COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, September 22, 2005 10:15 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 COUNCILMAN RICHARD T. MARIANO COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER 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
Good morning. I note that the hour has come and that a quorum of this Council is present. Council will please come to order. The guests will please retire to the seats outside the rails. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair welcomes the Reverend Essie Boatwright from Family Praise and Worship. She is here today as the guest of Councilwoman Brown. Will all members and guests please rise. (Everyone rises.)
Let us pray. Our most gracious Holy Father, we just thank you, Lord God, for this day, for this is a day that you have made, and we're going to rejoice and be glad that we're in it. Father, we are truly grateful to you, Lord God, that you woke us up this morning. You gave us an opportunity, Lord God, to get that straight which we messed up yesterday. So, Father, here we are to say thank you, Lord. Now, Father God, we ask you right now that you might bless this Assembly. Father, we ask you to bless the President, bless all the distinguished Councilmembers and all of those, Lord God, that are here assembled this morning. Father God, we just not only want to just thank you, Lord, for ourselves, but we wanted to thank you, Lord, and ask your blessings, Lord, upon those who are so less fortunate than we are. Father, we pray today for those who are fleeing for their lives from Hurricane Rita. We are praying, Lord God, that you would keep them and take out of harm's way. And then, Lord God, we ask you to bless those that just finished battling something similar just two weeks ago. Father God, we ask you to remember those who are displaced, need a place to live and need a place to lie their heads down. God, remember them in a special way. And then, Father God, as we conclude this prayer, we just want to ask you, Lord God, to forgive us for our sins. Forgive us, Lord, for anything that we may have done, God. We repent of you. And then, Lord, as your words said in Second Chronicles 7:14, that if my people which are called by my name would humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then they will hear from heaven and you will heal their land. Father, we're asking you this morning to just bless us, heal us, forgive us, Lord God, and let us do those things that are pleasing to the Kingdom. Father, again, we ask you to bless those that felt that it wasn't proper to invite us here, Lord God, to be a guest this morning to witness for you. We thank you for them. And Father God, we ask you to bless all of these distinguished Councilpeople, Father God. Meet their needs according to your riches and glory. And then, Father God, we ask you, Father God, that they might lean not to their own understanding, but in all of their ways to acknowledge you and that you will direct their path. This is our prayer, Lord, in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Amen. The Chair thanks Reverend Boatwright for her very inspiring invocation. Council will now be at ease. (Council at ease.)
The of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, September 15, 2005, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, September 15, 2005 stand approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, September 15, 2005 stand approved. All in favor will please indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. The Journal of the meeting of Thursday, September 15, 2005 is approved. The next order of business is absence, and, again, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. On behalf of the Majority, a leave of absence is requested for Councilmember Joan Krajewski, Councilman Michael Nutter and Councilman David Cohen.
Thank you very much. Leave will be granted. And at this time, 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 Councilmembers, I welcome you to 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. And at this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Ramos.
Thank you, Madam President. This week, for the 40th year in a row, the City of Philadelphia has honored the Puerto Rican-American people as Puerto Rican Week, and today in chambers I have the distinguished honor to have visiting from Puerto Rico a gentleman who has been named a Grammy nominee in the folk music category and he plays a special type of guitar called a cuatro. It is very similar to the mandolin for the Italians in Venice in particular or the banjo in our southern states and in our rural American areas. We have our version of what is probably a mandolin and a banjo. And the best in Puerto Rico is a gentleman named Tika (ph). Tika, will you please stand up and show us how it sounds. (Applause.)
Madam President, it sounds like this. (Cuatro being played.)
And he will be performing this evening at the annual Puerto Rican Day mass at the Cathedral at 7:00 p.m.
Thank you very much. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco, who will present a resolution honoring someone we all know, our State Representative-Elect, Cherelle Parker. Will Ms. Parker and those the Councilwoman at the podium. And Councilwoman Tasco is being joined by Councilman Goode.
And Councilwoman Brown, if she's here, and former Councilwoman Augusta Clark. I have mixed feelings about this resolution. First, the sad feeling is that I've lost a valuable employee who has worked with me for over ten years and, prior to that, on a volunteer basis in the summertime and was an outstanding employee and we hated to see her go, but when we met her many years ago, we recognized the potential she had to go further, and so last Tuesday, on September the 13th, she was successfully elected to be the representative from the 200th Legislative District. So we're very happy about that, because we know she'll be a good leader in Harrisburg. She'll certainly make some noise while she's there. I don't know how many listen, but we know that she will be an advocate for the wonderful issues that we promoted here in City Council, such as care for the elderly and predatory lending. So this morning, with her troops, the troops that took her over on the 13th, and with my colleagues on City Council, I am so pleased and honored to present this citation to Cherelle Parker. And I personally want to thank all of the people who came forward to give their support, the voters in the 200th Legislative District for casting their ballot in confidence of this young lady. They will be more than proud to have her represent them in the district. So this morning, I present this resolution honoring Cherelle L. Parker. Whereas, the Council of the City of Philadelphia is pleased and proud to honor Cherelle L. Parker, State Representative-Elect for the 200th Legislative District; Whereas, on Tuesday, September 13th, Cherelle L. Parker, the endorsed Democratic candidate, won a special election for the vacant office of State Representative for the 200th Legislative District, serving Chestnut Hill, Mt. Airy and Roxborough;
Whereas, from June 1995 to July 2005, Cherelle L. Parker was the Public Relations and Special Projects Coordinator for Councilwoman Marian B. Tasco and was responsible for the implementation of all economic and community development projects in the Ninth Councilmanic District; Whereas, Cherelle also assisted the Ninth District Council office in the development of public policy and legislative initiatives, drafting position papers, speeches and public statements, managing all aspects of media relations, and representing Councilwoman Tasco at various ceremonial and community
And we have our former Councilwoman, Augusta Clark, who is Co-Mother to Cherelle Parker.
Thank you. As Cherelle's political Godmother, I am pleased to read this resolution. Whereas, prior to joining Councilwoman Tasco's staff, Ms. Parker was a Secondary English Teacher at Pleasantville High School in New Jersey where she taught English to 9th through 12th grade students and served as an English as a Second Language night school teacher for immigrant children and adults; Whereas, committed to the ideals of community involvement, political empowerment and progressive social change, Cherelle is a committee person and second Vice Chair of the 50th Ward Democratic Executive Committee and of several boards of community service organizations, including, but not limited to, the Pennsylvania Women's Campaign Fund, Inter-Community Development Corporation, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Philadelphia Alumnae Chapter, National Political Congress of Black Women, Philadelphia section, and the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Pennsylvania Chapter.
Whereas, Ms. Parker has received numerous awards for her leadership and community commitment from various civic organizations, such as the Oak Lane Youth Association, Philadelphia Young Legends, Greater Philadelphia Asian Social Services Center, Lincoln University and Jamaican-American Cultural and Civic Association of Philadelphia; Whereas, Cherelle L. Parker graduated from Lincoln University in Oxford, Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Science Degree in English Education and of Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church, a life-long resident of Northwest Philadelphia and a current resident of Mt. Airy where she is the primary caregiver for her elderly grandfather. Therefore, be it...
Be it resolved by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we hereby congratulate Cherelle L. Parker on her election as State Representative for the 200th Legislative District. And I will add congratulate her on being a fine employee. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Ms. Cherelle L. Parker as evidence of the sincere sentiment of this legislative body. This was introduced by Marian B. Tasco and supported by all members of City Council. (Applause.)
The recognizes Ms. Parker for remarks. STATE REPRESENTATIVE-ELECT PARKER: Good morning, everyone. I'm very comfortable on the other side of the microphone, but I want to just thank you so much for the honor. Let me just start by thanking Council President Anna Verna. I've always admired your consensus-building leadership style. It will serve me well. Councilman Kenney, you never made me ask more than once. I appreciate you're always willing to ask tough questions even when they aren't popular. Councilwoman Blackwell, your advocacy on behalf of the homeless. And Councilwoman Miller, you just say, Yes, Cherelle, you have to ask, but I'm here. And Councilman O'Neill, I was told after visiting my new office in Harrisburg yesterday that lessons that I learned from you will be of the greatest watched both you and Marian Tasco, Philadelphia democrat and republican, work with the National League of Cities, become actively involved, leave your parties behind, lobby for legislation to benefit cities and towns across the country, and then use your backroom dealing skills to bring the conference back here, generate revenue for our City. And I want you to know that I will not mind if you feel compelled to call the House Speaker to let him know about my kind remarks to you today. It will serve me well. (Applause.) STATE REPRESENTATIVE-ELECT PARKER: To all of the staff members who are here, this is a great body, the staff members, the President's office, our technical staff, the individual offices, all of the offices. You are the individuals who help to keep this Council going. I'm proud to have worked with you. members of my team who are here today, you learn in politics that you cannot do anything alone, and these are the people who helped to keep me going. It's bittersweet for me today because it was in March of 1990 that Councilwoman Augusta Clark introduced me to this legislative body as a winner in the oratorical contest, and she said, Sit right there, and I sat behind Councilwoman Tasco. And after I gave my remarks, Tasco said, You know, I'm going to work with you, and she did. So I thank both of them. State Representative Dwight Evans is not here today. He's out of town, but I want to -- and I hate to tell his age, but Dwight was elected when I was eight years old to represent the area that I grew up in. But I watched him firsthand help to change my neighborhood. He did it one house at a time, one commercial building at a time, and source of inspiration for me. So I want to publicly thank him. Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown, Councilman Goode, I thank you. And, Ms. Mason, I will never, ever make a bet with my grandfather about you again. And Marian Tasco, you have to come over here, please. I'm going to get through this. Again, I was 17 years old. No one knew my last name. It wasn't about my biological line. I was a young lady from Penfield Street in West Oak Lane. She helped me. You never saw a story in a newspaper. You never knew about the checks she sent me to help me buy books. She didn't tell anyone. She just did it. When I won at Utopia and said, Can't all the Councilmembers just get along, we could do so much, she said, Little Girl. It just doesn't happen that way. And I know you're really proud of your Greensboro, North Carolina roots. I that I today deem you Philadelphia Southern Bell. You will always be my southern bell, and I love you. I love you very much, and I thank you. (Applause.)
Again, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco who will present a resolution honoring the House of Prayer Baptist Church and their pastors on their 35th anniversary. Will Reverend Dr. William Womack and those accompanying him please join the Councilwoman at the podium. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Madam President. On your behalf, I am presenting this resolution honoring Reverend Dr. William Womack, Sr. and on the great occasion of the 35th anniversary of the House of Prayer Baptist Church. Whereas, on September 25, 2005, House of Prayer Baptist Church will be celebrating their 35th anniversary with its co-founders, Reverend Dr. William Womack, Sr. and Mother Elouise Womack. The church, located at 15th and Reed Streets, has been a light of spiritual hope in the community, and Whereas, on June 19, 2005, Reverend Dr. William Womack celebrated his 80th birthday and on July 4th reached his 58th year of ministry, and Whereas, the members of the House of Prayer Baptist Church are extremely grateful to God for the outstanding spiritual leadership provided by Reverend and Mother Womack. They have provided countless hours of counseling to bereaved families, engaged couples, newlyweds, families in crisis, children, seniors and the terminally ill. Their Bible study, music, new members, Sunday school, youth ministry and all-night prayer. Now, therefore resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we hereby honor the House of Prayer Baptist Church on the great occasion of their 35th anniversary. Further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the Reverend Dr. William Womack, Sr. and Co-Pastor Mother Elouise Womack as evidence of our respect and enormous admiration 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 15th day of September 2005, signed President Anna B. Verna, President of City Council, and supported by all members of City Council. (Applause.)
We praise God from whom all blessings flow. We give honor to our honorable Mayor Street and President Verna, the Councilmen and Councilwomen of our City of Brotherly Love. We thank you from the depths of our hearts for considering us on this occasion. May the blessings of God rest upon you. We shall cherish this forever. God bless all of you and heaven smile upon you. (Applause.)
Thank you very much. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller who will present a citation declaring September 23rd as John William Coltrane Day. Will Mr. Arnold Boyd and those the Councilwoman at the podium.
Good morning. Recognizing John W. Coltrane Day in the City of Philadelphia, September 23, 2005. The Council of the City of Philadelphia designates September 23, 2005 as John W. Coltrane Day in the City of Philadelphia. Whereas, Philadelphia's most noted jazz musician, arranger, composer, Grammy Award winner, cultural humanitarian, John William Coltrane was born in Hamlet, North Carolina on September 23, 1926. John Coltrane arrived in Philadelphia at the North Philadelphia train station in 1944. He studied at the Granoff Studios and the Ornstein School of Music in Philadelphia and received wide recognition as an integral member of the renowned Miles Davis Sextet before forming his own group Philadelphians, McCoy Tyner on piano, Elvin Jones on drums, and Jimmy Garrison on bass, and Whereas, as John Coltrane grew, he realized that the music he was to play existed in the past, present and the future but also between the notes of conventional notations, and audiences throughout the world grew to love his unique style, and Whereas, John Coltrane was one of the major tenors and soprano sax players of his era, and today he continues to influence many musicians, young and old. The TraneStop Resource Institute was created in 1979 in the spirit and work ethic of this Philadelphia legend, and gave Philadelphia and the music community its first focused endeavor dedicated to preserving the heritage of African-American music and the special sound that is Philadelphia. and guidance for studying and appreciating jazz as African-American classical music, and for sustaining the connection of the music to its African roots and African-American roots, and Whereas, TraneStop continues to devote its attention, support and resources to the art form of jazz, conducts town meetings, community concerts, special educational presentations and seminars to improve the conditions of the African-American classical music in Philadelphia. Furthermore, TraneStop's initiatives not only seek to honor the memory of John Coltrane but also the memory of other musicians who were nurtured within the legendary Philadelphia African-American music genre and for whom recognition is long overdue. Therefore, by virtue of this citation, the Council of the City of Philadelphia declares September 23, 2005 Day and that we honor TraneStop Resource Institute for its efforts to ensure jazz preservation as classical music rooted in the African-American experience as a universal art form through education and advocacy be restored to its traditional greatness. This citation is signed by Donna Reed Miller, Councilwoman in the 8th District, and Anna C. Verna, President of Philadelphia City Council. (Applause.)
My name is Raymond Wood. I'm the Board Chair of the TraneStop Resource Institute. I'm going to introduce Arnold Boyd to say a few words. And we have our musician here, Sam Reed, to play a few notes. Thank you.
The TraneStop Resource Institute, over the past 26 years, has been an advocate for sustaining the connection of this music to its distinct African and African-American roots. From this leadership foundation, the TraneStop emergence in 1979 filled a void in the City of Philadelphia, the music community and the jazz community and its first focused endeavor. The record is clear. Over $500,000 back into local musicians' and music educators' hands, over 200 concerts, lectures and special music presentations, town meetings, convener of jazz organizations represented Philadelphia at the 1987 Berlin Jazz Festival, in 1993 convened a national jazz curriculum writing team, has produced ten community jazz concerts and Time, a week-long series of concerts, youth competitions and award programs paying tribute to the Philadelphia legends. We call on those who love this music and care about its future to understand the essential role that institutions like the TraneStop have to play toward protecting this important cultural legacy. A resolution from this City Council June 4, 1987 stated that, We hereby recognize jazz as a rare and valuable City treasure to which we should devote our attention, support and resources. Now, you cannot afford to miss this train. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
The next order of business is communications. the Sergeant-at-Arms deliver the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. The Chief Clerk will please read the messages from the Mayor.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am transmitting for the consideration of your Honorable Body a draft of 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 Model City's urban renewal area; and An ordinance approving the Fiscal Year 2006 Capital Budget providing for expenditures for the capital purposes of the Philadelphia Gas Works; and An ordinance amending Chapter 9-1800 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Use of Electronic Scanners for Customer Checkout"; and directing the revision of lines and grades in a portion of City Plan No. 395 by placing on the City Map Meeting House Drive, Spring House Road, Apple House Road and River House Road; and An ordinance regulating the direction of movement of traffic on Ruth Way from Ashton Road to Myer Place; and An ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance, Bill No. 020429, approved November 13, 2002, for the purpose of this ordinance is to extend the time period to strike and vacate Brill Street from Torresdale Avenue to Harbison Avenue; and An ordinance authorizing the paving of Meeting House Drive, Spring House Road, Apple House Road and River House Road; and An ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 395 by placing on the City Plan Myer Place Way; and An ordinance authorizing the paving of Myer Place and Ruth Way, under certain terms and conditions; and An ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan Nos. 356 and 378 by striking from the City Plan the industrial highway from Philadelphia Delaware County line to Island Avenue; and An ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance, Bill No. 040505, approved June 21, 2004, by extending the time for compliance with the conditions stated therein; and An ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance, Bill No. 040509, approved June 21, 2004, of an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades by extending the time for compliance with the conditions stated therein; and An ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance, Bill No. 040511, approved June 21, 2004, by extending the time for compliance with the conditions stated therein; and An ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance, Bill No. 040569, approved July 1, 2004, by extending the time for compliance with the conditions stated therein.
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 of the motion will please 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. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance, Bill No. 040569, approved July 1, 2004, entitled, "An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 205."
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance, Bill No. 040511, approved June 21, 2004, entitled, "An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 55."
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Chapter 9-1800 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Use of Electronic Scanners for Customer Checkout."
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Second Street, Turner Street, Hancock Street and Oxford Street.
This bill will also be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
I offer one resolution and one bill. The resolution is co-sponsored with Councilwoman Donna Reed Miller.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance approving the Fiscal Year 2006 Capital Budget providing for expenditures for the capital purposes of the Philadelphia Gas Works.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution urging the Bush Administration to immediately institute a fair, open and honest contracting process and policies in the rebuilding and reconstruction of the Gulf Coast region devastated by Hurricane Katrina that will assure and include a substantial commitment to diversity and maximum utilization of Gulf Coast residents.
Madam President, I move that the resolution be adopted, and I think Councilwoman Miller wants to speak on the resolution.
Very well. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you, Madam President. As the prime co-sponsor of this resolution, I'd like to call attention and urge the Bush Administration to immediately institute a fair, open and honest contracting process and policies in the rebuilding and reconstruction of the Gulf Coast region that, as we all know, was devastated by Hurricane Katrina, a process that will assure and include a substantial commitment to diversity and maximum utilization of Gulf Coast residents and companies and prevailing wage, which is a really key issue here. And I'd like to also just agree with comments in the September 19th Daily News article that says, and just end by saying, we really want to trust Bush to do the right thing, and hopefully we can, but I don't think we can. I agree with the statement made in the Daily News. Thank you.
You're welcome. Again, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Madam President. I just too want to add to Councilwoman Miller's comments. I think it's very interesting that in an area where people who need the employment, need the income, then the rules are changed to pay them less money than they would make if they were not with this disaster. And the other issue is the ultimate example of pay to play with Halliburton getting the Novia contract. Thank you.
Councilwoman, I believe you made a motion for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will please signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. 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 Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer one resolution this morning.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution endorsing the Pennsylvania Balance and Comprehensive Healthcare Reform Act of 2005.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. (Applause.)
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ramos.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer one resolution, co-sponsored by Councilwoman Blackwell, and I would like to speak on the resolution.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution declaring the week of October 29, 2005 through November 4, 2005 as Philadelphia Missing Persons Awareness Week and calling for a Philadelphia Missing Persons Awareness conference.
Madam President, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
Madam President, as we know, this past summer we had a missing person that we all got to know by name and face on TV, Latoya Figueroa, and after 32 days of the people of Philadelphia and all of our good institutions, primarily the Police Department, Latoya was found dumped in a lot in Chester City. During this whole tragic ordeal, we learned of other missing people in the City of Philadelphia, and last week I've gotten five families that have come to my office and I believe Councilwoman Blackwell has informed me that she's gotten constituents that have come to her as well. We need to raise awareness of this problem of missing people, how cases are handled. I've talked to the Police Commissioner about this issue since the burial of Latoya Figueroa, and the Police Department will be involved in this conference and bringing awareness of October 29th through November 4th of Philadelphia missing persons. Thank you, Madam President.
You're welcome. A motion was made for the adoption and seconded. All of those in favor will please say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer two bills and one resolution on your behalf signed by all members of City Council.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance amending Section PM-302.2 of the Philadelphia Property Maintenance Code, entitled "Sanitation," by extending a property owner's maintenance responsibility to certain public rights-of-way abutting the property and by making certain technical changes, all under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Section 14-1402 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Parking in Residential Districts," by restricting the installation, construction or erection of garages in residential districts, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution designating the week of Monday, October 3, 2005 through Monday, October 10, 2005 as Christopher Columbus Week in celebration of the festivities commemorating Columbus' historic voyage to the new world.
The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: 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 please say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Madam President, I offer one resolution, co-sponsored by Councilman Kenney and signed by all members, for which I ask approval, and three bills.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance amending Title 20 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Officers and Employees," by creating a new Chapter 20-1100, entitled "Employee Benefits," to provide for certain benefits for City employees on military leave of absence, all under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Woodhaven Road, Bustleton Avenue, the County Line, Trevose Road, Southampton Road and Worthington Road.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Grant Avenue, Bustleton Avenue, Bowler Street and Roosevelt Boulevard.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution calling upon the Mayor to establish an Office of Military Liaison to monitor and protect the legal rights of City employees who are called up to active duty in the National Guard and the reserve components of the Armed Forces of the United States.
Madam Chair, 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 Clarke.
Thank you, Madam President. I have two bills and one resolution.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance establishing a no parking regulation on Hamilton Street between 13th Street and Broad Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance regulating the direction of movement of traffic on Hamilton Street, from 13th Street to Broad Street westbound.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
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 Model City's urban renewal area.
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 Kelly.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution authorizing City Council's Committee on Public Safety to hold a public hearing to investigate the City of Philadelphia's current policies and procedures in the event of a major emergency.
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 say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution will be referred to the Public Safety Committee. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the second resolution.
And a resolution recognizing, honoring and celebrating the 40th anniversary of KYW News Radio 1060 for their dedication to pioneering and excellence in the way news is reported.
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 please indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The next order of business is reports from committee, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke for a report from the Committee on Rules.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Rules 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 on Rules, to which was referred Bill No. 050660, entitled "An ordinance approving the third amendment of the redevelopment proposal for the 44th and Aspen Urban Renewal Area, being an area generally bounded by Lancaster Avenue, Belmont Avenue, Pennsgrove Street, 42nd Street, Westminster Avenue, Holly Street, Aspen Street, 40th Street, Haverford Avenue, 44th Street, Fairmount Avenue, 47th Street, respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Madam President, I move that the rules of 5/22/05 - STATED - 1ST READING Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill 050660. (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 Bill No. 050660. 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. The next order of business is consideration of the Calendar. I would ask the Chief Clerk to please read the bills on this First Reading Calendar.
Bill No. 050421, an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia 5/22/05 - STATED - 2ND READING Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designation to certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Blue Grass Road, Grant Avenue, Ashton Road and Willits Road.
And Bill No. 050660, an ordinance approving the third amendment of the redevelopment proposal for the 44th and Aspen Urban Renewal Area, being the area generally bounded by Lancaster Avenue and 44th Street, and declaring that condemnation is not imminent with respect to the project.
The Chair agrees. That concludes the First Reading Calendar. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for the purpose of calling bills up on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar.
Thank 5/22/05 - STATED - 2ND READING you, Madam President. Today Bill No. 050362-A is being called up for Second Reading and Final Passage. All other bills are being held.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. I would ask the Chief Clerk to please read the title of Bill No. 050362-A.
An ordinance authorizing Brandywine Realty Trust, 401 Plymouth Road, Plymouth Meeting, its successors and assigns, to install, construct, own and maintain underground electrical service conduit, lighting bollards and other facilities on, under and along the north footway of Arch Street between 29th Street and 30th Street, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. 5/22/05 - STATED - 2ND READING The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 14, 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 Goode.
Thank you, Madam President. Almost six years ago at my first Council session, I introduced a resolution calling for an annual review of small business lending by the City Controller. The Controller's office will soon release the latest report, which indicates that disparities and low availability between poor and richer communities continue to improve in 2004 slightly. The period from 1998 to 2003, the percentage of loans in low- and moderate-income communities grew from 39 percent to 52 percent in terms of the number of loans to small businesses. In fact, there was a huge jump from 40 percent to 52 percent in one year. the jump occurred in 2003, the first year this City Council required City depository banks to set annual goals for small business lending in those neighborhoods. In 2004, the percentage of loans in low- and moderate-income communities grew slightly from 52 percent to 54 percent in terms of the number of loans to small businesses, and from 47 percent to 53 percent in terms of the amount of loans to small businesses. In fact, there's a 4.5 percent increase in loans made to all Philadelphia small business last year. The Controller's office concludes in its report that while it's heartening to note that the number and amount of loans increased in 2004, equitable access remains a challenge. Council has commissioned a more comprehensive study by the National Community Reinvestment Coalition to look at lending disparities by race, gender, both small business loans and home loans. Stay tuned. Thank you.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano.
Thank you, Madam President. Simon Wiesenthal, the Holocaust survivor who helped track down Nazi war criminals following World War II and spent the later decades of his life fighting anti-Semitism and prejudice amongst all people, died Tuesday at the age of 96. There was a movie about Wiesenthal. I forget the name of it, but he was a very great humanitarian. Wiesenthal helped find one-time SS Leader Adolf Eichmann and the policeman who arrested Anne Frank. He died in his sleep at his home in Vienna. as the conscience of the Holocaust and the way he became the permanent representative of the victims of the Holocaust, determined to bring the perpetrators of the greatest crimes to justice. He was a personal survivor of five Nazi death camps. Wiesenthal changed his life's mission afterward, dedicating himself to tracking down Nazi war criminals and being a voice for the 6 million Jews who died during the onslaught. He himself lost 89 relatives in the Holocaust. Wiesenthal spent more than 50 years hunting Nazi war criminals, speaking out against neo-Nazism and racism and remembering the Jewish experience as a lesson for humanity. Through his work, it is said that some 1,100 Nazi criminals were brought to justice. When history looks back, he would have wanted people to remember that Nazis weren't able to kill get away with it, he said. Calls of condolences are coming in from all over the world, but the Israeli Foreign Ministry said that Wiesenthal brought justice to those who escaped justice. He acted on behalf of 6 million people who could no longer defend themselves. The Ministry speaker of Israel, Mark Regev, said on Tuesday that the State of Israel, the Jewish people and those who oppose racism recognize Simon Wiesenthal's unique contributions to making our planet a better place. Austria's parliament speaker said, An important voice for remembrance and humanity has been silenced. I think maybe we can offer two seconds or two minutes of silence on his behalf in his passing. (Pause for silence.)
Thank 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, September the 29th at 10:00 a.m., 2005. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, September 29th at 10:00 a.m. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. (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 September 22, 2005, 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.)