COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, April 28, 2011 10:15 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN DARRELL CLARKE COUNCILMAN FRANK DiCICCO COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN BILL GREEN COUNCILMAN WILLIAM K. GREENLEE COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILMAN JACK KELLY COUNCILMAN JAMES KENNEY COUNCILWOMAN JOAN L. KRAJEWSKI COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILWOMAN MARIA D. QUINONES-SANCHEZ COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO, JR. COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO MICHAEL A. DECKER,
Good morning. I note that the hour has come and that a quorum of this Council is present. Council will please come to order. Members will take their seats, and visitors will retire to the seats outside the rails. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Reverend Jay Broadnax, Pastor of Mount Pisgah AME Church. He is here today as the guest of Councilwoman Blackwell. I would ask members and guests to please rise. (Members and guests rise.)
Let us look to God. Eternal and Gracious God, we come to you today giving thanks for this occasion, for this opportunity to serve. First and foremost, God, we welcome you into this session. Lord, we ask that you would come with your divine wisdom, every heart, for, Lord, you know and you have oversight and divine wisdom in which we can rely, Lord, to make the decisions that speak not just for the many but also for the few. We thank you, Lord, for those who have gathered here and the gifts and insights and experiences that have drawn us all together, and we ask today, Lord, that you would meld those into a unity that would help us to make good decisions, wise decisions, Lord, that would help us to give space for voices to be heard that are needed to be heard, that we might make the best use of this time together. We thank you, Lord, for your divine protection, and we pray for our city. We pray for the Mayor. We pray for every Councilmember. We pray, God, for every legislator and every citizen of this city. God, we want your will to be done as we work together. God, we pray first and also us together, give us a unity. Even though we have a diversity of opinions and a diversity of perspectives, God, we pray that our talking and our sharing today would be civil, Lord, that it would be productive and that it would be guided by your divine hand. We thank you for the leadership, oh God, and we pray that you would help us to hear every side of every issue so that we can go forth in a way that is useful and is according to your will. Thank you for everyone who has gathered, and we pray that you would make the best use of this time. In your name we do pray. Amen. (Amen.)
The Chair thanks the Reverend for his invocation. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, April 14th, 2011. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, April 14th, 2011 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, April 14th, 2011 stand approved. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the Journal is of business is requests for leave of absence, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Madam President. On behalf of the majority, there are no requests for leave of absence today.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Madam President, on behalf of the republicans, there are no requests for leave of absence.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you, Madam President. Today is Take Our Daughters or Sons -- and Sons, not just or son -- to Work Day, and I have three morning, and I just wanted to introduce them, and they're sitting behind me actually.
If they would stand, we'd like to recognize you.
Stand up. We have Selima Davis, who is my niece. She's in eighth grade and she's President of her student body, and she goes to Mifflin. She'll be going to high school in the fall. We have Mahati Reed, who goes to Highland Elementary School, and Mahati, I believe, is in the fourth grade, and that school is in Abington. And we have Justin Gardner, who is a first grader at Pennell Elementary School, and Justin is the son of my staff person, Tamika Jefferson. So we want to welcome you. (Applause.)
Welcome. else who would like to be recognized? (No response.)
Seeing no one, 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 of City Council, I welcome you to our session. We appreciate your taking the time to join us as we attend to the legislative affairs of our city. We certainly invite you to come again. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill, who will present a resolution honoring the Annual Remembrance of the Six Million Jewish Martyrs Who Perished During the Holocaust. Would Robin Schatz and those accompanying her please join the Councilman at the podium.
Madam President, while we're waiting, if I of personal privilege. A few weeks ago, I was invited for a dinner of the 82nd Airborne, which I learned a whole lot about. They were the first paratroopers in World War I, and they were honoring the most decorated paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne in World War II, who was 94 years old and is fit as a fiddle, had all his faculties, and had been injured in four different European theatres and kept coming back over a period of four years during the entire war. And he spoke for about 20 or 25 minutes, and about four or five times he wove into his speech that they were doing what was the patriotic thing to do, the soldiers. They knew they were there because their country was at war, but they basically just said if you die, the war is over for you, and if you live, the war goes on. That's how they had gotten over this long period of time. Right near the end of the war, into Berlin and they come upon a concentration camp, a very small one, relatively speaking, not one of the famous ones, fenced in, and what they saw, he said, was something they could never forget, that these people in the concentration camp were being starved to death and they were 40- and 50-pound adults. And the first thing that happened was, the German SS troops took off into the woods out the back, and they took over. On their way to Berlin, they freed these people that were in there. And he said that after four years, they all realized why they had gone to war and what the war was about, so this would never happen again. And it was just one of the most moving things I had ever heard, especially coming from somebody who was there all that time and had that kind of memory and story to tell. But as we do each year in Council, this is a resolution in solemn recognition during the week of May 1st 8th, 2011 at the Annual Remembrance of the Six Million Jewish Martyrs Who Perished During the Holocaust. " We applaud the Committee for the honor they will bestow on the memory of those who perished and on those who survived to build and strengthen life in Philadelphia and other communities; Whereas, this year's speaker, Olivia Mattis, a child and grandchild of survivors, founded the Aristides de Sousa Mendes Foundation, which commemorates the memory of the Portuguese diplomat who saved 30,000 people against the wishes of his government. As a result of his actions, he was ostracized by the Portuguese government and reduced to poverty. Nonetheless, he never regretted his actions, saying "I would rather stand with God against man than with man against God... ; therefore By virtue of this citation, the Council of the City of Philadelphia does hereby recognize the week of May 1st through May 8th, 2011 as the Annual Remembrance of the Six Million Jewish Martyrs. We further recognize the horror of the Holocaust, and extend to the Memorial Committee the respect and admiration of this legislative body. This is a certification that this is a true and correct copy of the original resolution, adopted by the Council of the City of Philadelphia on the 24th of March 2011. Signed by the President of City Council, Anna C. Verna, and co-sponsored by all members of Council. )
Each year since 1964, the Jewish community of the City of Philadelphia has gathered to remember those who were murdered at the hands of the most heinous regime the world has ever known. Six million innocent lives were cut short, grandparents who would never be able to pass on their wisdom, parents who worked hard to provide and educate their children, and one and a half million children, perhaps the most tragic of all. Who knows how many physicians, scientists, artists will never have a chance to be. It is appalling that in the year 2011 we must still be guarded against those whose hatred and bigotry against the Jewish people exist today. We are facing the reality that the number of witnesses to these survivors are now in their 80's or older, and while their histories have been documented for future generations, we are losing firsthand knowledge of those times. Once again, we hear the threats to the Jewish people's very existence. Holocaust deniers abound, and nations that wish to eliminate the Jewish people are stating so openly. Mass murders and genocide are still taking place, and the world stands by. The question must be asked, What have we learned? Unfortunately, the world has not yet learned that we are each responsible for the other; that if we speak in one voice and denounce the wrongdoers, we can do what is necessary and right; that what happens over there in some faraway place does impact every human being on this planet. And so it is important that we continue to educate and enlighten people to the reality of looking away, of not being involved, of are working to ensure that future generations will carry on this work. If we don't learn from history, we are doomed to repeat it. Since 1974, the Jewish community has sponsored a youth symposium for public school children. We had this year 800 students, 60 teachers from 29 schools who had an opportunity to learn about the Holocaust and meet with a survivor firsthand. We also sponsor a breakfast the morning of the commemoration, May 1st, where 480 students will be attending from 16 schools, and they will also have the opportunity to meet in close proximity to a survivor. And yearly we sponsor the Mordechai Anielewicz contest. It's an art contest. This year we had 440 entries from 24 schools. On behalf of the Jewish Community Relations Council of the Federation of Jewish Agencies, we are here today to receive a City Council proclamation recognizing Sunday, May 1st to the 8th as the days of remembrance for the six million martyrs of the Shoah, the Holocaust. We thank President Anna Verna, Councilman Brian O'Neill and members of City Council for this recognition. We invite you to join us on May 1st. You have a flyer with all of the information on your desks. And we are grateful to the City of Philadelphia for continuing to support our efforts. Thank you. (Applause.)
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 the Mayor.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, pursuant to Sections 4-604 and 2-307 of the Home Rule Charter, I am today transmitting to the Council the recommendation of the City Planning Commission regarding the following bills: Bill Nos. 110157, 110184, 110185, 110186 and 110231; and I am pleased to advise you that on April 27, 2011, I signed Bill No. 110145, which passed Council at its session on April 7, 2011, and that on April 14 and April 27, 2011, I signed all of the bills that were passed by Council at its session on April 14, 2011; and I am transmitting herewith for the consideration of your honorable body an ordinance authorizing 600 North Broad Street Associates, Limited Partnership, owners of Gastronomy Restaurant, located at 600 North Broad Street, to construct, own and maintain various encroachments in the south footway of Mount Vernon Street between Broad and Fifteenth Street; and Also an ordinance authorizing Granary Partners, Limited Partnership, located at 1425 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to construct, own and maintain various encroachments within the City right-of-way on Shamokin Street between 19th Street and 20th Street, the north side of Callowhill Street between 19th Street and 20th Street, and the west side of 19th Street between Shamokin Street and Callowhill Street; and An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to transfer to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development certain City-owned land, along with any improvements thereon, located within an area bounded by Jefferson Street, Fourth Street, Harlan Street, and Lawrence Street; and City Treasurer, on behalf of the City, to enter into an agreement with Wells Fargo Bank for provision of payroll banking services to the City; and An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2011 from the General Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions; and An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2011 within the Water Fund from the Managing Director - Office of Fleet Management to the Managing Director Office of Fleet Management; and An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2011 within the Grants Revenue Fund from the Director of Finance - Provision for Other Grants to the Managing Director - Division of Technology, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you. The messages will be printed in the Journal. I would ask the Chief Clerk to please read any other communications in his possession.
Thank you. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Madam President. On my behalf and on behalf of Councilwoman Blackwell, I offer two resolutions.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution authorizing City Council's Legislative Oversight Committee to hold public hearings on immigration reform and the Pennsylvania Compact.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council.
And a resolution urging the Obama Administration to create a Haitian family reunification parole program to help Haiti recover, save lives, and end a double standard.
This resolution will also be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. Today I introduce three bills and two resolutions.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance revising parking restrictions on Walnut Street, north side, between 33rd Street and Cobbs Creek Parkway.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Title 2 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "City-County Consolidation," by requiring the City to reimburse Property Assessors working in the City's Office of Property Assessment for costs incurred in acquiring and maintaining required certifications.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance revising parking restrictions on Chestnut Street, south side, between 31st Street and Cobbs Creek Parkway.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Sixth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council.
And a resolution calling on the Governor and the Pennsylvania General Assembly to restore funding for the Homeowners Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program.
The resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer three bills and two resolutions, one sponsored by Councilmen Kelly and O'Neill and myself and all members.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2011 from the General Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions.
The ordinance will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2011 within the Water Fund from the Managing Director - Office of Fleet Management.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2011 within the Grants Revenue Fund from the Director of Finance - Provision for Other Grants to the Managing Director - Division of Technology.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution in memory of Pfc. John Kihm, 10th Mountain Division Infantry Unit United States Army.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council.
And a resolution also naming the northwest corner of Thompson and Orthodox Streets "Przybylowski Corner."
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer four bills and two resolutions, one bill for the Administration and one resolution on your behalf.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance authorizing the City Treasurer, on behalf of the City, to enter into an agreement with Wells Fargo Bank for provision of payroll banking services to the City.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance establishing a no truck parking regulation on the 300 block of Levick Street, both sides.
This bill will also be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance establishing a no truck parking regulation on the 200 to 600 blocks of Comly Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance establishing a no truck parking regulation on the 5700 to 6800 blocks of Bingham Street, both sides.
The ordinance will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance establishing a no truck parking regulation on the 700 block of Harrison Street, both sides.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for our next session of Council (sic).
And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Thirty-Sixth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council.
And a resolution honoring the Heavy Hitters Youth Boxing Club.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council.
And a resolution naming the 6400 block of Rising Sun Avenue as "William J. Glatz, Jr. Way."
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Northwestern Avenue, Meadowbrook Avenue, Stenton Avenue, Hillcrest Avenue, Germantown Avenue, Bells Mill Road, and Wissahickon Turnpike.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Sanchez.
Thank you, Madam Chair. I have two resolutions on behalf of the Administration and one on my behalf.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to transfer to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development certain City-owned land, along with any improvements thereon, located within an area bounded by Jefferson Street, Fourth Street, Harlan Street, and Lawrence Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution recognizing and honoring the Nation of Paraguay on the 200th anniversary of its independence from Spain.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council.
And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia, without consideration, deeds conveying simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Nineteenth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilman Green.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer one bill co-sponsored by all members of City Council.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Title 21 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Miscellaneous," by adding a new Chapter requiring the Department of Human Services to report on its compliance with a policy that requires that a summary of children's rights to be free from abuse be communicated to all children who are the subject of an investigation into a credible report of child abuse or who are being placed in another home, foster home, group home, or other facility, under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Madam President. No bills or resolutions today.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer no bills or resolutions.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer two resolutions co-sponsored by Councilman Jones.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution recognizing the United States Department of Justice and the National Drug Enforcement Administration on the successful efforts to curb prescription pill abuse through National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on April 30, 2011.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council.
And a resolution recognizing and congratulating the 2nd Annual Uniquely You Summit for Girls for its work to enrich the civic values and leadership skills of young women in the City of Philadelphia.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. I offer three bills and one resolution.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance amending Section 9-407 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Tour Passenger Carriers," to provide for tour passenger loading zones in certain locations and in certain numbers, all under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by amending Section 14-1604, entitled "Outdoor Advertising and Non-Accessory Advertising Controls," by permitting one non-accessory outdoor advertising sign with certain conditions within the area bounded by Moore Street, Swanson Street, Columbus Boulevard, Morris Street, and Water Street.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance establishing a neighborhood improvement district in an area that generally includes, with the exception of those properties having frontage on North Broad Street, the area bounded by the northeast corner of Broad and Vine Streets, the southeast corner of Broad and Spring Garden Streets, the southwest corner of 8th and Spring Garden Streets, the northwest corner of 8th and Vine Streets and the northeast corner of Broad and Vine Streets.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution initiating action to establish a neighborhood improvement district in an area that generally includes, with the exception of those properties having frontage on North Broad Street, the area bounded by the northeast corner of Broad and Vine Streets, the southeast corner of Broad and Spring Garden Streets, the southwest corner of 8th and Spring Garden Streets, the northwest corner of 8th and Vine Streets, the northeast corner of Broad and Vine Streets and certain blocks of intersecting streets, to be known as the Callowhill Reading Viaduct Neighborhood Improvement District.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance amending Chapter 12-3000 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Use Of An Automated Red Light Enforcement System to Prevent Red Light Violations," by authorizing the installation of red light enforcement systems at the intersection of Grant Avenue at Academy Road.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Chapter 12-3000 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Use Of An Automated Red Light Enforcement System to Prevent Red Light Violations," by authorizing the installation of red light enforcement systems at the intersection of Bustleton Avenue at Byberry Road.
This bill will also be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Thank you, Madam President. I have three bills and one resolution.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first bill.
An ordinance authorizing Granary Partners, Limited Partnership, located at 1425 Walnut Street, to construct, own and maintain various encroachments within the City right-of-way on Shamokin Street between 19th Street and 20th Street, the north side of Callowhill Street between 19th and 20th Street -
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing 600 North Broad Street Associates, 530 South 2nd Street, owners of Gastronomy Restaurant, located at 600 North Broad Street, to construct, own and maintain various encroachments in the right-of-way.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Girard Avenue, 9th Street, Fairmount Avenue, 10th Street, Wallace Street, and Broad Street.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a resolution authorizing City Council to retain outside counsel to commence legal proceedings on behalf of the City of Philadelphia seeking action that would provide a reasonable remedy for the prevalence of improperly permitted gun possession in our city and further provide an increased level of public safety and protection for our citizens.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kelly.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
Madam President, I have two resolutions today. One of the resolutions is also sponsored by Council Lady Krajewski.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution recognizing, honoring, celebrating and thanking The Dining Car for its invaluable contributions to the Frankford/Torresdale community.
The resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council.
And a resolution recognizing Friday, May 6, 2011 as Firefighter/MDA Day to kickoff the annual International Association of Firefighters 22 "Fill-the-Boot" Campaign in the City.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council. The next order of business is reports from committees. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for a report from the Committee on Public Health and Human Services.
Madam President, the Committee on Public Health and Human Services reports one bill with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the report.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Public Health and Human Services, to which was 110070, entitled "An ordinance amending certain sections of Title 3 ('Air Management Code') of The Philadelphia Code relating to license and permit fees and other charges by modifying the amount of such fees, under certain terms and conditions," respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 110070. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of the bill just reported from committee. All in favor will indicate by 4/28/11 - STATED - 1ST/2ND READING saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the bill just read will be placed on the First Reading Calendar for today. The next order of business is the consideration of the Calendar. I note that the bill just reported from committee with suspension of rules has been deemed to have had a first reading. This bill will be placed on our Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for our next session of Council. As there are no additional bills on the First Reading Calendar, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for the purpose of calling up bills and resolutions on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar to be considered today.
Thank you, Madam President. The following resolutions and bills are being called up for the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar today: Nos. 110277, 110278, 110279, 110280, 110281, 110282, 110283, 110284, 110285, 1101 -- I'm sorry; 110286, 110287, 110196, 110197, 110198, 110199, 110237. Bill 110210 is being amended. All other bills and resolutions are being held.
Thank you. Before considering these bills and resolutions, we will consider public comment as follows: Your public comment must concern matters on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for possible action at today's session. All speakers must sign up in order to testify. If you have not already signed up for today's session, please do so by now giving your name to the Sergeant-At-Arms at the table to my left, right at the corner here. You will be called in order which you have signed, and you will have three minutes to speak. I would ask the Chief Clerk to please read the name of our first speaker.
Good morning. Nice to see you all. You had a day off last week. I'm concerned about the addition of more work for the City of Philadelphia under this bill. There was an article several months ago in the Inquirer by Karen Heller who talked about the population of Philadelphia since 1960 being decreased by 28 percent, whereas the workforce actually increased slightly, and she broke it down by department. I have the copy of her article here. In 1960, City Council had 60 people on their staff. Now they have 195, a 349 percent increase. The Mayor had 11, the Mayor's Office. Now he has 87, a 993 percent increase. I'm concerned about this, because everything you do actually burdens the taxpayer. And in Philadelphia now, we had a 9.9 percent increase in the property tax. We have now a runoff fee for the water that hits our roof that we have to pay for, and certain businesses have a trash fee, all additional fees. So what I'm saying is, I think this body should be looking at ways to economize and lessen the tax burden, and I don't see that happening. I see new and additional work being added to this body. And I want to alert all the citizens out there about what was called in the Inquirer also the back-door tax increase, the Actual Value Initiative, which is going to reassess all the properties in the City of Philadelphia to market value. And this is a very complex issue, but, number one, the Board of Revision of Taxes will do the reassessment, but then it will be up to the City Council to lower the millage; that is, the percent of the assessment that is paid in taxes. Otherwise, we are going to get tax increases of possibly hundreds of a percent. This is a very scary proposition for people like me who live on Social Security and a pension. I don't think I can afford any more taxes, and I think I'm in a position like a lot of people are in Philadelphia, we can't afford any more taxes. So every bill you pass means a larger workforce. The other thing, of course, and -- we're coming up on an election. Everybody knows that, the Primary Election May 17th, and I keep reading different ads. I get stuff in the mail. 4/28/11 - STATED - 2ND READING And it seems that the main issue that -and I have copies of all of this stuff. Anastasio sent me things and I see Squilla has talked about -- everybody has talked about it who is running for office, but this body is silent on that issue, which is the Deferred Retirement Option Plan. Thank you very much.
You're welcome, Mr. Fisher. I would ask the Chief Clerk to please read the name of the next speaker.
There are no other names on the public comment list, Madam President.
Thank you very much. We will now consider the bills and resolutions on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for today. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Resolution No. 110277.
A resolution 4/28/11 - STATED - 2ND READING recognizing Martha Chamberlain, one of the Pennsylvania Ballet's principal dancers, on the occasion of her retirement after 21 years with the company, introduced by Councilmember Kenney.
I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chief Clerk will please 4/28/11 - STATED - 2ND READING read the title of Resolution 110278.
A resolution calling on the Governor of Pennsylvania, the State House of Representatives and the State Senate to continue to fund full day kindergarten.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes 4/28/11 - STATED - 2ND READING Councilman -- I'm sorry. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Resolution No. 110279.
A resolution honoring the life and recognizing the scientific accomplishments of Philadelphia resident Baruch Blumberg, Nobel Prize Winner.
Thank you, 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 indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The 4/28/11 - STATED - 2ND READING ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Resolution 110280.
A resolution proclaiming the week of April 10th, 2011 as "National Crime Victims' Rights Week."
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. 4/28/11 - STATED - 2ND READING The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Resolution 110281.
A resolution proclaiming the month of May 2011 as "Building Safety Month."
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. We will now consider Resolution 110282.
A resolution 4/28/11 - STATED - 2ND READING honoring and congratulating the Work to Ride Polo Program and its members on winning the National High School Polo Championship on March 13, 2011.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Resolution No. 110283.
A resolution 4/28/11 - STATED - 2ND READING authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Fourth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? (No response.) 4/28/11 - STATED - 2ND READING
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. We will now consider Resolution 110284.
A resolution celebrating May as Older Americans Month and designating May 9, 2011 as "Aging in a New Age" Day to recognize the diversity and contributions that Philadelphians in their second half of life have made and continue to make to our culture, economy and the character of our communities.
Thank you again, Madam President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. 4/28/11 - STATED - 2ND READING (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. We will now consider Resolution 110285.
A resolution honoring and congratulating Vanessa Morris, Kayla Williams, Lakita Williams, Devon Walker, Haru'n Jones, and Jolyessa Lewis for winning the Master Charter School's Shoemaker Campus' First Annual Black History Month Oratorical Contest on February 25, 2011.
Thanks again, Madam President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It 4/28/11 - STATED - 2ND READING has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Resolution 110286.
A resolution recognizing April 22, 2011 as Earth Day in Philadelphia.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. 4/28/11 - STATED - 2ND READING All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. We will now consider Resolution 110287.
A resolution recognizing and honoring Darrell Scott for his heroism and calm responsible action in rescuing his family from their burning home.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will indicate by 4/28/11 - STATED - 2ND READING saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Resolution 110196.
A resolution confirming the appointment of E. Mitchell Swann as a member of the Board of the Philadelphia Energy Authority, to serve in the term ending January 1, 2016.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will indicate by 4/28/11 - STATED - 2ND READING saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. We will now consider Resolution 110197.
A resolution confirming the appointment of Christopher Lewis as a member of the Board of the Philadelphia Energy Authority, to serve in the term ending January 1, 2013.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. 4/28/11 - STATED - 2ND READING (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. We will now consider Resolution 110198.
A resolution confirming the appointment of Barbara Adams as a member of the Board of the Philadelphia Energy Authority, to serve in the term ending January 1, 2015.
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.) 4/28/11 - STATED - 2ND READING
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. We will now consider Resolution 110199.
A resolution confirming the appointment of Ken Ogawa as a member of the Board of the Philadelphia Energy Authority, to serve in the term ending January 1, 2012.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.) 4/28/11 - STATED - 2ND READING
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. We will now consider Resolution 110237.
A resolution confirming the appointment of Emily Schiller as a member of the Board of the Philadelphia Energy Authority, to serve in the term ending January 1, 2014.
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
Those 4/28/11 - STATED - 2ND READING opposed? (No response.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 110210.
An ordinance amending Chapter 10-100 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Animals," to provide for mandatory annual licensing of dogs, to provide for minimum standards for the care and control of dogs and cats, to provide for sterilization of dogs and cats, and to provide for the administration and enforcement of laws relating to animals.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer an amendment to Bill No. 110210. A copy of the amendment has been circulated to all members of Council, and I move for the adoption of (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the amendment be adopted. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. That concludes our Calendar for today. Are there speeches on the part of the minority? The Chair recognizes Councilman Kelly.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, this morning I would like to ask for a moment of silence for a fallen hero, for a soldier who made the ultimate sacrifice for us in country. His name was John Kihm. Not only was he a resident of Northeast Philadelphia, he was also a neighbor, a friend and a relative. And I would say that he was only 19 years old when he was shot and killed by a sniper in Afghanistan last week, and I would say that he was only in Afghanistan for two and a half weeks. So with that, I would like a moment of silence, and I would also like to mention that he is a member of a great family. He's a member of a great family, and he is going to be survived and missed sorely by his mother, father, his two sisters, his grandparents and his many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. And I would say God bless John and God bless all our brave ladies and servicemen serving in the Armed Forces today.
We will all stand for a moment of silence. (Moment of silence.)
Thank you, Madam President. It's time to win the future, and by winning the future we can start block by block Saturday at our fourth annual Block Captains Boot Camp, which will be held at 4021 Parkside Avenue at the High School of the Future. It's an interesting workshop all day. We start with calisthenics by boot camp, a sergeant who is going to vigorously get our blood pumping, but the real activities start when we start doing workshops about capacity building block by block, maintaining your neighborhood, providing security for blocks, City services, Recreation, Police, Sanitation and others. So I encourage my colleagues and all within the sound of my voice to come out and take part in that. We've had over 230-plus block captains encourage my colleagues to come out and be a part of that. We give out all of the secret little numbers that you as Councilpeople have to all of the block captains so that we get the service to the people who need it most, and that's the residents of the City of Philadelphia. Thank you, Madam President.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Green.
Thank you, Madam President. I just want to say today is our last Council session in April. April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and I want to commend my staff member Stacey Graham, who aged out of foster care and became emancipated when she was 15 years old, worked very closely with the Administration on this legislation that you all co-sponsored child abuse within DHS. It will cover every single child who is under DHS's care. It will provide age appropriate warnings so that children can know that they have a right to be free from abuse. And I just want to say that prevention is possible, and I thank my colleagues for the support of this bill.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. I simply want to call attention to the first ever nationwide Medication Take Back Event that will take place on this Saturday, April 30th. The National Drug Enforcement Administration, in conjunction with our Philadelphia Police Department and Brown Shop Rite, will be accepting unused pharmaceutical medications for destruction. I introduced the resolution in to this new phenomena that's happening nationally and thanks to activist Bernie Strain, who regretfully sadly lost his son to the improper disposal of drugs. So I have shared this with all my colleagues and identified locations in the various councilmanic districts on where your constituents, our constituents, can deliver and take these prescription drugs. So I thank you, Madam President, for that announcement.
Thank you. Are there any other speeches on the part of the majority? (No response.)
Seeing none, the Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke for a motion to adjourn.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that Council Thursday, May 5th, 2011, 10:00 a.m. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, May the 5th at 10 o'clock. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. (Stated Meeting adjourned at 11:15 a.m.) CERTIFICATE I HEREBY CERTIFY that the proceedings, evidence and objections are contained fully and accurately in the stenographic notes taken by me upon the foregoing matter on April 28, 2011, and that this is a true and correct transcript of same. MICHELE L. MURPHY RPR-Notary Public (The foregoing certification of this transcript does not apply to any reproduction of the same by any means, unless under the direct control and/or supervision of the certifying reporter.)