COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, March 25, 2010, 10:05 a.m. COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT: Anna C. Verna, President Jannie L. Blackwell Blondell Reynolds Brown Darrell L. Clarke Frank DiCicco W. Wilson Goode, Jr. Bill Green William K. Greenlee Curtis Jones, Jr. Jack Kelly James F. Kenney Joan L. Krajewski Donna Reed Miller Brian J. O'Neill Frank Rizzo Maria D. Quiñones-Sanchez Marian B. Tasco Also Present: Michael A. Decker, Chief Clerk 3.25.10 STATED - GREETING/INVOCATION
Good morning, everyone. I note that the hour has come and that a quorum of this Council is present. Council will 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 Adan Mairena of the West Kensington Ministry at Norris Square. He is here today as the guest of Councilwoman Sanchez. I would ask all members of Council to please rise.
Let us pray. God of unconditional love, You have given us Philadelphia as our heritage, and we are grateful. Bless our great city with honest industry, sound learning, and an honorable way of life. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from 3.25.10 STATED - GREETING/INVOCATION pride and arrogance; and from every evil way. Make us, who come from many nations, many neighborhoods, many languages and different classes and different lifestyles, make us a united people. Defend our liberties and give those with whom we have entrusted with the authority of government the spirit of justice so that there is peace and prosperity in our city. Bless this Council, its staff, and all of those who ensure that Philadelphia not only survives but thrives. Bless these leaders, that they may do their work in the spirit of wisdom, kindness, and justice. Help them use their authority to serve faithfully and to promote the general welfare through Your son, Jesus Cristo, who comes to in many ways. Amen. 3.25.10 STATED - JOURNAL APPROVAL ALL: Amen.
The Chair thanks Revenue Mairena for his invocation. Council will be at ease. (Council stands at ease.) (Proceedings resume.)
The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, March 18, 2010. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Madam Chair. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, March 18, 2010, stand approved.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, 3.25.10 STATED - LEAVE-OF-ABSENCE REQUESTS March 18, 2010, stand approved. All those in favor, please indicate by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and the Journal is approved. The next order of business is requests for leave of absence, and the Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Madam Chair. On behalf of the Majority, there are no requests for leaves 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 leaves of absence.
The 3.25.10 STATED - PRESENTATIONS Chair thanks the Councilman. The Chair will dispense with the regular order of business to recognize the guests and visitors joining us in chambers this morning. On behalf of all members of City Council, I welcome you to our Council session. We appreciate your taking the time to join us as we attend to the legislative affairs of our city. We certainly invite to you come again. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President and colleagues, I am pleased this morning to introduce two visitors with us in City Council. First, I'd like to recognize Theodore Blunt, former President of City Council in Wilmington, Delaware. He has been on Council for many, many years and is very active in the Wilmington, Delaware community. And he is the 3.25.10 STATED - PRESENTATIONS brother of news anchor of NBC, John Blunt.
If you would stand. Welcome, welcome. (Guests stand for recognition.) (Applause.)
And joining him today, Madam President, is his daughter, Marla Blunt Carter, who's his daughter. And she's a former director for U.S. Senator and now Vice President Joe Biden. She was a state director of the Delaware for Obama campaign, and she is the director for the Center for Community Partnership at the University of Pennsylvania, and she's working with young people at the University of Penn. That's his daughter, Marla Blunt Carter.
The 3.25.10 STATED - PRESENTATIONS Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Miller, who will present a resolution honoring Laura Siena, Executive Director of the West Mt. Airy Neighbors. Will Miss Siena and those accompanying her please join the Councilwoman at the podium. I see that Councilwoman Miller is being joined by Councilman Greenlee. (Councilmembers, Honoree, and others come forward.)
I see that Councilwoman Tasco is also going to be present.
Good morning. You know, it's very important for neighborhoods to have residents that are committed to preserving the quality of life, improving the quality of life, and doing all of the right things. And I'm honored this morning and pleased to be able to recognize Laura Siena. Recognizing, honoring, and 3.25.10 STATED - PRESENTATIONS celebrating Laura Morris Siena on her retirement as Executive Director of West Mt. Airy Neighbors and her twenty years of dedication and commitment. Whereas, Laura Siena served as Executive Director of West Mt. Airy Neighbors (WMAN); and Whereas, West Mt. Airy Neighbors is a community-based volunteer organization committed to preserving and enhancing the quality of life in its richly diverse urban neighborhood; and...
Whereas, during Laura Siena's tenure as Executive Director, WMAN has doubled its budget and staff, establishing the Zoning Quality of Life and Streetscapes Committees and completed a long-range strategy plan; and Whereas, Laura Siena served on West Mount Airy Neighbors Board for most of the period from 1989 to 2005; and...
Whereas, Laura Siena has dedicated many years to public service. Before coming to Fund 3.25.10 STATED - PRESENTATIONS for an OPEN Society, she had a 25-year career in fundraising management at hospitals, universities, medical schools, and other not-for-profit organizations; and Whereas, Laura Siena served on many local nonprofit boards and is currently the Treasurer of the Mt. Airy Community Services Corporation; and Whereas, Laura Siena is married, with two children, and a resident of West Mt. Airy...
... be it, therefore, resolved by the Council of the City of Philadelphia that City Council hereby recognizes, honors, and celebrates Laura Morris Siena on her retirement as Executive Director of West Mt. Airy Neighbors and her twenty years of dedication and commitment. Be it further resolved that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Laura Morris Siena as further evidencing the sincere admiration 3.25.10 STATED - PRESENTATIONS and gratitude of this legislative body. This is a true and correct copy of the original resolution adopted by the Council of the City of Philadelphia on the 17th day of December 2009, signed by Anna C. Verna, President of City Council, introduced by Donna Reed Miller and Bill Green, and sponsored by all of the Councilmembers. Thank you.
Thank you. Council President Verna and Councilwoman Donna Reed Miller and Marian Tasco and Councilman Greenlee and all of the other Council people and some of my wonderful friends, who probably didn't know I was going to be here today, thank you so much. I'm so grateful for this honor. I love my community and I love 3.25.10 STATED - PRESENTATIONS this city. It's an extraordinary place to live, it's a wonderful place to bring up a family. And I feel so grateful for having had an opportunity to serve and also just to be a part of this great community and great city. And I'm just very grateful to you today. Thank you so much. (Applause.)
And this is my former boss. (Council stands at ease.) (Proceedings resume.)
The next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant-at-Arms deliver the messages to the Chief Clerk. The Chief Clerk will please read the messages from the Mayor.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am pleased to advise you 3.25.10 STATED - COMMUNICATIONS that on March 24, 2010, I signed the following bill that was passed by Council at its session on March 18th, 2010: Bill No. 100095.
Thank you. The messages will be printed in the Journal. The Chief Clerk will 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, 3.25.10 STATED - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS INTRO. Madam President. I offer one resolution.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution authorizing City Council's Committee on Legislative Oversight to hold public hearings to investigate the processes within the Capital Program, to execute funding for capital projects and improvements, and to identify and address regulatory and statutory obstacles in order to streamline the system.
The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney for a motion.
Move the adoption of the resolution. (Motion duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. 3.25.10 STATED - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS INTRO. All in favor will say aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and the resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell. (No response.)
I have no bills or resolutions today, Madam President. Thank you.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee Greenlee.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolution today.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski. 3.25.10 STATED - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS INTRO.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer one resolution.
The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution declaring April 2010 as "Autism Awareness Month."
The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
Move for the adoption of the resolution. (Motion duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will say aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes 3.25.10 STATED - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS INTRO. Councilwoman Tasco.
Madam President, I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you, Madam President. Today, I have one resolution and three bills.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first 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 Logan Street, 20th Street, Rockland Street, 18th Street, Windram Avenue, Germantown Avenue, Roberts Avenue, Wayne Avenue, Windram Avenue, Roosevelt Boulevard, Roberts 3.25.10 STATED - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS INTRO. Avenue, Pulaski Avenue, Apsley Street, Stenton Avenue, Avisford Avenue, and Germantown Avenue.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Germantown Avenue, Chelten Avenue, Kenyan Street, Schoolhouse Lane, Wissahickon Avenue, and Rittenhouse Street.
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 Knox Street, Wyneva Street, Wayne Avenue, Logan Street, Pulaski Avenue, and Manheim Street. 3.25.10 STATED - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS INTRO.
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 without consideration deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon situated in the 12th Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Motion duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will say aye. 3.25.10 STATED - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS INTRO. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and the resolution be adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Sanchez.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer one resolution.
The Chief 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 conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground situated in the 23rd, 37th and 43rd Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the 3.25.10 STATED - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS INTRO. adoption. (Motion duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Green.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones. (No response; Councilman Jones not present in chambers at this time.)
Thank you, 3.25.10 STATED - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS INTRO. Madam President. I have two resolutions on behalf of Councilman Jones.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution recognizing, honoring, and celebrating Dr. Craig B. Thompson and Dr. Joseph Stratten for their admirable medical research.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will say aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and resolution is adopted. 3.25.10 STATED - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS INTRO.
And a resolution recognizing, honoring, and celebrating the African-American Museum of Philadelphia and recognizing Senegal in this year's annual Celebrate Africa event.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption. (Motion duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will say aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer two 3.25.10 STATED - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS INTRO. resolutions, one cosponsored by my colleagues Councilwoman Tasco and Councilwoman Blackwell.
A resolution calling on the Delaware River Basin Commission to halt hydraulic fracturing operations until a full environmental impact assessment has been conducted.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will say aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted.
And a resolution 3.25.10 STATED - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS INTRO. recognizing and celebrating forty years of the Philadelphia dance company Philadanco.
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Motion duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will say aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. I offer two bills; one is cosponsored by Councilwoman Tasco and Councilmember Kenney. 3.25.10 STATED - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS INTRO.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Section 19-1301 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Real Estate Taxes," by revising the real estate tax, under certain terms and conditions.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Section 14-908 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Queen Village Neighborhood Conservation District," by deleting the provision which provided for the expiration of Section 14-908 one year after it became law.
This bill will also be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman 3.25.10 STATED - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS INTRO. O'Neill.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
Thank you. Councilman Clarke? The Chair 3.25.10 STATED - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS INTRO. recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, I have three bills cosponsored by various members.
The Chief Clerk will please read the titles of the bills.
An ordinance amending Title 14 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by amending Section 14-231, entitled "Residential District Rules and Exceptions," by providing for restrictions on placement, installation, and maintenance of certain satellite dishes and antenna.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance 3.25.10 STATED - BILLS, RESOLUTIONS INTRO. establishing standards for approvals of certain transactions involving the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, including commitments to economic opportunity plans.
This bill will also be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Chapter 19-2600 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Business Privilege Taxes," by providing for the anti-obesity tax credit under which qualifying businesses can receive a credit against the business privilege tax for engaging in certain practices to curb obesity among consumers.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The next order of business is reports from committees. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke for a report from the Committee on 3.25.10 STATED - COMMITTEE REPORTS Public Property and Public Works.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, the Committee on Public Property and Public Works reports out four bills 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 Property and Public Works, to which was referred Bill No. 100094, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development to purchase approximately twenty acres on Summerdale Avenue between Foulkrod Street and Godfrey Avenue"; and Bill No. 100101, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 16 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Public 3.25.10 STATED - COMMITTEE REPORTS Property,' by setting forth certain requirements for Council's approval of redevelopment proposals and redevelopment contracts submitted to Council for approval under the provisions of the Urban Redevelopment Law"; and Bill No. 100130, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development a deed conveying for nominal consideration fee simple title to 5326 Pulaski Avenue"; and Bill No. 100132, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to extend the term of a sublease agreement between the Philadelphia Municipal Authority as landlord and the City of Philadelphia as tenant for mailroom operations space at 1628 JFK Boulevard, under certain terms and conditions," respectfully reports that it has considered the same and 3.25.10 STATED - COMMITTEE REPORTS returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Madam President, I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No.'s 100094, 100101, 100130, and 100132. (Motion 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 bills just reported from committee. All in favor will say aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and the bills just read will be placed on our first-reading calendar for today. The next order of business is the consideration of the Calendar. I 3.25.10 STATED - SECOND-READING CALENDAR note that the bills just reported from committee with a suspension of the rules have been deemed to have had a first reading. The bills will be placed on our second-reading and final-passage calendar for the next session of Council. There are no additional bills on the first-reading calendar; therefore, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for the purpose of calling up the bills on the second-reading and final-passage calendar.
Thank you, Madam President. Bills: 100136, 080029, 090925, 090926, and 100102 are being called up for the second-reading and final-passage calendar today. All other bills will be held.
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 100136.
An Ordinance 3.25.10 STATED - SECOND-READING CALENDAR amending Chapter 19-3500 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "General Acute-Care Hospital Assessment," by clarifying its applicability to High-Volume Medicaid Hospitals."
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is: Shall the bill pass finally? The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Councilman Jones? (No response. Councilman Jones not present in chambers at this time, but ultimately voted yes on this bill. See , line 4.)
Councilwoman Reynolds-Brown? 3.25.10 STATED - SECOND-READING CALENDAR
Aye. The ayes are 16 the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. We will now consider Bill No. 080029.
An Ordinance authorizing the vacating of Byberry and Bensalem Road from Southampton-Byberry Road to the Philadelphia and Bucks County Line and the vacating of Burling Avenue 3.25.10 STATED - SECOND-READING CALENDAR from the Roosevelt Boulevard to a dead-end.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is: Shall the bill pass finally? The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Councilman Jones? (No response. Councilman Jones not present in chambers at this time, but ultimately voted yes on this bill. See , line 4.)
Aye. The ayes are 16 and the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be considered is Bill No. 090925.
An Ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 248 by placing on the City Plan Saybrook Avenue from Lloyd Street to 72nd Street.
This bill having been read on two different days the question now is: Shall the bill 3.25.10 STATED - SECOND-READING CALENDAR pass finally? The Chief Clerk will now call the roll.
Councilman Jones? (No response; Councilman Jones not present in chambers at this time.)
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, this bill passes. We will now consider Bill No. 090926.
An Ordinance authorizing the paving of Saybrook Avenue from Lloyd Street to 72nd Street.
This bill having been read on two different days the question is: Shall the bill pass finally? The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Councilman 3.25.10 STATED - SECOND-READING CALENDAR O'Neill?
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Yes, Madam 3.25.10 STATED - SECOND-READING CALENDAR President. I'd like to be recorded as voting aye an all votes, previous votes.
The record will so reflect that. Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 100102.
An Ordinance amending Section 2 of an Ordinance (Bill No. 080725) approved November 19, 2008, entitled "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 Cleveland Street from Girard Avenue to Stiles Street.
This bill having been read on to days the question now is: Shall the bill pass finally? The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Councilwoman Miller? 3.25.10 STATED - SECOND-READING CALENDAR
Aye. The ayes are 17, the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. That completes our calendar for 3.25.10 STATED - SPEECHES today. Are there speeches on the part of the Minority? (No response.)
Are there speeches on the part the Majority? The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I rise today for two reasons. First is a reminder that our Partnership for Prescription Assistance table is in the hallway for those needing help with prescriptions. And the second reason is to deal with another issue, Liberia. On February 12, 2010, City Council adopted Resolution 100086 introduced by Councilmembers Kenney, Jones, Sanchez, and myself, calling on President Obama to extend for 18 months the deferred enforcement departure, or DED, status of Liberians who fled this 3.25.10 STATED - SPEECHES country to escape civil war at home. DED for these Liberian immigrants was set to expire on March 31, 2010. On Friday, March 19, 2010, President Obama issued a presidential memorandum granting the extension, allowing them to remain in our country for another year-and-a-half, which should permit many of them to seek permanent residency here under comprehensive immigration reform legislation. Many Liberians have painstakingly rebuilt their lives here, establishing families and businesses; and, at the expiration of their DED status, threatened to tear apart families and, in some cases, entire communities. Therefore, I would like to acknowledge and thank the cosponsors and all my colleagues here for their support of this resolution. I believe that City Council resolutions represent an important vehicle for expressing our sentiments that issues like this are on 3.25.10 STATED - SPEECHES the minds of all of us and that we all realize that we're ultimately one large community and that we are certainly all brothers and sisters. Again, thank you all for your support.
Thank you. Are there any further speeches on the part of Majority? (No response.) Seeing none, the Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke for a motion to adjourn.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, April 8, 2010, 10 a.m. (Motion duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, April 8th, 10 a.m. 3.25.10 STATED - SPEECHES All in favor will say aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and the motion carries. Thank you. (Proceedings end at 10:38 a.m.) * * * C E R T I F I C A T E I HEREBY CERTIFY that the proceedings of the City of Philadelphia Council Committee of Thursday, March 25, 2010, are contained fully and accurately in the stenographic notes taken by me on Thursday, March 25, 2010, and that this is a true and correct statement of same. __________________________________ JOSEPHINE CARDILLO Registered Professional Reporter (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.)