Office. What I do know is that we are here in the City. It's very easy for our constituents to reach us, to touch us, and also express their concern about what's going on. And as time moves on and as there is less information out in the public, I believe that we owe the citizens of this City the obligation to get information to them as quickly as possible and make sure that City Council is well aware of what the fiscal implications are on the School District and potentially on the City of Philadelphia. So I would ask my colleagues, almost all of whom who have signed the resolution, to support it here this morning to make sure that we begin a process publicly of establishing a recovery plan for the School District of the City in the event that significant dollars do not come from Harrisburg. And we know from reading, at least, news accounts INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS that the State is talking about how they will proceed if they need to step in and take over the School District. I don't think anyone, including Mayor Street, wants to see that happen. Thank you, Madam President.
Thank you. This resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions this morning.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer one bill and two resolutions.
The chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
A ordinance amending Chapter 16-400 of the Philadelphia Code entitled, Vacant and Surplus Properties, by amending Section 16-404 entitled, the Vacant Property Review Committee, by adding subsections on the Philadelphia INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS Commercial Development Corporation.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution declaring April 26, 2000, as National Community Economic Development Day in the City of Philadelphia.
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 signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it. The motion is carried. The Clerk will please read the title of the second resolution. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS
A resolution endorsing the Global Sullivan Principles of Cooperate Social Responsibilities and encouraging companies, domestic and international, to adopt these principles.
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 signify by saying aye. Those opposed, nay. The ayes have it. The motion is carried. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco.
The Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS creating the Schmitz Plaza Tax Increment Financing District and approving the project plan of the redevelopment project plan.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
An ordinance creating the South Ninth Retail Tax Increment Financing District.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development a deed conveying fee simple title to a certain tract of City-owned land.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
An ordinance granting permission to Columbia Transmission Communications Corporation, a Delaware corporation, its successors and assigns to construct, maintain and operate, replace and remove telecommunications systems.
This bill will INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS be referred to the appropriate committee.
An ordinance amending Section 19-1303(2) of the Philadelphia Code entitled Authorization to Offer Exception from Real Estate Taxes or Improvements to Deteriorated Industrial Commercial or Other Business Properties.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
An ordinance amending Section 19-1303(4) of the Philadelphia Code entitled Authorization to Offer Exception from Real Estate Tax on the New Construction of Residential Properties by changing the exemption schedule.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
An ordinance amending section 19-1303(2) of the Philadelphia Code entitled Authorization to Offer Exemption from Real Estate Tax on Improvements to Residential Properties.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
An ordinance amending Section 9-402 of the Philadelphia Code INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS entitled Animal Drawn Carriages and Section 10-108 entitled Rental and Carriage Horses by making various changes to the provisions governing the animal drawn carriage business.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Thank you, Madam Chair. I have two bills and one resolution.
The Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance amending Section 12-2409 of the Philadelphia Code entitled Towing Zone Locations and Hours by adding as a towing zone location the north and south sides of Greene Street between 11th and 12th Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
An ordinance creating the Networks Tax Increment Financing District and approving the project plan of the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, PAID, for the redevelopment of the Networks tax increment Financing District. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
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 properties situate in the 28th, 29th, 32nd, and 37th Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it. The motion is carried. The Chair recognizes Councilman INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS Longstreth.
The Chair thanks the Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
The Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution supporting and congratulating the Philadelphia Family Court and the Philadelphia Court Appointed Special Advocate Program for their recognition of month of April as Official Philadelphia Child Abuse Prevention Month.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed, nay. The ayes have it. The motion is carried. The Clerk will please read the title of the second resolution.
A resolution honoring and commending the career and achievements of Philadelphia's legendary Mr. Television, Ed McMahon.
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 signify by saying aye. Those opposed, nay. The ayes have it. The motion is carried. The Chief Clerk will please read the last resolution. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES
A resolution recognizing May 1, 2000, as Law Day 2000 and the week of May 1, 2000 to May 6, 2000 as Law Week in the City of Philadelphia.
I move for the adoption of this resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed, nay. The ayes have it. The motion is carried.
The next order of business is reports from committees. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney for a report from the Rules Committee.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Rules reports out four bills with favorable recommendation. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES
To the President and Members of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Rules to which was referred bill 000014 entitled an ordinance amending Title 14 of the Philadelphia Code relating to zoning and planning by amending 14-1600, miscellaneous, by adding a new Section 14-1619 entitled Frankford Avenue Special District Controls. Bill No. 000027 entitled an ordinance amending Title 14 of the Philadelphia Code relating to zoning and planning by amending Chapter 14-1600 entitled Miscellaneous by adding a new section 14-1607.1 entitled Special Controls for Walnut Street, under certain terms and conditions. Bill No. 000062, an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located with an area bounded by Carpenter Street, Greene Street West View Avenue, and Sherman Road. Bill No. 000110 entitled an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of areas of land located within REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES an area bounded by Frankford Avenue, the Poquessing Creek, Woodhaven Road, Knights Road, Academy Road, Byberry Road, Walter Meyer Drive, Red Lion Road, and Knights Road.
Madam President, I move the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading of bill No. 000027 and 000110 today.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit First Reading of Bill Nos. 000027 and 000110 on today's calendar. All in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. Those opposed, nay. The ayes have it and these bills will be placed on the First Reading Calendar for today's session. Bill Nos. 000014 and 000062 will be REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES placed on the First Reading Calendar for our next session. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco for a report from the Streets and Services Committee.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Streets and Services reports two bills with a favorable recommendation.
To the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Streets and Services to which was referred Bill No. 000139, an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 376 by striking from the City Plan and vacating a portion of McNulty Road and a portion of Meeting House Road by placing on the City Plan a dead-end turn-around at the terminus of McNulty Road.
Madam President, there were two. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES
No. Bill No. 000145, an ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance Bill No. 980709 approved December 30, 1998, entitled an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 46S in the area of Gary Street and 20th Street by placing on the City Plan Gary Street from 20th Street to da Vinci Drive and Justina Circle from da Vinci Drive westward.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bills No. 000139 and 000145. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly second that the Rules of Council be suspended as to permit First Reading of Bill Nos. FIRST READING CALENDAR 000139 and 000145 on today's Calendar. All in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. Those opposed, nay. The ayes have it. And the motion is carried. These bills will be placed on the First Reading Calendar for today. Are there reports from any other committees? (No response.)
Seeing none, the next order of business is the consideration of the calendar. The Clerk will please read the bills on the First Reading Calendar.
Bill No. 000027, an ordinance amending Title 14 of the Philadelphia Code relating to zoning and planning by amending Chapter 14-1600 entitled Miscellaneous by adding a new Section 14-1607.1 entitled Special Controls for Walnut Street, under certain terms and conditions.
Bill No. 000110, an FIRST READING CALENDAR ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Frankford Avenue, Poquessing Creek, Woodhaven Road, Knights Road, Academy Road, Byberry Road, Walter Meyer Drive, Red Lion Road, and Knights Road.
Bill No. 000139, an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 376 by striking from the City Plan and vacating a portion of McNulty Road and a portion of Meeting House Road.
Bill No. 000145, an ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance Bill No. 980709 approved December 30, 1998, entitled an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 46S in the area of Gary Street and 20th Street by placing on the City Plan Gary Street from 20th Street to da Vinci Drive.
The Chair SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE CALENDAR agrees. The bills read by the Clerk will be placed on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for our next meeting. This concludes the consideration of bills on the First Reading Calendar.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for the purpose of calling up bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar.
Thank you, Madam President. Today Bill No. 000105 is called up for Second Reading and Final Passage.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Clerk read the title of Bill No. 000105.
Bill No. 000105, an ordinance approving the redevelopment proposal of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment of a portion of Parkside National Register Historical District Redevelopment Area, Parkside National Register SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE CALENDAR Historical District Urban Renewal Area bounded by Parkside Avenue and Girard Avenue.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally? The Clerk call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 15, the nays are 0. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. This concludes the Calendar.
Are there any SPEECHES speeches on the part of the majority? (No response.)
Are there any speeches on the part of the minority? (No response.)
There being none the Chair recognizes -- Councilwoman Blackwell, did you want to be recognized?
Yes, Madam President. We learned this morning that over the weekend you as our president will be celebrating a birthday.
Nobody is supposed to know that. I want to forget them.
So we did want to say happy birthday. And would everyone join me. (Singing.)
Councilwoman Tasco, can I recognize you for a motion to adjourn, please.
Madam President, I move that Council be adjourned until Thursday, April ADJOURNMENT 27, 2000. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Council stand adjourned until Thursday April 27, 2000. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? Thank you very much. Thank you all very much. (Council adjourned at 11:25 a.m.) C E R T I F I C A T I O N I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing proceedings of the Council of the City of Philadelphia of April 13, 2000, were reported fully and accurately by me, and that this is a correct transcript of the same. RE: STATED MEETING ___________________________ Lisa C. Bradley, RPR and Notary Public