COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, November 16, 2006 10:25 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILMAN FRANK DiCICCO COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN JACK KELLY COUNCILWOMAN JOAN L. KRAJEWSKI COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL 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, everyone. I note that hour has come and that a quorum of this Council is present. Council will please come to order. Members will take their seats, and visitors will retire to the seats outside the rails. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair welcomes Reverend E. Clifford Cutler, Pastor of St. Paul's Episcopal Church. He is here today as the guest of Councilman Rizzo. I would ask all members and guests to please rise.
It's a great pleasure to be here and one week before Thanksgiving to have a real sense of thanks for the work that you all do and here where the statue on City Hall where William Penn faces Penn Treaty Park, and that sends a reconciliation and treaty that was here at our beginning, and I'm thankful for the work that you all do to further that sense of reconciliation in And so now let us pray. Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, send down upon those who hold office in this Council Chamber the spirit of wisdom, charity and justice that with steadfast purpose they may faithfully serve in their offices to promote the well-being of all people, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
The Chair thanks Reverend Cutler for his very inspiring 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, November 2, 2006, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of the date just approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, November 2, 2006 stand approved. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, November 2, 2006 is approved. The next order of business is requests for leave of absence, and, again, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. On behalf of the majority, a leave of absence is requested for Councilman Kenney and Councilman
Thank you. Leave will be granted. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Madam President, on behalf of the republicans, there are no requests for leave of absence.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair will dispense with the regular order of business to recognize the guests and visitors joining us in Chambers this morning. On behalf of all members of City Council, I welcome you to our Council session. We appreciate your taking the time to join us as we attend to the legislative affairs of our City. We certainly invite you to come again. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Madam President, I'd like to introduce a special guest. I have with me James Dougherty. James is the President of the Student Council at Franklin Towne Charter High School in Northeast Philadelphia and he's also the grandson of Joe Dougherty of the Iron Workers Local 401 up on Norcom Road in my district, and just a wonderful young man, and he's experiencing a day in City Council and in City Hall.
At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo, who will present a resolution honoring St. Paul's Episcopal Church on their 150th anniversary. Will Reverend Cutler and those accompanying him please join the Councilman at the podium. The Councilman is being joined by Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you, Madam President. Matter of fact, Reverend Cutler this morning gave our invocation, and Councilwoman Donna Miller will be with me to present this resolution, and also joining us is Stewart Graham that works with me and Clark Groome, who is the Chair of the Sesquicentennial Committee at St. Paul's Episcopal Church. Recognizing, honoring and celebrating St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Chestnut Hill, the Church of the Angels, for its invaluable contributions to the community of Chestnut Hill and the City of Philadelphia on the occasion of its 150th anniversary, 1856 to 2006. Whereas, ten well-dressed ladies and nine gentlemen gathered on the evening of June 18, 1855 in the meeting room above the newly built Chestnut Hill Railroad Station and resolved to form a Protestant Episcopal Church in Chestnut Hill; and Whereas, on May 8, 1856, St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Chestnut Hill, was officially admitted to union with the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania to serve a growing community within a growing city, and called its first Rector, Alexander Shiras, on November 5, 1856.
And whereas, over the many years since then, St. Paul's has been the source of much leadership both in the City and especially in the Episcopal Church with three of its Rectors subsequently elected as bishops; and Whereas, St. Paul's is a sanctuary for worship and a well-spring of spiritual nourishment so that its parishioners will use their gifts in service to the world; and Whereas, St. Paulites are still trying to identify all their angels in and around their magnificent gothic sanctuary numbering 55 at last count, not gargoyles; and Whereas, this year, St. Paul's celebrates its 150th year and begins a new era under the rectorship of E. Clifford Cutler, with much excitement and promise for another 150 years and more of faithful service to God in Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia and the world at large.
Whereas, it is widely known that St. Paulites know how to party, celebrating their Sesquicentennial with a speaker series, musical events, a parish cookbook, great preachers, a gala, a commissioning of a special anthem and a festival service. Now, therefore resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that it recognizes, honors and celebrates St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Chestnut Hill, the Church of the Angels, for the invaluable contributions to the community of Chestnut Hill and to the City of Philadelphia on the occasion of its 150th anniversary. resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Reverend Clifford Cutler today in this Council Chamber. That's interesting, Reverend, when you do a little research, I learned -- and this might be good news for you. I'm sure you know this, though -- that three Rectors have become bishops. So that's a good thing. And right outside we have a statue of John Christian Bullet right outside the Mayor's entrance, and he was a member of your congregation at St. Paul's. So would you say a few words.
The Chair recognizes Reverend Cutler for remarks.
Thank you. Well, I'm glad it was three former Rectors who became bishops and not the current one. I want to thank you very much, Donna Reed Miller and Frank Rizzo, for in the early years -- or Chestnut Hill in the early years was called a gateway to the center and inner City of Philadelphia, because Bethlehem Pike and Germantown Avenue came through there, and I'd like to think of the church as a gateway for mission, that we're really involved in the mission to Philadelphia through the work with the homeless, the hungry and in many other community organizations. We also receive back through that gateway the deep faith stories of the people of this City that's very powerful. I also like to think of the church as a gateway within, as we find within that piece of God and that sense of balance in life. So it gives me great pleasure to receive this resolution, and I also want to give some gifts to our Councilwoman and Councilman. Donna Reed Miller, this is a history of St. Paul's Church, and over 150 years, they have been great strengths building and music and worship, and I know that the community building and the mission just resonate with the work that you do. And, Frank Rizzo, thank you so much for your recognition and for your service to us and to this City.
The Chair now recognizes Councilman DiCicco, who will present a resolution commemorating the 68th anniversary of Kristallnacht. Will Mr. Gottfried Helnwein and those accompanying him please join the Councilman at the podium. I see that the Councilman is being joined by Councilman Goode. DiCICCO: Good morning, and thank you. Councilman Kenney is not here today and he asked if myself and Councilman Goode would read this resolution. It's a resolution commemorating the 68th anniversary of Kristallnacht and recognizing the artistic contributions of Gottfried Helnwein in keeping the memory of the Holocaust alive. Whereas, on the nights of November 9th and 10th, 1938 gangs of Nazi youth roamed through the Jewish neighborhoods throughout Germany and parts of Austria breaking windows of Jewish businesses and homes, burning synagogues and looting. In all, 101 synagogues were destroyed and almost 7,500 businesses were destroyed. 26,000 Jews were arrested and sent to concentration camps. Jews were physically attacked and beaten and 91 Jews died; and Whereas, on November 12th, Goering, President of the Reichstag and Hitler's second in command, called a meeting of the top Nazi leadership to assess the damage done during the night and place responsibility for it. The intent of the meeting was twofold: to make the Jews responsible for Kristallnacht and to use the events of the preceding days as a rationale for promulgating a series of anti-Semitic laws which would, in effect, remove the Jews from the German economy; and Whereas, the event became known as Kristallnacht, or the Night of Broken Glass. Jews were especially targeted for vandalism, including desecration of sacred Torah scrolls. Hundreds of synagogues were systematically burned while local fire departments stood by or simply prevented the fire from spreading to surrounding buildings; and whereas
Whereas, this massive and coordinated attack triggered what was to become known as the Holocaust, a state-sponsored systematic persecution of the annihilation of European Jewry by Nazi Germany and its collaborators. Jews were the primary victims. Six million were murdered; Gypsies, the handicapped and Poles were also targeted for destruction and decimation for racial, ethnic or national reasons. Millions more, including homosexuals, Jehovah's Witnesses, Soviet prisoners of war and political dissidents, also suffered grievous oppression and death under Nazi tyranny; and Whereas, renowned Austrian-born artist, Gottfried Helnwein, has committed himself and his art to reminding the world of the Holocaust. His exhibit, Ninth November Night, consists of 17 children's portraits displayed in commemoration of Kristallnacht. Ninth November Night was originally displayed in 1988 in Cologne, Germany. Days into the exhibit, the paintings were exhibit will have its American premiere in Philadelphia in spring 2007. Now, therefore be it resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that the 68th anniversary of Kristallnacht be commemorated, and that Gottfried Helnwein be honored for his artistic contributions. Be it further resolved, that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Mr. Helnwein and to the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia as evidence of this legislative body's sincere appreciation of their efforts to ensuring that the world never forgets the horrors of the Holocaust. Introduced by James F. Kenney, Frank DiCicco and W. Wilson Goode, Jr. and sponsored by all members of Council. (Applause.)
Thank you very much. I just want to say some words to explain why I created this work of art. I was born in Vienna a few years after the Second World War, and it was a very miserable place. As a kid, I thought I was born in hell. Everybody was bad mood. People were depressed. There was lots of sorrow. I didn't understand. What I didn't know then is that my ancestors just a few years before have caused one of the biggest tragedies in history, a world war that killed 50 million people, and one of the most horrible idealogies that said that we divide people in superior human beings and inferior human beings, and the Germans and Austrians have created the term "untermensch," which means subhuman. And as a result of that, 6 million Jewish people were killed, Gypsies, homosexuals. So I didn't know, because nobody talked about it. In Austria, in school, we didn't hear anything about it. curious, and I started to research, and it took me many years to find out more and more, layer by layer of the truth. And years later, at the 50th anniversary of that dark moment in history, I lived in Germany and I realized that nobody talked about it, as if it was forgotten. I then decided to use my art to remind people. And I try to get a sponsor, but nobody wanted to fund it. And then I decided to make a piece of art by not using historic photographs, because the pictures of (unintelligible) have been shown over and over again. But I did a photograph, children that lived in Germany, children of different ethnic background and religion, and I blew them up to huge pictures and made a long lane of pictures in the center of the city of Cologne, forcing people to look at the faces. And at the beginning of the row of pictures, I had this one word "seleccion," which means selection, of course. Because I the tragedy is the idea that a group of people can decide which people have a right to live and which not and who is superior or inferior based on race or religion or ethnic background. And it caused a big impact in Germany, this installation, and after two nights, somebody would symbolically cut the throats of all the children. So it shows that there's still a great potential of hate and anger and racism and anti-Semitism. And this work of art has been shown all over the world, in Russia and Japan and Europe, and it's the first time now in the United States, and I'm very thankful and I'm very happy that it is in this city, because I think this city stands for freedom and liberty and for a new vision, and that's why I think there couldn't have been a better place. So I want to thank also the City Council of Philadelphia of course, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, especially Linda Gordman, Jane Golden and (unintelligible). And I just want to end with the words of Sieman Weisentard, who said, Freedom is not something that falls from heaven. We have to fight for it every day. Thanks. (Applause.)
I understand we are graced with the presence of the Consul General of Austria, who would like to say a few words. CONSUL GENERAL: Thank you. It's my honor to be here for this very special occasion. We are here to remember tragic events that happened almost seven decades ago. It was a difficult time for many European countries, also my own country, Austria. younger generation, born after war, for who these events are not memory but history. We cannot feel responsible for what happened in the past, but we do feel responsible for what will happen in the future. It is indeed important never to forget the horrors of the Holocaust. As Elie Wiesel said in his Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech in 1986, he tried to keep memory alive. He tried to fight those who would forget, because if we forget, we are guilty, we are accomplices. He's right, but we must not remain prisoners of history. We must become also for the future. In order to really make a difference, we need a perspective for the future, a road map for generations to come, aiming at friendship and compassion. We need to build bridges between peoples and generations, and what better way to do that than through art and particularly Helnwein, whose primary obligation is to be human and who both documents and provokes responses. He doesn't give responses. Rather, he asks questions and, thus, touches people. His art is shocking but, at the same time, gives hope. Thank you.
I would ask the members to please come up and join in on the photo, please. (Council at ease.)
The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell, who will present a citation recognizing Healthy Hoops Program. Will Mr. Glen Ellis and those accompanying him please join the Councilwoman at the podium. Councilwoman Blackwell is being joined by Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you very much. Good morning. We note that Mr. Glen Ellis, the famous herb specialist, was due to join us and could not be here, but we certainly recognize him in his absence. It was he who helped me with my mother before she passed. City Council, City of Philadelphia citation, honoring and recognizing Healthy Hoops Program. The Council of the City of Philadelphia is pleased and proud to join Strategies for Well-Being and recognizing its Healthy Hoops Program. Whereas, in 2003, Keystone Mercy Health Plan and AstraZeneca partnered to create an innovative asthma education and basketball program. The Healthy Hoops Program has received local and national recognition as an asthmatic educational outreach program. It uses basketball as a platform, teaching participants ages 7 to 15 how to manage asthma through appropriate medication usage, proper nutrition, monitored exercise and recreational activities; and Whereas, 24 million Americans live with asthma every day, including 3.8 million children. Asthma accounts for one-third of all pediatric emergency room visits. It is the fourth most common reason for pediatric physician office visits and is one of the leading causes of school absenteeism. In addition, asthma accounts for an estimated 3 million lost work days annually for people over the age of 18; and
Whereas, the Healthy Hoops Program has received local and national recognition as an innovative asthmatic education outreach program. Recently, the program was awarded the prestigious Recognizing Innovation in Multi-Cultural Healthcare Award by the National Committee for Quality Assurance, with efforts to reach across cultural divides and provide participants in Philadelphia with services. They were one of ten health companies in the entire country to receive this award; and Whereas, now in its fourth year, expansion of the program has continued with participation from North and West Philadelphia and Chester, Pennsylvania. The scope of the program also expanded to include younger asthmatic children ages through and it includes educational cardiovascular diseases and obesity health prevention; and Therefore, by virtue of this citation, the Council of the City of Philadelphia is pleased and proud to join Strategies for Well-Being, LLC in recognizing its Healthy Hoops Program. We encourage participation and support of this worthwhile endeavor to raise the level of awareness and to educate our community in managing asthma. We extend the sincere respect and admiration of by Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell and signed by all members of the Philadelphia City Council. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes Anne Morrissey for remarks.
Thank you, Madam President and Councilwomen and members of Council, for recognizing Keystone Mercy Health Plan and AstraZeneca this morning. I am Anne Morrissey, President of Managed Care for Keystone Mercy Health Plan. This is truly an honor for Keystone Mercy to be recognized by City Council for our efforts in managing pediatric asthma through the Healthy Hoops Program. We could not have been able to implement this program without the support of AstraZeneca. What started back in 2003 as an effort to target children with asthma in Philadelphia, an area of Philadelphia that has one of the highest incidences of pediatric asthma in the United States, Healthy Hoops has now grown and expanded into a national community outreach program, touching the lives of over 1,400 participants. Your acknowledgment today solidifies our work as a leader in Medicaid managed care in the Philadelphia region and recognizes Healthy Hoops as an innovative and award-winning asthma outreach initiative. With community outreach programs such as Healthy Hoops, Keystone Mercy is able to live its mission every day to help people get care, stay well and build healthy communities to our more than 274,000 members in the Philadelphia region. Madam President, Councilwomen and members of Council, on behalf of Keystone Mercy Health Plan, the Healthy Hoops coalition members and our main sponsor, AstraZeneca, thank you for this recognition. (Applause.)
Madam President, we have just a couple more remarks, please.
My name is Amy Allen and I'm with AstraZeneca. On behalf of AstraZeneca, we'd just also like to say thank you for the recognition of this program, the partnership with Keystone Mercy and the City of Philadelphia, as we continue to work on the management of asthma, for pediatric asthma, in the City of Philadelphia. So thank you.
Thank you. Council will be at ease. (Applause.) (Council at ease.)
The next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. The Chief Clerk will please read the messages from the Mayor.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am pleased to advise you that on November 6, 2006, I signed Bill No. 060692 which was passed by Council at its session on October 26, 2006; and I am also pleased to advise you that on November 16, 2006, I signed all of the remaining bills that were passed by Council at its session on October 26, and November 2, 2006; and I am transmitting for the consideration of your honorable body a resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Redevelopment Authority, the City of Philadelphia, for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Whitman Urban Renewal Area; and A resolution approving with the Philadelphia Council of the Boy Scouts or its successors, the Greater Liberty Council of the Boy Scouts; and An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into a sublease with the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development for premises located 2815 North 17th Street; and An ordinance authorizing -
The noise level is much too high. Anyone having conversation, I ask you to do that in the corridor. Please proceed.
And an ordinance authorizing the President of the Fairmount Park Commission to execute a ground lease and license agreement with the Philadelphia Museum of Art Corporation under which the Corporation would construct a parking garage and Fairmount Park in the vicinity of the Philadelphia Museum of Art; and An ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 129 by striking from the City Plan 25th Street from Stokley Street to Westmoreland Street; and An ordinance amending Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "The Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code," by adopting the 2006 Pennsylvania Uniformed Construction Code; and An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2006 within the General Fund to certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions; and An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2006 within the Water Fund to certain or all City offices, departments, commissions; and An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2006 within the Aviation Fund to certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions; and An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2006 within the Grants Revenue Fund to the Housing Trust Fund, the Mayor Office of Housing and Community Development.
Thank you. The messages will be printed in the Journal. The Chief Clerk will 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 for a motion.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended in order to permit the immediate consideration of resolutions at their time of introduction. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit immediate consideration of resolutions at the time of introduction. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I introduce three resolutions and one bill, one resolution on your behalf that is signed by all members of Council.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance providing for the submission of the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of an amendment to Article VIII, Chapter 5 of the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter, entitled "Referenda Approved by the Voters," by adding a new section providing that the citizens of Philadelphia urge the United States to make Year 2007 the time to redeploy U.S. troops out of harm's way in Iraq.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution proposing an amendment to Article VIII, Chapter 5 of the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter, entitled "Referenda Approved by the Voters," by adding a new section providing that the citizens of Philadelphia urge the United States to make Year 2007 the time to redeploy U.S. troops out of harm's way in Iraq.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Oh, I'm sorry. That will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution honoring and congratulating Samuel L. Evans on the occasion of his 105th birthday.
The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. It's 104th, or it should be, and I move for the adoption of the resolution. Thank you. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution honoring Herb Wetzel for his dedicated service to the Redevelopment Authority, the City of Philadelphia.
The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
Thank you, Madam President. I have two bills and two resolutions, one which I ask to speak on.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance amending Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code," by adopting the 2006 Pennsylvania Uniformed Construction Code.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2006 from the Grants Revenue Fund to the Housing Trust Fund, the Mayor - Office of Housing and Community Development.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution affirming Council's objection and opposition to the proposed reopening and reusage of Holmesburg Prison to house over 250 prisoners due to overcrowding in the Philadelphia Prison System.
Thank you, Madam President. In 1995, almost 100 years ago after opening its door, Holmesburg Prison closed down for good, or so we thought. This past July 22nd the Philadelphia Prison System and the Administration opened up the Holmesburg Prison gymnasium as a processing point for about 80 inmates. This tactic was used because we were all aware our City has a prison overcrowding problem. I, along with the residents of Holmesburg, were not happy with this decision, but we compromised because it was understood and affirmed that the Holmesburg Prison would just be a temporary use and no more than 80 prisoners would be processed there. At that time, the City of Philadelphia was in talks with leasing prison space from two counties in New Jersey to ease our overpopulated jail cells. In the past 24 hours, I have been made aware that there is a proposal to house an additional 250 more prisoners at Holmesburg Prison and put approximately $4 million into upgrades and renovations into the prison to accommodate these inmates. $4 million into a prison that was closed over ten years ago. The people of Holmesburg don't want this prison reopened. I don't want this prison reopened, and I hope my colleagues in Council will affirm our objection and opposition to this proposal. Thank you.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution celebrating the 65th anniversary of St. Hubert's Catholic High School for Girls.
The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
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 Councilwoman Tasco.
Madam President, I offer two resolutions. One I'd like to speak on relative to DHS, and I offer one on your behalf.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution honoring Lynda Orfanelli for 37 years of dedicated service to 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 say aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution authorizing the Council Committee on Public Health and Human Services to hold hearings regarding child abuse deaths in the City of Philadelphia.
Madam President, I'd like to speak on this resolution. The death of any child in our City is one death too many, and the death of a child as a result of child abuse is especially troubling and tragic. Today in this context, Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown and I are introducing a resolution that authorizes the Public Health and Human Services Committee to hold hearings regarding child abuse deaths in Philadelphia. Prior to when the story first appeared in the newspaper, as you know, we had scheduled a Council briefing to have the Department come over and talk to us about what was going on, and that did not take place. The purpose of these hearings is to have a broad and comprehensive review of the City's child abuse death rate and discuss with the various state, local and private parties and agencies which are responsible for identifying remedies and solutions to this issue. As the City's principal oversight body, it is our duty as City Council to investigate this issue and to take any action necessary to protect our children and provide them with the opportunity to grow and develop in a safe home and a safe city. Thank you very much. I ask my colleagues to support this, because we do have legislative oversight for the Department, and we have not had the opportunity to have our discussion and I think the public discussion. 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 will be referred to the Committee on Public Health and Human Services. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I offer two bills and one resolution.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 129 by striking from the City Plan 25th Street from Stokley Street to Westmoreland Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into a sublease agreement with the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development for use by the City of premises located 2815 North 17th Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution recognizing, honoring and celebrating Operation Respect for its mission of aiding schools' efforts to nurture children's emotional, social and ethical development through character education, conflict resolution and teaching tolerance programs.
Thank you. 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 Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer up one resolution this morning.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution honoring Salome Thomas-El for his tireless dedication to improve the quality of life and service to the children of Philadelphia, the School District of Philadelphia and his authorship of two nationally acclaimed books.
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 Goode.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance amending Chapter 17-1400 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Non-Competitively Bid Contracts; Financial Assistance," by revising the thresholds for, and terms of, eligibility for certain contracts and financial assistance, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Title 17 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Contracts and Procurement," by adding a new chapter defining and detailing the categories of the Disadvantaged Business Enterprises and of City contracts that must be considered separately by the Finance Director in conducting the annual disparity study and devising the annual participation goals.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. I offer one resolution.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Redevelopment Authority, the City of Philadelphia, for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Whitman Urban Renewal Area.
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 say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Madam President, I have four bills, one co-sponsored by Councilwoman Donna Reed Miller.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance amending Chapter 10-300 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Minors," by making it unlawful to allow any minor on any non-school premises during school hours, under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing the President of the Fairmount Park Commission to execute a ground lease and license agreement with the Philadelphia Museum of Art Corporation.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development a deed located 1015 to 21 Mount Vernon Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing John Rocco to construct, operate and maintain underground electrical and phone to the newsstand located at 20th and Market Streets.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Kelly.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution recognizing Philadelphia noir novelist David Goodis.
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 Rizzo.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution honoring, congratulating and celebrating the august legacy and important contributions to the City of Philadelphia of the Academy of Music on its 150th anniversary.
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 is adopted. The next order of business is reports from committees, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for a report from the Committee of the Whole.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee of the Whole reports out five resolutions with a favorable recommendation.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee of the Whole, to which was referred Resolution No. 060772, entitled "A resolution confirming the appointment of Richard Glazer, Esquire as a member of the Board of Ethics to serve in the term ending November 16, 2011"; and Resolution No. 060773, entitled "A resolution confirming the appointment of Richard Negrin, Esquire as a member of the Board of Ethics to serve in the term ending November 16, 2010"; and Resolution 060774, "confirming the appointment of Reverend Dr. Alyn Waller as a member of the Board of Ethics to serve in the term ending November 16, 2009"; and Resolution No. 060775, "confirming the appointment of Pauline Abernathy as a member of the Board of Ethics to serve in the term ending 16, 2008"; and Resolution No. 060776, entitled "Confirming the appointment of Stella M. Tsai, Esquire as a member of the Board of Ethics to serve in the term ending November 16, 2007," respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached resolutions to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. Resolution Nos. 060772, 060773, 060774, 060775 and 060776 will be considered at the end of today's Calendar. The next order of business is the consideration of the Calendar. Since there are no bills on the First Reading Calendar, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for the purpose of calling up bills to be considered on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar today.
Thank you, Madam President. Today our Calendar 11/16/06 - STATED - 2ND READING begins on . We will hear Bill No. 060582-A at the bottom of the page. An amendment will be offered for Bill No. 060345-A. Next our Calendar continues on , at the bottom, we will hear Bill No. 060625, and on the ninth page, both bills, 060631 and 635. All other bills are being held.
Thank you very much. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 060582-A.
An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by adding a definition and providing for day care in certain commercial districts as an accessory use to churches and places of worship, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. 11/16/06 - STATED - 2ND READING The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 12; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. We will now consider Bill No. 060345-A.
An ordinance amending Chapter 9-600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Service Businesses," to add new provisions to prohibit the sale, from certain retail establishments, of "blunts," "loosies," cigarette papers, cigars and other items that may be otherwise legal but that are 11/16/06 - STATED - 2ND READING commonly used as drug paraphernalia, under certain terms and conditions.
Madam President, I have an amendment to Bill 060345-A. The amendment has been circulated to all members, and I move for the adoption of the amendment. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the amendment be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. I would ask the Chief Clerk to please read Bill No. 060625.
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by 11/16/06 - STATED - 2ND READING changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Delaware Avenue, Tacony Bridge, Eldridge Street, New State Road and Magee Avenue.
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 12; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for 11/16/06 - STATED - 2ND READING consideration is Bill No. 060631.
An ordinance amending Chapter 14-400 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Commercial Entertainment District," by adding requirements for, among other things, transportation and parking management plans, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Aye. 11/16/06 - STATED - 2ND READING
Aye. 11/16/06 - STATED - 2ND READING The ayes are 12; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The last bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 060635.
An ordinance repealing Section 2 of an ordinance, Bill No. 050418, approved December 1, 2005, entitled, "An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land."
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 12; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Resolution No. 060772.
A resolution confirming the appointment of Richard Glazer, Esquire as a member of the Board of Ethics to serve in the term ending November 16, 2011.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
Those 11/16/06 - STATED - 2ND READING opposed? (No response.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Resolution No. 060773.
A resolution confirming the appointment of Richard Negrin, Esquire as a member of the Board of Ethics to serve in the term ending November 16, 2010.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 060773 be adopted. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.) 11/16/06 - STATED - 2ND READING
The ayes have it and Resolution No. 060773 has been adopted. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Resolution No. 060774.
A resolution confirming the appointment of Reverend Dr. Alyn Waller as a member of the Board of Ethics to serve in the term ending November 16, 2009.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 060774 be adopted. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. 11/16/06 - STATED - 2ND READING (Aye.)
The ayes have it and Resolution No. 060774 has been adopted. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Resolution No. 060775.
A resolution confirming the appointment of Pauline Abernathy as a member of the Board of Ethics to serve in the term ending November 16, 2008.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 060775 be adopted. All in favor will say aye. 11/16/06 - STATED - 2ND READING (Aye.)
The ayes have it and Resolution No. 060775 has been adopted. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Resolution No. 060776.
A resolution confirming the appointment of Stella M. Tsai, Esquire as a member of the Board of Ethics to serve in the term ending November 16, 2007.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 060776 be adopted. All in favor will please say 11/16/06 - STATED - 2ND READING aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and Resolution No. 060776 has been adopted. 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 Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I rise to mention three issues, very briefly. One is that Reverend Herndon and the Church of Christian Compassion on Monday at First District Plaza 3801 will be serving shelters and homeless people Thanksgiving dinner to some 2,000 people. We partner with him every year and will be there to help serve, and we thank the Church of Christian Compassion and Reverend Herndon for his commitment to people in need. Also, we want to mention that we were happy we worked with the Controller, Alan Butkovitz, very hard on the issue of full tax valuation. We're happy that it has been delayed again, but still feel that ultimately we would like to see it considered a ballot issue so that no one loses sight that this Council has spoken out against tax reorganization, against taxes going up for the citizens we represent. And, finally, the issue I mention every week is that of housing reorganization. Many of you know that some 42 people received their notices. There were 44 job postings, but, as you know, those jobs were majority lower pay, to the issue of union busting, and included in this was the whole issue of Vacant Property Review Committee, our own John Coates. All of you know we established this Committee in 1976 and all of the staff that serve him. In fact, yesterday all of those at the Vacant Property Review Committee, all properties were offered for fair market value, and so our Committee was not even functioning such that people could get properties if they had the wherewithal to rent them or side yards and others that we try to convey to people at nominal cost. So, again, we are waiting for this to be resolved. We are hopeful. We are told that these negotiations are going away and that our John Coates and people who work for this Committee that Council created, that this will be resolved, but we're saying again and asking everybody to please continue to consider what happens. We talk to the We still have people here. As you will note, the crowd has changed and is dwindling, because those who aren't here have either been laid off or have been forced to take a layoff so that they don't use benefits in the future. And as always, we say people who are between 40 and retirement age, who don't get Social Security, are really in a bind, because it's very difficult when you're 50 years old to start all over again at some new job, especially in a job market when they have so many new people and more people coming out of college, et cetera, who are unemployed. So this is a very, very difficult time for us in housing reorganization. We continue to say that we need the people who live and work and serve our City to work. They don't deserve what's happening to them. People don't deserve, after spending more than 30 years and 36 years and 38 years, they don't deserve to be laid off and put out, their life and their energy for our City. It is amazing that we get anything at all done in these various departments, PHDC, RDA, VPRC, OHCD, when we have people there with the morale so low because they've been forced to fight one another, to bump down union against union, and it's just a horrendous condition. So we'll continue to try to work on it. We ask that all of you be mindful of what happens, watch the projects in your area, and we will continue to fight on this issue. Thank you, Madam President.
Would anyone else like to be recognized? (No response.)
Would anyone else like to be recognized? (No response.)
I would just like to remind my colleagues that the Rules Committee will be having a public hearing at 1 o'clock today, and I would ask that you all be prompt. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for a motion to adjourn.
Madam President, I move that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, November the 30th, 2006, 10:00 a.m.
It has been moved and seconded that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, November 30th. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. Thank you all very much. (Stated Meeting adjourned at 11:25 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 November 16, 2006, and that this is a true and correct transcript of same. ______________________________ MICHELE L. MURPHY RPR-Notary Public (The foregoing certification of this transcript does not apply to any reproduction of the same by any means, unless under the direct control and/or supervision of the certifying reporter.)