COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Thursday, June 10, 1999 10:50 a.m. Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA COUNCILWOMAN AUGUSTA A. CLARK COUNCILMAN DARRYL CLARKE COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN DAVID COHEN COUNCILWOMAN JOAN L. KRAJEWSKI COUNCILMAN JAMES F. KENNEY COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER COUNCILMAN MICHAEL A. NUTTER COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO COUNCILMAN ANGEL L. ORTIZ COUNCILMAN FRANK DICICCO COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILMAN RICHARD T. MARIANO COUNCILMAN W. THACHER LONGSTRETH COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO MARIE HAUSER, Chief Clerk VINCENT VARALLO ASSOCIATES, INC. Registered Professional Reporters Eleven Penn Center, Suite 600 Philadelphia, PA 19103 GREETING/INVOCATION P R O C E E D I N G S
I note that the hour has come and that a quorum of this Council is present. The Council will come to order, members will take their seats, visitors will retire to the seats outside the rails. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair welcomes Rabbi Yolkut. He is here today as the guest of Councilman O'Neill. Guests and visitors will please rise. (All rise.)
Let us pray, heavenly Father. The ancient Hebrew psalmist once wrote, it is good to give thanks to the Lord and to sing praises to your name of most high, to proclaim Your goodness in the morning and Your faithfulness at night. And so, as we gather here today, we offer our gratitude to you, master of the universe, for the countless blessings with which You have favored us these past years. It is good to give thanks to the Lord. Indeed, your manifold gifts often go unnoticed in our haste, and disappointments often blind us to our blessings in GREETING/INVOCATION life. Therefore, this morning, we pause. We pause to render thanks for life itself. For sight, hearing, smell and touch. You have provided us with food to eat and clothes to wear, health and strength, convenience and luxuries in abundance. We give thanks for the beauties of nature in its gifts and pray that we may share as richly as we have received. We stand in wonder before the birth of our children, the miracle of their growth, their love and laughter. And we have so much more for which to be grateful. For the cherished rights and freedoms we enjoy in this free and blessed country of our, and in this great and historic community of Philadelphia. Freedom to speak our minds to express our convictions, to choose our representatives in government. To worship in accord the directives of our religious traditions. We give thanks for our freedom, and while knowing its frailty, recognize our obligation to nurture and sustain it. And this morning, we ask your continued blessings for the distinguished Mayor of this GREETING/INVOCATION city, for the distinguished President of the City Council, for the members of our City Council. Enable them to legislate for the entire community with partiality towards no group. Endow them with wisdom, courage, and understanding that they may dispatch the agenda before them to the betterment of our city and its inhabitants. Grant us, the citizens of this community, the understanding that the effectiveness of our elected officials is in direct proportion to the support we render them and the interest we display in the welfare of our city. May ours be a community where none shall prey on or exploit his fellow man, where bigotry and violence shall not be tolerated, where anti-Semitism and racism shall not be countenanced, where poverty shall be abolished, and all men live amicably together as brothers and sisters. Bring us together in a bond of true brotherhood that we may promote the welfare of our city and increase the happiness of its inhabitants. Hear our prayer, O, God, and bless us with strength, with courage, and with peace. And JOURNAL APPROVAL let us all say amen. ALL: Amen.
The Chair thanks Rabbi Yolkut for his inspiring invocation.
The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of June 3, 1999. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Clark.
Madam President, I request the approval of the Journal of that date.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday June 3, 1999, stands approved. All in favor will vote aye. Those opposed will vote nay. The ayes have it, the motion carries, and the Journal of Thursday June 3, 1999 is approved. LEAVES OF ABSENCE
The next order of business is leaves of absence. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Clark.
Madam President, I have not received any requests for leaves of absence on the part of the Majority.
The Chair thanks Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Madam Chair, thanks to the great effort of Councilman Longstreth getting here under difficult conditions after knee surgery, there are no requests for leaves of absence on the part of the Republicans. Thank you. (Applause.)
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 VISITOR RECOGNITION, PRESENTATION Council, I welcome you to our Council session this morning. We appreciate your taking the time to join us as we attend to the legislative affairs of our city. We invite you to come again. This morning, Council is honoring the Office of Emergency Shelter and Services and the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. The Chair invites Councilman DiCicco to come and make this presentation. (Councilman DiCicco comes forward.)
I believe Mr. Chappel will be accepting the resolution. Mr. Chappel, please join the Councilman.
I'd like to invite the students to also come up, if you'd like. The students can come up. (Students join Councilman DiCicco and Mr. Chappel at the podium.)
Thank you. And thank you, Madam President. This is a resolution honoring the Philadelphia Academy of Fine Arts and the Office of Emergency Shelter and Services. Whereas every day, children and their VISITOR RECOGNITION, PRESENTATION families are placed in the Office of Emergency Shelter and Services while they await placement in a more permanent shelter situation; and Whereas, volunteers from the Philadelphia Academy of Fine Arts have been operating an art project at the OESS on a weekly basis during the school year where children have the opportunity to express themselves in a caring environment, where whatever they do is positive and praiseworthy; and Whereas, young people from kindergarten through high school love the art classes because they can express themselves in a totally encouraging atmosphere, and they are inspired by the work they do; and Whereas, we are persuaded that the personnel et OESS and the volunteers from PAFA have enriched the lives of the youngsters who have participated in this program. And we thank them for their creative use of time and energy and for the light they have brought into the lives of others. Now therefore resolved by the Council of the City of Philadelphia that we hereby honor VISITOR RECOGNITION, PRESENTATION and commend the volunteers and organizers of this project from the Office of Emergency Shelter and Services and from the Philadelphia Academy of Fine Arts, and we thank them for their wonderful work. Resolved that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Mr. Mark Chappel of OESS and to Merlie Calisse (ph.) and Stefka Aman (ph.) of PAFA as evidence of the sincere gratitude and admiration of this legislative body. This is a true and correct copy of the original resolution adopted by the City of Philadelphia on the 27th day of May, 1999, signed by Anna C. Verna, President of City Council, introduced by me, and cosigned by all members City Council. Congratulations and thank you. (Applause.)
Honorable Council President Verna and the Honorable Councilmembers, and in particular, Councilman Frank DiCicco, this morning, it is very gratifying for me to introduce to you some of the students from the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. These students selflessly VISITOR RECOGNITION, PRESENTATION volunteer their time, talent and positive spirit and creative energies in a positive spirit to the homeless children of Philadelphia who are in care of the Office of Emergency Shelter Services. I would now like for you to meet two of the young ladies who are very keen at organizing the program and making it a success. First Merlie Calisse. And, I might add, she's from the state of Alabama. And second is Stefka Aman; she's from the city of Berlin, West Germany. Thank you, and you can now these young ladies.
They choose to be silent. Thank you for all of your services. Thank you.
Thank you. Council will be at ease. (Council stands at ease.)
The next order of business is communications. The Chair recognizes the sergeant-at-arms for the purpose of delivering the messages from the mayor to the chief clerk. The chief clerk will read the COMMUNICATIONS messages from the mayor.
To the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am transmitting herewith for the consideration of your honorable body the following: A resolution approving the actions of the boards of the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation and the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development to sell parcel A-1b. in the Eastwick Urban Renewal Stage A. And a resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority City of Philadelphia for properties in Point Breeze East Urban Renewal Area designated as Parcel No. 1. And a resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of University City Unit No. 3 Urban Renewal Area designated as Parcel No. 38. And a resolution approving the COMMUNICATIONS redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the renewal of a portion of Cecil B. Moore Avenue Urban Renewal Area designated as Parcel No. 6. 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 Cecil B. Avenue Urban Renewal Area identified by respective house number and street address as 1602 West Montgomery Avenue. And a resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for a portion of the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area identified as 1803-1805 West Montgomery Avenue. 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 identified by house address and COMMUNICATIONS street address as 2721 Diamond Street. And an ordinance authorizing transfers and appropriations for Fiscal Year 2000 from the General Fund - the Director of Finance Contribution to School District Tax Cuts and the Director of Commerce Economic Stimulus and from the Grants Revenue Fund - the Director of Finance Provision for Other Grants to the General Fund, the Director of Finance and the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania. An ordinance authorizing the transfers and appropriation for Fiscal Year 2000 within the Grants Revenue Fund from the Director of Finance Provision for Other Grants to the City Representative and the Director of Commerce. And an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to lease for a term of 30 years for nominal consideration certain parcels of land owned by the School District of Philadelphia as necessary to construct, operate, and/or utilize certain recreational facilities, in particular authorizing the leasing of the following: 1. Emanuel Recreation Center at McCloskey School, COMMUNICATIONS Pickering and Rumford Streets; 2. Picariello Recreation Center, located at Red Lion Road and Calera Street, and; 3. a portion of a parcel of land at the Rush School at Chalfont and Deerpath Streets.
The messages will be printed in the Journal. The chief clerk will read any other messages in her possession.
There being none, the next order of business is introduction of bills and resolution. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Clark.
Madam President, today, I have no bills or resolutions.
Councilwoman, may I ask you to make a motion to suspend the rules.
Madam President, I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit immediate consideration of resolutions INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS when they are introduced. (Duly seconded.)
All in favor of the motion to suspend the rules to permit immediate consideration of resolutions at the time of introduction will vote aye. Those opposed will vote nay. The ayes have it, and the motion is carried. The record will reflect that Councilwoman Clark has no bills or resolutions today. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you Madam President. Today I have three bills and two resolutions.
Would the chief clerk please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance granting permission to Patricia McQueen to operate, use, and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe located at 5700 Walnut Street, projecting a INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS maximum of four feet onto the south footway of Walnut Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
An ordinance amending an ordinance approved May 9, 1997 (Bill No. 970168) which authorizes the City to sell certain delinquent real-estate tax claims identified on Exhibit A to the ordinance to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development ("PAID") by adding to Exhibit A certain tax claims which were the subject of now-defaulted payment plan agreements entered into by the taxpayers in May and June 1997 for the sole purpose of allowing the additional claims to be available for substitution for sold claims pursuant to the term of the June 30, 1999 tax claims purchase and sales.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending an ordinance approved May 9, 1999 (Bill No. 970168) which authorized the City to sell certainly delinquent real-estate tax claims INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS identified on Exhibit A to the ordinance to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development ("PAID") by adding to Exhibit A certain 1998 delinquent real-estate tax claims which affect the same properties affected by the tax claims sold to PAID for the sole purpose of allowing the additional claims to be available for substitution for sold claims pursuant to the terms of the June 30, 1997 tax claim purchase and sale agreement between the City.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia, without consideration, deeds conveying fee simple title to certain City-owned properties therein situate in the 3rd, 6th, 24th, and 51st Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell. INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS
Madam President, I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the motion is carried. The Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen.
Madam President, I have eight bills and one resolution today.
Councilwoman Blackwell, did you have one or two resolutions?
The chief clerk will please the second resolution introduced INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS by Councilwoman Blackwell.
A resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the University City Unit No. 3 Urban Renewal Area designated as Parcel No. 38, also sometimes identified by respective house number and street address as 3401-3459 Chestnut Street; and authorizing the Redevelopment Authority to execute the redevelopment contract with trustees of the University of Pennsylvania and to take such action as may be necessary to effectuate the redevelopment contract.
Thank you, Madam President. I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and the motion is carried. The chief clerk will please read the title of the first bill introduced by Councilwoman Krajewski.
An ordinance authorizing transfers and appropriations for Fiscal Year 2000 from the General Fund - the Director of Finance Contributions to School District Tax Cuts and the Director of Commerce Economic Stimulus, and from the Grants Revenue Fund to the Director of Finance Provision for Other Grants to the General Fund, the Director of Finance, and the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing transfers and appropriations for Fiscal Year 2000 within the HealthChoices Behavioral Health Revenue Fund from the Department INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS of Public Health to the Department of Public Health.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing transfers and appropriations for Fiscal Year 2000 within the HealthChoices Behavioral Revenue Fund from the Department of Public Health to the Department of Public Health.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing transfers and appropriations for Fiscal Year 2000 within the Grants Revenue Fund from the Director of Finance Provision for Other Grants we have to the Mayor's Office of Housing and Community Development.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
An ordinance authorizing transfers and appropriations for Fiscal Year 2000 within the Grants Revenue Fund from the Director of Finance Provision for Other Grants to the City Representative and Director of INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS Commerce.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing transfers and appropriations for Fiscal Year 1999 within the General Fund from the Department of Recreation, the Department of Recreation Stadium Complex, the Department of Public Property Utilities, the Department of Licenses and Inspections, the Director of Finance, and the Personnel Director to the Mayor's Office of Information Services.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
An ordinance approving a third lease amendment agreement between Philadelphia Gas Works by Philadelphia Facilities Management Corporation soley in its capacity as operator and manager of the City-owned Philadelphia Gas Works and the Philadelphia Regional Port Authority for the premises known as PGW Lot No. 1 located near the intersection of Delaware Avenue and Tioga Street.
The bill will INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS be referred to the appropriate committee.
An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 197 by striking from the City Plan Russell Street from Casper Street to a point approximately 311 feet.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for properties without consideration deeds conveying fee simple title to certain properties situate in the 65th Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the motion is carried. The Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano.
Madam President, I have three bills and five resolutions.
The clerk will please the read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance establishing a no-truck parking regulation on L Street, both sides, from Erie Avenue to Sedgley Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
An ordinance establishing a no-truck parking regulation on M Street, both sides, from Erie Avenue to Kensington Avenue.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
An ordinance establishing a no-truck parking regulation on INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS K Street, both sides, from Erie Avenue to Sedgley Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
A resolution appointing Michael G.J. Hoch to the Board of Directors of the Frankford Special Services District of Philadelphia.
The resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee.
A resolution appointing Kenneth A. Youngblood to the Board of Directors of the Frankford Special Services District of Philadelphia.
The resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee.
A resolution appointing Ella M. Ryan to the Board of Directors of the Frankford Special Services District of Philadelphia.
The resolution will be referred to the appropriate INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS committee.
A resolution appointing George Chimples to the Board of Directors of the Frankford Special Services District of Philadelphia.
The resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee.
A resolution appointing Ralph A. Lewis to the Board of Directors of the Frankford Special Services District of Philadelphia.
The resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Madam Chair. I offer three resolutions, one on your behalf.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The chief clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS approving the actions of the boards of the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation and the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development to sell Parcel A-1b. in the Eastwick Urban Renewal Stage A Industrial containing approximately two acres to Cades Management Company.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the motion is carried. The chief clerk will please read the title of the second resolution. INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS
A resolution recognizing and commending Tom Baker on capturing first-place honors in the Sheet Metal Workers National Apprentice Contest.
I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the motion is carried. The chief clerk will please read the title of the third resolution.
A resolution with regard to the killing of human rights lawyer Rosemary Nelson and Patrick Finucane.
The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney. INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS
I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the motion is carried. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The chief clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution approving the redevelopment contract and the disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS the Germantown Redevelopment Area, also sometimes identified by respective house numbers and street addresses as 6709 and 6715-17 Germantown Avenue, authorizing the Redevelopment Authority to execute the redevelopment contract with Mt. Airy USA.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter.
The chief clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS authorizing transfers and appropriations for Fiscal Year 2000 within the General Fund from certain or all City offices, departments, boards, and commissions to certain or all City offices, departments, boards, and commissions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Madam President, I have no bills or resolutions today.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ortiz.
The chief clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution recognizing the achievements of Diversity of Pride, the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Parade and Festival as they continue their mission of proactive education to create an INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS atmosphere of sensitivity that will lead to a greater awareness of the lesbian, gay, and bisexual, and transgenderal community of Philadelphia, and proclaiming June as "Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgenderal Pride Month" in Philadelphia.
Madam Chair, I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, the motion is carried. (Applause.)
Madam President, I offer two bills. INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS
The chief clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on 13th Street, east side, Jackson Street to Snyder Avenue.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Sixth Street, both sides, Christian Street to Montrose Street and Sixth Street, east side, Montrose Street to Carpenter Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
The chief clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to lease for a term of 30 years for nominal consideration INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS certain parcels of land owned by the School District of Philadelphia, as necessary, to construct, operate, and/or utilize certain recreational facilities in particular; authorizing the leasing of the following: 1. The Emanuel Recreation Center at the McCloskey School, at Pickering and Rumford Streets; 2. The Picariello Recreation Center located at Red Lion Road and Calera Street, and; 3. a portion of the parcel of land at the Rush School at Chalfont and Deerpath Streets, sufficient to permit construction of an outdoor track and lighting.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Thank you, Madam President. I have one bill, four resolutions.
The Chair thanks the Councilman. The chief clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Sydenham Street, west side, Cecil B. Moore Avenue to INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS Montgomery Avenue.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The chief clerk will please read title of the first resolution.
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 Cecil B. Moore Avenue Urban Renewal Area identified as house number 1602 West Montgomery Avenue.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye? Can we try that again. All those in INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? I hate to think I'm up here by myself. Thanks. All those opposed? The ayes have it and the motion is carried. The chief clerk will please read the title of the second resolution.
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 identified by house number and street address as 2721 Diamond Street; and authorizing the Redevelopment Authority to execute the redevelopment contract with Project Home Community Development Corporation.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the motion is carried. The chief clerk will please read the title of the third resolution.
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 Cecil B. Moore Avenue Urban Renewal Area designated as Parcel No. 6, also sometimes identified by respective house number and street address as 1722-1742 Cecil B. Moore Avenue.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, the motion is carried. The chief clerk will please read the title of the last resolution.
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 Model Cities Urban Renewal Area identified by house number and street address as 1803-1805 West Montgomery Avenue.
I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.) INTRO. OF BILLS, RESOLUTIONS
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, the motion is carried. The Chair recognizes Councilman Longstreth.
Madam President, I have no bills or resolutions today.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
The chief clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Section 19-203(4) of The Philadelphia Code entitled "Payroll Deductions" by permitting City employees to authorize payroll deductions for the German-American Police Association. COMMITTEE REPORTS
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
The next order of business is reports from committees. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Clark for a committee -- for a report from the Committee of the Whole.
Madam President, the Committee of the Whole reports out several bills and moves that the rules of Council be suspended to permit first reading of Bill No. 990288. The Chair also moves the adoption of several resolutions: 990391, 990392, 990393, 990394, 990395, 990434, 990435, 990437, 990438, and last, 990439.
Thank you. The clerk will please read the report.
To the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee of the Whole Council, to which was referred Bill No. 990288, an ordinance amending Title 22 of The Philadelphia COMMITTEE REPORTS Code entitled "Public Employees Retirement Code" by amending certain provisions, including Section 22-310 entitled "Deferred Retirement Option Plan Drop" to provide for a test drop program under certain terms and conditions, respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Clark.
I move so as to permit consideration of Bill No. 990288 at this session of Council. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading COMMITTEE REPORTS of Bill No. 990288 on today's calendar. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and Bill No. 990288 will be placed on our first-reading calendar for today. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Clark for the purpose of a motion to adopt Resolution No. 990391.
No, we did not. It's a resolution appointing Lynn Martin-Haskins to the Board of Directors of the Old City Special Services District.
Madam President, I move that we adopt Resolution No. 990391. (Duly seconded.)
All those in COMMITTEE REPORTS favor of the adoption of Resolution No. 990391 will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and Resolution No. 990391 stands approved. The clerk will please read the title of Resolution No. 990392.
A resolution appointing Kenneth Kaiserman to the Board of Directors of the Old City Special Services District of Philadelphia.
Madam Chair, I move the adoption of Resolution No. 990392. (Duly seconded.)
All those in favor of the adoption of Resolution No. 990392 will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and Resolution No. 990392 stands approved. The clerk will please read the title of Resolution No. 990393. COMMITTEE REPORTS
Resolution No. 990393, a resolution appointing Josh Grimes to the Board of Directors of the Old City Special Services District of Philadelphia.
Madam Chair, I move the adoption of Resolution No. 990393. (Duly seconded.)
All those in favor of the adoption of Resolution No. 990393 will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and Resolution No. 990393 stands approved. The chief clerk will please read the title of Resolution No. 990394.
A resolution appointing Arthur Holst to the Board of Directors of the Old City Special Services District of Philadelphia.
Madam President, I COMMITTEE REPORTS move the adoption of Resolution No. 990394. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 990394 stand approved. All those in favor of the adoption of that resolution will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and Resolution No. 990394 stands approved. The clerk will please read the title of Resolution No. 990395.
A resolution appointing Curtis Silva to the Board of Directors of the Old City Special Services District of Philadelphia.
Madam Chair, I am pleased to recommend that Resolution No. 990395 be adopted. (Duly seconded.)
All those in favor of the adoption of Resolution No. 990395 COMMITTEE REPORTS will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and Resolution No. 990395 stands approved. The clerk will please read the title of Resolution No. 990434.
A resolution appointing Dr. Emma Chappel to the Board of Directors of the Center City District of Philadelphia.
Madam Chair, I move that Resolution No. 990434 be adopted. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 990434 be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and Resolution No. 990434 stands approved. The chief clerk will please read the COMMITTEE REPORTS title of Resolution No. 990435.
A resolution appointing Barbara Teaford to the Board of Directors of the Center City District of Philadelphia.
Madam Chair, I move that Resolution No. 990435 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 990435 be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and Resolution No. 990435 stands approved. The clerk will please read the title of Resolution No. 990437.
A resolution appointing John Connors to the Board of Directors of the Center City District of Philadelphia.
The Chair COMMITTEE REPORTS recognizes Councilwoman Clark.
Madam President, I move that Resolution No. 990437 be adopted. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 990437 be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and Resolution No. 990437 stands approved. The clerk will please read the title of Resolution No. 990438.
A resolution appointing Christine Madigan to the Board of Directors of the Center City District of Philadelphia.
Madam President, I am pleased to recommend that Resolution No. 990438 be adopted. (Duly seconded.) COMMITTEE REPORTS
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 990438 be approved and adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and Resolution No. 990438 stands proved. The chief clerk will please read the title of Resolution No. 990439.
A resolution appointing Anthony LaRosa to the Board of Directors of the Center City District of Philadelphia.
Madam President, this is our last resolution this morning.
And it is 990439, and I respectfully respect that it be adopted. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. COMMITTEE REPORTS 990439 be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and Resolution No. 990439 stands approved. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for a report from the Finance Committee.
Thank you, Madam President. The Finance Committee moves that the rules of Council be suspended to permit first reading of Bill No. 990419. (Duly seconded.)
The clerk will please read the report from the Finance Committee.
To the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Finance, to which was referred Bill No. 990419 entitled "an ordinance approving the Fiscal Year 1999 Capital Budget for providing for expenditures for the capital purposes of the Philadelphia Gas Works including the supplying of funds to be obtained in COMMITTEE REPORTS connection therewith and rejecting the forecast for Fiscal Years 2000 through 2004" respectfully reports that it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for a motion to suspend the rules of Council.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading of Bill No. 990419 on today's calendar. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and Bill No. 990419 will be placed on our first-reading calendar for today. The Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen for a report from the Law & Government Committee.
Madam President, COMMITTEE REPORTS there is no report from the Law & Government Committee.
Bill No. 990056 was continued from the hearing this morning? Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco for a report from the Streets and Services Committee.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Streets and Services reports 12 bills out of committee with a favorable recommendation.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The clerk will please read the report.
To the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Streets and Services, to which was referred: Bill No. 990137, an ordinance establishing parking regulations on 13th Street, both sides, Allegheny Avenue to Westmoreland Street; Bill No. 990140, an ordinance COMMITTEE REPORTS establishing a parking regulation on Rosewood Street, east side, Wolf Street to Ritner Street; Bill No. 990141, an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Fitzwater Street, both sides, 20th Street to 21st Street; Bill No. 990142, an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on 17th Street, both sides, Catharine Street to Christian Street; Bill No. 990243, an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 63 by striking from the City Plan and vacating Edwin Street from Perkiomen Street to Leland Street, Leland Street from Vineyard Street to Wiley Street, Edwin Street to Poplar Street southwardly to a dead end; and striking City Plan and abandoning a certain right-of-way 28 feet wide for drainage purposes from Leland Street northwardly to Edwin Street, under certain terms and conditions; Bill No. 990305, an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 120 by striking from the City Plan and vacating Carlisle Street from Oxford Street to Cecil B. Moore Avenue, and by reserving COMMITTEE REPORTS and placing on the City Plan a certain right-of-way for water main purpose gas main purposes; And Bill No. 990306, an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines grades on a portion of City Plan No. 120 by striking from the City Plan and vacating Sharswood Street from 22nd Street to 23rd Street, and by striking from City Plan and vacating Harlan Street; Bill No. 990308, an ordinance authorizing and vacating of Walker Street from Pierson Avenue to a dead end approximately 108 feet northeast of Pierson Avenue, under certain terms and conditions; And Bill No. 90312, an ordinance amending Chapter 9-200 of The Philadelphia Code entitled "Commercial Activities on Streets" by creating a new Section 9-211 entitled "Boxes for the Distribution of Print Material" regulating the maintenance, specifications, and placement of such boxes on the public sidewalks, under certain terms and conditions; Bill No. 990314, an ordinance granting permission to Steve Miller, owner of the newsstand COMMITTEE REPORTS located on the northeast corner of Juniper and Market Streets to construct, use, and maintain an electrical conduit and service line and a fiber optic conduit and telephone service line in and under Juniper and Market Streets for the purpose of supplying electrical service and telephone service to his newsstand; And Bill No. 990332, an ordinance authorizing Disney Regional Entertainment, 800 South Main Street, Burbank, California, to construct and maintain various marquees, signs, architectural embellishments, and other encroachments over the public right-of-way within the area bounded by Eighth Street, Ninth Street, Chestnut Street, and Market Street; And Bill No. 990333, an ordinance authorizing Pavilion Market East Associates LP, 350 Century Parkway, Building 630, Suite 300, Bluebell, Pennsylvania, and the Philadelphia Parking Authority, 3101 Market Street, Philadelphia, to construct and maintain various rigid awnings, electrified signs, electrified marquee facade projections, cornices, and signs over the public rights-of-way within an area COMMITTEE REPORTS bounded by Eighth Street, Ninth Street, Chestnut Street, and Market Street.
Councilman Ortiz, your light is on. Do you want to be recognized?
Well, we'll get to you in due time. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading today of the bills that were just read into the record from the Committee on Streets and Services. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading of Bill No.'s 990138, 990140, 990141, 990142, 990149, 990243, 990305, 990306, 990308, 990313 -I'm sorry, 312, 990312 -- I stand corrected -990314, 990332, and 990333 on today's calendar. All in favor will signify by saying COMMITTEE REPORTS aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and those bills will be placed on our first-reading calendar for today. Councilman Nutter, you do not have a report from the Commerce and Economic Development Committee today?
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ortiz, who has a report from the Public Safety Committee.
Madam President, I move -- I report that Bill No. 990289 is recommended with a favorable recommendation to be moved out of the Public Safety Committee and a request that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading in this session of Council.
To the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Public Safety, to COMMITTEE REPORTS which was referred Bill No. 990289, an ordinance amending Chapter 10-800 of The Philadelphia Code entitled "Safety" by adding a new section providing that any person, including, but not limited to, any registered or licensed firearms manufacturer or dealer who transports, sells, exposes for sale, possesses for sale, assigns or transfers any firearm shall be liable in tort, without regard to fault or proof of defect, for all direct and consequential damages that arise from bodily injury or death if the bodily injury or death results from the discharge within the City of Philadelphia of the firearms, unless the firearms incorporates within its design and as part of its original manufacturer technology which automatically limits the firearms operational use so that it may only be fired by the particular individual to whom it is sold, all under certain terms and conditions.
The Chair recognizes Councilman Ortiz for a motion to suspend the rules.
Madam Chair, I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to FIRST-READING CALENDAR permit first reading of Bill No. 990289. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended to permit first reading of Bill No. 990289 on today's calendar. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, the motion is carried, and Bill No. 990289 will be placed on our first-reading calendar for today. Are there any other reports from committees? (No response.)
There being none, the next order of business is the consideration of calendar. The chief clerk will read the bills on the first-reading calendar.
Bill No. 990291, an ordinance creating the Ashton Tax Increment Financing District and approving the project plan for the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial FIRST-READING CALENDAR Development ("PAID") for the redevelopment of the Ashton Tax Increment Financing District being the area generally bounded by Grant Avenue on the north, Ashton Road on the east, Willits Road, and Blue Grass Road on the west.
The Chair agrees. The bill read by the chief clerk will be placed on the second-reading and final-passage calendar for the next meeting.
Bill No. 990117, an ordinance amending Section 19-201 of The Philadelphia Code entitled "City Depositories" by authorizing the City Treasurer to deposit funds in Summit Bank, under certain terms and conditions.
The Chair agrees. The bill having been read by the chief clerk will be placed on the second-reading and final-passage calendar for next week.
Bill No. 990288, an ordinance amending Title 22 of The Philadelphia Code entitled "Public Employees Retirement Code" by amending certain provisions, including Section 22-310 entitled "Deferred Retirement Option Plan Drop" to provide for a test drop program, under FIRST-READING CALENDAR certain terms and conditions.
The Chair agrees. The bill read by the chief clerk will be pleased on the second-reading and final-passage calendar for the next meeting.
Bill No. 990419, an ordinance approving the Fiscal Year 1999 Capital Budget providing for expenditures for the capital purposes of the Philadelphia Gas Works, including the supplying of funds to be obtained in connection therewith and rejecting the forecast for Fiscal Years 2000 through 2004.
The Chair agrees. The bill read by the chief clerk will be placed on the second-reading and final-passage calendar for the next meeting.
Bill No. 990138, an ordinance establishing parking regulations on 13th Street, both sides, Allegheny Avenue to Westmoreland Street.
Okay. The Chair agrees, and that bill read by the chief clerk will be placed on the second-reading and final-passage calendar for the next meeting.
Bill No. 990140, an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Rosewood Street, east side, Wolf Street to Ritner Street.
The Chair agrees. The bill read by the chief clerk will be placed on the second-reading and final-passage calendar for the next meeting.
Bill No. 990141, an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Fitzwater Street, both sides, 20th Street to 21st Street.
The Chair agrees. The bill read by the chief clerk will be placed on the second-reading and final-passage calendar for the next meeting.
Bill No. 990142, an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on 17th Street, both sides, Catharine Street to Christian Street. FIRST-READING CALENDAR
The Chair agrees. The bill read by the chief clerk will be placed on the second-reading and final-passage calendar for the next meeting.
Bill No. 990243, an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 63 by striking from the City Plan and vacating Edwin Street from Perkiomen Street to Leeland Street, Leeland Street from Vineyard Street to Wiley Street.
The Chair agrees. The bill read by the chief clerk will be placed on the second-reading and final-passage calendar for the next meeting.
Bill No. 990305, an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 120 by striking from the City Plan and vacating Carlyle Street from Oxford Street to Cecil B. Moore Avenue.
The Chair agrees. The bill read by the chief clerk will be placed on the second-reading and final-passage FIRST-READING CALENDAR calendar for the next meeting.
Bill No. 990306, an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No, 120 by striking from the City Plan and vacating Sharswood Street from 20th Street to 23rd Street.
The Chair agrees. The bill read by the chief clerk will be placed on our second-reading and final-passage calendar for the next meeting.
Bill No. 990308, an ordinance authorizing and vacating of Walker Street from Pearson Avenue to a dead end approximately 108 feet northeast of Pierson Avenue, under certain terms and conditions.
The Chair agrees. The bill read by the chief clerk will be placed on the second-reading and final-passage calendar for the next week.
Bill No. 990312, an ordinance amending Chapter 9-200 of The Philadelphia Code entitled "Commercial Activity on Streets" by creating a new Section 9-211 entitled "Boxes for the Distribution of Printed FIRST-READING CALENDAR Material."
The Chair agrees. The bill read by the chief clerk will be placed on our second-reading and final-passage calendar for the next meeting.
Bill No. 990314, an ordinance granting permission to Steve Miller, owner of the newsstand located on the northeast corner of Juniper and Market Streets, to construct, use, and maintain an electrical conduit.
The Chair agrees. The bill read by the chief clerk will be placed on our second-reading and final-passage calendar for the next meeting.
Bill No. 990332, an ordinance authorizing Disney Regional Entertainment, 800 South Main Street, Burbank, California, to construct and maintain various marquees, signs, architectural embellishments, and other encroachments over the public rights-of-way.
The Chair agrees. The bill just read by the chief clerk will be placed on our second-reading and FIRST-READING CALENDAR final-passage calendar for the next meeting.
Bill No. 990333, an ordinance authorizing Pavilion Market East Associates, LP, 350 Century Parkway, Building 630, Bluebell, Pennsylvania, to construct and maintain various rigid awnings and electrified signs.
The Chair agrees. The ordinance read by the chief clerk will be placed on the second-reading and final-passage calendar for the next meeting.
Bill No. 990289, an ordinance amending Chapter 10-800 of The Philadelphia Code entitled "Safety" by adding a new section providing that any registered or licensed firearms manufacturer or dealer who transports, sells, exposes for sale, possesses for sale, assigns or transfers any firearm shall be liable in tort.
The Chair agrees. The bill read by he chief clerk will be placed on our second-reading and final-passage calendar for the next session. May I see the chief clerk for a minute, please. FIRST-READING CALENDAR (Chief clerk approaches Chair.)
The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco, who I believe wanted to make a correction on the Streets and Services Committee Report.
Yes, Madam President. I believe you read off Bill No. 990149, and that was being held.
The record will reflect that Bill No. 990149 is held in the Committee of Streets and Services. This concludes the first-reading calendar.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Clark for the purpose of calling up bills on the second-reading and final-passage calendar.
Madam President, all bills on second-reading and final-passage are call up except: Bill No. 980239, 990250, 990248, and 990253.
I'm sorry, that's 249. SECOND READING - BILL 990199-A
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The first bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 990199-A. The clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to lease to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development for further sublease to Philcom Limited a certain parcel of ground, or a portion thereof, located at 5201 Umbria Street, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you, Madam President. I'm abstaining on this bill. The law firm with which I'm associated represents a party of interest in this matter, and I have not entered into any discussions or deliberations on it. SECOND READING - BILL 990199-A
Aye. The ayes are 15. Councilman O'Neill is abstaining. The nays are 0. A majority of all members of Council having voted in the SECOND READING - BILL 990255 affirmative, the bill passes. The clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 990249.
Oh, I'm sorry, sorry. Mea culpa, mea culpa. Okay, the next bill being called is number 990255.
An approved amending an ordinance August 15, 1969, as amended, which approved the amended redevelopment proposal, the amended urban renewal plan, and the amended relocation plan of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment of Pennsport Urban Renewal Area by approving the 5th Amendment of the redevelopment proposal and the 4th Amendment to the urban renewal plan, which provide, inter alia, for the additional land acquisition of approximately 17 properties, and provision of certain relocation services, as required by law, for the individuals, families, SECOND READING - BILL 990255 and business concerns which will be displaced.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will please call the roll.
Council President Verna? SECOND READING - BILL 990310
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill pass passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 990310.
An ordinance authorizing the Director of Commerce and the Director of Finance, on behalf of the City, to execute further amendments to the contract for parking services and the accompanying lease agreement both with the Philadelphia Parking Authority, dated October 1, 1974, as amended, which amendments revise the description of the leased property by the addition of premises to provide for additional parking and related facilities at the Philadelphia International Airport.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question mow is, shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 990326.
An ordinance SECOND READING - BILL 990326 authorizing the Mayor, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to file an application with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Renewal (HUD) for a Community Development Block Grant CDBG, as required by Section 140 of Title 1 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, P.L. 93-383, as amended.
This bill having been read on two different dates, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all members of City Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 990178.
An ordinance authorizing the Director of Commerce and the Commissioner of Public Property to purchase for use by the Philadelphia International Airport a certain parcel of property owned by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania through its Department of General Services, located at 8350 Enterprise Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally? The SECOND READING - BILL 990178 clerk will call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. SPEECHES This concludes the consideration of our calendar.
Are there any speeches on the part of minority? (No speeches on the part of the Minority.)
Are there any speeches on the part of Majority? The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Madam President. On the heels of the School District hearings that we had a number of weeks ago and of all the discussions that centered around the issue of bus attendants, yesterday, there was a very frightening situation that occurred on the streets of our city on a school bus. The police department is investigating and sorting out the details as to whether or not the driver allegedly grabbed the young man by his collar or slapped him, and that will be determined by the interviews of the students and the interviews of the people involved. SPEECHES But the one thing that was reported -a couple things that were reported today give me some great areas of concern. First of all, the police have said that the student, who are pupils of Greenfield and Bache-Martin School had thrown snappers, which are things that pop on contact, a squeegee bottle, fruit, and other objects of the driver of this moving bus. The student young, the man himself who was involved in this altercation, admitted to throwing things on a moving bus. The drivers union contends that the District cannot keep drivers on this route because of the unruliness of the students. And several drivers interviewed said that they are often targets of this kind of abuse by having bottles thrown at them, sandwiches, cookies, and even acorns as they are trying to maneuver through traffic. Two Greenfield students interviewed for the article confirmed that the unruliness is the norm on this route. I don't know whether or not we need bus attendants on every route in the city, but certainly, on this particular route, it would seem that a bus attendant may have stopped this SPEECHES situation from happening, and also the safety concerns that result as a result of this activity. The other issue that for me just raises, I guess, my hackles a little bit as it relates to the way that we deal with our students and families and just our society is the response of the mother, who immediately is going to sue the driver and sue probably the District and the City. For me, it's, I guess, really the reason why we have these kinds of problems is that when I was a youngster, that kind of activity on my part would have caused perhaps my father's shoe being lost somewhere on my body. The response by parents now to these kinds of incidents is, first of all, "Not my child," and secondly, "How can we make money out of what happened?" The mother said that she was very happy that her son wasn't hurt because the driver could have knocked him out or he could have hit his head, but she seemed to have very little concern as to whether or not that bus, because of what her son and other students were doing, may have crashed, killing or injuring all of those aboard. I think the School District has to SPEECHES seriously look at providing bus attendants on certain routes where there are ongoing problems and a history of problems, and I think parents ought to look in the mirror a little bit as to what it is their kids are doing. This is a 10-year-old young man with 10-year-old children on the bus abusing and physically throwing things at drivers on a moving bus. And the other problem would be and the other shame would be if this bus driver were arrested as a result of trying to take action to subdue this child from causing a dangerous situation. And the other shame would be if the parents of this child gain monetary benefit from the activities of their child. So I think the School District needs to look at this seriously, and I think parents need to look seriously as how their children are behaving in a school environment on the bus. Thank you very much. Madam President.
Thank you, Councilman. And my memory is that not too long ago, we had very lengthy hearings on the question of SPEECHES the need of bus aides, and we were assured that there was no need in those cases for bus aides and that the children riding buses without the aides were much safer. Wasn't that my understanding? Well, this certainly doesn't reflect that story. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Madam President. Just a brief comment. In today's paper Daily News, and there has been a series for the past week about the situation with the taxicabs in Philadelphia. And we note that the PUC regulates the cab stands in Philadelphia, the usage of cabs in the City of Philadelphia. This paper, as well as the columnist who wrote this article about the conditions of the cabs, have also called on the State legislators to pass the pending legislation in Harrisburg that would give the control of the Philadelphia Gas Works to the State PUC. And I wonder if they have looked at the oversight of the taxi stands and taxicabs in relationship to their call for the oversight of the Gas Works. I wonder what the SPEECHES oversight would be. Thank you very much.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Clark.
Thank you, Madam Chair. I rise to support comments made by my friend Jim Kenny. I agree with him that we need to have a policy that's not cast in concrete but is on a case-by-case basis. If you can make a case for bus matrons, I think the youngsters who ride that Greenfield and Bache-Martin School bus made the case. And suing is one thing and collecting on a lawsuit is another. I think that this comes as close to a frivolous lawsuit as you could get in the face of the mother's admission that her son was totally out of control and throwing food. If on the one hand you admit that your child is wrong, what then would you have a court tell you? Surely, you would not expect to collect monetary damages. This is an abuse of the process. I don't yearn for the parents when lose SPEECHES their feet in parts of their children's anatomy, but I think that we do need to establish the authority of parenthood. And one of the reasons we have so much trouble is parents work so hard at being their children's pals that they're unwilling to be their parents. You can get a pal on any playground, but if parent refuses his or her responsibility, then there's likely nobody else in that child's life who will assume the responsibility from telling them right from wrong and reminding them that all conduct has consequences. And when you throw food at the driver, you're very lucky if you can even feel your face. I don't think that the driver should abuse children but I don't think that he should risk the lives of other children while he's ducking flying missiles on his bus. I would hope that the union would recognize that this is the kind of environment that we don't want to foster for drivers, and that the PGA and any other parent organization needs to talk -- needs to issue a white paper on what is a parent's responsibility when this kind of activity is exposed. SPEECHES I thank you.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. Certainly I agree with the comments made with regard to bus attendants. We had hearings here and certainly we've done some research on the subject. And in spite of the fact that the Board reports that there are only ten schools where they have any reported incidents, they blame the bus driver, I believe that it is obvious in society today that we're having more problems with regard to young people, not less, and that to remove them at this time was absolutely a bad move, although they claim it's better budget-wise. Certainly we have talked with bus drivers and their union reps many, many times, and have heard the stories that they tell complaining about the problems that they have when there's nobody on the bus. A bus driver cannot deal with discipline and drive a bus as well. Regretfully, SPEECHES this could be only one report of many we might hear if the Board does not reconsider the whole issue of bus attendants. So I'm glad that we as a Council will be having hearings or discussions, a task force review of the issue, and certainly feel that the Board of Education is behind the ball on this one because we certainly need bus attendants in Philadelphia. Thank you, Madam President.
Thank you, Councilwoman. And I would agree that we all expressed our deep concerns on this issue. And I think that maybe our plea was not heard. But in view of this case, maybe the School Board will have second thoughts. Are there any other statement by members of the majority? (No response.)
Seeing none, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Clark.
Madam President, I've been coached to say that this Council is ADJOURNMENT adjourned to Thursday, June 17, 1999.
It has been moved and properly seconded that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, June 17, 1999. All in favor? Those opposed? The ayes have it, the motion is carried. Thank you. (Adjourned at 12:10 p.m.) C E R T I F I C A T E I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing proceedings of the Council of the City of Philadelphia of Thursday, June 10, 1999, were reported fully and accurately by me, and that this is a correct transcript of same. RE: STATED MEETING __________________________________, JOSEPHINE CARDILLO, Registered Professional Reporter