COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, April 15, 2010 10:20 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILMAN FRANK DiCICCO COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN BILL GREEN COUNCILMAN WILLIAM GREENLEE COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILMAN JACK KELLY COUNCILMAN JAMES F. KENNEY COUNCILWOMAN JOAN L. KRAJEWSKI COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILWOMAN MARIA QUINONES-SANCHEZ COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO MICHAEL A. DECKER,
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 outside the rails. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Reverend Doctor Leslie Callahan of St. Paul's Baptist Church. She is here today as the guest of Councilwoman Tasco. I would ask all members and guests to please rise. (Members and guests rise.)
Let us pray. Creator of all that is loving and just, we come this morning with gratitude to lift before your gracious sight the City of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. We come especially to offer prayers for its citizens, from the least to the greatest, from the youngest to the eldest, the rich and poor in every And for the good of these citizens, we pray your holy presence upon our city government. Upon our Mayor and the City Councilmembers here gathered, we pray that you will lead and guide and direct, that you by your presence will provide the boundaries of their decisions and discourse and even disputes. In all of the complexity of their deliberations, help them to remember always the divine mandate to willpower to do justice, to love mercy and walk humbly, even as you lead us all towards the common good and beloved community. We pray in the name of love and justice. Amen. (Amen.)
The Chair thanks Reverend Callahan for her 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 8th, 2010. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Madam Chair. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, April 8th, 2010 stand approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, April 8th, 2010 stand approved. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the Journal is approved. business is requests for leave of absence, and, again, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Madam Chair. On behalf of the majority, there are no requests for leave of absence today.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. 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 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 Rizzo, who will present a resolution honoring Dave Roberts on the occasion of his retirement from Action News. Will Mr. Roberts and those accompanying him please join the Councilman at the podium. I see that Councilman Rizzo is being accompanied by Councilman Jones and Councilman Green, and Councilwoman Krajewski is also joining them. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
Thank you, Madam President. Good morning. I'd like to welcome Dave Roberts, who we all know, his wife, daughters, also some of his colleagues from Action News, Jim Gardner, O'Donnell, Rick Williams, and if I've missed anybody, I'm sorry, but we'll catch up to those folks. Vernon Odom is here working.
Good. All right. Don't want to get Vernon mad. Recognizing, honoring, celebrating and thanking Dave Roberts on the occasion of his retirement as Action News Weatherman and Broadcaster. Whereas, Dave Roberts began his professional career at Syracuse University, where he studied Speech and Dramatic Arts and majored in English and Communications; Whereas, in the fall of 1953, Dave worked at two radio stations in Syracuse, WAER-FM and then later at 1956, Dave began his television career on Christmas Eve at WBUF-TV, the NBC-owned station in Buffalo, New York; and
Whereas, in 1958, Mr. Roberts was drafted, and while serving in Panama, worked as the News Director of the U.S. Army for the Caribbean Forces Radio-TV Network in the Panama Canal Zone and later also broadcasted on Armed Forces Radio in New York City; Whereas, Mr. Roberts, one of the most trusted and beloved personalities in local television history, joined WPVI on May 15th, 1978 as co-host of Channel 6's AM Philadelphia, a new morning talk show, and Action News' Weather Anchor for the noon newscast, was most often seen on the 5:00, 6:00 and 11:00 p.m. newscasts, the most watched in the tri-state area, and co-hosted his final 6abc Ikea Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 26th, 2009, and his final on December 11th, 2009; and
Whereas, Mr. Roberts is active in many organizations, including the Variety Club, The Children's Charity and the Knights of Columbus, where he is a Fourth Degree Knight. His charity work includes Catholic Charity Drives, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the Lupus Foundation and the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. He also served as the host of the Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon on 6abc; Whereas, in 2000, Mr. Roberts was named "Person of the Year" by the Philadelphia Broadcast Pioneers and was inducted into the Pioneers Hall of Fame in 2001, was inducted also into the Buffalo, New York Broadcasters' Hall of Fame; and
And whereas, in May 2002, Mr. Roberts received a Doctor of Humane Letters College in Philadelphia, and in May 2004 was awarded the Whitney M. Young Junior Service Award from the Boy Scouts for unselfish service to the youth of America.
Be it resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that it recognizes, honors, celebrates and thanks Dave Roberts on the occasion of his retirement as Action News Weatherman and Broadcaster. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Dave, further evidencing the sincere admiration and gratitude of this legislative body. (Applause.)
Thank you. When Stock's Bakery from my area, Port Richmond, heard that Mr. Roberts was coming in, they asked me, of our pound cakes. (Applause.)
I'd like to first introduce Jim Gardner, who has, we all know, worked with Dave for many, many years. Jim. (Applause.)
Thank you. I've been asked to introduce the Channel 6 folks here on the podium. Bernie Prazenica is our President and General Manager. (Applause.)
Rick Williams is an Executive Producer of our news efforts. (Applause.)
Tamala Edwards and Matt O'Donnell from Action News in the mornings. (Applause.)
Vernon Odom. I don't see the need to put any category. (Applause.)
Our guest of honor, Griffin, who is Dave's magnificently gorgeous grandson. (Applause.)
And Dave's lovely daughter, Bo, whom I like to call Karen, because that is her God-given name. (Applause.)
And this is our group. Leave it to Dave Roberts to reaffirm his spirit of bipartisanship and unity to Philadelphia City Council. He's an unusual guy. Dave Roberts has no enemy. If you know Dave Roberts, you love him and admire him, and one of the reasons for that is he has an unfailing to everyone whom he knows and whom he meets almost like fairy dust. He also gives everyone the sense that he is interested in their lives, whether he has known them for 35 minutes or 35 years. He is an extraordinary man and deserves your recognition here today. But, of course, he also brings to this meeting the fact that he is a consummate broadcaster and has been so in Philadelphia for all these years. He brought with him to the process of weather forecasting in Philadelphia a great talent but also a great common sense. For instance, when Channel 6 made the transition from the old days of good guys and bad guys on magnets on a wall to what is an utterly high-tech weather presentation of today, Dave understood inherently that the more recent presentation requires a human touch, and that he did, and set the those who joined him and those who followed him, and that is one of the legacies that he leaves at Channel 6. From his colleague, me, from a fellow broadcaster, I'm also here to say that he brought to his job an extraordinary versatility. The weather forecasting on a nightly basis was perhaps what he was known best for, but from my point of view, the job he did every Thanksgiving morning hosting or co-hosting our Thanksgiving Day Parade was, in a sense, Dave sitting at the head of Philadelphia's Thanksgiving table, and people loved it and felt comfortable with it, and Dave more than any individual I can think of really meant Thanksgiving in Philadelphia. Likewise, in the summertime when he took our hands and led us through the history and the fun of our July 4th celebration, for me Dave Roberts very much meant Independence Day in deserves your recognition, and I'm so proud to be able to introduce Dave to you. He has meant so much to me in my personal and professional life, but he has encouraged and garnered the love and admiration of a couple of million people in this area, but no more so than the couple of hundred people who miss him every day at Channel 6. We miss him. We love him. He is Dave Roberts, our dear colleague and our dear friend. (Standing ovation.)
Gardner is always a tough act to follow. I've been following him for, well, 35 years, and I treasure his friendship and his love. I am completely overwhelmed, folks. I've been in Council a few times over the years, and I must say, this morning is the calmest I've ever seen you, and I welcome that. Madam President, Councilmembers, thank you for the invitation, for being so kind to me with this resolution and for allowing me to bring my family. My wife Patty and I will celebrate 49 years of marriage this August. (Applause.)
She has always been by my side and to my back, and she's always been with me, and that is just something that I am most grateful for. And I'm fortunate to have my children with me today. My daughter, Bo. Bo, come up here. (Applause.)
She's from Vermont. She moved to Vermont, and she's a little shy. And, Beth, come on up. (Applause.)
She's a teacher at Shipley School. And to my grandson, Griffin, who is a student at Shipley. (Applause.)
So thank you for allowing me to bring them with me today and to share hugs and kisses in front of you. I'm so grateful to my Channel 6 family. I'm very surprised to see a whole bunch of them here today. To Bernie, our General Manager, and to all of my colleagues, I'm very, very grateful that you're here today. About 32 years ago, there were people that were very kind to me in the beginning and my wife. First of all, the people in the 9th Street Market, the Italian Market, were so kind to my family. They had us down there and they gave us a tour and they showed us around. It was wonderful. A young lady by the name of Anna Verna, who I met early on and was so kind and gracious and remains doing the same to this day. And then there was a large dominant figure by the name of Frank Rizzo that was very kind to me, very objective, very forceful. I don't need to describe him. So I'm so honored that I can look over to his son and think of your dad and all of the kind people over the years who have been most generous in allowing me to work in this area. Philadelphia is a wonderful place to live, it is a wonderful place to raise a family, and I just, from the bottom of my heart, thank all of you for this resolution and for allowing my family and I to be part of this wonderful world. God bless all of you. Thank you. (Standing ovation.)
The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Tasco, who will present a resolution acknowledging Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. and those accompanying her please join the Councilwoman at the podium. I see that Councilwoman Brown is joining Councilwoman Tasco for this presentation. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Madam President. You can see today we have Deltas who are coming here to have Delta Day in Philadelphia City Council. It's part of their social action -- part of our social action program of Delta Sigma Theta. They have Delta Days in DC where they meet with all the congressional representatives, as well as Delta Days in Harrisburg and other respective states where Deltas are located. So we're pleased that they have chosen to spend a day with us in City Council and have done that for a number of years. So Councilwoman Blondell will present this, because we are sorors, as well as our minister, Reverend Callahan, who is also a Delta. Recognizing and acknowledging Delta Sigma Theta Sorority on the occasion of the Annual Delta Day in Philadelphia City Council. Whereas, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated was founded at Howard University on January 13th in 1913 by 22 collegiate women with the primary focus of community service and academic excellence de-emphasizing the social side of sorority life. Within weeks after its inception, these founders participated in their first collective act of public service, marching in the Women's Suffrage March in Washington, DC; and Whereas -- Blondell will take over.
Whereas, the 22 founders envisioned a community service sorority that would use their promote academic excellence, provide scholarships, provide assistance to persons in need, educate and stimulate participation in the establishment of positive public policy, and to highlight issues and provide solutions for problems in our neighboring communities; and Whereas, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated has been incorporated since 1930 and now boasts a membership of more than 200,000 predominantly African American college-educated women in over 900 chapters located in the United States, England, Japan, Germany, the Virgin Islands, the Bahamas, Bermuda and the Republic of Korea; and
Whereas, the major programs of the Sorority are based upon the organization's Five Point Programmatic Thrusts of Economic Development, Educational Development, International Awareness and Involvement, Health, and Political Awareness and Involvement; and Whereas, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated is highly recognized for their commitment to sisterhood, scholarship, community service and the creation and implementation of programs that support the mission of Delta; and
Whereas, as a national and international body, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated has participated in 21 Delta Days in the Nation's Capital, and in March of 2003 became a Non-Governmental Organization at the United Nations, granting the organization special consultative status to the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations; and Whereas, chapters from across Pennsylvania participate annually in the Delta Days in Harrisburg, and we are honored and pleased to be joined by members of local chapters across the state, including Philadelphia, Quaker City and Valley Forge Alumnae Chapters, who want to continue our civic involvement and to further pledge our commitment to this city. Now, therefore, be it resolved
Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we acknowledge and honor Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated on the occasion of its Annual Delta Day in Philadelphia City Council. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to each of the local chapters of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated represented here today as an expression of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body. Certification, that this is a true and correct copy of the original resolution, adopted by the Council of the City of Philadelphia on the 28th day of 2010. Signed by President Anna Verna, introduced by Tasco and Brown and supported by all members of City Council. (Applause.)
My name is Tracey Carter and I'm President of Quaker City Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and I stand here representing the Philadelphia area chapters, of which we have with us Soror Vicky Rivers, who is the President of Philadelphia Alumnae. (Applause.)
And we also have with us Ms. Tommie Elzie, who is a student at Drexel University and is our Pennsylvania State Facilitator. (Applause.)
And as with last year, we brought along students from Roxborough High School so they could see work and learn how the process works. (Applause.)
As was mentioned, we are a public service sorority serving the communities all around the world based on our Five Point Program of Economic Development, Educational Development, Physical and Mental Health, International Awareness and Involvement, and Political Awareness and Involvement. And we appreciate this opportunity and thank you for your time and this resolution. At our last Delta Days, our second one, the resolution -- or the vote was taken to ban cell phone usage in cars, so we're excited to see what kind of thing happens today at this meeting today. Thank you. (Applause.)
Madam President, we invite Councilmembers to join us after Council to speak to the members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority for a few moments. Thank you.
The next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant-At-Arms deliver the messages 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 herewith for the consideration of your honorable body the following: An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City, as lessee, to enter into a ground lease agreement with the Board of Directors of City Trusts, as lessor, for a parcel of land located at the northeast corner of South 20th and Shunk Streets for continued use of the parcel for a branch library; and Also an ordinance authorizing Marianos Chris Fetfatzes to construct, own and maintain an encroachment in the form of an open-air cafe on the sidewalk located at 738 through 742 South 11th Street, all 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, Madam President. On your behalf and Councilman DiCicco's behalf and myself, I offer one resolution.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title.
A resolution congratulating the Saints John Neumann Goretti Boy's Basketball Team on winning the Philadelphia Catholics League Championship.
I move the adoption of the resolution. (Second 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 Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I introduce one resolution on behalf of myself and Councilman Kenney and certainly signed and sponsored by all members of Council.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title.
A resolution honoring and congratulating the Boys Varsity Basketball Team at Our Mother of Sorrows/St. Ignatius of Loyola School for winning the Pennsylvania State Grade School Boys Catholic Youth Organization Basketball Tournament.
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.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. 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. The Chief Clerk will please read the title.
An ordinance establishing a no parking anytime regulation on McMenamy Street, between Cottage Street and Jackson Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City, as lessee, to enter into a ground lease agreement with the City of Philadelphia Board of Directors of City Trusts, as lessor, for a parcel of land located at the northeast corner of South 20th and Shunk Streets.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I have no bills or resolutions.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Sanchez.
Thank you, Madam President. I have one bill and two resolutions.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance authorizing the HACE Community Development Corporation, 167 West Allegheny Avenue, to construct, own and maintain eight trash receptacles and twelve artificial metal palm trees, on the east and west footway of 5th Street.
The bill will 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 Forty-Third Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
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 say aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution recognizing and celebrating Telemundo Philadelphia's and the Please Touch Museum's Second Annual Dia del Nino, and declaring May 1st, 2010 as Dia del Nino in the City of Philadelphia.
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 say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Green.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution recognizing the Saturday during Penn Relay weekend as Coach Fred Rosenfeld Day in appreciation of his outstanding leadership and commitment to today's youth.
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.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. 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. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution authorizing the Committee on Public Health and Human Services to hold hearings to investigate the emergence of infant mortality as an epidemic in Philadelphia, the causes of infant mortality; the racial and ethnic disparities in the prevalence of infant mortality; and to evaluate infant morality prevention and reduction initiatives in order to reduce the rates of infant mortality.
Thank you, Madam President. I might add that that resolution was co-sponsored by the Chair of the Health and Human Services Committee, along with Councilwoman Blackwell and Councilman Green. 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 will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. I offer two bills and one resolution.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance amending Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "The Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code," by amending Subcode "PM," by amending Subcode PM-704, entitled "Building Standards Applicable to Designated Areas," by adding portions of the First Councilmanic District to the list of areas covered.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing Marianos Chris Fetfatzes, owner of 738 MOC Inc., 1108 Fitzwater Street, to construct, own and maintain an encroachment in the form of an open-air cafe on the sidewalk located at 738-742 South 11th Street.
The bill will 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 Second Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
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 properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, I have two bills and one resolution co-sponsored by Councilwoman Sanchez, Councilwoman Miller and Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, relating to "Zoning and Planning," by amending Chapter 14-1600, entitled "Miscellaneous," by amending Section 14-1611, entitled "Benjamin Franklin Parkway Controls."
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Title 19 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Finance, Taxes and Collections," by adding a new Chapter entitled "Tobacco and Tobacco-Related Products Tax."
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution recognizing the importance of both the Pennsylvania Association of Staff Nurses and Allied Health Professionals and Temple University Hospital, and urging both parties to achieve an agreement that is fair to all parties and that ensures the continuing delivery of quality care for patients.
Madam President, I move for the adoption. And I mean it in a very serious way, that we really want folks to get back to work to continue the quality care, because at the end of the day, the most important aspect of all of this are the patients that are in Temple Hospital. (Applause.) (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. (Applause. )
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
Madam President, I have one resolution also sponsored by all members of City Council.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title.
A resolution authorizing City Council's Committee on Public Safety to hold a public hearing to investigate and determine the cause of the repeated failures of the City of Philadelphia's Police Department Radio System.
Madam President, I move for the adoption of (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
It will be referred to the appropriate committee. Thank you. That concludes this phase of our session. The next order of business is reports from committees. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for a report from the Committee of the Whole.
Madam President, the Committee of the Whole reports one bill with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the report.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee of the Whole, to which was referred Bill No. 100212, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 20-304, entitled 'Compensation for Members of Boards, Commissions, Committees and Councils,' by revising the compensation for members of the Board of Revision of Taxes, 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.
I move Council be suspended so as to permit first reading of this bill today. (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 bill just reported from committee. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the bill just read will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney for a report from the Committee on Rules.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Rules with favorable recommendations.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the report.
The Committee on Rules, to which was referred Bill No. 090837, entitled "An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Wayne Avenue, Walnut Lane and Penn Central Railroad Right-of-Way"; and Bill No. 100096, entitled "An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by 59th Street, Lancaster Avenue, 62nd Street, Woodbine Avenue, and Upland Way"; and Bill No. 100133, entitled "An ordinance to amend the Institutional Development District Master Plan of for the construction of additions to Pearson and McGonigle Halls which are located at 1800 North Broad Street"; and Bill No. 100161, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Zoning and Planning,' by amending Section 14-703.2, entitled 'Passive Recreation District,' by revising the rules and regulations that apply within passive recreation districts"; and Bill No. 100195, entitled "An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Logan Street, 20th Street, Rockland Street, 18th Street, Windrim Avenue, Germantown Avenue, Roberts Avenue, Wayne Avenue, Windrim Avenue, Roosevelt Boulevard, Roberts Avenue, Pulaski Avenue, Apsley Street, Stenton Avenue, Abbotsford Avenue and Germantown Avenue"; and 100196, entitled "An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Germantown Avenue, Chelten Avenue, Kenyon Street, Schoolhouse Lane, Wissahickon Avenue and Rittenhouse Street"; and Bill No. 100197, entitled "An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Knox Street, Wyneva Street, Wayne Avenue, Logan Street, Pulaski Avenue, and Manheim Street," respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill Nos. 090837, 100096, 100133, 161, 195, 196 and 197. (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 say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the bills just read will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for a report from the Committee on Finance.
Madam President, the Committee on Finance reports two bills with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the report.
The Committee on Finance, to which was referred Bill No. 100184, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 19-513 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Tax Amnesty Program,' by providing for treatment of additions to tax"; and Bill No. 100186, entitled "An ordinance further amending Bill No. 090325, entitled 'An ordinance approving the Fiscal Year 2010 Capital Budget providing for the capital purposes of the Philadelphia Gas Works by approving a further amended Capital Budget for Fiscal Year 2010," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bills No. 100184 and 100186. (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 say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the bills just read will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. Kenney for a report from the Committee on the Environment.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on the Environment reports out one bill with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the report.
The Committee on the Environment, to which was referred Bill No. 090923, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code by amending Subcode 'B' ('The Philadelphia Building Code'), by adding a provision requiring that certain buildings have roof coverings that are white in color or Energy Star rated as highly reflective; and by making conforming amendments to Subcode 'R' ('The Philadelphia Residential Code'); all under certain terms and conditions," considered and amended the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Madam President, I move the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 090923. (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 bill just reported from committee. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The have it, and the bill just read will be placed on our First Reading and Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke for a special order of business.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, I want to offer a motion to reconsider the vote adopting Resolution 100235, also known as the NTI Program Statement, approving the Annual Program Statement and Budget for expenditures of FY2010 bond proceeds, which was adopted last week, and ask that it be referred to committee.
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the motion to reconsider Resolution No. 100235 be approved. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
Those 4/15/10 - STATED - 2ND READING opposed? (No response.)
The ayes have it, and the vote by which Resolution 100235 was adopted has been reconsidered. The resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee for public hearings.
Thank you. The next order of business is the consideration of the Calendar. I note that the bills just reported from committees with suspension of rules have been deemed to have had a first reading. The bills will be placed on our Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for our next session of Council. There are no additional bills on the First Reading Calendar. Therefore, at this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for the 4/15/10 - STATED - 2ND READING purpose of calling up the bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar to be considered today.
Thank you, Madam President. Bill No. 090834 is being called up for Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar today. All other bills are being held. And, Madam President, I'd like to speak on the bill.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 090834.
An ordinance amending Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "The Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code," by amending Subcode "A," Chapter 5, by amending Subcode "PM," entitled "The Philadelphia Property Maintenance Code," by amending Chapter 1, entitled "Administration," and Chapter 2, entitled "Definitions," to require owners of certain properties to designate agents 4/15/10 - STATED - 2ND READING for service, managing agents, and property managers, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Madam President. After many, many, many complaints about properties owned by absentee owners in my district and in other districts -- I do believe Councilwoman Krajewski and I share this same problem -- it was necessary to introduce this bill to require a local responsible party for these properties. To build consensus for this bill, my office worked with the L&I Department, the Law and Police Departments and the Homeowners Association, HAPCO, to amend this bill, and it was unanimously approved by the L&I Committee. This bill amends the City's Property Maintenance Code by requiring 4/15/10 - STATED - 2ND READING property owners that do not live in the City or a surrounding county and own a rooming house, a multi-family property with four or more units or more than three residential properties to designate a local property manager. Most of them do not have property managers, and when there are problems -- and we had Officer Morose testify about the numerous complaints that the Second District gets about these properties and they can't locate the owners of the properties. In addition, the bill allows L&I to compel owners to designate a property manager for a building if L&I determines that it is necessary to protect the public health, safety and welfare. And this bill also requires property owners to provide tenants with the contact information for the building's property manager or party responsible for building maintenance, which has been an ongoing problem. 4/15/10 - STATED - 2ND READING So it has taken us a while to come to consensus on what this bill would look like at the end of the day. So I know that my colleagues will be more than happy to support this bill. Thank you.
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 17; 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
Thank you, Madam President. I will be brief. In addition to menu labeling as one opportunity for us to think better in terms of our health, I'd now like to invite my colleagues to run or, like me, walk an 8K path this coming Saturday. I'm inviting my colleagues and others to join Students Run Philly Style. We will meet or convene in front of the Please Touch Museum and kick off our effort to get in shape. Thank you, Madam President.
You're welcome. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Madam President. There's been an ongoing debate in this country for a long time now about the contribution or lack of contribution that immigrants make to our communities Whether they're documented or they're not documented, there's an ongoing discussion as to whether or not they're more users of resources and a drain or burden on the taxpayer or whether or not they're actually contributors. We've had a bit of a test case on that situation or that discussion in Riverside, New Jersey. Two years ago, they passed pretty strenuous punitive measures against people who accommodated, employed or housed immigrants, whether they were documented or undocumented. It was a very ugly debate. It was a very ugly situation. It was nationally broadcast. I think similar laws were passed in Hazelton, Pennsylvania. About a year later, they realized that they had made a big mistake, that what they had intended in these punitive measures against people based on race and ethnicity and country of origin really backfired on them, and year later, it's been reported that the population of Riverside, New Jersey went from 10,000 folks, some documented, some undocumented, down to 4,000 folks in the period of two years. There's not a viable business left in Riverside, New Jersey, not a restaurant that you can go eat in, not a store you can get your dry cleaning done, not a business that's viable in their main street. Their main street is now a ghost town. Now, we can have this ongoing discussion whether or not immigrants in fact contribute to our economy or not, but this is a perfect example of what I think is the case, and, that is, they do. So I would argue that anyone from Riverside, New Jersey that moved somewhere else or anyone in Hazelton who wants to come to Philadelphia to start a business, employ people and contribute to our economy, we would love to have you Riverside, New Jersey realizes they made a mistake. I think Hazelton will realize they've made a mistake. And I think we got to find a way to deal with our national immigration debate, figure out how to fix it, but in the meantime, embrace the contributions that these folks make to our country, similar to the contributions that have been made by the Irish and the Italians and the Poles and the Jews and everyone else that has come here. So I wanted to take the time to point that out. Thank you.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. Just last evening we met with the Mayor's Commission on African and Caribbean Immigrant Affairs, and certainly I could not agree more with So many rights and privileges we take for granted. Other people don't. And it's certainly very, very important that we realize our Constitution this country was founded, and what makes us different than other places is because we're supposed to be open and we are supposed to welcome all people here. So I commend him for his comments and certainly agree with all that he has said. Thank you.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
Thank you, Madam President. On a lighter note, I would just like to add that it seems like Thursday seems to be a lucky day for me. Just last Thursday I received a call from Bill Cosby, and I know you were all jealous of that. DiCICCO: We heard the conversation.
Now this week, I happened to be standing next to the famous Jim Gardner from Channel 6 News, and standing next to him is my favorite weatherman, Dave Roberts, whose son happens to be a Hollywood star, and I'm sure you all heard of him, Dave Boreanaz. He's the star of Bones on TV, and I'm sure that Mr. Roberts is quite proud of him. I would just like to share a little light on our -
Light joy. Thank you. Are there any other speeches on the part of the majority? (No response.)
By the way -- I'm sorry. Also, Vernon over there, I didn't want to forget him.
But always a gracious lady. Thank you. Thank you, Madam President.
The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke for a motion to adjourn.
Madam President, I would like to defer to Councilwoman Tasco for one moment.
Thank you. We, members of City Council and friends, would like to wish you a happy birthday, and we have a cake to celebrate.
Thank you. I like to forget them at this point, Marian.
Thank you so much. I appreciate that. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
I move that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, April 22nd, 2010, 10:00 a.m. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, April 22nd 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 April 15, 2010, 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.)