COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, December 14, 2006, 11:05 a.m. COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT: Anna C. Verna, President Jannie L. Blackwell Blondell Reynolds Brown Carol Ann Campbell Darrell L. Clarke Frank DiCicco W. Wilson Goode, Jr. William K. Greenlee Jack Kelly James F. Kenney Joan L. Krajewski Donna Reed Miller Brian J. O'Neill Juan F. Ramos Daniel J. Savage Frank Rizzo Marian B. Tasco V A R A L L O Incorporated Litigation Support Specialists 1835 Market Street, Suite 600 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103 215.561.2220 215.567.2670 12/14/06 STATED MEETING - GREETING/INVOCATION
I note that the house 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 John Roberts of the Garden of Prayer Church. He is here today as the guest of Councilman Clarke. I would ask all members and guests to please rise. Good morning, Reverend.
Good morning. Let's bow our heads. O, Heavenly Father, we thank You for allowing us to be here today. First of all, we want to start off by saying thank you for waking us up this morning. And then not only did you wake us up, but you helped us to get up. 12/14/06 STATED MEETING - GREETING/INVOCATION And so many woke up but could not get up out of bed. And then you blessed us to have a portion of strength so that we could bathe ourselves and put our own clothes on without any assistance. And then you allowed us to come safely to this place this morning. We pray that you would be with us today and give us wisdom, give us understanding. Let everything be done decently and in order. Bless our president of this Council and all the Councilpeople. Bless these that have come today to get an understanding on business. We invoke Your divine presence because without You, we can do nothing. And without You, we would fail. Without You, we would be like that ship tossing and turning, without a sail. Bless everything that will go on today, for your word says that we pray for those in authority that must 12/14/06 STATED MEETING - GREETING/INVOCATION make decisions for us. We ask, God, that you would speak to those that are the leaders here today. Give us wisdom, give us understanding, for the Bible says that when the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when the wicked rule, the people mourn, and some of us have been mourning a long time. Bless this day, and make us a blessing to the day. We ask this in Thy name. For our sake we, pray. And as always, Lord, I thank you for listening. Amen.
The Chair thanks Reverend Roberts for his very spiring inspiration. Council will be at ease. (Council stands at ease.) * * * 12/14/06 STATED MEETING - JOURNAL APPROVAL (Proceedings resume.)
The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, December 7, 2006. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, December 7, 2006, stand approved. (Motion seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, December 7, 2006, stand approved. All those in favor, please say aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, December 7, 2006, is approved. * * * 12/14/06 STATED - LEAVES OF ABSENCE REQUESTS
The next order of business is requests for leaves of absence, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you Madam President. Madam President, on behalf of the Majority, there are no requests for leaves of absence.
The Chair thanks Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Madam President, on behalf of the Republicans, there are no requests for leaves of absence.
Thank you. * * * 12/14/06 STATED - PRESENTATIONS
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 City Council, I welcome you to our Council session. We appreciate your taking the time to join us as we attend to the legislative affairs of our city. We certainly invite you to come again. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski, who will present a resolution honoring Officer Ernest Wehr as the 2006 PAL Officer of the year and Officer Robert Wuller for being named Police Officer of the Year by the International Association of Police Chiefs. Will Officer Rehr and Officer Muller and those accompanying them please join the Councilmembers at the podium. Councilman Rizzo is joining 12/14/06 STATED - PRESENTATIONS Councilwoman Krajewski in making the presentation. As is -- Councilman Savage, you're joining Councilwoman Krajewski? (Honorees and others come forward.)
This is, indeed, very fascinating to have two of Philadelphia's finest right here today, and it's a pleasure to read this resolution. It's a resolution honoring Police Officer Ernest ("Ernie") Wehr, the 2005 PAL Officer of year. Whereas, Ernest (or "Ernie," as he is better known) was born on June 11, 1957, at Hahnemann Hospital in Philadelphia to Evelyn C. Wehr and Ernest Wehr, Sr. Born on Master Street, Ernie would later spend most of his young life at a home on Granite Street in the Oxford Circle section of 12/14/06 STATED - PRESENTATIONS Philadelphia. His love of athletics was evident early on, as he would always be found out on the street with the local children, playing numerous sporting activities and...
And whereas, at the age of 14, Ernie and the rest of the Wehr children lost their mother and matriarch of the family to a battle with cancer. As always, Ernie stepped up and helped his father, a Philadelphia police officer, take care of his three younger siblings, Andrew, Jane and Baby Paul; and Whereas, Ernie attended Edmonds Grade School during his early years and then moved on to Frankford High School, where he was proud to be a pioneer basketball and baseball player, hitting long home runs over the famous high fence and often across the street. Many were in awe of his baseball talent. Fans would attend just 12/14/06 STATED - PRESENTATIONS to see if Ernie would hit one today over the fence, hit one today over the fence. To this day, he attends alumni functions and sporting events, chairing on the Red, Blue and Gold; and...
Whereas, upon graduation, Ernie continued his education as well as his athletic career at the Community College of Philadelphia, majoring in accounting. As the captain of the baseball team, Ernie led the squad to the championship and set many team records; and...
Whereas, he followed in his father's footsteps by becoming a Philadelphia police officer in June 1985. His initial placement was in the 25th Police District until he earned a transfer into the Police Athletic League. Armed with a lifelong love for athletics and a family history of law enforcement, Ernie had found the perfect 12/14/06 STATED - PRESENTATIONS career in his life; and...
Whereas, stationed at the Frank L. Rizzo PAL in Port Richmond, Officer Ernie has become a neighborhood icon and hero, and hundreds of kids are taken under his wing and guidance as he molds them into a respectful and good PAL kid with PAL programs such as soccer, basketball, golf, Math-24 Challenge, chess, after-school programs, homework help, Positive Images, girls' programs, college-scholarship assistance and applications. But most importantly, knowing that his office door at Belgrade and Clearfield is always open to them and that Officer Ernie is their friend and ally; and Whereas, sharing this honor with him is the love of his life and biggest supporter, his wife, Robin, and his children, Shannon and Ernest, III, both born and raised in Mayfair, as well 12/14/06 STATED - PRESENTATIONS as the new granddaughter, Samantha, who is most currently her Grandpop's biggest fan. And now...
Now, therefore, resolved that the City Council of Philadelphia bestows its congratulations and well-deserved honor to Police Officer Ernie Wehr on his PAL Officer of the Year achievement, and thanks him for his years of dedicated and loyal service to protect and serve the people of Philadelphia as well as the children in the PAL Program. This is a true and correct copy signed by the President of City Council and sponsored by all members of City Council. Congratulations. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes Officer Wehr for remarks. OFFICER WEHR: Madam President, 12/14/06 STATED - PRESENTATIONS Councilmembers, it is my honor to be humbly up here in front of you. They asked me to say a few things, and I thought about a lot of thing over my years as a police officer and growing up. And there's a guidance that I have -- it's the three F's -- that have led me where I am today, and if I might just say a few thank-you's. The three F's are faith, family, and friends. It is my faith in God and my lord and savior, Jesus Christ, who gives me the strength each and every day just to take the walk that I have and to work with the children of Philadelphia, and he gives me my strength. And there's the faith that I have in my family and my family has in me. Council read about a Philadelphia police officer who was married for sixteen years and had four children's, ages 14, 10, 7, and 4, when 12/14/06 STATED - PRESENTATIONS the matriarch, and our mother, passed away. And it was kind of tough being a Philadelphia police officer at that time. And when you think about it, back in the '60s and '70s, everybody thought that a Philadelphia police officer, when you have life insurance, all the life insurance is going to be on us 'cause we were the ones who are going to go first. So he was in a financial hardship 'cause there wasn't a mother, and he was raising four children. And part of where I am today -- and a big part is my mentor and my hero, and that's my father, retired Sergeant Ernie Wehr, Sr. As well as -- here is my brother Andrew, who is another police officer. So out of four children, fifty percent of us went on to take his career as well. Also here -- I must say thank you too -- is my family and my wife of 12/14/06 STATED - PRESENTATIONS 28 years, who has been my biggest supporter over these years, and she's probably -- as many times as I had to give a speech or say something within PAL, she's the one that I always forget. So I have to say thank you. If it wasn't for her, I definitely would not be the man that I am today. And thank you very much, Robin. (Applause.) OFFICER WEHR: My children, Shannon and Ernie. As a PAL Officer -- if anybody doesn't know -- our hours are basically Monday through Friday, 2 to 10. Well, if I'm at PAL, working with my kids, and my blood kids know this, that they're all called "my kids," that they're the ones that are probably suffering the most in my years of PAL. So I just thank them for hanging in there. Youse two are unbelievable, both of youse through college in four years which is, like, 12/14/06 STATED - PRESENTATIONS kind of not normal today. Both of youse married love of your lives. And Ernie, with his wife Danielle, gave Robin and myself a granddaughter on Easter morning, Samantha. And Shannon is due this coming March. So I have some more apples of my eyes coming towards me, so I thank you very much.
I would suggest that the Wehr children join their dad at the podium. OFFICER WEHR: And, Danielle, please bring Samantha up. And then, finally, the friends part of it. Well, when you go to PAL, it's not only friends; it's family. And the PAL family, there's some of 'em out there today. Officer Jim Housman, who I replaced at PAL 16 years ago, showed me the ropes at the very beginning. And last year's recipient, Bill Schneider, thank you for coming down here. 12/14/06 STATED - PRESENTATIONS But in PAL, we cannot do it ourselves, and we have volunteers. And there are a few volunteers in PAL that really have to be mentioned because of what PAL is all about. And Ed Schneider has been in PAL for 20 years, 16 of my years he has been there. And then Laura Kelly is in the audience as well here too. She has been my right-hand person at PAL, running the Positive Image Program, running the Homework Club. Those two people are -- and as well as Patty Pat is here somewhere. Patty Pat happened to come along. And just for anybody out there, take a chance and go into a PAL center and see what we do with the children of Philadelphia. Patty Pat stopped in a year ago and now she has stayed and now she is a volunteer in the girls' Positive Image Program. And so, finally, I just want to thank everybody, and especially, 12/14/06 STATED - PRESENTATIONS especially Joan Krajewski, the fabulous Joan Krajewski, the awesome Joan Krajewski. And one thing I will say is: Joan, I'm one of your constituents, and I vote for you every year. Please, please think about it. Come back. Council needs you very much. And to Council, thank you for your support. Your activities funds go a long way, not only to PAL but to anybody who gets those activities funds, please never, never shortchange the children of Philadelphia. We really need the funding to run our programs. (Applause.)
We have one more officer that we want to honor. This is a resolution honoring Philadelphia Police Officer Robert Wuller for being named Police Officer of the Year by the International Association of Chiefs of Police and for 12/14/06 STATED - PRESENTATIONS being featured in Parade Magazine. Whereas, Police Officer Robert Wuller began his career with the Philadelphia Police Department in 1997 and has a nine-year record of loyalty and service and received commendations and honors from The Department; and...
Whereas, while driving alone in his patrol car on April 21, 2005, Police Officer Wuller received a call over the radio for help, reports of a woman and child screaming for help. Within minutes, he was at an apartment building at 5200 Oxford Avenue; and...
Whereas, locked out of the building, Police Officer Wuller broke through the glass door and ran up the stairs, following the screams for help. He kicked in the door and came face-to-face with a masked man with a gun aimed at him; and...
Whereas, Police Officer Wuller fired at the 12/14/06 STATED - PRESENTATIONS suspect while a second suspect, who was stabbing a victim bound in duct tape on the floor, charged at him with a knife. Wuller fired ten shots from his Glock 17. A third assailant was later arrested after Police Officer Wuller radioed in a description of him; and...
Whereas, for the first time in history, a Philadelphia police officer has been named Police Officer of the Year by the International Association of Chiefs of Police and has been featured in the national publication "Parade Magazine" for his extraordinary efforts courage and heroism; and now...
Therefore resolved by the Council of the City of Philadelphia that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Police Officer Robert Wuller, further evidencing the sincere admiration and gratitude of this legislative body. 12/14/06 STATED - PRESENTATIONS This is a true and correct copy of a resolution passed by all members of City Council and signed by the President of City Council, Anna Verna. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes Officer Wuller for remarks. OFFICER WULLER: Good morning. I'm not going to be able to follow-up to Wehr; I'm not a very good speaker. But I will say this: I'd like to thank Officer [sic] Joan Krajewski and her office, all Councilmembers, the FOP, Captain Kenny O'Brien. And this is also going back to Councilmembers: I'd like to thank you for all your appreciation and your dedication to the city. Thank you. (Applause.)
Council will be at ease. (Council stands at ease.) * * * 12/14/06 STATED - PRESENTATIONS (Proceedings resume.)
The Chair now recognizes Councilman Clarke, who will present a resolution recognize Hall Stanton Elementary School. Will Principal Barbara Adderly and those accompanying her please join the Councilman at the podium. (Honoree and others come forward.)
And Councilman Clarke is being joined by Councilwoman Reynolds-Brown. Councilman Clarke?
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, it gives me pleasure today along with Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds-Brown --
Councilman Clarke, just a minute, please. The noise level is really much too high. Would you close the door 12/14/06 STATED - PRESENTATIONS there, please. Councilman, please proceed.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, it gives me pleasure today, along with Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds-Brown and all Councilmembers, to recognize the Hall Stanton Elementary School for being one of the five schools nationally to be honored by the Education Trust. Whereas, Hall Stanton Elementary School, in the heart of North Philadelphia, has grabbed the national spotlight for dramatically improving its test scores; and Whereas, over four years, the number of 5th-graders scoring at the highest level advanced, soared from 1.2 percent in math and reading to 42.1 percent in math -(Applause.)
And 29.8 percent in reading; and 12/14/06 STATED - PRESENTATIONS Whereas, Principle Barbara Adderly and her staff boosted student achievement, using test data to identify struggling students and improve teaching methods to help them; and...
Whereas, Stanton has for the past three years met the standards of the federal No Child Left Behind Act; and Whereas, Stanton challenges academic research that links family income with academic success, is considered, quote, a symbol of urban educational promise, end quote, and proof positive that through hard work and a laser-like focus on curriculum and instruction, schools serving even the most disadvantaged students can see dramatic improvement in student learning; and Whereas, Stanton will be one of five schools nationwide honored in Washington by the Education Trust for strategies that have narrowed the 12/14/06 STATED - PRESENTATIONS achievement gap for low-income and minority students; Now, therefore...
Resolved by the Council of the City of Philadelphia that Hall Stanton Elementary School should be recognized and commended for being one of the five schools nationally to be honored by the Education Trust. Further resolved that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the principal, staff, and most importantly, to students of Hall Stanton Elementary School. This citation is cosponsored by all members of Council. Thank you so much for your. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes Principal Adderly for remarks. (Applause.)
First of all, I would like to say good morning and thank 12/14/06 STATED - PRESENTATIONS you so much, Councilman Darryl Clarke, for spearheading the recognition of Hall Stanton School in North Philadelphia. And we do have friends here, right in City Council: Blondell Reynolds-Brown, who has been to our school to spearhead and talking to youth about how to better prepare themselves for lifelong learning; and Marian Tasco, who I've known for quite a while. I want to thank you, but I want us to understand -- and I'll be extremely brief -- that Barbara Adderly, of course, did not do this by herself. It took that whole village to ensure that our children achieved at high levels. And so I have to thank the staff, the students, and the parents for helping us to arrive at this level of success. Our children have done extremely well. I'm so proud of them, I don't know what to do. 12/14/06 STATED - PRESENTATIONS We have three of our children here today who have achieved, advanced on the PSSA, but we have many children in our school who have scored advanced on the PSSA. And one student, Rafiq Johnson, who I've taken to other events, so I thought I should bring somebody else, who scored a perfect score in math this past year. (Applause.)
So thank you again. Have a wonderful holiday. And thank you again for recognizing us. I appreciate it. (Applause.)
Council will be at ease. (Council stands at ease.) * * * 12/14/06 STATED - PRESENTATIONS (Proceedings resume.)
The Chair now recognizes Councilman Rizzo, who will present a resolution recognizing Ralph Archibald, also known as the present-day Benjamin Franklin. Will Mr. Archibald and those accompanying him please join the Councilman at the podium. (Honoree and others come forward.)
Madam President, joining Mr. Archibald today will be Ann Meredith, the President and CEO of Lights of Liberty, and Donna Shore, the Director of Communications for the Greater Philadelphia Bureau of Tourism. Recognizing, honoring, and celebrating Ralph Archibald, also known as Philadelphia's present-day Benjamin Franklin. After 25 years of his award-winning authentic portrayal of the most famous Philadelphia ever, Ben 12/14/06 STATED - PRESENTATIONS Franklin, and for his many contributions and undying dedication to the City of Philadelphia; Whereas, Ralph Archibald has been the best portrayer of Benjamin Franklin in the world since 1973 by anyone's measure; and Whereas, Ralph Archibald has lived as a tireless, engaging personification of Ben Franklin and a champion of Philadelphia; and.
Whereas, the President of the United States and the Congress have appointed Ralph Archibald to a federal commission to oversee the celebration of Ben Franklin's as 300th birthday, January 17, 2006. Ralph, like Ben, was also born on January 17th; and Whereas, he's the official Benjamin Franklin for the City of Pennsylvania, the University of Pennsylvania, which Ben founded, and the Franklin Institute. Ralph Archibald was 12/14/06 STATED - PRESENTATIONS also chosen to be the primary spokesperson for America's Constitutional Bicentennial Celebration; and Whereas, his famous portrayal has won him many appearances on The Today Show, Good Morning America, the Disney Channel, and the History Channel. Also, our Ben has won many awards including, Philadelphia Magazine's Best of Philadelphia Award and the Council of Peers Award of Excellence, and the Speakers Hall of Fame, just to name a few; and...
Whereas, over (inaudible) inventor and one of the Founding Fathers lives on through the authenticity, respect, and dignity that Ralph Archibald has bought to his over 10,000 audiences -- conventioneers, visitors -- all helping to make our region a better place to live, work, and visit. Now, therefore, be it resolved 12/14/06 STATED - PRESENTATIONS by the Council of the City of Philadelphia that it recognizes, honors, and celebrates Ralph Archibald, also known as "Philadelphia's Present-Day Benjamin Franklin," after 25 years of his award-winning authentic portrayal of the most Philadelphian ever, Benjamin Franklin, and for his many contributions and dedication to the City of Philadelphia. Further resolved that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Ralph Archibald as further evidence of the sincere admiration and gratitude of this legislative body. Ralph, congratulations. (Applause.)
This is wonderful. You know, I think the great thrill for me is to see this city as it 12/14/06 STATED - PRESENTATIONS is today and wish that Ben Franklin could be here to see it. I mentioned that at the very wonderful tribute dinner organized by Ann Meredith and the Lights of Liberty Show and supported by the Greater Philadelphia Tourism and Marketing Corporation. When I arrived there and I was going to speak out on the Main Line at the former Adams Mark Hotel. And I went to mail a letter, and as I walked across and dropped it in the mail slot and walked back to my carriage. A lady who apparently lived on the streets was walking by with all of her belongings. And she had stopped and looked at me. As I entered my vehicle, she said, "What a weirdo." (Laughter.)
And I thought that was one of highest accolades that I could receive because when someone, who is what we used to call "a bag lady," 12/14/06 STATED - PRESENTATIONS looks down on you, you have a new level of status. This is a great honor because you are the people -- you Councilpeople are the people who do the everyday work that makes this city the great city that it is. And I applaud all of you and I want to thank all of you for this great honor because without your great dedication, without you coming down here and going through all of the wonderful things that need to be done and the difficult decisions that need to be made, this city could not be the great Philadelphia that I love so much. And I feel honored portraying Benjamin Franklin and helping this city go forward. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you, 12/14/06 STATED - PRESENTATIONS Councilman, and thank you, Councilman Rizzo and Councilman DiCicco and all of you for recognizing this great Philadelphian. You know, I was thinking as I was standing here that New York may be the city that never sleeps, but we have the Ben Franklin ambassador that never sleeps. Ralph Archibald works 24/7. When he goes outside in that suit, and even when he's not wearing that costume, he's a celebrity. And what touches me the most, working in the historic areas, is to see him treat every person he encounters as if it's the first person he's talked to that day, as if he's getting paid lots money to do it, when really, he could just be shopping for groceries and sitting down at Mrs. K's Diner and have breakfast. And it is the grace and the humility and the professionalism that he 12/14/06 STATED - PRESENTATIONS brings to this job that has touched me so much as a Philadelphian and makes me so grateful to have him as our primary ambassador while we all sleep. And on a personal note, Ralph is out there day and night, promoting our city, not just to people who visit here, but literally all over the world. So this is the 25th anniversary of him portraying Ben Franklin in Philadelphia and also the culmination of one year and 800 appearances as Franklin in the 300th-year birthday celebration that you all supported in the past year. So it seemed a fitting time to say thanks, Ben, and here's to another 25 years as our great Philadelphia ambassador. (Applause.)
Council will be at ease. (Council stands at ease.) * * * 12/14/06 STATED - COMMUNICATIONS (Proceedings resume.)
The next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that 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 pleased to advise you that today, December 14, 2006, I have signed all of the bills that were passed by Council at its session on November 30, 2006, and Bill No. 060830 that passed Council on December 7, 2006. And I am transmitting for the consideration of your honorable body a resolution approving the Redevelopment Contract and Disposition Supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area. 12/14/06 STATED - COMMUNICATIONS And an ordinance amending Section 14-207 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Historic Building Structures, Sites, Objects, and Districts," by providing for designation of City treasures, prohibiting removal Of City treasures without first obtaining a removal permit.
Thank you. The messages will be printed in the Journal. The Chief Clerk will please read any other communications in her possession.
Thank you. * * * 12/14/06 STATED - INTRO OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS
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 the time of their introduction. (Motion 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 their introduction. All in favor, please say aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and the motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilman 12/14/06 STATED - INTRO OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS Kenney.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer one resolution and one bill.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Section 19-1805 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Authorization of Liquor Sales Tax," by authorizing the School District of Philadelphia to impose the liquor-bythe-tax-drink on free drinks provided to patrons of licensed gaming facilities and other establishments, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution authorizing City Council's Committee on Legislative Oversight and Streets and 12/14/06 STATED - INTRO OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS Services to hold joint public hearings to investigate the progress made by the Streets Commissioner in establishing a program for the coordination of construction activities in the right-of-way and to investigate the feasibility of instituting a fee for permits for street and right-of-way closures.
Move the adoption of the resolution. (Motion seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will say aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the resolution will be referred to the appropriate Committee on Legislative Oversight and Streets and Services. 12/14/06 STATED - INTRO OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I have no bills or resolutions.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer one bill cosponsored by Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance naming and designating the Ogontz branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia located at 1607 Ogontz Avenue as the David Cohen Ogontz Branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate 12/14/06 STATED - INTRO OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer one resolution.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution amending Resolution No. 060324, adopted April 27, 2006, authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia without consideration deeds for the certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the improvements thereon.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Motion seconded.) 12/14/06 STATED - INTRO OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution authorizing the Council Committee on Public Health and Human Services to hold hearings regarding the findings and recommendations of the Mayor's Blue Ribbon Commission on Children's Behavioral Health.
Again, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman 12/14/06 STATED - INTRO OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS Tasco.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Motion seconded.)
It's been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will say aye. Those opposed? 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 have one resolution.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution 12/14/06 STATED - INTRO OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS authorizing City Council's Committee on Public Safety to hold public hearings focusing primarily on testimony of Philadelphia youth and young adults regarding gun-related and violent crime in our community.
Thank you, Madam President. Before I move for the adoption of this resolution, we have -- this resolution was actually sponsored by six other Councilmembers, okay? So I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Motion seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the resolution will be referred to the Committee on Public Safety. 12/14/06 STATED - INTRO OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS The Chair now recognizes Councilman Savage.
Thank you, Madam President. I have one bill and one resolution for today.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance approving a new plan, estimated cost, and proposed method of charges of the Frankford Special Services District for and concerning business improvements and administrative services to the Frankford Avenue Business District of the City of Philadelphia.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public 12/14/06 STATED - INTRO OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority deeds located in the 17th and 18th Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Motion seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the motion carries. The resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please 12/14/06 STATED - INTRO OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution calling upon the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board to delay the awarding of Category II licenses for six months and to create a second public comment period.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Motion seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted.
And a resolution calling on the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, pursuant to the Horse-Racing Development and Gaming Act 12/14/06 STATED - INTRO OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS of 2004, to issue no more than one Category II slot machine license along the Delaware Riverfront in Philadelphia.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Motion seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. Those opposed? I guess we need a roll-call vote on that. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Nay. 12/14/06 STATED - INTRO OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS
I'm sorry. Was that a nay? Councilwoman Campbell, was that nay?
Councilwoman Krajewski? 12/14/06 STATED - INTRO OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS
No. 12/14/06 STATED - INTRO OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS The ayes are 3, the nays are 14. The motion fails. We will now consider -- was that the last?
Thank you. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds-Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer up one resolution with a suspension of the rules, and I would like to comment very briefly on the resolution.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution calling on the School District of Philadelphia to produce and transmit to Council annually a proposed Five-Year Financial Plan.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown. 12/14/06 STATED - INTRO OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS
Thank you, Madam President. Currently, I'm told by our in-house historian -- in my world, that would be Councilman Goode -- that since 1992, the City has had the practice of a Five-Year Plan. And many of us have come to find this to be a very useful tool for those of us in government public policy-makers and those of us outside of government who care about the status of the City's finances. The goal of our resolution today is only to further strengthen the interface across systems, getting -- to build systems to talk closer with each other around the issue of providing services to children; in this case, education. This morning, I introduce this resolution calling on the School District to produce and transmit to City Council annually a proposed Five-Year 12/14/06 STATED - INTRO OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS Plan. And the record should reflect that this week in testimony, CEO Paul Vallas stated that he and his staff will, indeed, do the hard work by making it a formal practice to distribute a Five-Year Plan. My request is that we also here in City Council see it. We know that they have been making very difficult and tough choices all designed to address the financial challenges they've endured over the last many months. Secondly, let me make it clear that this resolution seeks to confirm their already commitment to present a Five-Year Plan. I have and will continue to look forward to working with the School District in this regard, and I know that my colleagues are prepared to do the same. And then in closing, we should never, ever underestimate and always the 12/14/06 STATED - INTRO OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS enormous and significant academic progress and physical improvements Mr. Vallas and his team of professionals have provided over the last four years. This is just one more effort to ensure that the improvements and their progress continue in the future. Thank you, Madam Chair. I move for the adoption. (Motion seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will say aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
The 12/14/06 STATED - INTRO OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ramos.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer three bills -one cosponsored by Councilman Savage and the other cosponsored by Councilwoman Tasco and Councilwoman Reynolds-Brown.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance amending Title 6 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Health Code," by prohibiting the use of artificial transfats in restaurants and other food-service establishments, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Title 9 of the Philadelphia 12/14/06 STATED - INTRO OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS Code, entitled "Regulation of Business and Exempt Professions," by adding a new chapter entitled "Certified Electricians and Telecommunication Technicians," requiring certain licensing of persons performing work on electrical and telecommunications systems, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing Wachovia Bank to place a free-standing ATM kiosk on the north sidewalk of East Allegheny Avenue, adjacent to the bank entrance at 861 East Allegheny Avenue.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Campbell.
Madam Chairwoman, I have one resolution. 12/14/06 STATED - INTRO OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will read the title of the resolution.
A resolution authorizing the Commission of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City deeds located in the 52nd Ward of City of Philadelphia.
I move that the resolution be adopted. (Motion seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor, please say aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill. 12/14/06 STATED - INTRO OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke. (No response.)
Thank you, Madam President. I have six bills and two resolutions.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance to amend an ordinance approved June 8, 2006, Bill No. 060002, relating to the Fiscal Year 2007 Capital Budget by decreasing project amounts in certain departments and increasing projects in amounts in other departments. 12/14/06 STATED - INTRO OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance to amend an ordinance approved June 8, 2006, Bill No. 060001, relating to the Fiscal Year 2007-2012 Capital Program by decreasing project amounts in certain departments and increasing project amounts in other departments.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designation to certain areas of land located within an area bounded by North Broad Street, Fairmount Avenue, North 13th Street, and Wyler Street.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance 12/14/06 STATED - INTRO OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS amending Chapter 14-1402 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Parking in Residential Districts," by amending Chapter 14-305 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Commercial and Commercial Districts."
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 58 by striking from the City Plan and vacating Melon Street from Ridge Avenue to 13th Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance to amend the Institutional Development District Master Plan of Temple University by allowing for the construction of new building on Block B.
The 12/14/06 STATED - INTRO OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution approving the Redevelopment Contract and Disposition Supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will please signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the motion carries. 12/14/06 STATED - INTRO OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS
And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia deeds located in the 11th and 13th Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor, please say aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kelly.
Madam President, I have no bills or 12/14/06 STATED - INTRO OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS resolutions today.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
Madam President, I have no bills or resolutions today. Thank you.
Thank you. * * * 12/14/06 STATED - COMMITTEE REPORTS